Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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CM monitoring team inspects District Council Sialkot

By
Kamran Muraad
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SIALKOT, Dec 16 (APP): A team of the Punjab government under the Chief Minister’s Inspection, Surveillance and Monitoring Directorate inspected the District Council Sialkot as part of the ongoing monitoring drive.
According to the details, the Chairperson of the directorate, Brigadier (R) Babar Alauddin (SI(M)), reviewed governance, administrative performance, public service delivery, and development projects. He directed Chief Officer Faisal Shahzad to keep official records updated and ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance of public parks.
He said improvement of public facilities was a top priority of the Punjab government and warned that negligence would not be tolerated. The team also reviewed the situation of housing schemes, action against encroachments, and measures to increase revenue. Relevant district officers were present on the occasion.

SCCI demands reducing interest rate to single digit

By
Kamran Muraad
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ESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) expressed dissatisfaction over a 0.5 percent cut in the rate of interest and termed it a drop in the ocean and urged bringing it down to a single digit.
In a press statement issued here on Tuesday, President Junaid Altaf, Senior Vice President Muhammad Nadeem, Vice President Sabir Ahmad Bangash and the entire executive committee emphasized that it is crucial to bring down the policy rate to 6.0 per cent.
If the policy rate were brought down to a single digit, that would bring further economic stability and industrial growth, and also pave the way for enabling the environment to foster commercial activities, senior office bearers remarked. The rate of inflation has visibly dropped, they stated, adding that, according to official figures, the national economy is on a path to sustainable progress.
In the prevailing depressing conditions, they said the policy rate cut is insufficient to improve the overall economic situation and clarified that economic growth is impossible sans bringing down interest at 6.0 percent.
President Junaid Altaf has pushed for a further decrease in policy rate that would accelerate industrial and commercial activities and put the national economy on a path of durable and sustainable growth.
The SCCI chief pointed out that the highest power and gas tariff, harsh institutional policies, exorbitant tax rate and record high interest rate in the region are the major contributors to hindering business and industrial progress. Lowest markup rate, whereas its ratio in Pakistan is merely 2.1 percent.
President Junaid Altaf stressed that the tax base should be widened by effective implementation of a mechanism for Ease of Doing Business.
He also emphasised the need for a drastic and extraordinary reduction in power tariffs and interest rates.
The SCCI chief called for the reshaping and formulation of durable and sustainable economic policies to provide opportunities to local investors on priority grounds and enhance business and commercial activities effectively in the regional market.
President Junaid Altaf praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council for its vigorous efforts for promotion of investment and businesses, and urged to bring down the current interest rate under PM’s vision and sustained efforts of SIFC for accelerating economic activities in the country.

UHC central to Pakistan’s health, population reforms: Mustafa Kamal

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday said that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was a cornerstone of the government’s national development strategy, as Pakistan stood at a critical and challenging demographic juncture.
The Minister emphasized that policy commitments must be translated into tangible and measurable health outcomes for all Pakistanis.
He was chairing a joint meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Health and Population Council and the Universal Health Coverage Country Platform, organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination with the support of the British High Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The meeting aimed to harmonize national, provincial and development partner investments, with a focus on evidence-informed strategic and programmatic reforms, while ensuring coherence across health and population programmes and initiatives.
The minister said the prevailing demographic situation was impacting every aspect of national development, particularly the health and population sectors.
He said the upcoming National Health and Population Policy (2026–2035) would serve as a strategic compass to guide reforms and policy implementation.
“Health is not merely a sectoral issue, it is a foundational investment in human capital and economic stability,” he stated, adding that the policy provided a practical, evidence-based and action-oriented roadmap for the future.
Syed Mustafa Kamal said the policy charted a clear path toward a healthier, more empowered and resilient population, while reflecting Pakistan’s national commitment to demographic resilience, gender equality and social justice.
He stressed the need for sustained political will and collaborative action to ensure effective implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for National Health Services Dr Mukhtar Bharath said that local vaccine production was a strategic investment in national health security and a critical step toward self-reliance and sustainable development.
He said achieving the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level-3 was essential to ensure regulatory systems met global standards of quality, safety and efficacy, enabling locally produced vaccines to gain international confidence and market access.
Dr Mukhtar Bharath further stated that drafting a National Health Insurance Act with provincial consensus was imperative to guarantee equitable access to life-saving products, strengthen pooled healthcare financing and ensure the long-term sustainability of the health system. He said these measures would protect the population, reduce dependence on imports and position Pakistan as a credible contributor to global health resilience.
Punjab Health and Population Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said population dynamics were closely linked to sustainable development, adding that managing population growth was not merely a demographic goal but a critical determinant of health, education and economic prosperity.
He said addressing health and population priorities was essential to achieving equitable and sustainable development for all segments of society.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaleeq ur Rehman said health was the foundation of a prosperous and peaceful society, stressing the need to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, expand digital health services in remote areas and increase investment in the health workforce to ensure no citizen was left behind.
The meeting was attended by provincial and federating area health and population ministers and secretaries, along with health development partners, representatives of UN agencies, academia, regulatory entities and other health and population stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with a collective reaffirmation to deepen collaboration, synchronize resources and accelerate reforms under the overarching vision of the National Health and Population Policy, with participants stressing the need to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare for every citizen without financial hardship.

APS tragedy perpetrators not worthy of being called humans: Tayyab Qureshi

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):Chief Khateeb Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, has said that those who martyred innocent children in the Army Public School (APS) tragedy are not worthy of being called human beings and will never be forgiven by the nation.
He expressed these views while addressing a special prayer ceremony held at the renowned religious seminary Jamia Ashrafia on the occasion of the APS martyrs’ remembrance here on Tuesday.
Maulana Tayyab Qureshi said that terrorists who took the lives of innocent children are a black stain on the face of humanity. He emphasized that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs, shares their grief and pays tribute to their courage and patience.
He stated that the children martyred in the APS tragedy were not only the children of their parents but of the entire nation, which is why the whole Pakistani nation commemorates this day in their memory, along with the brave soldiers who laid down their lives while saving the innocent students.
The Chief Khateeb stressed that, along with remembering the innocent APS martyrs, the nation must also remember the soldiers of the Pakistan Army and other security institutions who sacrificed their lives to protect the children.
He appealed to the entire nation to rise against terrorism and become the strength of the Pakistan Army. He paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, police and other security agencies for the country.
Maulana Tayyab Qureshi said that religious seminaries and scholars stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army. He urged the nation to set aside all differences and pledge to work together for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
He further said that the entire nation is grateful to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for leading the country to victory, by the grace of Allah, in Maraka-e-Haq and Operation “Bunyanun um Marsoos”, defeating a much larger enemy. He added that this victory has been acknowledged by the world, including the United States and is a source of pride for every Pakistani.

DC reviews municipal services, cleanliness measures

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza on Tuesday conducted an early morning surprise visit to various areas of Tehsil Allama Iqbal Town to review cleanliness and municipal service delivery in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Suthra Punjab” vision.
The DC inspected sanitation arrangements in Samsani, Khokhar Chowk and surrounding localities in Johar Town, accompanied by Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, Assistant Commissioner Allama Iqbal Town and senior officials of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
During the inspection, the DC observed unsatisfactory cleanliness conditions and heaps of garbage at several locations, and expressed strong displeasure over poor performance. He issued strict on-the-spot directions to the LWMC officials to immediately improve sanitation arrangements and ensure effective waste removal.
DC Syed Musa Raza said a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against negligence and poor cleanliness arrangements, warning that no lapse at any level would be tolerated. He directed that garbage and construction debris on streets and main roads be removed without delay to ensure a clean and healthy environment for citizens.
The Deputy Commissioner cautioned that departmental action, along with strict legal measures, would be taken against officials found negligent in performing their duties. He also directed LWMC to significantly improve its performance and ensure prompt and effective redressal of public complaints.
Emphasizing the district administration’s priorities, DC Syed Musa Raza said cleanliness and beautification of the city were among the top priorities, adding that all available resources would be utilized to make Lahore a modern and exemplary zero-waste city. He said such field visits would continue to ensure improved municipal services and public welfare.

KP govt approves Rs 860mln development package for minority communities: Shafi Jan

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkkhwa (KP) on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, had said that the provincial government is implementing landmark measures to protect the rights of minority communities while promoting their development and overall welfare.
He said that Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has approved a comprehensive development package worth Rs. 860 million for minority communities across the province.
He expressed these views in a video message alongside the Chief Minister’s Focal Person for Minority Affairs, Wazir Zada.
Shafi Jan said that the provincial government is taking serious and practical steps to improve education, enhance employment opportunities and upgrade places of worship for minority communities.
Providing further details, he said that Rs. 80 million has been allocated for scholarships for minority students from matriculation to PhD level.
Additionally, Rs 200 million has been approved to support preparation for competitive examinations such as CSS and PMS, along with skills development programs for minority youth.
Shafi Jan stated that Rs 300 million has been earmarked to promote interfaith harmony, community exchange programs, and the organization of religious festivals of minority communities.
Furthermore, Rs 100 million has been allocated for the renovation of places of worship in the merged districts, while Rs 70 million has been set aside for the repair and improvement of places of worship in the settled districts.
Shafi Jan further stated that Rs 100 million has been approved for the repair and rehabilitation of cremation grounds and graveyards.
Highlighting other ongoing initiatives, he said that construction and rehabilitation work on places of worship and minority colonies is currently underway at a cost of Rs 410 million, reflecting the provincial government’s strong commitment to minority welfare.
The Special Assistant noted that a two percent quota has been reserved for minority students in all educational institutions, while full implementation of a five percent job quota for minorities in government departments is being ensured.
He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to lead other provinces in terms of good governance.
On the occasion, the CM’s Focal Person for Minority Affairs, Wazir Zada, expressed gratitude to the provincial government for approving the development package and allocating substantial funds, stating that these initiatives will significantly benefit minority communities across the province.

CDNS attain Rs 650 billion savings inflows by December 15th, FY 25-26

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has achieved a mark of Rs 650 billion in savings inflows of the yearly target for the current fiscal year, from July 1 to December 15th, 2025-26, for promoting the saving culture in the country.
The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), has set a savings inflows target of Rs 1.3 trillion for the current Fiscal Year, 2025-26.
Similarly, the CDNS has set a target of Rs 50 billion in investments in Islamic Investment for the Current Fiscal Year 2025-26, which will lead to the growth of the Islamic economy in the country, the senior official of CDNS told APP on Tuesday.
The senior official of CDNS said that the National Savings has set an annual target of Rs 1650 billion for the current Fiscal Year, 2024-25, which will promote the country’s saving culture.
Similarly, the CDNS has set a target of Rs170 billion in investments in Islamic finance for the Current Fiscal Year, which will lead to the growth of this sector.
Replying to a question, he said that the CDNS has realized a target of Rs1.742 trillion in fresh bonds and exceeded 100 per cent of the annual target in the last fiscal year 2023-24, from July 1 to June 30.
National Savings has set an annual target of Rs1.7 trillion for the year 2023-24; it is encouraging that this year, “We surpassed 100 per cent of the annual target.”
The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the previous fiscal year 2022-23, he said.
He said it was Rs 200 billion additional annual targets than the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021-22.
The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the financial year (2021-22) which will promote a savings culture in the country, he said, adding that given the current market trend in the country, the ambitious target had been set to further improve the savings culture.
The official said that work was being done on institutional reforms in CDNS, and new reforms and innovations were being introduced.

Member of the National Assembly, Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, called on the Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in federal capital.

By
Wajid
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Member of the National Assembly, Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, called on the Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in federal capital.
APP25-161225
ISLAMABAD: December 16 –

Chairperson IPO-Pakistan, Ambassador Farukh Amil visits the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Peshawar.

By
Wajid
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Chairperson IPO-Pakistan, Ambassador Farukh Amil visits the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Peshawar.
APP24-161225
PESHAWAR: December 16 –

KP govt forms body to ensure transparency in recruitment process of visiting lecturers

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi, the Higher Education Department (HED) has constituted a grievance redressal committee to ensure transparency in the recruitment process of visiting lecturers.
According to an official notification, the committee will review complaints submitted by candidates regarding the ongoing temporary recruitment of visiting lecturers on a semester and credit-hour basis.
The committee will be headed by the Special Secretary Higher Education, while its members will include the Additional Secretary (Colleges), Director General Education, and other senior officers.
The purpose of the committee is to promote transparency in the recruitment process and to ensure timely and fair resolution of candidates’ grievances.
The notification stated that candidates having any complaints related to the recruitment of visiting lecturers may submit their written grievances by December 26, 2025. Complaints received after the stipulated deadline will not be entertained.
Candidates can submit their complaints to the committee via phone number 091-9214110, mobile number 0318-9119778, and email address complain@hed.gkp.pk.
After scrutiny of the received complaints, the committee will submit its recommendations to the competent authority for appropriate action.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi said that there is no room for favoritism, corruption, or nepotism in the recruitment of lecturers.
He emphasized that the establishment of a transparent and merit-based system is the government’s top priority.
He further stated that all possible measures are being taken to restore public trust and improve the overall quality of education in the province.
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