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

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:22 PM

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

Zaka Ullah Ch

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:19 PM

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

Zaka Ullah Ch

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:16 PM

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

Zaka Ullah Ch

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:14 PM

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.

China-Pak cooperation in canola oil makes Wuhan snack more appetizing

Zaka Ullah Ch

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:12 PM

BEIJING , Dec 12 (APP):“So tasty” exclaimed Syed Fahad Ali Sherazi, a participant in the Thousand Agricultural Talents Training Program from Pakistan, after enjoying a Mianwo, a popular Wuhan-style, donut-shaped snack.

His reaction came during the China-Pakistan Modern Seed Industry Cooperation and Exchange Conference held in Wuhan on December 10.

This young man was so delighted to discover that the canola oil used to fry it came from his homeland, and the canola seeds were the result of joint research and development between China and Pakistan.

In October, Huazhong Agricultural University and Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. jointly held a three-month training course on Seed Production and Processing Technology.

During the tea break, the organizer specially prepared semi-finished Mianwo, which were deep-fried on-site in “special” canola oil until golden brown. The crispy exterior and tender interior, along with the aroma of oil, attracted many Pakistani trainees. All of them sampled the exotic food, as well as many took photos and videos to share with their friends and family.

Very soon, the trainees discovered the “special feature” of the rapeseed oil: the plastic bottle was printed with HC-021C, the name of a new canola variety that has been vigorously promoted for cultivation in Punjab, Pakistan, in recent years.

This canola variety was jointly developed by China and Pakistan, and the oil extracted from it is sweeter and more fragrant than that of local varieties.

Zhu Xiaobo, general manager of Qingfa Hesheng, the Chinese lead research institution for HC-021C, explained that Pakistan is a major consumer of edible oil but relies on imports for 94% of palm oil, and long-term consumption can easily lead to cardiovascular diseases. The safety of edible oils urgently needs to be addressed.

From 2009 to 2019, the company, in collaboration with Pakistani partners, successfully bred a new generation of high-quality hybrid canola variety HC-021C, which has many characteristics such as short growth period, high yield, high oil content, and good oil quality. It has become the preferred variety for local farmers. To date, its cumulative planting area has exceeded 2.5 million mu (0.17 million hectares).

Pakistani trainees, including Jatoi Ghulam Hussain and Muhammad Anser, expressed their sincere gratitude for the excellent courses arranged by the organizer and shared their plans for applying the technologies after returning home, conveying the solid public support for China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation.

It is understood that since 2005, nearly 10 Wuhan-based breeding companies have been deeply involved in the Pakistani agricultural market, with the planting area of Chinese-tech hybrid rice, canola, and other seeds has been increasing year by year in the region, CEN reported .

Chinese seeds have already borne fruit of friendship far away from home. Just like fragrant Mianwo, China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation will surely “fry” a more golden and splendid future through mutual trust and win-win results.

Balochistan expands Green Bus fleet to 25 in Quetta with 17 new additions

NNPS Desk

Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 8:54 PM

QUETTA, Dec 12 (APP): The Balochistan government has expanded Quetta’s eco-friendly public transport network, increasing the number of Green Buses from 8 to 25 with the addition of 17 new vehicles

Balochistan government has taken a major step toward modernizing its urban transport system as 21 new eco-friendly buses were added to the provincial fleet, significantly expanding public mobility options in Quetta and Turbat.

According to Secretary of the Balochistan Transport Department, Hayat Khan Kakar, the initiative reflects Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s vision for a cleaner, safer and more efficient travel system across the province.

Speaking to reporters, Hayat Khan Kakar said the arrival of the new buses marks the beginning of a substantial transformation in Balochistan’s transportation landscape.

Prior to the latest additions, only eight green buses were operating in Quetta. With 17 new vehicles joining the service, the total number of green buses in the city will rise to 25, easing the daily travel burden on residents and offering more reliable public transport.

The new fleet consists of 21 buses, of which 17 have been allocated to Quetta and four to Turbat. Notably, five of the Quetta-bound vehicles are pink buses designated exclusively for women. Hayat Khan Kakar noted that these women-only buses will provide a safer, more dignified and comfortable travel experience, addressing a long-standing need in the city.

As part of the expansion plan, Quetta’s bus route network is being extended from 18 kilometers to 40 kilometers. The extended corridor will run from Sona Khan to Kuchlak, covering nearly the entire urban spread of the city. Once operational, this will be the first time a large segment of Quetta’s population gains access to an organized, modern and environmentally friendly transport service.

Hayat Khan Kakar added that the upgraded system is expected to serve more than 40,000 passengers daily. The improved service is projected to ease traffic congestion, provide affordable commuting options, and contribute to environmental protection by reducing reliance on private vehicles.

He emphasized that the Balochistan government is committed to enhancing urban services, and the expanded bus network stands as a clear reflection of Chief Minister Bugti’s citizen-centered development agenda.