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Martyrs of APS Peshawar tragedy to never be forgotten: Karim

By
Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Dec 16 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz  (PML-N) Central Senior Leader and Focal Person Prime Minister Youth Program Chaudhry Naeem Karim, on Tuesday, paid tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy.
He said that the sacrifices of the innocent children and teachers of Army Public School Peshawar would never be forgotten, and December 16, 2014, would be remembered as a black day in the history of the country.
He said this while addressing a ceremony held in memory of the martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy at the PML-N Balochistan Liaison Office.
Chaudhry Naeem Karim said that the grief and sorrow that the heartbreaking incident of December 16 had caused to the entire country is indescribable.
The sacrifices of these innocent heroes of Army Public School give us a message that we should forget our mutual differences and work together for a terrorism-free, developed and prosperous country, he said.
He said that even after 11 years, the grief of the APS tragedy is still present in the hearts of the entire nation, like the first day. We are proud of the families who have endured this great shock.
He said that the entire nation shares the grief of these grieving families equally and the sacrifices of the innocent heroes of APS would always be remembered in the history of the country.
He said that the APS tragedy united the entire nation against terrorism and the armed forces reiterated their commitment to eradicate terrorism with the help of the entire nation, which has resulted in the eradication of terrorism to a large extent.
He said that today, once again, terrorists are trying to target our security forces and innocent citizens, and the armed forces are struggling to deal with the scourge of terrorism with full determination to thwart their nefarious designs from the country.

Skills training vital to reducing youth unemployment: Speaker

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has emphasized that equipping youth with practical skills is the only sustainable solution to unemployment.
He said that neither government nor private sector efforts alone can provide jobs for all young people. He added that unemployment was a growing concern, with even degree-holding youth frequently unable to secure employment.
The speaker made these remarks while addressing the first annual convocation under the Chief Minister Punjab Skilled Program for TEVTA (Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority) hospitality pass-outs, held at a private hotel, here on Tuesday. He said that with 70 percent of the population seeking employment, only two percent can realistically be provided jobs at the government level, making skill development indispensable.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also stressed the importance of promoting Urdu in technical education to preserve the national language. He highlighted that rural youth have been serving the country for decades and should be included in national institutions, urging TEVTA to expand technical education at district and tehsil levels.
He said that TEVTA has so far trained 200,000 youth and facilitated employment, adding that the hospitality sector offers vast opportunities for career growth.
On the occasion, TEVTA Chairman Brigadier (R) Muhammad Sajid Khokhar said TEVTA provides technical education of international standards, including practical training through partnerships with hotels, and has introduced a diploma program in hospitality.
Secretary Skill Development Nadir Chatha said 56 cooking classes were being launched in collaboration with Mera Kitchen, with 47 out of 92 trained students already employed locally or abroad.
Chairman Skill Development Task Force Adnan Afzal Chatha highlighted global demand for hospitality professionals and announced advanced IT and AI training programs across 14 laboratories in Punjab.
Later, certificates and medals were distributed among 100 students at the conclusion of the convocation. Parliamentary Secretary Saadia Taimur also attended the ceremony.

Pakistan progressing rapidly by govt cohesive policies, says Gilani

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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MULTAN, Dec 16 (APP):Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani said the country was achieving substantial progress under coordinated domestic and foreign policy of the government while establishing positive image worldwide.
Speaking to PPP’s local leaders, administrative officials with media personnels at his farmhouse in Miranpur here on Tuesday, he said the country’s defense was in strong hands, adding that those who tried earlier to obstruct the economy for personal gains had met their just end along with their facilitators.
Gilani highlighted the historic sacrifices of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for promotion of democracy with development and security of the nation.
He underlined PPP’s founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto role for giving the country a constitution, and said today it’s been well protected by his grandson, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. According to him, Bilawal is on toe of protecting legacy of his grandfather and mother.
He emphasized that those who incited the nation, especially youth against state institutions in the name of democracy were insincere to the nation.
He praised sacrifices of Pakistan Army in defending the homeland, noting that Pakistan remained a cradle of peace due to their professional skills and dedication. He added that the world recognized courage and capabilities of the armed forces.
The Senate Chairman further said that for the country’s construction, development, and stability, the PPP, PML-N, and allied parties got united on a common platform.
He urged all patriots and democracy supporters to play a positive role in establishing Pakistan’s exemplary image.
Gilani stated that the country was currently progressing rapidly and that the government taking serious steps for development of South Punjab. Ongoing mega projects at the grassroots level aimed to completely eliminate regional backwardness, he said.
Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan Division Muhammad Ashfaq Chaudhry, RPO Dera Ghazi Khan Muhammad Azhar Akram, Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur Muhammad Imran and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Two held for abuse of eight-year-old in Wah

By
Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 16 (APP): The Wah Saddar Police on Tuesday arrested two suspects accused of abusing an eight-year-old boy, a Rawalpindi Police spokesman said.
He said the mother of the victim had complained, alleging that the suspects had abused her son.
The spokesman said the Wah Saddar Police immediately registered a case and apprehended the accused.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Potohar Talha Wali directed the Wah Saddar Police to challan the suspects before the court with solid evidence to ensure their conviction and appropriate punishment.
The spokesman added that the police were continuing inquiries into the case to complete legal formalities.

NA Speaker condoles demise of Manzoor Wattoo

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Speaker National Assembly (NA) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of former Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo.
In his condolence message, the Speaker paid rich tribute to the late Manzoor Wattoo for his distinguished political and social services, saying that his contributions would be remembered for a long time.
He said the late leader as a shrewd, seasoned and prudent politician who rendered valuable services to the country and the people.
Ayaz Sadiq extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them in this moment of profound grief.
The Speaker said that he shares the sorrow of the grieving family during this difficult time.
Ayaz Sadiq prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for the Almighty to grant patience and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

APS martyrs remembered in Peshawar ceremony

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):A dignified ceremony was held in Peshawar on Tuesday to pay tribute to the martyrs of Army Public School (APS) and to commemorate their sacrifices.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peshawar Captain Retd Sanaullah Khan, along with administrative officers and staff of the DC Office, attended the event.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by special prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
Participants paid rich tribute to the APS martyrs and expressed solidarity with their families.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Captain Retd Sanaullah Khan said the Army Public School tragedy was a painful chapter in Pakistan’s history that could never be forgotten.
He said the incident shook the entire nation, but the sacrifices of the martyrs continue to serve as a guiding light.
He stressed the need to promote education, peace and brotherhood to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs and said the sacrifices of the innocent children and teachers would not go in vain.
He added that the APS martyrs had united the nation and strengthened the resolve to eliminate terrorism. Participants of the ceremony pledged to keep the memory of the martyrs alive and to continue efforts to carry forward their mission while reaffirming full support for the bereaved families.

CM Bugti pays rich tribute to martyrs of APS

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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QUETTA, Dec 16 (APP):Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday paid rich tribute to the great and brave innocent children, teachers and other martyrs of Army Public School (APS).
In his message on the occasion of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, he said that the entire nation still salutes the sacrifices that created an unforgettable chapter in the history of the country.
The CM said that the APS tragedy is not only a day to refresh the memory of the martyrs but also an opportunity to renew the pledge that every sacrifice would be made to protect the beloved homeland, but the motherland would never be allowed to come under fire.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti made it clear that the blood of innocent children, teachers and security personnel of Army Public School would never go in vain, and their sacrifices are the basis of national resolve against terrorism.
He said that the APS tragedy exposed the hideous faces of cowardly, inhuman and brutal terrorists before the whole world who could neither spare children nor have any regard for humanity.
The CM reiterated the resolve that the war and struggle against terrorism is going on with full force and God willing, victory in it would be the destiny of Pakistan and the Pakistani people.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti, while describing the great soldiers of the security forces who sacrificed their lives in the protection of the motherland, as heroes and benefactors of the country and the nation, said that their sacrifices are a symbol of the courage and unity of the nation.

Farah Naz pays tribute to APS Peshawar martyrs

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):On the anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar, paid tribute to the innocent children and teachers who lost their lives in the tragic incident on 16 December 2014.
In her message on Tuesday, she described that on this day, terrorists mercilessly targeted the innocent children of Army Public School, Peshawar, along with their teachers. Those children were our future; their dreams, smiles, and hopes were silenced forever.
“The pain etched in our hearts today is a wound that has still not healed,” she said.
She vowed that the martyr’s sacrifices will not be forgotten, focusing the importance of education the bottom line for prosperity and success.
Farah Naz Akbar prayed that Allah Almighty grants the martyrs the highest ranks and blesses their parents and families with patience and strength.

PA holds parliamentary consultation on ending child marriage

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP): Punjab Assembly (PA) hosted a parliamentary consultation to end child marriage in the province, bringing together lawmakers, child protection authorities, legal experts, and partners to review evidence, address legislative gaps, and advance reforms to protect children’s rights, here on Tuesday.
The consultation was organized by the Parliamentary Development Unit in collaboration with UNFPA, reflecting the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for child protection.
The session opened with context-setting and evidence-sharing by Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, and Convener of the Child Rights Caucus Punjab. She described child marriage as a constitutional, public health, and gender equality issue, highlighting data showing that thousands of girls are still married before the age of 18. She outlined the key features of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2024, which was currently under consideration by the Punjab Cabinet. The proposed legislation seeks to set 18 years as the minimum legal age for girls and boys, introduce stronger safeguards, and ensure strict accountability.
Concluding the consultation, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan urged decisive action to end child marriage, stressing that the practice causes lifelong harm, undermines education and health, and persists due to social normalization. He called on lawmakers to act with courage, compassion, and constitutional responsibility, emphasizing that protecting children is a moral duty that shapes society’s future.
The consultation also included a screening of the film Salma: The Silent Scream and an Islamic jurisprudence session by Mr. Muaz Ali Shah, which provided legal clarity on age, consent, and religious interpretations. Members of the Punjab Assembly participated in an open discussion focusing on legislative reforms, institutional coordination, and consensus-building.
The session concluded with agreement on next steps to align provincial reforms with the national framework and advance collective action to end child marriage in Punjab.

Tajik ambassador briefs Aleem Khan on cultural troupe’s Pakistan visit

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and briefed him on the upcoming visit of a 75-member Tajik cultural troupe to Pakistan.
During the meeting, the ambassador informed the minister that the troupe would visit Pakistan at the invitation of the Prime Minister and has been accorded the status of state guests.
He said it is the largest Tajik cultural delegation to visit Pakistan to date.
The delegation, comprising artisans, singers, artists and dancers, will showcase Tajik culture through performances and exhibitions.
Cultural stalls will be set up, and performances will be held at Lok Virsa and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, followed by events in Lahore.
Aleem Khan welcomed the delegation and underscored the strong cultural and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He said cultural exchanges play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people contacts and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
The minister assured full cooperation to ensure the successful conduct of all planned activities during the visit.
The federal minister also appreciated Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir’s fluency in Urdu, terming it a reflection of his affection and attachment to Pakistan.
The Tajik cultural troupe will remain in Pakistan from December 16 to December 24.
The delegation will be led by Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture and former deputy prime minister, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon.
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