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Pakistan Halal Authority Awards Certificate to IAC at ICCBS, University of Karachi

By
Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP):The Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA), Government of Pakistan, has awarded the Halal Testing Laboratory Recognition Certificate to the Industrial Analytical Center (IAC) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.
The certificate has been granted to IAC for testing articles to ascertain the halal compliance of products in accordance with recognized halal standards, said a statement on Tuesday.
The recognition has been awarded under the powers conferred by Section 34 of the PHA Act, 2016, read with Section 11 of the Pakistan Halal Authority (Business) Rules, 2021, pertaining to the recognition of laboratories.
This achievement was discussed during a meeting held at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS. He congratulated all team members on this significant accomplishment.
Prof. Raza Shah stated that this achievement reflects the international recognition of IAC’s strong technical expertise and robust quality assurance practices.
He added that the laboratory, as an integral part of the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, has reached an important milestone in its pursuit of global excellence in food safety testing.
He further noted that IAC is a commercial entity operating under the auspices of the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments to meet the specific requirements of various industries. These facilities, he said, make the center one of the finest in the region in terms of instrumental capabilities.
It is pertinent to mention that IAC houses a Halal Testing Laboratory for food and cosmetic products, offering services such as the detection of non-halal ingredients, meat identification, GMO testing, and alcohol determination. The Halal Testing Laboratory has been established to standardize and enhance high-quality nutrition and hygiene standards in halal-certified food and other products, in accordance with international export quality requirements.

SU postpones syndicate election following court orders

By
Kamran Muraad
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HYDERABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The University of Sindh has postponed the election for membership of its Syndicate on officers’ only-seat in compliance with the orders of the Honorable Sindh High Court, Circuit Bench Hyderabad.
The SU spokesperson told on Tuesday that an official notification issued in this regard by the Registrar and Election Officer. The decision follows the High Court’s directives in Constitutional Petition No. D-6062 of 2025, dated December 9, 2025. The election, scheduled to be held on December 19, 2025 under Section 22(1)(xviii) of the University of Sindh Act, 1972 (as amended from time to time), has been deferred until further notice.
The notification states that a revised election schedule will be communicated in due course of time.

Over 9,860 tractors assembled in first five months of FY2025-26

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): Tractors production in the country during the first 05 months of the current financial year was recorded at 9,860 as compared to the production of the 11,463 tractors of the same period of the corresponding period of the last year.
Meanwhile, the sales of tractors during the period under review were recorded at 9,530 as compared to the sales of 10,367 tractors of the same period of the last year.
According to the data of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, the output of FIAT Al-Ghazi was stood at 3,408 tractors in five months of current financial year as compared to the production of 4,660 tractors.
On the other hand, the sale of the FIAT tractors were recorded at 3,405 during the the period under review as compared to the sale of 4,946 tractors of the same period of the last year.
Massay Ferguson produced about 6,452 tractors during the first five months of the current financial year as compared to the output of 6,803 tractors of the same period of the last year, whereas the sale of the tractors were recorded at 6,485 as compared to the sales of 5,421 tractors of the same period of the last year.

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

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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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.

ITA issues 6,254 emission stickers in 15 days, 486 in last 24 hours

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) on Tuesday released a 15-day performance report under its vehicle emission testing drive, showing inspections of 6,254 vehicles, issuance of 6,254 emission stickers, and action against 12 smoke-emitting vehicles.
In the last 24 hours, teams issued 486 stickers during inspections across the city. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to limit air pollution through regular checks, roadside action, and expanded inspection points.
The ITA said the vehicle emission testing system remains active across Islamabad with daily inspections and enforcement against vehicles found releasing smoke. The authority shared details of inspections, sticker issuance, and enforcement steps taken during the past 15 days, highlighting progress and future plans to improve access for citizens.
According to the report, inspection teams checked 6,254 vehicles over the 15-day period and issued emission stickers to vehicles that met the required standards. These stickers confirm that a vehicle has passed emission checks and can operate on city roads. In the last 24 hours alone, teams inspected vehicles at multiple locations and issued 486 emission stickers, showing steady daily activity.
The authority also reported enforcement actions against vehicles found emitting smoke. During different operations, 12 vehicles were taken to police stations for further action under the relevant rules. Officials said these steps are meant to ensure compliance and discourage the use of vehicles that contribute to air pollution.
ITA spokesperson said inspection teams are continuing checks across the city. He said teams are deployed on major roads and busy areas to identify vehicles that release smoke and to guide drivers on emission testing requirements. He added that the inspection process is being carried out regularly to cover more areas and maintain continuity.
The report noted that roadside operations are ongoing on different highways and main roads. These operations focus on checking vehicle emissions, issuing stickers to compliant vehicles, and taking action against those that fail to meet the standards. Officials said the presence of teams on key routes helps improve coverage and allows quick checks during peak traffic hours.
The report also highlighted coordination among inspection teams working in different sectors of Islamabad. Teams are assigned routes and schedules to ensure citywide coverage. This approach, the authority said, allows inspections to continue without interruption and helps collect daily data on vehicle compliance.
During the reporting period, teams focused on awareness alongside enforcement. Drivers were informed about the importance of emission testing and the process for obtaining stickers. Officials said guidance at inspection points helps drivers understand requirements and encourages voluntary compliance.
The authority also urged vehicle owners to cooperate with inspection teams and ensure their vehicles undergo emission testing. Officials said compliance helps reduce pollution and supports public health goals. They added that timely testing can prevent penalties and reduce inconvenience during roadside checks.

ICT admin installs 82,545 M-Tags since November, 1,986 issued in last 24 hours

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The process of installing M-Tags on vehicles in the federal capital has picked up pace, with 82,545 vehicles tagged since November and 1,986 M-Tags issued in the last 24 hours, according to an official daily performance report by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.
The initiative aims to ensure that vehicles entering and moving within the city are registered under the M-Tag system, which supports automated checks on major roads, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.
According to the report, M-Tag issuance has continued on a daily basis since November. The total figure of 82,545 vehicles reflects combined output from all active points in the city. In the most recent 24-hour period, 1,986 vehicles received M-Tags, indicating steady daily throughput.
The district administration said that 13 M-Tag points are functioning to facilitate vehicle owners. These points are spread across Islamabad to reduce travel time and crowding. Officials said the number of points was increased to ensure timely service and to meet demand from motorists.
Alongside issuance, the installation of M-Tag readers is underway on different highways and main roads across the city. The district administration said these readers will scan each vehicle’s M-Tag status automatically as vehicles pass through monitored routes. The system is intended to support checks without stopping traffic.
Officials explained that the readers will identify whether a vehicle has a valid M-Tag. Vehicles without tags may face action under applicable rules once enforcement begins on covered routes. The administration said the goal is to ensure compliance through system-based monitoring.
Authorities urged vehicle owners to install M-Tags without delay to avoid legal action. Officials said early compliance will help motorists move smoothly through monitored routes and prevent issues during checks. They added that M-Tag installation is a one-time process that can be completed at designated points.
The administration said public awareness efforts are ongoing at issuance points. Staff guide vehicle owners on the process and requirements to complete installation. Officials said this approach helps reduce processing time and supports orderly service.
Installation teams are also coordinating with traffic and enforcement units as readers are placed on highways. Officials said this coordination is needed to ensure that readers are aligned with traffic flow and operational needs. The administration added that testing is conducted before readers become active.
The district administration said the M-Tag system is being expanded in phases. With 13 active points, daily issuance figures are expected to remain consistent. Officials said further adjustments will be made if demand increases.

Pakistan Railways retrieves 56.62 marlas of land near Usman Khattar

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 16 (APP): The Pakistan Railways on Tuesday carried out an anti-encroachment operation near Usman Khattar Railway Station on the Taxila–Havelian section, retrieving 56.62 marlas of high-value railway land, an official spokesman said.
He said the operation was conducted on the special directives of Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, during which all illegal constructions and shops established on the railway land were demolished.
According to the spokesman, the recovered land is worth millions of rupees and the operation was supervised by officials of the Pakistan Railways’ Property and Land Branch.
He said the action reflected the Pakistan Railways’ commitment to protecting its assets and ensuring the effective utilisation of government property, adding that the minister had reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against illegal occupation of railway land.
The spokesman said similar operations against encroachments and land grabbers would continue across the Rawalpindi Division and other divisions to safeguard national assets.
He said the Pakistan Railways had also appealed to the public to cooperate in protecting government property and to report any illegal activities related to the railway land to ensure transparency and preservation of public assets.

Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The Rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 280.30 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs 280.31.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.1 and Rs 283.35, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 0.70 to close at Rs 329.48, from the previous day’s close of Rs 328.78, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 1.81, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs 0.81 and closed at Rs 375.40 compared to the previous day’s Rs 374.59.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham remained stagnant at Rs 76.32 while the Saudi Riyal went up by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 74.71.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemns firing on anti-polio team in Bajaur

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has condemned the firing incident targeting an anti-polio team within the limits of Police Station Khar in Bajaur.
Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of a constable and a passerby as a result of the firing, and paid tribute to Constable Sajjad Ahmed, who embraced martyrdom.
The Interior Minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of Shaheed Constable Sajjad Ahmed and the passerby, stating that Constable Sajjad Ahmed attained the great rank of martyrdom while performing his duty. He said that Shaheed Constable Sajjad Ahmed is a hero of the nation.
Mohsin Naqvi further said that an attack on a team working to safeguard the future of children is a heinous act carried out by brutal elements.

PSX turns bearish, sheds 294 points

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday closed bearish, shedding 294.05 points, a negative change of 0.17 percent, to settle at 170,447.30 points compared to 170,741.35 points on the previous trading day, according to PSX data.
During the session, the ready market witnessed a trading volume of 1,176.638 million shares with a traded value of Rs53.473 billion, against 905.685 million shares valuing Rs47.718 billion in the previous session. Market capitalization declined to Rs19.370 trillion from Rs19.405 trillion a day earlier.
Out of 482 active companies in the ready market, 161 advanced, 290 declined, while 31 remained unchanged.
Pak International Bulk Terminal topped the volume chart with 101.813 million shares, followed by Bank of Punjab with 88.665 million shares and TPL Properties with 80.372 million shares.
The top gainers included Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which rose by Rs125.00 to close at Rs29,125.00, and Dawood Lawrencepur Limited, increasing by Rs63.52 to settle at Rs698.68. On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited-B declined by Rs896.00 to close at Rs23,200.00, while Hoechst Pakistan Limited fell by Rs292.06 to close at Rs4,516.93.
In the futures market, turnover stood at 271.071 million shares with a traded value of Rs13.531 billion, compared to 202.260 million shares worth Rs13.889 billion in the previous session.
Out of 316 futures-market companies, 107 recorded gains, 203 declined, while six remained unchanged. Among futures contracts, PIBTL-Dec led with 33.934 million shares, followed by BOP-Dec with 31.499 million shares and PIAHCLA-Dec with 29.881 million shares.
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