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22 arrested in anti encroachment drive in Peshawar

By
Asif Jalal
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PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP): The district administration of Peshawar on Monday carried out a grand anti encroachment operation on Dalda Zak Road near Kabotar Chowk and arrested 22 individuals involved in illegal encroachments.
The operation was conducted jointly by the District Administration Peshawar and Town Administration Chamkani against traders operating on the road placing goods outside shops and establishing illegal encroachments. Heavy machinery was used to remove all encroachments from the area.
According to Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Captain Retd. Sanaullah Khan, multiple public complaints were received regarding severe traffic congestion caused by roadside businesses and encroachments which resulted in serious inconvenience to citizens.
 In response, the administration launched an operation against the encroachment mafia to restore traffic flow and ensure public convenience.
The Deputy Commissioner urged the trader community to cooperate with the district administration conduct business within legal limits and refrain from establishing encroachments.
He warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators in case of non compliance.

Zubair expresses displeasure over shortage of basic medical facilities at Social Security Hospital

By
Asif Jalal
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The Chairman of Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade & Industry (HSATI), Zubair Ghangra, has expressed serious concern over the alarming shortage of basic medical facilities and administrative negligence at the Social Security Hospital, Hyderabad.
According to him, hospitals operating under SESSI are severely lacking diagnostic equipment, essential medicines, and timely emergency services, creating significant hardships for workers and industrialists alike. Many patients are forced to seek treatment at private hospitals and clinics, which not only increases their financial burden but also undermines the primary purpose of the Social Security Fund. This situation reflects that the institution is failing to effectively discharge its responsibilities and protect the rights of workers.
Mr Ghangra emphasized that the problems at Hyderabad Social Security Hospital are not limited to inadequate facilities; administrative negligence and lack of transparency are the root causes. Funds collected from workers are neither used efficiently nor transparently. He also highlighted that SESSI officials are pressuring industries to increase the number of workers in factories, despite the fact that the current medical facilities are completely unprepared to support an expanded workforce. Such measures create challenges for both workers and industrialists.
According to Chairman, it is the responsibility of the Social Security Institution to ensure that all hospitals and dispensaries provide basic and emergency medical services, implement proper checks and balances, equip diagnostic laboratories with modern equipment, maintain the availability of specialized and trained doctors, and ensure that medicines and medical supplies are consistently available. The use of workers’ contributions must be transparent and accountable.
HSATI has demanded that the Social Security Hospital, particularly in Hyderabad, be immediately upgraded with modern diagnostic equipment, fully operational laboratories, and 24/7 emergency services. New ambulances should be provided to ensure timely medical aid during emergencies.
The shortage of medicines in hospitals must be addressed immediately. Furthermore, the financial assistance for medical bills should be increased from PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000, and the travel allowance for transferring patients to hospitals in other cities should be raised from PKR 500 to PKR 3,000. The printing and distribution of worker cards should be expedited, and unregistered workers should be registered as soon as possible.
Until the Hyderabad hospital is fully equipped, Hilal-e-Ahmer, Amma Ayesha, and American Hospital should also be included on the Social Security panel, similar to how Patel Hospital in Karachi is included.
Mr Ghangra further demanded the formation of an advisory board comprising representatives from SESSI and industrial zones, which should hold monthly meetings to promptly resolve issues of the Hyderabad, Kotri, and Nooriabad industrial zones. Regular visits by SESSI commissioners to industrial zones and effective coordination for timely resolution of workers’ problems must also be ensured.
The Chairman stressed that HSATI stands firmly with the industrialists and workers of Hyderabad and urged the government to take immediate and effective action to upgrade the Social Security Hospital. This is essential to restore the basic rights of workers and provide them with the medical services they rightfully deserve.

Tractor–Truck collision on TMK Road claims one life

By
Asif Jalal
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 29 (APP): One person was killed and another injured in a road accident in Hyderabad on Monday.
According to Rescue 1122, a tractor and a truck collided near Khathar on Tando Muhammad Khan Road, causing damage to both vehicles. As a result of the collision, one person lost his life on the spot, while another sustained injuries.
Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene and, with the help of local residents, shifted the body of the deceased and the injured to Civil Hospital Hyderabad in a Rescue Emergency Ambulance.

Illegal timber transport foiled

By
Asif Jalal
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0
DG KHAN, Dec 29 (APP): The Punjab Forest and Wildlife Department foiled an attempt to illegally transport timber, seized a vehicle, and imposed a fine of Rs100,000.
According to a report by Conservator Forest Dera Ghazi Khan Circle Muhammad Tariq Naseem, the action was taken for violation of forest laws. During routine checking at the Shaheed Check Post, the Assistant Conservator Forest stopped a vehicle found carrying illegal forest produce.
Legal action was initiated under the Punjab Forest Act. Upon confirmation of the violation, a fine of Rs100,000 was imposed and deposited in the national exchequer. The seized forest produce was taken into custody as per legal procedure.
The Forest Department reiterated that illegal cutting, transportation, and sale of timber will not be tolerated. Monitoring at check posts has been further intensified, while strict action will continue against violators. Citizens were urged to support forest protection efforts and promptly report illegal activities.

FIA seizes Rs1.99 biln, arrests 667 in nationwide hawala, illegal currency crackdown

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown against hawala, hundi and illegal currency exchange, seizing currency worth over Rs1.99 billion and arresting 667 suspects during 2025.
An official told APP on Monday that the action was taken on the directions of Director General FIA Rifat Mukhtar Raja, under a countrywide campaign against unlicensed currency dealers and financial crimes.
During the year, FIA conducted 523 raids, registered 546 cases and completed investigations into 174 inquiries related to hawala, hundi and illegal currency exchange.
The official said that raids resulted in the recovery of foreign and local currency worth Rs1.99 billion, including US$777,868, other foreign currencies worth over Rs 320 million, and more than Rs 1.45 billion in Pakistani currency.
He said arrests were made across different zones, including 199 in Peshawar, 120 in Balochistan, 101 in Karachi, 70 in Multan, 63 in Kohat, 58 in Lahore, 22 in Islamabad, 15 in Faisalabad and 14 in Hyderabad.
According to the official, the arrested suspects were involved in illegal currency exchange without valid licences. Several plazas, markets and shops were also sealed during the operations.
He added that FIA carried out the raids with the support of other law enforcement agencies and is utilising all available resources to dismantle illegal financial networks.
The official said strict legal action would be ensured against those involved in foreign currency smuggling, while international agents linked to illegal currency trade are also being pursued.
FIA reaffirmed its commitment to curb financial crimes and ensure transparency and stability in the country’s financial system.

Two drug peddlers arrested

By
Asif Jalal
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0
GUJRAT, Dec 29 (APP): Police arrested two accused during separate operations in the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station, seizing weapons and narcotics.
According to a police spokesperson,policemen arrested Sufyan Akram of Dhirke, for allegedly carrying out aerial firing to create panic. A rifle was recovered from him.
In a separate operation, police arrested Shoaib Nisar of Jalalpur Jattan, and recovered 1,220 grams of charas
and a pistol. Cases have been registered, and further investigation is underway.

LDA seals 103 illegal commercial properties

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 29 (APP): On the directives of Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing has intensified its crackdown against illegal commercial buildings and properties defaulting on commercial fees.
During an operation conducted in various housing schemes and LDA-controlled areas, LDA teams sealed a total of 103 properties found involved in illegal commercial use or non-payment of prescribed commercial fees.
The operations were carried out in Gulberg, Faisal Town, Audit and Accounts Society (College Road), Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Allama Iqbal Town, and Azam Garden. Due to unauthorized commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees, 17 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town, 55 properties in Audit and Accounts Society on College Road, and 12 properties in Samanabad and Gulshan Ravi. Additionally, during recovery operations, 19 properties were sealed in Allama Iqbal Town and Azam Garden.
The sealed properties included schools, clinics, bakeries, pharmacies, hardware stores, auto workshops, showrooms, restaurants, beauty salons, food points, grocery stores, shops, offices, and other commercial units.
The operations were conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad-uz-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali.
According to the DG LDA, indiscriminate actions against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters will continue to ensure compliance with building regulations and urban planning laws.

Major breakthrough for SMEs, comprehensive business plan ready to be presented to PM

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and international consultancy firm A.T. Kearney to review the comprehensive business plan for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Members of the SMEDA Board also participated in the meeting, where a detailed overview of the SME business plan was presented and discussed, said a release issued here on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the SME business plan was developed after extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, resulting in a complete and inclusive policy package.
He emphasized that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of empowering SMEs was now translating into reality.
The Special Assistant highlighted that the business plan will ensure the formalization of SMEs, enhance their productivity, and unlock the immense potential of Pakistan’s SME sector.
He noted that longstanding challenges such as limited access to credit, climate change impacts and low productivity will be addressed on a priority basis through this plan.
Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed that under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is working relentlessly to uplift SMEs and strengthen their role in national economic development.
He further informed that a detailed presentation on the SME business plan has been finalized and will be presented to the Prime Minister in the coming days.
The business plan also includes special provisions to encourage and support women’s participation in SMEs, reflecting the Prime Minister’s belief that women are a key driving force of the economy.
The SME business plan will span three years, and its 100 percent implementation will be ensured, Haroon Akhtar Khan concluded.

Violence in burial of blasphemy accused, SC rejects bail application

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail petition of accused Maulvi Ahmed in a case related to unrest and violence that erupted during the burial of a person accused of blasphemy.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Jamal Mandokhail heard the matter. The court dismissed the bail application on the ground that it was withdrawn by the accused and directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings within three months.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused argued that a clash occurred at the time of the burial of the blasphemy accused, but maintained that his client, Maulvi Ahmed, was not present at the scene. In contrast, the state prosecutor informed the court that the accused addressed people at the spot, which incited the crowd and led to unrest.
The state counsel further submitted that statements of four witnesses had already been recorded in the case. The court was also informed that a case of incitement had been registered against the accused at Umerkot police station in Sindh’s Umerkot district.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court dismissed the bail plea and ordered the trial court to ensure an expeditious conclusion of the case.

IUB hosts Tech Lancer Summit to promote freelancing, digital skills

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BAHAWALPUR, Dec 29 (APP): The Department of Data Science, Faculty of Computing, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), successfully organized the Tech Lancer Summit 3.0 and Mushaira, a visionary initiative aimed at equipping students with freelancing skills, technological expertise, and sustainable income opportunities.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran attended the event as the chief guest and highlighted its core objective of preparing students to compete in the global freelance marketplace, promoting financial independence, and contributing to both institutional growth and the national economy. He emphasized that technology-driven freelancing plays a vital role in generating foreign exchange and empowering youth.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean Faculty of Computing Prof Dr Dost Muhammad Khan, Focal Person and Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Faheem Mushtaq, and Head Department of Data Science Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan Jhandeer, along with renowned industry experts and technology professionals, shared insights into the evolving freelance market. They underscored the importance of emerging fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, software development, and cybersecurity in strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and creating employment opportunities for young professionals.
The event was attended by Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr Muhammad Amjad, Chairperson Department of Artificial Intelligence Prof Dr Najia Sehar, Chairman Department of Computer Science Prof Dr Imran Sarwar Bajwa, Chairman Department of Software Engineering Dr Malik Muhammad Saad Missen, and Chairman Department of Fiqh and Shariah Dr Saeed Sheikh, along with other chairpersons and faculty members, reflecting strong interdepartmental collaboration and institutional support. Through initiatives like Tech Lancer, the Department of Data Science reaffirmed its commitment to transforming students into skilled freelancers, innovators, and digital ambassadors of Pakistan, enabling them to earn globally while contributing to local and national development.
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