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YPF President, Turkish MP discuss youth, digital policy, parliamentary links

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): The President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, held a virtual meeting with Turkish Member of Parliament Zeynep Yildiz to discuss ways to expand cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The talks focused on youth leadership, digital policy, education, and parliamentary exchanges, with both sides agreeing to continue engagement through joint programs and future visits.
According to a press release issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, met Ms Zeynep Yildiz, a Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Ms Yildiz also heads the TURKPA Group of Women Parliamentarians, serves as spokesperson of the Digital Media Commission, and is a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The meeting reviewed options to strengthen Pakistan–Türkiye relations through young lawmakers and closer parliamentary coordination. Both leaders noted the long-standing ties between the two countries and agreed that youth participation can support policy dialogue and legislative cooperation.
Welcoming the Turkish MP, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, spoke about the role of young parliamentarians in public decision-making. She said that cooperation among young legislators can support new ideas, public participation, and stronger institutions. She also appreciated Ms. Yildiz’s work with youth and her involvement in parliamentary affairs.
During the discussion, the YPF President thanked the Government of Türkiye for offering 250 fully funded scholarships to Pakistani students. She said the scholarships can help build long-term links between the people of both countries. Keeping in view Ms. Yildiz’s background in law from Bilkent University, both sides discussed academic and training opportunities in areas linked to digital law, artificial intelligence policy, ethics, and public policy related to new technologies.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar outlined YPF’s work to support young members of parliament and to include youth views in governance. She proposed structured youth exchanges, including joint training sessions, mentorship programs, and forums to share experiences on youth participation in politics. She referred to Ms. Yildiz’s political journey as an example of youth involvement in public life.
The meeting also covered digital governance. The YPF President suggested joint activities such as workshops on artificial intelligence policy, programs on digital media awareness, and short study visits focused on digital governance. She said young people with digital skills can play a role in legislative work and public engagement.
Women’s participation in the economy was another topic. Both sides discussed support for women-led businesses in Pakistan by using the Turkish experience in design and digital marketing. The discussion included traditional crafts such as embroidery, handwoven textiles, and blue pottery, with a focus on market access and skills development.
At the end of the meeting, both leaders agreed on follow-up steps. These include co-hosting virtual seminars on “Youth Leadership in Digital Parliaments,” exploring youth-based parliamentary friendship initiatives, and arranging future exchanges. Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar invited Ms Zeynep Yildiz to engage with the Young Parliamentarians Forum in Pakistan.
In her remarks, Ms Yildiz referred to TEKNOFEST as a platform that promotes youth innovation. She also spoke about shared cultural practices related to women and handicrafts. Both sides expressed intent to continue contacts, with Ms. Yildiz planning a visit to Pakistan and Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar planning a visit to Türkiye.

Six arrested for selling fireworks

By
Asif Jalal
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 30 (APP): The police arrested six accused for selling fireworks and recovered a large quantity of pyrotechnic material from different parts of the city.
A police spokesman said on Tuesday that the arrests were made during targeted operations in various localities where the accused were reportedly engaged in the sale of fireworks in violation of safety regulations. The accused were identified as Atif, Muhammad Shehzad, Ehsan, Sajid Ali and others.
A heavy stock of fireworks was recovered from their possession while further investigation
was underway,he added.

ICT Police, ITP tighten noose on lane violators, professional beggars

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, in coordination with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), have decided to further intensify action against motorcyclists involved in lane violations and professional beggars operating across the federal capital, as part of efforts to restore an orderly traffic system and curb nuisance on roads.
An official told APP on Tuesday that, on the directions of SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza, instructions have been issued to all zonal SPs, SDPOs and SHOs to ensure strict, across-the-board enforcement against lane violations, wrong-way driving and riding motorcycles without helmets. He said the Islamabad Traffic Police would play a key role in the campaign to improve traffic discipline and road safety.
The official said lane violations by motorcyclists pose serious risks to other road users and disrupt traffic flow, adding that coordinated operations by ICT Police and ITP would continue without discrimination to deter violators.
He said special tasks have also been assigned to police teams for the arrest of professional beggars and their facilitators, who create traffic congestion and inconvenience for citizens at busy intersections and public places.
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza said strict legal action would be taken against drivers who obstruct traffic flow, reiterating that restoring a smooth and integrated traffic system in Islamabad was a top priority of the police.
He urged citizens to comply with traffic laws, wear helmets, avoid lane violations and cooperate with the police, adding that public support was essential for making Islamabad’s roads safer and more disciplined.
Police have also appealed to citizens to report professional begging and any suspicious activity to their respective police stations or through the emergency helpline Pucar-15, assuring timely action.

Rawalpindi cops honoured for outstanding performance

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 30 (APP): City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani on Tuesday recognised the outstanding performance of police officers and personnel across Rawalpindi, awarding them certificates of appreciation and cash prizes, a police spokesman said.
Among those honoured were SHOs Ratta Amral Inspector Jawad Abbas, Pirwadhai Inspector Syed Ali Abbas Hamdani, Ganjmandi Inspector Tariq Mahmood, Banni Inspector Tahir Mahmood, Taxila Inspector Syed Hamid Kazmi, Race Course Inspector Muhammad Jamil, Inspector Muhammad Aamir Zafeer, SHOs Wah Saddar Assistant Sub-Inspector Aftab Hussain and Wah Cantt Sub-Inspector Mazhar Qadri, Lady Sub-Inspector Maryam Iqbal, Sub-Inspectors Abdul Qayyum, Jan Muhammad, Zameer Ahmed, Waheed, Ghazi Zaheer and Ghulam Murtaza, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Naveed, Zeeshan, Wasim Akbar, Muhammad Zafar Shan, Ali Shan, Bilal and Izzat Khan, Head Constables Yasir, Kafeel Tariq, Ashfaq Khan and Rizwan, Lady Constable Azma, Constables Kamran Shehzad, Imran, and Atif.
The CPO awarded Sub-Inspector Mushtaq a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize of Rs100,000 for exemplary performance, while Assistant Sub-Inspector Rizwan Asghar of Waris Khan Police Station was named Officer of the Month.
CPO Hamdani praised the officers’ commitment and reiterated that the protection of citizens’ lives and property, along with crime prevention, remained the foremost responsibility of the Rawalpindi Police.
The spokesman said the initiative was part of an ongoing effort to motivate personnel and enhance operational efficiency across the district.

ECC approves TSGs, pays tribute to Dr. Shamshad Akhtar

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): A meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet was held today at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik (who participated virtually), Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the concerned ministries, divisions, and regulatory bodies, said a release issued here on Tuesday.
At the outset, the Committee offered Fateha for the departed soul of former Federal Minister for Finance and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar.
Paying tribute, the Chair acknowledged her distinguished service to the country, noting that her contributions went well beyond her role as a caretaker minister. He highlighted that key institutional and tax policy reforms implemented subsequently were conceptualized during her tenure, and observed that her leadership and vision would continue to positively impact economic governance. The Committee extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues.
Subsequently, the ECC subsequently took up the agenda items placed before it, and considered and approved summary submitted by the Cabinet Division regarding the grant of a Technical Supplementary Grant for the award of reward money to the Pakistan Under-19 Men’s Cricket Team, in recognition of their outstanding performance and international achievement.
The Chair observed that such recognition not only acknowledges sporting excellence but also serves as an encouragement for young talent representing the country with distinction at international forums.
The ECC also reviewed and approved a summary of the Defence Division seeking a Technical Supplementary Grant for the procurement of bullet-proof vehicles, noting the operational imperatives and security-related requirements underpinning the proposal.

Puppet show highlights child protection, good parenting, mental health at SIF annual event at PNCA

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): Secours Islamique France (SIF) organized its annual awareness event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), featuring an engaging puppet show on child protection, safeguarding, good parenting, and mental health.
The puppet show creatively blended entertainment with strong social messaging, aiming to sensitize families and children to critical issues related to safety, well-being, and responsible parenting.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Dr Altaf Abro, Head of Mission, Secours Islamique France (SIF), who highlighted SIF’s 31 years of global humanitarian service and its presence in Pakistan since 2010. He shared that SIF’s orphan sponsorship programme, launched 31 years ago in Gaza, currently supports over 10,000 orphan students, ensuring education and socio-economic continuity. He also noted that SIF provides skills development initiatives to empower vulnerable communities.
Addressing Pakistan’s child-related challenges, Abro stated that while the country faces numerous issues, education remains the most critical. He pointed to alarming realities, including approximately 1,000 deaths annually among children under five due to parental issues, along with persistent problems of child labour, child marriages, violence against children, and child protection violations. He further noted that 26 million children are out of school, while malnutrition is increasing, leading SIF to launch a school meal programme.
A panel discussion, moderated by Habib Ahmad Laghari, brought together experts from law enforcement, international organizations, and civil society.
Nargis Raza, Deputy Director, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), said that cases involving children are handled on a priority basis with strict confidentiality and sensitivity. She emphasized that child protection is first and foremost the responsibility of the state, after which it becomes a shared responsibility of parents, communities, and institutions. She further highlighted that globally, one out of every eight children is sexually abused, underscoring the scale of the issue. She cautioned parents against leaving children unattended, noting that in most abuse cases, perpetrators are trusted individuals.
Fauzia, from Oxford storyteller, stated that storytelling is one of the most effective tools for child learning and behavioral change, as children learn best through narratives rather than lectures. She also highlighted that nearly 90 percent of child abuse cases remain unreported, making awareness and open communication critical. She warned that disturbing digital content and social media reels negatively impact children’s psychological health and increase vulnerability.
Misbah Shahbaz, SHO, Phulgran Police Station, Islamabad, advised parents not to instill fear of police in children, clarifying that law enforcement agencies exist to protect children, not to intimidate them.
Munazza Ali, Child Protection and Gender Advisor at Save the Children, stressed that mothers’ mental health plays a crucial role in child development and that awareness and psychosocial support are essential.
Imtiaz, Child Protection Expert at UNICEF, emphasized the importance of a strong emotional bond between parents and children for healthy upbringing.
Muhammad Hussain Ali, Child Protection Officer (Legal), said that Pakistan has comprehensive child protection laws, but the lack of public awareness remains a major barrier to their effective enforcement.
The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment by all stakeholders to promote child protection, education, mental health, and positive parenting, using innovative approaches such as puppet shows and storytelling to foster lasting social change.

Complete digitalization of EPZA inevitable for better performance: SAPM

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, on Tuesday reviewed the challenges faced by the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and deliberated on its future course of action.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a meeting with the Board Members and CEO, Freedon Akram Sheikh of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to review the challenges faced by the authority and to deliberate on its future course of action, said a release issued.
During the meeting, Mr Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that immediate improvement in the performance of EPZA is essential. He stated that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Export Processing Zones Authority must play a pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s exports.
The Special Assistant underscored the need to strengthen security arrangements and fire readiness across all export processing zones, terming it critical for investor confidence and operational continuity. He further stressed that performance improvement is not possible without complete digitalization of EPZA.
“Digitalization will help eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business,” Mr  Haroon Akhtar Khan said, directing that EPZA be fully transitioned to a digital system.
He also emphasized that the EPZA Board and the Chief Executive Officer must work collectively to restore the credibility and reputation of the institution. Facilitating exports, he reiterated, remains the government’s top priority.
Concluding the meeting, Mr Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that concerted efforts should be made to double EPZA’s exports during the current year, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to export-led economic growth.

President Zardari pays tribute at parents’ graves in Nawabshah

By
Asif Jalal
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0
NAWABSHAH, Dec 30 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday visited his ancestral graveyard, Baloo Ja Quba in Nawabshah, where he paid homage at the graves of his mother, Begum Bilquis Sultana, and his father, Hakim Ali Zardari.
The president offered Fateha at the graves and prayed for the departed souls. He also laid wreaths on the graves of his parents, a Presidency news release said.

Campaign against plastic bags re-launched

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BAHAWALPUR, Dec 30 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza directed the officials to take stern action to control sale of plastic bags.
A meeting of the officials of the departments concerned was held at the DC’s Office here.
In the meeting, the district administration decided to take action against shopkeepers
involved in the sale and purchase of plastic bags.
On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza, a crackdown had been launched against the sale and purchase of polythene bags with a thickness of less than 75 microns,” the meeting was told.
 “In this regard, raids will be conducted on shops of polythene bag wholesalers and dealers, and banned plastic bags will be confiscated,” the meeting was informed.

CPO Rawalpindi reviews police performance, emphasises crime prevention & public safety

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 30 (APP): City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani on Tuesday chaired a crime meeting at the Rawalpindi Police Lines Headquarters to review police performance across the district.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, SSP Investigation, SP CIA, SP Headquarters, SP Rawal, SP Potohar, SDPOs, SHOs and other officers from Rawal and Potohar divisions.
The CPO assessed performance at the police station, circle and divisional levels, and took individual briefings from investigating officers on the progress of cases under investigation.
During the meeting, CPO Hamdani directed police to ensure prompt redressal of citizens’ complaints, timely registration of FIRs, and strict adherence to investigation timelines.
He stressed the arrest of suspects involved in serious crimes, submission of challans on time, and merit-based supervision of investigations.
The CPO also called for enhanced action against narcotics dealers, verification of previous records in cases of property crimes, registration of tenants’ details, and measures to prevent begging at major intersections.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Rizwan Asghar of Waris Khan Police Station was named Officer of the Month for outstanding performance.
CPO Hamdani reiterated that the protection of citizens’ life and property and crime prevention remained the foremost priority of the Rawalpindi Police.
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