Friday, November 28, 2025
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Classical Chinese Poetry takes center stage in Europe with 2025 contest

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Nov 28 (APP): Poetry is the language of the soul and a bridge across cultures. A co-production of China Media Group, the Ministry of Education of China, and the State Language Commission, the 2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest will premiere in the U.K. and other European countries to foster a poetic dialogue between the East and West.

Since its debut in 2016, the program has grown into a flagship cultural program in China. It weaves classical poetry into a competitive format and blends poetic beauty and wit to bridge tradition and modernity, the East and West.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the program brings together contestants from different walks of life—university students, firefighters, teachers, farmers, and more—to showcase the vitality and warmth of classical poetry in contemporary China.

Through a vivid social mosaic, it highlights poetry’s living relevance and fulfills its core mission to “bring poetry into daily life.” Esteemed cultural scholars such as Kang Zhen, Meng Man, Li Bo, and Yang Yu will demystify the classics with clear commentary, leading the audience on a poetic journey to discover the emotional and spiritual vocabulary unique to Chinese expression.

The 2025 edition introduces AI-generated imagery and fluid lighting technology to redefine visual storytelling and enable a digital revival of classical motifs. Virtual creations like the “Night Market of Prosperous Chang’an” orchestrate a symphony of technology and poetry, transporting a global audience on an immersive journey into Eastern culture.

The new edition features a refreshed format, which retains beloved segments like “Fei Hua Ling” (a thematic verse chain) and “Poetry in Painting,” while introducing a new challenge round—“Champions’ League” and a situational challenge inspired by the classical painting The Itinerant Peddler. The fusion of intellectual depth and visual spectacle allows viewers to step into the poetic realm and embark on a cultural journey into the heart of the Chinese spiritual world.

Positioned within the global cultural dialogue, the 2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest serves not only as a spiritual anchor for cultural identity among overseas Chinese but also opens a window into the linguistic artistry and philosophical depth of Chinese poetry for European audiences.

Govt taking steps to improve economy of country: Deputy Chairman Senate

By
Asif Jalal
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0
QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan on Friday said that the government is taking vigorous steps to improve the country’s economy, reduce inflation and provide relief to the people, and Balochistan’s development and people welfare are the top priority of the state.
He expressed these views while during his visit to Quetta.
He met with senior government and administrative officials, business community and political and social leaders, in which detailed discussions were held regarding the law and order of the province, promotion of economic activities, public relief measures and important challenges facing Balochistan.
Collector Customs Balochistan Muhammad Dawood met the Deputy Chairman Senate, in which matters related to trade activities in Balochistan, customs matters, border trade situation and increase in revenue were discussed.
The Deputy Chairman Senate appreciated the efforts of Customs to promote legal trade and prevent smuggling.
On this occasion, IG Balochistan Muhammad Tahir also held an important meeting with the Deputy Chairman Senate.
The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in the province, security challenges, performance of the police force and measures to enhance the capacity of young personnel.
The Deputy Chairman Senate paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police and law enforcement agencies and assured full cooperation to maintain peace.
The Deputy Chairman Senate also met with GM Sui Southern/Northern Gas, Muhammad Raheel Malik.
In the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding gas supply, reduction in line losses, ongoing gas projects and provision of better facilities to the public.
In addition, President of the Chamber of Commerce Quetta, Muhammad Ayub and representatives of the business community also called on the Deputy Chairman Senate.
The delegation presented important suggestions related to trade, investment, promotion of industrialization and improvement of the business environment.
The Deputy Chairman Senate said that the government is taking vigorous steps for the economic improvement of the country, reduction in inflation and providing relief to the public.

LHC raises alarm over tree cutting in Nasir Bagh

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday expressed serious concerns over the ongoing tree cutting in Nasir Bagh and issued strict directives to relevant authorities.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against ineffective measures to control smog.
During the proceedings, a member of the Judicial Water and Environmental Commission stated that it was incomprehensible how trees continued to be cut despite repeated instructions.
The court summoned the government and concerned officials for clarification.
The LDA’s lawyer assured the court that no trees were being felled, while the PHA representative confirmed that strict orders were in place to prevent any tree cutting. However, when asked why trees were being removed in Nasir Bagh, the LDA lawyer explained that an underground parking facility, including a designated area for lawyers, was under construction.
The court instructed the Judicial Commission member to visit Nasir Bagh, assess the situation on the ground, and submit a detailed report.
In a separate directive, the court ordered an inspection of Punjab University buses after noticing several emitting smoke on the road. Authorities were directed to take strict action against polluting vehicles.
The court also expressed satisfaction with the government’s compliance with its orders over the past seven years, noting that it was encouraging to see the authorities recognizing and implementing the court’s directives.

Rangers arrest suspect linked to illegal arms trade, major robbery in Karachi

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Nov 28 (APP): Pakistan Rangers Sindh have arrested a suspect allegedly involved in illegal arms sales, robberies, and multiple other crimes during an intelligence-based operation in Pehlwan Goth.
According to a Rangers spokesperson on Friday, the suspect, identified as Abdul Samad, was taken into custody with an unlicensed 30-bore pistol, ammunition, a stolen motorcycle, and a mobile phone recovered from his possession.
During initial interrogation, the suspect confessed to taking part in a major robbery in 2021, in which a private company’s cash van was looted on I.I. Chundrigarh Road. The heist amounted to nearly Rs 205 million and was carried out along with his younger brother, Hanifullah alias Siraj Khan, and several accomplices.
The spokesperson added that Abdul Samad admitted to maintaining links with various robbers, drug dealers, and car-lifting gangs, supplying them illegal weapons for criminal activities.
Rangers have launched raids to arrest his remaining accomplices.
The arrested suspect, along with the recovered weapons, ammunition, and stolen items, has been handed over to police for further legal action.

Sindh CM dismisses discussions on creation of new provinces

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Nov 28 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah dismissing discussions on creation of new provinces outright, stated  “the talk of new provinces- listen from one ear and let it pass out from the other except for Allah, no one has the power to divide Sindh.”
This he said while talking to the Media at the Sindh Craft Festival organised at Port Grande emphasised the provincial government’s commitment to promoting Sindh’s traditional arts and craftsmanship.
“Our focus is to ensure that Sindh’s cultural work and crafts receive the recognition and encouragement they deserve,” the CM said.
Commenting on the recurring debate about creating new provinces, the Chief Minister dismissed such discussions outright.
Murad Shah said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has already rejected the proposals to alter the 18th Amendment and reduce the NFC Award share. “These matters were also rejected under the proposed 27th Amendment,” he added.
The Chief Minister asserted that the PPP knows how to “turn dreams into reality,” highlighting the party’s developmental vision and governance approach.
Addressing questions about the recent change of the Governor of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah clarified that neither he nor the provincial government had any role in the decision. “We are not consulted when governors are appointed,” he said.
Speaking about his background, he noted, “I am the son of a lawyer and have spent considerable time in the company of very good lawyers. If someone wants to present arguments, the courts are available for that.”
Shah criticised those who attempt to bypass legal channels. “Without going to court, they start behaving like lawyers,” he remarked.
Referring to law-and-order concerns, the Chief Minister expressed frustration at small groups disrupting public life. “Fifty to 150 people hold the entire city hostage. When roads are blocked again and again, the government will obviously have to act,” he stated.
The chief minister reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party had earlier set an age limit for certain matters, and after court directives, the government provided a five-year relaxation. “We were asked by the court, and we complied by granting a five-year age relaxation,” he noted.

Major relief for residents as gas pressure restored across NA-49

By
Asif Jalal
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ATTOCK, Nov 28 (APP): Member of the National Assembly and Member of the Judicial Commission of the Supreme Court, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, has succeeded in resolving the long-standing issues of gas load-shedding and low gas pressure in NA-49, covering the tehsils of Hassanabdal, Hazro, and Attock.
For many years, residents of over 300 villages in these tehsils had been facing severe difficulties due to irregular gas supply and low pressure. Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, who had earlier played a key role in providing gas facilities to these villages—a milestone considered a national record—once again took up the matter at the highest level.
According to details, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad on Friday held a special meeting with the Managing Director of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), during which he secured approval for a comprehensive plan aimed at permanently addressing gas load-shedding and low-pressure issues in the region.
Following the MD’s directives, a special technical team from SNGPL’s Regional Office arrived in Attock with necessary machinery and equipment. The team carried out operations at multiple locations, successfully resolving low-pressure problems, while gas load-shedding in the entire constituency has also been eliminated.
Officials confirmed that domestic gas supply will now be provided continuously from 5 AM to 10 PM in all three tehsils under NA-49.
Former MPA Sardar Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, former Municipal Chairmen Sheikh Shahid Mehmood Shahdi and Nasir Mehmood Sheikh, PML-N District President Muhammad Saleem Shehzad, District Information Secretary Dr. Mian Rashid Mushtaq, and PML-N leaders from Hazro and Hassanabdal, including Talal Ashraf Butt and Abid Shehzad Malik, along with religious, social, political, and business circles of the region, hailed Sheikh Aftab Ahmad’s efforts.
They said that Sheikh Aftab Ahmad has always played an effective and positive role in resolving public issues, and the restoration of regular gas supply has provided major relief to thousands of families in NA-49.

Murad inaugurates Sindh Craft Festival 2025

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Nov 28 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Sindh Craft Festival 2025 at Port Grand on Friday, celebrating the province’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and artistic talent.
The two-day festival, organised by the Culture Department, Government of Sindh, will continue until November 30.
The chief minister was welcomed by Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Secretary Culture Khair Mohammad Kalwar, and other senior officials. Murad Ali Shah cut the ribbon to officially open the festival and toured over 100 stalls, interacting with artisans and appreciating their work.
Speaking at the event, he said, “Sindh’s culture and arts are our identity. The Sindh Craft Festival provides an excellent platform to promote our centuries-old heritage, celebrate local artisans’ creativity, and especially highlight women’s craftsmanship.”
The festival also features select crafts from other provinces to promote national heritage and cultural harmony. Attendees can enjoy exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, folk music performances, and cultural dances, reflecting Sindh’s vibrant artistic traditions.
Over 100 stalls showcase Sindh’s diverse crafts, including Ajrak and Ralli textiles, intricate embroidery, leatherwork, lacquer art (Hala Jandi), traditional dresses, Hyderabad bangles, blue pottery, clay work, brass items, seashell and marble decorative crafts, and more.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said, “This festival is not just about arts and crafts; it is a celebration of our culture, traditions, and unity. Sindh’s crafts and arts will reach every corner of the world, and supporting our artisans is our collective responsibility.”
The Sindh Craft Festival 2025 is part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Sindh’s cultural heritage, provide a platform for local artists, and engage citizens with the province’s vibrant traditions.

IESCO to temporary suspend power supply of some feeders, areas

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Friday said that the power supply of below mentioned feeders and areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule on Saturday (tomorrow) due to the maintenance system and development work in process.
According to IESCO spokesman, on 29 November 2025, from 09:00 am to 02:00 pm, maintenance activities are scheduled across various areas of Islamabad Circle, including F-6/1, Sohan, UC Road, Ghouri Garden, PHA Flats, Kror, Club-II, Hospital, Filtration Plant, Shakar Pariyan, Islamabad Club-I, Melody, Sports Complex, Convention Centre, CDA Pump, Polyclinic/G-6/3, GHQ, G-10 Markaz, H-8/2, I-10/4, G-11 Markaz, New Shah Allah Ditta, Rehara, CM Pak Zong, Kurri, Isolation Hospital, PHA-I, Kuldana, and Kohallah, Balawara, Tret.
In Rawalpindi City Circle, the areas affected include E-Block, National Market, Ojri Camp, Shakrial, Al-Noor Colony, Farooq-e-Azam, Nawaz Colony, Zafar-ul-Haq, Committee Chowk, Gawalmandi, DHQ, Sarafa Bazar, Iqbal Road, Ali Market, Bagh Sardaran, Askari XI, Kiyani Road, Millatabad, New Race Course, Dhoke Choudrian, Ameer Hamza Colony, NUST Road, and Mohan Pura.
In Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, the areas include Kashmir Road, Sir Syed Road, Jail Park, CBR-II, Hummak, National Park, Morgah, Hamyoun Road, Askari-7, Shahpur, Kohala, Q.A Colony, Jahwara, Paryal, Chowk Pindori, Narh, Khawaja, New Choa, Fazal Ahmed Shaheed, Nara Matore, Hamid Jhangi, Jhatha Hathial, Bhair Kalyal, Ramman, Old Rawat, New Rawat, AOWHS, Suparco, CWO, IST, and Mahoota.
In Attock Circle, the areas include Bhoi Gar, Salargah, Nawajis Shaheed, State Bank, CMH Flats, Sir Syed Road, FFC, Khadim Hussain Road, Adam Jee Road, GHQ Express, Mushtaq Hussain, Wahdat Colony (D/C), Kohisar Colony (D/C), Kohistan Enclave, Punjab Small Industry, Bahter Morh, Burhan, Pourmaina, Ghari Afghana, Gulshan-e-Sehat (E-18), Valley, Hameed, Mansar T/C, Kamra Rural T/C, AK Center T/C, Barazai, Fawara Chowk (Double Circuit), Amin Abad (Double Circuit), Waisa, Bolianwal, Soni, Gharibwal, Noorpur, Parri, Dhurnal, Gulyal, Fateh Jang, Bahatar, Bahlot, Bagh Neelab, Shamsabad, Hattian, and Dakhnair.
In Chakwal Circle, affected areas include Tharpal, Balkassar, Millat Chowk, Mureed, Dharukna, Daultala, Dhudial Express, Mulhal Mughlan, C.S. Shah, Dharyala Jalip, Katas, Abdullah Pur, Dhurnal, Sukka, GPO Chowk, Malikwal, Dhollar, Mogla, Daroot, Mial, and Wanharr.
In Jhelum Circle, the areas include Ajmal Shaheed, Zubair Shaheed, F-3 (Gul Afshan), Bolani, Karyala, Metro City, Grand City, Fetah Pur, Khohar, F-6 Machine Moh, Industrial, F-10 (Kala Base), Borian, Industrial, F-2 (Chip Board), Chamala, Mangla Cantt, Capt. Nisar Shaheed, Hasnote, Khai Kulia, New Sanghoi, Chotala, Co Muhammad Akram, Matwa, Sohawa Katchery, Main Bazar, Chappar Sharif, Kountrilla, and Islam Pura.
In GSO Circle, from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm, the areas include Parliament House, F. Plant, Frontier House, Embassy, Pak Set-2, Parliament Lodge, Awan-e-Sadar, PM House, Islamabad Club-II, G-14/4, G-14/3, NUST Road, G-13/4 Extension, Q-Project, DHQ, Bank Road-2, Adam G Road, Sir Syed Road, Khadim Hussain, CGH, Sarafa Bazar, Jhanda, Zafar-ul-Haq Road, Aarya Mohalla, Bolani, Fatehpur, Keryala, Metro City, and Grand City. Additionally, in GSO Circle, from 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm, the areas affected include Shakar Pariyan, PTV, Polyclinic/G-6/3, State Bank, Islamabad Club-I, Kohsar Market, NPCC, Melody, Sports Complex, Convention Centre, CDA Pump, Committee Chowk, City, Gawalmandi, VIP, Kashmir Road, AFIC, Mohanpura, and Iqbal Road-2  Feeders and surrounding areas will remain closed.
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.

Senate sub-body shown concern over awarding contracts to NXCC, RADC

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):The meeting of Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Communication on Friday chaired by chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha, expressed serious concern over the absence of senior management from the relevant departments.
The meeting of Sub-Committee was attended by Senators Zamir Ahemd Ghumro and Saifullah Abro, said a press release.
During the meeting, noting that junior officers who attended provided misleading statements.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha sought clarification regarding the letter reportedly written by the National Highway Authority (NHA) to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and shown serious concern over awarding the Tranche-III project contract to NXCC and directed to submit all documents presented before the court in the case pertaining to NXCC.
He further summoned the consultant firm hired in Tranche-III project for a detailed briefing in the upcoming meeting.
Additionally, Senator Abro while mentioning that the RADC is a sister company of NXCC, sought detailed information regarding the contract awarded to RADC for rehabilitation works under the Lodhran–Multan project.
The committee resolved to continue its examination of the matter and directed NHA to ensure the presence of senior management in the next meeting for accurate and transparent briefing.

PSS warns of rising stroke cases among young adults

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Nov 28 (APP): Pakistan Stroke Society (PSS) has raised an urgent alarm over the sharp rise in stroke cases across the country—particularly among people under 40—calling it a growing public-health emergency that demands immediate awareness and prevention efforts.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Multan Press Club here on Friday, PSS President Dr. Abdul Malik, Chief Organiser Dr. Shoaib Luqman, Dr. Shabeeha-ul-Hassan, Dr. Wasif and Dr. Wazir Ali said that an estimated 400 people suffer a stroke every day in Pakistan, with young adults becoming the fastest-growing group affected.
They noted that six dedicated stroke centres have been established in Punjab through collaboration between the government and PSS, enabling emergency stroke care at major public hospitals.
The officials highlighted that smog, air pollution, uncontrolled blood pressure, high blood sugar, and widespread tobacco use remain the leading causes driving the surge in stroke incidents. PSS has launched a nationwide awareness drive for both citizens and healthcare professionals, including seminars, workshops and community campaigns.
As part of the initiative, a three-day seminar for postgraduate trainees and young doctors will be held at a local hotel from 28–30 November, providing a platform for emerging researchers to present their work and enhance clinical knowledge.
The speakers emphasised the critical need for the public to recognise the early warning signs of stroke, including  sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (often on one side), sudden confusion or difficulty speaking and sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes.
They stressed that a stroke patient must be brought within three to four hours to designated government hospitals—Nishtar Hospital Multan, Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Bahawal Victoria Hospital—where free emergency stroke medication is available. Early intervention, they said, can significantly reduce disability and save lives.
“Stroke is treatable,” the doctors noted, adding that timely rehabilitation and physiotherapy can help patients recover functionality.
PSS also announced plans to expand awareness programmes to schools, colleges and universities, and has developed an educational booklet to teach students how to recognise stroke risks and symptoms.
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