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Charsadda police initiates crackdown against narcotics offenders

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PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP): Charsadda district police on Monday launched a crackdown against narcotics offenders and arrested two suspects.
On the instructions of District Police Officer Charsadda, Muhammad Waqas Khan, operations against drugs are launched across the district.
Police spokesman here said that Sardheri Police apprehended two suspects, besides recovery of ice (crystal meth) and a pistol.
Under the leadership of DSP, Shad Ali Khan, SHO Police Station Sardheri, Gulzar Khan, carried out a successful operation and arrested drug dealer Taimoor, son of Ehsan, resident of Maroof Khel, recovering 1,040 grams of ice (crystal meth).
In addition, a pistol was recovered from another suspect. Cases have been registered against the suspects and further investigation is underway.

Pakistani medical students in Tajikistan boost bilateral health sector cooperation:Tajik Minister

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Dushanbe, Dec 29 (APP):First Deputy Minister of health of the Republic of Tajikistan, Salomatdin Jabbor Yusufi, stated that Pakistani medical students in Tajik universities play a vital role in fostering bilateral health sector cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
Universities like Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU) in Dushanbe host around 450 Pakistani students, offering modern facilities that meet international standards, he said.
Pakistani medical students in Tajikistan boost bilateral health sector cooperation:Tajik Minister
Officials from both nations aim to formalize academic and faculty exchanges through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Yusufi made these remarks during an interactive session with an eight-member Pakistani media delegation, led by Dr. Muhammad Abbas Mahar, CEO of MBBS Abroad Consultancy Pvt Ltd and the delegation included representatives from print and electronic media outlets.
The session was also attended by Muhiddin Nuriddin Davlatali, Rector of ATSMU; rectors from the Medical Social Institute of Tajikistan and other universities; Ms. Ibodzoda Zarina Habibulo; and high officials from the Ministry of Health.
The minister highlighted Tajikistan’s ambition to become a regional hub for affordable, high-quality medical education by attracting students from Pakistan and neighboring countries.
He emphasized vast prospects for expanding medical education and science collaboration, including institutional partnerships.
Key areas for bilateral cooperation include clinical services, pharmaceuticals and devices, health IT, telemedicine, insurance, and public health initiatives, supported by management, research, and wellness programs.
Yusufi invited Pakistan’s private sector to establish clinics, hospitals, and joint ventures with local partners.
Tajikistan boasts 36 medical colleges—20 government-owned and 16 private—with state-of-the-art facilities producing doctors and physicians to international standards.
The minister noted the emerging private medical sector and urged closer ties with Pakistan’s private sector players.
Looking ahead to 2026, both countries plan to expand opportunities in medical education exchanges, medical tourism, and joint ventures. Recent high-level meetings and 2025 discussions have advanced MoUs in medical education, pharmaceuticals, and health frameworks via intergovernmental commissions.
In Tajikistan, medical treatment is free, with comprehensive insurance coverage for all citizens. The minister invited Pakistan’s insurance sector to enhance local systems for better health facilities. He urged Pakistani media to raise awareness and strengthen ties, particularly in medical tourism.
Dr. Muhammad Abbas Mahar, the exclusive admission partner for international students at ATSMU, echoed these sentiments.
He highlighted the potential of medical tourism to transform bilateral relations, boost economies, and provide trade opportunities.
With Pakistan’s youth seeking quality education, ATSMU is positioning Tajikistan as a hub for world-class medical training, he concluded.

Super flu fully under control in Rawalpindi as health authorities maintain close monitoring

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 29 (APP):The District Health Authority Rawalpindi has maintained strict surveillance over Influenza A (H3), commonly referred to as “super flu”, with continuous monitoring of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases.
“The current epidemiological data indicate that the situation is fully under control. During December, 22 suspected SARI cases were screened, of which only four were confirmed, and all patients have fully recovered following treatment,” a District Health Authority official said on Monday.
Of the confirmed cases, he said, three were reported in the Rawalpindi city from Satellite Town, Union Council 39, and Railway Colony, while one case pertained to Murree. Under the Health Department’s rapid response protocol, 18 close contacts were traced, with only one secondary case testing positive, indicating limited disease transmission. “Active surveillance continues in the identified areas,” he added.
The official advised the residents that there was no need for panic and urged them to follow routine hygiene measures, including regular hand washing and respiratory precautions, noting that the overall situation remained under control.

Senator Rubina Khalid urges eligible women to use Social Protection Wallet responsibly

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SHEIKHUPURA, Dec 29 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid on Monday urged the eligible women to use Social Protection Wallet responsibly, protect their cellular SIMs, and lodge complaints against any illegal deductions.

She stated this during her visit to the campsite established at Government Jamia High School, Sheikhupura, where she reviewed the process of providing free SIMs for the Social Protection Wallet to eligible women. She also directed the staff to provide complete guidance to women and ensure prompt redressal of their issues

Chairperson BISP informed the women that the SIM provided for the Social Protection Wallet is absolutely free, and no deduction or fee is allowed. She emphasized that this SIM serves as their digital wallet, and therefore it is the responsibility of each beneficiary to keep it safe.

Senator Rubina Khalid urges eligible women to use Social Protection Wallet responsibly

Addressing the women, she said that the programme is named after Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a brave leader who made great sacrifices for her country and people. She urged the women to draw strength from Mohtarma’s struggle, remain courageous, and stand firm against any injustice. She advised them to immediately report any complaint through the relevant channels.

Senator Rubina Khalid urges eligible women to use Social Protection Wallet responsibly

During the visit, Senator Rubina Khalid interacted with the deserving women present at the campsite, listened to their concerns, and directed the concerned officials on the spot to ensure the immediate redressal of their issues. She instructed the staff to ensure complete transparency in the free SIM distribution process and to strengthen awareness efforts so that eligible women are fully informed of their rights and can receive their funds through the Social Protection Wallet in a safe and dignified manner.

She reiterated her commitment that the Benazir Income Support Programme will continue its efforts to empower deserving women, promote a transparent payment system, and ensure accountability at all levels.

China expresses grave concern over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

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BEIJING, Dec 29 (APP): China expresses grave concern over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and is firmly against it, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

China notes the statement issued immediately by the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia firmly rejecting the move, he said during his regular briefing.

He said that regional organizations and countries, including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, have also deplored and strongly condemned the move.

According to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, Somaliland is an inalienable part of Somalia’s territory, the spokesperson said and added, China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and opposes any move to split its territory.

Lin Jian said that the issue of Somaliland is entirely Somalia’s internal affair. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way suited to their national conditions and in line with the constitution. Countries outside the region should stop unwarranted interference. No country should seek selfish interests by aiding and abetting separatism in other countries.

“We urge the Somaliland authorities to stop at once their separatist activities and collusion with external forces,” he added.

As per media reports, on December 26, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition and establishment of full diplomatic relations.

APP/asg

Ismail Rahu Inaugurates Digital & E-Marking Lab at Board of Intermediate Larkana

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LARKANA, Dec 29 (APP): Provincial Minister for Universities and Education Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahu, inaugurated the Digital and E-Marking Lab at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Larkana on Monday.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Secretary Universities and Boards Muhammad Abbas Baloch, Chairman Intermediate Board Larkana, Khalid Hussain Mahar, Chairman of Nawabshah Board Dr. Professor Asif Ali Memon; Chairman of Sukkur Board Dr. Professor Zahid Ali Channar; and other relevant officials.
On this occasion, the provincial minister was given a detailed briefing on the board’s overall performance, examination system, and administrative matters.
Ismail Rahu stated that the purpose of establishing the E-Marking Lab is to bring transparency to the examination system through modern technology and to ensure the timely preparation and announcement of results.
He said the Sindh government is accelerating the process of reforms in education boards so that modern and quality facilities can be provided to students.The use of modern technology in the examination system is an urgent need of the time.E-marking will increase transparency and results will be announced promptly.

Sindh govt to survey heritage buildings

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KARACHI, Dec 29 (APP):Sindh Government has decided to survey heritage and historical buildings across the province. The decision was made in a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Cultural Heritage, chaired by the Chief Secretary of Sindh, Syed Asif Hyder Shah.
The meeting was attended by the Secretaries of Culture and Works & Services, the DG of the Sindh Building Control Authority, and the Director General of the Department of Archaeology.
Committee members Hamid Haroon, renowned archaeologist Dr Kaleemullah Lashari, and architectural consultant Sohail Ahmed Kalhoro were also present at the meeting.
The Chief Secretary of Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, said that the last survey of the heritage buildings in the province was conducted in 2017, during which 3,371 buildings were declared as heritage sites.
The Chief Secretary said that with the passage of time, it has become essential to assess the current condition of these buildings, to identify new heritage buildings and ensure their preservation.
He further instructed to strengthen the technical committee’s secretariat of the Heritage Department, with a decision made to hire qualified and competent officers from the market for secretariat support.
Moreover, a decision was made to make the laws for the protection of heritage buildings stricter and more effective.

24 road crashes in Chiniot leave one dead, 28 injured in 24 hours

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CHINIOT, Dec 29 (APP):According to a report issued by the District Emergency Chiniot on Monday, the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) responded to 24 road traffic accidents across the district during the last 24 hours. The incidents resulted in one fatality and left 28 people injured, highlighting growing concerns over road safety in the area. Among the injured were 18 men and 10 women, Rescue officials confirmed.
The report further stated that 19 victims sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged on the spot after receiving immediate medical assistance. However, nine individuals suffered serious injuries and were shifted to concerned hospitals in Rescue 1122 ambulances after being given first aid.

Rescue 1122 warns of rise in gas leak incidents in Rawalpindi

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 29 (APP):The Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi has warned citizens of a sharp increase in gas leak incidents during the winter season, attributing the rise to the growing use of gas heaters and stoves in homes.
A spokesperson for the Rescue 1122 said on Monday most recent accidents were caused by negligence, poor maintenance, and disregard for safety protocols. “Gas leaks have led to an increase in fires, explosions and suffocation cases, posing serious risks to human life and property.”
He urged the residents to exercise extreme caution while using gas-operated appliances and to ensure that gas valves and regulators are properly closed after use.
The citizens were warned not to switch electrical appliances on or off or ignite flames if gas smell was detected, as “even a small spark could trigger a major accident”. In such cases, the spokesperson advised, all windows and doors should be opened to ventilate the premises, and family members should immediately move to a safe location.
The spokesperson also stressed the importance of regular servicing of gas heaters and stoves, avoidance of old or damaged pipelines, and the use of certified appliances. He advised that only trained professionals should be employed for installation or repairs.
He urged the citizens to report any gas-related emergency immediately via the helpline 1122 to enable rapid response and protection of lives and property.
He said timely reporting was crucial for effective and swift rescue operations.
The spokesperson concluded by appealing to the residents to adopt precautionary measures to stay safe and protect their families, emphasising that even minor care could prevent major tragedies.

Ex-Governor KP visits PPC, felicitates newly elected office bearers

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PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP): Former Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali Monday visited Peshawar Press Club (PPC) to felicitate newly elected office bearers of the club.
Haji Ghulam Ali garlanded the newly elected President M Riaz, Vice President Zia-ul-Haq, General Secretary Alamgir Khan, Finance Secretary Irshad Maidani, Joint Secretary Gulzar Khan and the members of the governing body and congratulated them on their success.
Former Nazim Allah Dad Khan, Nazim Saleem Khan, Basit Khan and President of All Pakistan Car Dealers Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ghulam Bilal Javed were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Haji Ghulam Ali said that Peshawar Press Club has always done historic work to solve the problems of journalists and for their welfare.
The same expectations are also from the newly elected President and the cabinet that they will maintain mutual relations among the journalist community and institutions, including political parties and will use their skills to solve the problems of journalists, including keeping the knowledge of truth high.