KUWAIT
Aleem Khan directs high-level delegation to resolve issues of PGTA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday directed a high-level delegation to immediately proceed to Karachi to resolve issues of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (PGTA).
A Zoom meeting regarding the concerns of the PGTA with the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was held under the chairmanship of Abdul Aleem Khan. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Kiani also participated in the meeting, said a press release.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Communications, Chairman NHA, Inspector General Motorways, officials from Pakistan Customs, and other concerned officials.
Representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance briefed the Federal Minister on challenges faced by transporters, including the axle load limit, increase in toll taxes, and issues related to motorway policing and enforcement.
It was informed that the Goods Transport Alliance has been observing a strike for the eighth consecutive day, resulting in disruption to the movement of goods and adverse effects on economic activity.
Taking serious notice of the situation, the Minister emphasized that prolonged strikes cause losses to all stakeholders, particularly those associated with the transport sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving all legitimate concerns of the transporters through dialogue and consultation.
Earlier a 5 member Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of the Minister to resolve the issues that have resulted in the strike. Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the high-level delegation to immediately leave for Karachi to continue negotiations with the Goods Transport Alliance and reach an amicable and timely resolution.
The minister assured that issues related to driving license issuance, road safety, and accident prevention would be addressed on priority, stating that those who lose their lives in road accidents are “our own children,” and their safety remains a collective responsibility.
He further informed that work is underway to expand the Northern Bypass from six to eight lanes, and assured the provision of parking facilities at KPT and Port Qasim to facilitate goods transporters.
Emphasizing infrastructure protection, the he stated that axle load regulations are in the long-term interest of goods transport owners, as they help ensure road safety and prevent damage to national highways.
Representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance expressed satisfaction over the progress of negotiations and assured the ministers of their full cooperation, reaffirming their preference for constructive engagement.
FPCCI announces ECO-CCI General Assembly on the sidelines of the 2nd Sustainable Tourism Forum
KARACHI, Dec 15 (APP):Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI; President ECO-CCI and VP CACCI, has apprised that The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has announced that it will host the 30th Executive Committee Meeting and the 20th General Assembly Meeting of the ECO Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECO-CCI) on January 22, 2026 at the FPCCI Head Office in Karachi on the sidelines of 2nd Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) to be jointly organized by FPCCI and Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development (ICCD) during January 21-22.
Atif Ikram Sheikh stated that these ECO-CCI events carry immense strategic importance for the region – as they will help strengthen economic cooperation; expand intra-ECO trade; promote investments; foster business linkages and revitalize the institutional role of ECO-CCI as a key platform for vis-à-vis regional economic integration.
FPCCI Chief further disclosed that invitations have already been extended to all ECO Member Chambers – and, FPCCI expects participation from Presidents, senior officials, B2B delegations and sectorial experts from multiple ECO countries.
Atif Ikram Sheikh added that the Sustainable Tourism Forum will also provide a significant platform to highlight the tourism potential of ECO countries; enhance regional cooperation in aviation and hospitality sectors; promote investment opportunities in tourism sector of Pakistan and encourage collaborative initiatives for sustainable and responsible tourism development across the region.
FPCCI maintained that hosting these events in Karachi will further strengthen Pakistan’s leadership role in regional economic diplomacy; expand B2B connectivity and reinforce the country’s commitment to deeper economic and trade partnerships within the ECO framework.
NA,Committee on Commerce met under chairmanship of Jawed Hanif Khan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce met under the chairmanship of Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, at Parliament House.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on the strategic trade policy framework, State Bank of Pakistan support for kinnow (Orange) exports via the Iran land route, and the Sub-Committee reports on sugar, natural resources, and gemstones.
Before the meeting could commence, Members expressed grave concern and outrage that the Committee had important and serious issues concerning the national economy on its agenda, and that Members of the Committee had travelled from far-flung areas in all seriousness to discuss these important matters; however, the Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce failed to attend the meeting.
The absence of the Minister, Secretary, and even the Special Secretary reflects the non-serious attitude of the Ministry and its disrespect towards Parliament.
The Chairman expressed dissatisfaction, anger, and frustration, stating that the Ministry’s conduct reflects irresponsible, and utterly non-serious attitude towards parliamentary oversight. He informed the Committee that, in the absence of the Minister, the Secretary and relevant senior officials to brief the Committee, he is left with no option but to adjourn the meeting of the Committee. Therefore, the meeting of the Standing Committee is being postponed and new date will be communicated in due course.
Members unanimously condemned the Ministry’s behavior, declaring it a disrespect towards the Standing Committee, a constitutionally mandated forum of Parliament.
Member Gul Asghar Khan termed the Ministry’s attitude highly contemptuous of Parliament and unacceptable, while Asad Alam Niazi stressed that the presence of the Minister and Secretary is mandatory for meaningful deliberations. The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Mr Farhan Chishti, Mr Asad Alam Niazi, Mr Ramesh Kumar Wankwani and Mr Gul Asghar Khan.
Senior officers from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Finance Division, Board of Investment , National Food Security and Research were also present in the meeting.
Renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan captivates Karachi with his melodious voice
KARACHI, Dec 15 (APP):Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Monday organized a mega Musical Concert to celebrate the remarkable success of the 39-day World Culture Festival 2025 for Arts Council members and their families at the YMCA Ground. The evening was headlined by internationally acclaimed singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who mesmerized the audience with his soulful voice.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan opened the concert with the devotional kalam “Allah Hoo” and went on to perform legendary pieces made famous by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, including “Dum Mast Qalandar” and “Akhiyan Udeekdiyan”, compelling the audience to sway and dance along.
Arts Council members thoroughly enjoyed the performance, turning the concert into a night of celebration and joy. The event was attended by Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah, while President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah warmly welcomed all guests and members.
Thousands of people attended the musical evening. Among those present were Vice President Arts Council Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi, Treasurer Qudsia Akbar, and Governing Body members Ghazi Salahuddin, Abdullah Sultan, Ambareen Haseeb Amber, Amjad Hussain Shah, Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, Huma Mir, Syed Sajid Hasan, S.M. Qaiser Sajjad, Muhammad Iqbal Latif, and Muhammad Ayub Sheikh. Co-opted members Chand Gul Shah, Alia Iqbal Naqvi, and Dr. Jaffar Ahmed were also in attendance.
Speaking at the Concert, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that the day was like Eid for Arts Council members and their families. “We invited Rahat Fateh Ali Khan especially for our members. I had invited him for a members’ concert fifteen years ago as well. The Sindh Government has fully supported us, and without its cooperation, we cannot move forward even an inch.
At the end of the event, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented a shield to Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah in recognition of the successful organization of the World Culture Festival, along with traditional Sindhi gifts of Ajrak and a Sindhi cap.
KP cabinet body discusses MD’s students quota policy in medical, dental colleges
PESHAWAR, Dec 15 (APP):The Standing Committee of the provincial Clcabinet on Monday discussed in detail the policy for the distribution of seats for candidates from the merged districts (MD) in medical and dental colleges following the establishment of new districts for the academic year 2025-26.
Provincial Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, Aftab Alam Advocate chaired the meeting, said a press release. The meeting was attended by a Member of the National Assembly from Upper Orakzai, Members of the Provincial Assembly from Lower South Waziristan and Upper South Waziristan, along with senior officials of the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on the background of the existing quota policy for candidates from the merged districts in medical and dental colleges and its practical implications.
While briefing the meeting, it was informed that prior to the merger of the erstwhile FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the nomination of reserved seats in medical and dental colleges was carried out at the federal level, whereas after the merger this authority was transferred to the provincial government.
In this regard, the quota policy has been extended until 2028. The meeting also discussed in detail the policy for the distribution of seats for candidates from the merged districts in medical and dental colleges following the establishment of new districts.
Addressing the meeting, Law Minister Aftab Alam Advocate stated that the youth of the merged districts are highly talented and that the government is committed to providing them with equal opportunities in medical and dental education.
He said that the formulation of the quota policy would take into account constitutional requirements, judicial directives, legal considerations and ground realities to ensure that there is no compromise on transparency and merit.
He emphasized that education, particularly professional education, is of key importance in bringing the merged districts into the national mainstream.
The meeting decided that the committee’s recommendations would be finalized and placed before the cabinet so that the admission process for the academic year 2025–26 could be completed in a timely manner without any ambiguity.
The law minister reiterated the resolve of the provincial government to continue taking all possible measures for the educational development and welfare of the people, especially the youth, of the merged districts.