ASHGABAT
K-IV, water infrastructure projects to resolve city’s chronic water scarcity: Murad Shah
KARACHI, Dec 11 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah Thursday said work on K-IV water infrastructure projects was progressing steadily and government is committed to fulfil citizens needs.
He said this while presiding over a high level meeting to review and expedite major water supply and infrastructure projects aimed at resolving Karachi’s chronic water scarcity and associated challenges.
“This is a decisive step toward sustainable water security for the city, reflecting the government’s commitment to fulfilling citizens’ needs through strategic infrastructure investments,” Mr Shah stated.
The CM noted that the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Project (K-IV) will deliver 260 million gallons per day of potable water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi via an advanced pipeline system. The project, under WAPDA’s management since 2020, is progressing steadily.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed that augmentation work within the city, such as pipe-laying along University Road to connect with the main K-IV line at Gul Bai from the Northern Bypass, is being fast-tracked. Three proposed reservoirs—R-1, R-2, and R-3—will be developed under the K-IV augmentation strategy to integrate new bulk water with the existing distribution network.
The meeting also highlighted progress on crucial power supply components, with contracts signed for the K-IV Grid Station and Transmission Line projects. These are essential for efficient and sustainable water pumping. The Sindh Cabinet has approved joint equity investment and plans for debt financing, demonstrating robust provincial and federal cooperation to overcome previous funding delays.
Urgent lining of this vital canal was discussed to safeguard K-IV’s water quota. The government emphasised mobilising resources during the limited construction window while the Kotri Barrage is closed in December. The 50.989 billion project, funded by federal and provincial governments, is expected to save 510 cusecs of water by preventing seepage.
To ensure critical maintenance, the Chief Minister authorised the release of Rs. 1.075 billion for accrued liabilities, securing the dam’s structural integrity and water supply to Karachi and Balochistan.
Emphasising a coordinated approach between WAPDA and Sindh Irrigation, the Chief Minister called for swift restoration of the RBOD drainage system’s flood damage to protect the environment and prevent further disasters from toxic water dumping.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister directed relevant departments to ensure timely financial releases and inter-agency cooperation to meet project deadlines. The meeting underscores a pivotal commitment to sustainable water security and strategic infrastructure for Karachi.
Minister Local Govt Nasir Shah, Minister P&D Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Local Govt Waseem Shamshad, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh and others were present in the meeting.
Russia Plays the Pivotal role for global peace, security: Ambassador Khorev
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev Thursday said that Russia has always played a significant role in global peace and security and ready to formally affirm that the country has no aggressive policy toward any regional country.
As President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized, Russia does not pose a threat to Europe and has no intention to attack European countries.Our country is ready to formally affirm that Russia has no aggressive plans toward Europe,the Ambassador said.
Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev said this while addressing a Press Conference here in Russian Embassy Islamabad.
He said ghat one of the most pressing issues in resolving the conflict in Ukraine is the December 3rd meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The parties engaged in extensive, five hour discussions regarding the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which is based on the agreements reached by the Russian and US presidents at the summit in Anchorage on August 15,he said.
The envoy said that this plan, which was outlined following the meeting in Alaska, underwent significant changes after a few rounds of shuttle diplomacy between the U.S. on the one hand and Europe and Ukraine on the other.
The meeting in Moscow was constructive, very useful and substantive, although it also touched upon issues that Russia disagrees with.
Overall, efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the Ukrainian crisis are proving difficult,he said.
He said the Trump administration, acting constructively and based on the realities on the ground, faces opposition from Europeans who still seem to harbor illusions about the possibility of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia and ending the conflict on their terms. In this regard, the so-called “children’s issue” is being actively exploited.
The Russian envoy said that regional sponsors, having spent billions of their taxpayers’ money, are also in a difficult financial situation and their situation is so difficult that they are actively discussing the option of seizing Russian sovereign assets held in European financial institutions. There is no other word for these plans: it’s theft.
In this regard, “I would like to emphasize that stealing Russian funds will not change the course of the conflict and will not prevent Russia from achieving the goals of the Special Military Operation, but it will lead to severe consequences for Western financial institutions and individuals responsible for the thievery.”
He said that new packages of sanctions against Russia keep coming and let me highlight that all the invasive financial measures taken by Western countries in recent years have already had a major negative impact on the instigators themselves and on the global economy at large. Illegitimate Western sanctions have dealt a blow to international production and supply chains.
This has caused an imbalance in investment and trade flows, exacerbated the debt problem, reduced access to goods, services, finance, and technology for many countries, and undermined the principles of fair competition, he said.
The Ambassador said that in addition, these measures have slowed down global economic development (according to the IMF, global GDP growth did not exceed 3.2% in 2024).
The Russian envoy said that back in 2015, at the Russia-ASEAN summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to form a greater Eurasian Partnership, which envisages a pan-continental framework for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation through the expansion of trade and economic ties and harmonization of integration processes, including those within the CIS, SCO, EAEU, ASEAN, GCC, and other groups.
And just over a year ago, Vladimir Putin launched an initiative to build a Eurasian security architecture based on the principle of its indivisibility, he said.
This is where we should mention Russia’s anti-neocolonialism initiatives and on November 14, Russia hosted the second meeting of the Standing Committee of the “Forum of Supporters of the Struggle Against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism — For the Freedom of Nations!” About 30 countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America took part in it.
He added that representatives from Pakistan are also working with the Forum’s expert council.
They envoy said that the West accuses Russia of kidnapping “thousands” of Ukrainian children – a claim that was proven to be completely unfounded during direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations held this summer.
He said that during specific discussions, the Ukrainian delegation was unable to provide a list of even one thousand Ukrainian children “kidnapped by the Russians”.
He informed that Russian negotiators received a list with the names of only 339 children, allegedly evacuated to Russia from the conflict zone and substantive work on the return of evacuated minors to Ukraine is being carried out by the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova.
Book Presentation in Tashkent reinforces Uzbekistan-Pakistan brotherhood
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The National Library of Uzbekistan’s “Center for Enlightenment” today witnessed a significant cultural and diplomatic event with the presentation of the book Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance – The Concept of the Future” authored by prominent Pakistani writer Muhammad Abbas Khan.
Moderated by Senator Azamat Ziyo, Director of the Institute of History at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the gathering featured insightful addresses from high-level representatives of both countries, celebrating President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visionary leadership in forging a New Uzbekistan through comprehensive reforms in economy, science, innovation, and international relations,said a release issued here on Thursday.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator for Trade and Industry to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, delivered key remarks in the session on “Shavkat Mirziyoyev – founder of New Uzbekistan, reformer of international relations.” He highlighted the President’s role in elevating bilateral ties, noting the remarkable growth in trade volumes and the shared commitment to economic collaboration along revived Silk Road corridors.
Other notable speakers included Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan; Zulaykho Makhkamova, Deputy Prime Minister; Pakistani Ambassador Faruk Ahmad; and media personalities from both nations. Discussions emphasized the “Third Renaissance” as an enduring paradigm blending Uzbekistan’s ancient civilizational heritage with modern advancements in education, technology, and women’s empowerment.
The event culminated in a ceremonial conferment of honorary membership in the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan upon author Muhammad Abbas Khan, symbolizing deep literary and cultural bonds.
Held amid a five-day official Pakistani delegation visit featuring tours of historic Bukhara and Samarkand, the presentation underscores the flourishing Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership, built on mutual respect and aspirations for prosperity.
This milestone event, as reported by Uzbekistan’s Dunyo Information Agency and Bright Uzbekistan magazine, affirms the humanistic and forward-looking essence of President Mirziyoyev’s reforms, inspiring regional and global progress.
Aurangzeb meets Saudi Vice Minister to advance economic collaboration
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday met with Abdulmuhsen Al-Khalaf, Vice Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh.
During the meeting, both the ministers exchanged views on the positive macroeconomic trends of Pakistan’s economy and joint resolve to further enhance the economy, said a press release issue by the Ministry of Finance.
Aurangzeb appreciated Kingdom’s bilateral support and multilateral support for strengthening Pakistan’s economy. Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation on tactical and strategic level to fulfill the aspirations of the leadership and the people of the two brotherly countries.
The Finance Minister is on an official visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Momentum Development Finance Conference in Riyadh. During the visit, he also held a meeting with Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Advisor Royal Court and held various media engagements.
UoT’s VC meets with newly appointed HEC’s ED, discusses progress, challenges of UoT
QUETTA, Dec 11 (APP):The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Turbat (UoT), Prof Dr Gul Hasan, met with the newly appointed Executive Director (ED) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Prof Dr Zia-ul-Haq, at his office in Islamabad.
The VC congratulated Dr Zia-ul-Haq on assuming his new role and conveyed best wishes for his tenure.
During the meeting, both officials discussed opportunities and avenues for strengthening higher education in Balochistan, with particular focus on the progress and future development of the University of Turbat.
According to the university spokesperson, the Vice Chancellor briefed the Executive Director on the academic achievements, research initiatives, and ongoing infrastructural development projects at UoT.
He also highlighted various challenges that the university continues to face due to limited resources and financial constraints.
Dr Zia-ul-Haq appreciated the remarkable academic and institutional growth of the University of Turbat under the leadership of Prof. Dr Gul Hasan, despite financial limitations.
He praised the university’s expanding academic programs aligned with modern requirements and its commitment to serving the students of the region.
He assured the Vice Chancellor of HEC’s full support and cooperation to facilitate the continued growth and development of UoT.
According to the university spokesperson, Prof Dr Gul Hasan extended a formal invitation to the Executive Director to attend the upcoming convocation of the University of Turbat. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq expressed his gratitude for the invitation.
Mountain ranges key for country’s environmental security, water conservation, economy: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, in his message on International Mountain Day, has said that mountain ranges are the foundation of a country’s survival, environmental security, water conservation, economy, and agricultural system.
He said that Pakistan’s magnificent mountain ranges Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush, are the pride of our natural heritage, guarantors of ecological balance, and the key protectors of water resources through their ancient glaciers, said a press release.
Expressing deep concern over the rapid melting of glaciers, glacial lake outburst floods, and the increasing impacts of climate change, he emphasized that a comprehensive strategy is urgently needed to confront these challenges.
The Chairman Senate highlighted the pivotal role of youth in the struggle to protect the environment, stating that providing a safe, healthy, and sustainable future for the coming generations is a shared responsibility of all.
Pak-China armies’ two-week joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX to continue till Dec 14
RAWALPINDI, Dec 11 (APP):Two- week Joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX between Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China will continue till December 14.
The exercise commenced on November 28, is aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening military-to-military cooperation between the two countries, said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, on Thursday. Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Mr. Jiang Zaidong, graced the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by senior dignitaries from China.
The Chief of General Staff, Pakistan Army, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour, it further said.
During the visit, guests were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the joint exercise. They witnessed various counterterrorism drills and appreciated the professionalism, operational competence, and high morale demonstrated by the participating troops from both sides.
The exercise reflects strong defence collaboration between Pakistan and China and reaffirms the commitment of both Armed Forces to working together for peace and stability, the press release said.
PM, Turkmen President discuss issues of mutual interest
ASHGABAT, Dec 11 (APP):: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday here met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed matters of mutual interest.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Turkmen President on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
While underscoring the importance of the historic and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister expressed his resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly through enhanced trade and economic engagement.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deepest gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and government for the support extended to safely evacuate Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel war earlier this year.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally located to be utilized by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.
While thanking the Turkmen President for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation by the Turkmen side, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and reiterated his most cordial invitation to him as well as to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year, on mutually convenient dates, to be worked out by the two sides.
The Turkmen President thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and assured that Turkmenistan was also keen to enhance its bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister arrived in Ashgabat, on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan from 11-12 December 2025.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.