AJK PM reaffirms to completely implement agreement with JAAC

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:16 PM

MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 04 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has said that his government was moving forward with the mission of public service and their objective is not to change faces but to reform the system.

While addressing a large public gathering at the Pilot High School Ground in Bagh Thursday, Prime Minister Rathore said that the government’s foremost priority was to resolve the critical issues affecting the people of Azad Kashmir.

He reaffirmed that the government would go to any extent to ensure full implementation of the agreement reached with the Action Committee.

He stated that the government reached out to the Action Committee shortly after the cabinet approved the public demands.”Complaints and grievances are always shared with our own people. And fortunately Pakistan has always listened to and addressed our concerns without hesitation”, he said, adding that “We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours.”Highlighting the unbreakable bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan, he said that our relationship with Pakistan is rooted in the Kalima Tayyaba.

The prime minister on the occasion announced several public interest initiatives including raising the upper age limit for government job seekers to 41, granting Bagh the status of a Big City, upgrading Bagh Hospital to a Teaching Hospital, and establishing a University Campus for boys.Referring to his recent meeting with prime minister Shahbaz Sharif, the AJK premier said that he also presented public demands during his meeting with the prime minister of Pakistan.

Praising the Pakistan army for its historic victory in the recent war against India, the PM said that Field Marshal General Asim Munir’s leadership has elevated Pakistan’s global prestige.Prime Minister, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, said in his address to the grand rally that Bilawal Bhutto’s slogan, “Rai Shumari Sab Pay Bari,” reflects the voice of the Kashmiri nation.

Hailing the party chairman for his strong advocacy for Kashmiris just cause at the international level, he said Bilawal Bhutto is a strong voice for Kashmiris.He added that politics in Azad Kashmir has experienced a positive shift since the PPP government assumed office.

The PPP, he said, has taken responsibility in difficult circumstances. Highlighting the decisions of the recently held cabinet meeting, the prime minister said that the cabinet had taken several crucial measures with long-term implications for the region’s socio-political landscape.

He added that efforts to secure scheduled bank status for AJK Bank and to expedite the issuance of health cards are already underway.He said the government would leave no stone unturned in addressing the challenges inherited from the previous administration.

He added that the gap between the people and politicians has now been bridged. “Today, every citizen in the state has access to affordable electricity and flour,” he remarked.The prime minister stated that the historic gathering reflects the public’s trust in the PPP, adding, “We have limited time, but we will do our best to deliver.”He also thanked the host for organizing such a big rally.

The rally was attended by former President and Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Senior Minister Mian Waheed, government ministers Zia Al-Qamar, Malik Zafar, and Nabila Ayub, local government representatives, political and social activists, members of civil society, and a large number of people.

Aurangzeb chairs inaugural 11th NFC meeting, calls it a step toward key constitutional duty

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:11 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday chaired the inaugural meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC), saying the gathering reflected the federation and provinces’ shared resolve to fulfill a key constitutional responsibility.

According to press release issued by finance ministry, from Sindh, the commission meeting was attended by Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Dr Asad Sayeed, Member NFC; from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, CM Muhammad Sohail Afridi, and Dr Musharraf Rasool Cyan Member NFC; from PunjabMian Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Minister for Finance and Nasir Mahmood Khosa, Member NFC; and from Balochistan Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Minister for Finance and Mahfooz Ali Khan, Member NFC attended the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Muzammil Aslam, Advisor to CM for Finance, government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on special invitation. The provincial Finance Secretaries also attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb extended a warm welcome to all participants and highlighted the constitutional importance and collaborative spirit underpinning the NFC process.

He emphasized that the federal government, as directed by the Prime Minister, was keen to convene the inaugural meeting of the 11th NFC without delay. While the session had been postponed earlier due to the devastating floods affecting Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, the Minister noted that today’s gathering reflected a shared resolve to fulfil a vital constitutional responsibility.

He stressed the government’s commitment to transparent and sincere dialogue, reaffirming that the federal government was present to listen to the provinces and work collectively in the national interest.

Aurangzeb commended the provinces for their cooperation in signing the National Fiscal Pact and acknowledged their efforts in achieving mandatory fiscal surpluses to support Pakistan’s compliance with IMF requirements.

He noted that despite external threats and natural disasters, the federal government and provinces had demonstrated unity, resilience and determination, and expressed hope that the same spirit would guide the 11th NFC deliberations.

Senator Aurangzeb underscored the critical role of the NFC in ensuring equitable distribution of financial resources, promoting fiscal sustainability and supporting long-term economic growth.

He voiced confidence that the Commission would engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue aimed at delivering a fair and forward-looking NFC Award.

The Chief Minister of Sindh expressed his gratitude to the federal government for holding the first meeting of the 11th NFC which was initially postponed due to the devastating floods.

He appreciated the prompt notification of the 11th NFC in August 2025 after the expiry of the 10th NFC Award in July 2025. Shah agreed with the federal finance minister that moving forward with 11th NFC with consensus was very important and highlighted that Sindh has an unwavering commitment to the prosperity, unity and progress of Pakistan.

He further underscored that consensus can only be developed by deliberating within the forum of the National Finance Commission and that this Commission should adhere to its mandate in order to move forward.

The Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expressed his gratitude to the federal government for holding this meeting and expressed that a strong federation and strong provinces will guarantee a strong and united Pakistan. He underscored the sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province made in the war on terror, which unfortunately has resurfaced again.

He further expressed the hope that the 11th National Finance Commission will address the ultra vires of the 7th NFC since June 2018 and include the population and other variables of the Newly Merged Districts in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and update the share of the province to give them due representation and requested the other provinces for their positive response in this matter.

He highlighted the importance of bringing the 7th NFC Award in compliance with the Constitution by including the complete province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mian Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman was also thankful to federal government for holding this meeting and agreed for the need of consensus, however, consensus building will take a lot of effort on everyone’s part. He emphasized that importance of equitable resource distribution and consistency of policies between the Federal and Provincial Governments. He concluded by expressing hope that the Commission will be successful with mutual agreement.

Mir Shoaib Nosherwani also echoed sentiments of federal finance minister and CM Sindh and stated that CM Balochistan has instructed that there should be consensus and that cooperation of Balochistan with the federation and the provinces has always been there and going forward, Balochistan will continue this path of cooperation and consensus.

He underscored the support of Balochistan in strengthening the Federation through quoting examples of Sui Gas, Saindak and Reqo Diq projects.

During the meeting, the participants held general discussion on the strategy for the 11th NFC Award deliberations. This was followed by detailed presentations from all provinces – Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh – as well as the federal government, outlining their respective fiscal positions and priorities.

These exchanges contributed to developing a shared understanding of the economic landscape and the challenges that lie ahead.

The Commission also discussed the proposed schedule and time-line for future meetings and agreed to initiate the formation of technical sub-groups that will undertake work on specific mandates relevant to the NFC’s functions.

It was also unanimously decided that a Sub-group on the merger of former FATA/ Newly Merged Districts, and its share in the divisible pool, will be constituted which will facilitate early formulation of its recommendations for the NFC by mid-January 2026.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to steering the 11th NFC process with transparency, professionalism, mutual respect & collaboration.

The Commission resolved to continue its work through a structured series of meetings and technical consultations in the coming months, with the shared objective of achieving an equitable and sustainable NFC Award for the people of Pakistan.

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in a meeting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:10 PM

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APP61-041225Islamabad — APP61-041225 ISLAMABAD: December 04 - Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in a meeting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. APP/ABB

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in a meeting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. — APP61-041225
ISLAMABAD: December 04 –

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani shaking hands with president of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:10 PM

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APP62-041225Islamabad — APP62-041225 ISLAMABAD: December 04 - Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani shaking hands with president of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. APP/ABB

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani shaking hands with president of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. — APP62-041225
ISLAMABAD: December 04 –

Renowned philanthropist and Chairman, Al-Zarooni Group of Companies, UAE, Sohail Al-Zarooni is meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at his residence.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:09 PM

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APP64-041225Islamabad — APP64-041225 ISLAMABAD: December 04 - Renowned philanthropist and Chairman, Al-Zarooni Group of Companies, UAE, Sohail Al-Zarooni is meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at his residence. APP/ABB

Renowned philanthropist and Chairman, Al-Zarooni Group of Companies, UAE, Sohail Al-Zarooni is meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at his residence. — APP64-041225
ISLAMABAD: December 04 –

Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, meets with Kyrgyz Minister for Energy, Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:09 PM

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APP65-041225Islamabad — APP65-041225 ISLAMABAD: December 04 - Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, meets with Kyrgyz Minister for Energy, Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich. APP/ABB

Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, meets with Kyrgyz Minister for Energy, Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich. — APP65-041225
ISLAMABAD: December 04 –

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding various NHA Projects in different provinces during a high level NHA meeting.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:09 PM

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APP67-041225Islamabad — APP67-041225 ISLAMABAD: December 04 - Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding various NHA Projects in different provinces during a high level NHA meeting. APP/ABB

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding various NHA Projects in different provinces during a high level NHA meeting. — APP67-041225
ISLAMABAD: December 04 –

Court rejects 3 petitions filed by Mazari, Chattha in ongoing case

By

Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:08 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The district and sessions court of Islamabad on Thursday delivered its reserved decision, rejecting a set of three petitions linked to the ongoing trial of lawyer and activist Iman Mazari and advocate Hadi Ali Chattha.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka announced the verdict after hearing arguments from all sides.

The court turned down Mazari’s request for acquittal and dismissed the joint petitions filed by Mazari and Chattha seeking a fresh cross-examination of witnesses and challenging the appointment of the state counsel.

Following the decision, the court directed the two accused to return at 2pm to record their statements under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The hearing was adjourned until then.

Earlier, at the start of the day’s proceedings, Judge Majoka asked about the status of the Section 342 questionnaire. Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha informed the court they had not yet received a copy. The judge assured the defence that he would type the questionnaire himself and provide a copy by 10am. The hearing was then paused until that time.

When the session resumed, Islamabad Bar Association President Naeem Ali Gujar submitted his power of attorney. Mazari and Chattha also appeared before the court.

Representing both accused, Gujar filed a request to restore their right to cross-examine witnesses. He asked the court to grant time so the defence could assist the court in resolving the matter effectively.

Judge Majoka referred to the Supreme Court’s observations in the Musharraf case, noting that when an accused repeatedly fails to appear, the court can proceed with the trial in their absence. Chattha informed the court that they also intended to file a request to transfer the case from the current court. The judge then deferred the hearing until 11am.

After the break, a group of senior lawyers—including Sheer Afzal Marwat, Naeem Gujar, Raja Aleem Abbasi and others—appeared to present arguments. Marwat argued on the petition challenging the appointment of the state counsel, questioning whether the mandatory requirement of five years of criminal law practice was fulfilled. He argued that the accused must have confidence in any state-appointed counsel. Marwat cited several high court and Supreme Court rulings to support his position.

He further told the court that the defence needed time to prepare and that recent events, including the reported detention of Chattha, had created difficulties. Bar member Raja Aleem Abbasi added that Mazari and Chattha had expressed their lack of trust in the state-appointed counsel and requested that witnesses be recalled so the defence could cross-examine them.

Both Marwat and Gujar requested the court to summon the witnesses again and allow some time to resolve the concerns raised by the defence.

Arguments on the petition challenging the state counsel concluded, following which the court moved to announce its decision.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, meeting Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:08 PM

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APP68-041225Rome — APP68-041225 ROME: December 04 - Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, meeting Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida. APP/ABB

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, meeting Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida. — APP68-041225
ROME: December 04 –

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane meets Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House.

By

Wajid

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 11:07 PM

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

AJK PM reaffirms to completely implement agreement with JAAC

Aurangzeb chairs inaugural 11th NFC meeting, calls it a step toward key constitutional duty

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in a meeting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov.

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani shaking hands with president of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov.

Renowned philanthropist and Chairman, Al-Zarooni Group of Companies, UAE, Sohail Al-Zarooni is meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at his residence.

Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, meets with Kyrgyz Minister for Energy, Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding various NHA Projects in different provinces during a high level NHA meeting.

Court rejects 3 petitions filed by Mazari, Chattha in ongoing case

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, meeting Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida.

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane meets Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor’s House.

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