BAKU
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets with President of Azerbaijan H.E. Illham Aliyev; Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is also present
BAKU
Youth Directorate arranges training for female youth from merged districts
PESHAWAR, Nov 07 (APP): Vibrant Perspective Organization in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs organized a three days training titled from “Kitchen to Commerce, Glow Grow and Go Forward for the young females of Newly merged districts of KP in Mehergarh.
The three days training was comprised of learning sessions, group work exercises, learning visits and presentations.
Professional Trainers provided hands on experience and training of making specific items like soaps, shampo, sunblock, hair oil, conditioner and several creams.
The trainers focused on such products which can be made easily in homes and are used widely.
The participants thanked the directorate of youth affairs for providing such learning environment and meaningful initiatives.
35 participants from the merged districts attended the training with the hope that they will share the learned ideas with fellow young females in their community.
The trainers and organizers emphasized that the world is shifting to commerce and e-commerce which is the need of the day.
Moving with the trends is the only way to have a successful life. Shoaib Khan the master trainer added that KP government and the directoarte of Youth affairs are doing remarkable job to facilitate such activities to empower the youth of KP and merged districts and enable them to compete with the world.
These efforts will result in a visible change in the near future, he added.
CM Bugti condemns KP CM’s remarks against security forces
QUETTA, Nov 07 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has strongly condemned the irresponsible and provocative statement made by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) targeting security forces.
In a statement issued here, Sarfraz Bugti said that such remarks undermine national unity and serve the narrative of hostile elements.
In a firm response, CM Bugti paid tribute to the officers and personnel who have laid down their lives for the defense and peace of the country, calling them national heroes whose sacrifices are a source of pride for the entire nation.
“Negative and baseless discourse about such patriotic sons of the soil is unacceptable to any sensible Pakistani,” Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti added.
He added that the KP CM’s remarks insult not only the security institutions but also the families of thousands of martyrs who gave their lives to restore peace.
CM Bugti said that statements of this nature strengthen the agenda of hostile powers and erode public confidence. He emphasized that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces are eternal and globally recognized, especially in the fight against terrorism.
“These are the very forces that have achieved success in the war against terrorism, sacrificing their lives from Balochistan to Khyber,” CM Bugti said.
The Chief Minister called on the KP CM to immediately apologize to the nation and to the families of the martyrs for his remarks. He stressed that while political differences are natural, ridiculing security institutions is unacceptable under any circumstances.
CM Bugti concluded by reaffirming that the security forces are a symbol of national pride and stability, and that the government of Balochistan stands in full solidarity with them at every level.
LHC directs action against smoke-emitting vehicles
LAHORE, Nov 07 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the Environment Department to take immediate action against smoke-emitting vehicles.
Justice Shahid Karim passed the directions while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against ineffective measures to control smog. Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz, WASA DG Tayyab Fareed, and Assistant Advocate General Hasan Ijaz Cheema appeared before the court.
During the proceedings, the court remarked that environmental squads should be seen active on the roads rather than confined to their offices.
Expressing strong displeasure over the cutting of trees, the court ordered an immediate halt to ongoing construction work in Ghalib Market Park. The court questioned, “Why are trees being cut?” and directed the Water and Environment Commission’s member to inspect the site and submit a report.
The court also instructed the Director General of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to ensure implementation of court orders and present a compliance report at the next hearing.
At this stage, WASA DG Tayyab Fareed submitted timelines of ongoing city development projects.
The court directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to coordinate with WASA to expedite the completion of pending projects. “WASA has completed several projects; LDA should also complete its work without delay,” remarked Justice Shahid Karim. The court issued notices over LDA’s incomplete projects, granting seven days to finalize them, warning of fines in case of non-compliance.
The Environmental Commission informed the court that a 15-kanal park in Manawan had been handed over to the PHA. Justice Shahid Karim expressed regret, stating, “I personally saw trees being cut in broad daylight — it is extremely unfortunate.”
The commission further reported that encroachments had been established on 24 city parks. The court ordered the Environmental Commission to meet with the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and submit a detailed report.
Subsequently, the hearing was adjourned till November 10.
800 harassment complaints resolved: Federal Ombudsperson
KARACHI, Nov 07 (APP): The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment, Fauzia Viqar, along with the Regional Head for Sindh, Sabika Shah on Friday held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, where they shared updates on the institution’s performance and efforts to address workplace harassment cases across the country.
Fauzia Viqar stated that from January till now, the institution has received complaints from 1,300 departments of various federal institutions, out of which 800 complaints have been resolved, adding that six new offices have been established.
She emphasized that social media plays a major role today, as most cases of harassment against women are often highlighted there. “Our Karachi regional office is very active. In Sindh alone, 88 complaints were registered this year,” she said, adding that complainants can easily contact the institution through the online helpline number. However, she clarified that the ombudsperson’s office does not take suo motu action on cases that appear on social media.
Explaining the legal authority of the office, Fauzia Viqar noted that the institution has the power to reinstate women who were dismissed from their jobs after filing harassment complaints. She also highlighted that harassment complaints generally fall under two main categories gender-based and sexual harassment both of which continue to be reported frequently.
Pakistan, China friendship association gala highlights new phase of strategic cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP): The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, attended the prestigious Sangam Club 2025 Gala, celebrating the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.
The event, themed “Advancing Iron-Clad Friendship, Sharing Modernization Opportunities, Jointly Building a Brighter Future,” was graced by Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, as the Chief Guest, and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, diplomats, and business leaders.
In his address, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan highlighted China’s recent 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which has paved the way for a new phase of cooperation aligned with its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
He described this as a pivotal moment for both nations to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and shared modernization.
He outlined key areas of focus for strengthening partnership between Pakistan and China, including industrial upgrading through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with renewed emphasis on Special Economic Zones (SEZs); promoting agricultural collaboration through contract farming and enhanced market access for Pakistani products; embracing digital and green transitions by combining Pakistan’s youthful talent with China’s technological innovation; and drawing lessons from China’s poverty alleviation and governance model to strengthen Pakistan’s social development agenda.
The Coordinator noted that China’s modernization drive is not a journey it walks alone, but an open invitation to partners like Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to be an active partner in this shared path toward prosperity and sustainable development.
The gala concluded with a renewed expression of solidarity and friendship between Pakistan and China, symbolized by the Coordinator’s closing words: “Pakistan-China Dosti Zindabad!”
PAL hosts book launch ceremony of biography on legendary poet Anwar Masood
ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP): Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), under the auspices of the National Heritage and Culture Division, hosted a book launch ceremony of a biography on legendary poet Professor Anwar Masood on Friday. The event took place at the Academy’s Faiz Ahmed Faiz Auditorium.
The book, titled “Anwar Masood: Shakhsiyat aur Fun”, authored by Dr Muhammad Shoaib Khan, highlights the life and works of Professor Anwar Masood — a poet renowned for his wit, humor, and profound social insight.
The ceremony was presided over by eminent literary figure Iftikhar Arif, while Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gilani, and the legendary poet Anwar Masood himself graced the occasion as chief guests.
Distinguished writers Dr Inam-ul-Haq Javed and Muhammad Hameed Shahid were among the guests of honor.
In his address, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi said that the event was a significant literary occasion organized by PAL in honor of Anwar Masood, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated poets.
The minister and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani congratulated Anwar Masood on his 90th birthday and extended their best wishes to him.
Ammar Masood, son of the celebrated poet, also addressed the gathering, saying he was proud to be the son of a man so deeply loved by the people of Pakistan.
“I am honored to be part of this event held in recognition of my father’s contributions,” he added.
Eminent speakers, including Ammar Masood, Dr Fakhira Noreen, and Dr Shoaib Khan, also spoke on the occasion and paid glowing tributes to Professor Anwar Masood’s unmatched ability to blend humor with profound social commentary, describing him as one of Pakistan’s most cherished literary voices.
The event concluded with warm applause for Anwar Masood, whose work continues to inspire laughter, reflection, and pride in the richness of Urdu literature. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to celebrate Anwar Masood’s 90th birthday.
BFC establishment to provide one-stop services to investors: Bilal Kakar
QUETTA, Nov 07 (APP): Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment, Bilal Khan Kakar on Friday said that Balochistan, owing to its strategic geographic location, abundant natural resources, and emerging infrastructure, has the full potential to become a gateway for trade and investment in the region.
The establishment of a Business Facilitation Center (BFC) in Quetta will provide investors with all necessary services from relevant departments under one roof (one-window operation).
Bilal Kakar expressed these views while addressing a meeting of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), chaired by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh. Prominent businessmen including Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Mian Zahid Hussain, and Zubair Tufail were also present on the occasion.
The participants discussed business and investment opportunities in Balochistan, focusing in detail on the province’s potential in mining, energy, tourism, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors.
The meeting emphasized the need to transform Balochistan into an economic hub, highlighting the importance of investor facilitation, improved infrastructure, security, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships for major development projects.
Bilal Kakar noted that the Government of Balochistan is taking a historic step by establishing the Business Facilitation Center, which would provide all necessary departmental services to investors through a one-window system. This initiative, he said, would not only save time and resources but also enhance business confidence.
He further added that the government is not only providing facilities for investors but also focusing on empowering local youth through skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Dr Inayatullah Rajpar appointed Dean of SAU’s Crop Production Faculty
HYDERABAD, Nov 07 (APP): Dr Inayatullah Rajpar appointed as the Dean of the Crop Production Faculty of Sindh Agriculture University and a notification has also been issued in this regard here on Friday.
According to the University Spokesperson, the chief minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved the appointment of Professor Dr Inayatullah Rajper, a distinguished scholar from the department of soil science, as dean of the faculty of crop production at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.
His tenure will continue until September 4, 2027, and a formal notification has been issued by the department of Universities and Boards. Dr Rajper has previously served as Dean and possesses extensive experience in teaching and research.
Vice Chancellor Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal congratulated Dr Rajper on his reappointment and expressed confidence that he will further enhance the academic and research excellence of the faculty.
PNS SAIF visits Republic of Maldives
ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP): Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) SAIF visited the Port of Male as part of its ongoing overseas deployment.
Upon arrival at the port, the ship was warmly welcomed by Maldivian authorities, said a press release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy) here on Friday.
During the visit, Mission Commander Commodore Muhammad Zeshan Nabi Sheikh held meetings with the military leadership of Maldives.
He called on Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Commandant Maldives Coast Guard Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem.
He also visited the High Commission of Pakistan and met High Commissioner Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Lodhi.
During these interactions, matters of mutual interest, naval engagements, and cooperation in maritime security were discussed.
The Mission Commander also conveyed warm wishes from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, to the people of Maldives.
During the ship’s stay in Maldives, government officials, ambassadors of various countries, and members of the diplomatic community visited PNS SAIF. The ship was opened to visitors, and a large number of Pakistani community members also visited the ship.
Following the port call, PNS SAIF conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Maldives Coast Guard vessels. The exercise aimed to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen operational relations between the two navies.
Regular visits of Pakistan Navy ships to Maldives reflect the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and will further enhance interoperability between the naval forces.