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Ayaz reviews progress on long-delayed construction of 104 family suits for MNAs

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday visited the Parliament Lodges to review progress on the long-delayed construction of 104 additional family suites for Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).
Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, Talal Chaudhry, also accompanied him during the visit, said a news release.
The Speaker inspected the under-construction model project of the family suites, saying that the scheme was originally initiated in 2011 and scheduled for completion in 2013.
The project, however, remained stalled for over a decade due to administrative and financial hurdles.
According to the National Assembly Secretariat, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif ordered the release of funds for the project on the request of the Speaker.
As a result of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s continuous efforts, the long-pending construction has now resumed and moved towards its final stages.
During the visit, the Speaker directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure high-quality standards and timely completion of the work.
He emphasized that Members of Parliament continue to face accommodation challenges, making the early completion of the project a pressing requirement.
“Any negligence in meeting the project timeline will not be tolerated,” the Speaker cautioned, reiterating that the work is being closely monitored under his special supervision.
The project, now nearing completion, is expected to significantly ease the housing shortage faced by parliamentary members.

Hyderabad police arrest drug dealer in injured condition after encounter

By
Samina Ch
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HYDERABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The Hyderabad police arrested a drug dealer in injured condition after a late night encounter on Thursday near Auto Bhan road, the police spokesperson said.
 According to the spokesperson, the SHO Hali road police station and his team engaged in an exchange of fire with drug peddlers, during which one suspect was injured and subsequently arrested.
His accomplice managed to escape on a motorcycle while firing shots, taking advantage of the darkness.
 The injured suspect was identified as Shaoor Ahmed son of Abdul Ghafoor Baloch. Police claimed to have recovered a 30-bore pistol from his possession.
 He is said to be a drug dealer with 14 cases of drug trafficking registered against him at various police stations in Hyderabad and Karachi.
 The fleeing suspect was identified as Asghar Baloch. The injured suspect was shifted to hospital for treatment, while raids are underway to arrest the absconding accomplice.
 Police have registered case No. 248/2025 against both suspects under sections 324, 353 and 34 of the PPC. A separate case No. 249/2025 has also been filed against the injured suspect for possessing illegal weapons.

ICT Police put two in handcuffs as illegal weapons seized in phulgran operation

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police on Thursday arrested two suspects and recovered multiple illegal weapons during a search operation carried out under the ongoing “Arms-Free Islamabad” campaign.
An official told APP that the operation, conducted under the supervision of SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza, led to the arrest of Aamir Yaseen and Fawad Ahmad, who were found in possession of a 30-bore pistol, a 223-bore Kalashnikov, a 12-bore rifle, a .303 rifle, and a large quantity of ammunition.
The official added that the police team from Phulgran Police Station apprehended both suspects during a targeted search operation in the area.
 The recovered weapons were seized on the spot, and cases have been registered against both accuse.
He said such operations are being intensified across the federal capital as part of ICT Police’s efforts to eliminate illegal arms and enhance public safety.
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza reaffirmed that strict action will continue against individuals involved in the storage, sale, or possession of illegal weapons.

Traditional medicine use rising globally as WHO prepares for major summit

By
Samina Ch
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UNITED NATIONS, Dec 11 (APP):The World Health Organization (WHO) says between 40% and 90% of populations in most member States now rely on traditional medicine.
That’s according to Shyama Kuruvilla, director of WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre, established in 2022 to tap into the potential of these systems for healthcare and well-being.
“With half the world’s population lacking access to essential health services, traditional medicine is often the closest or only care available for many people,” Ms. Kuruvilla told a virtual media briefing on Wednesday, ahead of this month’s WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
“For many others, it’s a preferred choice because it is personalized and holistic. It’s bioculturally aligned and it supports overall well-being rather than only treating specific disease symptoms,” she continued.
According to WHO, traditional medicine comprises practices and knowledge from various historical and cultural contexts, which pre-date biomedicine and mainstream medical practices.
Traditional medicine emphasizes nature-based remedies and holistic, personalised approaches to restore balance of mind, body and environment.
Ms. Kuruvilla said global demand for traditional medicine is rising due to chronic diseases, mental health needs, stress management and the search for meaningful care.
Despite widespread use and demand, however, less than one per cent of global health research funding currently supports it, she added.
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will take place from 17 to 19 December and will bring together policy makers, practitioners, scientists and Indigenous leaders from around the world.
Participants will discuss how to implement the WHO Global traditional medicine strategy through 2034, which aims to advance evidence-based traditional, complementary and integrative medicine and provides guidance on regulation and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“The Global Summit aims to foster the conditions and collaborations required for traditional medicine to contribute at scale to the flourishing of all people and our planet,” Ms. Kuruvilla concluded.
Simultaneously, WHO is launching a global traditional medicine library — the first-of-its-kind digital platform with over 1.6 million scientific records on the topic, a traditional medicine data network and a Framework on Indigenous Knowledge, Biodiversity and Health, among other initiatives.

FIA foils attempt to smuggle Rs 4 mln in fake currency; one held

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)  foiled an attempt to smuggle Rs 4 million worth of counterfeit Pakistani currency and arrested a suspect during an intelligence-based operation.
An official told APP that the FIA Commercial Banking Circle Islamabad conducted the raid outside the M-1 Attock Toll Plaza, acting on specific information. The team arrested the suspect, Rawez Khan, a resident of Nowshera, who was travelling as a driver of a passenger bus en route from Peshawar to Multan.
During the search, FIA recovered 800 counterfeit currency notes of Rs 5,000 denomination, amounting to a total of Rs 4 million, which the accused had cleverly concealed within his clothing to avoid detection.
Initial investigation revealed that the arrested suspect had been involved in smuggling fake currency for several months. He reportedly collected the counterfeit notes from a rickshaw driver based in Peshawar and delivered them to an accomplice in Multan. For every Rs 100,000 of fake currency transported, the suspect received a commission of Rs 2,000.
Officials said the accused had previously delivered counterfeit currency to Multan as part of the same network.
The FIA Commercial Banking Circle has expanded the scope of investigation, tightening the noose around the gang responsible for producing and distributing fake currency. Raids are under way to arrest the remaining members of the network.
The official for FIA said that all available resources are being utilised to dismantle the counterfeit currency network completely.

ICT Police honour martyred constable Shahbaz Ahmed for supreme sacrifice

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police on Wednesday paid heartfelt tribute to Constable Shahbaz Ahmed, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty while ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
A police official told APP that Constable Shahbaz embraced martyrdom on December 11, 2004, during an operation to intercept a highly-wanted suspect in the Bhara Kahu area. Acting on intelligence, he and fellow officers moved to stop the suspect’s vehicle. As the team attempted to apprehend the armed criminal, the suspect opened indiscriminate fire, critically injuring Constable Shahbaz, who later succumbed to his wounds.
ICT Police said the martyr laid down his life with unwavering courage, placing duty above self and protecting the lives of citizens with exceptional bravery.
Senior officers noted that his sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of the Islamabad Police. “Constable Shahbaz Ahmed’s courage and devotion will always be remembered. The people of Islamabad and the police force honour his supreme sacrifice,” the spokesperson said.
The ICT Police reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the families of all martyrs and vowed to continue efforts to ensure the safety and security of the federal capital.

Relief ship carrying 200 tons of supplies to reach Sri Lanka by December 13:  Junaid Anwar Chaudhry

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Pakistan will dispatch an additional 200 tons of humanitarian relief supplies to Sri Lanka to support communities affected by the recent cyclonic storm, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday.
The minister stated that the decision came after his meetings with Sri Lankan leaders in Colombo and an evaluation of the situation on-site, concluding that increased support is necessary to address the medium-term needs of the affected families, said a press release.
Junaid Chaudhry said a shipment carrying 200 tons of relief goods had been dispatched by sea and was expected to reach Sri Lanka by 13 December.
“The consignment includes tents, blankets, quilts, mosquito nets, camping lamps, mats, life jackets, inflatable boats, dewatering pumps, medicines, milk powder and ready-to-use therapeutic food”, he added.
He said Pakistan Navy ships and aviation assets were engaged in ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka, providing support in rescue, transportation and emergency operations. Naval teams were working closely with local authorities to assist communities in hard-hit areas.
The minister visited Sri Lanka on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions to convey Pakistan’s solidarity after Cyclonic Storm Ditwah. Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan remained ready to continue helping Sri Lanka recover from the humanitarian and infrastructural damage.

Minister Raza Hayat Hiraj calls on PM Shehbaz Sharif

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Minister for Defence Productions Raza Hayat Hiraj Thursday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the overall political situation of the country.

During the meeting, they also discussed matters related to the ministry of defence production, a press statement issued by the PM House said.

Dispute over 100 mln rupee property resolved : FOSPAH secures Woman’s legal share

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):FOSPAH successfully resolved a property inheritance dispute filed by Ms. Huma Maqbool against her two brothers and mother regarding her lawful share in her late father’s property located at House 178, Street 91, Sector I-8/4, Islamabad.
Upon receiving the complaint, FOSPAH first ensured that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) formally allotted the property to the rightful legal heirs. Once the documentation was secured, FOSPAH initiated mediation efforts between the parties. The primary point of disagreement was the valuation of the property.
To ensure fairness and transparency, FOSPAH appointed a local commission to assess the market value. The forum fixed the value at 10 crore, which was accepted by all parties, who then recorded a joint statement to settle the matter amicably.
In accordance with this settlement, Ms. Huma Maqbool’s rightful share, amounting to 1 crore 75 lac, has been paid in full.
After receiving the amount, the complainant submitted her statement in favor of her brother, Mr. Asim Maqbool, confirming the transfer of her share.
This case reflects FOSPAH’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for women, particularly in matters of inheritance where women are often denied their legal rights.
Beyond legal facilitation, FOSPAH continues to provide mediation, guidance, and a safe forum for women to assert their entitlements without fear or pressure.
Protecting women’s property rights is essential to strengthening their economic independence and dignity, and FOSPAH remains dedicated to upholding these principles.

CCP conducts raids on out-of-home advertising sector

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):As part of an inquiry into alleged cartelization, price fixing, and coordinated bid decisions, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has raided three Lahore-based entities linked to the out-of-home media advertising market
Out-of-home (OOH) advertising includes billboards, pole streamers, bus shelters, digital screens, vehicle branding, and other public-space displays. The sector involves multiple agencies and vendors, and any collective fixing of prices, commissions, or bid decisions can distort competition and increase advertising costs, said CCP press release issued here Thursday.
The raids, including those carried out at two industry associations and an advertising agency, were part of an ongoing inquiry into alleged cartelization in the advertising sector. The inquiry was launched after a complaint by an advertising agency, which alleged that the association formed a cartel to fix agency commissions and took collective decisions on bids. The association was also accused of blacklisting agencies and vendors that did not comply with its terms and conditions.
Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010 prohibits associations of undertakings from making collective decisions on prices and other business terms. CCP teams collected evidence indicating potential violations of this provision. After the investigation is completed, the findings will be placed before the Commission, and if cartelization is established, show cause notices will be issued to the concerned undertakings.
Chairman CCP Dr. Kabir Sidhu said that while industry associations serve useful functions for industrial development, they must remain cautious in meetings and ensure that no anticompetitive discussions take place.
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