Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi presenting gold medal to a position holder student during the distribution of degrees at the 2025 convocation of Capital University of Science and Technology.

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Wajid

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:25 PM

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APP14-181225Islamabad — APP14-181225 ISLAMABAD: December 18 - Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi presenting gold medal to a position holder student during the distribution of degrees at the 2025 convocation of Capital University of Science and Technology. APP/SMR/MAF/ABB/SSHs

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi presenting gold medal to a position holder student during the distribution of degrees at the 2025 convocation of Capital University of Science and Technology. — APP14-181225
ISLAMABAD: December 18 –

1,750 graduates receive degrees at UVAS 16th convocation

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Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:23 PM

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LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP): The 16th Convocation of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, was held on Thursday with Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan presiding over the ceremony.

A total of 1,750 graduates were awarded degrees, while 63 position-holders received medals. The graduating students included 55 PhDs, 436 MPhils, 357 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), 734 BS (Hons), 102 Pharm-D and 66 BBA (Hons). Earlier, the Law Minister, along with UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Younus, distributed degrees among PhD scholars and medals to outstanding graduates.

Addressing the convocation, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan congratulated the students, their parents and teachers, and urged the graduates to work hard and contribute to national development. He said hard work is the key to success and termed the position-holders a source of pride for the institution and the country. Highlighting Pakistan’s agricultural strength, he said the country has been blessed with high-quality livestock such as Nili Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cows. He also praised the progress of UVAS under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Younus. Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar also congratulated the graduates and emphasized that dedication and perseverance lead to success.

In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Younus highlighted the academic, research and development achievements of UVAS. He said the university ranks among the top 601–800 universities globally and 301–350 in Asia in the Times Higher Education Rankings, while securing first position among public sector universities of Punjab in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026. He added that UVAS offers 79 degree programs with an enrollment of around 11,000 students, has awarded scholarships worth over Rs129.15 million during the last fiscal year, and is executing research and development projects worth billions of rupees. He urged graduates to focus on entrepreneurship and become job providers rather than job seekers.

UoS Economics Deptt hosts panel discussion on future of work, automation

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Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:21 PM

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SARGODHA, Dec 18 (APP):The Department of Economics, University of Sargodha (UoS) on Thursday hosted a panel discussion titled “The Future of Work, Automation & Its Economic Impact” as part of Research Arena 2025, focusing on emerging challenges and opportunities in the era of automation.

According to the spokesperson for UoS here, the panel discussion was attended by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, UoS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Sarwar Awan, Chairperson Department of Economics, Dr Mehmood ul Hassan, along with renowned economists, scholars, and a large number of students.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas emphasized that automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping global labor markets, making it imperative for universities to equip graduates with future-ready skills.

He stated that higher education institutions must proactively align academic programs with technological advancements to ensure sustainable economic growth and employability in developing countries like Pakistan.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Iqbal Hussain Khan, highlighted the shared challenges faced by developing economies in adapting to automation.

He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, skill development, and policy reforms to minimize job displacement and maximize the benefits of technological transformation for inclusive economic progress.

In his remarks, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Sarwar Awan underscored the need for interdisciplinary learning and continuous upskilling to meet the demands of the future workforce.

He noted that investment in human capital, digital literacy, and innovation is crucial for navigating the economic impact of automation.

Renowned economists from across the country shared insights on employment trends in developing nations, emphasizing the urgent need to upgrade skills, promote technological adaptability, and prepare youth for automation-driven economies.

At the conclusion of the session, Iqbal Hussain Khan distributed shields among the panelists, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the discussion.

Punjab model courts dispose of over 9,500 cases in November

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Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:19 PM

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LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP):The model courts across Punjab disposed of more than 9,500 cases during November as part of ongoing judicial and case management reforms by the Lahore High Court (LHC).

According to an official monthly performance report, a total of 9,512 cases were decided by model courts across the province during the month. Criminal model courts concluded 781 cases, including 103 murder cases, 298 narcotics cases, and 380 other matters, including cases related to illegal possession, says a LHC press release issued here on Thursday.

Appellate model courts presided over by Additional District Judges decided 247 civil and family appeals, supervision matters, and other cases. Meanwhile, model civil and magisterial courts collectively disposed of 8,484 cases.

The report shows that model civil courts decided 2,094 cases, covering regular civil, family, guardian, rent, and other civil disputes. Model magisterial courts disposed of 6,390 cases, including first-class cases, Section 30 cases, and other minor offence matters.

Officials said the improved performance is the result of comprehensive judicial reforms introduced by the Lahore High Court, including a modern case management system, strict adherence to timelines, and effective monitoring. In line with the directions of the National Judicial Policymaking Committee, unnecessary adjournments are being avoided and cases are being decided promptly on merit.

The LHC said the reforms have significantly reduced the backlog of pending cases and strengthened public confidence in the justice system, particularly among lawyers and litigants.

President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bahrain

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Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:18 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further deepening its fraternal relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

He was speaking to Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan, Mohamed Ebrahim Mohamed Abdulqader who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The President underscored the close bonds between the two countries, rooted in shared religious and cultural values, and highlighted Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation across political, economic, and people-to-people domains, a Presidency’s news release said.

President Zardari said Pakistan greatly values its close and brotherly relations with Bahrain, founded on shared religious and cultural bonds. Referring to the prime minister’s recent visit to Bahrain, he said the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reflected the depth and warmth of relations between the two countries.

The President recalled that the prime minister had invited the Bahraini leadership, including the King, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince, to visit Pakistan, and said the country looks forward to hosting them. He appreciated the King of Bahrain’s gracious acceptance of the invitation to visit Pakistan.

President Zardari congratulated Bahrain on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and thanked the Kingdom for its solidarity and support following the recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

Highlighting economic cooperation, the President said Pakistan is keen to further strengthen trade and investment ties with Bahrain and welcomes initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral economic engagement. He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors, including food security, information technology, and tourism.

The President also expressed appreciation for the Pakistani community in Bahrain, noting their valuable contribution to Bahrain’s economy and their role in supporting Pakistan through remittances. He thanked the Kingdom for the respect and opportunities extended to over 100,000 Pakistanis and conveyed gratitude for His Majesty’s generous pardon of Pakistani prisoners.

Parliamentary Leader of PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman and Senator Saleem Mandviwala were also present at the meeting.

Polio campaign continues in Hyderabad with tight security measures

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Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:17 PM

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HYDERABAD, Dec 18 (APP):The ongoing national anti-polio campaign, running from December 15 to 21, continued on its fourth day with effective security measures in place for the polio teams.

According to the Hyderabad Police spokesperson, over 1,500 police officers and personnel are performing their duties across the district under the instructions of DIG Hyderabad Range Tarique Razaque Dharejo. Complete police coverage has been provided to polio workers to ensure they can carry out their national duty without any fear.

During the campaign, SSP Adeel Chandio visited various areas of the city and personally administered polio drops to children. He urged all SDPOs and SHOs to strictly implement the ongoing security plans in their respective areas.

The SSP urged that continuous contact with the control room should be maintained during the campaign, and any suspicious activity or untoward incident should be reported immediately.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the working group on IT.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:09 PM

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APP21-181225PM-Islamabad — APP21-181225 ISLAMABAD: December 18 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the working group on IT. APP/MAF/ABB

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the working group on IT. — APP21-181225
ISLAMABAD: December 18 –

National Assembly Religious Minority members call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:08 PM

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APP22-181225PM-Islamabad — APP22-181225 ISLAMABAD: December 18 - National Assembly Religious Minority members call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. APP/MAF/ABB

National Assembly Religious Minority members call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. — APP22-181225
ISLAMABAD: December 18 –

Commissioner Rawalpindi directs no new schemes at sites with ongoing projects

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 18 Dec 2025, 7:08 PM

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 18 (APP): Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak, presiding over a Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) meeting here on Thursday, instructed all deputy commissioners to prominently display maps of ongoing WASA projects in their offices.

“The maps should clearly indicate locations where work is in progress to prevent the launch of new schemes at the same sites until existing projects are completed,” he said, emphasising that multiple activities must not occur at a single location simultaneously.

“No other type of work will be permitted at sites where development projects are underway,” he added, noting that the measure would ensure efficient use of government resources and avoid wastage.

On road-cutting operations, he directed that any department requiring road excavation must obtain a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), issued at the district level by deputy commissioners. The departments must deposit the required funds in advance to restore roads to their original condition after completion.

The commissioner warned that any road cutting without an NOC would result in FIR registration.

He instructed deputy commissioners to conduct field visits to identify open manholes, ensure their immediate covering, and submit daily progress reports to the commissioner’s office.

Commissioner Khattak stressed that protecting citizens’ lives and property was the administration’s foremost responsibility. He urged officials to maintain close coordination, ensure all development activities comply with rules and regulations, and provide uninterrupted services to the public.

Besides WASA officials, the meeting was attended via video link by Additional Commissioner Coordination Zainia Humayun, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, and deputy commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Murree.