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FO contradicts media reports linking Delaware gun suspect to Pakistan

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0
MOFA

ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): The Foreign Office on Thursday, refuting the media reports, clarified that the man charged by the US police last week of illegally possessing firearms and plans for an attack, was not a Pakistani national.

“He is not a Pakistani national or of Pakistani origin. He is (an) Afghan, (who) spent a few years as a refugee (in Pakistan) and then went to the USA where he spent most of his life,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a statement.

According to a press release issued by US Department of Justice, the arrested person Luqmaan Khan, a resident of Wilmington, was taken into custody after he refused to comply with the police order to move out of his vehicle.

“During their investigation, officers discovered in Khan’s vehicle a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds. The handgun had been inserted into a microplastic conversion firearm brace kit. Within the vehicle, officers also found all the following: (i) three more loaded, 27-round magazines (one in the storage slot of the conversion kit); (ii) a loaded Glock 9mm magazine; (iii) an armored ballistic plate; and (iv) a marble composition notebook,” the press release added.

Moreover, in the handwritten notebook, Khan discussed additional weapons and firearms, and referenced a member of the University of Delaware’s Police Department by name, and included a layout of a building with entry and exit points under which the words “UD Police Station” were printed.

Following the November 26 shooting in Washington DC reportedly involving an Afghan national, the Foreign Office spokesperson had strongly condemned the incident, calling it an “act of terrorism and a heinous assault on United States soil.”

“For the past two decades, Pakistan has endured countless similar terrorist incidents, with clear linkages to Afghanistan. This incident signifies the challenges posed by transnational terrorism and underscores the need for enhanced global cooperation to confront this menace.”

He said that the Washington shooting incident heralded a troubling resurgence of terrorism on a global scale and the international community must take note and reinvigorate collective efforts in counter-terrorism.

KSrelief distributes 360 tons of dates to flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has distributed 360 tons of dates to flood-affected, internally displaced, and food-insecure communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The relief effort was carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and implementing partners including the Peace and Development Organization and the Balochistan Rural Support Programme.

Out of the total assistance, 180 tons of dates were distributed in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Buner, Swat, Kolai Palas, Mansehra, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bannu, Bajaur, and Kurram, while the remaining 180 tons were distributed across eight districts of Balochistan, namely Khuzdar, Surab, Kachhi, Pishin, Killa Saifullah, Ziarat, Jhal Magsi, and Quetta. Thousands of vulnerable families benefited from this vital humanitarian assistance.

This initiative aims to provide immediate nutritional support to households affected by floods, displacement, and chronic food insecurity. Dates, which are rich in essential nutrients and a valuable source of energy, play a significant role in strengthening food security and improving the health and well-being of disaster-affected populations.

This humanitarian intervention reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong and continued commitment, through KSrelief, to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and to promote humanitarian assistance, food security, and the dignity of vulnerable communities across the country.

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan sign 15 accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Thursday signed multiple accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, mining, commerce, agriculture, culture, health, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The pre-signed documents were formally exchanged during a ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s House as part of the maiden state visit of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Zhaparov.

The two leaders signed a joint statement on “Strengthening of Comprehensive Cooperation in the Interest of Both Countries.”

Both sides exchanged MoUs between the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan and the Diplomatic Academy of the Kyrgyz Republic; and between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan.

The MoUs on cooperation in the field of agriculture; mining and geosciences; energy sector and utilization of Pakistan’s ports for regional connectivity were exchanged between the Pakistani and Kyrgyz sides.

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan exchanged the documents of agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons to prison for serving the sentence.

Both sides exchanged the MoUs on electronic data interchange between the customs services of both countries; and cooperation in the sphere of tourism; and surgical instruments.

The two sides also exchanged the documents of an agreement in the field of culture as well as for establishing sister-city relations between Bishkek and Islamabad.

The representatives from both sides also exchanged MoUs of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice and the Pakistan’s Ministry of Law and Justice; between Prime Minister’s Youth Programme of Pakistan and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan; and between the Diplomatic Academy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National University of Modern Languages (NUML).

Boys Athletics Championship begins

By
Samina Ch
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0
SARGODHA, Dec 04 (APP):Intercollegiate Boys Athletics Championship organized by Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education begun in Sargodha here on Thursday.
Secretary Education Board (BISE) Sargodha, Syed Ab-Al Hassan Naqvi, inaugurated the championship.
Director Sports BISE Chaudhry Anis Sadiq Gujjar, Muhammad Waqas Butt, and coaches from various teams were also present at the inaugural ceremony.
In the Boys Athletics Championship, five teams of government boys colleges and private colleges of the division were participating.
Addressing the participants, the Secretary Syed Ab-Al- Hassan Naqvi emphasized the significance of co-curricular activities. “Sports are not only essential for physical health but also instill discipline, endurance, self-confidence, and positive thinking among the youth,” he said.
He noted that alongside academics, sports play a fundamental role in character building, which is why the Board has always remained at the forefront of providing sporting opportunities for the holistic training of students.
Elaborating on the event’s objectives, he stated that the championship aims to polish students’ skills, attract them toward healthy activities, and foster a true spirit of sportsmanship.
Syed Abul Hassan Naqvi also acknowledged the administrative support for the event.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, team officials appreciated the Education Board’s efforts, remarking that such competitions encourage the youth to move forward and excel.

Drug peddler held during encounter

By
Samina Ch
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0
KHANEWAL, Dec 04 (APP):A history-sheeter drug peddler was arrested in injured condition during a shootout between the CCD team and three drug dealers here near Basti Azizabad on Thursday.
According to the spokesperson, the team during patrolling signaled three unidentified armed suspects riding on a motorcycle to stop, but the suspects opened straight fire, damaging the official vehicle.
Police retaliated and after the exchange of fire and a subsequent search operation, one suspect-Muhammad Zafar, son of Ahmed Bakhsh,resident of Roshan Pur, Abdul Hakim, was arrested in injured condition. He was wanted in 13 serious criminal cases.
While his other two accomplices escaped under the cover of darkness. Police launched blockades in the area to ensure their arrest.

Jaggery-coated corns remain seasonal favorite in federal capital

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP):As Islamabad’s street food culture continues to evolve, jaggery-coated corns remain a humble yet enduring symbol of the city’s culinary tradition. Loved across seasons, they continue to hold their place as one of the capital’s most cherished snacks — a timeless reminder of its rich street-food heritage.
One street-side snack that continues to grip the taste buds of residents is the jaggery-coated corn. The crackling sound of boiling pots and the sweet scent of jaggery drifting through markets ensure that this simple delight stays firmly in the hearts — and hands — of people across the city.
Sold from wooden carts in markets, roadside stalls, and residential neighborhoods, the traditional treat remains a year-round favorite, drawing queues of customers of all ages. Despite rising prices of corn and jaggery, vendors report strong sales throughout winter and summer in the federal capital, similar to other cities in Pakistan.
Vendors say the snack’s enduring popularity stems from its unique combination of sweetness, warmth, and nostalgia. Freshly boiled corn cobs are generously brushed with molten jaggery, giving them a glossy caramel-like coating and a rich, earthy aroma. The result is a wholesome flavor that keeps customers returning — even during peak summer temperatures.
Muhammad Atif, a street vendor who has been selling jaggery-coated corns in Sector F-6 for nearly a decade, told APP that the snack attracts customers year-round.
“In winter, people like it because it warms them up. In summer, they enjoy the natural sweetness instead of heavy desserts,” he said.
He added that children are especially fond of the treat: “They wait for the jaggery to get a little sticky before taking the first bite.”
Another seller, Abdul Hameed, who runs a stall offering various types of corns and peanuts in G-10 Markaz, said, “Even on slow days, jaggery corn sells well. People trust it because it’s fresh, simple, and prepared right in front of them.”
Health-conscious buyers also gravitate toward the snack. Jaggery—often considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar—is believed to aid digestion and provide essential minerals, making it both comforting and guilt-free.
Talking to APP, Farah, a graduate student at Bahria University Islamabad, said jaggery-coated corns are not just a snack but a cherished memory.
“My family used to get these every winter evening. Now I buy them all year round,” she shared, noting that jaggery-coated corn has become an essential part of Islamabad’s seasonal charm.
Other customers also expressed their fondness for the traditional treat. Saad, an office worker in Blue Area, told APP that he enjoys buying corn during his breaks.
“It’s affordable, filling, and naturally sweet. It reminds me of my childhood visits to hill stations,” he said.
Naila Bibi, a housewife and resident of Sector G-7, described jaggery-coated corn as a clean and wholesome street food option.
“I prefer giving this to my children instead of packaged sweets,” she added.

CCD’s clash with robbers, suspect arrested injured

By
Samina Ch
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0
MULTAN, Dec 04 (APP):A notorious robber wanted in more than 13 cases of robbery and street crimes was arrested in injured condition following an exchange of fire between a CCD local team and a group of robbers near Pull Tariqabad.
According to officials, a CCD team was patrolling and conducting crime checks near Pull Tariqabad when two unidentified suspects on a Honda 125 motorcycle approached from Basti Gullan Wali. When police signaled them to stop due to their suspicious movement, the pillion rider opened fire on the team with the intent to kill.
The police took cover behind their official vehicle and roadside structures and returned fire in self-defence. As the exchange of gun shots ended, the suspects attempted to flee but crashed their motorcycle into an electric pole. One suspect fell injured, while the other escaped under the cover of darkness.
The injured suspect identified himself as Ali Imran, son of Muhammad Yaqoob,resident of Liaqatabad, Multan. Record verification later confirmed that he was wanted in several cases of robbery and street crime. Police also recovered a 30-bore pistol along with ammunition from the scene.
According to CCD Multan, the crackdown against criminal elements will continue. Protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the top priority, with the department committed to establishing a peaceful and secure society.

Four killed in crossfire between rivals in Kohat

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 04 (APP):At least four people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident between two rival groups near Lachi Bazaar in Kohat, police and rescue officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to Rescue 1122, the injured were immediately provided with first aid and shifted to Lachi Hospital, while those in critical condition were later referred to the DHQ Hospital Kohat for advanced treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Hassan, Zahir Zaman, Ghafoor, and Mamoor, while the injured are Ijaz and Hammad.
A heavy police contingent reached the scene soon after the incident. and launched an investigation to determine the cause and those responsible for the attack.

Peshawar police eliminate notorious “Lal Sher Group” in major strike

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 04 (APP):In a major early-morning operation, Peshawar Police successfully dismantled the notorious “Lal Sher Group,” which was wanted in multiple cases of extortion and other heinous crimes.
Police on Thursday informed, the group was feared across Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda and surrounding areas for its involvement in terrorism, attacks on police, land grabbing and extortion activities.
According to police, the CCPO Special Operations Team conducted targeted raids in the areas of Porun Shangla and Shahpur, Peshawar. During fierce encounters, the two most-wanted proclaimed offenders, Lal Sher and Jan Sher, were killed in a police shootout in Shangla.
Both were wanted in dozens of cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, targeted killings of police personnel, attacks on law enforcement agencies, and illegal land grabbing.
Meanwhile, during a separate raid at the house of Ramzan Sher in Peshawar, his accomplices opened fire on the police. As a result of the exchange of gunfire, Ramzan Sher was also killed, while two of his associates managed to escape.
Police officials stated that with this successful operation, the criminal network known as the “Lal Sher Group” has effectively been eliminated. The group was considered a major threat to public safety in the region for a long time.
Police have termed the operation a significant success in the ongoing campaign against organized crime and extortion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

40+ Cooperation Intentions Mark China-Pakistan Agri-Tech Exchange

By
Samina Ch
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0
BEIJING , Dec. 4  (APP):The “Leading Goose Initiative · Industry-Education Integration” — the second Pakistan-China Agri-Tech Exchange Program — was held at Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), China.
Wang Yueqin, head of training programs at the College of Vocational and Adult Education, NWAFU, said the event delivered “fruitful outcomes,” generating more than 40 intended cooperation results. Seventeen leading goose enterprises reached preliminary cooperation intentions with Pakistani partners, laying a solid foundation for future technology transfer, project implementation and deeper mutual trust between the two sides.
On the occasion, more than 150 rural revitalization leaders from Shanxi, Gansu and other provinces, together with 161 participants of the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1000 Agricultural Graduates in China, joined faculty from relevant colleges of NWAFU, agricultural enterprises and cooperatives. They showcased achievements in agricultural science and technology and industrial development, strengthening understanding and facilitating cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani participants, CEN reported.
Nearly 50 leading goose enterprises and cooperatives from Shaanxi, Shanxi, Gansu, Xinjiang and Ningxia presented smart agricultural equipment, green production technologies and advanced agricultural processing products. Chinese and Pakistani trainees toured the exhibition and held discussions to explore collaboration opportunities.
Among them, Du Lei, director of the Jingsheng Jiannian Persimmon Planting Cooperative, displayed Fuping’s intangible cultural heritage persimmon cakes, along with a full industrial workflow. During the discussions, Pakistani political, academic and business representatives praised the cooperative’s strengths in high-quality varieties, refined processing and standardized production.
They noted that the climates of Punjab and Sindh — with over 2,500 hours of annual sunlight and sandy loam soils — are highly suitable for persimmon cultivation, adding that Pakistan’s limited varieties and strong market demand present clear potential for cooperation.
Following these exchanges, the two sides signed three letters of intent, marking steps toward introducing the Fuping pointed persimmon variety, traditional persimmon cake processing techniques and a standardized production system into Pakistan.
“The exchange, themed ‘Technology Empowerment, Agricultural Mutual Learning and Win-Win Cooperation,’ created a platform for in-depth dialogue between leading goose trainees and participants of the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Initiative,” Wang said.
She added that research achievements — including smart drones, water-saving irrigation, intelligent planting, green pest control, seed innovation and agricultural deep processing — received strong interest and praise from both sides, highlighting the university’s strengths in agricultural science and the vitality of leading goose industrial development.
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