Friday, December 19, 2025
Home Blog Page 163

Rashid, Khurram win singles titles of ITF MT200

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Veteran tennis players Rashid Malik and Khurram Imtiaz claimed singles titles in their respective age categories at the ITF World Masters Tour MT200 Tournament, held at the Robinson Hotel in Khao Lak, Thailand.

According to details, in the Men’s Singles 60+ final, Rashid Malik delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Switzerland’s Hannes Aeberhard 6-1, 6-1.

In the Men’s Singles 55+ final, Khurram Imtiaz secured victory against Switzerland’s Oliver Marjanovic, who was withdraw due to illness. This triumph marks Khurram’s second ITF title in the 55+ category.

The President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and the Secretary General PTF congratulated both players on their impressive achievements, noting that they continue to raise the Pakistan flag high on the international stage.

Local tea production to play a pivotal; Ahsan Iqbal

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said that local tea production would play a pivotal role in saving foreign exchange and boosting exports as Pakistan was currently spending a hefty $650 million annually on its imports.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Pakistan’s Tea Commercialization Strategy, he said that more than 600,000 hectares of land in Pakistan was suitable for tea cultivation, and the establishment of large farms and agricultural clusters can significantly increase production.

The event was attended by representatives of the FAO, provincial governments, agricultural experts and relevant stakeholders, said a press release.

The minister said that production was only the beginning – by activating the complete value chain, Pakistan can earn billions of dollars, adding that under the Uraan Pakistan framework, 26 agricultural clusters have been identified, which will serve as the foundation for value-added processing, new export opportunities and modern agricultural models.

The government considers the shift from raw production to value-added products a fundamental pillar of national development. According to him, effective measures in tea processing, packaging, and branding will enable Pakistani tea to secure a distinguished position in the global market, he added.

The government’s efforts were focused on increasing exports and reducing imports to protect the country from foreign exchange pressures, he said adding that modern techniques and trained experts will bring real transformation to the agriculture sector.

For this purpose, the government has already sent 1,000 agricultural scientists and researchers to China for advanced training, who will play an important role in bringing about an agricultural revolution through modern technologies, he added.

Highlighting various agricultural value chains, the Planning Minister said that billions of rupees can be generated through a complete value chain of rose petals. Pakistan is the world’s fourth-largest date producer, and world-class products such as mango powder and date powder can be developed to significantly boost exports.

He also noted that the quality of Pakistan’s olive oil is superior to Spain’s renowned olive oils and meets global standards, making it a promising new export avenue for the country.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that investment across all agricultural value chains -including tea – will usher in a new era of sustainable development, food security, and export stability for Pakistan.

The Federal Minister appreciated the FAO’s initiative and praised its support for enhancing local tea production. He added that the participation of Chinese experts has provided a strong foundation for this project.

Recognition of outstanding performance shall motivate others: Wafaqi Mohtasib

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman), Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi Thursday said that recognition of brilliant performance in national institutions through conferment of awards encourages one to strive for excellence and stay competitive.

Addressing a ceremony at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Regional Office, Peshawar, he said that the institution of Wafaqi Mohtasib was going from strength to strength owing to the hard work and dedication of the officers and members of the staff.

Recognition of outstanding performance shall motivate others: Wafaqi Mohtasib

He urged them to continue working with the same devotion and dedication so that the institution can retain the public trust and confidence.

The Wafaqi Mohtasib further stated that during the current year, this Office has settled complaints to the tune of Rs. 9.46 billion in financial terms. “It has so far addressed more than 242,000 complaints during the current year and the total number of complaints may exceed 250,000 mark by end of the year’, he added.

It may be pointed out that the performance-related awards have been instituted for the first time in the organization’s history. The sole aim and purpose of the awards is to encourage and motivate the functionaries of the institution to put up brilliant performance. This is likely to create an atmosphere of healthy competition amongst the officers and staff members.

Earlier, a Committee comprising senior Officers of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Office has devised a merit based rigorous criteria for this purpose. It included the number of complaints redressed, findings given, Khuli Katcheries held, Inspection Visits carried out etc.
The ceremony was attended by the Officers belonging to Wafaqi Mohtasib Regional Offices Abbottabad, Swat and Dera Ismail Khan besides Peshawar.

‘Jammu Kashmir Movement for Self-Determination Int’l’ effectively highlighting Kashmir issue at global stage

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, the Jammu Kashmir Movement for Self-Determination International has been launching its international and extremely peaceful diplomatic lobbying campaign for several decades to highlight the Kashmir issue all over the world.
In his detailed speech, founder chairman of Jammu Kashmir Movement for Self-Determination International, Raja Najabat Hussain said that as a result, four Kashmir debates have been held in the British Houses of Parliament and these debate is also part of this strong and stable, thoughtful international Kashmir lobbying campaign, said a press release on Thursday.
He said that these members of the British Parliament have played a very effective role in representing the Kashmiris, bringing the Kashmir issue to the attention of the world and increasing pressure on the British government to resolve the Kashmir dispute.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, he noted that the Kashmir issue once again resonated with full intensity in the British Parliament when the Member of Parliament for Bradford East and Chairman of the All Parties Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, Barrister Imran Hussain MP, led a very important and effective debate in the Minister Hall and appealed to the global conscience.
Raja Najabat called on the international community to no longer ignore the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Barrister Imran Hussain said in his detailed speech that the situation in Kashmir has taken a very worrying turn and India’s enforced disappearances in occupied Kashmir, arbitrary laws, illegal and long-term arrests, the worst restrictions on expression of opinion and media, the policy of forcing political leaders, youth and social activists to silence, collective punishment, military siege and measures that instill fear in the population have taken a serious form.
Barrister Imran Hussain said that all the atrocities perpetrated by India on the defenseless people of IIOJK are a clear violation of international human rights and international laws, which the world has been witnessing for a long time, but so far the international community has not shown any seriousness, due to which a cruel country like India has made the lives of the people of IIOJK difficult.
He has submitted an opening day resolution in the British Parliament on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day. This resolution highlights the political oppression, human rights violations and the continued denial of the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people in Kashmir for the past seven decades. “It has so far received the support of more than 40 members of Parliament, which is a significant development. A strong and comprehensive letter has been written to the British Prime Minister, signed by more than 50 members of the British Parliament. The letter calls on the British government to reaffirm the UN resolutions on the Kashmir issue, put pressure on India to immediately end human rights violations, play a role in providing access to Kashmir for international observers and human rights organizations, make human rights a prerequisite in any trade agreement with India, and lead diplomatic efforts for a just, peaceful and sustainable solution to the Kashmir issue.” he emphasized
Barrister Imran Hussain said, ”The time for further silence is over. Britain must now act.” At the end of his speech, Imran Hussain strongly said that lasting peace in South Asia is not possible without lasting justice for Kashmiris, which will not be provided unless the international community, especially Britain, intervenes seriously.
He further said that the parliamentary debate, the Kashmir Black Day resolution, the historic letter sent to the British Prime Minister are all clear signs that a serious process of bringing Kashmir back on the global agenda.
Speaking on the occasion were included Sardar Abdul Rehman Khan, Patron of Jammu and Kashmir Self-Determination Movement International, Councillor Naila Sharif, Chairperson of the Movement for the Right to Self-Determination, Councillor Yasmin Dar, Secretary General Muhammad Azam, Vice Chairman of the Movement for the Right to Self-Determination, UK Amjad Hussain Mughal, Secretary General of the Movement for the Right to Self-Determination, UK Raja Javed Tariq, Secretary General of the International Lobby on Kashmir, Professor Dr. Taimur Shafiq, Chairperson of the British Muslim Forum, Councillor Sabiha Khan, Deputy Mayor of Preston, Councillor Naveeda Khan, Chairperson of the Movement for the Right to Self-Determination, Midland, Asia Hussain, Chairperson of the Movement for the Right to Self-Determination, London, Nadia Jafri, Chairman of the South of England, Abdul Wahab Qadri, Chairperson of Greater Manchester, Rubina Khan, Chairperson of Cheshire, Naina Rania Khan, Women leaders from Manchester, Farzana Afzal, Maryam Latif, Dr. Mehwish Jabeen, and Former Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Asim Rashid.

Govt launches ‘National Roadmap for SME & Worker Formalization’

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The government on Thursday launched the country’s first ‘National Roadmap for SME and Worker Formalization,’ marking a new era in the formalization of country’s economy.
The roadmap, prepared in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), would help enterprises become more competitive, improve labour protections for workers, and support SMEs in meeting international market and due diligence expectations.
Addressing the launch-ceremony, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted the prime minister vision for a stronger, equitable, and sustainable economy, said a news release.
 “A new chapter in SME and worker formalization is beginning under the prime minister’s leadership,” Haroon added.
He emphasized that formalizing SMEs and workers is a key milestone for national development. “An unstructured economy cannot compete with an organized global market, and alignment with the European Union’s new trade policies has become inevitable. Pakistan urgently requires reforms to enhance global competitiveness ,” the special assistant said.
The roadmap, the SAPM said, aims to simplify and consolidate business registration processes, adding “Our goal is the establishment of a Single National Firm Registry under the Easy Business Act”.
Key priorities include safeguarding workers’ rights, ensuring a safe working environment, and promoting a transparent contracting system.
Highlighting recent provincial reforms, he said, “The new labor codes in Punjab and Sindh represent a significant step toward a formal economy. The Digital Labor Contract Portal will further enhance transparency in the labor market.”
Haroon noted the broader benefits of formalization: “Formalization opens doors to global markets and financial support. Digital payments, credit scoring, and incentives will integrate SMEs into the mainstream economy. Formalization is not just a government initiative; it is a national social contract,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for collaboration among the state, private sector, workers, and development partners, reaffirming the government’s commitment: “Under prime minister’s leadership, every reform will deliver real benefits—for businesses, workers, and the national economy.
Pakistan’s progress is tied to formalization, transparency, and strong institutional systems.
The country director of the ILO, Gier Tonstol, CEO SMEDA Nadia J.seth, Smeda Board members, representatives from government, industry, worker’s organizations, development partners and SME community were present at the launching event.

NAB hosts PSH children at headquarters

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) hosted children from Pakistan Sweet Home for an informative session at its headquarters on Thursday, following their participation in the bureau’s Anti-Corruption Awareness Walk a day earlier.
 Addressing the children, NAB Chairman Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmad praised their spirit, discipline, and participation in the anti-corruption campaign.
He stated that raising awareness of honesty, integrity, and accountability among the younger generation is a national responsibility.
The session included discussions with the children, a Q&A segment, and a special tea arrangement to honor them. The NAB Chairman emphasized the children the importance of working hard in their education, adopting high moral values, and maintaining a positive character.
He expressed happiness on children’s presence at NAB that has enhanced the dignity of the institution, and said that the NAB auditorium had never looked so beautiful before.
 “That awareness campaign against corruption would not have been complete without inviting these children,” he said.
He added that the enthusiasm of these children during the anti-corruption walk held at the Sports Complex on Wednesday was truly worth seeing. NAB will continue its activities across Pakistan to promote awareness and transparency among the youth.
Zamurd Khan CEO of Pakistan Sweet Homes, shared his thoughts, stating that Allah Almighty has blessed him with an important mission in the form of Pakistan Sweet Homes.
 The institution focuses on both the education and training of these children. He expressed confidence that the children raised in this institution would guarantee a bright future for Pakistan.
The NAB Chairman advised the children not to consider themselves alone, stating, “You are our children; our future leadership will emerge from among you.” He urged them not to be disappointed in this country and to keep their thinking positive, expressing hope that Pakistan would soon emerge as a strong economic and developed country in the world.
In conclusion, the Chairman NAB mingled with the children and distributed gifts among them.
The event was attended by Sohail Nasir, Deputy Chairman NAB, Syed Ehtesham Qadir Shah, Prosecutor General NAB, DGs of NAB Headquarters, and senior officers.
They encouraged the children and appreciated their participation in NAB’s awareness campaign regarding the youth.

President of Turkish Constitutional Court congratulates Justice Amin on assuming charge as CJ FCCP

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye Mr. Kadir Ozkaya has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Justice Amindudin Khan, on his appointment as the first Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP).
In his congratulatory message, President Ozkaya stated, “I am confident that under your esteemed leadership, the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan will play a pivotal role in strengthening constitutional justice and the rule of law in your country”.
He further highlighted the deep-rooted and historic bond of brotherhood between the Republic of Turkiye and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In this context, he noted that the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye and the higher judiciary of Pakistan have long maintained strong dialogue and judicial cooperation.
Expressing optimism for the future, President Ozkaya added, “We are looking forward to enhancing collaboration mechanisms with your newly established Federal Constitutional Court as well.”
 He also offered Turkiye’s support and assistance, particularly in sharing case-law and best practices in the field of constitutional justice.
It is notable that the Constitutional Court of Turkiye was established in 1962, and today, more than 80 countries around the world have operational constitutional courts.

Meta delegation calls on Minister for IT Shaza Fatima

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):A high-level delegation from Meta called on the Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja here Thursday to discuss strengthening cooperation on digital safety, responsible technology governance, and user protection across Pakistan.
The delegation included Ms. Dania Mukhtar (Head of Public Policy Meta, Pakistan), Ms. Shi Ing Tay (Lead Counsel, Pakistan & South/Central Asia Meta), Ms. Noor Bano (Regulatory Compliance, Meta), Ms. Melody Goh (Regulatory Escalations, Meta), Ms. Sehar Tariq (Content Policy Development), and Ms. Rebecca Oh (WhatsApp Policy), said a press release.
Discussions focused on enhancing online safety frameworks, with special emphasis on safeguarding women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Both sides reviewed measures to prevent online fraud and financial scams occurring through social media platforms, while exploring ways to improve reporting mechanisms, safety protocols, and digital literacy to protect citizens in an increasingly connected world.
The Federal Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to creating a secure, inclusive, and citizen-centric digital ecosystem.
She underscored Pakistan’s ongoing reforms in digital governance and reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to collaborate closely with global technology partners like Meta to ensure a safe, trusted, and innovation-friendly digital environment for all Pakistanis.

IHC seeks response regarding citizen’s name on blacklist

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought response from the authorities in a petition seeking removal of citizen’s name from blacklist.
The court directed the Assistant Attorney General to decide the request of citizen Uzair Butt within ten days and submit the implementation report to the Deputy Registrar Judicial.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petition of citizen Uzair But whose name was blacklisted.
Lawyer Abdul Rehman Babar appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner and said his client and his family are residing in Cambodia.
When the citizen came to Pakistan and wanted to return but his name was blacklisted.
The lawyer said that we also approached the relevant forum, but there was no response.
The court said that it is issuing instructions to the relevant authorities and call for an implementation report. It said that in such cases, the instructions we have given so far have been implemented.
The court instructed the Assistant Attorney General that it decision should be taken on his request within ten days and submit a report to the Deputy Registrar Judicial.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case for ten days with instructions.

PSX turns bearish, sheds 877 points

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday closed bearish, falling by 877.17 points, a negative change of 0.52 percent, to settle at 168,574.69 points compared to 169,451.86 points on the previous trading day, according to PSX data.
During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 1,288.969 million shares with a traded value of Rs55.231 billion, against 1,190.534 million shares valuing Rs50.493 billion in the previous session.
Market capitalization decreased to Rs19.217 trillion from Rs19.289 trillion a day earlier.
Out of 486 active companies in the ready market, 190 advanced, 257 declined, while 39 remained unchanged.
Hum Network led the volume chart with 187.980 million shares, followed by Pakgen Power with 180.077 million shares, and TPL Properties with 110.029 million shares.
The top gainers included Khyber Textile Mills Limited, increasing by Rs114.59 to close at Rs2,025.53, and Hafiz Limited, which rose by Rs37.13 to settle at Rs408.59.
Major losers were Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, falling by Rs289.00 to close at Rs28,710.00, and Pakistan Services Limited, declining by Rs81.22 to close at Rs1,318.05.
In the futures market, turnover stood at 224.650 million shares with a traded value of Rs10.890 billion, compared to 282.518 million shares worth Rs12.433 billion in the previous session.
Out of 316 futures-market companies, 85 recorded gains, 228 declined, while 3 remained unchanged.
Among futures contracts, HUMNL-Dec led with 46.815 million shares, followed by TPLP-Dec with 35.305 million shares, and PIAHCLA-Dec with 15.324 million shares.
1...162163164...31,051Page 163 of 31,051

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan