Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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12-day Christmas celebrations underway on CM’s instructions

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, 12-day Christmas celebrations are underway across Punjab under the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department, with events focusing on orphan children and minority welfare.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora on Tuesday visited Yuhannabad to distribute Christmas gifts among orphan children and share the festive spirit. Food was also served during the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said Christmas carried a message of love and humanity, and highlighted that the chief minister had instructed authorities to ensure celebrations for orphan children. He emphasized that religious minorities were equal partners in the development of Punjab and that their rights were being fully protected under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
Ramesh Singh Arora noted that the increase in Minority Cards was a practical step benefiting the Christian community, and that the government was collaborating with educational institutions, churches, and community representatives to further minority welfare. He added that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, minority religious festivals were being officially celebrated at the provincial level.
The minister said the 12-day celebrations would continue across Punjab, reinforcing the government’s commitment to interfaith harmony, inclusion, and the welfare of minority communities.

Mock exercise conducted

By
Kamran Muraad
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SARGODHA, Dec 16 (APP):Mock exercises were conducted in various educational institutions of Sargodha including Medical College Sargodha, Government College Tariqabad, Government Associate College Miani to train students to control themselves in emergency situations and law enforcement agencies to deal with emergency situations.
During the mock exercise,a call was received regarding the presence of suspicious persons, to which all law and order force agencies responded in a timely manner.
DPO Sargodha,Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf on the occasion said that the purpose of the mock exercises is to provide practical demonstrations to deal with any emergency situation.
Elite Force, District Police, Special Branch, Security Branch, CTD, Bomb Disposal, Civil Defense, 1122 and other agencies participated in the mock exercises.
All law enforcement agencies, including the police, are always ready to deal with any emergency situation, the DPO concluded.

Met office predicts cold, dry weather for Sindh

By
Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted dry weather in most districts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
However, cold conditions are likely during morning or at night.
While fog (in patches) may develop in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmor, Larkana, Mohenjodaro and their surroundings during morning or night hours.
Mainly, dry weather is likely to prevail in the province.

Pakistan, Azerbaijan eye $2 billion investment, expand economic cooperation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said Pakistan and Azerbaijan were working to translate their strong relations into tangible trade and investment outcomes, with Azerbaijan expressing an appetite to invest close to $2 billion in Pakistan.
In an interview with Report, the minister said bilateral relations, particularly with Azerbaijan, had grown stronger since the current government assumed office, with frequent high-level engagements including visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s participation during the COP29 timeframe in Baku.
He said the focus was now on enhancing trade and investment flows, adding that energy, oil and gas, as well as minerals and mining, had emerged as key sectors for potential joint projects. “These are clear areas of focus as we move forward,” he remarked.
Providing details on the proposed investment package, Senator Aurangzeb said discussions were underway with Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR, which was exploring the possibility of investing in an oil pipeline project in Pakistan. He termed the talks as being at an early stage but expressed hope that it could be among the first projects to materialize.
Commenting on Azerbaijan’s readiness to provide a further $1 billion loan to Pakistan, the finance minister said the financing could take multiple forms, including placements with the State Bank of Pakistan or support for Azerbaijani investors operating in Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan was not seeking aid, but rather sustainable financing linked to trade and investment activities.
On cooperation in the digital economy, the minister said Pakistan was keen to learn from Azerbaijan’s progress in technology-led service centers, artificial intelligence, fintech, and cyber security. He added that Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a “Digital Pakistan” offered scope for collaboration in payment systems, digital infrastructure, Web 3.0, and AI.
Looking ahead, Senator Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation amid stress in the global trade regime, noting that new trade corridors linking Pakistan with Central Asian republics, particularly Azerbaijan, could become strategically important over the next five years.
He said current bilateral trade of less than $50 million did not reflect the true potential of the two economies, and efforts were underway to identify priority sectors to make trade flows more meaningful.
The minister also underscored the need for developing financial instruments such as joint grants, guarantees, export credit insurance, and Islamic finance to support bilateral trade and investment. He said facilitation measures, including opening bank offices and representative branches in both countries, would play a crucial role in advancing the ambitious economic agenda between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

District Interfaith Committee reviews arrangements for Christmas 2025 in Rawalpindi

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 16 (APP):A meeting of the District Interfaith Harmony Committee was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here on Tuesday to review arrangements for Christmas 2025, with particular focus on security and facilitation for the Christian community.
The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr Hassan Tariq and attended by representatives of the police, security agencies, different religious communities and the trader community.
The participants reviewed arrangements for security, traffic management, cleanliness, lighting, power supply and facilities for religious activities during Christmas.
Officials of the security agencies briefed the meeting on plans to deploy special security at churches and other sensitive locations and to increase patrolling, while the traffic police presented a special plan for managing congestion at busy locations during the festivities.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Hassan Tariq said ensuring a peaceful, safe and pleasant environment for citizens during Christmas was a top priority of the district administration. He directed all relevant departments to complete arrangements in a timely and effective manner.
At the conclusion of the meeting, emphasis was laid on joint efforts to promote interfaith harmony and maintain peace during the Christmas celebrations.

RDA inflows rise to $11.494 bn in Nov 2025

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The inflow of remittances under Roshan Digital Account (RDA) has risen to US $11.494 billion by the end of November 2025, as compared to US $11.313 billion by October 2025) end.
The data showed that the inflows of remittances during November were recorded at US$181 million as compared to US$205 million in October and US$196 million in September 2025, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
These accounts provide innovative banking solutions to millions of Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs), including Non-Resident Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders, seeking to undertake banking, payment, and investment activities in Pakistan.
The number of accounts registered under the programme also rose by 9,572 to 883,037 in November 2025 from 873,465 accounts in October 2025.
By the end of October, overseas Pakistanis have invested US $496 million in Naya Pakistan Certificates, US $1,013 million in Naya Pakistan Islamic Certificates, and US $100 million in Roshan Equity Investment.

CM makes surprise visit to LRH

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi paid a surprise visit to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) after receiving a public complaint and reviewed the situation on ground.
The CM inspected various departments from the emergency ward to the children’s ward and held direct meetings with patients and their attendants to assess the quality of services being provided.
Taking serious notice of patients sleeping on the floor he ordered immediate relief measures and directed the hospital administration to address the issue without delay.
Reiterating zero tolerance for negligence the chief minister announced free treatment for a child suffering from cancer.
He said that health and education were the top priorities of the provincial government and directed hospital administrations to leave no stone unturned in providing the best possible healthcare facilities to patients.

National gemstones policy finalized to enhance exports

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review and finalize the National Gemstones Policy, aimed at unlocking the vast untapped potential of Pakistan’s gemstones sector.
During the meeting, specialized working groups on Import–Export, Banking and Finance, and Return & Refund Policies presented their recommendations for inclusion in the policy framework, said a news release.
Haroon said that, following extensive consultations with experts, the policy and quality standards have been aligned with international benchmarks.
In line with the vision of Prime Minister, the policy focuses on accelerating growth, promoting value addition, and transforming the gemstones industry into a competitive export-oriented sector.
He emphasized that there is a strong consensus that Pakistan can emerge as a leader in the global gems and jewelry market.
Highlighting existing challenges, the SAPM noted that the gemstones sector currently suffers from high wastage, limited value addition, and declining exports.
Due to unscientific extraction and processing methods, up to 50 percent wastage occurs at various stages. Despite enormous potential, gemstone exports have remained limited to $ 5–7 million in recent years.
Haroon Akhtar underscored that, following stakeholder consultations, formalization and documentation of the entire gemstones value chain has been made a top priority of the policy.
To stimulate growth, the government will provide targeted financing, streamlined facilitation, and smart incentives for the sector.
Under the National Gemstones Policy, a new Statutory Authority will be established to act as the custodian of the policy, facilitate businesses, and ensure effective inter-agency coordination.
The policy also proposed the establishment of a National Warranty Office, along with commercial desks at airports to support gemstone exporters.
The National Warranty Office will offer an integrated, transparent, and efficient system for gemstone exports, including packaging and certification services.
Additionally, proposals include the provision of efficient courier services, international digital banking solutions such as Nayapay, and easy online registration mechanisms to further facilitate exporters.
Terming the gemstones industry a billion-dollar sector, Haroon Akhtar said that proper documentation and regulatory reforms would significantly boost Pakistan’s economy.
He concluded by reaffirming that all policy measures are geared toward enhancing exports, formalizing the sector, and providing maximum facilitation to exporters.

Federal Power Minister condoles death of Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of senior politician and former chief minister of Punjab, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo.
In a condolence message issued here on Monday, the minister prayed for the eternal peace and forgiveness of the departed soul and for elevation of his ranks in Jannah.
Leghari extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, saying that Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo was a prudent, astute and people-friendly political leader whose services to Pakistan’s politics would always be remembered.
He further prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased a high place in Jannatul Firdaus and bestow patience and strength upon the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

Arrested accused Parvez confesses to killing Dr Warda

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):In a major development in Dr. Warda murder case, the arrested accused Parvez has confessed to the crime, while police have also recovered the murder weapon.
The investigation officer has once again appealed to the court for physical remand of the accused, stating that the case is of a serious nature and further custody is required for investigation.
According to investigating police, gold jewelry and 10 receipts were recovered from the possession of Waheed Billa, the husband of Rida Jadoon, who has been identified as the mastermind of the case. On the identification of the accused, police also recovered the rope used to strangle Dr. Warda to death.
Police said that cheques worth Rs.12.3 million were also recovered from the accused during the investigation. The investigation team has completed all legal requirements, including identification of the crime scene and planning locations.
During interrogation, the accused confessed that the initial plan to kidnap and murder Dr. Warda was made at Waheed Billa’s house, involving Waheed Billa, Rida and Nadeem. The second planning meeting took place at Waheed Billa’s shop, attended by Waheed, Nadeem and Shumraiz. The final plan was prepared during a meeting at Sheikh Dheri, where Shumraiz, Nadeem and Parvez finalized the details.
The investigation team has presented all evidence and witnesses before the court. It is noteworthy that accused Parvez has formally admitted his involvement in the murder of Dr. Warda.
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