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Speakers highlight Prof. Dr Shahid Siddiqui’s book as a meaningful academic contribution to educational reforms

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):A thought-provoking seminar was held at Allama Iqbal Open University on Prof. Dr Shahid Siddiqui’s book “Reimagining Education in Pakistan.” The speakers described the book as a significant scholarly effort for understanding Pakistan’s education system.
They said that the book not only highlights the weaknesses and challenges of the existing educational structure but also presents clear and practical recommendations for the future.
According to spokesman on Friday, among the speakers were the author of the book, Prof. Dr Shahid Siddiqui along with the Vice Chancellor of Open University Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, Deputy Educational Advisor at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Shoaiba Mansoor; Dr Tahir Mehmood Qazi and Dr Afshan Huma.
The speakers emphasized that in order to improve Pakistan’s educational future, it is essential to align research, policymaking, and practical implementation  and Dr. Siddiqui’s book provides strong intellectual guidance in this direction.
In his address, Dr Nasir Mahmood said that the appearance of the book, its style of expression and the author’s academic reputation speak for its quality.
He added that Dr Shahid Siddiqui’s unique writing style, precise word selection and scholarly credibility made it clear that this book was not merely a research document but a serious intellectual effort to view and understand Pakistan’s educational landscape from new perspectives.
Other speakers said that this was an important and reliable book on education that opens new doors of thought.
It presents discussions on education, language, teachers, and teaching in a simple and engaging manner, and the story of Professor Joe is beautifully narrated.
They added that if Dr Shahid Siddiqui is called the Pakistani version of Dr Joeck, it would not be incorrect.

KP Minister for expediting coordination on solarization projects under CPEC

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Public Health Engineering, Fazal Shakoor Khan on Friday issued firm directives to accelerate work on solarization-based water supply schemes under the CPEC grant, emphasizing their importance for public welfare and long-term sustainability.
Chairing a departmental review meeting, the minister instructed officials to expedite coordination with Chinese authorities to ensure timely procurement of required equipment and completion of all pending formalities.
He stressed that removing administrative delays is essential for maintaining project timelines and guaranteeing uninterrupted water supply, particularly during periods of energy shortage.
Fazal Shakoor Khan further urged officers of the Public Health Engineering Department to advance all public welfare projects with professional discipline, teamwork, and mutual cooperation.
He emphasized that high-quality execution must remain a priority, as water supply initiatives are directly linked to improving the lives of citizens across the province.
The minister reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening essential services and ensuring that communities in both urban and remote areas receive stable, efficient, and clean drinking water through modern, sustainable solutions.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing The International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality.

By
Wajid
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing The International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality.
APP18-121225
ASHGABAT: December 12 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing The International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality.
APP19-121225
ASHGABAT: December 12 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing The International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality. APP/FHA

Pakistan, Yemen reaffirm Commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with Ambassador of Yemen to Pakistan, Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, on Friday in Islamabad for a constructive discussion on enhancing Pakistan–Yemen trade and economic cooperation.
During the meeting, H.E. Alashabi highlighted the historically warm relations between the two countries and stressed Yemen’s desire to expand commercial engagement with Pakistan, said a release issued here.
He noted that despite logistical and regional challenges in recent years, Yemen continues to value Pakistan as a trusted partner.
He shared that nearly 300 Yemeni students are currently studying in Pakistan, reflecting strong people-to-people ties and continued confidence in Pakistan’s educational institutions.
He emphasized the need to revive and operationalize existing bilateral agreements and strengthen institutional mechanisms to facilitate trade.
Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Yemen, noting that Pakistan places high priority on expanding trade with regional and nearby markets.
Jam Kamal highlighted the importance of creating efficient, low-cost logistics channels for small and medium enterprises and informed H.E. Alashabi that the Ministry is examining the introduction of ferry-based small shipping services to reduce freight costs and improve turnaround time for regional trade.
The Minister observed that Pakistan’s growing entrepreneurial and SME sectors can greatly benefit from improved access to close-proximity markets such as Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Oman.
He assured that Pakistan will follow up on institutional proposals and engage relevant platforms, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Both sides expressed confidence that sustained dialogue, improved logistics, and revival of formal cooperation mechanisms will help unlock new opportunities for trade and investment between Pakistan and Yemen.

Pak-Uzbekistan agrees to fast-track PTA to reach US$ 2 billion trade target

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Pakistan and Uzbekistan agree to fast-track expanded Preferential Trade Agreement and establish Electronic Data Interchange to reach US$ 2 billion trade target.
During his official visit to Tashkent on 11 December 2025, Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce and Industry, held in-depth talks with Mr. Shohrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said a release issued here on Friday.
Both sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to elevate bilateral trade to US$ 2 billion within the next two years, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Uzbekistan.
The meeting focused on the immediate expansion of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Deputy Minister Gulamov confirmed that the two countries are actively finalising a significantly broadened product list and stated that a formal understanding on the expanded PTA is expected very soon.
 Ihsaan Afzal emphasised the urgent need to standardise documentation, harmonise customs procedures and inspection protocols, and establish digital connectivity to reduce delays and enhance trade predictability. He highlighted the importance of real-time cross-border data exchange.
Deputy Minister Gulamov assured full support and confirmed that technical teams are working expeditiously to operationalise an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system between the relevant authorities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The Uzbek side identified textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments as key sectors where Uzbekistan seeks joint ventures and technology transfer from Pakistan.
Both delegations agreed to intensify business-to-business contacts and exchange of trade delegations to translate political will into concrete commercial results.
Mr. Ihsaan Afzal expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire to deepen economic ties with brotherly Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of Turkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust.

By
Wajid
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0
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of Turkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust.
APP16-121225
ASHGABAT: December 12 –

Senate Deputy Chairman briefed on FIA Cyber Crime Wing performance

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
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.

SC upholds 14-year imprisonment for child qbuse convict

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday has dismissed the appeal of Gulfraz, a convict found guilty of sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy and upheld the 14-year imprisonment sentence and Rs1 million fine imposed by the trial court and High Court.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and Justice Ishaq Ibrahim issued the written judgment, stating that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges against the accused. The court noted that the DNA report, medical evidence, and identification had confirmed the crime.
According to the judgment, the victim was taken to an under-construction shop in Farash Town, Islamabad, on June 11, 2019, where he was sexually abused. The child returned home injured and informed his mother, leading to the registration of a case at Shahzad Town police station.
The medical report confirmed multiple injuries and bruises on the child’s body. The DNA report matched the semen samples found on the victim’s clothes with the accused, Gulfraz.
The Supreme Court observed that the evidence presented was reliable and sufficient to prove the charges against the accused. “The case against the accused has been fully established, and there is no shadow of doubt on the allegations,” the court stated.
The apex court dismissed Gulfraz’s appeal, maintaining the 14-year imprisonment sentence and Rs1 million fine.

Rupee gains 04 paisa against US Dollar

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Rupee on Friday appreciated by 04 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs280.32 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs280.36.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.5 and Rs 283.3, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 1.01 to close at Rs 329.08, from the previous day’s close of Rs 328.07, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 01 paisa and close at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs0.36 and closed at Rs 375.19 compared to the previous day’s Rs 374.83.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal came down by 01 paisa each and closed at Rs Rs76.32 and Rs 74.69, respectively.

Int’l Anti Corruption Day observed in Sukkur

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
SUKKUR, Dec 12 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Sukkur on Friday organized a seminar and awareness walk on the occasion of International Anti Corruption Day, with the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
The event was held at Sukkur IBA University, with Vice Chancellor Asif Ahmed Sheikh as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included NAB Director General Muhammad Amir Butt, Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, and Commissioner Sukkur Abid Salim Qureshi.
Speakers emphasized that corruption is a major obstacle to societal development and can only be eradicated through education, training, discipline, and merit. They stressed the importance of creating awareness among the youth and promoting transparency and accountability in institutions.
The event also featured competitions in declamation, essay writing, and poster painting, with students from various schools participating. Winners were awarded certificates and shields.
NAB DG Muhammad Amir Butt announced that the complaint management system has been upgraded to improve transparency and efficiency in addressing public grievances. Commissioner Sukkur Abid Salim Qureshi emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat corruption, while Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh called for regular awareness programs to promote a corruption-free society.
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