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Senate passes Anti-Dumping duties (Amendment) Bill 2025

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Senate on Tuesday passed the Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill 2025, approving it clause by clause.
The bill was presented by the Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, in the house.
Senate also referred the Daaish Schools Authority Bill 2025 to the concerned committee for further examination and deliberation.

Dar stresses importance of institutional efficiency to boost public service delivery

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday stressed the importance of institutional efficiency, evaluation mechanisms, and delivery of tangible outcomes to enhance public service delivery.
He was chairing a meeting of the committee on Improving Government Efficiency here.
The committee focused discussions on advancing a governance model that is transparent, merit-based, & technologically driven, with clear and objective performance assessment criteria. The goal is to establish a system that is results-oriented, accountable, and responsive to public needs.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers for Economic Affairs and Petroleum; Advisors to the Prime Minister on Industries & Production, Governance, and Privatisation; SAPM Tariq Bajwa; Federal Secretaries of Cabinet and Economic Affairs; and other senior officials from relevant departments.

NA Speaker seeks stronger economic, parliamentary ties with Bulgaria

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met with Bulgarian Ambassador Mrs. Irena Gancheva and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic ties and deepening parliamentary cooperation with Bulgaria.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker underscored the importance of strengthening ties between the business communities of Pakistan and Bulgaria, highlighting the vast potential for enhanced collaboration in trade and investment.

The Speaker noted that exchanges in cultural and educational fields hold significant potential to further strengthen relations between the two countries. He underscored the active role of the Pakistan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Group in fostering bilateral ties. Emphasising the importance of parliamentary engagement, he added that the exchange of delegations would contribute meaningfully to enhancing mutual cooperation.

Bulgarian Ambassador praised the initiatives of National Assembly Speaker for promoting bilateral parliamentary ties, describing them as commendable. Strengthening parliamentary ties serves the mutual interests of both nations,” the Bulgarian Ambassador affirmed.

She welcomed efforts to enhance people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Bulgaria.
The Ambassador noted that Bulgarian investors have shown strong interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. She also extended her congratulations to the Speaker on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

NA Speaker lauds security forces for successful operation in Zhob

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday commended country’s security forces for their successful counter terrorism operation in Zhob, Balochistan, which resulted in the elimination of 50 Indian-sponsored terrorists between August 7 and 11.
In an official statement, the Speaker praised the swift and coordinated response of the security forces, describing it as a testament to their professionalism and unwavering resolve.
He said the operation reflects the forces’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding national security and affirmed that efforts would continue until the complete eradication of terrorism.
“The nation stands firmly united behind its security institutions,” Speaker Sadiq stated, vowing that hostile elements seeking to destabilize Pakistan would be decisively defeated.
He underscored the public’s unwavering support for the country’s brave security personnel, noting that the sacrifices of martyrs and ghazis will remain etched in the national memory.
The Speaker also lauded the vital role of the armed forces in maintaining peace and driving national development.

Pakistan team camp to begin on August 16

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The national team’s training camp for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers will commence on August 16 in Abbottabad.
Head coach Nolberto Solano is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on August 15 and will oversee the camp, which is set to run for two weeks under his supervision, said a press release.
A total of 50 players, initially selected through tryouts, will participate in the training camp. The final 23-member squad will be announced at a later stage.
As part of the qualifiers, Pakistan will play their first match against Iraq on September 3, followed by a game against host nation Cambodia on September 6. The team will conclude the group stage with a match against Oman on September 9.

Punjab health minister chairs meeting on development projects

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LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP):Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a meeting at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on Tuesday to review progress on key health development projects across the province.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Punjab Chief Minister’s Advisory Committee on Cardiovascular Diseases Dr. Furqad Alamgir, Special Secretary (Development) Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, Chief Planning Officer Abdul Haq Bhatti, Additional Secretary Amir Muhammad, and other senior officials.
Officials reviewed multiple ongoing initiatives, including the Nawaz Sharif Medical District Lahore, the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Education in Rawalpindi, Okara Medical College, the construction of academic blocks and hostels at Bahawalnagar Medical College, the establishment of Rawalpindi Children’s Hospital and Sialkot Teaching Hospital, burn units at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur, and the expansion of critical care services in teaching hospitals.
Speaking at the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was taking historic and revolutionary steps to upgrade the healthcare sector.
He emphasized that all health projects were under continuous monitoring to ensure timely completion, adding that the government was committed to making hospitals more patient-friendly and providing quality healthcare at people’s doorsteps.

SU hosts seven events for 78th Independence Day celebrations

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HYDERABAD, Aug 12 (APP):As part of the two-week-long festivities marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day under the themes Bunyan-Al-Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq, the University of Sindh on Tuesday organized as many as seven events across different academic departments.
The celebrations, which have been underway since August 1, witnessed enthusiastic participation of faculty members, students and administrative staff.
According to the SU spokesperson, the day’s first event took place at the Dr M.A. Kazi Institute of Chemistry, where a plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbati, who planted the first sapling.
Director of the Institute Dr Arfana Begum Mallah, along with faculty members, researchers and administrative officers also planted saplings in front of the institute, symbolizing the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Vice-Chancellor, speaking to participants, said that tree plantation was “an investment in the future” and urged students to take ownership of keeping the campus green.
Later, the celebrations moved to the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), where faculty and students gathered for speeches and patriotic activities highlighting Pakistan’s economic journey and entrepreneurial potential.
In his address the Director IBA Imamuddin Khoso stressed the responsibilities of civilians, particularly teachers, in shaping the character of students.
A group of students from Dr N.A. Model School Hyderabad also participated in the jubilant atmosphere, presenting a lively performance on the national song “Shukria Pakistan” in the auditorium of IBA.
The event also featured speeches by students on the importance of economic resilience, innovation and collective responsibility in nation-building. PVC Main campus Professor Dr Abdul sattar Shah, Registrar Professor Dr Mushtaque Ali Jariko, Director Bureau of STAGS Dr Sanober Rehman Shaikh, Professor Dr Intizar Ali Lashari, professor Dr Nizamuddin Channa, Dr Ayesha Syed, Dr Farhan Zeb Pathan, Dr Abdul Sami Shaikh and many others were also present.
The Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET) hosted its celebrations by holding a tree plantation activity, which was carried out in the faculty’s premises, with faculty members and students actively participating to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
A vibrant programme was also held at the Pakistan Study Center, where scholars and students engaged in dialogues on Pakistan’s history, ideology and socio-political challenges. A special documentary was also screened, vividly portraying the recent war between Pakistan and its neighboring country, showcasing the bravery, resilience and strategic success of Pakistan’s armed forces.
The Department of History conducted another plantation activity to emphasize the preservation of both natural and historical heritage.
Later, in the Nelson Mandela Hall, a documentary on the history of Pakistan was played, presenting the country’s journey from independence to the present day with rare archival footage and historical photographs.
The Institute of English Language & Literature (IELL) joined the celebrations with speeches, poetry recitals and literary performances focusing on themes of unity, diversity and national identity.  Dean Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr Muhammad Khan Sangi, Director IELL Prof. Dr Abdul Fatah Soomro and Director Institute of Art & Design Prof. Saeed Ahmed Mangi along with several other faculty members, addressed the gathering in the context of the day.
The final event of the day took place in the Department of Sociology, where faculty and students discussed the importance of social cohesion, community engagement and the role of youth in shaping a prosperous Pakistan.

CM condoles death of Atif Aslam’s father

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Maryam Nawaz
LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of the father of renowned singer Atif Aslam.
The chief minister extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Atif Aslam and his family, praying for strength and patience for the bereaved in their time of loss.

Youth Pakistan’s brightest future, most valuable asset : Punjab CM

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LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is committed to utilising all available resources to realise the dreams of the youth, describing them as Pakistan’s bright future and most valuable asset.
In her message on International Youth Day, the CM said, “Every young person is a shining star in the nation’s destiny, and we are proud of them. Punjab’s unique Honhaar Scholarship Programme is turning the aspirations of talented students into reality.”
She noted that thousands of young people are benefiting from modern knowledge and technology through the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme, while the Khelta Punjab Programme is providing platforms across all divisions for youth to excel in sports, engage in positive activities, and maintain good health. The e-Bike Scheme, she added, is giving thousands of students dignified and independent transportation facilities.
CM Maryam Nawaz, highlighting the government’s focus on employability,  said that advanced, market-based IT training is equipping young people not only to secure jobs but also to create them. She praised young medical graduates serving in Maryam Nawaz Clinics as an example of youth contributing directly to public welfare. She added that initiatives like the Assan Karobar Card and Assan Karobar Finance Scheme are strengthening the financial independence of youth, while internship programmes in various departments are opening doors to practical experience and professional growth. The trust in Punjab’s youth will never diminish, she said. There is no greater joy than seeing them succeed and shine in their respective fields, she added.

Constitutional petitions, financial matters to be heard of division bench: IHC

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday ordered that cases related to constitutional petitions, tax and financial matters will be heard by a division bench instead of a single bench.
In this regard, the Additional Registrar IHC has issued a notification stating that all constitutional petitions, tax and financial matters will be heard by a division bench.
The Chief Justice has taken this decision in accordance with the decisions of the National Judicial Committee and the High Court Rules.