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Algerian ambassador inaugurated Pindi Food festival

By
NNPS Desk
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (APP): The Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan, Brahim Romani Friday evening inaugurated the three-day Pindi Food Festival 2025, organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). The festival will continue from 12 to 14 December at Ayub National Park.

The objective of this annual festival is to promote traditional and regional cuisines and flavors, while providing networking and branding opportunities to SMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs, especially those associated with the food sector.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat informed that more than 100 stalls have been set up at the food festival, showcasing a wide variety of tastes and dishes. He said that a musical evening has been arranged in the evening for families, while special entertainment activities have been organized for children.

According to the RCCI President, this year more than 15 stalls have been exclusively allocated for women entrepreneurs.

Pakistan signs MoU with Binance to explore blockchain-based innovation for sovereign assets

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Ministry of Finance and Binance Investments Company Limited on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aimed to leveraging emerging financial technologies to strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets and enhance global investor access.
The MoU was signed by the Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Richard Teng, Chief Executive Officer of Binance. Changpeng Zhao, Adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council was also presented on the occasion, said a press release.
The MoU establishes a framework for exploring potential collaboration on the tokenisation and blockchain-based distribution of Pakistan’s real-world and sovereign assets, including government bonds, treasury bills, commodity reserves and other federally owned assets.
Subject to applicable laws, policies and regulatory approvals, the initiative may involve assets of up to $ 2 billion, with the objective of enhancing liquidity, transparency and international market accessibility.
Under the proposed arrangement, Binance and/or its affiliates may provide technical expertise, advisory support, training and capacity building to enable Pakistan to assess modern, compliant blockchain infrastructure.
The collaboration aims to explore secure and transparent digital platforms that could facilitate broader participation by international investors, while fully respecting Pakistan’s regulatory framework and sovereign control.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb described the MoU as a strong signal of Pakistan’s reform trajectory. This is a very strong message  not only for Pakistan, but for the entire world. What we have signed today reflects a long-term partnership. From where we started to moving towards operationalisation, this progress could not have happened without active guidance and leadership. The next step for us is execution, and we are fully committed to delivering results with speed and quality,” he said, while also acknowledging the vision and support of the country’s top leadership.
Changpeng Zhao termed the MoU a landmark development for Pakistan’s future. “This is a great signal for the global blockchain industry and for Pakistan. It has a very big impact on the country’s future and its technology-driven generation.
This is the beginning now we can move towards full deployment and execution. We are honored to work with Pakistan’s leadership and are confident this collaboration will deliver positive and lasting outcomes for the economy,” he remarked.
The MoU is non-binding and reflects an expression of intent by both parties to explore feasibility. Definitive agreements, if any, will be negotiated within six months, subject to all legal, regulatory and policy approvals. Any future arrangement will be governed by the laws of Pakistan and will not constitute exclusivity or a procurement commitment.
This collaboration underscores Pakistan’s commitment to responsible financial innovation, strong governance and compliance, and marks an important milestone in aligning the country’s financial ecosystem with evolving global best practices.

Senate Panel raises concerns over contract hiring and deputation practices; summons partner NGOs

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has summoned NGOs working with the ministry and expressed serious concerns over staffing policies, demanding the Finance Division explain why poverty alleviation departments cannot hire on contractual basis despite field-oriented operations requiring flexible workforce arrangements.
The Committee, chaired by Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, met today in Islamabad to deliberate on a wide range of budgetary and regulatory matters concerning the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal.
The meeting was attended by Senators Rubina Qaim Khani, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dost Ali Jeesar and Jan Muhammad.
A 20 percent decrease in stunting among children in Balochistan was reported. The Chairperson BISP urged that all eligible children be registered under the same initiative.
It was informed that any child with a score of up to 60 would qualify for inclusion in the Benazir Nashonuma Program.
The Committee was briefed that 80 BISP centers are currently operational across Balochistan. However, it was observed that several BISP offices are functioning from private accommodations, making it difficult for the public to locate them. It was therefore recommended that BISP centers be established in well-known and easily accessible locations.
It was further informed that a Benazir Hunarmand Program is set to be launched to equip individuals with employable skills.
A recommendation was made to allocate Rs. 1 billion for the implementation of this program.
The Chairman of the Committee also recommended making appointments on a contract basis to facilitate the local community. However, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and BISP informed the Committee that both departments are not permitted to make appointments on a contractual basis. The Chairperson BISP further explained that BISP’s work is field-oriented and includes gazetted posts, which are not required to be filled through contractual appointments.
It was noted that the Committee’s earlier recommendation on this matter had already been forwarded to the Finance Division, but no action had been taken. The Committee therefore decided to summon the Finance Division to examine the feasibility of allowing contractual appointments in both departments in the next meeting.
The Committee also recommended that lower-grade staff who have served for the past ten years should have their services regularized.
During the discussion on the number of deputationists serving in Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, it was informed that a total of four employees are currently working on deputation, all borrowed from the Education sector. The Committee expressed concern over the practice of appointing staff on deputation from the Education and Health Departments and discouraged the continuation of this trend.
The Secretary PA&SS informed the Committee that the PGP project is a $134.2 billion initiative covering 35 districts, including 12 districts from Balochistan. It was further shared that NRSP and NPGP offices are primarily operating in Sindh.
The Members recommended summoning the relevant NGOs and attached departments to brief the Committee on their performance and progress.
It was noted that the NPGP project has concluded, and the PGP project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank, is set to commence. BISP, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal continue to contribute toward achieving SDG-1.

PM Shehbaz concludes two-day official visit to Turkmenistan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ASHGABAT, Dec 12 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed from Ashgabat on Friday after completing a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan, where he attended high-level international events and held multiple bilateral and informal engagements with regional leaders.
Deputy Chairman of Cabinet Minister/in charge of Transport and Communications Agency at Cabinet Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammetkhan Chakyev, saw off the Prime Minister and the accompanying Pakistani delegation at Ashgabat Airport, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz participated in the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025 events, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, marked by a major forum in Ashgabat.
On the margins of the forum, he held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Iran, focusing on regional cooperation, connectivity, and shared economic priorities.
The prime minister also had informal interactions with several regional leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, reflecting Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asian states and broader regional diplomacy.

Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings exhibition opens at PNCA

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) inaugurated “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings,” a solo exhibition by artist Yusuf Khan, at the National Art Gallery on Thursday, showcasing a unique fusion of Islamic spirituality and social commentary.
The exhibition was officially opened by Mr. Fuad Pashayev, UNESCO Representative to Pakistan, alongside Ms. Farah Naz, Parliamentary Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division, and Ayoub Jamali, Director General of PNCA.
Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings exhibition opens at PNCA
The ceremony drew diplomats, artists, and members of the cultural and academic community.
Featuring over forty works, the exhibition presents Quranic calligraphy rendered in contemporary Kufic script alongside monochrome portraits of everyday Pakistanis. Khan’s calligraphic pieces highlight Quranic verses centered on truth, justice, kindness, and integrity, while his portraits honor cobblers, artisans, and rural women whose perseverance shapes daily life across Pakistan.
“This exhibition bridges spirituality with social ethics,” Mr. Pashayev remarked in his keynote address. “Yusuf Khan’s art reminds us that beauty and ethics are intertwined—his use of calligraphy is not ornamental but focused on social behavior and universal principles, rooted in human compassion and integrity.”
Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings exhibition opens at PNCA
PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali praised Khan’s artistic journey from public service to creative expression. “His calligraphic compositions present Quranic values of honesty and generosity with minimalist clarity, while his portraits celebrate the resilience of ordinary Pakistanis,” Jamali said.
Khan, displaying his work publicly for the first time, described his paintings as “meditations on the values that guide us.” He added, “The faces I paint are reminders of the resilience and quiet dignity of the people I witnessed across Pakistan during my years in public service.”
The exhibition runs through December 19, 2025, at Gallery No. 6, PNCA, National Art Gallery, Islamabad, and is open to the public.

712 kanals of state land reclaimed near Diplomatic Enclave

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reclaimed more than 712 kanals of state land during an ongoing anti-encroachment operation in areas adjacent to the Diplomatic Enclave, officials said on Friday.
The operation, which has been underway for over a month, is being carried out under the directives of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa as part of a broader campaign against illegal constructions in the federal capital.
According to officials, the enforcement activity is being supervised by Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anam Fatima, with assistance from the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Islamabad Police.
The CDA said that prior to the operation, notices were issued to illegal occupants and a site office was established to examine legal claims submitted by residents. Public announcements were also made to encourage voluntary evacuation before the start of demolition activities.
Several illegal structures were demolished during the operation using heavy machinery. Officials said the action was carried out without resistance.
Authorities further stated that cases are being registered against individuals involved in the sale and purchase of illegally occupied land through fraudulent documentation. Residents have been advised to report instances of illegal occupation to the relevant departments.
Randhawa said the authority would continue action against encroachments with a zero-tolerance policy, particularly against land mafias, and directed officials to ensure measures were taken to prevent re-encroachment on reclaimed land.
The CDA added that in recent months, estate land worth billions of rupees has been reclaimed across various parts of Islamabad as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

CDWP approves 04 social sector development projects worth Rs10.551 bln

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Friday approved 04 projects worth Rs 10.551 billion and 04 major projects, worth Rs 256 billion, were recommended for further consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The CDWP met here under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, which also cleared 08 important development projects covering essential areas of the national economy, said a press release.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Vice Chancellor PIDE, the Chief Economist, members of the Planning Commission, Federal Secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning Departments, and senior representatives from relevant Ministries and Provincial Governments.
The agenda encompassed projects from key sectors including education, training, health, power, transport, communications, devolution, area development and water resources.
In the education and training sector, two revised projects were reviewed. The forum recommended the revised “Prime Minister’s Pakistan Fund for Education” worth Rs14,000 million to ECNEC.
During deliberations, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the project must revert to its original concept. He emphasized that the core objective is to provide scholarships and Qarz-e-Hasna to support top-talented needy students pursuing higher education in strategic fields such as IT, AI, science, development economics, water resources, and mining, which are critical for Pakistan’s future development.
He said Prime Minister’s initiatives for the education sector are aimed at creating opportunities for less privileged. The forum further directed the Ministry of Education that the modified PC-I be submitted to the Planning Commission, as per DCPC directions, before being forwarded to ECNEC.
The second revised project, “Construction of Graduate Block in NCA Lahore” worth Rs1,607.314 million, was also approved by the CDWP, which will enable country’s premier art education institution to expand its programs. He said, developing creative industries as one of the drivers of country’s exports is a goal of URAAN Pakistan.
Two projects from the health sector were presented. The “Expansion of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD), Rawalpindi” worth Rs12,948.434 million was recommended to ECNEC. Forum approved the project with the direction that the sponsoring agency should approach the Ministry of Finance and EAD for alternative sources of funding, as the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) has been significantly reduced in size over recent years and is under severe stress to meet funding needs of many high-priority national projects.
The second project, the revised “Punjab Family Planning Program” worth Rs. 4,282.350 million, was approved by the forum. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the crucial need for provinces to exercise their devolved responsibilities fully. He expressed profound concern over Pakistan’s lagging social indicators, citing the country’s status as one of only two nations worldwide still affected by polio in embarrassing and we can’t grow with a population growth rate of 2.55%, and stressed that all social sector programs must be results-driven to make meaningful impact.
Regarding transport & communications, the revised “Karachi Urban Mobility Project (Yellow BRT Corridor)” worth Rs. 178,592.836 million was recommended to ECNEC. The project is proposed to be financed through a World Bank loan, contributions from the Government of Sindh, and private sector participation.
Approving the project, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern over the lack of progress during the past six years and directed that the project’s Cost Sharing Ratio (CSR) be reviewed and presented to ECNEC with updated details.
In the Water Resources sector, the forum approved the “Project Readiness Financing (PRF) for Punjab Water Resources Management (PWRM)” worth Rs. 1,673.328 million. This initiative is designed to enhance water resource governance in Punjab and will be jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank (96.5%) and the Government of Punjab (3.5%).
Additionally, the forum approved two other significant projects. The “Hosting Community Support Program (HCSP)” valued at Rs 2,988 million, presented by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan, States & Frontier Region, will focus on solarizing schools and healthcare facilities while providing essential education infrastructure.
Furthermore, a revised project from the Power Division, “Upgradation or Extension of NTDC’s Telecommunications & SCADA System” worth Rs. 50,374.200 million, was recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. This project is proposed to be financed through the Asian Development Bank and NTDC’s own resources.

PTA intensifies crackdown against illegal issuance of SIMs

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Peshawar, in close collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Peshawar, conducted a successful raid on a Ufone Franchisee involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by a female citizen from Par Hoti, Mardan, whose CNIC was fraudulently misused for the activation of unauthorized SIMs, said a press release.
During the raid, two mobile phones, one laptop, and one Biometric Verification System (BVS) device were seized. Two individuals, including the franchise owner, were arrested for further investigation by the agency.
These enforcement actions reflect PTA’s ongoing and firm resolve to prevent the circumvention of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) and its unwavering commitment to curbing the illegal issuance of SIMs across the country.
PTA urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any unauthorized SIM issuance through its complaint mechanisms: Toll-Free Helpline 0800-55055 or Online Complaint Portal https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/userlogin.aspx.

DPM Dar to participate in 16th Sir Bani Yas Forum in UAE

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will participate in the 16th Sir Bani Yas Forum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from December 12 to 14, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Sir Bani Yas Forum is a high-level annual gathering that brings together senior statesmen, policymakers, and global experts to deliberate on key regional and international issues, including peace, security, and economic cooperation, a DPM’s Office news release said.
During the Forum, the deputy prime minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships. He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.

SBP injects over Rs 10.48 trillion in the market

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP):The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Friday, injected Rs 10,484.85 billion through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO) to maintain liquidity in the market.
The central bank conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for 7 and 14-day tenors on December 12, 2025, and injected Rs 10,270.15 billion against 23 bids while Rs 214.7 billion were inserted separately through Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based OMO.
The central bank received 19 bids for the 7-day Reverse Repo Purchase, cumulatively offering Rs 10,129.5 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.01 to 11.07%. The SBP accepted all the bids with the entire amount at 11.01% rate of return.
Moreover, the SBP also received 4 quotes for the 14-day tenor, cumulatively offering Rs 140.65 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.02% to 11.08%. The SBP accepted the entire amount at 11.02% rate of return.
Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for the 7 and 14-day tenors.
The central bank received 4 quotes for the 7-day tenor offering Rs 265.7 billion at rate of return ranging between 11.01 to 11.06%. SBP accepted Rs 189.7 billion against 3 bids at 11.05% rate of return.
The central bank also received one bid for the 14-day tenor offering Rs 25 billion at 11.06% rate of return. SBP accepted the quote with the entire amount at the offered rate.
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