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Pak-China armies’ two-week joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX to continue till Dec 14

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 11 (APP):Two- week Joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX between Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China will continue till December 14.
The exercise commenced on November 28, is aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening military-to-military cooperation between the two countries, said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, on Thursday.  Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Mr. Jiang Zaidong, graced the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by senior dignitaries from China.
The Chief of General Staff, Pakistan Army, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour, it further said.
During the visit, guests were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the joint exercise. They witnessed various counterterrorism drills and appreciated the professionalism, operational competence, and high morale demonstrated by the participating troops from both sides.
The exercise reflects strong defence collaboration between Pakistan and China and reaffirms the commitment of both Armed Forces to working together for peace and stability, the press release said.

PM, Turkmen President discuss issues of mutual interest

By
NNPS Desk
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ASHGABAT, Dec 11 (APP):: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday here met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed matters of mutual interest.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Turkmen President on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

While underscoring the importance of the historic and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister expressed his resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly through enhanced trade and economic engagement.

The Prime Minister conveyed his deepest gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and government for the support extended to safely evacuate Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel war earlier this year.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally located to be utilized by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.

While thanking the Turkmen President for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation by the Turkmen side, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and reiterated his most cordial invitation to him as well as to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year, on mutually convenient dates, to be worked out by the two sides.

The Turkmen President thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and assured that Turkmenistan was also keen to enhance its bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister arrived in Ashgabat, on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan from 11-12 December 2025.

He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.

Jazz, Ericsson sign strategic Microwave Frame Contract to enhance network infrastructure

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have signed a strategic Microwave Frame Contract to strengthen Jazz’s network backbone, aligning with the operator’s ServiceCo vision of providing advanced digital experiences and nationwide connectivity.
Leveraging Ericsson’s cutting-edge MINI-LINK solutions from the Ericsson Transport portfolio, the Microwave Frame Contract aims to support Jazz in expanding its network capacity, boosting its network reliability and improving its users’ experiences, in alignment with the ambitions of Digital Pakistan Policy.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply its MINI-LINK solutions and services to Jazz over the next five years, enabling scalability and efficient network modernization. The deployment will also prepare Jazz’s infrastructure for future 4G expansion and seamless transition to 5G technology, ensuring that millions of customers across both urban and underserved rural areas benefit from faster speeds, improved connectivity, and advanced digital solutions.
Khalid Shehzad, Chief Technology Officer at Jazz, says: “This Microwave Frame Contract with Ericsson is an important step in strengthening Jazz’s network backbone and advancing our ServiceCo vision. By integrating Ericsson’s latest microwave solutions, we will enhance capacity, improve reliability, and broaden digital access for communities across Pakistan, enabling better experiences and greater opportunities in education, health, finance, commerce, and beyond.”
Aamir Ahsan Khan, President of Ericsson Pakistan, says: “Our latest partnership with Jazz builds on a decades-long relationship focused on digital transformation and innovation. This Microwave Frame Contract reflects our shared vision of ensuring scalable, resilient, and future-ready networks that contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic and digital advancement. We are honored to contribute to Jazz’s mission of empowering millions of people and businesses through advanced connectivity solutions.”
Ericsson’s latest microwave solutions, like the MINI-LINK 6355, provide high-capacity, multi-band capabilities and a compact design that can support frequency combinations and configurations. Delivering flexibility, performance enhancements, and scalability for modern networks, the solutions cater to high-performance backhaul demands while ensuring efficient deployment in diverse environments.
The deployment will also enable digital inclusion by expanding connectivity to remote and rural areas where fiber is difficult to deploy, ensuring reliable access to connectivity and Jazz’s suite of essential digital services. Moreover, it can also contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth by empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups and digital trade by providing a reliable telecom infrastructure.
Ericsson and Jazz have cultivated a strong partnership over two decades, marked by landmark collaborations underscoring a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in Pakistan’s telecom sector. Together, the partners have enhanced the telecom infrastructure in the country and fostered digital advancement, paving the way for stronger connectivity, improved customer experiences, and long-term digital resilience for millions of Pakistanis.

RPO to hold Open Court on Friday

By
NNPS Desk
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0

RAWALPINDI, Dec 11 (APP): Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region Babar Sarfraz Alpa will hold an open court on Friday to listen to public grievances and issue on-the-spot orders for their redressal.

According to a police spokesman, the RPO will conduct the Khulli Katchery on December 12 at 3:00 pm at the City Police Station, Rawalpindi.

Citizens have been advised to attend the session with written applications regarding issues related to the City Police Station. The spokesman said that necessary directives would be given to the concerned officers during the session to ensure timely resolution of complaints.

Eight rescued, three found dead after van plunges into river near Azaad Pattan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 11 (APP):Three bodies were recovered and five persons rescued after a Hiace van travelling from Hajira to Rawalpindi plunged into a river near Azaad Pattan on Thursday, a Rawalpindi Police spokesman said.
According to reports, around 14 persons were on board when the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the river. Rescue teams retrieved five survivors, identified as Muhammad Idrees, Basit, Sajjad, Zafar Iqbal and Muhammad Liaqat, who were shifted to hospital.
The bodies of three others, including a woman named Fatima and two men, Naeem and Adeel, were also recovered. Their remains were transported to hospital, the spokesman added.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Malik Tariq Mahboob and City Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam reached the scene on the instructions of City Police Officer Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani and were supervising rescue and recovery work. Local police and emergency services continued the search for the remaining missing passengers.

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves rise to $ 19.61 billion

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Dec 11 (APP): The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan has grown to US$ 19,612.2 million as of 05 December while the reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased to $ 14,586.5 million.

“During the week ended on 5-Dec-2025, SBP’s FX reserves increased by US$ 12 million to US$ 14,586.5 million,” the central bank reported on Thursday in its weekly statement on the position of liquid foreign reserves.

Meanwhile, the net foreign reserves held by the commercial banks also depicted a $12 million increase and recorded as $ 5,025.7 million, as per the break up of forex reserves for the period under review.

SBP further reported that SDR 914 million (equivalent to about US$ 1.2 billion) have been received from IMF under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in the current week. Adding that, this amount will be reflected in SBP’s foreign exchange reserves for the week ending on 12-Dec-2025.

Total liquid foreign reserves held by the country in the previous week ended on November 28, 2025 were 19,588.5 million.

Among them the central bank held foreign reserves of $ 14,574.8 million while the commercial banks held $ 5,013.7 million.

RPO Alpa inspects Wah Saddar, Taxila police stations

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 11 (APP):Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa on Thursday visited Wah Saddar Police Station and Taxila Police Station to review policing standards, operational performance and citizen-service facilities.
According to a spokesman, the RPO was accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Taxila, the station house officers concerned and other senior officers during the inspection.
RPO Alpa inspects Wah Saddar, Taxila police stations
RPO Alpa examined the buildings, lockups, front desks, armoury rooms and other administrative sections, and reviewed the record of registered cases, under-investigation files and progress in heinous crime cases.
He also offered prayers at the Shuhada Monument inside Wah Saddar Police Station for Constable Sajjad Hussain Shah, who had embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.
Issuing clear directives, the RPO said that the prompt arrest of all suspects nominated in first information reports must be ensured. “Every case must be investigated on merit, transparently and strictly based on evidence, with challans submitted to the relevant courts within the given time frame,” he said.
He warned that unlawful detention of any citizen would not be tolerated. A police station, he added, was “a service centre,” therefore every visitor must be treated with courtesy and respect, with officers ensuring a better service culture.
RPO Alpa further stressed that officers and personnel should restore public confidence through their conduct, performance and professional competence. “Every policeman must prioritise the rule of law, respect for citizens and the provision of justice,” he said, directing sustained and effective actions against criminal elements to maintain peace and order.

Pakistan’s senior tennis players excel at ITF Masters MT200

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Pakistan’s senior tennis players, sponsored by The Bank of Punjab (BOP), produce remarkable performances at the ITF World Masters Tour MT200 Tournament held on the hard courts of Robinson Hotel Khao Lak, Thailand.

Competing against players from Germany Switzerland, Great Britain, Iran, Singapore, Norway, Russia, India, Ukraine, Hong Kong, USA, New Zealand, and France, in the ITF World Masters Tour held from December 6 to 12, the Pakistani seniors shone in multiple categories, securing four titles across four events and finishing runners-up in two, marking one of their strongest international outings to date, said a press release.

Former Davis Cup star Rashid Ahmed Malik once again proved his mastery of the game. Demonstrating powerful baseline strokes and tactical precision, he dominated his category to capture the 60+ singles title. He also continued his unbeaten winning streak at the ITF Masters. He is now keen to continue this streak and also represent the country in ITF World Master Championship Finals and win the title at this prestigious event.

With outstanding athleticism and mental resilience, another promising Pakistani senior player Khurram Imtiaz overcame tough international opponents to clinch the 55+ singles crown, adding another major international win to his name, his second ITF singles title.

Waqar Nisar displayed exceptional consistency and endurance throughout the tournament. His deep run and strong competitive spirit earned him a well-deserved runner-up position in the 70+ singles category.

The pair of Khurram Imtiaz and Furqan Uddin Khan (Mongol) delivered a commanding performance in doubles. Their aggressive net play, seamless coordination, and strong court coverage secured the 55+ doubles title, reinforcing Pakistan’s rising strength in senior doubles tennis.

Furqan Uddin Khan fought valiantly throughout the event. In a gripping semifinal, he overcame Germany’s Henning Hartmann 4–6, 7–6(3), 12–10. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury forced him to concede the final via walkover, finishing as the runner-up.

All the four Pakistani senior players extended heartfelt appreciation to Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab, for his steadfast support and commitment to promoting senior athletes. Special thanks were also conveyed to Arslan M Iqbal, Chief Risk Officer, BOP, whose encouragement has played a pivotal role in motivating the tennis contingent.

Rashid Ahmed Malik and Waqar Nisar will remain in Khao Lak to compete in the second leg of the ITF Masters MT200, scheduled from December 13–19. Meanwhile, Khurram Imtiaz and Furqan Uddin Khan will return to Pakistan this weekend after a highly successful campaign.

IESCO notifies power suspension programme for Friday

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Thursday issued a power suspension programme for various areas of its region on Friday 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 12, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, power will remain suspended in several areas of the Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, DHA Homes Feeder, Attock Circle, Babraki, Kohsar Valley Feeders, GSO Circle, from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, S.D.W, ECH (D-18), Valley, S.A.Ditta, A.W.T-4, Sangjani, MVHS-II (D-17) feeders and surrounding areas.
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.

SSP holds orderly room, directs prompt resolution of police personnel issues

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Security Division, Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider, held an orderly room at his office to hear and address the concerns of police officials.
An official told APP on Thursday that the SSP listened to individual cases presented by police personnel and issued on-the-spot instructions to resolve their problems. He directed senior officers to immediately complete inquiries related to serious matters and instructed concerned officials to ensure that pending issues of police personnel are resolved on a priority basis.
On the occasion, SSP Zeeshan said that the timely and priority-based resolution of departmental and personal issues faced by Islamabad Police officials is among the division’s foremost responsibilities. Under the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, all senior officers are holding orderly rooms to engage directly with personnel, hear their concerns, and ensure swift follow-up.
He added that several welfare initiatives have recently been introduced for police officers, including improvements in housing facilities, enhanced medical services, and upgraded educational opportunities for their families.
The SSP Zeeshan  further stated that the purpose of orderly rooms is to boost morale within the force and strengthen internal communication. He assured officers that his office “is always open” for anyone facing workplace or personal difficulties, adding that collective effort is essential for improving security and service delivery in the federal capital.
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