Players in action during the Kabaddi match between Bandesha Kabaddi Club and Ali Raza Wahla Kabaddi Club in the Gold Kabaddi Cup, organized by the Divisional Kabaddi Association and Divisional Sports Department at Al-Fateh Sports Ground.

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:51 PM

Players in action during the Kabaddi match between Bandesha Kabaddi Club and Ali Raza Wahla Kabaddi Club in the Gold Kabaddi Cup, organized by the Divisional Kabaddi Association and Divisional Sports Department at Al-Fateh Sports Ground. — APP08-121225
FAISALABAD: December 12 –

A farmer tends to blooming marigold flowers in his field ahead of the winter season.

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:51 PM

A farmer tends to blooming marigold flowers in his field ahead of the winter season. — APP07-121225
HYDERABAD: December 12 –

Vendors display the seasonal fruit oranges along the roadside in Latifabad to attract customers. APP/FHN/MAF/FHA

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:50 PM

Vendors display the seasonal fruit oranges along the roadside in Latifabad to attract customers. APP/FHN/MAF/FHA — APP06-121225
HYDERABAD: December 12 –

Women busy selecting and purchasing used warm clothes from a vendor during the winter season.

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:49 PM

Women busy selecting and purchasing used warm clothes from a vendor during the winter season. — APP04-121225
HYDERABAD: December 12 –

Elderly workers cut wood into pieces at their workplace in the Federal Capital, preparing it for sale.

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:49 PM

Elderly workers cut wood into pieces at their workplace in the Federal Capital, preparing it for sale. — APP02-121225
ISLAMABAD: December 12 –

Standard Chartered Bank Board calls on Finance Minister

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:44 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):A delegation comprising Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Board led by Christopher Parsons, Chairman of the Board and Senior Executive Officer, DIFC & ADGM, along with senior members of the bank’s board and management Friday met with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The delegation noted that the board was convening in Islamabad after a considerable period and shared positive feedback from its engagements with international financial institutions and market participants regarding Pakistan’s improving economic outlook, said a press release.

The minister expressed appreciation for Standard Chartered’s continued support to Pakistan, particularly during the negotiation and implementation of the Extended Fund Facility, noting that the bank’s engagement played a constructive role in strengthening market confidence and supporting external financing.

He briefed the delegation on the Government’s reform priorities, emphasizing the importance of sustaining macroeconomic stability and converting it into investment-led and export-oriented growth.

The meeting focused on key areas of collaboration, including privatization, foreign direct investment and access to international capital markets. The minister highlighted the government’s renewed push on privatization, underscoring the need for credible sell-side advisory support to accelerate transactions and attract quality investors.

He also outlined efforts to diversify financing sources through capital market instruments, including progress on a potential Panda bond issuance and steps to refresh Pakistan’s Global Medium Term Note program.

The delegation conveyed that Pakistan remains a priority market for Standard Chartered and expressed readiness to support the government’s agenda through advisory services, syndications and by connecting Pakistan with investor pools, particularly in the GCC and other international markets.

Interest was also expressed in supporting investment inflows linked to major projects and sectors with strong growth potential.

The minister further shared that the government is addressing key constraints to investment, including taxation and energy sector challenges, while advancing institutional reforms to strengthen economic policy-making. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to support Pakistan’s reform momentum, enhance investor confidence and promote sustainable economic growth.

SAPM Haroon chairs meeting with SME clusters, discusses sectoral challenges

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:42 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan on Friday chaired a meeting with representatives of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) clusters and discussed major challenges faced by the industrial sectors, particularly the cutlery industry.

Representatives of SMEs cluster from Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Wazirabad briefed the SAPM on the severe shortage of high-quality raw material being faced by the cutlery sector, said a news release.

SAPM Haroon urged the State Bank of Pakistan to provide working capital facilities to SMEs, including special support for the cutlery sector. He further emphasized that issues related to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant departments must be resolved on a priority basis to ensure smooth operations of SME clusters.

He stressed that all government institutions must extend support to SME clusters in strengthening research, innovation, and market competitiveness. He directed SMEDA to immediately take up the visa issues of SMEs with relevant embassies.

Haroon also instructed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to provide full facilitation for SMEs participating in international exhibitions.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting SMEs, the SAPM announced that SMEDA is organizing a national-level SME exhibition in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He urged all SMEs to participate actively in this major national event.

Earlier, the SMEs cluster representatives said despite possessing immense potential, the industry is unable to compete with China due to a continued reliance on handmade production and inadequate access to modern machinery.

They emphasized that the absence of advanced technology, research, and development remains a significant barrier to growth.

The Gujranwala Chamber informed that international exhibitions play a vital role in enhancing SME exports, but prolonged visa processes restrict SMEs from participating in global trade shows.

SME cluster representatives requested government support to resolve visa-related challenges that hinder international market access.

They requested strong cooperation from Pakistan’s commercial attachés abroad to enhance export opportunities.

The SAPM directed SMEDA to include the relevant commercial attachés in the committee to strengthen coordination and support for SMEs.

FJWU launches initiative to boost Digital Literacy and Reintegrate Out-of-School Children

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:39 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (APP):Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), in collaboration with Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) and the Education Department, Government of Punjab, has officially inaugurated a landmark initiative titled “Enhancing Digital Literacy and Mainstreaming Out-of-School Children in Primary Schools.”

FJWU launches initiative to boost Digital Literacy and Reintegrate Out-of-School Children

This pioneering project is designed to combat illiteracy by equipping community members with essential digital skills, creating supportive educational materials, and facilitating the reintegration of out-of-school children into the formal education system, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The pilot phase will be carried out in UC Ranyal, Rawalpindi, leveraging FJWU’s academic expertise and human resources through a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza (TI, Pride of Performance), Vice Chancellor FJWU emphasized the importance of inclusive education and the transformative role of digital literacy in empowering underserved communities.

This meaningful collaboration between FJWU, HHRD, and the Punjab Education Department reflects a shared commitment to advancing primary education, reducing educational disparities, and fostering digitally empowered communities.

RPO Rawalpindi orders strict action against drug peddlers, brothels in City Circle

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:36 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (APP):Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa on Friday directed stricter action against drug peddlers, brothels and other serious crimes in the City Circle during an open court held at the City Police Station.

An RPO spokesman said Superintendent of Police (SP) Rawal, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) City Circle, the station house officer and investigation officers were also present.

According to the spokesman, citizens presented their complaints directly to the RPO, who issued immediate instructions to the officers concerned for their resolution.

RPO Alpa said public order would be ensured to facilitate safe commercial activity in the area. He added that service delivery, merit and the rule of law would be upheld, noting that the protection of life and property and public facilitation remained key priorities for the Rawalpindi Region Police under the Punjab chief minister’s vision.

Meanwhile, SP Rawal Saad Arshad held an open court at Police Lines Headquarters, where he listened to the citizens’ complaints and directed the officers concerned to take action within the stipulated time frame.

He said negligence in resolving public grievances would not be tolerated and instructed that improved service delivery be ensured at all police stations.

Balochistan CM unveils sweeping healthcare reforms for healthy future

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NNPS Desk

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 5:30 PM