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SSP Shoaib vows zero tolerance for crime in Islamabad

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Islamabad, Muhammad Shoaib Khan, chaired an important meeting regarding crime prevention and directed a strict crackdown on hardened criminals, members of active gangs, and proclaimed offenders.
SSP Shoaib vows zero tolerance for crime in Islamabad
An official told APP that SSP Shoaib instructed officers to closely monitor habitual offenders, enhance the effectiveness of police patrolling, and ensure the arrest of suspects and recovery of stolen items in cases of robbery, theft, and motorcycle and car lifting. He emphasized that all available resources should be utilized to curb criminal activities and that the arrest of individuals involved in serious crimes must be prioritized.
SSP Shoaib also stressed that arrested individuals must be challaned with solid evidence to ensure strict legal action and successful convictions. He directed officers to take indiscriminate action against land grabbers, drug peddlers, and those possessing illegal weapons. He urged unwavering efforts in the arrest of absconders and the completion of investigations based purely on merit.
SSP Shoaib further stated that effective handling of public complaints at the police station level must be ensured and that officers should prioritize resolving citizens’ issues. He warned that corruption, misconduct, and misuse of authority would not be tolerated, and any complaints in this regard would be dealt with strictly.
SSP Shoaib concluded that all officers must maintain exemplary discipline and performance, adding that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority of the Islamabad Police. Any negligence in this regard will not be accepted.

Govt. takes necessary steps to ensure safety of Pakistani nationals in Iran, Iraq: DPM Dar

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, June 15 (APP): In light of the evolving regional situation, the Government of Pakistan is taking necessary measures for the welfare and safety of Pakistani nationals in Iran and Iraq.

“Evacuation of 450 Pakistani Zaireen from Iran has been facilitated as of yesterday.  Arrangements are being made for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students (154 in the first batch) currently residing in Iran,” Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sunday posted on X handle.

Govt. takes necessary steps to ensure safety of Pakistani nationals in Iran, Iraq: DPM Dar

Pakistan Embassy in Iraq was in contact with Pakistani zaireen who were stranded due to the closure of airspace. Measures were underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation.

“The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Foreign Office is operational 24/7; Contacts details of CMU are; Phone: +92 51-9207887 , Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and Zaireens,” it was further posted.

https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1934180833637658668

Post-Hajj flights smoothly continue: 4,995 more Hujjaj to arrive in Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
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By Raziq Ali Shah

MADINAH AL MUNAWWARAH, Jun 15 (APP): A total of 11,418 Hujjaj have returned to Pakistan so far while another 4,995 pilgrims are scheduled to arrive on Sunday via 20 flights after performing their sacred journey.
Sharing the details, Ministry of Religious Affairs Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt told APP that out of the total flights, six each are scheduled to land in Islamabad and Lahore, four in Karachi, three in Multan, and one in Quetta.
He said that eight flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), five of Saudi Airlines, four of Air Blue, two of Air Sial, and one of Serene Air will bring pilgrims back to Pakistan on Sunday.
Muhammad Umar Butt said that Pakistan’s post-Hajj flight operation is proceeding smoothly despite global air traffic disruptions.
He advised the Hujjaj to strictly adhere to the issued guidelines to ensure a smooth return, especially in terms of discipline and airport protocols. The pilgrims must ensure that their luggage remains within the weight limit specified on their air tickets, he said .
Due to heavy rush, the pilgrims are advised to arrive at the Saudi airport 6 to 8 hours prior to their scheduled flights, he said.

Yango’s rapid fall further erodes public trust in ride-hailing

By
Kamran Muraad
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0

By Fiza Zahid

ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): Yango, once welcomed as a cheaper, more convenient alternative in Pakistan’s crowded ride-hailing scene, the service now faces growing backlash over poor safety standards, unreliable vehicles, and an increasingly frustrating user experience.

But Yango’s swift fall from grace within two years’ time span isn’t new. From Careem and Uber to Bykea, InDriver, Swvl and a few more, Pakistan has seen one ride-hailing service after another enter with bold promises, only to repeat the same cycle. Each begins by undercutting the market with low fares and big claims. Then come the price hikes, driver disputes, app glitches, and safety concerns.

“A ride-hailing user Raniya Imran while speaking to APP sharing her experience said, “Most alarmingly, women continue to face the worst of these issues report being dropped far from their destinations by Yango without explanation. These mid-ride abandonments, paired with run-down vehicles are growing safety threats that demand immediate attention from both the company and regulators.”

“Where I wanted to go was just 10 minutes away,” says regular user Laiba Amjed. “But the driver took wrong turns and got us stuck in traffic for over an hour. He blamed me, demanded extra money, and even after I paid, said it wasn’t enough.” Although I was refunded after complaining, no action was taken against him, leaving him free to repeat this with others,” she remarked.

These cases are becoming more common, especially among women, who report being misled, overcharged, or abandoned in unsafe areas.

“The app doesn’t offer a choice of nearby drivers, instead, it assigns just one and makes you wait, forcing you to accept it. This lack of options, combined with poor communication and slow app response, only adds to the frustration and delays.” Laiba Amjad talking to this scribe shared an even more troubling experience when a driver ignored her directions and left her at deserted road under construction, far from her destination. “It was terrifying in the darkness of night,” she recalled.

From the drivers’ perspective, the situation has its own complications. Many Yango drivers cite the app’s strict penalties, poor income structure, and long working hours as reasons for frustration. They argue that some fares are so low they can’t even cover fuel costs, especially during long detours or traffic delays.

Hammad, a Yango driver, says, “We aren’t trying to abandon passengers, but when a 30-minute drive in heavy traffic earns only Rs. 300, it feels unfair. Still, that’s no excuse to leave someone stranded, especially in a dangerous spot. The real issue is many drivers are untrained and overwhelmed.”

Another passenger, Hassan Syed recounted a troubling experience with a vehicle that appeared barely roadworthy. “The moment I stepped in, the car made loud, threatening noises, it felt like it might collapse in the middle of the road,” he said. “It was some 35-year-old poor Suzuki Mehran. How do such vehicles even get registered with a service like Yango? There should be a proper inspection before these cars are allowed on the road.”

Similarly, Saba a working woman who daily commutes from Islamabad’s G-13 sector to Zero Point with her two-year-old son, described her ordeal. “I booked a comfort AC ride to ensure a cool journey for my child in scorching heat, but the driver was irritable and only turned on the AC after I insisted, only to find it wasn’t working at all. I paid for comfort but got worse than a regular taxi. “There should be a quick and effective way to file complaints and get results,” she said with frustration.

To address these growing concerns, ride-hailing services like Yango must strengthen driver screening, ensure proper training, and enforce strict penalties for misconduct. Real-time support systems, such as emergency buttons and live assistance, must also function reliably when passengers need them most. While fair compensation for drivers is important, it should never come at the cost of passenger safety.

A statement issued by Yango termed the claims a “clear violation of its strict protocols and safety guidelines”, saying that “we take these matters very seriously.”

The statement added that Yango strongly condemned any unlawful behavior that compromises passenger safety, saying that as of today, 99.9 percent of the trips on Yango are complaint-free, reflecting the overall safety and reliability of the service.

“We urge anyone with genuine concerns or incidents to report them directly to us via our official support lines or to the relevant authorities so that appropriate legal action can be taken,” it said.

The statement mentioned that Yango remains fully committed to cooperating with authorities and providing all necessary support whenever required.

“We also encourage passengers to utilize the in-app Support Center to report any issues before, during, or after their ride. Safety is a shared responsibility, and Yango has implemented an array of safety measures comprehensive of over 25 safety features.

The measures, it said, include a real-time trip monitoring for enhanced security, an SOS button and trip-sharing features to ensure users feel safe throughout their journey, and a free and comprehensive ride insurance that covers an array of incidents of unforeseen circumstances

Yango expressed commitment to providing a “safe, reliable, and transparent” service while adhering strictly to Pakistan’s laws and regulations. “Our focus is and will always be on ensuring the best and safest ride-hailing experience for all our users,” it said.

 

World Bank sees China as anchor of stability in global economic chaos

By
NNPS Desk
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0

BEIJING, Jun 15 (APP): China’s economy is projected to grow by 4.5% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, according to the latest China Economic Update from the World Bank Group. While these figures may appear modest in comparison to the breakneck pace of earlier decades, they remain robust when set against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown.

China’s relative resilience is no accident. It is the result of a deliberate and increasingly strategic shift in macroeconomic policy. As trade restrictions and external uncertainties take a toll on exports and manufacturing, Beijing is leaning into fiscal policy to cushion the blow by ramping up infrastructure investment, expanding subsidies, and bolstering social protection. In effect, China is applying the its own playbook at a time when much of the West remains politically gridlocked and ideologically averse to large-scale public investment, as per an article released by CEN.

This is not to suggest that China’s path forward is free of obstacles. The country faces acute structural challenges. But China’s response to these challenges is pragmatic and forward-looking. Recognizing that household consumption must become a more prominent driver of growth, Chinese policymakers are increasingly focused on expanding the social safety net – especially for migrant and informal workers who constitute a vast segment of the population. As Mara Warwick, the World Bank’s Director for China, Mongolia, and South Korea, noted, enhancing financial security through stronger social protections could reduce precautionary savings and unleash a new wave of domestic consumption.

In a sense, this marks a subtle but important transformation in the Chinese model. The old growth formula – fueled by exports and infrastructure – is giving way to a more balanced, consumption-driven model. It’s a shift that Western economists have long advocated, and Beijing now appears determined to pursue it, not out of external pressure but from internal necessity and self-interest.

The World Bank has downgraded growth projections for almost every major economy in the wake of trade salvos. The eurozone is expected to grow by just 0.7% this year, Japan by a meager 0.7%, and even India, the current poster child for emerging market dynamism, will slow to 6.3%.

None of this is to romanticize the Chinese economy or to ignore its imperfections. But in an era where many economies are paralyzed by polarization and populism, Beijing’s ability to formulate and implement coherent economic policy is proving to be an asset.

Moreover, China’s global ambitions increasingly align with the aspirations of many developing countries. Through platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral engagements such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, Beijing is presenting itself as a partner, emphasizing mutual development, infrastructure financing, and technological cooperation. This soft-power strategy is winning hearts and markets, especially in the Global South.

In the meantime, China is forging ahead. Its economy may no longer dazzle with double-digit growth, but it is showing something just as valuable: resilience, adaptability, and a quiet confidence that – in this era of uncertainty – may be the most important asset of all.

Metro Bus struggles to balance cheaper fares with reliable service

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
By Minahil Zahid
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): The recent rollback of the Metro Bus fare from Rs. 100 to Rs. 50, following public outcry and the prime minister’s intervention, has offered immediate relief to thousands of commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. But behind the applause lies a more complex challenge: how to sustain quality public transport while keeping it affordable for the masses.
Initially, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) defended the 100% fare hike as a necessary response to rising fuel and maintenance costs. The aim was to maintain the Metro’s standards, cleanliness, punctuality, air conditioning, and consistent service, which many consider superior to other public transport options. However, the sudden doubling of fares triggered backlash from students, daily-wage earners, and elderly citizens who rely on the Metro for their essential travel.
“I spend Rs. 3,000 a month just commuting to work,” said Ghulam Abbas, a construction worker Talking to APP. “That’s a major hit to my grocery budget.” Similarly, schoolgirl Asma shared with this scribe how she considered skipping lunch to manage travel costs. With stories like these surfacing widely, the fare hike quickly turned into a flashpoint.
The government ultimately reversed the decision on June 5, reinstating the original Rs. 50 fare. Commuters welcomed the move, and for many, it reaffirmed faith in responsive governance. But this solution, while popular, raises an important question: can the Metro sustain quality service on its current fare model?
Metro drivers, too, expressed concerns, not just about wages, which remained unchanged, but about increasing frustration from both management and passengers. “The fare change came overnight,” said driver Zahid Khan. “We didn’t get more pay, and now we’re blamed when people are angry about delays or crowded buses.”
From a sustainability standpoint, experts argue that rather than doubling fares in one go, a phased or incremental approach would have been more practical and politically acceptable. “Even a Rs. 10–20 quarterly increase, spread over time, would be easier for people to absorb and for the authority to justify,” noted a senior urban transport planner.
While affordability is vital, especially during times of inflation, so is the long-term health of the transit system. A sharp rollback without any adjustment plan may risk underfunding maintenance, delaying upgrades, or cutting services in the future. Already, questions are being raised about whether buses will continue to be as clean, on time, and safe if funding gaps widen.
Senior citizens like Rukhsana Bibi, who travel regularly for medical needs, suggested middle-ground solutions. “Maybe there could be concession passes for students, pensioners, and laborers, while others could pay slightly more,” she suggested. Such targeted subsidies could help balance the financial model without punishing the most vulnerable riders.
A ride-hailing Yango-like situation, where service quality rapidly deteriorated despite initial affordability, serves as a cautionary tale for public transport authorities. Maintaining the balance between accessibility and sustainability requires careful planning, not abrupt swings based on public sentiment alone.
Raziq Ali, who travels daily from Jinnah Garden to Islamabad G-7, and Hasnain Raza, a frequent commuter from Gulberg Greens, both agree that the Metro Bus is an affordable and comfortable option. However, they warned that a sudden 100% fare increase would push many to switch to bikes, which are cheaper but come with safety risks and are uncomfortable in bad weather.
“For now, the Metro remains a lifeline. But to ensure it stays that way, authorities may need to rethink fare strategy, not just with short-term relief in mind, but long-term resilience” remarked Hasnain Raza.
A gradual, balanced fare increase, aligned with inflation, fuel costs, and service improvements, can ensure the Metro’s long-term sustainability without burdening commuters. This would help maintain vehicle conditions, service quality, and fair employee pay. Keeping fares reasonable will preserve public transport as a reliable alternative to private vehicles, reducing traffic and fuel demand. Transparent, strategic fare management with public input is essential for a resilient Metro service.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed on Sunday

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was observed on Sunday to focus on the abuse of older adults in long-term care facilities.
The Day aims to highlight the necessity of protecting and supporting older individuals during emergencies, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts.
The theme of the day this year is “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action”.
The Day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution, December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) to commemorate in June. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.
Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”.
It is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

Pakistan’s leap into space: a nation poised for a historic ascent

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
By Shumaila Noreen
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): In a moment that will redefine the course of Pakistan’s scientific journey, the nation is preparing to send its first astronaut into space–a feat that once belonged to the realm of dreams is now moving firmly into the realm of reality.
This ambitious step forward follows the signing of a landmark agreement between Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), setting the stage for Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight for the very first time. Under this collaboration, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo extensive training at China’s Astronaut Center. By 2026, one of them will be selected as a scientific payload specialist to join a future mission to China’s Tiangong Space Station (also known as the Chinese Space Station, or CSS).
But this mission is more than symbolic. The selected astronaut will carry the weight of scientific ambition, conducting advanced research in critical domains such as biology, space medicine, fluid dynamics, materials science, and radiation studies. These experiments, made possible by the unique microgravity environment of Tiangong, hold the potential to impact life on Earth in meaningful ways, from healthcare innovations to technological breakthroughs.
SUPARCO Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Khan hailed the agreement as a transformative milestone in Pakistan’s space program. “This marks a turning point in our space journey,” he stated. “It embodies the progress, resilience, and innovation that Pakistani scientists and engineers have steadily built over the years.” He urged youth, academic institutions, and professionals to embrace this momentum by investing in space sciences, research, and technological development.
China, already an established space power, has welcomed Pakistan’s participation with open arms, reinforcing the two nations’ long-standing partnership in science and technology. “Pakistan’s inclusion in the Tiangong program reflects the deep strategic trust between our nations,” remarked Dr. Lin Xiqiang, Director General of CMSA. “Our collaboration in space exploration serves the greater cause of peaceful scientific discovery for humanity.
Pakistan’s journey into space began over six decades ago when, on July 7, 1962, it launched the Rehbar-I rocket from the Sonmiani Range, becoming the first Muslim country–and among the earliest globally–to venture into space. However, despite this pioneering start, the nation’s space program saw a prolonged stall due to shifting political priorities and limited investment in science and technology.
A resurgence came in 2011 with the launch of PakSat-1R, a communication satellite developed in collaboration with China. This momentum was reinforced by the deployment of PRSS-1 and PakTES-1A in 2018. The trend continued in 2024 when PakSat-MM1 expanded digital connectivity to Pakistan’s underserved areas.
Notably, the student-developed iCube Qamar satellite, launched in collaboration with the China National Space Administration, captured images of the Moon, highlighting the emerging potential of Pakistani youth in advanced space technologies.
In January 2025, Pakistan achieved another landmark by launching its first entirely indigenous satellite, the Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China. Developed solely by Pakistani engineers, EO-1 supports agricultural planning, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, demonstrating the nation’s increasing technical autonomy and competence.
This upcoming astronaut mission is more than a national celebration. It is a critical step toward Pakistan’s integration into the global ecosystem of space-faring nations. The research conducted aboard Tiangong will offer solutions in medicine, climate adaptation, space agriculture, and materials innovation—developments with direct applications on Earth.
At a time when traditional warfare is rapidly giving way to technological warfare, the significance of space research cannot be overstated.
The modern battlefield now spans cyber realms and upper atmospheric technologies, from advanced surveillance to satellite-enabled warfare.
Pakistan’s experience in electronic warfare during recent conflicts has already demonstrated how vital mastery over space and electromagnetic domains has become.
To remain competitive regionally and globally, Pakistan must elevate its scientific priorities. This means greater public investment in research, creating advanced training pipelines, and nurturing a new generation of scientists, engineers, and space professionals.
As space-faring nations race toward the next frontier by exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Pakistan’s journey has finally reentered orbit. But to sustain and accelerate this progress, a strategic realignment is needed. This includes enhancing research funding, integrating space education at all academic levels, and forging global partnerships to maintain technological relevance.
The nation’s reawakening in space science is not merely about catching up but it’s about claiming a seat at the table where the future of humanity is being written.
The launch of Pakistan’s first astronaut will not just mark a historical moment; it will ignite a scientific renaissance that has the power to shape generations to come.

OIC-COMSTECH, WUACD sign MoU to boost scientific cooperation among OIC member states

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):The Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and higher education across OIC member states.
WUACD is an initiative of Airlangga University is a growing international network comprising 41 universities from 11 countries, focused on advancing academic collaboration and community development.
The signing ceremony took place at the Airlangga University East Java, Indonesia, where  Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, Rector Airlangga University and President of WUACD, formally signed the MoU on behalf of their organizations.
The agreement aims to promote joint research, academic exchange, and innovation in key scientific fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Health Sciences, and Engineering. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting scholars and researchers from underrepresented OIC member countries, particularly in Africa.
As part of the MoU, both institutions will offer a range of academic and training opportunities. These include short-term technician training programs of three to four weeks and long-term research fellowships ranging from six to twelve months. Fellows will be hosted at Universitas Airlangga and mentored by its faculty, while OIC-COMSTECH will assist with award issuance and visa facilitation.
Airlangga University serving as the WUACD secretariat, will manage academic placements and supervision. The collaboration is designed to foster practical research, knowledge sharing, and stronger institutional ties among member universities.
On this occasion, OIC-COMSTECH also proposed to host the next WUACD Annual Summit in Islamabad a gesture welcomed by WUACD leadership and seen as a step toward deepening academic cooperation and regional engagement.
The officials from both sides described the MoU as a strategic milestone that will build scientific capacity, encourage innovation, and contribute to sustainable development roughout the Islamic world.
The partnership is expected to open new pathways for long-term cooperation and community advancement through science and education

Gambling Apps trap youth, unemployed persons

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
By M Atif Ismail
MULTAN, Jun 15 (APP):A silent digital trap is catching thousands of young people, students and unemployed labourers across south Punjab as gambling Apps cleverly disguised as harmless mobile games and looting people.
These Apps are spreading fast through social media, offering the false hope of “easy money from home.” But behind the colorful graphics and catchy slogans lies a deep financial and mental danger.
These Apps promote various games. At first glance, they seem like simple fun. But as soon as, a user signs up, they are welcomed with free bonuses, sometimes Rs 500 or more  just to play. In the beginning, they win small amounts. Encouraged by early success, many users start putting in their own money, hoping to earn even more. That’s when the real loss begins, said IT experts while talking to APP.
“I thought I could earn some side income by playing a game online. But within two weeks, I had lost Rs 15,000,” shared a college student on condition of anonymity. His story is not unique. From students to unemployed adults, these apps are pulling people in with big promises and pushing them towards debt, anxiety, and depression.
Once hooked, many users begin spending more time and money than they can afford. The excitement turns into obsession. “The app kept sending me notifications repeatedly.
In many cases, these apps operate from outside country and avoid legal consequences by changing names frequently. IT experts stated that there was weak digital monitoring system. Although, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and FIA Cybercrime Wing have banned several such apps in the past, but new versions continue to surface.
Making matters worse, many social influencer promote these apps in exchange for money. They call them “income games” or “earning tricks,” tricking their followers into trying them. Most viewers don’t know that these promotions are often paid advertisements.
Similarly, Psychologists are also found issuing warning of a growing mental health crisis linked to these apps. Many people become addicted, and their focus, sleep, studies, and relationships suffer badly. “It’s a digital addiction that leads to gambling addiction.
Families across South Punjab are reporting unexpected financial losses and emotional tension. In many cases, parents only learn about it when it’s too late.
Citizens are calling for strong awareness campaigns, especially in schools, colleges and universities. They also recommend strict monitoring of app stores.
IT experts stated, people need to know that there is no such thing as easy money. Real income comes from real work not spinning a wheel or betting on a fake game. It’s time to raise voice before more dreams are destroyed by these flashy lies, they added.
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