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Three held for hawala, copyright violation

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LAHORE, Dec 04 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Corporate Crime Circle Lahore conducted multiple raids, resulting in the arrest of three suspects involved in hawala transactions and violations of the Copyright Act.
An FIA spokesman said the arrested individuals have been identified as Muhammad Hasan, Sheikh Rashid, and Saeed Ahmad, who were apprehended from different locations in Lahore during the operations.
Hasan was found involved in illegal currency exchange and hawala transactions. A total of Rs 2.9 million was recovered from him, along with documentary and digital evidence related to hawala dealings.
Rashid and Saeed were found involved in violations of the Copyright Act. A large quantity of counterfeit products of various well-known registered companies was recovered from them. The suspects were also involved in stocking and selling fake products.
All three suspects have been taken into custody and investigations have been initiated, added spokesman.

Prisoners not authorize to hold political discussions as per rules: Law Minister

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that prisoners are not authorized to hold political discussions and their meetings are arranged under the supervision of the Superintendent of Prison as per the jail rules.

He was addressing a a press conference here in Islamabad at Pakistan Television (PTV) along with Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar. He discussed in detail the current political and constitutional situation of the country, rules of prison visits, defense appointments and recent policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The Federal Law Minister said that social media platforms are subject to their international policies and the government avoids unnecessary or frivolous statements. He said that where legal action is required, steps will be taken as per the laws of the country.
The Law Minister termed the desire of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to meet the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in jail as unconstitutional and said that according to the decisions of the Supreme Court, no convicted person is authorized to make political decisions.
He said that in the past, in such cases, the tickets of candidates were also declared null and void, and they were later declared independent candidates.
Explaining the prison rules, Azam Nazeer Tarar said that prisoners are not authorized to hold political discussions and the meetings are held under the supervision of the Superintendent of Prisons. He said that the details of the meeting cannot be made public and if the superintendent fears that the discussion may affect law and order, he has the authority to stop the meeting.
He said that the discussion between a lawyer and a client is personal in nature but no one can be allowed to create a political agenda. In response to a question, the federal minister, while terming the speculations regarding defense appointments as baseless, said that under the reforms carried out last year, the service period of high military posts has been increased from three years to five years and there is also scope for reappointment.
He said that all appointments will be made completely in accordance with the constitutional and legal procedures, and there is no ambiguity in this regard.
The Law Minister said that Punjab and the federation are part of the same system and both governments take guidance from their political leadership. He clarified that there is harmony between the federation and the province.
He said that the previous PTI government itself imposed restrictions during the meetings of Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif in jail and there was also a delay in obtaining the right to a legal meeting, despite which the court had allowed it with the condition that the details of the meeting should not be given to the media.
The federal minister, while talking about the political strategy of PTI, said that the party itself dissolved the assemblies, boycotted the elections itself and made mistakes at the internal level itself. He said that the government and the opposition had agreed on the election date in the negotiation committee formed by the Supreme Court, but it was suddenly vetoed, affecting the negotiation process.
He said that the law is equal for everyone and the state is bound to take action against its violation. He said that the prison authorities are taking steps under the law and no matter how big a person is, everyone is equal under Article 25 of the Constitution.

Federal Minister inaugurates ‘Quran Mahal’, lauds CM Maryam’s public-friendly policies

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FAISALABAD/CHINIOT, Dec 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Investment Board Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Thursday inaugurated ‘Quran Mahal’ at the Sasta Bazaar in Chiniot and praised the public-friendly policies of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, terming the Sasta Bazaar initiative a practical reflection of the provincial government’s commitment to public relief.
Addressing the gathering during inaugural ceremony, he highly appreciated the people-friendly policies of Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and said that the provincial administration was taking concrete steps to ensure relief for the masses in line with the chief minister’s vision.
He said that the government was actively working to ensure timely availability of daily use commodities, price stability and improved facilities at relief markets across the province.
Sasta Bazaar Incharge Mian Ali Raza Naikokara briefed the federal minister about the market’s operations and arrangements.
The federal minister appreciated the efforts of local administration and market management and directed the concerned authorities to utilize all available resources to further enhance public convenience so that the relief program could prove more effective and sustainable for the citizens.
Earlier, the federal minister also toured the Sasta Bazaar and formally inaugurated the newly established outlet ‘Quran Mahal’.
He inspected various stalls of the market in detail and held one-on-one interactions with the vendors to assess the prices, quality and availability of essential commodities.
He expressed satisfaction on the overall arrangements and praised the efficient management of the Sasta Bazaar.
He said that such well-organized facilities were vital in providing relief to the common man.
On his arrival, a large number of citizens gave the federal minister a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
The owner of Quran Mahal, Rehan Gilani, and others were also present on the occasion.

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves stand $ 19.59 billion

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KARACHI, Dec 04 (APP): The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan stood US$ 19,588.5 million as of 28 November while the reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased to $ 14,574.8 million.
“During the week ended on 28-Nov-2025, SBP’s FX reserves increased by US$ 14 million to US$ 14,574.8 million,” the central bank reported on Thursday in its weekly statement on the position of liquid foreign reserves.
However, the net foreign reserves held by the commercial banks decreased by $ 30.6million to $ 5,013.7 million, as per the break up of forex reserves for the period under review.
Total liquid foreign reserves held by the country in the previous week ended on November 21, 2025 were $ 19,605 million. Among them the central bank held foreign reserves of $ 14,560.7 million while the commercial banks held $ 5,044.3 million.

Tarar declares zero tolerance for law breach outside Adiala jail

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Thursday categorically stated that any violation of the law outside Adiala Jail would be dealt with strictly, stressing that all individuals found breaching visitation rules have had their meeting privileges revoked.
Speaking to the media alongside Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, he said instructions have been issued to take strict action against those creating a law and order situation, adding that the government has suspended Uzma Khan’s prison meetings with immediate effect.
Tarar said attempts are being made daily to create a law and order situation at Adiala Jail, stressing that prison rules allow no room for political discussions. The Punjab government received an application complaining about difficulties in meeting prisoners at Adiala Jail, with a writ to be established.
Tarar said visitors should limit their conversations with the PTI founder to his health and prison facilities instead of bringing up political matters, which he argued were being used to provoke the public. He cautioned that anyone who breaches the rules will have their visitation rights suspended.
A woman leader has given interviews to Indian, Afghan, and international media, claiming Imran’s life is in danger.
He added that pushing narratives tied to India or Afghanistan, or posting content against the security forces or their leadership, would not be allowed.
Tarar said no prisoner in Pakistan’s history has enjoyed the level of facilities granted to the PTI founder. He asserted that true leadership demands character, which he claimed is absent in those seeking to place personal gain above national interest. He emphasized that such demands will not be entertained.
He said with certainty that Imran is the most privileged prisoner in the country’s history, receiving facilities never granted to others. At the same time, he alleged a propaganda campaign in international media to malign Pakistan, adding that the presence of Imran’s three sisters outside the corps commander’s house on May 9 has been proven.
Tarar said no prisoner has been provided a treadmill and bicycle during imprisonment, suggesting such facilities may not be permitted under jail rules and describing them as extreme privileges granted to Imran. He added that if Imran does not require the treadmill, he should voluntarily send it outside the jail.
He further alleged that reports of death are being fed to international media to malign the government, while noting that Imran’s morning breakfast would be sufficient to feed a poor person for an entire week.
Imran’s sister confirmed he is frustrated, sending messages aimed at the head of security forces. Reports described him as angry, with critics saying he should reflect before engaging in corruption involving £190 million. While he brands opponents as thieves, Imran has offered no answer or legal justification in the £190 million case.
Tarar said Imran, as prime minister, threatened to remove the air conditioner from Nawaz’s cell. Imran declared the AC would be uninstalled and warned of arresting opposition members during Eid to teach them a lesson. He maintained that PML-N never blocked roads or spoke against the state during the imprisonment of its leadership. He added that when Nawaz Sharif was ill, Dr. Adnan was not allowed to meet him.
Tarar said PTI cannot defeat institutions, questioning how one could talk about defeating a state that secured victory against India and safeguarded its eastern borders despite challenges from Afghanistan. He pointed to foreign policy achievements and economic progress, noting that reserves increased as the economy took off.
Criticising the self-promotion of the PTI founder, he said the “mein, mein, mein” narrative reflects a prioritization of personal interests over national interests. According to him, such surrender of country’s priorities to personal gains will never be allowed, stressing the principle of “First Pakistan.”
Tarar said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s participation in the National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting was welcomed, with calls for him to play his role.
Responding to a question, he said that half of the social media X accounts linked to PTI leadership are operated from India and the other half from Afghanistan, citing X’s ability to specify their origin.

Suthra Punjab worker killed in road mishap

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KHANEWAL, Dec 04 (APP): A tragic road accident claimed the life of a Suthra Punjab worker on the Super Highway in front of Qasr-ul-Hamra Hall when a speeding milk tanker struck a pedestrian on Thursday.
According to Rescue 1122 sources, the victim, Boota Masih, a resident of Chak No.159/10-R, was walking along the road when the tanker, reportedly driven at high speed, hit him with great force. The impact caused severe head injuries, resulting in his instant death.
Eyewitnesses stated that the accident occurred solely due to the driver’s reckless speeding.
Upon receiving the information, officers of Suthra Punjab, DSP Jahanian Malik Abdul Majeed, SHO Police Station Jahanian, and Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene.
Rescue personnel shifted the body to THQ Hospital Jahanian for further formalities.
However, police have arrested the driver on the spot and initiated legal proceedings.

UAE envoy calls on Shaza Fatima Khawaja to discuss matters related IT

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Newly appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Salem Alzaabi, called on the Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja here on Thursday.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of information and communication technologies (ICT), emerging technologies, and digital transformation, said a press release.
During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for collaboration in Pakistan’s digital development initiatives, including technology-driven innovation, digital infrastructure, and capacity building.
The federal minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing digital ecosystem, reform agenda, and opportunities for investment in the technology sector, while emphasizing the government’s commitment in building a modern and inclusive digital economy.
The discussion also underscored the important role of Pakistani expatriates and technology entrepreneurs in the UAE in promoting innovation, investment, and knowledge transfer between the two countries. Both sides agreed that stronger engagement with the Pakistani tech diaspora can further accelerate cross-border partnerships and digital growth.
Referring to the AT Kearney report, the federal minister noted that Pakistan has emerged as a prominent global tech destination, driven by its young talent base, expanding start-up ecosystem, and pro-innovation policies.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen Pakistan–UAE collaboration in technology, innovation, and digital transformation for mutual economic benefit.

Minister informs Senate Sindh govt probed Mirpur Sakro school incident

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): school incidentMinister of State for Religious Affairs Kesoo Mal Kheal Das on Thursday informed the Senate that the Sindh government had taken prompt notice of the reported incident at Mirpur Sakro Girls High School involving allegations of pressuring non-Muslim students to convert to Islam.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Senator Danesh Kumar, the minister said the affected family had raised the issue through a press conference, alleging that the school headmistress had coerced minority students.
He stated that Islam did not allow compulsion in matters of faith and that the Constitution guaranteed full protection of minority rights.
He said the matter fell under the provincial education department, and the Sindh education minister had constituted an inquiry committee which visited the area and conducted a detailed investigation.
The minister added that, according to available information, the issue had been resolved locally between the families and the teacher concerned.
Kesoo Mal Kheal Das said Sindh had a long tradition of interfaith harmony, and people of different religions participated in each other’s festivals. He said isolated incidents caused concern but did not reflect official policy at any level of government.
The minister, who also belongs to the Hindu community, said no provincial or federal government supported forced conversions or forced marriages.
He underscored the need for curriculum reforms and coordinated policies to prevent any form of religious pressure in educational institutions.
He assured the house that the inquiry report would be provided to Senator Danesh Kumar and reaffirmed that the Sindh government and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah were committed to ensuring the protection of minority communities. “No injustice against any citizen will be tolerated,” he added.
Separately, the house took up amendments to the Senate’s procedural rules. Senator Shahadat Awan sought — and was granted — leave under Rule 278(4) to move a substitution of Rule 209 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012.
The proposed new rule clarifies that all pending notices, except those pertaining to introduction of a bill, amendments to a bill, questions of privilege, and questions, shall lapse upon prorogation of a session and must be reissued for the next session.
Senator Awan subsequently moved that the proposed substitution be taken into consideration. The house approved the motion, and the amended Rule 209 was adopted.

PTA informs about temporary suspension of mobile device registration

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday informed the general public that due to scheduled system maintenance by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from 10:00 pm on Saturday, until Sunday evening, the Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) will be temporarily unavailable.
Individuals requiring urgent registration are advised to complete it prior to the maintenance window, said a press release. PTA appreciated the public’s patience and cooperation during this temporary service interruption.