Two-day Islamabad Symposium 2025 concludes at NUST

By

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP): The two-day Islamabad Symposium 2025, themed “Balancing Relationship Between Global North and Global South: Challenges and Opportunities,” concluded at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) main campus on Friday.

The symposium offered unique deliberations over diverse subjects, such as the present-day regional and global issues, particularly conflicts and wars, the need for technological advancement and accessibility, climate change preparedness, iron-clad relations of Pakistan and China, and the need for accountability measures for the rogue states promoting an utter disregard for international law.

Speaking at the closing session, Rector NUST, Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif, thanked the esteemed speakers and audience, and complimented NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) for their efforts to organise the event at the university.

He shared the NUST vision of nurturing young minds into competent and responsible citizens, and developing partnerships through knowledge diplomacy and collaborations.

The chief guest of the closing ceremony, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, noted that global affairs are now more complex than ever.

He highlighted that Pakistan shares the spirit of multilateralism and equality, evidenced by its repeated calls for peace, responsible conduct, and dialogue. Talking to young scholars, he emphasised the role of academia and appreciated NUST for the success of the Islamabad Symposium 2025.

Dr Atia Ali Kazmi, President Global Peace Strategy Forum, masterfully chaired the symposium’s last plenary session titled “From Challenges to Solutions: Roadmap for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Global Order.”

She succinctly discussed the plethora of issues raised in the previous plenaries and reiterated that united action and shared will are the building blocks for creating a road to an inclusive and sustainable world order.

Mr Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalization, echoed the tale of decades of unequal exchange between the Global North and South, and emphasised the importance of inclusive cooperation to alleviate the fault lines that divide the world into two blocs and hinder global unity.

Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Pakistan, elucidated that contemporary times require multilateralism with greater urgency than ever.

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi reiterated the significance of pragmatic diplomacy, citing the Iran nuclear deal, the ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas, as well as the diplomatic efforts to stop the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan.

Another speaker, Dr Shahid Mahmud, Senior Advisor OIC COMSTECH & CEO and Chairman Interactive Group of Companies, highlighted the limited representation of the Global South in the AI domain, underscoring greater fairness in AI advancement for global prosperity.

Earlier on the first day of the symposium, Federal Minister for Defence, Mr Khawaja Muhammad Asif (NI) graced the inaugural session as chief guest.

Besides the plenary sessions, the first day featured the launch of the book: Pakistan’s Search for Peace with Afghanistan: Statecraft, Policy, and Strategy by Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif. The Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif congratulated the author on his impeccable work and expertise on the subject, noting that the book offers an original take on the current and future trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, providing insightful pointers for the peaceful coexistence of the two neighbors.

Another book, Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy: A Case Study of Pakistan-India Relations, by Dr Arshad Mahmood, was launched on the second day of the Islamabad Symposium.

Punjab govt plans to build a new airport

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:32 PM

0

LAHORE, Oct 17 (APP):The Punjab government has prepared a plan to build a new airport in Lahore.

The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has identified the proposed site for the airport, which will be located near “Ravi City” and near the M-3 motorway.

According to RUDA sources, the new airport will be built about 30 kilometers from Allama Iqbal International Airport. Consultations are underway regarding the cost and financing model of the project, while officials say that the project is still in its initial stages.

According to sou the construction of “Airport Ruda” will reduce the current air traffic pressure in Lahore and create new employment and investment opportunities.

MWMC launches disinfection, cleanliness drive

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:27 PM

0

MULTAN, Oct 17 (APP):As per directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) has launched a citywide campaign focusing on cleanliness, lime sprinkling, and disinfection.

MWMC teams were actively cleaning streets and neighborhoods, removing garbage, and carrying out disinfection and lime powder spraying to improve hygiene and protect public health.

Chief Executive Officer MWMC, Abdul Razzaq Dogar, said that maintaining a clean and healthy environment was essential to protect citizens from diseases. He added that after waste removal, disinfectant powder was being applied to prevent the spread of dengue, malaria, and other infectious illnesses.

He appreciated the efforts of MWMC officers and workers who were working tirelessly to make Multan a cleaner and healthier city. He also urged citizens to cooperate by disposing of waste at designated points and contributing to the cleanliness of their surroundings.

The company announced that the campaign will be extended to more areas in the coming days to ensure the entire city remains clean and disease-free.

NLPD hosts certificate distribution ceremony

By

Asif Jalal

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:27 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP): National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), in collaboration with the Institute for Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing has hosted a certificate distribution ceremony under the theme “Pakistan–China Exemplary Friendship: Reflections in Calligraphy.”

The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General, NLPD, while Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) attended as the chief guest, said a press release here on Friday.

The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Inam-ul-Haq.

In his address, Khalid Taimur Akram expressed his delight at the successful collaboration between the two institutions, emphasizing that the exhibition and certificate ceremony highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

He stated that such cultural and artistic initiatives serve as milestones in strengthening bilateral ties at the people-to-people level.

“The Pakistan–China friendship is exemplary in every field and remains a guarantee of peace, prosperity, and development in the region,” he remarked.

He further noted that the participating calligraphers from Pakistan had also showcased their work at a calligraphy exhibition held at the Communication University of China, Beijing, alongside artists from various other countries.

The exhibition helped project a new cultural image of Pakistan and served as a bridge connecting the two nations through shared artistic and civilizational values.

Speaking at the occasion, Professor Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said that the NLPD was honored to contribute not only to the promotion of literature and language but also to cultural exchange and understanding. He announced that the department aspires to establish a Pakistan–China Calligraphy Institute, where artists from both countries will receive joint training.

“In the first phase, we plan to send our calligraphy teachers to China, and later, Chinese artists will visit Pakistan to exchange skills and expertise,” he added.

Dr Mazhar appreciated the efforts of Khalid Taimur Akram, the faculty of the calligraphy department including Azhar Hussain and Nasir Seemab, as well as Dr Rashid Hameed, Dr Arif Hussain, Mahboob Khan Bugti, Kamran Mushtaq, Manzar Altaf Shami, and Razzaq Khan for their active participation and support.

PRCS AJK’s chief for the execution of the RFL program in AJK

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:25 PM

0

MIRPUR, Oct 17 (APP):Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK Chapter’s Chairman Sardar Shafique Ahmed Khan said, “The AJK region is one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable areas, facing multiple challenges such as cross-border firing and shelling, climate-induced disasters, migration, and man-made disasters.”

He was addressing a day-long session on the Restoring Family Links (RFL) Program in the state metropolis on Thursday, it was officially said.

The session, held at PRCS Headquarters in Muzaffarabad, aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of the RFL program.

The Chairman of PRCS AJK State Branch, Sardar Shafique Ahmed Khan, chaired the event, which was also participated in by Secretary of PRCS AJK State Branch Ms. Gulzar Fatima, Assistant Director of RFL National Headquarters Islamabad Kamran Iqbal, RFL Manager of PRCS Merged Areas Shahid Khan, and others.

Participants were oriented and sensitized about the RFL program and briefed on RFL tools, including tracing requests, Red Cross messages, Trace the Face, and video calls, and their applications during emergencies, disasters, and migration. Program Manager RFL Sidra Akram Qureshi delivered a detailed presentation on the program and its interventions in AJK. The session also covered the Case Management System, referral mechanisms, and emergency services.

Addressing the concluding ceremony, Chairman Sardar Shafique Ahmed Khan emphasized the significance of the RFL program, describing it as a flagship initiative of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the Red Cross Movement. He noted that the program has successfully restored thousands of family connections disrupted by disasters, conflicts, and migration in Pakistan, including AJK.

Commending the dedication of volunteers, Sardar Shafiq said, “Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”

In her concluding remarks, Secretary of the PRCS AJK State Branch Ms. Gulzar Fatima expressed gratitude to the ICRC Pakistan and PRCS National Headquarters for organizing this important orientation session for governance, management, and staff. She reiterated the commitment to addressing challenges and strengthening the volunteer network, with a special focus on volunteer retention.

Pakistan, China sign agreement to strengthen cooperation in cultural heritage

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:18 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):Pakistan and China have signed a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of cultural heritage.

The agreement was signed between the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Cultural Counselor from the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Chen Peng, in a ceremony held here.

The agreement seeks to deepen collaboration, promote mutual understanding and further strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of Pakistan and China.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage through sustained exchanges and joint initiatives.

Building upon the 2022 Agreement on Preventing Theft, Clandestine Excavation, and Illicit Import and Export of Cultural Property, the two countries reiterated their resolve to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

This cooperation will help safeguard the cultural heritage of humanity and contribute to global efforts in heritage preservation.

The partnership reflects the shared vision of Pakistan and China to advance cultural diplomacy and uphold mutual respect’s deep-rooted historical and cultural legacies.

Police resolved the mystery of the blind murder case of a woman in Jand

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:09 PM

0

ATTOCK, Oct 17 (APP):Police on Friday resolved the blind murder case of the woman whose body in mutilated condition was found at the bank of the Indus River in the Mankoor area within the limits of the Jand Police Station on September 14.

According to the police spokesman, some fishermen spotted the body of the woman and informed police. Following an extensive investigation involving forensic analysis, fingerprint matching, and media appeals, the deceased was identified on September 26 as Rani Yasmeen, a resident of Khushab. Investigators traced and arrested the main suspect, Ilahi Bakhsh, on October 12, using modern investigative techniques.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to strangling the woman to death, reportedly after they had developed a dispute over the denial of marriage by the man after years-long illicit relations. According to officials, the case posed a serious challenge initially due to the victim’s unidentified status and lack of witnesses.

However, the persistence of the investigation team, aided by technical data and coordination with national records, led to the arrest. “The case was treated as a top priority,” said the Station House Officer of Jand Police. “We remained committed to delivering justice. The accused has confessed, and legal proceedings are in progress.

PPRA, DAGP Ink MoU to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability in Public Procurement

By

Ahmed Waheed

-

Fri, 17 Oct 2025, 7:04 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and the Department of the Auditor General of Pakistan (DAGP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public procurement, while creating stronger deterrence against corruption and fraudulent practices.

PPRA and DAGP agreed to establish a framework for cooperation and information sharing regarding procurements done through PPRA’s e-procurement platform e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS), to ensure integrity and value-for-money in public procurement processes.

The MoU was signed by Shiekh Afzaal Raza, the Project Director, e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (e-PADS) on behalf of PPRA and Mian Iftikhar Ud Din, Director Special Sector Audit (SSA), DAGP. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, Managing Director PPRA, and Mr Irum Anjum Khan, Additional Auditor General (HQs), and Ms. Fizza Pervez Afzaal, Deputy Auditor General, SSA.

The MoU outlines establishing a system-based linkage between EPADS and the Audit Management Information System (AMIS) to provide DAGP with real-time access to procurement data for desk audits and analytics. It further focuses on creating an effective deterrence mechanism against corruption and fraudulent practices pertaining to public procurement through mutual exchange of information.

The Parties agreed to collaborate on strengthening the legal framework by developing guidelines for Procuring Agencies and bidders to identify and prevent corrupt practices, advocate for policy reforms to strengthen accountability mechanisms within the procurement process, and ensure that all data input into the database is verified for accuracy, with robust access control measures in place to protect sensitive procurement information from unauthorized access or misuse.

To enhance capacity in combating corruption and promoting integrity in public procurement, PPRA and DAGP agreed to facilitate training sessions for officials, establish linkages with relevant organizations, conduct joint workshops and seminars on procurement fraud risks, and develop training materials and curriculums tailored to challenges faced by procuring agencies.