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SP judicial protection reviews security at red zone, superior courts

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Superintendent of Police (SP) Judicial Protection Unit Muhammad Iqbal Khan visited the Red Zone and security duty points at the superior courts to review security arrangements and ensure effective performance by deployed personnel.
An official told APP on Tuesday that the SP inspected security deployments and issued clear instructions to officers and officials to remain fully alert at all times and discharge their duties with professionalism and vigilance.
The official said that SP Muhammad Iqbal Khan emphasised strict checking, close monitoring of entry and exit points, and immediate reporting of any suspicious activity to senior officers. He directed the deployed staff to ensure foolproof security of judges, lawyers, litigants and court premises.
Under the supervision of SSP Security Syed Zeeshan Haider, security arrangements at sensitive locations, including the Red Zone and higher courts, are being continuously reviewed to maintain a robust security posture.
SP Judicial Protection also stressed the importance of discipline, coordination and courteous behaviour with citizens, noting that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of key institutions remain a top priority of Islamabad Police.
He reaffirmed that no negligence in security duties would be tolerated and that regular inspections would continue to strengthen the security framework of the federal capital.

National polio eradication drive continues successfully in AJK

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MIRPUR (AJK): , Dec 16 (APP):In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the nation-wide 04-day polio eradication drive  on Tuesday continued successfully for the 2nd consecutive day.
 The campaign will continue till December 18 without any break.
At least  7.12 lakh  children up to five years of age,  were targeted to be  administered polio vaccine during the  campaign  launched  across AJK on Monday, the State Health Services Authorities said.
The drive   was launched across AJK by the State  Health Services Department with the coordination of the World Health Organization (WHO), the state health authorities said  talking to   APP  while  unveiling the salient features of  the  immunization campaign against polio.
They underlined that no case of polio disease had been emerged any where in the liberated since last 25 years.
 And in lake district of Mirpur, District Health Officer,  Dr. Fida Hussain said that  since Mirpur district had been comprising the total population of 4,38,319 persons which included over 76 thousand children under five years of age  would be immunized with polio vaccine and vitamin ‘A’ drops  during door to door visit by mobile para medical teams besides at 14 transit points and fixed centers across the district.
 The district, he said,  had been remarked  into four zones with the induction of one  supervisor in each zone to implement the drive.
 “One  ward In-charge will supervise the campaign in the concerned specified area falling in each Union Council in the district.”, he said adding that  a total of 84  Union Councils / Ward In-charges would look after the campaign in all  union councils in  the district.
Elaborating the district-wise anti-polio drive, Dr. Fida Hussain further said that a total of 400 mobile teams of paramedical staff involving over 900 para-medical workers had been constituted and 41 fixed centers had been set up in the district to immunize the children with the polio vaccine.
  “The mobile teams will visit door to door  to feed the children with the polio vaccine during the campaign”, he said. At least six thousand vials of the anti-polio vaccine  had been managed for the vaccination during the campaign, he added.
The DHO advised  the parents to cooperate the visiting mobile paramedic teams to make the national anti-polio campaign complete success.

APS Peshawar Tragedy:IGP Punjab pays tribute to martyrs on 11th anniversary

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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar on Tuesday paid rich tribute to the teachers,students and all martyrs of the APS Peshawar tragedy on its 11th anniversary.
In a message,the IGP said that the Punjab Police saluted all those who embraced martyrdom in the tragic incident and also paid tribute to the courage,resilience and steadfastness of the families of the APS martyrs.
He said that the APS Peshawar tragedy united the entire Pakistani nation against terrorism and its memories were still fresh in the hearts of the people.
He added that the Punjab Police would not allow the sacrifices of the APS martyrs to go in vain.
Dr.Usman Anwar reiterated that Khawarij terrorists,extremists and all elements involved in terrorism would be eliminated from their roots.
He said the Punjab Police would continue to remain vigilant round the clock to thwart the nefarious designs of terrorists who were enemies of peace and the future of the nation.
The IGP reaffirmed the resolve of the force to safeguard peace and security and to ensure a safe future for coming generations.

Punjab becomes first province to approve Child Protection Policy:Secretary Home

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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):Punjab Home Department Secretary,Dr.Ahmed Javed Qazi on Tuesday chaired an important meeting at the Home Department to review the Child Protection Policy framework and the coordinated strategy and linkages among all relevant institutions.
The meeting was attended by Chairperson Child Protection & Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Sarah Ahmed,Additional Secretary Home Asma Cheema,Director General(DG) Rao Nadeem Akhtar,Programme Lead Child Protection UNICEF Pakistan Zahida Manzoor and other relevant officials.
Secretary Home Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said Punjab had become the first province to approve a comprehensive Child Protection Policy aimed at safeguarding children’s rights.
He said the policy provided a practical framework for the protection of children’s rights and reiterated zero tolerance for violence, abuse and exploitation against children.
He added that all stakeholders had been brought on one page to make the child protection mechanism effective across the province.
The secretary said the Home Department was also running a “Good Touch,Bad Touch” awareness campaign for child protection.
He maintained that implementation of the Child Protection Policy would help establish a safe and dignified society for children,while the new policy would ensure institutional coordination and an effective response mechanism.
Dr Ahmed also reviewed the performance of Child Protection Units established across the province,stating that children were being provided safe shelter,food,education,healthcare facilities,along with psychological and legal assistance. He added that a special helpline for child protection had also been established through Emergency 15.
Chairperson CPWB Sarah Ahmed termed the approval of the Child Protection Policy a historic milestone for the protection of children. She said the policy reflected the Chief Minister Punjab’s strong commitment to children’s rights and would strengthen the child protection system across the province.
She further said that legislation for child protection and effective coordination among institutions was being ensured, adding that the CPWB, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, was implementing a case management system to safeguard children’s rights.

Sayeeda Leghari honored for her book ‘Pakistan Heritage – A Food Story’ at Gourmand Awards 2025 in Riyadh

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KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP):Pakistan earned international recognition at the prestigious Gourmand Awards 2025 held in Riyadh, as renowned author Sayeeda Leghari was honored for her book “Pakistan Heritage – A Food Story,” celebrating the country’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.
According to press release issued here, the Gourmand Awards, one of the world’s most respected platforms for food and cultural literature, have been recognizing excellence in food-related storytelling for nearly three decades. The annual event brings together writers, chefs, publishers, and cultural ambassadors from across the globe to showcase their nations’ heritage through food narratives.
Sayeeda Leghari’s award-winning book goes beyond a traditional cookbook, offering readers a heartfelt journey through Pakistan’s traditions, aromas, and collective memories. Through storytelling and cultural insight, the book reflects the warmth of Pakistani hospitality and the depth of its culinary heritage.
At the award ceremony in Riyadh, Leghari received the honor representing Pakistan’s timeless food story, marking a proud moment for the country on an international stage. The recognition highlighted Pakistan’s cultural identity, generosity, and deep-rooted food traditions.
The event witnessed participation from numerous countries including Australia, Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, as well as Asian nations such as Indonesia, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Tajikistan, and Turkiye. Each country presented its unique cultural narrative through food literature.
The Gourmand Awards celebrate more than books; they honor heritage, identity, and the transmission of cultural stories from one generation to the next. For 30 years, the platform has recognized how food connects communities and builds bridges between nations.
Sayeeda Leghari’s achievement stands as a gentle yet powerful reminder of Pakistan’s vibrant and diverse cultural legacy. Her recognition at the Gourmand Awards 2025 affirms Pakistan’s rightful place on the global cultural map and marks a proud moment for the nation.

Mohsin Naqvi extends heartfelt congratulations to Bahrain on National Day

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday extended warm congratulations to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the country’s National Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties rooted in friendship and brotherhood.
In a congratulatory message, the interior minister expressed special good wishes for his “brother,” Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.
He praised the Bahraini leadership for its visionary and farsighted approach, saying it has placed the country on a path of sustainable development while opening new horizons for improving the quality of life of its people.
Mohsin Naqvi said that dedication and determination across all sectors have made Bahrain a symbol of stability, progress and prosperity in the region. He noted that through sound planning in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social development, Bahrain is steadily moving toward a bright and secure future.
Highlighting bilateral relations, the interior minister said that the historic, friendly and strong ties between Pakistan and Bahrain have always been based on mutual trust, respect and brotherhood. He added that millions of Pakistanis are playing a significant role in Bahrain’s development and prosperity.
Referring to his recent visit to Bahrain, Mohsin Naqvi said that both interior ministries agreed to enhance mutual cooperation, reflecting the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen collaboration in key areas.
He concluded by offering prayers for Bahrain’s continued progress, the welfare of its people and the uninterrupted journey of national development, reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to further promote the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation and brotherhood with Bahrain.

Gold prices fall by Rs4,000 per tola

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The price of 24 karat gold per tola witnessed a decrease of Rs4,000 on Tuesday and was sold at Rs450,862 against its sale at Rs454,862 on the previous trading day, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association reported.
Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold declined by Rs3,429 to Rs386,541 from Rs389,970, while the price of 10 grams of 22 karat gold fell by Rs3,143 to Rs354,342 from Rs357,485.
The prices of silver, however, remained unchanged as the price of 24 karat silver per tola stayed at Rs6,532 and the price of 10 grams of 24 karat silver remained stable at Rs5,600.
In the international market, the price of gold declined by $40 to $4,285 per ounce, whereas the price of silver remained unchanged at $62.60 per ounce.

Naqvi pays glowing tribute to APS martyrs on anniversary of tragedy

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday paid rich tribute to the innocent martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, describing their sacrifice as a defining moment in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.
In a statement, the interior minister saluted the courage, resolve and unmatched sacrifice of the brave students who lost their lives in the horrific attack. He said the APS tragedy remains one of the darkest and most painful chapters in Pakistan’s history, exposing the brutal and inhuman face of terrorism to the entire world.
Recalling the events of December 16, 2014, Mohsin Naqvi said that terrorists mercilessly targeted innocent children in a direct attack on the State of Pakistan and the future of the nation. He added that the supreme sacrifice of the APS martyrs showed Pakistan a clear, decisive and unwavering national path against terrorism.
“The sacred blood of the martyrs permanently sealed the decision that there is no room left for ambiguity or compromise in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
The interior minister noted that it was on the basis of this national resolve that the state launched comprehensive, coordinated and sustained operations against terrorism. He reaffirmed that the state has made it unequivocally clear that terrorism, regardless of its name, slogan or flag, is unacceptable in all forms.
Mohsin Naqvi further stated that the complete elimination of Fitna-e-Hindustan and its facilitators is a clear and final decision of the state. He emphasized that Pakistan’s firm and unambiguous declaration is that the war against terrorism will be taken to its logical conclusion.
He concluded by reiterating that the nation will always remember the APS martyrs, whose sacrifice continues to guide Pakistan’s resolve against extremism and violence.

PFA seizes expired chemicals from sugar mill

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MULTAN, Dec 16 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Tuesday seized over 500 kg of expired chemicals from a sugar mill in Anwarabad.
According to PFA spokesperson,the chemicals,intended for sugar production were found in a warehouse during a raid.
A fine of Rs 500,000 was imposed on the mill’s warehouse owner.Samples were sent for analysis and the chemicals were disposed of after confirmation they were unfit for use.
PFA Director General(DG) Asim Javed assured that strict actions would continue to ensure safe food supplies.

Youth gunned down by unidentified assailants

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RAJANPUR, Dec 16 (APP):A man was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Basti Bhutto Gopang area under the Kot Mithan police station,here on Tuesday.
According to police,the attackers,riding a motorcycle,opened fire on Ashiq Hussain(25) and fled the scene.
The victim’s father,Talib Hussain has filed a case,urging authorities to quickly arrest those responsible.
He expressed his grief,saying his son had been unjustly killed.
Police have sent the body for a postmortem examination while further investigation was underway.