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Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF team up to safeguard digital childhoods

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP): Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF jointly hosted the closing ceremony of their three-year partnership (2022–2025) dedicated to advancing child online protection.Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF team up to safeguard digital childhoods

The event brought together representatives from government bodies including Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and the National Cyber Security emergency Response Team, Cabinet Division (NCERT), UN agencies, diplomatic missions, private sector partners, civil society, academia, as well as children and youth, providing a platform to celebrate achievements, foster dialogue, and envision the future of child online safety in Pakistan.

The ceremony marked a milestone in advancing children’s safety in the digital space, highlighting achievements through collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society. Children’s voices were celebrated through creative showcases and youth-led messages promoting safe, responsible, and inclusive digital citizenship. The launch of the “Child Online Protection Anthem” by the NCRC Child Advisory Panel reinforced the collective commitment to protecting children online and tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fridtjof Rusten, CEO, Telenor Pakistan, said, “Online safety is a global emergency, with one in three internet users being a child, many facing exploitation and abuse. In Pakistan, the situation is particularly urgent. Protecting children’s digital rights requires collaboration across all sectors. Through our partnership with UNICEF, we have laid the foundations, and at Telenor Pakistan, we know that keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility.”

During the event, preliminary insights were shared from the ongoing Disrupting Harm II study, conducted in partnership with ECPAT International and INTERPOL. The study represents one of the most comprehensive research initiatives on online child sexual exploitation and abuse in Pakistan. Its full findings, expected in April 2026, are set to inform evidence-based policies, legislative reforms, and a coated national action plan to strengthen child online protection across the country. The ceremony also featured an engaging panel discussion with experts from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, who shared perspectives on sustaining child online protection, highlighting key priorities, and exploring collaborative solutions to emerging digital risks.

“As Pakistan’s connectivity grows, so does our responsibility to protect children from online risks. Our collaboration with Telenor and national partners has laid the foundations of a safer digital environment – from evidence generation, to establishing the first Child Online Protection Committee and to empowering children, parents, and educators. We are united around one shared goal: keeping every child safe online,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.

Over the past three years, the UNICEF–Telenor partnership has empowered children, youth, parents, and teachers through digital campaigns, community engagement, and capacity-building initiatives, while advocating for stronger policies and embedding child online safety within national education frameworks. By combining expertise, evidence-driven interventions, and sustained advocacy, the partnership has strengthened Pakistan’s digital protection ecosystem and set a benchmark for collaborative, sustainable efforts in safeguarding children online.

Governor condemns blast on police van in DI Khan

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Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 03 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday strongly condemned the explosion on police van in the Panyala area of Dera Ismail Khan, which resulted in the martyrdom of three police personnel.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives, the Governor paid rich tribute to the martyred police officials, saying that their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism will never be forgotten.
He extended heartfelt condolences and deep sympathies to the bereaved families, assuring them of the province’s solidarity in this difficult time.
Governor Kundi also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, expressing his best wishes for their early return to health.

NUML hosts 2nd int’l conference on ‘Building Sustainable Cities: Balancing Profit, People and the Planet’

By
Kamran Muraad
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NUML
ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): The National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, hosted the 2nd Three-Day International Conference titled “Building Sustainable Cities: Balancing Profit, People and the Planet”, organized by the Faculty of Management Sciences.
The conference brought together policymakers, representatives of the real estate industry, faculty members, and a large number of students, creating an engaging forum to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development.
This year’s conference marked significant milestones, including the participation of 50 representatives from regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and developers across 10 industrial sessions, as well as 65 academicians from 25 universities presenting 45 research papers. Additionally, NUML launched five major policy working papers developed collaboratively by A&F faculty, regulators, industry experts, academics, and developers. A major highlight was the completion of Climate Action training for the first batch of 60 students from NUML’s six campuses, main campus, and ten knowledge partners, an initiative funded by UN-Habitat, said a press release on Wednesday.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Kareem Kundi, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he appreciated NUML for arranging a conference of such high relevance and timely importance.
He noted that the state has a pivotal role in development and that universities play a key part in guiding and channelizing national policies. He emphasized the need for more such academic and industry-focused engagements that contribute to infrastructure improvement and national progress.
Rector NUML, Shahid Mahmood Kayani, delivered the welcome address. Speaking on the broader theme of sustainable cities, he said that the most critical challenge facing Pakistan today is not economic or administrative, but ideological and intellectual.
He stated that the country must decide how to build cities, communities, and an economy that do not separate profit from human dignity, do not turn development into a source of class division, and do not sacrifice the environment in the name of progress.
He stressed the importance of viewing urban development not merely as economic transactions, but as responsibilities rooted in human empathy, social justice, and environmental care.
The inaugural session featured keynote addresses from prominent industry leaders. Muhammad Ejaz, CEO Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited, spoke on “The Role of REITs in Building Sustainable and Inclusive Cities.” CFO Askari Bank delivered an address on “The Role of Banks in Expanding Affordable Housing.” Ch. Ahmad Naeem Qamar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garden Residence, shared insights on “The Role of Private Developers in Shaping Sustainable and Livable Cities.” Their contributions highlighted the collaborative importance of financial institutions, real estate developers, and policymakers in strengthening Pakistan’s urban future.
The International conference is also featuring parallel sessions on diverse topics ; people-centered streets, restoring trust through secure property rights, Re-claiming the vertical city, Islamic Finance as an alternative source of responsible development, Building equity through tax reforms, Urban inequality and Housing affordability, Bridging the valuation Dichotomy, Integration Informal settlements for inclusive informal growth, and Urban Climate and Flood Resilience.
Earlier in the day, Rector NUML inaugurated the NUML Equity Lounge, an initiative powered by ZLK Islamic Financial Services, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting informed investment practices among students.

SCCI paves way for joint initiatives to position Pakistan as the sustainable tourism hub of Muslim states

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 03 (APP):Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed collaborative efforts to introduce Pakistan as a hub of sustainable tourism among OIC countries.
SCCI furthermore said it is crucial to create awareness about Sustainable Tourism and highlighted the investment opportunities in the Tourism Sector among OIC countries, promote the tourist flow, promote public-private partnership in tourism, and promote the Sustainable Tourism Destinations.
These remarks were made by SCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Nadeem while speaking during an awareness session in Sustainable Tourism Forum and EXPO jointly organized by Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) here at the chamber house.
The session was attended by former senior vice president of the chamber Abdul Jalil Jan, Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, Ihsanullah, Rashid Iqbal Siddiqui, Saddar Gul, Faiz Rasool, Hamoodur Rehman, SCCI’ Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, traders, representatives of stakeholders, officials and people associated with Tourism sector.
ICCD Director Events Management Khawaja Ashraf and Grants Associate IR, Palwasha Yayha briefed the session regarding key objectives and initiatives of the chamber, and upcoming event.
Muhammad Nadeem, senior office bearer commended that: “KP has great potential to boost the tourism among the Islamic countries, wherein countless scenic places, panoramic landscapes, eye catching scenes, rugged mountains and tourist-attraction points available,”.
He called for public-private partnership to introduce Pakistan as a hub of sustainable tourism among the OIC countries.
He mentioned the ordeals that have slowed down influx of the tourists in KP, and suggested various problems to address the issues amicably.
The senior office bearer lauded efforts of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for promotion of investment and trade.
He also praised the improvement in foreign remittances that would contribute to stabilize the national economy and bring sustainable growth and turnaround.
The SCCI SVP noted the flow of foreign remittance has improved which is a great sign and stressed joint national policy under Public-Private Partnership to strengthen and promote Pakistan’s tourism sector in Muslim world.
Earlier, officials Khawaja Ashraf and Palwasha Yahya gave a detailed multimedia presentation to the participants regarding the ICCD efforts to introduce Pakistan as hub of sustainable tourism among the Muslim countries.
They were of the view that tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing and most important industries and a major revenue source for many countries.
Therefore, they informed that ICCD is going to organise an event regarding Expo to highlight Pakistan’s tourism potential and invited the SCCI to participate in the event and become a partner for promotion of Tourism industry of Pakistan in OIC countries.

Kazakhstan’s envoy delivers keynote address on bilateral cooperation at NUST

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP):NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) hosted the keynote address by Yerzhan Kistafin, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Pakistan, on “Pakistan-Kazakhstan Relations: Avenues of Cooperation”.
Kazakhstan’s envoy delivers keynote address on bilateral cooperation at NUST
The keynote was attended by veteran diplomats, senior officials, social science academics, experts, and students, said a press release on Wednesday.
The ambassador began his keynote by acknowledging the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) as a pioneering institution of higher learning. Reflecting on longstanding diplomatic relations established on February 24, 1992, the ambassador highlighted bilateral ties across diplomacy, education, trade, regional connectivity, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and sports.
He underscored the importance of security and stability for regional development and trade promotion, considering that evolving geopolitical threats such as terrorism, extremism, and trafficking could disrupt connectivity.
He stressed that dialogue, direct interaction between law enforcement agencies, and intelligence sharing were key pillars of bilateral cooperation.
Emphasizing the centrality of connectivity to peaceful interstate relations, the ambassador stated that potential connectivity corridors based on a strong regional framework of connectivity were vital for regional trade and prosperity.
He highlighted the long-term bilateral trade potential of up to US$14 billion, talking about plans for a major business forum to strengthen collaboration across sports, education, and culture.
He stated that higher education in Kazakhstan had experienced rapid growth in recent years, with 31,500 foreign students studying in the country.
He noted that university-to-university cooperation in advanced research and innovation promotion coupled with bilateral student mobility were priority areas of Pak-Kazakh cooperation.
The ambassador proposed the urgent formation of a bilateral joint working group on education.
On concluding, the audience unanimously praised ambassador Kistafin for his exceptional dynamism and congratulated him for receiving the “Ambassador of the Year” award here in Islamabad last month.

Experts reject extremist ideologies, condemned the efforts to weaponize resources in the region

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Wednesday hosted the first working session of its Islamabad Conclave-2025, where leading experts cautioned that South Asia’s security environment was becoming increasingly fragile amid fast-evolving global multipolarity and intensifying geopolitical competition.

The session, organized by the India Study Centre (ISC) under the theme “South Asian Regional Security Order Amid Evolving Multipolarity,” featured a keynote address by former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, NI(M), HI(M), said a press release.

Other speakers included Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia-Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan; Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva; Dr. Shilata Pokharel, energy and security politics expert from Nepal; and Professor Huang Yunsong, Associate Dean of International Studies, Sichuan University, China.

Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat said the world’s return to multipolarity marked a unique and unprecedented phase driven by digital independence, climate stress, and the rise of civilizational states. South Asia, he noted, sat at the “centre-stage” of this transformation but remained without an independent and self-sustained security system. He warned that smaller South Asian states were facing a paradox in navigating fast-paced power shifts, where hedging among major players amplified their sovereignty yet also exposed them to new vulnerabilities. Gen. Hayat urged major powers to avoid repeating the historical pattern of fueling regional militarization and instead help South Asian states build their own problem-solving capacities. He stressed that countries in the region must leverage multipolarity for economic benefit, strengthen institutional resilience, and collectively confront non-traditional threats such as climate change, water stress, pandemics, and environmental hazards.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Director ISC Dr Khurram Abbas identified renewed global interest in South Asia, ongoing political transitions, and the absence of meaningful regional integration as key factors reshaping the region’s geopolitical environment. Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui pointed to rising hegemonic impulses and the use of foreign policy for domestic political gains as major obstacles to cooperation. Former ambassador Zamir Akram said the presence of multiple global powers offered both opportunities and risks, arguing that a balanced US-China-Russia engagement could help stabilise South Asia, though border tensions among nuclear neighbours remained a serious concern. Dr Shilata Pokharel noted that smaller states like Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan were seeking to maximise benefits from global power competition, while Professor Huang Yunsong urged regional governments to move beyond traditional securitisation and prioritise geo-economics and inclusive cooperation to address shared challenges.

The session ended with presentation of mementos to the speakers by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI.

Supermoon 2025: December’s cold moon to shine bright over Pakistan

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP):The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced that the final supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, will be visible across Pakistan during the nights of December 04 and 05.
A supermoon occurs when a full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee, in its elliptical orbit.
Owing to this proximity, the Moon appears slightly larger and brighter than a regular full Moon.
December’s Cold Moon marks the third consecutive supermoon of the year and the last supermoon of 2025. It will reach peak illumination (~99.8%) at 04:15 PST on 5 December, while in Pakistan, the 99.2% illuminated Moon will rise at 16:58 PST on the evening of 4 December.
 This allows skywatchers nationwide to enjoy the supermoon throughout the night of 4–5 December.
Although slightly less “super” than the November supermoon, this event remains notable. During the November 5 full Moon, the Earth–Moon distance was 356,978 km.
On the night of December 4–5, the distance will be 357,218 km, making December’s full Moon appear approximately 7.9% larger and 15% brighter than an average full Moon.
Supermoons occur three to four times a year, depending on how closely the full Moon aligns with perigee. While the visual difference is subtle to the unaided eye, exceptionally close alignments—producing the biggest and brightest supermoons—are considered rare and scientifically significant.
SUPARCO encourages the public, astronomy enthusiasts, students, and families to observe this natural spectacle. No special equipment is required; the supermoon will be easily visible to the naked eye, provided the skies remain clear.

Registration opens for attractive vehicle numbers via e-Auction App

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Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Dec 03 (APP):The registration of attractive vehicle number plate auctions for the month of December is now open through the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)-developed e-Auction App and Web Portal, launched in collaboration with the Punjab Excise & Taxation Department. Citizens can register online and secure their preferred number plate from the comfort of their homes until December 30.
The e-Auction platform includes auction categories for motorcycle, motorcar, and commercial vehicle number plates. Details of successful bidders are also made available directly on the e-Auction App, ensuring transparency and ease of access for all participants.
In his message, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated that the digital e-Auction system has completely transformed the traditional number plate auction process. “By digitizing the entire mechanism, we have made it more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly, enabling citizens to conveniently obtain their desired number plates without visiting any office,” he added.
The e-Auction App and Web Portal reflect Punjab’s continued commitment to modernizing public services and enhancing citizen experience through technology-driven solutions.

Saudi Land Forces Commander calls on COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir

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Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 03 (APP):Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces Lieutenant General Fahad Bin Saud Al-Johani called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, here Wednesday at General Headquarters (GHQ).
Saudi Land Forces Commander calls on COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation were discussed, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and brotherly relations between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The COAS expressed satisfaction on robust defence collaboration between the two countries and emphasized upon the need for continued cooperation in training, capacity building, and intelligence sharing, the press release further said.
The Saudi Land Forces Commander acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Army and appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in regional peace and stability.

Iqbal’s vision sparks intellectual awakening, says info secy

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Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP):Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil has said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal spearheaded an intellectual revolution, offering a vision of nation-building grounded in character, knowledge, and action.
Speaking at a seminar titled “The Contemporary Relevance of Iqbal’s Thought and the New Generation” organised by the Information Services Academy, Khalil noted that Iqbal’s philosophy continues to inspire young people with selfhood, confidence, and a spirit of relentless struggle.
He emphasised that Iqbal regarded youth as the future of any nation, asserting that when they embody courage, inquiry, and perseverance, no force can hinder their progress.
Khalil urged that Iqbal’s message must move beyond ceremonial speeches and be woven into education, national policy, and youth training.
He stressed that teaching Iqbal’s poetry alone is insufficient, calling for efforts to nurture creative thinking, scientific awareness, moral discipline, and social responsibility among the younger generation to ensure they play a decisive role in shaping Pakistan’s future.
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