Home Blog Page 13

Punjab bans oral land transfer

0
MULTAN, Dec 31 (APP): The Punjab Board of Revenue has imposed a complete ban on registration and approval of land transfers based on oral transactions.
According to a notification issued on December 30, 2025, no land transfer will be approved on the basis of verbal claims or dealings, except inheritance cases.
The notification makes it mandatory to submit registered documents for land sale, gift, mortgage, and exchange.
Inheritance-related mutations will continue to be approved under existing laws.
Multan Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan has directed all revenue officers to strictly implement the orders. He warned that departmental action would be taken against officers found violating the instructions.
The ban has come into force with immediate effect. In this regard, the Commissioner Multan Office has formally conveyed the instructions to all revenue officers, including deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and tehsildars.
Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan said the decision would ensure transparency in the land mutation system and help eliminate land mafia and fraudulent practices.

Tarar warns KP, advisor over disrespectful comments

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday cautioned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Advisor on Information Shafiullah Jan to exercise restraint and show respect towards women, warning that failure to do so would invite an appropriate response.
Reacting strongly to a remark made by the Adviser about PML-N leader Azma Bukhari, the minister wrote on X: “Otherwise, we also know how to ensure respect is accorded.”
“Extremely inappropriate language was used in the past and is still being used,” the minister remarked, stressing that such conduct was unacceptable from an official of the Information Department.
He reiterated that the use of indecent language was unbecoming of a person serving as Information Adviser and cautioned that repetition of such remarks would invite an appropriate response.

Sialkot International Airport handles nearly 1m passengers in 2025

0
SIALKOT, Dec 31 (APP): The Sialkot International Airport recorded a strong operational performance in 2025, facilitating travel for nearly one million passengers and handling around 3,000 domestic and international flight operations during the year.
According to the annual performance report, a total of 11 airlines operated from the airport, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) leading flight operations by operating over 700 flights in 2025.
During the year, four new airlines, Flyadeal, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Fly Jinnah and Vision Air International also commenced operations from the airport.
The report further highlighted that the airport exported thousands of tons of cargo, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy.
Chairman SIAL Hassan Ali Bhatti said the airport had become a unique and successful model developed by the Sialkot business community, adding that expansion of the terminal building was underway to enhance passenger facilities.
He expressed optimism that more international airlines and new air routes would be added in the coming year.

President visits family of late Syed Qabool Shah for condolence

0

TANDO MUHAMMAD KHAN, Dec 31 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday visited the residence of the late former provincial minister Syed Qabool Muhammad Shah in Saeedpur Takar village to offer Fateha and express condolences on the passing of the leader.

The president met with the bereaved family members, including the deceased’s sons, Syed Muhammad Saeed Shah, Syed Muhammad Kamil Shah, and Syed Sher Yazdaan Ali Shah, conveying his deep sympathy and praying for the departed soul.

Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Hassan Ali Zardari and Member of Sindh Assembly Ejaz Shah Bukhari accompanied the president.

KP govt accelerates low cost housing projects :Dr Amjid

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 31 (APP): Minister for Housing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Amjad Ali Khan said that work is underway on several low cost housing schemes across different districts of the province under the ongoing housing initiatives.
He said that in Jalozai, Nowshera 116 flats have been allotted with a total cost of PKR 336 million, while in Phase Five, Hayatabad, Peshawar, 140 flats have been allotted for PKR 1.7 billion.
The minister added that 96 flats in Civil Quarters, Peshawar, have been completed with a total cost of PKR 886 million.
He further stated that in Surizai Housing Scheme Peshawar, 80 houses out of a total of 16000 units have been reserved for the minority community.
Dr Amjad Ali Khan said that under the Bani Gul Housing Scheme, 7817 plots will be offered through installment facilities and computerized balloting.
He said that infrastructure development work is in progress on 682 plots in the Dingram Housing Scheme, Swat.
The minister also said that under the first phase of the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme, 120 beneficiaries are being provided interest-free loans and each applicant is being given PKR 1.5 million.

RDA DG to brief media on performance, future plans on Thursday

0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 31 (APP): Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General Kinza Murtaza will hold a press conference at the Rawalpindi Press Club on Thursday at 2:30 pm.
According to an RDA spokesperson, the press briefing will focus on the Authority’s performance and future plans, with special emphasis on action against illegal and unapproved housing schemes, the introduction of QR codes, the eBiz system, green initiatives and other related matters.

IG Rizvi leads New Year’s Night security as 3,500 police, 350 traffic officers deployed in Islamabad

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has put in place comprehensive security arrangements for New Year’s Night, with 3,500 Islamabad Police personnel deployed across the federal capital, while 350 traffic officers will perform duties to manage traffic and ensure smooth movement.
An official told APP on Wednesday that the IGP said special police contingents, including the Quick Response Force, have been deployed at key locations to maintain peace and respond promptly to any untoward situation during New Year’s celebrations.
IG Rizvi leads New Year’s Night security as 3,500 police, 350 traffic officers deployed in Islamabad
The IGP Rizvi said strict action would be taken against aerial firing, one-wheeling, car skating, harassment and other unlawful activities, adding that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. “Those violating the law will be dealt with firmly,” he warned.
 Rizvi urged parents to keep a close watch on their children and prevent them from engaging in illegal and dangerous activities, particularly underage driving and reckless behaviour on roads.
He appealed to citizens to celebrate the New Year responsibly, saying that happiness should be expressed within the limits of the law and with respect for others. “Be civilised citizens and help maintain peace in the city,” he said.
The IGP Rizvi said Islamabad Police would remain fully alert throughout the night to protect the lives and property of citizens, reiterating that maintaining law and order in the federal capital remains the top priority of the force.

Iran Envoy calls for stronger Pakistan-Iran media, cultural links

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam has stressed the need to expand cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in areas of shared interest, with a focus on media, culture and public contacts.
The ambassador said closer engagement can support better understanding between the people of both countries.
The ambassador shared these views during a meeting with Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh at the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in Islamabad.
Iran Envoy calls for stronger Pakistan-Iran media, cultural links
He said Pakistan and Iran share long-standing links based on history, culture and religion.
Reza Amiri Moghaddam thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic support during the twelve-day Iran-Israel conflict in June.
He acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan for standing with Iran during that period.
He said both countries have scope to expand cooperation in media and high-level exchanges. He urged both sides to use this space for shared gains.
The ambassador also invited the Director General of Radio Pakistan to visit Iran for talks on improving media cooperation.

Crime declines in Twin cities, public safety remains concern: Piyass Report

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Piyass International, a human rights and social justice platform, on Wednesday released a comprehensive crime situation report for 2025, noting an overall decline in major crime categories in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while cautioning that public safety concerns persist in several localities.
According to the report, Islamabad recorded encouraging trends during the early months of 2025, with police data showing a 20 percent reduction in overall crime compared to the corresponding period last year. The report highlighted a sharp decline of 74 percent in burglary cases, along with reductions of 19 percent in robberies and 17 percent in murder cases. Incidents of vehicle and motorcycle theft also fell by 22 percent, reflecting improved policing and enforcement measures. However, the report noted that sporadic incidents of street crime, snatching and theft continued to be reported by residents.
In Rawalpindi, the report pointed to a decline in serious crimes such as robbery-murder, kidnapping for ransom and vehicle snatching, attributing the improvement to intensified police operations and better recovery of stolen vehicles. Despite these gains, Piyass International observed that street crime, mobile snatching, drug-related offences and property crimes remained pressing challenges in many neighbourhoods.
The report called for stronger community policing, enhanced surveillance and rapid response systems, and closer coordination between Islamabad and Rawalpindi police through joint task forces. It also emphasized the need for public safety awareness campaigns and transparent sharing of crime data to build trust and strengthen policy responses.
Piyass International reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer communities through evidence-based research, civic engagement and advocacy for effective law and order reforms.

Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2026 New Year message

0

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua/APP) : On New Year’s Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message through China Media Group and the internet. The following is the full text of the message:
Greetings to all! Year after year, life opens a fresh chapter. As the new year begins, I extend my best wishes to you from Beijing!
The year 2025 marks the completion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Over the past five years, we have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges. We met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization. Our economic output has crossed thresholds one after another, and it is expected to reach RMB 140 trillion yuan this year. Our economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights. Clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of our landscape. Our people enjoy a growing sense of gain, happiness and security. The past five years have been a truly remarkable journey, and our accomplishments have not come easily. Your unwavering hard work has made our nation thrive and prosper. I salute you all for your exceptional diligence and invaluable contributions.
This year is full of indelible memories. We solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established the Taiwan Recovery Day. These grand national events were majestic and powerful, and the glory of victory will shine through the pages of history. They are inspiring all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. They are rallying a mighty force for the great rejuvenation of our nation.
We sought to energize high-quality development through innovation. We integrated science and technology deeply with industries, and made a stream of new innovations. Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of our own chips. All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities. The Tianwen-2 probe began its star-chasing journey to explore asteroids and comets. Construction of the hydropower project at the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River started. China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system was officially commissioned. Humanoid robots did kung fu kicks, and drones performed spectacular light shows. Inventions and innovations have boosted new quality productive forces and added colorful dimensions to our lives.
We endeavored to nurture our spiritual home with cultural development. There was a surging public interest in cultural relics, museums, and intangible cultural heritage. A new Chinese cultural site was added to the World Heritage List. Cultural IPs such as Wukong and Nezha became global hits. The younger generation came to deem classic Chinese culture as the finest form of aesthetic expression. The cultural and tourism sectors thrived. The “super league” football games in our cities and villages attracted numerous fans. Ice and snow sports ignited people’s passion for the winter season. Tradition is now embracing modernity, and the Chinese culture is shining in even greater splendor.
We joined hands to build a better life and enjoyed it together. I attended celebrations in Xizang and Xinjiang. From the snow-covered plateau to both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, people of various ethnic groups are united as one, like seeds of a pomegranate sticking together. With white khatas and passionate singing and dancing, they expressed their love of the motherland and the happiness they enjoy. No issue of the people is too small; we care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people’s well-being. Over the past year, the rights and interests of the workforce in new forms of employment have been better protected, facilities have been upgraded to bring more convenience to the elderly, and each family with childcare needs has received a subsidy of RMB 300 yuan per month. When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength.
We continued to embrace the world with open arms. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women were very successful; and island-wide special customs operations were launched in the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced new Nationally Determined Contributions. After announcing the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, I put forward the Global Governance Initiative to promote a more just and equitable global governance system. The world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, and some regions are still engulfed in war. China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Not long ago, I attended the opening ceremony of the National Games, and I was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao coming together in unity and acting in unison. We should unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, and support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of our country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable!
Only a strong Communist Party of China can make our country strong. We launched the study and education program on fully implementing the central Party leadership’s eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct. We exercised strict governance of the Party through credible measures, and promoted the Party’s self-revolution to fight corruption and advance healthy governance. As a result, the conduct of our Party and government steadily improved. We must stay true to our original aspiration and founding mission, and pursue our goal with perseverance and dedication. We should continue to give a good answer to the question on how to maintain long-term governance put forth in a cave dwelling in Yan’an and prove ourselves worthy of the people’s expectation in the new era.
The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. A successful venture should start with a good plan and with clear goals set. We should focus on our goals and tasks, boost confidence, and build momentum to press ahead. We should take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China’s miracle.
The dream lofty, the journey long-bold strides will get us there. Let us charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality, and energy, fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities.
The sun of the new year will soon rise. May our great motherland stand in magnificence! May the fields across the country deliver good harvest! May our nation bathe in the glory of the morning! May you all enjoy life to the fullest, and achieve every success! May all your dreams come true!