RAWALPINDI
H.E Ms. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy called on Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Federal Minister for Defence Production
RAWALPINDI
KP Governor visits sacred Islamic sites in Makkah
MAKKAH, Sep 19 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, along with his delegation, visited the historic Islamic sites of Ghar-e-Hira, Jabal Thawr and historical graveyard in Makkah.
The Governor also toured the Hira Museum, where Saudi officials briefed him in detail on various aspects of Islamic history and Arab culture.
Ghar-e-Hira, located on Jabal al-Noor, is the sacred cave where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) spent long periods in worship and reflection before the first revelation. It was here that Angel Jibreel (AS) delivered the first words of the Qur’an, “Iqra,” marking the beginning of divine revelation. The cave remains a spiritual center for millions of Muslims worldwide.
Similarly, Jabal Thawr holds great significance as the refuge of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) during the migration to Madinah.
Despite the pursuit by Quresh, Allah protected His Messenger in the cave of Thawr a moment mentioned in the Qur’an as a timeless example of faith, patience, and divine support.
The Governor was informed that the Hira Museum is a modern cultural and educational center that highlights Islamic history, early Arab civilization, and the spiritual importance of Makkah through advanced technology and models.
The museum serves as a vital platform for educating visitors, particularly the younger generation, about the legacy of Islam.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that sacred places like Ghar-e-Hira, Jabal Thawr, and the Hira Museum remind the Muslim Ummah of the sacrifices of the early believers and the foundations of Islamic faith.
He emphasized that preserving and promoting such historical and spiritual sites strengthens unity and reinforces faith across the Muslim world.
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in a meeting with the business community, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also present in the meeting
KARACHI
Governor directs to formulate strategy for providing latest skills to educated youth
QUETTA, Sep 19 (APP): Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday directed Khuzdar Engineering University to formulate a comprehensive strategy of various skill development programs to teach modern skills to unemployed and under-educated youth.
He said that with this, we could develop the local economy and reduce the unemployment rate in the province to a considerable extent.
He expressed these views while giving a briefing on the performance and future course of action of Khuzdar Engineering University at the Governor House, Quetta.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Maqsood Ahmed and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Sohrab Khan Bizenjo were also present during the briefing.
On this occasion, Governor Mandokhel said that both the education and degrees provided in government universities would be more beneficial when they are in line with their ground conditions and realities.
He said that the need of the hour is that we should make our youth producers instead of just consumers.
He urged the Vice Chancellor and his entire team to pay full attention to transparency and merit in all the affairs and matters of their university, this would raise the standard and the students could also benefit in a better way.
Governor Mandokhel said that we have to create collaboration between academia and industry according to our social needs, it is a fact that the government could not provide employment to millions of people, for which we have to strengthen and stabilize our private sector.
He said that the government should also provide maximum facilities to people associated with industry and trade so that they could play their role in eliminating unemployment.
Ex-judge’s office targeted in Rawalpindi firing, no casualties
RAWALPINDI, Sep 19 (APP):The office of former Justice Hasan Raza Pasha came under firing in the jurisdiction of Chakala Police Station here on Friday, though no casualties were reported.
According to a police spokesman, the incident occurred when the office was closed, and no one was present inside.
On receiving the report, City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed senior officials to investigate. Senior
Superintendent of Police Investigation Raza Tanveer Supra visited the scene, reviewed the situation, and issued necessary instructions to the SP Pothohar and Station House Officer Chakala.
The spokesman said police teams had collected evidence from the site while technical experts had also been engaged to assist the investigation.
He added that legal proceedings had been initiated, and those involved in the firing would be arrested and brought to justice.
No telecom appeared on dark web in two years: Senate panel told
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was informed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that no telecom data had appeared on the dark web over the past two years.
However, he stressed the urgent need for a national-level mechanism to ensure data security.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, reviewed issues of data theft, telecom services, and the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
Briefing the committee, the PTA Chairman acknowledged that while no telecom data had surfaced recently, other sensitive information was available on the dark web.
He called for a comprehensive inquiry to identify the sources of these leaks. He said PTA had conducted an internal inquiry in 2022, and the Ministry of Interior had since launched a formal investigation.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that data was often stolen separately from institutions, compiled, and then sold.
The committee chairperson shared a personal account of receiving a fraudulent bank-related call and expressed concern over fraudsters’ access to sensitive data.
The committee voiced alarm over delays in introducing personal data protection legislation.
The Ministry of IT informed that a draft bill had been prepared and stakeholder consultations were underway.
Senator Afnan Ullah cautioned that further delay could expose the country to grave risks.
The committee also discussed the recovery of over Rs. 6 billion in tariffs from consumers by Jazz. At the request of audit authorities, the matter was referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Officials confirmed that PTA had already submitted documents for verification.
Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto highlighted the deteriorating quality of mobile services and frequent call drops nationwide, noting that even 2G coverage was scarce along the Karachi–Sukkur Motorway.
The committee also reviewed the delayed merger of Ufone and Telenor.
Officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) said the deal was in its final stages and expected to be completed within two weeks.
The PTA Chairman clarified that the 5G spectrum auction could not proceed until the merger was finalized.
However, Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned whether the merger could realistically be completed in two weeks given its prolonged delay.
Officials from the Ministry of IT assured the committee that the 5G auction would be held in December.
The PTA Chairman added that the Authority was fully prepared, though some outstanding issues still needed resolution.
NA body urges improved arrangements for religious delegations, Zaireen policy reforms
ISLAMABAD, September 19 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday called for stronger institutional arrangements and improved facilitation for official religious delegations and pilgrims, while recommending a series of reforms in the Zaireen policy.
The 7th meeting of the committee, chaired by MNA Shagufta Jumani at the Parliament House, began with a briefing from Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan on follow-up actions taken on previous recommendations.
Discussing preparations for the annual visit of the high-level official delegation to Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him), members voiced dissatisfaction over current arrangements. The committee stressed that the delegation must arrive on time on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal and recommended that its members be granted ‘state guest’ status to reflect Pakistan’s dignity.
The ministry was urged to coordinate with Saudi authorities to secure an official invitation for the visit. A sub-committee was also formed to review and update the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the delegation.
On the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, moved by MNA Naveed Amir Jeeva, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Kesoo Mal Khael Das informed that the bill had been passed by both Houses but returned unsigned by the president. He assured that it would be presented before a Joint Session of Parliament. Satisfied with the assurance, the committee disposed of the bill.
The body also held a detailed discussion on the Zaireen Policy, urging the ministry to ensure comprehensive facilities for religious tourists both within Pakistan and abroad. Chairperson Jumani emphasized retaining the traditional Salaar system to guide pilgrims and recommended awareness campaigns across electronic, print, and social media to educate Zaireen on travel, protocols, and safety.
The committee further directed the ministry to propose a subsidy package for Zaireen, including a USD 50 reduction in costs, similar to Hajj facilitation. It also pressed for consultations with PIA to initiate direct flights from Karachi to Najaf, benefiting thousands of pilgrims visiting Iraq annually.
Additional recommendations included establishing permanent facilitation desks at all major airports, restoring Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah for dignified pilgrim accommodation, and engaging multiple companies through transparent processes for service provision, instead of awarding contracts to a single entity.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Seema Mohi ud Din Jameeli, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Muneeba Iqbal, and Neelam, along with Minister of State Kesoo Mal Khael Das, the secretary, and senior officials of the ministry.
Expected moon sighting for Rabi us Sani 1447 AH on Sep 22
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced that the new moon of Rabi us Sani, 1447 AH, is expected to be born on September 22 at 00:54 PST.
At the time of sunset on September 23, the age of the new moon will be approximately 41 hours and 54 minutes. The time duration between sunset and moonset is expected to be 46 minutes along the coastal areas of the country.
Based on astronomical parameters, there are very good chances of sighting of the new moon on the evening of September 23, 2025 (subject to clear weather conditions).
Consequently, the 1st of Rabi us Sani may likely to fall on September 24.
The final announcement regarding the beginning of the Islamic month will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority, based on credible witness testimonies from across the country.
Hot and dry weather likely to prevail in most parts of country on Saturday
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of the country on Saturday, with only slight variation expected in coastal Sindh.
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, the weather is likely to remain hot and dry. Similar conditions are forecast for the plain districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Sindh is expected to remain mostly hot and dry, with partly cloudy skies likely in coastal areas. Balochistan will also experience hot and dry weather in most districts. In the northern regions, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, hot and dry weather is likely to prevail.
During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed in most parts of the country. However, rain-wind/thunderstorm, with isolated heavy falls, occurred in Upper Punjab and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rainfall recorded in Punjab included Sargodha (City 70 mm, A/P 03 mm), Murree 09 mm, Mangla and Gujrat 08 mm each, Joharabad and Karor (Layyah) 07 mm each, while Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad and Noor Pur Thal received 05 mm each. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pattan received 15 mm, Dir 04 mm, Kalam 03 mm and D.I. Khan City 02 mm.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded were 41 C in Nokkundi, 40 C in Dalbandin, and 39 C in Noorpur Thal and Sibbi.
KP CM directs DCs to submit data of development schemes
PESHAWAR, Sep 19 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, chaired a video-link meeting with all Deputy Commissioners of the province on Friday to review matters related to development projects under the District Development Plan (DDP).
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to submit data, including coordinates of projects under the DDP within one week.
He further instructed that meetings of the District Development Committees be convened immediately to approve new development schemes.
Once approved, tenders for these schemes should be issued without delay, and unnecessary hurdles in implementation must be avoided.
Gandapur emphasized that complete transparency and strict adherence to quality standards must be ensured in all development works.
“There will be no compromise on merit or quality. Deputy Commissioners should not entertain any political pressure or recommendations in this regard,” he said. He also stressed that Deputy Commissioners must focus on improving service delivery and closely monitoring the progress of development projects. “Deputy Commissioners have been given full authority over development schemes, and with that authority comes responsibility,” the Chief Minister noted.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the provincial government has a clear policy on development projects, which must be implemented in letter and spirit. He added that public interest should remain the top priority in all such initiatives.