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Punjab govt expanding modern cardiac facilities: Minister Salman

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Sep 19 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the credit for providing the best cardiac facilities to the people in just one and a half years goes to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the provincial government.
He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting at the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education on Friday regarding the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha, Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology, and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Center Murree.
The minister said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is determined to provide state-of-the-art cardiac services at the people’s doorstep. “We are providing modern cardiac facilities to the people of Murree and its surroundings. Syed Muhammad Hussain Samli Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Center will Insha Allah prove to be excellent treatment centers for the region,” he added.
During the meeting, the latest status of medical equipment and human resources for the three new institutes was reviewed.
Salman Rafique informed that for the first time in Punjab’s history, modern machinery worth crores of rupees is being procured for the new cardiac projects. He directed concerned officers to ensure timely implementation of their assigned responsibilities.
Earlier, the minister reviewed in detail the overall progress of all new cardiac projects.
Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mahmood Khan, Chairman Punjab Chief Minister Advisory Committee on Cardiology Dr. Farqad Alamgir, Special Secretary Development Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, Special Secretary Operations Tariq Mahmood Rahmani, Additional Secretaries Ameer Muhammad, Ashfaq-ur-Rehman, Anwar Briar, IDAP representatives, and other officials attended the meeting.
Professor Waris Farooqa, Professor Imran Waheed, Principal Sahiwal Medical College, MS Dr. Qaiser Mahmood Abbasi of Syed Muhammad Hussain Samli Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Center, and Executive Engineer Buildings Division Rawalpindi also participated via video link.

H.E Ms. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy called on Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Federal Minister for Defence Production

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
H.E Ms. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy called on Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Federal Minister for Defence Production
APP48-190925 RAWALPINDI: September 19 - H.E Ms. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy called on Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Federal Minister for Defence Production. APP/FHA
H.E Ms. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy called on Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Federal Minister for Defence Production
APP48-190925
RAWALPINDI

KP Governor visits sacred Islamic sites in Makkah

By
NNPS Desk
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MAKKAH, Sep 19 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, along with his delegation, visited the historic Islamic sites of Ghar-e-Hira, Jabal Thawr and historical graveyard in Makkah.

The Governor also toured the Hira Museum, where Saudi officials briefed him in detail on various aspects of Islamic history and Arab culture.

Ghar-e-Hira, located on Jabal al-Noor, is the sacred cave where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) spent long periods in worship and reflection before the first revelation. It was here that Angel Jibreel (AS) delivered the first words of the Qur’an, “Iqra,” marking the beginning of divine revelation. The cave remains a spiritual center for millions of Muslims worldwide.

Similarly, Jabal Thawr holds great significance as the refuge of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) during the migration to Madinah.

Despite the pursuit by Quresh, Allah protected His Messenger in the cave of Thawr a moment mentioned in the Qur’an as a timeless example of faith, patience, and divine support.

The Governor was informed that the Hira Museum is a modern cultural and educational center that highlights Islamic history, early Arab civilization, and the spiritual importance of Makkah through advanced technology and models.

The museum serves as a vital platform for educating visitors, particularly the younger generation, about the legacy of Islam.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that sacred places like Ghar-e-Hira, Jabal Thawr, and the Hira Museum remind the Muslim Ummah of the sacrifices of the early believers and the foundations of Islamic faith.

He emphasized that preserving and promoting such historical and spiritual sites strengthens unity and reinforces faith across the Muslim world.

Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in a meeting with the business community, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also present in the meeting

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in a meeting with the business community, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also present in the meeting
APP47-190925 KARACHI: September 19 - Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in a meeting with the business community, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also present in the meeting. APP/AMH/FHA
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in a meeting with the business community, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also present in the meeting
APP47-190925
KARACHI

Governor directs to formulate strategy for providing latest skills to educated youth

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
QUETTA, Sep 19 (APP): Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday directed Khuzdar Engineering University to formulate a comprehensive strategy of various skill development programs to teach modern skills to unemployed and under-educated youth.
He said that with this, we could develop the local economy and reduce the unemployment rate in the province to a considerable extent.
He expressed these views while giving a briefing on the performance and future course of action of Khuzdar Engineering University at the Governor House, Quetta.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Maqsood Ahmed and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Sohrab Khan Bizenjo were also present during the briefing.
On this occasion, Governor Mandokhel said that both the education and degrees provided in government universities would be more beneficial when they are in line with their ground conditions and realities.
He said that the need of the hour is that we should make our youth producers instead of just consumers.
He urged the Vice Chancellor and his entire team to pay full attention to transparency and merit in all the affairs and matters of their university, this would raise the standard and the students could also benefit in a better way.
Governor Mandokhel said that we have to create collaboration between academia and industry according to our social needs, it is a fact that the government could not provide employment to millions of people, for which we have to strengthen and stabilize our private sector.
He said that the government should also provide maximum facilities to people associated with industry and trade so that they could play their role in eliminating unemployment.

Ex-judge’s office targeted in Rawalpindi firing, no casualties

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Sep 19 (APP):The office of former Justice Hasan Raza Pasha came under firing in the jurisdiction of Chakala Police Station here on Friday, though no casualties were reported.
According to a police spokesman, the incident occurred when the office was closed, and no one was present inside.
On receiving the report, City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed senior officials to investigate. Senior
Superintendent of Police Investigation Raza Tanveer Supra visited the scene, reviewed the situation, and issued necessary instructions to the SP Pothohar and Station House Officer Chakala.
The spokesman said police teams had collected evidence from the site while technical experts had also been engaged to assist the investigation.
He added that legal proceedings had been initiated, and those involved in the firing would be arrested and brought to justice.

No telecom appeared on dark web in two years: Senate panel told

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was informed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that no telecom data had appeared on the dark web over the past two years.
However, he stressed the urgent need for a national-level mechanism to ensure data security.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, reviewed issues of data theft, telecom services, and the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
Briefing the committee, the PTA Chairman acknowledged that while no telecom data had surfaced recently, other sensitive information was available on the dark web.
He called for a comprehensive inquiry to identify the sources of these leaks. He said PTA had conducted an internal inquiry in 2022, and the Ministry of Interior had since launched a formal investigation.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that data was often stolen separately from institutions, compiled, and then sold.
The committee chairperson shared a personal account of receiving a fraudulent bank-related call and expressed concern over fraudsters’ access to sensitive data.
The committee voiced alarm over delays in introducing personal data protection legislation.
The Ministry of IT informed that a draft bill had been prepared and stakeholder consultations were underway.
Senator Afnan Ullah cautioned that further delay could expose the country to grave risks.
The committee also discussed the recovery of over Rs. 6 billion in tariffs from consumers by Jazz. At the request of audit authorities, the matter was referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Officials confirmed that PTA had already submitted documents for verification.
Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto highlighted the deteriorating quality of mobile services and frequent call drops nationwide, noting that even 2G coverage was scarce along the Karachi–Sukkur Motorway.
The committee also reviewed the delayed merger of Ufone and Telenor.
Officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) said the deal was in its final stages and expected to be completed within two weeks.
The PTA Chairman clarified that the 5G spectrum auction could not proceed until the merger was finalized.
However, Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned whether the merger could realistically be completed in two weeks given its prolonged delay.
Officials from the Ministry of IT assured the committee that the 5G auction would be held in December.
The PTA Chairman added that the Authority was fully prepared, though some outstanding issues still needed resolution.

NA body urges improved arrangements for religious delegations, Zaireen policy reforms

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, September 19 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday called for stronger institutional arrangements and improved facilitation for official religious delegations and pilgrims, while recommending a series of reforms in the Zaireen policy.
The 7th meeting of the committee, chaired by MNA Shagufta Jumani at the Parliament House, began with a briefing from Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan on follow-up actions taken on previous recommendations.
Discussing preparations for the annual visit of the high-level official delegation to Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him), members voiced dissatisfaction over current arrangements. The committee stressed that the delegation must arrive on time on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal and recommended that its members be granted ‘state guest’ status to reflect Pakistan’s dignity.
The ministry was urged to coordinate with Saudi authorities to secure an official invitation for the visit. A sub-committee was also formed to review and update the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the delegation.
On the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, moved by MNA Naveed Amir Jeeva, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Kesoo Mal Khael Das informed that the bill had been passed by both Houses but returned unsigned by the president. He assured that it would be presented before a Joint Session of Parliament. Satisfied with the assurance, the committee disposed of the bill.
The body also held a detailed discussion on the Zaireen Policy, urging the ministry to ensure comprehensive facilities for religious tourists both within Pakistan and abroad. Chairperson Jumani emphasized retaining the traditional Salaar system to guide pilgrims and recommended awareness campaigns across electronic, print, and social media to educate Zaireen on travel, protocols, and safety.
The committee further directed the ministry to propose a subsidy package for Zaireen, including a USD 50 reduction in costs, similar to Hajj facilitation. It also pressed for consultations with PIA to initiate direct flights from Karachi to Najaf, benefiting thousands of pilgrims visiting Iraq annually.
Additional recommendations included establishing permanent facilitation desks at all major airports, restoring Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah for dignified pilgrim accommodation, and engaging multiple companies through transparent processes for service provision, instead of awarding contracts to a single entity.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Seema Mohi ud Din Jameeli, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Muneeba Iqbal, and Neelam, along with Minister of State Kesoo Mal Khael Das, the secretary, and senior officials of the ministry.

Expected moon sighting for Rabi us Sani 1447 AH on Sep 22

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced that the new moon of Rabi us Sani, 1447 AH, is expected to be born on September 22 at 00:54 PST.
At the time of sunset on September 23, the age of the new moon will be approximately 41 hours and 54 minutes. The time duration between sunset and moonset is expected to be 46 minutes along the coastal areas of the country.
Based on astronomical parameters,  there are very good chances of sighting of the new moon on the evening of September 23, 2025 (subject to clear weather conditions).
Consequently, the 1st of Rabi us Sani may likely to fall on September 24.
The final announcement regarding the beginning of the Islamic month will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority, based on credible witness testimonies from across the country.

Hot and dry weather likely to prevail in most parts of country on Saturday

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of the country on Saturday, with only slight variation expected in coastal Sindh.
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, the weather is likely to remain hot and dry. Similar conditions are forecast for the plain districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Sindh is expected to remain mostly hot and dry, with partly cloudy skies likely in coastal areas. Balochistan will also experience hot and dry weather in most districts. In the northern regions, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, hot and dry weather is likely to prevail.
During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed in most parts of the country. However, rain-wind/thunderstorm, with isolated heavy falls, occurred in Upper Punjab and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rainfall recorded in Punjab included Sargodha (City 70 mm, A/P 03 mm), Murree 09 mm, Mangla and Gujrat 08 mm each, Joharabad and Karor (Layyah) 07 mm each, while Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad and Noor Pur Thal received 05 mm each. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pattan received 15 mm, Dir 04 mm, Kalam 03 mm and D.I. Khan City 02 mm.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded were 41 C in Nokkundi, 40 C in Dalbandin, and 39 C in Noorpur Thal and Sibbi.
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