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DC Abbottabad for immediate action to curb water pollution in Mangal Katha

By
Asif Jalal
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ABBOTTABAD, Dec 29 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad, Sarmad Saleem Akram, has directed the concerned departments to take immediate and effective measures to control water pollution, sewerage, solid waste and industrial waste in Mangal Katha and surrounding areas, stating that environmental protection and provision of clean drinking water to the public remain the district administration’s top priorities.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Mangal Bachao here Monday, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the immediate activation of the Ayub Teaching Hospital water treatment plant to stop the discharge of contaminated water.
He also instructed the Assistant Director Local Government to ensure prompt cleanliness operations and strict monitoring to prevent illegal dumping of solid waste in Usmanabad and nearby localities, warning that violators would face fines and legal action.

Girls win Gold Medals in 7th Convocation of Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana

By
Ahmed Waheed
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LARKANA, Dec 29 (APP):The 7th Convocation of Chandka Medical College and other colleges under Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Larkana was held with great grandeur on Monday.
A total of 317 graduates were awarded degrees. Among the degree recipients were 115 students from Chandka Medical College, 29 from Mehran Medical College Sukkur, 29 from Bibi Asifa Dental College, 80 from Benazir Nursing College, 29 from the Institute of Pharmacy, and 35 from the Institute of Physiotherapy.
During the convocation, a total of 38 students were awarded medals, including 18 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals.
In the postgraduate category, Dr. Sonali received the Professor Wazir Mohammad Sheikh Memorial Gold Medal, Dr. Areej was awarded the Professor Noor Mohammad Memorial Gold Medal, Dr. Afzal Hussain received the Professor Bilquis Malik Memorial Gold Medal, Dr. Bakhtawar was given the Professor Ghulam Rasool Qureshi Memorial Gold Medal, and Dr. Saba received the Professor Akbar Sial Memorial Gold Medal for outstanding performance.
At the 7th Convocation, female students achieved remarkable overall success, bringing honor to the institution, securing the majority of gold medals.

Official notification for Basant issued

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Dec 29 (APP):Restoring a safe Basant for Lahoreites, DC Syed Musa Raza has issued an official notification of Basant 2026.
Basant will be celebrated on 6, 7 and 8 of February 2026 within the limits of Lahore district, the government has given conditional permission for kite flying under strict conditions and safety measures.
In this regard, the e-Biz app and online portal have been activated for the registration of kite and thread manufacturers.
The time has been fixed from 1 to 8 February 2026 for selling kite- flying-equipment, complete ban on making and selling spinning wheels, the rope will be in the form of “Pana” only.
According to DC Lahore, a zero tolerance policy should be adopted on the use of nylon, plastic and metal wire, all manufacturers and sellers should complete their digital registration process.
To avoid any untoward incident, it has been made mandatory for motorcyclists to install safety wires on their bikes.
According to Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, the size of kites and kites should not exceed the prescribed limit, action will be taken against violations.
He directed that the police and district officers should take strict action against those selling prohibited kites. SOPs have been issued for the district administration, police, kite flying associations and citizens.
The deputy commissioner said that kite flying will be done only on February 6, 7 and 8. Basant is a cultural festival of Lahore, it is our responsibility to make it safe, businessmen can start business legally from December 30.

PSX gains 1,495 points to close at 173,896 points

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday closed bullish, gaining 1,495.61 points, a positive change of 0.87 percent, to settle at 173,896.34 points compared to 172,400.73 points on the previous trading day, according to PSX data.

During the session, the ready market witnessed a trading volume of 858.054 million shares with a traded value of Rs 42.867 billion, against 797.999 million shares valuing Rs 38.062 billion in the previous session. Market capitalization increased to Rs 19.590 trillion from Rs 19.464 trillion a day earlier.

Out of 485 active companies in the ready market, 177 advanced, 272 declined, while 36 remained unchanged.

WorldCall Telecom topped the volume chart with 52.850 million shares, followed by Dost Steel Limited with 51.360 million shares and PTCL with 42.555 million shares.

The top gainers included Ismail Industries Limited, which rose by Rs 115.31 to close at Rs 2,100.00, and Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, increasing by Rs 102.28 to settle at Rs 28,910.50.

On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited-B declined by Rs 1,516.90 to close at Rs 16,149.24, while Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited fell by Rs 90.47 to close at Rs 10,169.07.

In the futures market, turnover stood at 172.783 million shares with a traded value of Rs 10.407 billion, compared to 972.427 million shares worth Rs 46.944 billion in the previous session.

Out of 313 futures-market companies, 167 recorded gains, 144 declined, while two remained unchanged.

Among futures contracts, PIAHCLA-JAN led with 25.809 million shares, followed by PTC-JAN with 23.287 million shares and BOP-JAN with 16.209 million shares.

NAB DG extends Christmas greetings

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Dec 29 (APP):National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore Director General Mirza Faran Baig has extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Christian community on Christmas and expressing the bureau’s commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and interfaith harmony.
Addressing NAB officers and staff at a Christmas ceremony held at the NAB Lahore office on Monday, the DG said that NAB values the contributions of all its employees and strictly upholds professionalism without any discrimination. He emphasised that respect for diversity and tolerance are essential for a cohesive and effective working environment.
The NAB DG said that occasions like Christmas provide an opportunity to promote unity, understanding, and collective responsibility among employees. He appreciated the dedication, integrity, and professional conduct of NAB staff and expressed hope that such events would further strengthen harmony and teamwork within the organisation.
He reiterated NAB’s resolve to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can perform their duties with dignity and confidence.
The ceremony was attended by officers and staff of NAB Lahore. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the occasion, reflecting the spirit of goodwill and solidarity among employees.

ICT Police bust illegal massage centre in F-7; 10 women, 6 men in handcuffs

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police’s Kohsar Police team have busted an illegal massage centre operating in Islamabad’s upscale F-7 sector, detaining 10 women and six men during a raid and registering a case under relevant sections of the law.
An official told APP on Monday that the crackdown was carried out soon after Malik Asif assumed charge as Station House Officer (SHO) Kohsar, marking his first major action against unlawful activities in the area.
He said the police raided a massage centre located on the second floor of Plaza No. 13 near a restaurant in Jinnah Super Market, F-7, following repeated public complaints and confirmed intelligence about immoral activities being conducted under the guise of a salon.
During the raid, police found men and women inside the premises in objectionable conditions. They were given time to dress before being taken into custody. The detained individuals included 10 women and six men, whose particulars were recorded for legal proceedings.
The official said a case (FIR No. 1227/25) was registered at Kohsar Police Station under Section 294 PPC, on the report of ASI Muhammad Nadir Khan, while evidence recovered from the premises — including items used in the illegal activity — was seized and sealed.
He added that preliminary investigation suggested the possible involvement of a wider network, prompting coordination with other police stations to verify whether similar illegal centres were operating elsewhere in the city.
Residents and social circles welcomed the decisive action, expressing confidence in the new SHO’s resolve to curb illegal activities and uphold the rule of law in the federal capital.
Police officials reiterated that Islamabad Police will not tolerate illegal or immoral activities, and indiscriminate action will continue against all such elements to ensure public safety and social order.

NA secretariat communicates with Chief Whip on Opposition Leader appointment

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP):National Assembly Secretariat has sent a letter to Chief Whip Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar regarding the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, acting on a former directive of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The National Assembly Secretariat has, for the fourth time, approached Opposition Chief Whip MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar to obtain written information on court cases pending against former Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan, the spokesperson confirmed.
The spokesperson stated that earlier letters on the same matter were sent on November 19, December 5, and December 19, 2025.
However, no response has so far been received by the National Assembly Secretariat.
The spokesperson further stated that the provision of this information is essential to fulfill the constitutional requirements for the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.
The spokesperson further stated that the National Assembly Secretariat has been made a party in certain subjudice cases involving the former Leader of the Opposition, making it necessary to obtain the current status of the cases.
In the letter, the Chief Whip of the Opposition has been requested to provide the requisite information regarding the current status of court cases pending against Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, so that the process for the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition may be completed.
The spokesperson clarified that the process for the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition can only proceed further upon receipt of the required information.

Engr Amir Muqam distributes laptops among students of Malakand University under PM Scheme

By
NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, SAFRON and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Monday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was working tirelessly for the youth of the country and empowering young people was the foremost priority of his government.

“Investment in youth is a guarantee of Pakistan’s prosperous and bright future and that is why empowerment of students of all provinces including KP was a cornerstone of the Federal Govt policy,” said while addressing the distribution ceremony of Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme Phase IV at the University of Malakand.

Addressing the ceremony, the federal minister said that the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme was launched under the vision of PML-N President and former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that not only restored it but also expanded it further to all provinces of Pakistan.

He said the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing educational, digital, and skills-development initiatives for empowerment of youth and ensures that the country’s young generation progresses in line with the modern requirements.

Engineer Amir Muqam made it clear that the laptop scheme was entirely based on merit and transparency. He said that if even a single case is proven in which a laptop was awarded without merit, he would be ready to quit politics.

This, he said, is a clear and firm decision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PMLN President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif that only those students who truly deserve it will benefit from the landmark scheme.

He claimed that from 2018 to 2022, this programme of national importance remained suspended; however, after Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister again in 2022, the very first decision was to restore this scheme for empowerment of youth. So far, more than one million laptops have been distributed across the country, and this process will continue at full pace in the future as well, he added.

The federal minister said that today, laptops were being distributed among 600 merit-based male and female students of the University of Malakand.

Praising the University’s performance, he said that the University of Malakand, securing the first position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a prominent position nationwide, proved that if youth from mountainous and remote areas are given opportunities, they too can play a key role in the development of the country and the nation.

Engineer Amir Muqam reiterated that in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, the government is also paying full attention to projects such as digital skills programs, scholarships, the green youth movement, sports facilities, and Danish Schools, so that better opportunities for education, skills, and employment can be provided to the youth.

He assured that his office would always be available to resolve the issues and demands of the University of Malakand, and full cooperation would be extended in the approval of PC-I for the improvement of educational and sports infrastructure.

The federal minister urged students to use their energies and abilities in a positive direction, make responsible and constructive use of social media, and play their role in Pakistan’s development, stability, and prosperity.

He said that a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan is our shared goal.

Engr Amir Muqam said that great responsibilities rested on youth to achieve lurals in their selected professions.

On this occasion, the federal minister distributed laptops among students and congratulated them.

The students highly appreciated the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme and thanked Federal Minister Engineer Ameer Muqam for gracing the occasion.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Malakand gave a detailed briefing to the federal minister and President PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, on the university’s overall performance, academic activities, and challenges.

During the briefing, the Vice Chancellor informed him about ongoing academic programs, research projects, faculty performance, student facilities, and future development plans.

He also highlighted financial and administrative issues faced by the university and the measures required for improving infrastructure, and demanded the construction of a cricket ground for students.

On this occasion, Engineer Amir Muqam praised the academic standards of the University of Malakand and its role in promoting higher education in the region, and said that the government is committed to providing quality education to youth.

He assured that all possible support at the federal level would be provided for resolving legitimate issues of the University of Malakand and completing its development projects.

He said that sustainable development is not possible without the promotion of education, research, and technical skills, and that the government is taking steps to align educational institutions with modern requirements.

Among those present on the occasion were Malik Jehangzeb Khan, President PML-N Malakand Division, Senator Zahid Khan, Malik Farooq Iqbal, District President, Lower Dir, Nisar Khan Wardag, District President, Upper Dir, Malik Nauman Yousafzai, Coordinator, Prime Minister Youth Program, Malakand Division, Faizullah Khan, Ataullah Khan, Zahidullah Khan, Sajjad Khan, and Fareed Yousafzai.

Earlier, Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the University of Chakdara.

On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Chakdara, faculty members, and senior administrative officials were present.

While briefly addressing party workers, Amir Muqam said that Pakistan Muslim League (N) is committed to an agenda of public service, development, and prosperity, and that development projects will be promoted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The Rupee on Monday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 280.16 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs 280.17.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281 and Rs 283, respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by Rs0.14 to close at Rs 329.84 from the previous day’s close of Rs 329.70, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen remained unchanged and closed at Rs 1.79, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of 11 paisa and closed at Rs 377.71 compared to the previous day’s Rs 377.60.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham came down 01 paisa to close at Rs 76.27 and the Saudi Riyal remained stagnant at Rs 74.69.

PSDP 2025-26: Govt releases Rs348.97 bln development funds in five months

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): The government has authorized the utilization of development funds amounting to Rs348.97 billion during the first five months (July–November) of the fiscal year 2025-26 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), out of a total allocation of Rs1,000 billion.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the total federal PSDP allocation for 2025-26 stands at Rs770.50 billion for federal ministries and divisions and Rs229.50 billion for corporations.
The data showed that federal ministries and divisions were authorized Rs237.76 billion during the period under review, while actual expenditure stood at Rs68.41 billion. For corporations, an amount of Rs111.20 billion was authorized, against which Rs23.49 billion was spent.
Among federal ministries and divisions, the highest authorization of funds was made for Provinces and Special Areas, amounting to Rs68.03 billion, followed by the Water Resources Division with Rs45.11 billion and the Cabinet Division with Rs43.17 billion.
The Higher Education Commission was authorized Rs15.74 billion, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division Rs8.14 billion, Railways Division Rs7.84 billion, Interior Division Rs6.46 billion, Federal Education and Professional Training Division Rs6.50 billion, and Information Technology and Telecommunication Division Rs5.67 billion during the July–November period.
Other notable releases included Rs5.02 billion for the National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division, Rs4.16 billion for the Defence Division, Rs3.99 billion for the Revenue Division, Rs1.68 billion for the Science and Technological Research Division, and Rs1.48 billion for the National Food Security and Research Division.
For corporations, the National Highway Authority (NHA) was authorized Rs79.44 billion, while the Power Division entities—NTDC and PEPCO—received Rs31.76 billion during the period.

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