Category: Blog

The bustling city of Lahore has taken a significant leap towards combating air pollution through a free emissions testing initiative. Spearheaded by the Environment Protection Department (EPA) Punjab, this program offers an incredible opportunity for vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles meet environmental standards. With air pollution becoming a pressing issue in urban centers like Lahore, this initiative sets the stage for a cleaner, healthier future.

The Purpose of the Initiative

The primary goal of the free emissions testing program is to improve Lahore’s air quality by targeting one of its biggest contributors to pollution: vehicle emissions. Vehicles running on petrol and diesel emit harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These substances not only degrade air quality but also pose severe risks to public health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By enforcing regular emissions testing, the EPA aims to identify high-emission vehicles, ensuring they undergo the necessary repairs to comply with environmental standards.

This program is also an effort to raise public awareness about vehicular pollution and its impact on the environment. Through this initiative, the government hopes to encourage residents to take responsibility for maintaining clean and efficient vehicles, all while actively contributing to Lahore’s broader clean air movement.

Testing Locations Across Lahore

To make emissions testing easily accessible, the EPA has established nine dedicated testing centers across Lahore. These strategically located facilities ensure that individuals from all parts of the city can conveniently participate in the initiative. Below is a detailed list of the testing centers:

• Mall Road (Istanbul Chowk, Town Hall Parking)
• Lake City (Al-Kabir Town, Raiwind Road)
• Kahna (Patwaar Khana, LDA Road, Gajumata)
• DHA (Near Packages Mall)
• Gulberg (Liberty Gol Chakkar)
• Johar Town (Emporium Mall)
• Wapda Town (Evercare Hospital)
• Shahdara (Rescue 1122 Office, GT Road)
• Wahga Town (Police Station Manawan, GT Road)

These centers are equipped with modern emission-testing technology that provides quick and reliable results. While the testing process is thorough, it is also designed to be completed efficiently, ensuring minimal inconvenience for vehicle owners.

Timings to Suit Everyone’s Schedule

Understanding the diverse schedules of Lahore’s residents, the EPA has designed flexible operating hours for the emission testing centers. There are two shifts available at most locations:

• Morning: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM

An exception to this schedule is the testing center at Bahria Town, which operates from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The extended hours offer flexibility for working professionals, ensuring that no one misses out on the opportunity to get their vehicle inspected.

Key Benefits of Free Emissions Testing

1. Environmental Benefits

The initiative aims to reduce the volume of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. With vehicles being a major pollution source in Lahore, this effort could significantly improve air quality, contributing to a healthier urban environment in the long run. Cleaner air means fewer health problems for Lahore’s residents, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

2. Public Health Improvements

Reducing emissions will lead to a noticeable decline in air pollution levels, which are directly linked to health complications such as asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. By participating in this program, residents are protecting not only themselves but also the most vulnerable members of society, like children and the elderly.

3. Financial Savings for Vehicle Owners

During the inspection, any issues with a vehicle’s emission system are identified. Resolving these problems can save vehicle owners from potential fines or breakdowns in the future. Additionally, fixing faulty vehicles often leads to improved fuel efficiency, resulting in long-term cost savings.

4. Contribution to a Larger Cause

Participating in the emissions testing program is more than just a compliance measure; it’s an act of environmental and civic responsibility. This effort aligns with global trends of adopting greener practices to combat climate change, making Lahore a cleaner, more sustainable city.

How to Participate

Taking part in the free emissions testing is simple and hassle-free:

1. No Prior Appointment Required: Vehicle owners can visit any designated testing center at their convenience during operational hours.
2. Quick and Easy Testing: Upon arrival, vehicles are inspected using advanced technology to ensure accurate results.
3. Certification: Once your vehicle passes the emissions test, you’ll receive a fitness certificate, indicating that your vehicle complies with environmental standards. Vehicles that fail the test are given recommendations for necessary improvements.

For additional assistance or updates, residents can use the Green Punjab App or contact the helpline at 1373.

Call to Action for Lahoris

Lahore’s air pollution crisis has been escalating over the years, causing smoggy winters and health hazards for its citizens. The free emissions testing initiative is a much-needed intervention, offering a practical solution to address vehicle-induced pollution.

As a resident of this vibrant city, you have the power to make a difference. Visit your nearest emissions testing center, get your vehicle certified, and join the effort to protect Lahore’s air for generations to come. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener Lahore.

Summary

The free emissions testing initiative marks a pivotal step in combating Lahore’s air pollution problem. This well-structured program not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the city’s overall environmental health. With strategically placed testing centers, flexible hours, and modern technology, the EPA Punjab has made it easier than ever for residents to participate. The initiative highlights the importance of collective action in solving complex urban challenges. Visit the testing centers today and be a part of the solution!

Good news for all prize bond holders! The much-anticipated draw for the Rs. 750 prize bond is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM. If you’re holding onto one of these bonds, it’s time to cross your fingers and hope for a win!

Prize Distribution Details

Each draw of the Rs. 750 prize bond includes a whopping 999,999 bond numbers, and lucky winners stand a chance to receive the following cash prizes:

• First Prize:

  • Amount: Rs. 1,500,000

  • Number of Winners: 1

• Second Prize:

  • Amount: Rs. 500,000

  • Number of Winners: 3

• Third Prize:

  • Amount: Rs. 9,300

  • Number of Winners: 1,696

This prize bond draw offers a great opportunity for investors to not only secure their savings but also win significant cash rewards.

Why Prize Bonds?

Prize bonds are a popular form of investment in Pakistan, combining security and the thrill of winning. Issued by the Government of Pakistan, they are a risk-free savings tool that allows bondholders to enter regular draws without losing their original investment.

How to Check Results

Once the draw takes place, results will be available online through official government websites ,authorized platforms specially Prize Bond Result. Make sure to keep your bond numbers handy and check promptly after the draw time.

Best of luck to all participants!
Stay tuned for results, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for updates on future draws and financial tips.

Digital Prize Bonds
National Savings introduced a new type of prize bond officially known as the Digital Prize Bond. All the details in this post are based on the official 2023 document, and nothing is written from my side. These prize bonds function just like the regular ones. For example, the draw list for the regular prize bonds is published every three months, and similarly, the draw list for the Digital Prize Bonds will be released every three months. There will also be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. These bonds will also have issue dates, prefixes, and numbers, and you will need to match the number from the list in the same way you currently look for numbers in the regular prize bond list. However, the main differences between these and the regular bonds are listed below, along with the pros, cons, and feedback from Prize Bond Result:

1. Paperless Prize Bonds: The Digital Prize Bonds have no physical receipt, paper, card, or any other form. You will buy them on your mobile, keep them on your mobile, and can sell them from your mobile.
2. Number Format: Regular bonds consist of 6 digits, while the Digital Prize Bonds have 9 digits, according to the official document. In the regular prize bond list, there are 1696 third-prize numbers, while for Digital Prize Bonds, there are about 1750 prizes. The probability of winning is much lower in digital bonds because each number is 9 digits long, compared to 6 digits in regular bonds. Think of it as having 9 doors instead of 6 where the prize could be hidden. However, since NSC hasn’t introduced the Digital Prize Bond draw list yet, it’s unclear how they will conduct the draw.
3. Shut Period: This is the period when NSC stops selling bonds before the draw. For regular bonds, NSC stops selling the bonds two months before the draw, giving you only 30 days to purchase them. For Digital Bonds, the shut period is only 30 days, giving you 60 days to buy after the draw. This is a good move.
4. Categories: Regular bonds come in four denominations: 100, 200, 750, and 1500. Digital bonds are introduced in four categories: 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000. Details about the first, second, and third prizes are provided in the official document and will be shared later. In 2023, it was announced that only 1000-rupee Digital Prize Bonds will be issued initially.
5. Digital Prize Bond is an Option, Not a Replacement: The Digital Prize Bond does not replace the regular (Bearer) bonds. Regular bonds will continue to exist. So, if you have regular bearer bonds, don’t worry and don’t sell them.
6. App for Digital Prize Bond: The Digital Prize Bond is available through the official National Savings Digital app. You can buy or redeem the digital bonds only through this app. The major issue with this app is that to create an account, you have to visit a National Savings branch in person, show your original CNIC, and provide proof of income.
7. No Expiry for Digital Prize Bonds: Unlike regular prize bonds, which expire after 6 years if the prize is not claimed, Digital Prize Bonds never expire. The prize will directly be credited to your account.
8. Ownership Transfer: The ownership of Digital Prize Bonds cannot be transferred. If they are under your CNIC, you cannot transfer them to someone else’s CNIC. If someone else wants them, they will need to buy them under their own account.
9. Tax on Prizes: The tax will be the same as for regular bonds, i.e., 15% or 35% for Filler and Non-Filler categories. There are no taxes or platform fees for buying or selling the prize bonds. If you buy a 1000-rupee bond and sell it 5 years later, you will still get 1000 rupees.
10. Zakat: There will be no Zakat deduction on Digital Prize Bonds. However, if you’re Muslim, you will need to include your digital prize bond in your Zakat calculations according to Sharia law.
11. Eligibility: To purchase a Digital Prize Bond, you must be Pakistani and have a valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC.

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Prize Bonds:

1. When will Digital Prize Bonds start?
   The start date was set for August 14, 2023. However, due to some reasons, the project is delayed and has not gone live yet. No official date has been announced.
2. Where can they be purchased?
   Digital Prize Bonds can be purchased from the official National Savings Digital app available on Google Play Store or Apple Store.
3. Can’t create an account on the National Savings Digital app?
   Visit the nearest National Savings branch.
4. Will the account be a current or savings account?
   It will be a savings account, but you should avoid keeping money in it to prevent earning interest.
5. Will there be any interest on Digital Prize Bonds?
   No, Digital Prize Bonds do not accrue any interest like premium prize bonds.
6. Are Digital Prize Bonds like cryptocurrency?
   No, they are not related to cryptocurrency in any way.
7. Can I convert my regular bond into a Digital Prize Bond?
   You cannot convert them directly, but you can sell regular bonds and buy Digital Prize Bonds with the proceeds.
8. Is the introduction of Digital Prize Bonds a good step?
   Absolutely, in this digital era, Digital Prize Bonds are much needed.
9. Can only National Savings account holders buy Digital Prize Bonds?
   Yes, only National Savings account holders can buy and sell Digital Prize Bonds.
10. What documents are required to buy Digital Prize Bonds?
    A National Savings account is required. For opening an account, you need to show your ID card and proof of income.
11. How many times can a Digital Prize Bond be claimed?
    Official information on this is not yet provided.
12. Can I choose a specific number for my Digital Prize Bond?
    No, you cannot choose a specific number.

Prize bond draws are an exciting event for many, but transparency and fairness are essential to ensuring trust in the process. The State Bank of Pakistan has developed a system that embodies these principles, using machines to guarantee fairness and involving special education children in the process to promote inclusivity. Here’s a look inside how it all works.

How the Draw Works

The prize bond draw is conducted using four machines. Each machine is used to select a different prize, with the first and second prizes being drawn by allowing attendees to choose a machine. It ensures that no single machine is favored and everyone has an equal chance.

My few friends in Rawalpindi were present at State Bank Rawalpindi in the recent 100-rupee prize bond draw. We observed how the Draw Machine operated and how the draw took place systematically.

Inclusion and Transparency

What sets this prize bond draw apart is its commitment to inclusion. Children from Special Education Schools who are mute and deaf are invited to operate the machines.

State Bank officials and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry closely monitor the draw. As each number is drawn, it is immediately recorded in a register and updated digitally. Additionally, videos are taken from multiple cameras to ensure everything is documented for future reference.

The Length of the Process

The draw isn’t a quick event—it typically takes between three to four hours to complete. The whole system ensures that every prize is selected fairly and all records are meticulously kept.

Conclusion

The State Bank of Pakistan’s prize bond draw system stands out for its commitment to fairness and transparency. From the operation of machines to the involvement of special education children and the careful documentation of results, every aspect of the process is designed to be as fair and inclusive as possible. Attending one of these draws offers a glimpse into a system that truly works to maintain public trust and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• The draw process uses machines to ensure fairness.
• Special education children operate the machines, promoting inclusivity.
• Officials from the State Bank and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry supervise the event.
• Results are carefully recorded and documented for transparency.
• The process takes several hours to ensure accuracy.

Change address on CNIC in Pakistan is now extremely easy and extremely convenient.

The government of Pakistan has made the process of changing the existing address incredibly easy in response to the application.

Follow these three easy steps and change your CNIC address

• Download Pak ID Mobile App
• Collect Proof of Residence
• Visit Nearby NADRA Registration Center
• Change CNIC address online

Download Pak ID Mobile App

Download the Pak ID mobile app and avail full convenience. Experience ultimate convenience by downloading the Pak ID mobile app, providing you with seamless access to a comprehensive range of features and services.

Collect Proof of Residence

Gather concrete evidence of your residence by obtaining essential documents such as a valid rental agreement. Additionally, secure a utility bill bearing either your name or that of a family member residing at the same address. Don’t forget to bring along the identity card of any family member living at the same address. By presenting these documents, you can seamlessly facilitate the process of updating your current address, ensuring that your records accurately reflect your place of residence.

Visit Nearby NADRA Registration Center

Visit the nearby NADRA Registration Center (obtain the location guide from NADRA’s Guide mobile app). Submit the evidence of your address. The updating process may take 3 to 21 days. Pay the additional charges, and you will be able to receive your CNIC at your doorstep.

Change CNIC address online

NADRA has not yet provided any facility for changing the address online. For this service, you will need to visit your nearest NADRA office with the relevant documents. If NADRA introduces such a service in the future, we will definitely inform you.”

“For further information or assistance:

NADRA Helpline: 051-111-786-100

For mobile users: 1777

NADRA Website: http://nadra.gov.pk/