Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Home Blog Page 117

Atta Tarar advocates for inter-faith harmony at Christmas celebration in NPC

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar underlined the vital need to strengthen inter-faith harmony on Wednesday, calling for the promotion of commonalities between the Muslim and Christian faiths to foster national unity.

Addressing a Christmas celebration ceremony in the National Press Club, the minister lauded the remarkable services rendered by the Christian community toward the welfare and development of Pakistan.

He commended the community for excelling in diverse fields and reaffirmed his enduring personal and professional ties with them.

“We must promote harmony by highlighting our commonalities,” the minister said, emphasizing that both Muslims and Christians revere the Almighty’s Messenger, Hazrat Isa (AS), and draw profound lessons from his teachings of peace and compassion.

He added that Pakistan must continue to serve as a “cradle of peace” through collective efforts toward national security.

He appreciated the patriotism of the Christian community, noting their deep love for the nation’s Armed Forces and their significant sacrifices for the country’s peace.

“When the body of a martyr is wrapped in the flag of Pakistan, it serves as a sign of ultimate respect regardless of race or religion. The sacrifices made by the Christian community for this soil will always be remembered,” he remarked.

The minister noted the significance of December 25th, which marks both Christmas and the birth anniversary of Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He announced that the Ministry of Information would fully participate in these celebrations.

Appreciating the initiative of the National Press Club, he said “I will inaugurate two Christmas bazars in my constituency as well. We will decorate in vibrant manner especially by placing big Christmas trees which are integral part of our Christmas celebrations.

To this end, he urged the ministry to hold a festival here in a press club, which will not only be enjoyed by the people, but will also have a vibrancy on the media.

He appreciated the Christian education system in Pakistan, mentioning the proud, the alumni of Forman Christian college took in studying from there.

He looked forward to see the restoration of glory of such institutions by having Christian board of directors for them.

A large number of media community took part in the celebrations which was also graced by Principal Information Officer Mubashir Hassan and Managing Director Associated Press of Pakistan, Muhammad Asim Khichi.

SSP Operations lauds traders’ support in upholding public order & security

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 17 (APP):Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Malik Tariq Mahboob praised the vital role the traders’ community played in supporting law enforcement efforts to uphold public order and security.
Speaking at a meeting with the office-bearers of the Anjuman-e-Tajran (Traders Association) at the Police Lines Headquarters, the SSP emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and the business community to enhance public safety.
The meeting was attended by prominent traders, including Sajid Hassan Butt, Rana Khurram Mehmood, and Ilyas Goga, alongside senior police officials.
SSP Mahboob underscored that the traders’ involvement in crime prevention efforts, particularly in securing local businesses and neighborhoods, is crucial in the fight against crime.
“Crime has gradually decreased in Rawalpindi and the performance of Rawalpindi Police has been exemplary in this regard,” the SSP stated, recognizing the significant strides made in curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.
He further highlighted that the cooperation between law enforcement and the traders is pivotal in maintaining this positive trend.
The traders expressed their gratitude for the police’s effective efforts, particularly in combating drug-related crimes.
They reassured the police of their continued support and committed to working closely with law enforcement to further reduce crime and enhance security in Rawalpindi.
“Crime reduction directly contributes to the growth of business activities. A secure environment is essential for the economic development of our city,” said the Anjuman-e-Tajran office bearer, emphasizing that the business community’s partnership with the police is key to fostering prosperity.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation between the police and traders, ensuring continued efforts to reduce crime and improve the safety and well-being of Rawalpindi’s residents.

Court adjourns hearing on NCCIA officers’ bail pleas in bribery case

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):A Special Court (Central) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on post-arrest bail applications, filed by three National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) officers accused of taking bribe from the wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman, popularly known as Ducki Bhai, until December 19.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused sought additional time to complete arguments. Accepting the request, the court deferred further proceedings and directed lawyers to conclude their arguments at the next hearing.
According to the prosecution, the accused officers allegedly received a bribe of Rs 9 million from Aroob, the wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman. The prosecution further stated that the bribe amount has been recovered.
The bail applications have been filed by Assistant Director Mujtaba, Salman Aziz, and Inspector Ali Raza. Other accused named in the case include Yasir Ramzan, Muhammad Usman, Shoaib Riaz, Sarfraz Chaudhry, and Zawar Ahmed.

Law Minister reaffirms to simplifying services laws

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
PESHAWAR, Dec 17 (APP):A high-level meeting was held here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Provincial Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Parliamentary Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aftab Alam Advocate where he reaffirmed to work tirelessly for simplification of services law.
Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Arshad Ayub, Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal Utmankhel, Secretary Law Department Akhtar Saeed Turk, Secretary Establishment Department Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, along with officials from the Law, Home, Finance, and other relevant departments attended the meeting.
Detailed deliberations on important legal and administrative agendas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were held.
 The agenda of the Legislative Committee included discussion on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prosecution Service Act and consultations on amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal Act, 1974.
The proposed amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal Act, 1974 aim to improve transparency, efficiency, and the delivery of justice in the decisions of service tribunals.
Under these amendments, a strong and effective legal framework will be provided to address injustices in services by clearly defining the jurisdiction of tribunals, the criteria for appointment of members, and the appellate process.
During the Cabinet Committee meeting, necessary amendments to the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 were discussed.
In addition, deliberations were held on the proposed amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2010. The objective of these amendments is to further strengthen, clarify, and make more effective the protection against harassment of women, in order to promote a safe, dignified, and equal environment at their workplaces.
The Law Minister directed that all matters under discussion be finalized with transparency and speed, so as to promote better governance and a stronger legal system in the province.

SME development part of govt’s priorities: SMEDA chief

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in line with SME development vision of Prime Minister, has initiated a consultation process with SME-based trade bodies, under the leadership of Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production.
In continuation to the SME clusters’ meetings earlier held with SAPM, SMEDA CEO Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth has started follow up meetings with the SME based Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
In this regard she held a meeting with Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Muhammad Ali Hamayoon Butt here at SMEDA Head office on Wednesday.
The meeting aimed to discuss key issues affecting the business community in Gujranwala and explore ways to promote SMEs in the region.
On this occasion, CEO SMEDA Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth said SME development is part of government’s priority agenda and PM is fully cognizant to the problems being faced by the SMEs and is taking important initiatives to resolve them.
She assured full support from SMEDA in providing business development services, training, and resources to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in Gujranwala.
GCCI President Muhammad Ali Hamayoon But appreciated SMEDA’s efforts in promoting entrepreneurship through SME Development initiatives in the region. He also acknowledged that the government was taking sincere steps to resolve industry’s issues, including energy shortages, taxation and regulatory hurdles.

ICT Police put four arms accused behind bars, seize illegal weapons

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have arrested four accused and recovered a large cache of illegal weapons and ammunition during an operation carried out under the ongoing Arms-Free City campaign.
An official told APP on Wednesday that a police team of Phulgran Police Station conducted a successful operation, arresting four suspects involved in the possession of illegal arms. During the operation, police recovered multiple firearms along with a substantial quantity of ammunition from their possession.
Cases have been registered against the arrested accused, and further investigation is under way to trace possible links and recoveries.
SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza said that a zero-tolerance policy was being strictly enforced against illegal weapons, adding that no one would be allowed to jeopardise public safety.
He urged citizens to ensure registration of their licensed weapons with the concerned police stations and appealed to the public to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies.

One arrested after aerial firing incident near polio team in Surjani Town

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
KARACHI, Dec 17 (APP):Police have arrested a suspect after an incident of aerial firing near a polio vaccination team in Surjani Town, which was initially reported as an attack on the team.
According to SSP West Tariq Elahi Mastoi Wednesday, the polio team, accompanied by police personnel, was present beneath a residential building when aerial firing was carried out from the rooftop.Initial investigations revealed that the firing was not aimed at the polio team but was carried out illegally to celebrate the birth of a baby girl in the house.
Police took immediate action and arrested one suspect, while his accomplice managed to flee the scene. The arrested man was identified as Muzammil son of Muhammad Ramzan, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the absconding suspect.
A 9mm pistol and bullet shells used in the firing were also recovered. Further legal action is being taken in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner West-I Syed Jahangir rejected reports circulating on social media that claimed the polio team was attacked. He clarified that the incident was, in fact, illegal aerial firing by individuals celebrating the birth of a child, and that police responded promptly by arresting the suspect.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Sindh of the Polio Eradication Initiative has urged the media and the public to avoid spreading unverified and misleading information, warning that such rumors create unnecessary panic and undermine national efforts to eradicate polio.

Railway reclaims millions-worth land in Taxila-Havelian crackdown

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
WAH CANTT, Dec 17 (APP):Pakistan Railways carried out a major anti-encroachment operation on Wednesday along the Taxila–Havelian railway corridor, targeting illegal structures near Usman Khattar railway station in Wah Cantt.
Acting on special directives from Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, officials demolished a string of unauthorised shops and other constructions that had long occupied railway-owned land in violation of existing statutes.
Heavy machinery was deployed to dismantle the illegal buildings, resulting in the recovery of 56.62 marlas of prime railway land—property valued at millions of rupees.  Railway authorities said the reclaimed strip forms part of a strategic corridor essential for future infrastructure upgrades and will be secured to prevent any fresh encroachments.
A senior railway official emphasized that the drive reflects Pakistan Railways’ zero-tolerance policy toward illegal occupation of state assets. “Encroachments not only drain the national exchequer but also pose safety hazards and impede planned development of railway infrastructure,” the official warned, adding that such actions will continue across the Rawalpindi division and beyond.

CM takes strict notice of open manholes, dog-bite incidents in Punjab

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a three-hour-long accountability meeting via video link with all commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, taking strict notice of open manholes, dog-bite incidents and lapses in public safety across the province.
The chief minister ordered for decisive action against officers failing to ensure citizens’ safety and public convenience, warning that negligent officials would face stern measures including transfers, explanations and warnings. She immediately transferred Assistant Commissioner Layyah Haris Hameed over the tragic death of a two-year-old child who fell into an open pit in Layyah.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif instructed the administration to take prompt action against open manholes, dog-bite incidents, dilapidated infrastructure and land-grab mafia activities. She emphasized that no compromise would be tolerated in protecting life, property, and the provision of basic facilities to Punjab’s citizens. She called for performance evaluations of Commissioners and directed Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to establish KPIs for their officers and staff.
Expressing deep concern over preventable tragedies, she stressed the need for pre-emptive measures, particularly against dog-bite incidents and unsecured sewerage pits, and instructed officials to ignore political pressure while prioritizing good governance and transparency. She appreciated swift action in 3,607 encroachment cases and urged further empowerment of ADC(R)s and Assistant Commissioners in ongoing anti-encroachment drives.
The chief minister also issued directives for beautification and modernization of markets and bazaars across Punjab. She ordered installation of uniform signboards, enhanced greenery, construction of footpaths, and provision of clean, modern toilets. Officials briefed her that Lahore’s historic Ichhra Bazaar would be beautified with improved access for women, while food streets and markets in Kasur, Shahkot, Warburton, Sangla Hill, Nankana Sahib, Pakpattan, Sahiwal and Okara would be upgraded with modern facilities, aesthetic stalls and proper parking arrangements, with completion deadlines set before May 31, 2026.
CM Maryam Nawaz underscored that citizens’ safety, convenience, and urban beautification were top priorities, directing strict monitoring to ensure timely and effective implementation.

Federal Ombudsman institution has delivered relief to more than 2.5 million complainants since inception. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
MIRPUR, Dec 17 (APP):Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman), Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, has said that the Institution of Wafaqi Mohtasib has enhanced its outreach and accessibility tremendously owing to the steps and initiatives taken during the last couple of years, it was officially said.
“These, he said, included the opening of new regional offices, presence in 28 cities of the country, integration of the latest technology, launching of the official WhatsApp channel, and presence on digital and social media platforms, along with the Outreach Complaint Resolution (OCR) program and inspection visits of the federal government agencies,” says an official press release issued and released to the media on Wednesday.
. As a result, the total number of people seeking relief and benefitting from this office may exceed 250,000 during the current year. Moreover, nearly 6960 complaints have been resolved under the Informal Resolution of Disputes (IRD) mechanism, and if the 128,427 complaints of the Overseas Pakistani and the 653 complaints of children are also included in the list, then the cumulative figure may come close to 400,000, according to the PR.
These views were expressed by the Federal Ombudsman while addressing media representatives at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat at the federal metropolis on Wednesday. according to the press release.
He said that 12 new regional offices have been established in the last four years, which brought the total number to 28, including the Head Office in Islamabad. Similarly, the number of Khuli Katcheries and OCR visits has also been increased to a great extent, he added.
The Wafaqi Mohtasib further observed that Khuli Katcheries (open courts) and the OCR Program have helped provide administrative relief to the people of the remote and far-off regions virtually at their doorsteps. Owing to the steps taken lately, like launching the Official WhatsApp channel, people can now easily access this office through the latest digital means even from the comfort of their homes.
This year we have received more than 45% of complaints online, and there is also provision of online hearing of complaints, which spares the complainants from physically visiting the offices for obtaining relief, he added.  Moreover, it has redressed 246,602 complaints till 15 December this year. The institution has so far provided relief to more than 2.58 million households since its inception in 1983. Since an average family in the country comprises 4-5 persons, therefore, the net relief trickling down to the common man may run into 10 million people, he added.
He further observed that there is a separate implementation section in the Secretariat, which ensures implementation of the decisions and findings in letter and spirit, and this year we have achieved an impressive implementation rate of more than 93%. The Wafaqi Mohtasib went on to add that owing to our initiatives and measures, people are getting administrative relief with ease and convenience.
 This office has instituted performance-based awards for the first time in its history, which are being awarded to the officers and staff members who have consistently performed outstandingly during the last couple of years, informed the Mohtasib.
1...116117118...31,115Page 117 of 31,115

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan