Mayor of Istanbul Dr Kadir Topbas Visit to Lahore, Pakistan

[Fasih Khan]

Turkish delegation in city: Lahore to get Istanbul look

Khalid Hasnain | Metropolitan > Lahore | From the Newspaper

LAHORE, March 11: Turkish companies will help the Punjab government launch four mega civic projects in Lahore to develop the city on the pattern of Istanbul, Mayor of Istanbul Dr Kadir Topbas told reporters at a media briefing at 90-Shahra-i-Quaid-i-Azam on Sunday.

“We will strengthen our friendship with Pakistan through technically assisting the Punjab government in four projects which
are: solid waste management, automated parking system, bus rapid transit (BRT) and intelligent traffic management system,” said Dr Topbas, flanked by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. These four projects are Lahore specific only.

Mr Topbas said that until 15 years ago Turkey would import equipment for its cleanliness, transport, parking and other civic
systems. Later Turkish experts started manufacturing such equipments locally and saved the money.

About the BRT project, he said the system helped 700,000 people travel every day in Istanbul. The system, which Lahore will get in the coming days, will ease public transport problems.

About the intelligent traffic management, he said the system helped the management monitor and control the city traffic just through a control room. The Punjab will get benefit from the Turkish companions in the Solid Waste Management Project to keep the city clean.

“At present, Istanbul collects 15,000 tones of waste every day from the city streets. The project will be replicated in Lahore to keep it clean along Istanbul patterns,” he said. He said due to Turkish experts’ work, Istanbul had become even cleaner than New York.

He said the Muslims of sub-continent and Turkey had a history of friendship which dated back 1915 when the sub-continent Muslims helped Turkey in the 1915 war. Also, the Pakistani people and government helped their Turkish counterparts to recover from a recent earthquake in Turkey.

“The Turkish too helped Pakistan on various occasions, particularly in post-the 2005 earthquake and floods of 2010,” he said.

He said through these four projects the dream to mature the agreement signed in 1975 on Lahore-Istanbul twin cities would be accomplished.

He praised Mr Sharif for serving the people of Punjab.

“Mr Shahbaz is the right man who knows well about the miseries of the people and wants to address them through various developmental plans and projects. That is why I have come here with a 45-member delegation to talk with him to mature all the agreements with the Punjab government,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Sharif said the people of Lahore must be happy to see the sincerity of Istanbul’s mayor with the Punjab capital.

“Mr Topbas is a close associate to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is an experienced man in resolving civic issues. He is the man who developed Istanbul on the pattern of modern and most clean cities of the world. That is why I asked him to help us in developing Lahore just like Istanbul,” he said.

He said he had also asked the Turkish police to train Punjab police to maintain law and order in Punjab.

The Istanbul’s mayor and the chief minister inaugurated the modern solid waste management system at the Town Hall.

Later, the Punjab government and the Lahore City District Government also hosted a welcome dinner at Hazoori Bagh where the district coordination officer presented the key of Lahore to the mayor.

We Welcome Our Distinguised Guests from a Brotherly Country, Turkey.

Note: You can post all the Pictures, Videos, News Articles related to Mr. Topbas Visit here.

Lahorites wholeheartedly welcome Istanbul Mayor
Posted on March 12, 2012

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Mayor Istanbul Dr. Kadir Topbas was accorded unprecedented welcome on his arrival in Lahore for a two-day official visit. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Members Provincial Cabinet, Members National and Provincial Assembly, Senators, senior officers and other important personalities warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and other members of the delegation at the airport. Two children presented bouquet of flowers to Dr. Kadir Topbas and his wife. Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif introduced Ministers, Senators, Assembly Members, senior officers and elite of the city with the Mayor Istanbul.

The Chief Minister said on this occasion that the Lahorites wholeheartedly welcome the distinguished guest.

He said that due to visit of Dr. Kadir Topbas not only trade and economic activities would be promoted between Pakistan and Turkey but the brotherly relations between both the countries will be further strengthened. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the modern bus rapid transit system and solid waste management projects by Turkey in Punjab reflect confidence in the transparency and public welfare steps taken by the Punjab government.

Mayor Dr. Kadir Topbas said on this occasion that Pakistan is his second home and he is very much pleased to come to Lahore.

He said that Lahorites have won his heart by according him warm welcome. Dr. Kadir Topbas said that the Lahorites have proved that the hearts of people of Turkey and Pakistan beat together.
Dr. Kadir Topbas said that he will never forget the scenes of rousing reception given by the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Members Provincial Cabinet, Members National and Provincial Assembly and especially the people of Lahore. Earlier, a smart contingent of Punjab Police presented guard of honour to Mayor Dr. Kadir Topbas at Lahore Airport.

Tunes of national anthems of Turkey and Pakistan were played on this occasion. Citizens accorded warm welcome to distinguished guests from Airport to the place of stay of Mayor Istanbul and raised slogans of Pak Turk Dosti enthusiastically. Citizens were carrying national flags of Pakistan and Turkey and also presented folk dance at various places on the route.
Portraits of President and Prime Minister of Turkey, Mayor of Istanbul, Quaid Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and welcome banners were displayed on all main roads of the city.

 

[Omar1984]

few projects of lahore now serving the city

Lahore will soon become the cleanest city in all of South/Central Asia

LAHORE, March 7: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said a comprehensive system of cleanliness was being launched in Lahore with the collaboration of Turk companies and a visible change in environment of the Punjab capital will be witnessed during the next three months.

According to a handout, he said Lahore was the city of gardens and its beauty would be revived to make it a neat and clean city
like Istanbul.

He was speaking at a ceremony regarding introduction of a new solid waste management regime in Lahore, at the Aiwan-i-Iqbal auditorium here on Wednesday.

Representatives of Turk companies, elected representatives, officials and a large number of citizens attended the ceremony.

The chief minister said modern machinery for cleanliness had been acquired with the collaboration a private company of Turkey. After Lahore, he said, this system would be introduced in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur. He said clean environment was basic right of every citizen and collective efforts were required to make the new system a success.

The chief minister said Rs2.5 billion were being spent annually to keep the provincial metropolis clean. However, he said, the new system had been introduced with the cooperation of Turkey to overcome problems of solid waste management.

He said the Turk government and people helped Pakistan generously during relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit people by sending $200 million.

Khwaja Hasaan, who is chairman of the Lahore Waste Management Company board of directors, Lesco chief Rafey Alam, Environment Protection Fund head Zara Aslam and TV anchorperson Iftikhar Ahmad also spoke.

Lahore

CM Shahbaz Sharif inaugurates the Solid Waste Management Project being jointly undertaken by Istanbul Municipality and City District Government , Lahore. H.E. Kadir Topbaş (Mayor of Istanbul), H.E. Mr. Mustafa Babür Hızlan (Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan), Mr. Ahmet Albayrak (Chairman Albayrak Company) also present at the prestigious ceremony.

 

[Omar1984]

Solid Waste Management Project Launching in Lahore.

 

[Fasih Khan]

Pak-Turkey close co-op dream realised

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the dream of close cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan has been realised through inauguration of solid waste management and other development projects.

Talking to mediamen after a meeting with Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbas at Chief Minister’s Secretariat here on Sunday, he said there was a need for strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

He was of the view that, besides enhancing cooperation in trade, social and economic sectors, the sentiments of love and brotherhood will have to be promoted between the future generations.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid, MNA Pervaiz Malik, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Kh Ahmad Hassan, elected representatives and members of Turk delegation were also present on the occasion.

The chief minister said that projects like solid waste management, bus rapid transit system and IT University were the result of personal interest and efforts of Mayor Istanbul and this cooperation will be extended to other sectors in both the countries in the days to come. He said that Istanbul was among the cleanest cities of the world and the agreement between Turkey and Punjab in this regard was being formally inaugurated.

He said due to practical implementation of the agreement Lahore would also become a neat and clean city like Istanbul. He said that he was thankful to mayor of Istanbul for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Lahore and attend inaugural ceremony of solid waste management and bus rapid transit system.

Mayor Istanbul Kadir Topbas said that relations between Turkey and Pakistan were unique and despite the distance between the two countries their people were close to each other. He said Pakistan was like second home to him and it was his desire that the same sentiments should be transferred to the future generations. He said Pakistan was the first country to join relief activities for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Shahbaz had sent relief items to Turkey.

He said he would continue to cooperate in the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister for the development of the province and to his priorities in different sectors. He said the 24-member delegation accompanying him comprised persons belonging to different sectors a proof of the fact that cooperation in different sectors would be promoted with Punjab. Earlier, during the meeting between Punjab Chief Minister and Mayor Istanbul Kadir Topbas matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation were discussed.

All the political differences aside, Good Job Shahbaz Sharif !!!

 

[A1Kaid]

That's one thing I like about the Turkish political system, even down to the mayoral level they have competent, knowledgeable, and professional people. Their mayors (specifically AKP), are better than Pakistan's national officials.

Though these projects will be very time consuming, because they will first have to survey and study the problems then draw up a plan and then implement. Once these four civic projects are implemented in Lahore, Pakistani experts need to learn and absorbed so these same projects then can be implemented all across Pakistan.

 

[Omar1984]

A Turk engineer instructs a worker of Solid Waste Management Company regarding cleaning techniques.

Time for Pakistan to get really Pak

Introduce this to other cities in Pakistan as well.

 

[A1Kaid]

Currently the Waste Management that needs to be removed is the Pakistani Government, that is one waste that has proven to be difficult to clean.

Time for Pakistan to get really Pak

Introduce this to other cities in Pakistan as well.

Time for Pakistan to get really Pak

Lol, that's like it could be someones political campaign slogan.

I still have a hard time believing Lahore will be as clean as Istanbul. Even if it is clean by Istanbul standards, it will never be anything like Istanbul; in fact no city in the world will.

 

[Omar1984]

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Friday, reviewed the progress of the transport projects initiated in the province, including the bus rapid transit system.

He was presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat which was attended by Saleem Celik and Idrees, the representatives of Turkish company Ulasam. Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said the provision of modern and economical transport facilities to the masses was a priority for the government. He stated that a modern bus service has been launched in the provincial metropolis which will be extended to Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Bahawalpur.
He added that the bus rapid transit system project, undertaken in collaboration with Turkey, was an example of the Pak-Turk friendship.

The CM said the technical committee headed by the Planning and Development chairman, will monitor the e-ticketing system and training of the staff. He stated that the transport system and its related issues would be reviewed twice a week.

He added that the technical committee and the Turk experts had approved the design of the fences and bus stations and that work was in progress.

Sharif said two bus stations at Naseerabad and Phatak (railway crossing) at the Ferozepur Road will be completed by March 12 and will be inaugurated by the mayor of Istanbul.

He added that like other development schemes, the transport project would be of the highest standard and third-party validation would also be conducted.

The meeting was informed that construction of the bus rapid transit system tracks from Kalma Chowk to Yuhanabad on the Ferozepur Road was in progress and that 10 bus stations, parking lots and greenbelts will be constructed in this phase.

Saleem Celik said the ITS system was of vital importance for running a rapid bus service. He added that the ITS system installed in Lahore would be superior to the one being used in Istanbul. Provincial Assembly Member Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Planning and Development chairman, Finance, Transport, Housing departments’ secretaries, Lahore commissioner and district coordination officer and LDA director general and Brig Shahid Majeed of NLC also attended the meeting.

Sharif says active police necessary for peaceful

society: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday that an active and alert police force plays a key role in establishing a safe society.

He was attending a certificate distribution ceremony for the officers who had completed training courses at the Elite Police Training School on Bedian Road.

He said Punjab police officers should rein in oppressors so that the masses could live peacefully. He said the government, in collaboration with Turkey, had initiated a counter terrorism training programme for the Elite Force, under which the personnel will be trained in Lahore and Turkey.650 officers participated in the 15-day training course.

The chief minister said the Pakistan Muslim League-N government laid the foundation of the Elite Police Training School in 1997 to training the personnel for fighting criminals and anti-nation elements. He added that the Elite Force had been neglected in the past and that when he assumed power in 2008, there was no commandant or trainers in the school.

Sharif said he was grateful to the Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani who provided the necessary assistance for the professional training of the Elite Force. He appreciated the cooperation of Turkey for the training programme and said Turkey’s government and people are always ready to help Pakistan. DIG Zulfiqar Cheema presented the address of welcome. Provincial Assembly Member Col (R) Shuja Khanzada, Home Secretary Shahid Khan, Elite Police Training School commandant and other police officers were also present at the occasion. The Chief Minister also presented shields to the Turkish master trainers and appreciated their services.

CM reviews rapid transit system project | Pakistan Today | Latest news | Breaking news | Pakistan News | World news | Business | Sport and Multimedia

 

[Omar1984]

Currently the Waste Management that needs to be removed is the Pakistani Government, that is one waste that has proven to be difficult to clean.

I'm not a fan of Nawaz Sharif, but his brother Shahbaz is doing an excellent job. The younger brother seems to be the more intelligent one. We should give him a chance. Nawaz should retire. Maybe Shahbaz is the answer for PML-N and Pakistan.

Lol, that's like it could be someones political campaign slogan.

I still have a hard time believing Lahore will be as clean as Istanbul. Even if it is clean by Istanbul standards, it will never be anything like Istanbul; in fact no city in the world will.

The more population a city has the harder it is to keep it clean. Karachi and Mumbai are examples, but hopefully this project will make Lahore look less like a South Asian city and more like a European city like Islamabad.

 

[A1Kaid]

I'm not a fan of Nawaz Sharif, but his brother Shahbaz is doing an excellent job. The younger brother seems to be the more intelligent one. We should give him a chance. Nawaz should retire. Maybe Shahbaz is the answer for PML-N and Pakistan.







Yes Istanbul's population is not even half the population of Lahore. The more population a city has the harder it is to keep it clean. Karachi and Mumbai are examples, but hopefully this project will make Lahore look less like a South Asian city and more like a European city like Islamabad.

Yes Istanbul's population is not even half the population of Lahore. The more population a city has the harder it is to keep it clean.

Not true, Istanbul's population is greater than Lahore's. According to stats Lahore has approx 10+ million people, Istanbul 13.5+ million people (that's residents for both cities). Also, Turkiye receives 27 million visitors per year, that's nearly 27 more times than Pakistan does per year.

Yes Istanbul's population is not even half the population of Lahore. The more population a city has the harder it is to keep it clean.

The problem isn't simply population, it's people's mentality, people in Lahore need to become more clean have better manners, exercise better thinking, not loiter. That would help out a lot. People in Istanbul don't trash their own city, like people in Lahore and other developing cities do.

One thing Lahore should do is outlaw the rakhsaw, they pollute the air very badly and make the city look trashy.

 

[Omar1984]

Not true, Istanbul's population is greater than Lahore's. According to stats Lahore has approx 10+ million people, Istanbul 13.5+ million people (that's residents for both cities). Also, Turkiye receives 27 million visitors per year, that's nearly 27 more times than Pakistan does per year.



The problem isn't simply population, it's people's mentality, people in Lahore need to become more clean have better manners, exercise better thinking, not loiter. That would help out a lot. People in Istanbul don't trash their own city, like people in Lahore and other developing cities do.

One thing Lahore should do is outlaw the rakhsaw, they pollute the air very badly and make the city look trashy.

Yes I was wrong about the population. I just checked. Istanbul's population is larger than Lahore. My mistake.

And rikshaws will most likely never be banned in Lahore. Its so much more affordable than the taxis they have in Islamabad (where rikshaws are banned).

And another thing about Lahore is since independence, many people from villages in Punjab have moved to Lahore for jobs and education. So this is why there's a variety in the way people behave in Lahore.

 

[Fasih Khan]

God Bless Musharraf. One Out of many great things he's done was introducing CNG Four Stroke Rickshaws which are so less polutionary then the previous once. We have mostly New Rickshaws running on Lahore Roads ...

 

[A1Kaid]

Yes I was wrong about the population. I just checked. Istanbul's population is larger than Lahore. My mistake.

And rikshaws will most likely never be banned in Lahore. Its so much more affordable than the taxis they have in Islamabad (where rikshaws are banned).

And another thing about Lahore is since independence, many people from villages in Punjab have moved to Lahore for jobs and education. So this is why there's a variety in the way people behave in Lahore.

And rikshaws will most likely never be banned in Lahore. Its so much more affordable than the taxis they have in Islamabad (where rikshaws are banned)

That's unfortunate, because rikhshaws create a lot of pollution both carbon and noise, they are very loud, and eject unsafe levels of carbon emission that actually discolor the atmosphere and bad for public health. Sad to see such backwardness.

 

[Fasih Khan]

That's unfortunate, because rikhshaws create a lot of pollution both carbon and noise, they are very loud, and eject unsafe levels of carbon emission that actually discolor the atmosphere and bad for public health. Sad to see such backwardness.

TEZ RAFTAR CNG 4-STROKE RICKSHAW AUTO RICKSHAW 3 WHEELER TUK TUK TUC TUC THREE WHEELER IN PAKISTAN - YouTube

 

[Rusty]

With the current PMLN government in charger the only question is if 50% of the funds will go to corruption or 80%

But God Bless turkey, their heart (and wallet ) is in the right place