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CM KP condemns deadly attack on AC North Waziristan

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 02 (APP):Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the convoy of the Assistant Commissioner of North Waziristan in Bannu district.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the Assistant Commissioner, two police personnel, and a passerby in the attack.
The Chief Minister has sought a detailed report of the incident from the IGP.
“The incident is extremely tragic. Anti-state elements cannot weaken our resolve through such cowardly attacks,” said Sohaib Afridi.
He said sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain and those involved will be brought to justice.
The Chief Minister directed that the injured be provided immediate and best medical treatment.
“The war against terrorism will continue with even stronger determination,” said Sohail Afridi.
 The Chief Minister prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyred Assistant Commissioner, the police personnel, and the passerby.
“We share the grief of the families of the martyrs. The provincial government will provide them every possible assistance,” said Sohail Afridi.

Kundi emphasizes collective efforts, planning for sustainable, well organized cities

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday emphasized that collective efforts and coordinated planning are essential for building modern, sustainable, and well-organized cities noting when governments, educational institutions, civic bodies and communities work together with a unified vision, meaningful progress becomes possible.
He expressed these views as the Chief Guest of international conference organized by National University of Modern Languages (NUML) under the title of Building Sustainable Cities : Balancing Profit, People and the Planet. The conference was attended by students, teachers, companies leaders, experts and others.
During the address, he also focused on the importance of transparency, knowledge and leadership among the youth, describing these as key elements for a strong and progressive society.
Development should not be hindered by limited resources but guided by integrity and long-term planning, he added.
He also underscored the role of young entrepreneurs, particularly in the fields of information technology and research.
He noted that emerging innovators have the potential to contribute greatly to Pakistan’s economic growth, similar to how earlier visionaries laid strong foundations in various sectors.
He reiterated the need for safe, sustainable cities built on principles of climate resilience, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.
He stressed that future urban development must focus on providing equal rights, improving quality of life and fostering an environment where ideas and innovation can thrive.
 He reaffirmed the government commitment to continue support for scientific research, national development, and community service, vowing to carry forward the legacy of dedication and public service.
He also invited the conference participants to Peshawar for future sessions, highlighting the vast opportunities in the sectors particularly in tourism sector.
He assured full support for all necessary provisions and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued progress of KP.

Safe City Project  designed to transform Karachi into a technology-driven metropolis: Murad

By
Samina Ch
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KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the Safe City Project is designed to transform Karachi into a secure, technology-driven metropolis through comprehensive video surveillance and also noted that operations in the Katcha area have resulted in the surrender of 71 dacoits.
    The CM said this while addressing the 52nd Specialised delegation of 47 Initial Command Course participants, headed by Deputy Commandant (NPA) Mr Sarfraz Ahmed Falki, PSP, who called on him at CM House. IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, and Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh also attended.
   Murad Shah outlined the government’s commitment to transforming Sindh Police into a modern force powered by technology. He highlighted the department’s vast scale, with 131,850 personnel serving across 31 districts, eight zones/ranges, and 618 police stations, backed by an annual budget of Rs 189.7 billion.
     The Chief Minister noted that the Sindh Police, established in 1843 by Sir Charles Napier on the model of the Royal Irish Constabulary, is the oldest police force in the subcontinent and the second largest in Pakistan.
    For administrative and operational purposes, the police are organised under the Inspector General of Police, who oversees the Central Police Office in Karachi. Operations are managed through multiple ranges and regions such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, as well as specialised units like the CTD and SSU.
     Shah stressed that modernisation focuses on advanced technology and infrastructure.
    The chief minister said that the flagship Safe City Project aims to make Karachi a secure, tech-driven metropolis through comprehensive video surveillance and data analysis. It uses a large network of high-resolution CCTV cameras with Facial Recognition (FR) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
    All footage is monitored in real time at the Command, Control, and Communication Centre (C4) at Central Police Office.
   According to Shah, Phase-I covers the high-security red zone and airport corridor, while Phase-II will soon expand to Districts South, East, and Malir, with thousands more cameras and Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) cameras for e-Challan enforcement.
     The S4 Project (Smart/Safe Surveillance, Security, and Strategic Support) will be integrated with the Safe City platform to further enhance police operations. The automation of police station systems will digitise processes such as FIRs and case files to boost transparency and public efficiency.
    The initial riverine Katcha area operation led to the surrender of 71 dacoits, marking significant progress against organised crime in remote regions, said Mr Shah.
    The force is actively fighting narcotics from January 1 to December 20 to reduce drug-related crime.
    For personnel welfare, measures include Shaheed Packages for fallen officers, health cards, and scholarships for their families. “This comprehensive approach demonstrates Sindh’s dedication to strengthening public safety through infrastructural, technological, and welfare reforms,” the Chief Minister said.

India continues to delay Pakistan’s Sri Lanka aid flight for over 60 hours: FO

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday said that India continued to block its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, where floods and landslides had badly hit several districts, causing the loss of lives and properties.

“The special aircraft carrying Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka continues to face delay for over 60 hours now awaiting flight clearance from India,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

He said that the partial flight clearance issued by India last night, after 48 hours, was operationally impractical: time-bound for just a few hours and without validity for the return flight.

He said that the delay by India was severely hindering this urgent relief Mission for the brotherly people of Sri Lanka.

Palestinians battle harsh weather as winter intensifies in Gaza: UN

By
Samina Ch
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0
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 02 (APP):The United Nations says its humanitarian partners in Gaza are scaling up winterization efforts as cold weather and heavy rain continue to impact displaced Palestinians.
More than 230,000 families – that’s around 1.15 million people – received monthly food parcels between 1 and 27 November, through 59 distribution points, including 21 in northern Gaza.
Shelter partners distributed over 8,800 blankets and more than 300 tents, with additional tarpaulins and mattresses arriving this week.
Site management teams warn that flooding remains a major risk.
Sandbags have been deployed to 41 displacement sites, while cash-for-work teams have been reinforcing drainage and collect empty flour sacks to improve insulation.
On Friday, UN-coordinated aid entering Gaza included dignity kits, menstrual health items, medical supplies and adolescent kits – though road damage and limited transport continue to restrict access, especially in the north.
Protection partners say gender-based violence services reached 671 women and girls in one day last week, with new tents allowing safe spaces to reopen after flood damage.
Briefing reporters in New York on Monday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said humanitarian conditions remain extremely dire even as aid operations continue.
Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, has just finished a fact-finding mission to Gaza, stressing the importance of unfettered humanitarian access.
“Meanwhile, our partners leading the health response report that they continue to restore services across the Strip – with 234 health service points now
Shelter needs are still high, with some 1.5 million people in need of urgent support.
Over the weekend, 160 high-performance tents arrived in Gaza for learning activities – the biggest influx so far.
However, stationary and other school supplies are still not being allowed into Gaza, Mr. Dujarric warned, hampering efforts to scale up the response.
Around 123,000 families have received cash assistance since the fragile truce began – exceeding the target of 120,000 under the 60-day ceasefire plan.

Pakistan, Canada discuss streamlining GM canola trade

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Pakistan and Canada on Tuesday discussed ways to streamline the trade framework for genetically modified (GM) canola, with both sides agreeing to improve regulatory clarity and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik met Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan in Islamabad. Secretary Climate Change Aisha Moriani was also present.

The meeting focused on challenges linked to existing Harmonized System (HS) codes and the need for greater efficiency in procedures governing GM canola trade.

Dr Malik said the government was committed to reducing procedural delays and ensuring that any policy amendments aimed to facilitate importers and exporters.

He added that the Ministry was upgrading its digital dashboard to enhance transparency and ease of doing business.

The minister noted that institutional capacity-building remained a priority to better manage technical and regulatory requirements for climate-linked trade, agricultural commodities and biosafety issues.

The Canadian high commissioner appreciated the Ministry’s efforts to improve regulatory mechanisms and reiterated Canada’s commitment to expanding cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to promote sustainable and mutually beneficial trade practices.

Zeeshan thanks Prime Minister for praising “Suthra Punjab”

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for his appreciation of “Suthra Punjab” saying that it is a matter of honor for all of us to appreciate the vision of Chief Minister(CM) Maryam Nawaz for cleanliness at the national and international level.
“The praise of the Prime Minister has raised the morale of the entire team of Suthra Punjab”, he remarked.
He was speaking at the meeting of CEOs of waste management companies of Punjab held at the Civil Secretariat. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian,Special Secretary Arshad Baig, Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi also participated while Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) CEO Babar Sahib Din briefed the meeting on Suthra Punjab Phase Two.
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that our heads have been raised with pride by the writing of the internationally renowned journal Forbes on the cleanliness revolution in Punjab.“Appreciation of Punjab in the journal’s report has actually increased the good name of Pakistan around the world. Before this,US congress and many delegates of the recent World Conference COP-30 held in Brazil have also been praised Suthra Punjab”, he added.
Zeeshan Rafiq said that by the grace of Allah, Suthra Punjab has become the largest sanitation system in the world under single umbrella. “Now, he went on, “under the supervision of Chief Minister(CM)Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the work on the next phase “West to Value” has started. For this, we will use the 50 thousand tons waste accumulated everyday across Punjab”. There is no doubt that turning challenges into opportunities is the hallmark of the Maryam Nawaz government”, he praised.
The Local Government Minister directed all the CEOs to take measures for garbage segregation at the dumping sites emphasising that with proper segregation of waste, the targets of the waste-to-value phase will be achieved easily.
On this occasion, Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian asked all the CEOs for a detailed report from the segregation of the West saying that Suthra Punjab team move forward by learning from the challenges of the first phase of Punjab. “The results of good teamwork are already before us. Now we have to work with more effort and determination for the convenience of the people”, he urged.

NA session commences under Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chairmanship

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The National Assembly session commenced at 2:22 p.m. on Tuesday at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

The House is set to take up its agenda items, including calling attention notices, introduction of bills, motions and a resolution. Points of order are also expected to be raised, along with any other business permitted by the Chair.

Italian Archaeologist inspires Hazara University; four departments join new heritage initiative

By
Samina Ch
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0
MANSEHRA, Dec 02 (APP):The Department of Archaeology, Hazara University Mansehra, successfully hosted a special guest lecture  titled “From Vajirasthana/Barikot to Jayapalanagara/Zalamkot ,” the other day.
The session was delivered by renowned archaeologist Prof. (Dr.) Luca Maria Olivieri from the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan (ISMEO) and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
Faculty members, students, and research scholars from the Department of Archaeology participated with great interest, gaining valuable insights into recent archaeological discoveries, historical interpretations, and the cultural significance of major sites in the Swat Valley.
Following the lecture, a productive meeting was held under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ikramullah Khan, in his office. During the meeting, discussions were held with Prof. Olivieri regarding the newly launched “Khyber PATH (Profession for Climate Adaptation, Eco-Tourism, and Heritage)” project.
It was agreed that four departments of Hazara University Archaeology, Arts & Design, Architecture, and Tourism & Hospitality will participate as co-partners in the initiative. A formal agreement will soon be signed to ensure the active involvement of students, scholars, and faculty members from these departments.
The Vice Chancellor thanked Prof. Olivieri for his valuable contribution and for enhancing the academic exposure of the university’s students and researchers. A commemorative shield was also presented to the distinguished guest as a token of appreciation.

President praise Pakistan Navy’s relief operation in flood-hit Sri Lanka

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday commended the Pakistan Navy for carrying out the relief operation in Sri Lanka, after the floods and landslides hit many parts of the country, causing deaths and widespread destruction.

The president, in a statement, lauded the Pakistan Navy helicopter crew for the timely rescue of a family stranded for five days.

He said that the flood relief mission carried out by Pakistan Navy’s ship “Saif” in Sri Lanka was a manifestation of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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