NDMA dispatches additional relief assistance to Sri Lanka

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 5:12 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday dispatched 20 tons of relief supplies to Colombo aboard a Sri Lankan Airlines commercial flight.

The consignment includes tarpaulins sheets and dry milk required for the affected communities in Sri Lanka.

NDMA dispatches additional relief assistance to Sri Lanka

The consignment is part of Pakistan’s continued support for the people of Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa. Responding to the Sri Lankan Government’s appeal for international assistance, the aid was sent under the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as part of ongoing humanitarian relief efforts.

NDMA is coordinating with commercial airlines to utilize available belly space on outbound flights, enabling the rapid continuation of relief dispatches to Sri Lanka over the coming days.

This latest consignment follows the deployment of a Pakistan 47-member elite Search and Rescue team of Pak Army along with 6.5 tons of equipment, which were airlifted yesterday from Nur Khan Base to Colombo via C-130. The specialized team is already on ground in Sri Lanka and has commenced rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.

Furthermore, NDMA has also sent a major shipment of 200 tons of humanitarian relief items via sea to support medium-term needs of the affected population.

At the same time, Pakistan Navy ships and aviation assets are actively participating in relief operations in Sri Lanka, assisting in rescue, transport, and emergency support activities.

NDMA reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to extending all possible assistance to Sri Lanka as it faces severe challenges in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa. Pakistan will continue to stand with friendly nations during times of crisis and will maintain its efforts to help reduce the suffering and humanitarian impact of disasters both at home and abroad.

Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 5:10 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): The Rupee on Thursday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs280.45 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs280.46.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.4 and Rs 283.25, respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by 67 paisa to close at Rs 327.17, from the previous day’s close of Rs 326.50, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen remained unchanged to close at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs2.71 and closed at Rs 374.12 compared to the previous day’s Rs 371.41.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham increased by 01 paisa and closed at Rs76.36, while the Saudi Riyal came down up by 01 paisa to close at Rs 74.72.

SC confirms permanent confiscation of vehicle imported in violation of law

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 5:06 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that vehicles imported in violation of the Import Policy Order cannot be released and will remain confiscated. The ruling came in a detailed written judgment issued for reporting purposes.

The Court issued an important decision concerning vehicles imported in breach of the Import Policy Order 2022, holding that importing vehicles beyond the prescribed age limit is illegal and such vehicles cannot be released even after payment of fines. A three-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard dozens of similar appeals together and disagreed with earlier judgments of the Lahore High Court and the Customs Appellate Tribunal.

Importers had brought vehicles under the baggage, gift, and transfer of residence schemes. Customs authorities, however, argued that these vehicles exceeded the three- or five-year age limit allowed under the Import Policy Order. Customs confiscated the vehicles and imposed penalties on importers and clearing agents. The Tribunal and the Lahore High Court later allowed conditional release upon payment of a 35% redemption fine and due duties.

The Supreme Court rejected this approach, ruling that vehicles older than the permitted age are not importable under Appendix-E of the policy. Therefore, such vehicles cannot be regularised through a redemption fine, as the law provides no such authority. The judgment also clarified that SRO 499 (2009) does not permit release of goods that fail to meet the procedural requirements of the Import Policy.

The Court stated that the age limit—not the fact that the vehicle is second-hand—is the decisive factor. It also dismissed the importers’ argument that past court orders allowed similar releases, noting that those were leave refusing orders without binding legal findings.

Concluding the ruling, the Court held that policy violations make the import prohibited, and redemption fines cannot be used to authorize release. All appeals were dismissed, and confiscation of the overaged vehicles was upheld.

FCCP to hear SNGPL and NIRC cases on Dec 5

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 5:04 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The Federal Constitutional Court has scheduled the hearing of review petitions and related cases filed by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against decisions of the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) for December 5.

According to the court schedule, the main case C.P.L.A. 3847/2025 concerns SNGPL’s challenge to an NIRC decision in which a single member had accepted a complaint petition against the company. The subsequent appeal filed by SNGPL was dismissed due to non-appearance, and the restoration plea was also rejected on grounds of delay. The company later filed a writ petition against these orders, which was dismissed as well.

The Court will also hear C.M.A. 7110/2025, a stay application filed in the same matter, on the same date.

SNGPL will be represented by Advocate-on-Record Syed Rafaqat Hussain Shah. Other lawyers appearing in the case include Afnan Karim Kundi, Tanveer-ul-Islam, Qazi Shehryar Iqbal, and Muhammad Umair Baloch.

Govt to ensure safety, environmental compliance for all imported used vehicles

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 5:02 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday assured the representative of the auto industry to review key issues confronting the sector, saying that the government will ensure the safety and environmental compliance for all imported used vehicles.

Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Saif Anjum and CEO Engineering Development Board (EDB) Hammad Mansoor also attended the meeting, said a news release.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the challenges facing the auto sector, the import of used vehicles, and matters related to local manufacturing.

Representatives of the Pakistan Auto manufacturers Association emphasized that tax reforms and effective control over used car imports could help stabilize domestic production.

They cautioned that liberal policies on used car imports could undermine the hard-earned gains made by the local auto industry.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the auto industry plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing sector.

He assured the delegation that the government is fully aware of the industry’s concerns regarding the import of used vehicles.

He further said that, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, new legislation and regulatory frameworks will be introduced to address these issues comprehensively.

“Only those used vehicles that meet safety and environmental standards will be allowed to enter Pakistan,” Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized.

He added that open competition would promote efficiency and lead the auto sector toward low-cost and competitive local manufacturing.

Secretary Industries Saif Anjum informed the meeting that for commercial imports, three years of overseas residency and one-year registration under the owner’s name will remain mandatory requirements.

He further said that the safety and quality standards of imported vehicles will be verified through pre-shipment inspections.

Haroon Akhtar Khan concluded that the new regulations will ensure transparency and merit-based competition in the auto market.

Pakistan to tour Sri Lanka in preparations for T20 World Cup

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 4:59 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The two teams will lock horns ahead of next year’s mega event in similar conditions to those at the marquee tournament.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board as quoted by icc-cricket.com have confirmed, that Pakistan will be touring the island nation for a three-match T20I series in the lead up to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

The series will kick start on January 7, with subsequent matches to be played on January 9 and 11. All the fixtures will be played in Dambulla.

The bilateral contest will offer an opportunity to both teams to familiarise themselves with the conditions on offer to the marquee tournament.

Both the teams are coming on the back of a tri-nations series that also featured Zimbabwe, with Pakistan emerging victorious with a win over Sri Lanka in the summit clash.

The 2009 Men’s T20 World Cup winners enjoyed a triumphant run at home with recent ODI and T20I series wins over South Africa followed by an ODI series victory over Sri Lanka before the triangular contest.

Pakistan are slotted alongside India, USA, Namibia and the Netherlands in Group A for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, placed in Group B alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman, will be revving up for a massive home World Cup campaign.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will kickstart from February 7, 2026.

T20I Series schedule- First T20I: Wednesday, January 7, Dambulla; Second T20I: Friday, January 9, Dambulla; Third T20I: Sunday, January 11, Dambulla.

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan urge Afghan Taliban regime to meet global commitments, act against terrorist groups

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 4:56 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Thursday underscoring the importance of regional peace and stability, agreed that Afghan Taliban regime must honor its commitments to the international community, and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns, by taking concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist entities.

The bilateral and regional ties were discussed during the delegation level talks held at the Prime Minister House.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov Nurgozhoevich led their respective sides at a delegation level meeting in the Prime Minister House.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people.

During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. While expressing their concern over the escalating threats to peace and security in the region, they agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The two sides also exchanged views on the ongoing peace efforts in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

During the talks, the prime minister was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, Federal Ministers and senior government officials.

The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan attached high importance to its brotherly relations with the Kyrgyz Republic.

He reiterated Pakistan’s abiding commitment to enhancing its engagement with the Central Asian states under the “Vision Central Asia” policy.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of expanding and deepening Pakistan-Kyrgyz relations, that were underpinned by historic links, cultural similarities, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. They reviewed progress on existing cooperation frameworks and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen this partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity and people-to-people contacts.

Highlighting the need to enhance economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment, setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of the signed agreements/MoUs and a result-oriented approach. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the fruitful Fifth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Pakistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, held in Islamabad, on 28-29 July 2025.

Both sides recognized the importance of energy connectivity for regional stability. They reiterated their shared vision of timely and effective implementation of the CASA-1000 project, which represents a cornerstone of regional energy cooperation and a vital link between Central and South Asia.

The two leaders also stressed upon the vital need for well developed, secure, sustainable and diversified connectivity routes between Kyrgyz Republic and Pakistan to ensure the further enhancement of bilateral as well as regional trade. In this regard, they expressed satisfaction over operationalization of the road corridor between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic under Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA).

During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. While expressing their concern over the escalating threats to peace and security in the region, they agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Thereafter, both leaders witnessed the exchange of 15 MoUs and agreements in various sectors including energy, mining, trade, education, law & justice, agriculture, culture and tourism.

Earlier, upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was presented guard of honour by a contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces.

The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Kyrgyz President and his delegation. Both leaders also addressed a joint press conference.

Commissioner reviews anti-encroachment drive in Sialkot

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Asif Jalal

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Thu, 4 Dec 2025, 4:52 PM

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SIALKOT, Dec 04 (APP): Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Shirazi visited Sialkot on Thursday to review the ongoing anti-encroachment operation.

He said the Punjab chief minister’s instructions must be followed strictly and added that encroachments spoil the beauty of cities, block traffic flow and affect public facilities.

Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali accompanied him during the visit. The commissioner said no resistance would be accepted during the operation and that the drive would continue until all encroachments were removed.

He said encroachments create problems for people’s movement and disturb their basic rights. He added that the Punjab government wants to provide clean and well-managed cities, and the district administration is working actively to achieve this.

The commissioner inspected operations in Daska, Pasrur and other areas. He directed staff to take action according to the law, without discrimination, and to submit daily progress reports.

In Pasrur, he also distributed appreciation certificates to officers and staff who worked with dedication during the recent floods. He praised their timely efforts and said the government values officials who serve the public in difficult times.

He expressed hope that all departments would continue to cooperate in removing encroachments and improving public services.