ASHGABAT-Turkmenistan: December 12 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust.
ASHGABAT-Turkmenistan: December 12 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust.
ASHGABAT-Turkmenistan: December 12 –
ASHGABAT-Turkmenistan: December 12 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust. APP/ABB
Parliamentary Secretary NH&CD, Ms. Farah Naz, visits the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
ISLAMABAD: December 12 –
ISLAMABAD: December 12 – Parliamentary Secretary NH&CD, Ms. Farah Naz, visits the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). APP/SMR/ABB/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 12 – A visitor explores the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). APP/SMR/ABB/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 12 – Visitors explores the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). APP/SMR/ABB/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 12 – Visitors explores the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). APP/SMR/ABB/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 12 – A visitor explores the “Quranic Calligraphy and Paintings” solo exhibition of artist Yusuf Khan at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). APP/SMR/ABB/FHA
PM Shehbaz, President Pezeshkian appreciate Pak-Iran strong bilateral support during external aggression
ASHGABAT, Dec 12 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian here on Friday at the sidelines of the International Year of Peace and Trust.
During their warm and cordial meeting, both leaders appreciated the strong support that their countries had provided to each other when they had faced external aggression earlier this year, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
While noting the successful convening of the 22nd meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission earlier this year, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for both sides to continue working closely to strengthen bilateral cooperation with a view to enhancing the volume of bilateral trade, operationalizing border markets, strengthening border security, and reinvigorating transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The prime minister stressed upon the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful action to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns as regards terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Both leaders also discussed ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.
President Pezeshkian thanked the prime minister for the most useful and timely exchange of views and stated that Iran also desired to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan.
The meeting reflected the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in their shared history, culture, and faith. Both leaders agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and consultations to further consolidate bilateral relations.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards and good wishes for Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan meets H.E. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi to discuss strengthening Pakistan-Yemen trade relations, highlighting renewed commitment to economic cooperation, improved logistics, and enhanced institutional collaboration. APP/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 12 –
Pak envoy greets Chairman PMYP for participation in Morocco dialogue
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan in Morocco, Sayed Adil Gilani, has greeted the focal person to the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), Shaheryar Memon and his delegation member at the Pakistan Embassy for participation in the Islamic African Arab Dialogue on Democracy, Peace and Security in Morocco.
During the meeting, head of the visiting delegation Shaheryar Memon, briefed Ambassador Gilani on PMYP, its activities and vision for promoting Pakistan’s trade in the global market, said a release issued here on Friday.
On this occasion, the delegation exchanged views on issues of bilateral relations in different spheres.
Focal person to the Chairman PMYP, Shaheryar Memon said that Morocco and Pakistan maintain strong political ties with growing economic relations, marked by bilateral trade reaching approximately $800 million recently. Both nations aim to exceed $1 billion in trade volume through enhanced business collaboration, he said.
He said that Morocco’s strategic free trade agreements position it as a gateway for Pakistan into African and European markets.
Memon said that Pakistan’s exports to Morocco grew from $24.85 million in 2018 to $32.06 million in 2022, while Morocco exports phosphates and fertilizers to Pakistan, contributing to an overall favourable balance for Morocco at around $598 million in 2021.
He said that recent discussions at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce highlight untapped potential, with current trade at $800 million, and efforts include direct flights, trade delegations, and events like the Biryani Festival to promote Pakistani rice.
The key sectors of the bilateral trade are textiles, apparel, surgical goods and pharmaceuticals from Pakistan and phosphoric acid, DAP fertilizers and rock phosphates from Morocco, he said.
Emerging areas are renewable energy (solar, wind), IT, agriculture, tourism, mining, and logistics, he remarked.
He proposed that business leaders advocate joint ventures leveraging Morocco’s FTAs with Europe, 54 African countries, and Turkey and Pakistani chambers push for MoUs, delegations and the “Look Africa” policy using Morocco as an entry point.
Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup offers tourism and business opportunities and Pakistan’s football needs to export in this mega event.
Forced DNA testing is a violation of fundamental rights, rules Supreme Court
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that compelling an individual to undergo a DNA test is a clear violation of fundamental rights, declaring that such an order infringes upon personal dignity and cannot be made part of the legal process.
In a significant judgment, the apex court set aside the directives of the Lahore High Court and the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Pakpattan, which had required a citizen, Khalid Hameed, to undergo a compulsory DNA test. The Court held that forcing a person to take a DNA test in matters such as paternity disputes or alleged tampering with documents constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental rights.
According to the approved written judgment authored by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, DNA testing is a highly sensitive, private procedure and can only be mandated in specific criminal cases—particularly those involving rape or sexual offences—where the law explicitly requires it. The Court observed that no such legal ground existed in the present case.
The judgment further noted that the private complaint filed by the petitioner was originally related to allegations of forgery and corruption. Questions of paternity or lineage were not directly connected with the case. The Supreme Court clarified that crimes such as forgery must be proven through evidence and documentary record, not through DNA testing.
Citing Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, the Court reiterated that personal liberty and privacy are fundamental rights of every citizen. Forcing an individual into a medical procedure without consent is unlawful, malicious, and contrary to human dignity. The judgment added that raising unnecessary doubts about a person’s paternity not only harms the individual but also causes social stigma and mental anguish for the mother and the entire family.
The Supreme Court emphasized that an order compelling a DNA test amounts to a violation of “personal dignity” and cannot be incorporated into legal proceedings. The Court noted that it has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting citizens’ private lives in previous rulings.
The Supreme Court directed the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Pakpattan to proceed with the case strictly in accordance with the law, without the requirement of a DNA test.
E-Challan amount can be revised for convenience of people, Home Minister informs PA
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP): Sindh Assembly on Friday discussed e-Challan and other matters of public importance including livestock and fisheries issues in its session.
Earlier, the session commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif with Speaker in the Chair.
Questions and answers pertaining to Livestock and Fisheries Department came under the discussion.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, while responding to a point of order raised by the Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi, he said that a complete inquiry will be conducted into an unfortunate incident involving an elderly citizen in Sujawal, and strict action will be taken without any discrimination against whosoever is found responsible.
He stated that the Government of Sindh has a clear stance on public complaints and human rights issues. those responsible will be held accountable according to the law.
Responding in detail to the Opposition Leader’s objections regarding the e-challan system, the Home Minister announced the formation of a comprehensive committee to resolve issues related to e-challans and to improve the system. He said that all stakeholders would be taken on board, and that the e-challan system is being introduced in phases in Hyderabad and other districts to modernize traffic management.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul-Hassan stated that the aim of issuing challans is not to increase fines, but to promote traffic awareness.
He announced that the committee will include, from MQM-Pakistan Ali Khurshidi, Taha Ahmed, Iftikhar Alam, and Muhammad Shabbir Qureshi and from the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Khan, Sadia Javed, and Farooq Awan.
He further said that he himself will chair the committee. The Home Secretary was instructed to issue the notification for the committee’s formation today.
The Home Minister has convened the committee’s first meeting on Monday, during which matters related to e-challans, public complaints, system transparency, and the determination of fines will be thoroughly reviewed.
He said that if a revision in fine amounts is deemed necessary, the government will bring an amendment accordingly, as public convenience and justice remain the government’s top priorities.
Expressing deep concern over the rise in traffic accidents, Zia-Ul-Hassan Lanjar said that another tragic incident occurred today in which an innocent child lost his life, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in the traffic system.
He further said that strict enforcement of traffic laws, transparency in the e-challan system, and enhanced performance of the traffic police will help prevent such incidents in the future.
Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that ministers are visiting each district in turn. He said that everyone is invited to the open courts, no one is asked which party they belong to, and the full district administration is present.
He said that, on the orders of the Chief Minister, all ministers are visiting cities and districts across the province to listen to public issues and Khuli Kachehries are being held in every city.
Talking about the incident of violence against an elderly man in Sujawal, he said that large crowds often gather during such events. The matter involved a land dispute concerning the elderly man, and the other party was also present. The police controlled the situation, and there was no loss of life. Although the incident was unpleasant, the police were on the scene, which prevented the dispute from escalating, and they eventually dispersed the crowd.
He said that the Sindh government under the Pakistan Peoples Party is following the philosophy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto,who believed that the people are the source of power.
He said that the first Khuli Kachehri was held by him in Tando Allahyar. “We are accountable not only to the assembly but also to the people. The PPP comes to the assembly with the support of the people. We have no other forum. We believe in serving the people,” he added
Chairman Senate stresses need to harness Pakistan’s blue economy potential
LAHORE, Dec 12 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Friday underscored the need to fully harness Pakistan’s blue economy potential.
Addressing at concluding ceremony of 8th edition of Pakistan Navy’s Maritime Security Workshop at Pakistan Navy War College, he emphasized on value of oceans which have become crucially important in twenty first century, said a statement issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).
He stressed on the importance of ensuring regional maritime security and lauded Pakistan Navy’s efforts in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers.
The Chairman also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Navy in sensitizing the nation on the importance of oceans and its undeniable link with national security. While highlighting the potential of national maritime sector, he recounted the need to expand the existing capacity of country’s shipping and fishing sectors in order to facilitate improved returns for economic and socio-economic uplift.
Earlier, the Chairman Senate was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, upon his arrival at PN War College.
Commandant Pakistan Navy War College Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie in his welcome address, provided an overview of workshop’s activities.
The Maritime Security Workshop is an annual event organised by Pakistan Navy aimed to bring about improved understanding of the maritime security and geopolitical underpinnings in the wider Indian Ocean. Participants included parliamentarians, policy makers, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, Armed Forces officers and media representatives.