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Senate Deputy Chairman briefed on FIA Cyber Crime Wing performance

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan on Friday met Director General of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, Syed Khurram Ali, at the Parliament House, where the DG gave a detailed briefing on the wing’s functions, performance, and challenges.
The Director General explained that the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) is a specialized department of FIA operating under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016). Established in 2007, the wing is equipped with modern technology and possesses expertise in digital forensics, technical investigations, information security audits, penetration testing, and professional training.
He further noted that the CCW is the only national institution that directly receives public complaints and takes legal action against perpetrators of cybercrimes.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan appreciated the services of the Cyber Crime Wing, expressing concern over baseless propaganda targeting political leaders and prominent personalities on social media.
He emphasized the need for effective mechanisms to curb such practices. He stressed that strategies must be adopted that safeguard individuals from defamation and encourage the responsible and constructive use of social media in the national interest.
He appealed to the public to use social media responsibly, noting that its misuse not only harms the country but also affects the reputation of key national figures.
The Deputy Chairman expressed hope that FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing would continue to enhance its performance and play a vital role in national development, public protection, and the promotion of healthy digital platforms.
He underlined the importance of robust strategies to counter misinformation circulating on social media, stating that the role of the Cyber Crime Wing in this regard is of critical importance.

Positive poliovirus in two environmental samples prompts health authority

By
Samina Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (APP):Two environmental samples collected from Rawalpindi district have tested positive for Wild Poliovirus Type-1 (WPV1). The positive samples were obtained from Dhok Dalal and Safdarabad.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), District  Health Authority Rawalpindi, Dr. Ehsan Ghani confirmed APP the detection and termed the positive environmental samples an alert for the district as well as the province, indicating circulation of the virus.
He said despite the alert, the district’s performance remains satisfactory as more than 95% coverage was achieved during all recent campaigns and the target of vaccinating over 750,000 children under five years of age has been fully met.
Dr. Ehsan Ghani highlighted that routine immunization has been further strengthened in 25–45 high-risk union councils and vaccinators have been strictly instructed to ensure no child from birth to two years remains unvaccinated.
“During the recent Measles-Rubella campaign, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops were also administered to children aged from birth to five years across the district”, he said.
To a question pertaining to year’s last polio drive, Dr. Ghani informed that more than 4,500 teams will be deployed in the field to vaccinate approximately 800,000 children, starting from 15 December across the district.
The health chief expressed optimism, saying that due to the intensity of ongoing interventions, environmental samples are expected to turn negative in the coming month. He added that samples from another sensitive site, Taxila, have consistently remained negative.
However, reasoning towards the positive samples, Dr. Ghani explained that the risk remains high because of large-scale population movement and daily turnover of 4–6% from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan and even within Punjab.
“People coming from these areas often settle temporarily anywhere in the district, and if any of them are carrying the virus, it can be shed and spread locally”, he added.
APP observed that
Dhoke Dallal site remained negative till October this year, returns to positive status and Safdar Abad site continues its streak of critical as it has been positive nearly every month since May.
According to the details, during the first quarter of the running year, the district remained stable but in May, WPV1 circulation came in visible mode.
The CEO Health maintained that all best possible efforts were being put to turn the district negative.

Drug-peddler arrested

By
Samina Ch
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0
GUJRAT, Dec 12 (APP):Lalamusa City Police arrested a drug dealer with a sizable quantity of narcotics.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of DSP Lalamusa Circle Chaudhry Ehsan Zafar Sandhu.
According to a police spokesperson, SHO Lalamusa City Police Station Ansar Mehmood, along with SI Itrat Abbas and his team, arrested the accused, Nadeem Ali of Madina Sidyan, and recovered 1,320 grams of hashish from his possession.
Police have registered a case against the suspect, while further investigation is in progress.

IRS, Chinese embassy host dialogue on China’s path to development, opportunities for Pakistan

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted a dialogue on “China’s Path to Development and Modernization: Lessons and Opportunities for Pakistan.”
The event brought together young diplomats from the Chinese Embassy and emerging Pakistani scholars to explore avenues of cooperation and learning from China’s modernization experience, said a press release issued on Friday.
The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Shengjie, Counselor and included Zhang Duo, Attaché; Yang Taofei, Attaché; Wang Yiqiu, Third Secretary; Li Zhen, Third Secretary; Zhang Datuo, Second Secretary; Jiang Lezan, Third Secretary; and Zhang Pengfei, Attaché.
Other panelists included Dr. Usman Chohan, Zeeshan Ahmed, Dr. Mehmood Hassan, Tahir Dhindsa, Barrister Zopash Khan, Assadullah Khan, young and emerging scholars and influencers who exchanged views with the delegates, aimed at deepening understanding on the development, governance of China and exploring opportunities in China’s modernization drive 2035; as well as the targets to be achieved with another very effective Five-Year Plan 2026-2030 focused on high-quality development, self-reliance in technology, boosting of domestic consumption and opening wider for global business and exchanges.
IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, in his opening remarks, highlighted China’s achievements in poverty reduction, economic expansion and sustained modernization. He noted that China’s national strategies, particularly its Five-Year Plans, provide valuable lessons for developing countries such as Pakistan seeking sustainable and equitable development.
A central feature of the dialogue was the display and discussion of the Fifth Volume of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.” Published in July 2025, the volume compiles 91 speeches and writings of President Xi Jinping from May 2022 to December 2024, along with photographs documenting key moments of governance. Divided into 18 thematic sections, the book presents China’s defining features of modernization, its practical pathways, and achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The earlier series, already translated into more than 40 languages and distributed in over 180 countries, continues to shape global understanding of China’s governance philosophy.
The delegation shared perspectives on China’s people-centric diplomacy, people-centered governance, the four initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative, and reforms in the Communist Party of China (CPC). They emphasized that China’s development model is rooted in inclusivity, self-reform, and cultural harmony, while initiatives such as CPEC continue to serve as vital pillars of Pakistan-China friendship.
Notable Pakistani experts, scholars, and educationists contributed their views on governance, policymaking, and business opportunities. They underscored the importance of consistency in national policies, competence-based education, and people-centric approaches to development.
The dialogue also explored how Pakistan could benefit from China’s experience in long-term planning, inclusive policymaking, and technological investment.
The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the enduring Pakistan-China partnership and the shared commitment to modernization, cultural exchange, and mutual progress

HEC approves MS Prosthetics & Orthotics, MS Occupational Therapy Programs at KMU-IPMR

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IPMR) at Khyber Medical University (KMU) has received formal approval from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad for the launch of two new postgraduate programs: MS Prosthetics & Orthotics and MS Occupational Therapy.
With this approval, KMU-IPMR becomes the first institution in Pakistan to offer these specialized MS degrees, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of rehabilitation sciences and the strengthening of academic and clinical training capacity across the country.
These newly approved programs will produce highly qualified professionals equipped with advanced expertise in prosthetic and orthotic device design, assistive technologies, functional rehabilitation, and modern occupational therapy practices.
The initiative will significantly expand access to specialized rehabilitation services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while addressing the increasing national demand for advanced rehabilitation specialists.
KMU-IPMR continue to play a leading role in the development of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences in the province.
Through high-quality education, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services, and innovative clinical approaches, the institute has consistently contributed to the care and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, injuries, congenital disorders, and chronic illnesses.
Highlighting the importance of this achievement, Executive Director HEC and Vice Chancellor KMU, Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, stated that this milestone represents a new era for rehabilitation education in Pakistan.
By launching these advanced postgraduate programs, KMU is not only raising academic standards but also expanding access to specialized care for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. KMU reaffirms its commitment to producing world-class rehabilitation professionals and strengthening Pakistan’s health system with research-driven, modern, and patient-centered expertise, he added.
KMU also acknowledged the valuable contributions of key academic leaders, particularly Prof. Dr. Haider Darain, Dean, Allied Health Sciences, and Dr. Syeda Asia Bukhari, Director, Quality Enhancement Cell, whose support was instrumental in securing this approval.
The introduction of these two specialized MS programs reflects KMU’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare education in Pakistan and expanding the scope of rehabilitation sciences for the benefit of communities across the country.

KP Govt introduces major recruitment reforms

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced sweeping administrative reforms aimed at ensuring merit, transparency, and uniformity in public-sector recruitment and postings across the province.
The initiatives were undertaken on the directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi.
The provincial Higher Education Department issued an official notification on Friday confirming that all recruitments in government and semi-government institutions will now be conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETA).
With this decision, all previous exemptions granted to semi-autonomous bodies have been withdrawn, it added.
Officials stated that the move is intended to eliminate discrepancies arising from department-specific hiring procedures and to establish a transparent, merit-based system that offers equal opportunities to all candidates.

KP Cabinet approves e-transfer policy 2025 for teachers

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The provincial cabinet on Friday approved the e-transfer Policy 2025 for teachers in the Education Department.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the new policy would reinforce merit and transparency.
He noted that the digital system was a long-needed reform that would allow teachers to focus on their primary responsibility, education, without administrative hurdles.
Afridi revealed that despite a province-wide ban on postings and transfers, more than 200 recommendations had been received but none were entertained, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance approach to favoritism.
Under the newly approved e-transfer framework, key indicators including length of service at the current school, student-teacher ratio, and annual performance results will determine transfer eligibility.
Special consideration will be given to cases involving disability, widows, separation, and spouse placement.
The CM has directed all other provincial departments to introduce similar merit-based transfer and posting policies.
He emphasized that health and education remain the government’s top priorities, adding that improvement in these sectors is essential, as weak institutions directly impact the future and well-being of citizens.
Officials noted that recruitment through ETA is expected to improve testing standards, while the e-transfer policy will bring uniformity, reduce undue influence, and streamline teacher placement across the province.
The government has reaffirmed that the entire process both recruitment and transfers will be strictly monitored to ensure full adherence to merit.

Matiari administration sets strategy for 100% results in upcoming polio campaign

By
Samina Ch
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 12 (APP):On the instructions of the chief minister Sindh and the minister for LG, Deputy Commissioner Matiari Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh held a meeting with the elected representatives of the district’s local bodies on Friday, where a strategy was prepared to ensure 100% results in the anti-polio campaign starting from 15 December.
According to a handout, speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that achieving 100% success in the upcoming campaign was essential to eradicate a dangerous disease like polio from its roots. He said that reports had been received from various areas about parents refusing to give polio drops to their children, which was a highly concerning trend.
He said that elected representatives should directly engage with the people of their respective areas and explain to them that there was no cure for polio, and only preventive drops can protect their children from lifelong disability.
He directed that door-to-door contact must be ensured in every Union Council, no child should be left without polio drops and public confidence should be strengthened.
The municipal, town and UC chairmen assured the meeting of their full support to make the campaign completely successful. All elected chairmen of local bodies and other participants attended the meeting.

Senate panel seeks full disclosure of ETPB properties

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Less Developed Areas on Friday directed the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to submit a complete record of all properties under its management, along with revenue details, before the next session.
The Sub-Committee, chaired by Senator Danesh Kumar, convened the same day, where the convener asked ETPB officials to brief the panel on the criteria and mechanisms through which the department generates its revenue.
 He expressed concern that numerous ETPB properties had been leased out at disproportionately low monthly rental values, and instructed the Board to undertake a comprehensive reassessment and fair revaluation of these assets.
During the briefing, the ETPB representative informed the committee that surveys of various properties had been completed and rents reassessed accordingly.
Based on these surveys, rental values are expected to increase by up to 460%.
The officials added that certain aspects of the matter were linked to ongoing judicial proceedings; therefore, progress was being carried out gradually and strictly in line with legal requirements.
While reviewing the agenda, Convener Danesh Kumar expressed displeasure over the delayed submission of the working paper, noting that timely provision of documents would have enabled the committee to conduct a more detailed examination prior to the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Senator Nadeem Bhutto, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the Additional Secretary, and other senior officers of the ETPB.
Highlighting the importance of the ETPB’s mandate, Senator Danesh Kumar underscored that the restoration and maintenance of temples, gurdwaras, and other heritage sites play a vital role in projecting Pakistan’s positive soft image globally.
Speaking about Balochistan, he noted that the Hinglaj Mata Mandir hosts the second-largest Hindu religious pilgrimage after India.
He informed the committee that one temple in Balochistan had recently been handed over to the Sikh community, while an ancient Mandir in Zhob had been restored and returned to the Hindu community. He further shared that a local Imam had participated in the inauguration ceremony, presenting an exemplary gesture of interfaith harmony.

Minister visits CNF HQs, reviews aggressive anti-drug plan around schools

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 12 (APP):Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Friday visited the headquarters of the Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF) Punjab and received a detailed briefing on the province-wide strategy to curb the spread of narcotics, enhance surveillance around educational institutions, and dismantle drug dealers and smuggling networks through modern mechanisms.
According to a CNF spokesperson, Director General CNF Punjab Mazhar Iqbal briefed the minister on the force’s operational model, identification of sensitive locations, establishment of red zones and technology-based surveillance systems. He said that a vigorous crackdown on street-level drug networks is underway across the province, with intelligence-based operations being carried out on a daily basis. The DG added that funds have been approved for establishing force units at the district level, which will significantly enhance operational capacity and accelerate inter-district actions.
The minister praised the professional performance of CNF, stating that educational institutions serve as the first line of defense against narcotics, and the Punjab government fully recognises this responsibility. He said that curricular and co-curricular activities would be used as effective tools to raise awareness among students, while counseling services would be made mandatory in all educational institutions. He added that teacher training and modern protection protocols would ensure student safety, whereas the “Drug-Free Campuses” initiative would be further strengthened and integrated with new digital tracking tools.
Rana Sikandar directed that there must be no leniency in implementing the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, and stressed strong coordination between the School Education Department and the Home Department. He said institutional cooperation is essential for the elimination of narcotics, and assured full support from the Education Department for CNF’s school outreach, awareness campaigns, and community engagement programmes.
The minister was also briefed on the initial outcomes of the “Safe Campus” policy and ongoing awareness initiatives. He termed the CNF’s operational measures crucial for safeguarding the future of the province.
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