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Federal Ombudsman team to hold open court to redress people’s complaints urgently on Dec, 5

By
Samina Ch
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MIRPUR  ( AJK), Dec 4 (APP):The Federal Ombudsman team will hold an open court here tomorrow about the general public complaints against the AJK-based  federal government institutions for their redressal on the spot.
A Federal Ombudsman’s spokesman told APP on Thursday  that on the instructions of Federal Ombudsman, Ijaz Ahmed Qureshi, the team comprising Director General,  Federal Ombudsman, Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed and Consultant, Khalid Sial will hold the  open court at the  PWD Rest House , where  local officers of federal institutions would also be present.
” The team will listen  the complaints against federal institutions and give instructions to the relevant institutions on the spot to resolve them”, the spokesman said.
It may be noted that the open court was part of the Outreach Complaint Resolution (OCR) program of the Federal Ombudsman to provide justice to the people at their doorsteps.
The Federal Ombudsman has directed the concerned officials of federal institutions including Electricity,  SNGPL Gas, NADRA, Benazir Income Support Program, Passport Office, Postal Life Insurance, State Life Insurance Corporation and Pakistan Post Office to participate in the open court as per schedule.

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to strengthen ties with bilateral trade target set to $200 million in 2 years

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Thursday reaffirmed the resolve to elevate bilateral relations to a much higher level by enhancing collaboration in various domains and setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of accords and a result-oriented approach.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a joint press stakeout along with the President of Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, expressed his confident that the visit of the Kyrgyz President, which was taking place after a gap of two decades, will give a fresh impetus to the  already strong bilateral relations in all fields of mutual interaction.
“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1992, we have nurtured a relationship grounded in mutual trust, respect, and shared aspiration and common values,” he added.
Earlier, the both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements between the two countries in various fields of mutual interests.
“Just now, we have witnessed signing ceremony of 15 MoUs and agreements which will serve as a framework for structured result oriented engagements and closer institutional linkages between the two countries in various fields of mutual interest,” the prime minister added.
The prime minister pointed out that during his bilateral meeting with the Kyrgyz President, the discussion highlighted the need to strengthen people to people exchanges through cultural initiatives, tourism promotion, and academic partnership. During the meeting, he said, they also agreed to hold such cultural events in Islamabad and other parts of Pakistan combined with similar activities in Bishkek.
The prime minister informed that, a business forum has also been scheduled during the visit to chart new pathways for collaboration in sectors of economic cooperation.
In the business forum, he said, various trade agreements will be signed which will ensure to take the current bilateral trade volume of US$16 million to $200 million over a period of next two years.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was ready to provide the Kyrgyz Republic, a landlocked country, access to regional and global markets through sea ports of Karachi and Gwadar. “No doubt such initiative will further reinforce solid foundation of our friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.”
“May the radiant sun of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan unite to illuminate a future between the two countries of enduring peace and shared prosperity, a hope for both the peoples and the region and the world beyond,” the prime minister added.
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, said it was his first official visit and first for any of head of state of the Kyrgyz Republic after 20 years.
Terming Pakistan as an important partner of Kyrgyzstan in South Asia, the Kyrgyz president said that he viewed Pakistan’s dynamic development, its growing economic potential and its ambitious infrastructure projects as a testament of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s effective leadership.
He pointed out that in today’s discussion with Pakistan, the two sides paid the attention to activating collaboration in trade, economy, investment, transport, logistic, education and science.
Welcoming the ongoing business forum of the two countries, he said he attached great importance to further developing Kyrgyz-Pakistan business council as an effective mechanism for bringing together the business communities of both countries.
He called for full use of transport and transit potential of the two countries as one of the most important areas of mutual partnership.
The Kyrgyz president said the two sides also highlighted the key role of CASA-1000 project which will serve as a corner stone in establishing a unified energy system between Central and South Asia. He expressed the confident that timely implementation of this project will deliver significant mutual benefit to the peoples of the two countries.
Furthermore he informed that the two sides also exchanged views on future cooperation in education field. Currently, he said more than 12000 Pakistani students were studying in Kyrgyzstan. “We are ready to further facilitate Pakistani students in the country,” he added.
He said the two sides shared commitment to combat terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime. “We agreed to strengthen coordination between competent authorities to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.”
President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov invited the prime minister to attend as an honoured guest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the World Nomad Games to be held in Bishkek in 2026.
He also invited the prime minister to attend the second global Mountain Summit “”Bishkek plus 25” to be held in 2027.
Furthermore, he also invited PM Shehbaz Sharif for a state visit to Kyrgyzstan to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The bilateral and regional ties were discussed during the delegation level talks held at the Prime Minister House.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov Nurgozhoevich led their respective sides at a delegation level meeting in the Prime Minister House.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people.
During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. While expressing their concern over the escalating threats to peace and security in the region, they agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The two sides also exchanged views on the ongoing peace efforts in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
During the talks, the prime minister was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, Federal Ministers and senior government officials.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan attached high importance to its brotherly relations with the Kyrgyz Republic.
He reiterated Pakistan’s abiding commitment to enhancing its engagement with the Central Asian states under the “Vision Central Asia” policy.
Both leaders emphasized the significance of expanding and deepening Pakistan-Kyrgyz relations, that were underpinned by historic links, cultural similarities, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. They reviewed progress on existing cooperation frameworks and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen this partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity and people-to-people contacts.
Highlighting the need to enhance economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment, setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of the signed agreements/MoUs and a result-oriented approach. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the fruitful Fifth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Pakistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, held in Islamabad, on 28-29 July 2025.
Both sides recognized the importance of energy connectivity for regional stability. They reiterated their shared vision of timely and effective implementation of the CASA-1000 project, which represents a cornerstone of regional energy cooperation and a vital link between Central and South Asia.
The two leaders also stressed upon the vital need for well developed, secure, sustainable and diversified connectivity routes between Kyrgyz Republic and Pakistan to ensure the further enhancement of bilateral as well as regional trade. In this regard, they expressed satisfaction over operationalization of the road corridor between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic under Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA).
During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. While expressing their concern over the escalating threats to peace and security in the region, they agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Thereafter, both leaders witnessed the exchange of 15 MoUs and agreements in various sectors including energy, mining, trade, education, law & justice, agriculture, culture and tourism.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was presented guard of honour by a contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces.
The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Kyrgyz President and his delegation. Both leaders also addressed a joint press conference.

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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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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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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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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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.
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