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Pakistan, EU recommit to strong trade Partnership

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Pakistan reaffirmed its strong commitment to the European Unions (EU’s) GSP+ scheme as Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met the visiting European Commission Monitoring Mission in Islamabad Friday.
The Mission is being led by Mr. Sergio Balibrea, Advisor to GSP+ Directorate in DG TRADE and Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Pakistan also accompanied the delegation, said a release issued here on Wednesday.
The Minister welcomed the delegation and highlighted EU role as Pakistan’s largest export market, noting that GSP+ has significantly supported trade, employment, women empowerment, and sustainable development in the country.
He underlined Pakistan’s continued implementation of the 27 international conventions tied to GSP+ and expressed confidence that the 5th Biennial Review would acknowledge the progress achieved despite major challenges.
The Minister urged that the new GSP+ framework should maintain its development outlook without imposing excessive new conditions on beneficiary countries.
He also raised concerns over the recent withdrawal of GSP preferences on Ethanol, which was Pakistan’s largest non-textile export under the scheme and decision of EU had adversely affected farmers livelihood.
Highlighting the importance of a fair process for GI registration of Basmati rice, he expressed hope that the EU would ensure impartiality as both Pakistan and India await a decision.
He further encouraged consideration of other Pakistani products, including Sindhi Ajrak, Pink Salt, and Mangoes, for GI protection.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU trade ties under a stable and predictable GSP+ partnership.

FDA seal construction on 14 homes

By
Samina Ch
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0
FDA
FAISALABAD, Nov 28 (APP):The Faisalabad Development Authority’s enforcement team sealed 14 buildings over violation of building bylaws here on Friday.
According to the FDA sources, the team took legal action in three private housing schemes — Sitara Diamond City, Model City-II and Defense City situated on Satiana Road, where homes were being constructed without approval of building plans.
Director Town Planning Asma Mohsin has directed the owners to complete all legal requirements before construction.

Seven held for aerial firing in Gujrat

By
Samina Ch
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GUJRAT, Nov 28 (APP):A Division police team arrested seven suspects from two rival groups for resorting to aerial firing in village Mandiyal, causing fear and panic in the area.
According to a police spokesperson, Bolani police received information that members of two groups were firing shots into the air. Acting on the report, a team led by SHO -A Division SI Aftab Rasool, under the supervision of DSP City Circle Zafar Iqbal, conducted a prompt operation and detained the suspects.
Those arrested were identified as Sharjeel Shahbaz, Zeeshan, Adil Shaukat, Mirza Muhammad Ali, Ameer Hamza, Haseeb and Zubair Jameel. Police recovered four 30-bore pistols from their possession.
cases have been registered, and further investigation is underway.
DPO Gujrat Rana Umar Farooq said aerial firing was a serious offence that endangered lives, adding that strict action would be taken against those displaying weapons or firing into the air.

Safe Cities drone reaches incident within minutes during test run in Lahore

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP):The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) continued the test run of its modern docking drone technology on Friday, marking a major step toward enhancing real-time policing and rapid response capabilities.
According to a PSCA spokesperson, a citizen contacted the Emergency Helpline 15 from the Mughalpura Underpass, reporting that another vehicle had hit his car and fled, causing damage and requiring urgent police assistance.
Upon receiving the call, a Safe City drone was immediately dispatched and reached the location within minutes. The drone provided live video and photographic evidence directly to the PSCA Control Room.
Virtual Patrolling Officers monitored the situation in real time through the drone feed, following which the relevant police unit reached the site and initiated action.
The spokesperson added that during the ongoing experimental phase, drones are being deployed on 15 Helpline calls related to traffic incidents, protests, and other public complaints.
The introduction of drone technology has significantly improved crime prevention and response time, the spokesperson noted, adding that the system enhances situational awareness for field units.
Following the successful completion of the pilot project, the advanced drone system will be rolled out in phases across Punjab, the spokesperson confirmed.

Emergency measures accelerated to combat smog: DC

By
Samina Ch
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KHANEWAL, Nov 28 (APP):Anti-smog operations have been intensified as the district administration pushes for immediate and effective measures to curb rising pollution levels.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Salma Suleiman has directed all departments to accelerate their efforts to eliminate smog and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Acting on the DC’s directives, Deputy Director Development Shahid Rehman chaired a review meeting to assess the ongoing anti-smog activities.
During the meeting, Deputy Director Environment Sarfraz Anjum delivered a detailed briefing on the district’s strategy, current challenges, and the actions taken against violators of smog-related laws.
The meeting highlighted that Suthra Punjab Teams have also been assigned the task of identifying individuals and entities responsible for violating anti-smog regulations, including burning crop residue, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution.
Officials from the Environment Protection Department, Agriculture, Transport Authority, Food Authority, Education, Health, and other relevant departments participated in the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring clean air and safeguarding public health.

Robber arrested for harassing woman, snatching cash

By
Samina Ch
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BOUREWALA, Nov 28 (APP):Police have arrested an alleged robber for harassing a woman and snatching cash a couple of days ago.
The accused, Abdullah Jatt, a resident of suburban village 515/EB, was taken into custody from K-Block before he attempted to escape from the spot.
According to police, a complaint was received regarding the harassment of the woman in front of her husband, followed by snatching of a mobile phone, Rs 50,000 in cash and an ID card from a local trader. Acting on the report, DSP Imran Tipu formed a team under the supervision of Model Town SHO, Mehtab Alam.
Police reached the accused on a tip-off at K-Block and arrested him. During a search, the victim’s ID card was recovered from the suspect’s pocket. Investigation Officer Muhammad Anwar initiated further inquiry on the SHO’s report.

Rawalpindi Police verify particulars of 1,957 individuals, detain 10 illegal Afghan nationals in district-wide operation

By
Samina Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Nov 28 (APP):As part of the National Action Plan (NAP), the Rawalpindi Police on Friday carried out extensive search operations across multiple areas of the district, verifying the particulars of 1,957 individuals.
About 10 Afghan nationals residing illegally were taken into custody as the police checked 884 houses, 567 shops and 47 hotels during the operations conducted on the directions of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, a spokesman said.
He added that police teams also inspected 17 scrap yards, four bus and truck stands, and scrutinised tenant records in various localities.
The search operations were conducted in the jurisdictions of the Pirwadhai, Ganjmandi, City, Waris Khan, Banni, New Town, Sadiqabad, Ratta Amral, Civil Lines, Wah Saddar, Cantt, Morgah, Westridge, Jatli, Rawat and Kallar Syedan police stations.
The spokesman said the operations aimed to maintain public order and curb criminal activity, adding that all available resources were being utilised to uphold the rule of law and ensure peace in the district.

Son held for assaulting mother

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP):Dera Ghazi Khan district police have arrested a man on the charges of assaulting his mother after the victim submitted a complaint at an open court.
According to a spokesperson, the elderly woman informed the authorities that she had been subjected to prolonged mistreatment, abuse and threats by her son, which endangered her safety and dignity.
District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Ali Wasim took prompt notice of the complaint and directed the police team to take immediate action. The accused was arrested and a case has been registered under relevant provisions of law.
The DPO said violence against women would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that a zero-tolerance policy was being enforced to ensure timely justice in all domestic abuse cases.
The spokesperson said that under the supervision of the DPO, victims of domestic violence in Dera Ghazi Khan would be provided legal support and full protection of life, property and fundamental rights.
Citizens have been urged to report incidents of domestic abuse without hesitation so that timely action can be taken and perpetrators brought to justice.

Nigeria, Pakistan agrees for strengthening bilateral trade, investment ties

By
NNPS Desk
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Abuja , Nov 28 (APP): Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hosted Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce in a productive meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja (Nigeria).
The discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting was also attended by Major General (Retd) Sohail Ahmad Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, underscoring the commitment to high-level diplomatic engagement, said a press release issued here on Friday.
Both sides expressed strong political will to elevate the Nigeria-Pakistan relationship to new heights.
In the meeting include agreement to fast-track the finalization and signing of the Nigeria-Pakistan Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with technical teams directed to conclude outstanding issues in the shortest possible time.
Both sides showed, Commitment to introduce measures for greater ease of visa issuance for Pakistani businesspersons, investors, and tourists traveling to Nigeria, and reciprocal facilitation for Nigerian nationals visiting Pakistan.
An invitation extended on behalf of Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
The two sides also explored opportunities in key sectors including energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and halal trade, while reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting each other in multilateral forums.
It is pertinent to mention that Nigeria stands as Africa’s largest economy with a GDP of over $477 billion (nominal, 2025 estimates), powered by its vast oil and gas reserves, rapidly expanding services and technology sectors, and a burgeoning consumer market. Home to more than 230 million people – the continent’s biggest population and the world’s sixth-largest – the country possesses an unmatched demographic dividend, with a youthful, dynamic workforce driving entrepreneurship and innovation.
As a founding member of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a leading contributor to peacekeeping missions across Africa, and the political and cultural heartbeat of West Africa, Nigeria wields unparalleled influence on the continent, making it not only the giant of Africa but also an emerging global player whose decisions shape regional stability, trade, and development.
Both nations expressed confidence that these discussions will lead to tangible economic gains and enhanced people-to-people contacts in the near future.

Peanut Festival held to promote modern farming and value addition

By
Samina Ch
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0
ATTOCK , Nov 28 (APP):The annual “Peanut Festival” has been successfully organized  by the District Agriculture Extension Department in collaboration with GBTI and NRSP, attracting farmers, agricultural experts, and representatives of partner organizations.
Deputy Director Agriculture Extension Attock,  Dr. Muhammad Javed welcomed the participants and said that peanut cultivation in the Potohar region was a profitable source of income for the farmers.
He emphasized that modern farming techniques and value addition could significantly boost the farmers’ earnings.
Assistant Director Agriculture Extension, Hazro, Zafar Iqbal Khan highlighted the potential of peanut cultivation in the region.
GBTI, Chief Executive, Malik Fatah Khan and Program Officer Adnan briefed the audience on their organizational activities and ongoing agricultural support initiatives.
PMU, Director, Irfan underlined the importance of such festivals in promoting the adoption of modern technologies at the field level.
He said that farmer-to-farmer learning and awareness sessions helped accelerate the shift towards improved production practices.
Dr. Abdul Ahad from Arid Agriculture University appreciated the efforts made for farmers’ training and knowledge-sharing, terming it a positive step for boosting the sector.
Ehsan Khan of  Mahjoor Farms shared successful experiences regarding efficient water use and profitable production techniques. Progressive farmer, Muhammad Ijaz Khan showcased various value-added peanut products, which gained significant appreciation from the attendees.
Assistant Commissioner Attock, Inza Abbasi, the chief guest, praised the agriculture department and partner organizations for organizing the festival and urged the farmers to adopt modern technologies to increase productivity.
Multiple stalls were set up at the event showcasing recommended peanut varieties, subsidized irrigation schemes, crop protection methods, and women-led value-added peanut products.
A question–answer session was also arranged to address the farmers’ concerns, followed by the distribution of certificates among the participants.
The event concluded with appreciation for all partner organizations and a renewed commitment to agricultural development in the district.
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