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UNHCR delegation calls on Governor

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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QUETTA, Dec 17 (APP):A delegation led by UNHCR Deputy Representative in Pakistan Mr. Oscar Manuel Sanche called on Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel here at the Governor House on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the latest situation in the region, the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and the conditions of the host community, including the performance of United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in education and health, were discussed in detail.
The Head of UNHCR Sub-Office Tesfaye Beklele and Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Arbab Talib Kasi were also present during the meeting.
Talking to the delegation, Governor Balochistan said that UNHCR undoubtedly has valuable services for the rehabilitation of refugees as well as for the development and prosperity of the host community.
He said that the current government is taking concrete steps to ensure the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The Governor said that Pakistan is playing an important role for peace in the region, we need the support of international organizations in providing basic facilities to Afghan refugees and their affected areas.
He said that the establishment of lasting peace in Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region, especially Pakistan.
The UNHCR Deputy Representative thanked the Government of Pakistan and its people for their hospitality to Afghan refugees for the past four decades.

ICCI, Thai Embassy agree to fast-track trade, tourism and investment cooperation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):A high-level delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood Wednesday visited the Royal Embassy of Thailand.
They held a fruitful and forward-looking meeting with Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Pakistan, said a press release.
The meeting focused on deepening bilateral economic relations, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and exploring new avenues of partnership between Pakistan and Thailand.
During the discussions, both sides underscored the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade volume to $ 2 billion. Ambassador Virabutr noted that bilateral trade had already reached $1.6 billion last year, reflecting strong momentum and untapped potential.
He emphasized that the Pakistan–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should be concluded “at the earliest” to unlock the next phase of growth and urged ICCI leadership to actively advocate for its early finalization.
The Thai Ambassador also highlighted the importance of developing the Gandhara tourism route to attract more Thai tourists to Pakistan, terming it a promising area for people-to-people connectivity and cultural exchange.
He further shared Thailand’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in high-value halal industries, leveraging Thailand’s global reputation for high-standard food production and quality assurance.
As the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Ambassador Virabutr reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation and supporting Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper engagement with the regional bloc.
He also emphasized Thailand’s strong push for electric vehicles (EVs) and proposed cooperation with Pakistan through the sharing of expertise, technology, and best practices to help develop Pakistan’s EV ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood showcased Pakistan’s vast export potential, particularly in pharmaceuticals, mines and minerals, pink salt, surgical instruments, and sports goods.
He stressed the need to explore new and non-traditional trade avenues to enhance Pakistan’s exports to Thailand, noting that the current trade balance favors Thailand.
He added that B2B meetings, delegation exchanges, and joint initiatives, in close collaboration with the Thai Embassy, would play a pivotal role in bringing business communities of both countries closer, leading to increased trade, investment, and joint ventures.
The ICCI President also extended a formal invitation to the Thai Ambassador to visit the ICCI  and interact directly with Islamabad’s business community, which is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Virabutr accepted the invitation and assured that he would visit ICCI at the earliest possible time.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub highlighted the immense scope for value addition in marble, gems, and jewelry, emphasizing joint ventures and enhanced industrial infrastructure as key drivers for boosting exports.
Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry and Chairman ICCI ASEAN Committee Chaudhry Mohammad Ali also shared valuable insights on practical measures to further strengthen trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand.

Pakistan needs comprehensive strategy to decarbonise transport sector: Musadik Malik

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik Wednesday stressed the need for a comprehensive and diversified strategy to reduce carbon emissions from Pakistan’s transport sector, stating that decarbonisation could not be achieved through electric vehicles alone.
Speaking at a webinar on “Reducing Carbon Emissions in Pakistan’s Transport Sector: Cooperation under Article 6”, organised by SPAR6C, the minister said transport remained one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the country and required urgent, long-term planning aligned with global climate commitments.
Dr Malik said that while electric vehicles were an important part of the transition, they were not a complete solution, particularly for heavy and long-distance transport.
He highlighted green hydrogen as a viable and unavoidable option for the future of freight and heavy transport, calling it a “critical pillar” of low-carbon mobility.
The minister also underscored the importance of exploring the production, utilisation and integration of green hydrogen into Pakistan’s transport and energy systems, noting that early investment and policy clarity could help the country benefit from emerging global carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Emphasising implementation challenges, Dr Malik said that policy frameworks alone were insufficient without effective training, institutional capacity-building and technical expertise.
 “No policy can succeed unless institutions are equipped to implement it,” he said, adding that human resource development must accompany regulatory and technological reforms.
The webinar focused on international cooperation mechanisms under Article 6, which allow countries to collaborate on emission reduction initiatives through carbon trading and shared mitigation efforts.
Participants from government, development partners and the private sector discussed pathways for reducing emissions in the transport sector while supporting sustainable growth and climate resilience.

CDA launches fresh anti-encroachment drive in Noorpur Shahan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched the next phase of its anti-encroachment operation in the Noorpur Shahan area, on Wednesday, following the recovery of 712 kanals of state land adjacent to the Diplomatic Enclave, officials said on Tuesday.
The operation is being carried out on the directions of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and is being supervised by Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anam Fatima.
According to the CDA, the ongoing drive aims to eliminate illegal constructions and encroachments from estate land in the federal capital.
Multiple CDA formations are participating in the operation, while staff from the Planning Wing’s Land Survey section and the Geo-Spatial Wing have been deployed on-site to ensure accurate demarcation and smooth execution.
The Islamabad district administration and police are also providing full support to the enforcement teams.
Officials said that in the current phase, legal notices have been issued to occupants of illegally constructed structures to ensure compliance with the law and facilitate the removal of encroachments.
A camp office has also been established in the area to address issues related to built-up properties, land distribution and other genuine concerns of residents.
The camp office includes officials from the Planning Wing, Land Directorate and Enforcement Directorate to provide on-the-spot facilitation and guidance to the public.
A CDA spokesperson said the authority was committed to ensuring transparency and fairness during the operation, adding that while illegal occupations were being cleared, strict legal action would be taken against those found involved in encroachments.
The spokesperson further stated that the CDA remained determined to protect state land and uphold the rule of law in the interest of Islamabad’s planned development.
“The authority is working round the clock to remove illegal constructions, and so far estate land worth billions of rupees has been retrieved,” the official added.

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan enhance collaboration

By
NNPS Desk
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TASHKENT, Dec 17 (UzA/APP) : During the third meeting of the heads of parliaments of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbayeva, met with the Deputy Chairperson of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, Aziz Qodir Giyozoda.
The outcomes of the third meeting of the heads of the parliaments of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea were discussed, along with the significance of the Agreement on Cooperation between the upper chambers of the parliaments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Joint Commission’s practical work and the active engagement of delegations at international platforms were noted.
The Chairperson of the Senate congratulated the Tajik side on the successful holding of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly plenary session in Dushanbe on 13-14 October. It was noted that the reception of the Uzbekistan parliamentary delegation by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan during the visit reflects the high level of trust and constructive cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding women’s participation in socio-political life.
An agreement was reached to strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue and develop interregional cooperation, expand the activities of friendship groups, exchange legislative experience, and intensify cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, and environmental spheres.

Pak Navy launches 4th Hangor class submarine Ghazi in China

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The fourth Hangor class submarine of Pakistan Navy named GHAZI has been launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan, China.

With the launching of GHAZI, Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan, said a news release by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for acquisition of eight HANGOR Class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China and remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW), under Transfer of Technology (ToT), it further said.

These submarines will be fitted with advanced weapons and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. HANGOR Class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries further demonstrating the deepening bilateral cooperation.

ADB commends macroeconomic reforms, reaffirms support for ML-1

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Director General for the Central and West Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Leah Gutierrez, on Wednesday called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema here and commended Pakistan’s macroeconomic reforms, reaffirming ADB’s support for the ML-1 Railway Project.
Country Director ADB, Ms. Emma Fan and senior officials from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and ADB were also present during the meeting.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister appreciated the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) long-standing and unwavering support as an agile development partner of Pakistan. He briefed the delegation on the Government’s macroeconomic stabilization efforts and the ongoing fiscal consolidation phase aimed at addressing the country’s challenging economic situation.
The Minister underscored the Government’s strong commitment to the timely implementation of the Main Line–1 (ML-1) railways project. He emphasized that ADB’s continued support would be critical to achieving this milestone.
He further highlighted the government’s intention to effectively channel development resources in close coordination with provincial governments, with the support of development partners. The Minister also appreciated the joint efforts of ADB and World Bank to support the Government in mapping the implementation bottlenecks and to improve the project readiness for ensuring timely disbursements.
Ms. Gutierrez commended the government’s reform agenda and acknowledged the efforts being made for macroeconomic recovery and fiscal consolidation.
She recognized the priority of the government of Pakistan to the ML-1 project and reaffirmed that ADB and government teams are working in close coordination. The minister, in turn, lauded ADB’s support with particular appreciation for the contributions of the ADB Resident Mission in Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and partnership in support of Pakistan’s development priorities.

Pakistan–Tajikistan cultural partnership rooted in shared civilizational heritage: Aurangzeb Khichi

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Tuesday said that Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep-rooted historical, cultural and civilizational ties, and strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries would further solidify people-to-people links and mutual understanding.
He was speaking at a welcoming ceremony held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for the cultural delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan, led by Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the first day of its official visit to Pakistan.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi accorded a warm and dignified welcome to the visiting delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to enhancing cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
Pakistan–Tajikistan cultural partnership rooted in shared civilizational heritage: Aurangzeb Khichi
He noted that cultural exchanges, joint artistic initiatives and heritage preservation efforts provide a powerful platform for strengthening friendship between the two nations.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Culture and Heritage Huzaifa Rehman, Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division (NHCD) Asad Rehman Gilani, along with senior government officials, diplomats, artists and representatives of leading cultural institutions were present on the occasion.
In his welcome remarks, the Federal Secretary highlighted the historic and cultural bonds shared by Pakistan and Tajikistan, emphasizing the importance Pakistan places on its longstanding and friendly relations with Tajikistan.
He said cultural engagement remains central to promoting mutual understanding and sustained people-to-people connectivity.
The speakers underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in complementing broader bilateral relations, noting that cooperation in arts, music, literature and heritage preservation can significantly enhance mutual collaboration. Reference was made to the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2021, which provides an institutional framework for structured and sustained cultural collaboration between the two countries.
The visit of the Tajik cultural delegation was described as a timely opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral cultural exchanges. Cultural performances and activities scheduled in Islamabad and Lahore are expected to further promote mutual appreciation and strengthen bonds of friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and Tajikistan.
During the visit, the delegation toured the calligraphy and arts exhibition at PNCA, where they appreciated Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage and the shared cultural expressions reflected in the artworks on display.
A symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of traditional Tajik cultural attire by Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod to Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and SAPM Huzaifa Rehman, reflecting mutual respect and the enduring cultural bonds between the two countries.
The first day of the visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen institutional linkages and expand people-to-people exchanges, paving the way for a more dynamic and enduring cultural partnership between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Scholars stress Bedil’s Philosophy for guiding young minds in times of moral and social challenges

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):National and international speakers emphasized the enduring relevance of Bedil’s philosophical thought in guiding young minds amid today’s complex moral and social challenges, urging students to draw on his insights for ethical living and critical understanding of contemporary issues.
They expressed these views at the second international seminar on the topic “Bedil’s Thought in the Islamic Context” held at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Wednesday.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Islamic Thought, History and Culture-AIOU in collaboration with Bedil Foundation Pakistan, aiming to revisit and present the thought of the great Persian poet and thinker Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil in the context of Islamic teachings, Sufism, ethics and contemporary intellectual debates.
The chief guest of the seminar, Dr Syed Taqi Abedi from Canada, Patron-in-Chief of Bedil Foundation Pakistan, said in his address that Bedil’s thought in the Islamic context guides a person towards inner purity, self-awareness, and spiritual development. He stated that Bedil’s poetry emphasizes Islamic values such as monotheism, patience, contentment, love of God, and humanity, which contribute to moral development of the individual and the promotion of justice and benevolence in society.
While speakers highlighted how Bedil’s emphasis on introspection, intellectual resilience and spiritual depth can help youth navigate modern pressures with wisdom and balance.
They stated that it is essential to introduce the younger generation to Bedil’s teachings and Islamic philosophy so that classical thought can be contextualized in relation to contemporary social, intellectual, and ethical issues.
Prof. Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences in his presidential address said that Bedil is a universal poet and thinker whose relevance endures across eras. According to him, Bedil is not merely a poet of words but a champion of thought and action, which is why connecting Bedil’s philosophy with the new generation is an urgent necessity in the present era.
During the event, the official website of Bedil Foundation Pakistan was also launched.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, PIO Mobashir Hassan, Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan Muhammad Asim Khichi, and Secretary General NPC Nayyar Ali join members of the Christian community in cutting a Christmas cake during a Christmas Eve ceremony organized by the National Press Club Islamabad, in collaboration with Medic Galleria and the Zakat Foundation of America.

By
Wajid
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0
APP33-171225 ISLAMABAD: December 17 – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, PIO Mobashir Hassan, Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan Muhammad Asim Khichi, and Secretary General NPC Nayyar Ali join members of the Christian community in cutting a Christmas cake during a Christmas Eve ceremony organized by the National Press Club Islamabad, in collaboration with Medic Galleria and the Zakat Foundation of America. APP/ADZ/MAF/ABB
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, PIO Mobashir Hassan, Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan Muhammad Asim Khichi, and Secretary General NPC Nayyar Ali join members of the Christian community in cutting a Christmas cake during a Christmas Eve ceremony organized by the National Press Club Islamabad, in collaboration with Medic Galleria and the Zakat Foundation of America.
APP33-171225
ISLAMABAD: December 17 –
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