Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi presented a 15 million rupees cheque to President Lahore Press Club (LPC) Azam Chaudhary during his visit to the club on Tuesday.
In addition to meeting other office-bearers, the CM addressed the ceremony and expressed his opposition to any media ban, adding that he is well aware of the difficulties faced by journalists in the province. He assured that the doors of the Chief Minister’s Office are always open for journalists, and repeated the government’s strong commitment to solving their problems. He further emphasized his connection to journalists as his brethren, assuring that their genuine concerns will be given priority.
The CM also announced plans to increase the number of buses for the journalist colony in Lahore and improve its overall condition, while also strengthening the security of both the journalist colony and the Lahore Press Club.
Azam Chaudhary presented shields to Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Amir Mir, secretary information and DGPR and thanked the CM for the cheque.
Meanwhile, Naqvi has directed the transformation of the Government Central Model School in Lahore into a pioneering institution that offers a special student package.
In a meeting held at his office, the CM chaired discussions on proposals to modernize the school’s syllabus, improve the student selection process by conducting the test, and provide uniforms, scholarships, and transportation facilities for students. The meeting also deliberated on the possibility of introducing A-Level and O-Level classes.
The CM emphasized the importance of restoring the school’s historic building to its original state and acknowledged that institutions like Government Central Model School are valuable assets that deserve to have their past glory restored.
Education Minister Mansoor Qadir, the chief secretary, IG police, the secretary school education department, and others attended the meeting.
Separately, the chief minister announced, during the prize distribution ceremony after the final match of the Ramadan-ul-Mubarak Sports Series hockey tournament at the mini-hockey stadium of Nishtar Sports Complex, that the 20 best players will receive a monthly stipend of Rs20,000 for a year.
The CM further revealed plans to promote youth talent by initiating large-scale sports events at the tehsil level. He also expressed the government’s commitment to organizing as many sports events as possible for the youth. Notably, the Faisalabad team put up a great fight in the final match against the winning team from Lahore.
The CM awarded a trophy and Rs.2.5 million to Salman, the captain of the winning Lahore division team, and a trophy and Rs.1.5 million to Tauseeq Haider, the captain of the runner-up Faisalabad team.
The CM praised the performances of both teams and highlighted the importance of sports in fostering healthy competition, discipline, and team spirit among the youth.
The event was attended by top officials, including Provincial Minister Dr Jamal Nasir, Advisor Wahab Riaz, IG police, CCPO Lahore, secretary sports, commissioner Lahore, and DG Punjab Sports Board.
