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Islamabad issues 52,511 M-Tags as 10 points go fully operational

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP):Islamabad’s drive to streamline vehicle movement continued as authorities confirmed that 52,511 vehicles have been issued M-Tags, with 2960 tags added in a single day.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration here, the federal capital is advancing its M-Tag issuance campaign to improve traffic flow and ensure regulated entry on major routes.
In this regard, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said that 10 M-Tag points across the city are fully operational, allowing residents to obtain tags without delays. These centres are handling a rising number of visitors as awareness about mandatory M-Tags spreads.
Officials reported that the city has so far issued 52,511 M-Tags to local and intercity vehicle owners. The campaign saw a significant rise in daily applications, with 2960 new M-Tags issued in the past 24 hours.
Authorities said that any vehicle owner can get an M-Tag by presenting a registration card or book along with their CNIC. The process has been kept simple to encourage compliance and reduce congestion on major entry and exit points of Islamabad.
The Deputy Commissioner noted that the installation of M-Tag readers on different highways is underway. These readers will help monitor tagged vehicles and identify those entering or travelling without the required M-Tag.
He added that once the system is fully active, vehicles without an M-Tag will not be allowed to move through designated corridors monitored by the readers. This step aims to ensure smoother traffic management, especially during peak hours.
The administration has urged citizens to obtain their M-Tags at the earliest to avoid inconvenience. Officials said timely compliance will help prevent disruptions and ensure that motorists can use their routes without facing restrictions.

CDNS achieves Rs 600 billion savings inflows by December 3rd, FY 25-26

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP):The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has achieved a mark of Rs 600 billion in savings inflows of the yearly target for the current fiscal year, from July 1 to December 03rd, 2025-26 for promoting the saving culture in the country.
The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) , has set a savings inflows target of Rs 1.3 trillion for the current Fiscal Year, 2025-26.
Similarly, the CDNS has set a target of Rs 50 billion in investments in Islamic Investment for the Current Fiscal Year 2025-26, which will lead to the growth of the Islamic economy in the country, the senior official of CDNS told APP on Thursday.
The senior official of CDNS said that the National Savings has set an annual target of Rs 1650 billion for the current Fiscal Year, 2024-25, which will promote the country’s saving culture.
Similarly, the CDNS has set a target of Rs170 billion in investments in Islamic finance for the Current Fiscal Year, which will lead to the growth of this sector.
Replying to a question, he said that the CDNS has realized a target of Rs1.742 trillion in fresh bonds and exceeded 100 per cent of the annual target in the last fiscal year 2023-24, from July 1 to June 30.
National Savings has set an annual target of Rs1.7 trillion for the year 2023-24; it is encouraging that this year, “We surpassed 100 per cent of the annual target.”
The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the previous fiscal year 2022-23, he said.
He said it was Rs 200 billion additional annual target than the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021-22.
The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the financial year (2021-22) which will promote a savings culture in the country, he said, adding that given the current market trend in the country, the ambitious target had been set to further improve the savings culture.
The official said that work was being done on institutional reforms in CDNS, and new reforms and innovations were being introduced.

IFA checks 1,218 food points, imposes Rs 3.68m fines in November

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP):Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) carried out a month-long operation in November, inspecting 1,218 food points and imposing Rs 3.68 million in fines as part of its drive to ensure safe food supply across the federal capital.
Meanwhile, the authority also sealed dozens of outlets, issued new licences and discarded large quantities of unsafe products.
Talking to APP, Deputy Director Operations of Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) Dr Tahira Siddique said that the Food Safety Teams (FSTs) checked hundreds of food outlets, collected samples, acted on public complaints and took
measures to improve compliance across the market.
According to the monthly report, the teams inspected 1,218 food points during the November campaign. The authority imposed Rs 3.68 million in fines for violations found during the inspections. Officials reported that 49 food points were sealed for failing to meet basic food safety standards, while 1,085 new licences were issued to bring more businesses
into the formal system.
During the operations, the teams confiscated and disposed of unsafe food items. The discarded stock included 17,170 kilograms of dairy products, 379 litres of beverages, 130 kilograms of meat, 114 kilograms of expired items, and 203 kilograms of prohibited ingredients. These items were removed from circulation to prevent them from reaching consumers.
The Deputy Director, Dr Tahira Siddique, stated that 15 samples of various products being supplied in the market were sent to the laboratory for testing. She added that laboratory screening is a regular part of the authority’s enforcement strategy to identify risks, trace sources and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
In addition to inspections, the authority also responded to public input. A total of 43 complaints received from citizens were addressed, with follow-up actions taken where necessary. Dr Tahira Siddique said timely response to complaints is an important component of the authority’s work and helps in identifying problem areas quickly.
The authority also issued 540 improvement notices to food businesses. These notices were served to outlets that needed to upgrade hygiene, storage, handling or documentation processes. Officials said these measures aim to guide businesses into meeting basic safety standards rather than only imposing penalties.
Dr Tahira stated that the sale of prohibited or unsafe items will not be allowed under any circumstances. She said all food businesses must ensure compliance with safety standards and cooperate with inspection teams. She added that enforcement will continue to target practices that put public health at risk.
The Deputy Director advised citizens to check products before purchasing and to ensure they are buying approved items. She said consumer awareness is essential in maintaining food safety across markets, as informed choices help curb the circulation of substandard products.
Islamabad Food Authority plans to continue inspections across various sectors, focusing on dairy products, meat shops, beverage sellers, restaurants, cafés and small food operators. Officials said routine monitoring, licensing and testing will remain part of the authority’s strategy to ensure that the food supplied in the city meets the required safety standards.

Kamal announces final national polio drive of 2025 from Dec 15-21

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP):Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, announced that the final national polio drive of 2025 will be carried out from December 15 to 21, aiming to administer polio drops to over 45 million children nationwide. More than 400,000 polio workers will participate.
He made these remarks during the Gavi Board Meeting in Geneva, where Minister represented Pakistan, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
The Health Minister briefed the Board on Pakistan’s significant progress in polio eradication and routine immunization.
 He noted that due to a coordinated national strategy, the number of polio cases in Pakistan has dropped from 74 to 30.
He said that routine immunization coverage has shown remarkable improvement, adding that identifying and reaching zero-dose children remains a top priority for the Government of Pakistan.
The minister appreciated the tireless efforts of community health workers, as well as teams of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), for their dedication on the ground.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expand immunization coverage and ensuring a healthier, safer future for every child, Kamal highlighted that joint EPI–PEI efforts identified 400,000 zero-dose children in May and September.
He added that high-quality vaccination campaigns have ensured that millions of children receive essential polio drops across the country.

Chief Secretary for public safety, urban cleanliness

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 04 (APP):Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shohab Ali Shah, has issued strict directives to all district administrations across the province to enhance public safety and urban cleanliness.
Acting on the instructions of the provincial government, he has ordered officials to ensure that no manhole anywhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains uncovered.
The chief secretary emphasized that strict compliance is mandatory, stating that this measure is essential to safeguard public safety and prevent any incidents of negligence that could endanger citizens.
Alongside this safety directive, he also issued orders for a comprehensive cleanliness drive in public parks and cities.
He instructed the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to maintain clean and hygienic public spaces, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing a healthy environment for all residents.
The district administrations have been tasked with the immediate implementation of both orders, with close monitoring from the chief secretary’s office to ensure effective and timely action.

Driver killed, two other injured in road accident

By
Samina Ch
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0
CHINIOT, Dec 4 (APP):A man on Thursday died and two other people sustained injuries as a speeding car went out of control and fell into the link canal near Mauza Behodi on Sangrah Road.
The Rescue 1122 sources said the driver identified a Waris, 25 years was killed on the spot, while two other persons including Ali Hassan s,18  and Ghulam Abbas 8 years old were injured in the accident.
The Rescue 1122 teams recovered the dead body and the injured from the canal.
An injured person was given first aid on the spot, while the other injured person and the dead body were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, they added.

Federal Ombudsman team to hold open court to redress people’s complaints urgently on Dec, 5

By
Samina Ch
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0
MIRPUR  ( AJK), Dec 4 (APP):The Federal Ombudsman team will hold an open court here tomorrow about the general public complaints against the AJK-based  federal government institutions for their redressal on the spot.
A Federal Ombudsman’s spokesman told APP on Thursday  that on the instructions of Federal Ombudsman, Ijaz Ahmed Qureshi, the team comprising Director General,  Federal Ombudsman, Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed and Consultant, Khalid Sial will hold the  open court at the  PWD Rest House , where  local officers of federal institutions would also be present.
” The team will listen  the complaints against federal institutions and give instructions to the relevant institutions on the spot to resolve them”, the spokesman said.
It may be noted that the open court was part of the Outreach Complaint Resolution (OCR) program of the Federal Ombudsman to provide justice to the people at their doorsteps.
The Federal Ombudsman has directed the concerned officials of federal institutions including Electricity,  SNGPL Gas, NADRA, Benazir Income Support Program, Passport Office, Postal Life Insurance, State Life Insurance Corporation and Pakistan Post Office to participate in the open court as per schedule.

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to strengthen ties with bilateral trade target set to $200 million in 2 years

By
Najam ul Hassan
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Thursday reaffirmed the resolve to elevate bilateral relations to a much higher level by enhancing collaboration in various domains and setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of accords and a result-oriented approach.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a joint press stakeout along with the President of Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, expressed his confident that the visit of the Kyrgyz President, which was taking place after a gap of two decades, will give a fresh impetus to the  already strong bilateral relations in all fields of mutual interaction.
“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1992, we have nurtured a relationship grounded in mutual trust, respect, and shared aspiration and common values,” he added.
Earlier, the both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements between the two countries in various fields of mutual interests.
“Just now, we have witnessed signing ceremony of 15 MoUs and agreements which will serve as a framework for structured result oriented engagements and closer institutional linkages between the two countries in various fields of mutual interest,” the prime minister added.
The prime minister pointed out that during his bilateral meeting with the Kyrgyz President, the discussion highlighted the need to strengthen people to people exchanges through cultural initiatives, tourism promotion, and academic partnership. During the meeting, he said, they also agreed to hold such cultural events in Islamabad and other parts of Pakistan combined with similar activities in Bishkek.
The prime minister informed that, a business forum has also been scheduled during the visit to chart new pathways for collaboration in sectors of economic cooperation.
In the business forum, he said, various trade agreements will be signed which will ensure to take the current bilateral trade volume of US$16 million to $200 million over a period of next two years.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was ready to provide the Kyrgyz Republic, a landlocked country, access to regional and global markets through sea ports of Karachi and Gwadar. “No doubt such initiative will further reinforce solid foundation of our friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.”
“May the radiant sun of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan unite to illuminate a future between the two countries of enduring peace and shared prosperity, a hope for both the peoples and the region and the world beyond,” the prime minister added.
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, said it was his first official visit and first for any of head of state of the Kyrgyz Republic after 20 years.
Terming Pakistan as an important partner of Kyrgyzstan in South Asia, the Kyrgyz president said that he viewed Pakistan’s dynamic development, its growing economic potential and its ambitious infrastructure projects as a testament of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s effective leadership.
He pointed out that in today’s discussion with Pakistan, the two sides paid the attention to activating collaboration in trade, economy, investment, transport, logistic, education and science.
Welcoming the ongoing business forum of the two countries, he said he attached great importance to further developing Kyrgyz-Pakistan business council as an effective mechanism for bringing together the business communities of both countries.
He called for full use of transport and transit potential of the two countries as one of the most important areas of mutual partnership.
The Kyrgyz president said the two sides also highlighted the key role of CASA-1000 project which will serve as a corner stone in establishing a unified energy system between Central and South Asia. He expressed the confident that timely implementation of this project will deliver significant mutual benefit to the peoples of the two countries.
Furthermore he informed that the two sides also exchanged views on future cooperation in education field. Currently, he said more than 12000 Pakistani students were studying in Kyrgyzstan. “We are ready to further facilitate Pakistani students in the country,” he added.
He said the two sides shared commitment to combat terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime. “We agreed to strengthen coordination between competent authorities to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.”
President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov invited the prime minister to attend as an honoured guest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the World Nomad Games to be held in Bishkek in 2026.
He also invited the prime minister to attend the second global Mountain Summit “”Bishkek plus 25” to be held in 2027.
Furthermore, he also invited PM Shehbaz Sharif for a state visit to Kyrgyzstan to further strengthen bilateral ties.
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.

FO contradicts media reports linking Delaware gun suspect to Pakistan

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0
MOFA

ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): The Foreign Office on Thursday, refuting the media reports, clarified that the man charged by the US police last week of illegally possessing firearms and plans for an attack, was not a Pakistani national.

“He is not a Pakistani national or of Pakistani origin. He is (an) Afghan, (who) spent a few years as a refugee (in Pakistan) and then went to the USA where he spent most of his life,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a statement.

According to a press release issued by US Department of Justice, the arrested person Luqmaan Khan, a resident of Wilmington, was taken into custody after he refused to comply with the police order to move out of his vehicle.

“During their investigation, officers discovered in Khan’s vehicle a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds. The handgun had been inserted into a microplastic conversion firearm brace kit. Within the vehicle, officers also found all the following: (i) three more loaded, 27-round magazines (one in the storage slot of the conversion kit); (ii) a loaded Glock 9mm magazine; (iii) an armored ballistic plate; and (iv) a marble composition notebook,” the press release added.

Moreover, in the handwritten notebook, Khan discussed additional weapons and firearms, and referenced a member of the University of Delaware’s Police Department by name, and included a layout of a building with entry and exit points under which the words “UD Police Station” were printed.

Following the November 26 shooting in Washington DC reportedly involving an Afghan national, the Foreign Office spokesperson had strongly condemned the incident, calling it an “act of terrorism and a heinous assault on United States soil.”

“For the past two decades, Pakistan has endured countless similar terrorist incidents, with clear linkages to Afghanistan. This incident signifies the challenges posed by transnational terrorism and underscores the need for enhanced global cooperation to confront this menace.”

He said that the Washington shooting incident heralded a troubling resurgence of terrorism on a global scale and the international community must take note and reinvigorate collective efforts in counter-terrorism.

KSrelief distributes 360 tons of dates to flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 04 (APP): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has distributed 360 tons of dates to flood-affected, internally displaced, and food-insecure communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The relief effort was carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and implementing partners including the Peace and Development Organization and the Balochistan Rural Support Programme.

Out of the total assistance, 180 tons of dates were distributed in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Buner, Swat, Kolai Palas, Mansehra, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bannu, Bajaur, and Kurram, while the remaining 180 tons were distributed across eight districts of Balochistan, namely Khuzdar, Surab, Kachhi, Pishin, Killa Saifullah, Ziarat, Jhal Magsi, and Quetta. Thousands of vulnerable families benefited from this vital humanitarian assistance.

This initiative aims to provide immediate nutritional support to households affected by floods, displacement, and chronic food insecurity. Dates, which are rich in essential nutrients and a valuable source of energy, play a significant role in strengthening food security and improving the health and well-being of disaster-affected populations.

This humanitarian intervention reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong and continued commitment, through KSrelief, to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and to promote humanitarian assistance, food security, and the dignity of vulnerable communities across the country.

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