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RA Bazar Police solved call centre burglary, recover four stolen laptops

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 10 (APP): The RA Bazar Police on Wednesday claimed to have solved a burglary at a call centre reported five days ago, arresting a suspect who had earlier appeared for a job interview at the same premises.
A Rawalpindi Police spokesman said the suspect was taken into custody through the use of technical surveillance and human intelligence, and four stolen laptop computers were recovered from his possession.
He said the burglary and housebreaking-style break-in had been traced to the same individual who had visited the call centre for an interview a few days before the incident.
The spokesman said further investigation was underway.

FUUAST organises Seerat seminar to highlight ethics of disagreement in light of Prophet’s teachings

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad on Wednesday organized a Seerat seminar titled “Etiquettes of Disagreement and Conflict Resolution in Contemporary Times: Guidance from the Life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”
FUUAST organises Seerat seminar to highlight ethics of disagreement in light of Prophet’s teachings
 The event was jointly organized by the Seerat Chair and featured addresses by guest speakers, with participation from experts, faculty members, and students.
FUUAST organises Seerat seminar to highlight ethics of disagreement in light of Prophet’s teachings
During the address, speakers said that difference of opinion is a healthy practice and was encouraged by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), but also discouraged the disrespect and personal attacks during discussions.
They noted that conflicts arise when ego enters into dialogues, adding that the true purpose of differing views should be the pursuit of truth, not hostility.
They emphasized that disagreement should not be interpreted as disrespect.
They further stated that the Sunnah teaches tolerance even when differences emerge due to misunderstanding or lack of knowledge.
Referring to various examples from the lives of Prophet (PBUH) and His Companions Discussions, they noted that They ( His Companions) sometimes differed with the Prophet (PBUH), who ( PBUH) listened to their views and accepted them whenever appropriate.
Speakers also cited the incident involving the prisoners of the Battle of Badr, where Hazrat Umar (RA) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) held differing opinions, ultimately leading the Prophet (PBUH) to adopt the latter’s stance—setting a timeless example of constructive dialogue.
 Speakers also stressed that suppressing differing viewpoints leads to intellectual stagnation in society.
While emphasizing the intolerance as a major challenge today, the speakers urged to take guidelines from the Life of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), that provides solution and comprehensive guidance on both the ethics of disagreement and peaceful conflict resolution.
They added that the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) offer solutions to contemporary issues as well.

Dry, cold weather forecast for Lahore

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): The City of Gardens basked in mild winter sunshine on Wednesday and similar conditions are forecast for Thursday.
According to the Met Office, Lahore is experiencing clear skies with hazy conditions lingering into the afternoon, typical of the dry December season.
Temperature: Readings hover around 20°C (68°F) late morning, with a high of 24°C (75°F) early afternoon. Overnight lows will dip to 12°C (54°F), accompanied by clear skies.
Sunny intervals dominate, transitioning to hazy sunshine with moderate visibility. No precipitation is forecast, maintaining the bone-dry pattern with zero chance of rain.

Deadline looms: legislators told to submit 2024–25 asset statements

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has once again reminded all members of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies to submit their annual statements of assets and liabilities — including those of their spouses and dependents — for the financial year 2024–25 by December 31.
Under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017, it is mandatory for all parliamentarians to submit annual statements of assets and liabilities as of June 30 of the preceding financial year. These details must be provided on Form B for the 2024–2025 financial year.
On January 1, the ECP will publish the names of members who fail to submit the required statements within the specified period. Any member who does not comply by January 15 will have their membership suspended by order on January 16 and will cease to function until the statement is filed.
The ECP further said that any member submitting fake statement of assets and liabilities under this section in material particulars may, within 120 days from the date submission of the statement, be proceeded against for committing the offence of corrupt practice.
The ECP said that the prescribed form, along with instructions and guidelines prepared in this regard, can be obtained free of cost from the Election Commission of Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, offices of provincial election commissioners in each province, Senate Secretariat, National Assembly, and secretariats of provincial assemblies. Form B can also be downloaded from the ECP’s website www.ecp.

Zong 4g inaugurates cutting edge cloud computing center

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Zong, Pakistan’s leading Information Services and Technology Innovation company, hosted an exclusive high-level event at its Headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday to mark a milestone in the nation’s digital journey.
Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja,  graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and officially inaugurated Zong’s state-of-the-art Tier-III Certified Data Center, a landmark development in Pakistan’s evolving digital infrastructure.
Senior government officials, industry leaders, and distinguished guests were also in attendance.
The inaugurated facility underscores Zong’s unwavering commitment to fortifying Pakistan’s digital backbone through secure, scalable, and future-ready technology, said a press release.
Design and built to international Tier-III standards, the Data Center reinforces Zong’s vision to power Pakistan’s digital future by enabling cloud solutions, enterprise services, AI innovation, IoT applications, advanced cybersecurity, and next-generation connectivity.
Equipped with cutting-edge server architecture and energy-efficient systems, the Data Center exemplifies Zong’s dedication to global best practices and sustainability while supporting nationwide digitalization initiatives.
This strategic investment not only elevates Pakistan’s technological capabilities but also positions Zong as a key enabler of the country’s digital economy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication said, “Today’s inauguration reflects the momentum of Pakistan’s digital transformation. Strengthening our national digital infrastructure is essential for economic growth, innovation, and job creation. We highly value the role of partners like Zong, whose continuous investment in advanced technologies aligns with the Government’s vision of a connected and digitally empowered Pakistan.”
CEO of Zong 4G, Huo Junli, added, “It is an honor to welcome Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, government dignitaries and present our vision for a truly digital Pakistan. At Zong 4G, we remain committed to delivering world class information services and technological innovation that build inclusive and effective digital ecosystems,”.
He said that the launch of our Cloud Intelligent Computing Center, AI-enabled platform, and Cloud solutions are key steps toward realizing the digital dream of the organization.
Alongside the inauguration, the event featured technology showcases and presentations from Zong leadership, highlighting the company’s latest advancements across AI, Cloud, IoT, and network modernization.
Zong 4G reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation, expanding digital access, and contributing to Pakistan’s ICT progress in close partnership with the Ministry of IT & Telecom further, cementing its role as a key enabler of the country’s digital economy.

IESCO notifies power suspension programme for Thursday

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Wednesday issued a power suspension programme for various areas of its region on Thursday due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.
According to an IESCO spokesperson, electricity supply to various feeders will remain temporarily suspended during the maintenance activity.
On December 11, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, power will remain suspended in several areas of the Islamabad Circle, Scheme-2, G-8/2, China Chowk, Chirah, G-6/3, Grand Hayat-1, Orchard Scheme, Lohi Bher, Khanna Dak, Waheed Abad, F-10/3, G-9/1, I-9/4, Carriage Factory, G-13/1, Golden Heights, Shah Pur, Kuldana, Numble, Patriata, Golf City, and Angori.
In the Rawalpindi City Circle, affected areas include Commercial Centre, National Market, Affandi Colony, Shaheed Muhammad Din, Khanna-II, A.P.H.S, Farooq-e-Azam, Zafar-ul-Haq, Liaqat Bagh, Jamia Masjid, Jinnah Road, Major Masood, Dhoke Hassu, Ihsan Abad, Abu Bakar, Madina Colony, Azizabad, Chearing Cross, Ameer Hamza Colony, G-15, Range Road, Seham, Ratta, and Railway Colony.
In the Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, the maintenance will impact Mall Road, Sarwar Shaheed, Bostan Khan Road, PWD-II, Wallayat Complex, Murree Brewery, Pindi Board, Tulsa Road, Samarzar, Hayal, Shah Jevan, R.A. Bazar, Chakri, Sihala College, Lehtrar-II, Doberan, Fazal Ahmed Shaheed, Punjrar, Sagri, Hamid Jhangi, Pind Jhatla, Bhair Kalyal, Ramman, and Mahoota.
In the Attock Circle, affected areas include Nawajis Shaheed, Ghazi Kohli, Nawababad, Dhraik, Kashif Gul, Model Town, Mix Industry, Col Sher Khan, Hussainabad, Saifiya Town, Millat Colony, Cabinet Division, Pour Miana, Musa, Hattian T/C, Power Channel C T/C, Shamsabad, Qazi Abad T/C, Ghour Ghushti, Fawara Chowk, Dilwarabad, Air University, Malhowali, Mithial, Qutbal, Grace Land-I, Jhang, Parri, Ahmedal, Kamrial, Khunda, Laniwala, Aman Pur.
In the Chakwal Circle, the scheduled areas include Abdullah Pur, Adhi, Araa Bazar, Basharat, Budhial, C.W.O, Chakral, Dalwal, Dharyala Jalip, Dhok Pathan, Dhudial Rural, Dhurnal, Islamia Chowk, Jalalpur, Khanpur, Miani, Mureed, Neela, P.D. Khan, Patwali, Rawal, Sagharpur, Sukka, Talagang City, Tehi, Tharpal, and Tobha. In the Jhelum Circle, the areas include Karim Pura, Bilal Town, Puran, Shamasabad, Chapran, Khohar, F-6 Machine Moh, F-9 (Chak Daulat), Citi Housing, Dina-3 (Rohtas), Gaddari, Dina-1 (Bakrala), New Domeli, Sohan, Khai Kulia, Mumtaz Shaheed, Dina-4 (City), Matwa, Bhai Khan, Mal Awan, Kountrilla, and Qazian.
In the GSO Circle, from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm, the maintenance will affect Comm: Center, Farooq Azam, 4th Road, E-Block, Shaheed M. Din, Abu Bakar, Abul Rehman, P.G.H.S, Bhini, Baral/MES-1, Gadari, and C.M.H/MES-2 and surrounding areas will remain closed.
IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage. If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time.

PBM chief, Turkish Counsellor discuss potential partnerships for community uplift, childcare

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) Managing Director Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt met Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkoç, Religious Affairs Counsellor, Embassy of Türkiye, at the PBM headquarters on Wednesday to discuss potential partnerships for community uplift and childcare initiatives.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkoç, pledged to strengthen collaboration with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM). PBM Managing Director highlighted the organization’s key initiatives in the childcare sector while discussing potential avenues for joint ventures.

The Counsellor was apprised about the upbringing of the orphan children in Pakistan Sweet Homes, monthly subsidy to the family having school going orphan children under Orphan & Widow Support Programme, education and support to the child wage earners in PBM’s Schools for Rehabilitation of Child Laborers and sponsorship of Cochlear Implant Surgeries and follow-up speech therapy sessions to the children born with hearing loss.
Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt, while appreciating the dynamic role of Türkiye’s Counselor in liaising on religious and community welfare cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye, extended his heartfelt gratification for his visit to PBM. He termed the meeting an opportunity for both parties to exchange insights, share best practices, and to explore the collaborative efforts of social development.
In his remarks, Religious Affairs Counsellor of Türkiye, Dr Abdul Rahman Akkoç congratulated PBM’s leadership and team for their dedicated work in providing quality care to the vulnerable children. He spoke about his initiatives for school-going children in Balochistan province and expressed a strong commitment to expanding joint efforts with PBM. To support the orphan children, he pledged winter clothes for 100 children of Pakistan Sweet Home and informative/religious magazine subscriptions for 700 children residing in PBM’s Sweet Homes.

KU Kashmir Society hosts special session to highlight violations in Indian occupied Kashmir

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Dec 10 (APP):The Kashmir Society of the University of Karachi hosted a special session on “Indian Occupied Kashmir: Human Rights Challenges and the Role of the International Community” at the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences Council Room on Wednesday.
The KU Kashmir Society arranged the program on the International Human Rights Day to highlight the current human rights situation in Indian Illegally occupied Kashmir, to share the voices of affected communities, and urge for moral and legal responsibilities of the global communities.
Speaking at the event, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, the wife of the key figure of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, Yasin Malik, appealed to the international community to at least recognize the people of Occupied Kashmir as human beings and ensure the protection of their fundamental human rights.
She stated that while the struggle for freedom is a serious matter, the recognition of the basic human dignity of Kashmiris is the greatest need of the time.
She referred to a tragic incident, saying that recently Indian forces detained a 24 year old youth and later sent his family “two kilograms of meat” along with one of his shoes.
She described this as a grave violation of human rights and a moment of deep reflection for the world. She added that such incidents continue to occur, and the silence of international institutions makes the situation even more agonizing.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick shared that she herself is living the life of a “half widow” and constantly fears that Yasin Malik may be sentenced to death at any time.
According to her, for the past four years, this fear has loomed over the Kashmiri nation and her family—that a verdict could be announced at any moment.
She said that Indian forces have made it routine to send mutilated bodies through the use of phosphorus shells, chemical weapons, and torture.
She emphasized, “Freedom is a great blessing from Allah, and a person born in a free country lives with his identity intact.”
During the event, Mushaal Mullick announced the launch of the “Save Yasin Malik” campaign, appealing to the public—especially students—to participate actively and spread Kashmir’s voice to the world through social media.
She remarked that students have always played a pivotal role in revolutionary movements.
She expressed concern that Yasin Malik could be executed on January 28, warning that Narendra Modi and the Indian government could go to any extent for electoral purposes, even disregarding the dangers of nuclear war.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick said that young people, especially students, are playing an active role in issues such as Palestine and other global matters. However, the plight of occupied Kashmir does not receive the international attention it truly deserves.
She emphasized that it is necessary to devote time to occupied Kashmir and its leadership, because movements always advance under strong leadership.
Mushaal Mullick stressed the need to use social media as an effective weapon to save Yasin Malik’s life and to highlight the Kashmir issue at the global level.
Another speaker, the human rights activist Professor Zafar Iqbal said that after the recent Pakistan India situation, the international community is more willing than before to listen to Pakistan’s stance.
He remarked that now is the time to expose Indian atrocities before the world and press for a solution to the Kashmir issue.
He added that Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik is a “freedom lover” who is enduring hardships in Indian imprisonment.
He reminded students that in the world’s major movements, the role of youth has always been decisive.
The KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Samina Saeed stated that even after 77 years, Kashmir still presents the image of a prison.
She stressed that alongside raising voices in favor of Kashmiris, practical steps are also necessary, because the destinies of nations are never changed by discussions confined to closed rooms.
A speaker, the KU Head of the Kashmir Society, Dr Nosheen Wasi explained the aims and objectives of the event, saying that on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, raising voices for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, freedom, and against Indian atrocities is the pressing need of the time.
She said that highlighting the grave violations of human rights in occupied Kashmir at the international level is a shared responsibility of all of us.
At the conclusion of the event, the speakers expressed the resolve that without the restoration of human rights in both Kashmir and Palestine, global peace will not be possible.

Field Marshal Asim Munir urges Ulema to play role in fostering national unity

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has urged the Ulema to play their role in fostering national unity and broadening the vision of the people.

Field Marshal Asim Munir urges Ulema to play role in fostering national unity

Addressing the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference here, the CDF said that in an Islamic state, no one except the state can declare jihad.

Field Marshal Asim Munir urges Ulema to play role in fostering national unity

He said the nation emerged victorious in Marka-e-Haq with the blessings of Allah Almighty.

Terming the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia a historic development, the CDF said there is a deep connection between the State of Tayyiba and Pakistan. “Among all Muslim countries, Allah Almighty has bestowed upon Pakistan the honour of being the guardian of the Haramain,” he said.

The CDF said, “Terrorism is not Pakistan’s way but India’s practice. Pakistan does not strike the enemy from hiding; rather, it challenges and eliminates them openly.”

Underscoring the importance of education, Field Marshal Asim Munir said that a nation which abandons knowledge and the pen becomes vulnerable to chaos. “Honour and strength are not gained through division, but through hard work and knowledge,” he added.

Public interest media & tech must collaborate to benefit from AI, digital transformation, freedom network

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Digital media and tech sectors must collaborate to build an inclusive, safe and resilient digital environment that ensures public access to credible information and provides citizens the opportunities to benefit from digital transformation.
Public interest media & tech must collaborate to benefit from AI, digital transformation, freedom network
These observations were shared by participants at the 2nd Annual Digital Dialogue summit on Wednesday in Islamabad.
The national conference was organized by Freedom Network with assistance from the International Media Support (IMS).
The summit brought together leading journalists, tech experts, academics, civil society representatives and digital rights advocates to discuss the future of Pakistan’s digital information ecosystem and public-interest media.
Panel discussions during the summit explored key financial, policy and governance challenges facing independent digital journalism and public interest tech development while exploring emerging opportunities presented by technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Freedom Network’s Program Head, Minahil Shahab, said joint efforts and conversations are needed to navigate our AI-influenced future reality.
“The Digital Dialogue summit envisions creating a shared roadmap for a digitally empowered and inclusive Pakistan,” she said.
IMS Program Manager Adnan Rehmat highlighted the role of independent digital news media that are serving the information needs of local communities.
“These independent digital news outlets have showcased the diversity and pluralisms of our society while providing credible news that adheres to ethics and public-interest values,” he noted.
Owners and editors from prominent independent digital media outlets, including Times of Karachi, Hazara Express News, Tribal News Network (TNN), Voicepk.net and The Reporters shared their experiences, challenges and milestones in practicing public-interest journalism. They discussed how digital platforms have enabled new forms of engagement and storytelling despite resource constraints.
Zain Siddique, Editor at Dawn.com, noted that mainstream media has struggled due to weak revenue models.
“Without a sustainable business and revenue strategy, media outlets lose credibility and the trust of their audiences,” Siddique said.
Farhan Mallick, Editor and Founder of Raftaar, also highlighted the urgent need for financial stability of digital journalism.
“The future of media is digital platforms, but sustainability and long-term viability remain the biggest challenges for independent media,” he said.
Panelists also examined the different ways in which AI is reshaping content creation, distribution algorithms and newsroom workflows. Usama bin Mansoor, Deputy Manager Projects at the Ignite National Technology Fund, said Ignite was adopting the pillars of the National AI Policy 2025 in its work and also recently launched an AI competition to invite students, researchers and startups to build AI solutions that could create social impact.
The Digital Dialogue Summit participants called for the need for stronger collaboration among media, technology, academia and civil society stakeholders to support a rights-respecting digital ecosystem.
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