Saturday, December 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 179

National Games: Pakistan Army wins 113 Gold Medals

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
KARACHI, Dec 10 (APP):Pakistan Army has crossed the historic 100-gold milestone at the 35th National Games, securing a total of 113 gold medals to further strengthen its lead at the top of the medals table. WAPDA holds second place with 46 golds, while Pakistan Navy remains in third position with 24 gold medals.
According to the medals table issued by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the Army contingent leads with 113 gold, 50 silver, and 34 bronze medals. WAPDA athletes stand second with 46 gold, 43 silver, and 34 bronze, and Navy ranks third with 24 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
Punjab is placed fourth with 7 gold, 23 silver, and 32 bronze medals, followed by HEC in fifth position with 6 gold, 29 silver, and 37 bronze medals. Sindh stands sixth with 6 gold, 15 silver, and 38 bronze, while Pakistan Air Force holds seventh place with 6 gold, 11 silver, and 14 bronze medals.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has won 4 gold, 8 silver, and 30 bronze medals, Balochistan 2 gold, 6 silver, and 11 bronze, Islamabad 1 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze, Railways 2 gold, 5 silver, and 17 bronze, Police 17 bronze, Gilgit-Baltistan 3 bronze, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir 1 bronze medal.
Meanwhile, in the badminton singles quarterfinals, WAPDA’s Irfan Saeed, KP’s Murad Ali, Punjab’s Raza Ali Adil, and WAPDA’s Ali Larosh advanced to the men’s singles semifinals. In women’s singles, WAPDA’s Ghazala Shafiq, Army’s Alja Tariq, WAPDA’s Mahoor Shahzad, and Army’s Amara Ishtiaq won their matches to book their places in the semifinals.

Biotech-driven sustainable sugarcane imperative to combat pest issue, says biotechnologist

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
FAISALABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Brazilian sugarcane biotechnologist Dr William Lee Burnquist stressed the need for biotech-driven sustainable sugarcane transformation that will help combat pest issue and ensure water efficient use for the crop.
He was addressing at a seminar at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali.
Dr William said they were bringing the biotechnology to sugarcane since 2015. He said that after a comprehensive mechanism, genetically engineered varieties are launched, ensuring that it does not disrupt the ecosystem, and animal and increase the yield with health benefit.  He also briefed about HB4 gene that shift the plant into the more water efficient operating system mode. It is used in biotechnology to enhance drought tolerance.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali stressed upon the need to learn from the experiences of Brazil and strengthen the academia ties for students and faculty exchange program.
He said that in the face of ever-increasing population, we have to adopt the modern technologies to boost the productivity.
Sugarcane Research and Development Board (SRDB) CEO Dr Shahid Afghan said that SRDB is making all out efforts to increase the productivity.
He said that SRDB is giving two scholarships to the UAF on sugarcane. He said that it is misperception that sugarcane is taking the area of cotton. Other crops were taking the area of cotton, he added.
Director External Linkages Dr Muhammad Tehseen Azhar talked about areas of collaborations.

Dream Sports delegation briefs Governor Kundi on Major Youth Sports Initiatives

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

PESHAWAR, Dec 10 (APP): A delegation led by Arsalan Mushtaq, CEO of Dream Sports, called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Wednesday to brief him on their upcoming sports initiatives aimed at youth engagement and promoting a positive image of the province.

During the meeting, the delegation presented their vision for organizing a major Dream Fest alongside the launch of a KP Football League in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation.

Under the proposed plan, football matches would be held across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, culminating in a grand event in Peshawar. The team sought the Governor’s support to help strengthen and promote these sporting activities across the province.

The Dream Sports representatives also appreciated Governor Kundi’s recent efforts to uplift sports, particularly the Sports Awards, the Adopt-a-Player initiative, and his commitment to highlighting the soft image of KP through sports-related programs.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed the proposals and assured the delegation of his full support.

He said such initiatives play a vital role in youth empowerment, community development, and expanding sports opportunities for young people throughout the province.

Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Ms. Saba Sadiq speaking to the media after paying condolences to the bereaved family of the slain Dr. Warda.

By
Wajid
-
0
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Ms. Saba Sadiq speaking to the media after paying condolences to the bereaved family of the slain Dr. Warda.
APP24-101225
ABBOTTABAD: December 10 –

Pak-China cooperation strengthens Pakistan’s copper export potential : PCJCCI

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) said here Wednesday that Pak-China cooperation has strengthened copper export potential of Pakistan.
China continues to source nearly 51 per cent of its global copper imports from international markets including Pakistan.
Recognizing the increasing potential of this sector in 2025, the PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology and advanced mining practices to further accelerate copper trade with China.
He added, Pakistan’s copper and copper-related exports have witnessed remarkable progress over the past decade. He recalled that in earlier years, copper exports were valued at only USD 106 million, but by 2021, shipments to China alone had reached USD 600 million and the upward trajectory is expected to continue in 2026.
He, however, suggested that copper mining and processing require advanced technological expertise, an area where Chinese companies, particularly the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), have played a pivotal role since the development of the Saindak Copper-Gold Project in 1995. The project currently processes 12,800 tons of copper ore daily, producing nearly 13,000 tons of copper blister annually.
The joint Chamber’s Senior Vice President
Brig. (Retd.) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh stated that the renewed rise in copper export potential is strongly linked to the ongoing development of the Reko Diq Project, which is now moving toward full-scale operations and is anticipated to be a transformative venture for Pakistan. He added that if all agreements progress smoothly, MCC already operating successfully in Saindak is optimistic and pointed out that regions such as Chitral, despite holding significant copper reserves, remain underutilized due to outdated mining practices and lack of modern equipment.
Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI, noted that over the past two decades, the Saindak Copper-Gold Project has delivered consistent economic benefits, contributing more than USD 468 million in taxes, fees, and profits to the federal and provincial governments. The project has generated over 1,900 jobs, procured USD 1.1 billion worth of goods and materials, and supported local trade, transportation, and logistics positively impacting thousands of families. He emphasized the need for enhanced managerial and technical training for Pakistani workers to ensure they gain greater long-term benefits from these projects.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif highlighted that ongoing expansion of the Reko Diq Project in 2025 presents an opportunity comparable to the Saindak Copper-Gold Project. He expressed the hope that the government will expedite international tenders and collaborations to maximize Pakistan’s copper export potential, particularly with China.

Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt presents a memento to Religious Affairs Counsellor of Türkiye, Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkoç, during his visit to PBM Headquarters.

By
Wajid
-
0
Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt presents a memento to Religious Affairs Counsellor of Türkiye, Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkoç, during his visit to PBM Headquarters.
APP23-101225
ISLAMABAD: December 10 – 

Aun Chaudhry vows to counter PTI’s hostile agenda

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and leader of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Aun Saqlain Chaudhry reaffirmed the commitment to counter Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) hostile agenda aimed at undermining state institutions.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Member of the National Assembly Munaza Hassan at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he criticized those PTI supporters abroad, allegedly promoting anti-state narratives and attempting to mislead the public.

Aun Chaudhry said that PTI was seeking to create instability in the country and attempting to tarnish the image of Pakistan and its armed forces by portraying itself as a victim. He emphasized the party’s unpopular and anti rhetoric was aimed at spreading hatred and division.

He said as Pakistan was gaining broader international recognition “after the Battle of Haq,” adding that the country’s improved global standing, economic progress and growing acknowledgment of the prime minister and armed forces were developments PTI “could not digest.”

The minister stated that the public elected representatives to address national issues, yet PTI lawmakers choose to resign from assemblies rather than work for the people. He urged citizens to question why the party remained silent on major public issues, alleging that PTI leaders were solely focusing on one individual rather than national interests.

He added that the party’s hostility could be determined from their heinous act where they wrote letters to the IMF against the country in an attempt to secure the release of one individual.

Aun Chaudhry reiterated to his commitment to confront and expose PTI at both national and international forums.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain meets Canadian High Commissioner, Tarik Ali Khan to discuss enhanced agricultural cooperation.

By
Wajid
-
0
Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain meets Canadian High Commissioner, Tarik Ali Khan to discuss enhanced agricultural cooperation.
APP22-101225
ISLAMABAD: December 10 – 

Pakistan, Kazakhstan eye new era of cooperation

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah, and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin on Wednesday discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation between both the countries.
An important meeting was held here at the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), between Senator Rana Sanaullah, and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador. During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, sports, tourism, regional connectivity, and culture.
The meeting, was also attended by Federal Secretary IPC, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, along with other senior officials of the ministry, said a statement issued here.
Highlighting the current state of bilateral trade, the Kazakh ambassador noted that Pakistan exports agricultural products such as oranges, mangoes, onions, surgical instruments, and various other goods to Kazakhstan. He emphasized the significance of this trade cooperation for both countries.
Senator Rana Sanaullah, who also holds the portfolio of the IPC Ministry, said that Pakistan’s mangoes and oranges are globally recognized for their exceptional taste and quality, with no parallel worldwide. He added that Pakistan is eager to further enhance its agricultural exports.
The Kazakh ambassador pointed out that bilateral trade and transportation are currently facing challenges due to the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which has disrupted regional connectivity.
Responding to this, Senator Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan had made every possible effort to resolve issues with Afghanistan, but the Afghan regime had not shown willingness to cooperate.
He stressed that Pakistan has made countless sacrifices for Afghanistan and hosted millions of Afghan citizens, yet it is regrettable that Afghan soil continues to be used to support elements involved in terrorism in Pakistan. He firmly said that Pakistan will not allow any form of terrorism on its soil.
The Kazakh ambassador reiterated that Pakistan is an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan and expressed his country’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in sports, education, agriculture, medicine, culture, and other sectors.
He noted that prior to the border closure, both countries had been working on the Pakistan–Kazakhstan railway connectivity project, aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade.
He expressed hope that once conditions improve, these projects will resume and usher in a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

Lahore’s AQI climbs to 237

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): Lahore’s air quality remained hazardous as the AQI climbed to 237, placing the city second on the list of the world’s most polluted urban centres.
Several localities recorded extremely toxic readings, with levels surpassing 500 in some areas. The AQI reached 542 at the Civil Secretariat, 495 on Barki Road, 385 in Johar Town, 252 in Askari Ten, 233 in Iqbal Town, 231 in Gulberg II, 180 in DHA Phase V, and 168 on Bedian Road.
Amid worsening smog, experts have urged residents to take strict precautionary measures.
1...178179180...31,054Page 179 of 31,054

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