ASHGABAT: December 12 –
President of Turkmenistan H.E Serdar Berdimuhamedow receiving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival to attend 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.
ASHGABAT: December 12 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif laying floral wreath at Neutrality Monument.
ASHGABAT: December 12 –
CM’s Advisor approves establishment of Rescue Academy Sindh
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP):The fourth meeting of the Sindh Emergency Council was held at the PDMA headquarters under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor on Rehabilitation, Gyanchand Essrani, where a detailed briefing was given on the performance of Rescue 1122, emergency response standards, expansion of services, ongoing operations, key challenges and resource requirements.
The council appreciated the overall performance of Rescue 1122 and termed the service a “lifeline” for the people of Sindh.
Secretary Rehabilitation Nisar Ahmed Memon, Director General PDMA Syed Salman Shah, Director General Rescue 1122 Sindh Brig. (R) Wajid Sabghatullah Mahar, Chief Operating Officer Rescue 1122 Dr Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, and senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
The council formally approved the establishment of the Rescue Academy Sindh, describing it as a major milestone in the province’s emergency management framework.
Officials briefed the meeting that the academy will offer international-standard training programmes in firefighting, search and rescue, medical emergencies, disaster management, and other technical courses.
The meeting also approved group insurance for Rescue 1122 personnel. Additionally, approval was granted for initiating an MoU between Rescue 1122 Sindh and Malir Industrial Park for the allocation of 2.5 acres of land to set up a modern emergency response centre that will cater to industrial zones, residential areas, and key transport corridors.
The council further approved the opening of a separate account for Rescue 1122 Sindh to enable the receipt of donations, including land and financial contributions, with the Finance Department tasked to facilitate the process. Another key decision approved the introduction of a mandatory Fire and Life Safety NOC prior to the construction of any building or facility, which the council termed essential for ensuring safe infrastructure across the province.
Speaking at the meeting, Advisor to the CM Gyanchand Essrani said Rescue 1122 serves as the “nerve centre” of emergency services in Sindh. Strengthening the organisation through modern training, upgraded equipment, advanced technology, improved command structures and enhanced welfare measures remains a top priority of the government, he noted. “Rescue personnel risk their lives to save others; ensuring their welfare, protection and insurance is the state’s responsibility,” he added.
Essrani said the decisions taken today would significantly improve the emergency response system and public safety across Sindh.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Rescue 1122 into a world-class emergency service through improved funding, institutional reforms, and the phased transfer of fire services under the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service Act.
Bike lifter among five held; stolen bike, narcotics recovered
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 12 (APP):The district police have arrested five suspects in a series of targeted operations, recovering a stolen motorcycle, cash and various narcotics along with a weapon.
According to police spokesman, the operations were conducted under the supervision of SDPO City Circle Muhammad Adnan and City police station SHO Khanzada Khan. The police apprehended Muhammad Nadeem of Madina Colony and recovered a stolen motorcycle from his possession.
In a separate raid, Amirullah of Khisorri was arrested, and police recovered Rs 30,000, the amount he had obtained from selling a stolen rickshaw. Another suspect named Muhammad Ishaq of Umar Town, was found carrying 80 grams of Ice drug, 530 grams of hashish and a 32-bore pistol with ammunition.
The police team also arrested Atta Ullah, also from Umar Town, and seized 150 grams of Ice and 370 grams of heroin from him.
The cases have been registered against the arrested accused while further investigation is underway.
CM vows comprehensive reforms to boost agriculture
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday stressed the need to gradually shift the province’s cropping patterns to suit climate realities, water availability and market demand. He noted that traditional practices are increasingly unsustainable due to water scarcity, soil degradation, and changing weather conditions.
He was presiding over an agriculture department meeting at CM House. The meeting was attended by Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, the President/CEO of Sindh Bank, and Deputy CEO Asad Shah. They reviewed the ongoing initiatives and future strategies to strengthen Sindh’s agricultural sector.
The chief minister described agriculture as the backbone of Sindh’s economy, emphasizing the need for a modern, research-driven, and financially inclusive approach. “Our farmers are the foundation of our rural economy. We must support them with timely credit, advanced technology, and scientific guidance so they can increase productivity and shift toward high-value crops,” he said.
The CM called for enhanced collaboration between the government, research institutions, and universities to introduce new seed varieties, improve soil health, and promote precision agriculture. “Agriculture cannot progress without research. From seeds to soil to water management, every step must be informed by science. I want our research institutions to work closely with farmers and deliver solutions that reach the fields,” he said.
He stressed the importance of modern practices like drip irrigation, water efficiency, mechanization, and digital monitoring to maximize output.
The meeting discussed the necessity of shifting cropping patterns as traditional ones are no longer sustainable under current conditions. The Chief Minister said, “Sindh must adopt smarter cropping patterns – those that conserve water, increase yields, and ensure profitability. We must move from conventional practices to climate-resilient, market-oriented crops.”
The Sindh Bank team outlined measures to improve farmers’ access to affordable credit, especially small growers facing liquidity constraints. The CM directed the bank and the Agriculture Department to simplify loan procedures and expand support in underserved rural areas. “Financial inclusion is key to empowering small farmers. Every eligible grower must have access to fair and timely credit to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and technology,” he stated.
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for distributing subsidies and assistance. The Chief Minister stressed transparency, accuracy, and timely support for those most in need. “Every rupee we allocate for farmers must reach them directly,” he directed.
Shah reaffirmed the government’s determination to uplift farming communities and build a resilient agricultural economy. “Our goal is clear -a prosperous, modern agricultural sector that supports farmers, enhances food security, and drives rural development. Together, we can transform Sindh’s agriculture for the future,” he declared.
Training workshop on EPADS concludes at Hazara University
MANSEHRA, Dec 12 (APP):A three-day training workshop on the use of the digital procurement platform e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS) concluded at Hazara University Mansehra.
The workshop was organised by the Directorate of Trainings in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPPRA), with officials from various government departments and the district judiciary participating.
Speaking at the closing session, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan said that modern technology and digital systems have made transparent and efficient public service delivery possible.
He added that platforms like EPADS speed up procurement processes and enhance departmental capacity.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted Hazara University’s top ranking in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its expanding academic programmes, including BS Cyber Security, aimed at preparing students for future technological needs.
Earlier, KPPRA Assistant Director Faisal Khan briefed participants on procurement laws and regulations. Certificates were distributed among attendees at the end of the session.
Yusuf Awan’s Historic Victory Shines Spotlight on Sukkur: Arslan
SUKKUR, Dec 12 (APP):The Sindh government spokesperson, Mayor Sukkur, and Information Secretary PPP Sukkur Division, Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh on Friday hailed the outstanding achievement of Muhammad Yusuf Awan, who represented Pakistan at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Awan’s remarkable performance earned him the Mr Asia title, five gold medals, and two silver medals, bringing pride to Pakistan and Sukkur on the global sports stage.
The championship, held in collaboration with the Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation (ABBF) and the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IFBB), saw participation from over 16 countries, including China, Japan, Iran and India.
Awan’s victory is a testament to his exceptional physical fitness, technical skills, and stage confidence. His achievement has been widely celebrated in Sukkur, with the public, social personalities, and the sports community hailing him as a national hero.
Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh praised Awan’s historic win, saying it sets an example for Sukkur’s youth. Awan dedicated his victory to Mayor Sukkur and credited Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh for his guidance and support throughout his journey.
The government spokesperson assured continued support for talented young athletes, promising to provide training and global opportunities to showcase Pakistan’s potential on the world stage.
PM Shehbaz exchanges pleasantries with world leaders
ASHGABAT, Dec 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday exchanged pleasantries with the world leaders at the international forum in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
On the sidelines of the event, the prime minister held informal interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The prime minister, who delivered an address at the forum earlier in the day, drew significant attention as leaders gathered in a room, engaging in an infromal discussions on issues of mutual interest.
A video clip released by the Prime Minister’s Office showed Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly holding hands with Russian President Putin and Kyrgyz President Zhaparov while engaging in separate conversations with them.
Earlier, he also joined the world leaders at the iconic Neutrality Monument here, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony before addressing the forum where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of global disputes, while urging the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Gold price increases by Rs10,700 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The price of per tola 24-karat gold on Friday increased by Rs10,700 to Rs454,262 compared to its sale at Rs.443,562 the previous day, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold rose by Rs9,174 to Rs389,456, while the rate of 10 grams of 22-karat gold increased by Rs8,410 to Rs357,014.
In the international market, gold prices went up by $107 to $4,319.
Meanwhile, per tola silver gained Rs232 to reach Rs6,684, and the price of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs199 to Rs5,730. International silver prices increased by $2.32 to $64.12.