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PM directs to expedite privatization process of Discos, Gencos

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the relevant authorities to expedite the privatization process of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs).

Chairing a meeting regarding power sector, the prime minister emphasized that the privatization of the energy system, leading to the establishment of a competitive electricity market, was the sustainable solution to the country’s energy issues.

During the meeting, the prime minister was told that measures were being taken to privatize three distribution companies IESCO, FESCO and GEPCO and in this regard Expression of Interest (EoIs) will be published soon.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed to complete the relevant development projects on priority to further improve the power distribution system of the country.

To align the electricity system with modern requirements, the prime minister directed to initiate work on a Battery Energy Storage System through public-private partnerships and involvement of the private sector.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the progress of power sector roadmap, power generation, distribution, privatization of Discos and Gencos and other reforms being taken in the power sector.

The prime minister was told that PC-I of the 500 KV Ghazi Barotha-Faisalabad transmission line was at the approval stage.

Besides, the technical feasibility to shift the imported power plants to Thar Coal has been completed whereas work on the railway line to transport Thar coal to the power plants is also in progress.

The prime minister was also briefed on operationalization of a competitive electricity market.

The concept clearance proposal for the Battery Energy Storage System project has been approved, and the feasibility study is underway, the prime minister was informed.

The briefing added that as a result of continuous efforts, line losses had decreased compared to last year.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Advisor Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials of the relevant departments.

Fans defy cold weather to reach New York’s Times Square displaying PSL Trophy & meet cricket stars

By
NNPS Desk
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NEW YORK, Dec 15 (APP): A large number of cricket fans gathered at the iconic Times Square in New York on Sunday evening to see the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy and meet Pakistani star cricketers despite the severely cold weather.

Earlier in the day, the New York region received its first snowfall that disrupted road traffic and made conditions hazardous for pedestrians. City authorities deployed dozens of snowloughs to clear the roads and get the traffic moving.

Sunday’s event was part of a global outreach strategy by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to raise the league’s international profile, attract foreign investors, and engage with fans in the US.

Several members of the Pakistan national cricket team attended the event, giving fans a unique opportunity to interact with them.

Also, present was the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

The players in attendance included Salman Ali Agha (T20I captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel. Famed singer Ali Zafar, who has been associated with previous PSL anthems, was also in attendance.

This fan moment took place a day after an exclusive roadshow event for investors snd Pakistani community members held here.

The roadshow, the first-ever such an event in New York City, followed the one in London last week.

The Pakistani cricketers, wrapped up in woolies, came to the renowned square by a bus decorated with the national flag and were warmly cheered as they alighted from the vehicle. They signed autographs and took selfies with the fans.

Slogans of “Pakistan Zinda Bad” were raised as the green-crescent-and-star fluttered atop a building.

“I thank Allah that the PSL is today shining at the international level,” Chairman Naqvi has said .

APP/ift

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan: Central Asian formula for global peace

By
NNPS Desk
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ASHGABAT, Dec 15 (UzA/APP) : The participation and address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the international forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality, held in Ashgabat, clearly demonstrated the depth of the strategic partnership between the two brotherly states, as well as their shared views on strengthening peace and stability in regional and global politics.
The participation of several heads of state in the forum confirmed the event’s high international significance. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sincerely congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of permanent neutrality, noting that this landmark date demonstrates Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment to the development of peaceful, trust-based, friendly, and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries. The Head of State emphasized that the policy of neutrality, which has become an integral part of the modern identity of the Turkmen people, is rooted in their deep historical traditions and noble qualities, such as generosity, tolerance, and good neighborliness. In this regard, Uzbekistan fully supported Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the United Nations.
The speech emphasized that openness to the world, mutual respect, and a commitment to dialogue are fundamental values for the New Uzbekistan. The Samarkand Initiative, put forward as an expression of solidarity for common security and prosperity, became a manifestation of political will to engage in dialogue with all parties striving for peace, harmony, and sustainable development.
During Uzbekistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, our country sets the following key objectives as its priorities: promoting a global movement for a culture of peace and nonviolence, strengthening trust among states through political dialogue, and fostering an atmosphere of tolerance, harmony, and solidarity worldwide. It is also planned to designate 2027 the Year of Preventive Diplomacy to support efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations, within the framework of which an appropriate program of activities will be adopted.
It was noted that the principles of mutual trust, respect, and solidarity also underpin the policy aimed at transforming Central Asia into a space of peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness. The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region, held in Tashkent last month, once again demonstrated our readiness to strengthen unity, undertake joint actions to ensure peace and stability, and expand multilateral economic cooperation. In this context, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan’s constructive, peace-oriented policy is a key factor in ensuring stability and development in Central Asia.
The Head of State underscored the importance of developing humanitarian cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and solidarity, and also proposed holding a joint international humanitarian forum, “Dialogue of Cultures”, in Tashkent next year and launching the regional program “Youth for Peace and Trust”.
Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have assumed a strategic character in recent years: trade turnover increased 6.4-fold from 2017 to 2024 and exceeded USD 1.14 billion. During the heads of state meeting, the goal was set to increase trade turnover to $2 billion in the near future.
Establishing the Shavat – Dashoguz cross-border trade zone will be an essential tool for achieving this goal. An agreement was also reached to hold the third forum in Khiva, with participation from all regions of both countries. Agreements were reached on deepening cooperation in the energy sector, electricity transit, and the joint development of promising deposits.
Agreements to increase cargo transportation volumes in the transport and logistics sector, jointly develop the Turkmenbashi Port, and resume direct flights between the capitals provide Uzbekistan with additional opportunities to diversify export routes. A vivid example of industrial cooperation is the project to establish a joint automobile manufacturing enterprise between Turkmenistan Motors and Uzavtosanoat.
In conclusion, the Head of State once again emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness to make a practical contribution to the building of a just and stable world order. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Ashgabat and the strategic agreements reached underscored the high level of relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in political, economic, and humanitarian terms. These relations remain an important factor not only for the mutual development of the two states, but also for ensuring peace and prosperity throughout Central Asia.

KPCIP introduces e-complaint registration system

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 15 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), a project of the Local Government Elections and Rural Development Department, has upgraded its complaint redressal mechanism to an electronically managed system called the Electronic Grievance Redress Mechanism (E-GRM).
KPCIP is a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to modernize water and sanitation services in five divisional cities of KP including Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan, Mingora, and Abbottabad, said a press release.
Since the introduction of the E-GRM, the Project Management Unit (PMU) of KPCIP has received 964 complaints. Of these, 935 have been resolved, 25 are currently in progress, four have been escalated for resolution at the highest level, and one complaint has been rejected.
The upgraded system is intended to strengthen coordination between the PMU and citizens by enabling people to register project-related complaints electronically, without visiting KPCIP’s City Implementation Unit offices.
“The introduction of the E-GRM aims to improve accessibility, enhance tracking, support timely resolution of issues related to project interventions, and reinforce KPCIP’s commitment to accountability,” said Amir Alam Khan, Director of the Compliance Department at KPCIP.
In addition, the PMU has introduced the Project Performance Monitoring System (PPMS) to support project management and track planned activities.
The PPMS allows top management to monitor targets, assess progress, identify gaps, and take timely corrective measures.
To prevent damage to property and the environment, and to avoid loss of life, both of citizens and on-site laborers, KPCIP strictly implements ADB-approved Environmental Management Plans through regular monitoring of project sites.
“KPCIP management maintains zero tolerance for any lapse in the implementation of environmental and social safeguards, which is why no major incidents have been reported at construction sites so far,” Khan said.
He added that regular environmental monitoring is conducted at each site to assess air quality, noise levels, waste disposal practices, and compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Contractors are strictly directed to implement mitigation measures, including dust suppression, safe waste handling, protection of water bodies, and proper material storage.
The PMU and City Implementation Units carry out routine inspections and capacity-building sessions to strengthen compliance across all subprojects.
Similarly, under the project’s Social Safeguards Framework, special emphasis is placed on ensuring that local communities are informed, engaged, and protected throughout the implementation process.
Where land acquisition is required, KPCIP adheres to principles of fair compensation, transparency, and timely disbursement to Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
Meaningful consultations are regularly held with community members, vulnerable groups, women, and other stakeholders to ensure their concerns are adequately addressed.

Polio campaign begins in Tank under strict security arrangements

By
Samina Ch
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TANK, Dec 15 (APP):An anti-polio campaign formally commenced on Monday under strict security arrangements, led by District Police Officer (DPO) Tank, Shabbir Hussain Shah.
To ensure the safety of polio workers, children, parents, and the general public, the police spokesman said the district police deployed hundreds of police officers and personnel across the district.
The security measures are being implemented under a comprehensive plan formulated on the directives of the DPO, with coordination from other law enforcement agencies.
During the launch of the campaign, DPO Shabbir Hussain Shah visited several polio vaccination points in urban and suburban areas, personally administered polio drops to children, and urged parents to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to protect future generations from the crippling disease.
Prior to deployment, all sector in-charges and station house officers briefed police personnel assigned to polio duty, emphasizing professionalism, vigilance, courteous behavior, and commitment to duty.
The Bomb Disposal Unit conducted thorough sweeps of sensitive locations before vaccination teams were dispatched under a security escort.
Senior police officers, including sector in-charges and SHOs, remain present in the field to monitor the security situation throughout the campaign. Continuous surveillance and on-ground monitoring are being carried out to prevent and respond promptly to any untoward incident.
Speaking on the occasion, DPO Shabbir Hussain Shah reiterated that the anti-polio campaign was s a national responsibility.
He said police were utilizing all available resources to ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of the campaign, adding that the protection of polio teams and citizens remains the top priority.

Suthra Punjab:Commissioner for visible results about cleanliness

By
Samina Ch
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0
MULTAN, Dec 15 (APP):Multan Commissioner Aamir Kareem on Monday directed sanitation contractors to deliver visible results under the Suthra Punjab programme, warning that poor performance will no longer be tolerated.
Commissioner Multan Aamir Karim Khan chaired a high-level meeting to review the performance of the Suthra Punjab programme,stressing the need to make the cleanliness system exemplary in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision.
He said Suthra Punjab is a results-based business model and contractors failing to meet standards will have no place in the system.“The era of repeated extensions is over.Now is the time to deliver,”he said.
The commissioner disclosed that more than Rs.9 billion will be paid to sanitation contractors in Multan district over four years,adding that billions of rupees are being spent across the division to ensure a model cleanliness system.He stressed that the government was investing heavily and expects contractors to show seriousness and responsibility.
He stated the Suthra Punjab programme was being appreciated internationally and said maintaining its standards is a collective responsibility.Emphasizing public feedback,he directed officials to ensure prompt resolution of citizens’ complaints.
Aamir Karim Khan ordered comprehensive cleaning of main roads,streets,neighborhoods,dividers and entry points.
He also directed strict action against shopkeepers,vendors and cart owners who dump waste outside shops or pollute roads and green belts,warning that no leniency will be shown for violations of sanitation laws.
The commissioner instructed that salaries of Christian sanitation workers must be paid before Christmas and ordered a special cleanliness drive in Christian localities ahead of the festive season.
He said providing a clean and safe environment to minority communities is a government responsibility.
He warned contractors to ensure timely monthly payment of employees’ salaries and called for the formation of public committees at village, union council and neighborhood levels to improve monitoring and accountability.
He further directed prioritized cleaning of open plots where waste has accumulated for years, saying this would enhance public trust and strengthen the credibility of the Suthra Punjab system. Strict action was also ordered against those dumping garbage or construction debris outside homes.
To ensure continuous cleanliness, he ordered the formation of special squads for immediate action wherever waste is found and directed full activation of the Suthra Punjab universal helpline for prompt complaint redressal.
Deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners briefed the meeting on field issues and public feedback, while CEO Waste Management Company Abid Bhatti presented a detailed performance briefing.

17 held on gambling charges

By
Samina Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 15 (APP):Police arrested 17 people on gambling charges from different parts of Faisalabad during past 12 hours.
Police spokesman said here on Monday that the police during a crackdown nabbed 17 individuals including Nasir, Mubarak,Mehboob,Ali Raza,Shah Faisal,Asif,Kashif and Iftikhar,etc,red handed while gambling on play-cards and chit lottery.
The police recovered bet money and other items from their possession while further investigation was underway.

Kerb currency market

By
Samina Ch
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0
KARACHI, Dec 15 (APP):Following were the opening rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), here on Monday.
F.C.                             LOW RATE      HIGH RATE
(Inter Bank)                   280.30                 280.35
USD                              280.73                 281.35
EURO                           329.50                  332.00
GBP                             375.00                  377.50
JPY                               1.80                     1.90
AED                              76.70                   77.05
SAR                              74.85                   75.10

Police arrest suspect on charges of aerial firing

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 15 (APP):Police arrested a suspect on charges of aerial firing in a marriage ceremony here on Monday.
Agah Mir Jani Shah Police Station action: aerial firing suspect arrested, weapon recovered.
The police of Agah Mir Jani Shah Police Station carried out an operation on Monday and arrested a person involved in aerial firing, recovering a weapon from his possession.
The action taken on the special directives of senior officers, the Capital City Police Peshawar, has further intensified the crackdown across Peshawar against elements involved in aerial firing.
In this regard, Additional SHO of Agah Mir Jani Shah Police Station, Yusuf Jan, along with police personnel, conducted a timely operation and arrested the suspect involved in aerial firing on the spot.
 The arrested suspect has been identified as Saadullah, son of Ghulam Ghaus, a resident of Armar Payan, who was immediately shifted to the lockup.
The police also recovered a pistol from the suspect’s possession. A case has been registered against him, and an investigation has been initiated.

Wildlife releases updated license fee schedule

By
Samina Ch
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0
SARGODHGA, Dec 15 (APP):The wildlife department on Monday released its updated fee schedule for various licenses for the year 2026.
Director Wildlife Sargodha Madam Arooj Zaheer, talking to APP, said the department had revised and increased multiple license and possession fees to improve regulatory oversight. She said the shooting license fee, previously Rs 2,000, has now been increased to Rs 5,000, while the shooting permit fee, earlier set at Rs 500, will now be issued for Rs 1,000.Arooj Zaheer added that the possession fee for Baz has been doubled from Rs 10,000to Rs 20,000, whereas the possession fee for Basha has been revised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.
She informed that the possession fee for a Shikra license, previously Rs 200, has now been raised to Rs 20,000.Meanwhile, the possession license fee for live birds, including peafowland quails, will now be Rs 500, compared to the previous Rs 2,500.Sharing additional details, she said the possession fee for peafowls and pheasants (endemic and exotic) has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.
The possession fee for live animals has also seen a significant rise, from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, while the possession fee for black buck has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.
Arooj Zaheer added that the possession fees for chinkara, spotted deer, nilgai, Punjab urial, falcon, and luggar falcon, previously Rs 2,000 each, will now be Rs 10,000 each.
She concluded that the updated fee schedule will come into effect in January 2026.
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