Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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SDPI expresses deep sorrow over Dr Shamshad’s death

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) has expressed profound sorrow over the sudden death of renowned economist and former governor of State Bank Dr Shamshad Akhtar and termed her demise an irreparable loss for the country and the international development community.
Ambassador (R)Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairman of SDPI Board of Governors, and Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, SDPI Executive Director SDPI, in a condolence message here on Sunday, said that Dr Shamshad Akhtar was an exceptional public servant, a respected global professional, and a source of inspiration for policymakers, economists, and development practitioners.
Dr Suleri said that Dr Shamshad Akhtar served Pakistan and the international community with distinction in several key roles, including caretaker federal minister for finance, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and most recently as Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange. “She was not only a towering professional figure but also a mentor, guide, and elder sister to many of us. Her wisdom, humility, and quiet encouragement left a lasting imprint on SDPI and the wider policy community,” he added.
Ambassador Kakakhel noted that Dr Shamshad Akhtar remained actively engaged in intellectual and policy discourse till her last days. “Only recently, on December 23–24, she participated in SDPI’s Data for Development Symposium, where she generously shared her insights and guidance. She had also graciously agreed to serve SDPI as Senior Advisor Emeritus, reflecting her continued commitment to evidence-based policy making and institutional strengthening,” he concluded.
Both Dr Suleri and Ambassador Kakakhel emphasized that Dr Shamshad Akhtar’s lifelong dedication to integrity, professionalism, and public service would continue to guide and inspire those she mentored and supported. They extended heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and admirers across Pakistan and around the world.
“Her passing is deeply mourned, but her values, vision, and contributions will live on,” the statement concluded. “May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

IESCO posts landmark performance in 2025 through reforms, digitalisation: Engineer Ch Khalid

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) recorded an outstanding performance across all sectors during 2025 by effectively implementing the reform agenda and digitalisation drive of the federal government and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Chief Executive Officer Engineer Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood said on Sunday.
He said to provide quality, timely online and digital services to valued consumers, IESCO ensured region-wide rollout of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” mobile application and the advanced 118 call line services following their inauguration by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Energy, said a press release.
Ch Khalid Mahmood stated that special emphasis was placed on the use of modern technology and digitalization to ensure transparency and timely services in customer services, operations, construction, grid services, and other departments.
Elaborating further, he said that during the ongoing anti-electricity theft campaign, fines exceeding PKR 5.5 billion were imposed on electricity thieves, while outstanding dues amounting to more than PKR 6.99 billion were recovered from defaulters. A total of 3,185 electricity thieves were arrested by the police. To safeguard human lives from electrical accidents, IESCO spent a substantial amount of PKR 2.16 billion from its own budget and secured more than 10,000 hazardous electrical points. Furthermore, state-of-the-art customer facilitation centers were established, providing solutions to all electricity related issues under one roof. Installation of internationally advanced AMI meters has been completed by over 90% in Rawalpindi circles, which is a revolutionary initiative of the Government of Pakistan in the power sector. To further enhance the professional skills of officers and staff, various training sessions were conducted, and the best tools, equipment, and protective gear (T&P) were provided to line staff to ensure their safety.
Engineer Ch Khalid Mahmood reaffirmed the commitment to continue this momentum of excellent performance during the year 2026, so that IESCO maintains its distinctive position in terms of results within Pakistan’s power sector. He also paid rich tribute to the dedicated efforts of IESCO officers and staff

Punjab Police finalizes security plan for new year night

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Dec 28 (APP): The Punjab Police have finalised a comprehensive security plan to ensure law and order on New Year night across Lahore and the province.
According to a spokesperson, a total of 419 Inspectors, 1,267 sub-inspectors, 2,189 assistant sub-Inspectors, 1,408 head constables, and 16,977 constables and other personnel will be deployed across the province. In Lahore alone, more than 5,000 officers will perform security duties. All activities will be monitored through CCTV cameras and the Safe City system.
IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has ordered high alert measures to prevent one-wheeling, aerial firing, display of weapons, and hooliganism. Strict action will be taken against individuals harassing women and citizens, who will be sent to lockups.
The IGP directed the police to ensure coordinated traffic arrangements, with the Dolphin Squad, PRU, Elite Force, and PHP teams intensifying patrolling on roads and highways. He also instructed regular search and sweep operations and the obtaining of surety bonds from previously identified one-wheelers and offenders involved in aerial firing last year.
Dr. Usman Anwar emphasized that CCPO Lahore, RPOs, and DPOs should personally supervise all arrangements, while the CTO Lahore and district traffic officers deploy additional personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The IG Punjab appealed to citizens to report any elements involved in one-wheeling, weapon display, or aerial firing by calling 15.

FIA arrest three visa fraudsters, human traffickers

By
Asif Jalal
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 28 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Faisalabad zone arrested three people allegedly involved in visa fraud and human trafficking.
According to official sources here on Sunday, the accused were identified as Suhail, Muhammad Ahsan and Muhammad Ramzan. They were arrested from Faisalabad and Sargodha districts.
Accused Suhail received Rs 2 million from a man on the promise of sending him to Spain, while other accused Muhammad Ahsan and Muhammad Ramzan received Rs 1.2 million from a man “to send him to Qatar”.

Punjab Police Khidmat Marakaz served over 3.8m citizens in 2025

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 28 (APP): The Punjab Police released the annual performance report of its Khidmat Marakaz for 2025, highlighting that over 3.844 million citizens across the province benefited from modern and digital police services.
In 2025, more than 1.668 million citizens underwent general police verification, while 911,280 were issued police character certificates. Over 472,000 citizens availed tenancy registration services, and 167,194 medico-legal certificates were issued. Additionally, over 139,000 individuals received legal and social assistance to protect vulnerable groups.
The report stated that 46,646 citizens had their vehicles verified, more than 100,000 lost documents were reported, and 4,764 crime reports were registered. 214,688 copies of FIRs were issued, while 85 cases of violence against women were recorded. Furthermore, over 117,000 citizens registered as employees (ROPE), and 3,572 underwent police verification for private employment purposes.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said the Khidmat Marakaz are a flagship public service project, providing 24/7 transparent, efficient services, and noted that millions of citizens benefit monthly. He added that services are continuously upgraded based on public feedback to further enhance accessibility and efficiency.

PFA discards 5,500-litre adulterated milk, 640-kg diseased chickens

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 28 (APP): An enforcement team of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted an early morning operation across Lahore, discarding 5,500 litres of adulterated milk and 640 kilograms of diseased and underweight chickens, while imposing fines totaling Rs. 250,000.
The operation was carried out under the direct supervision of PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid.
PFA food safety teams inspected 90,000 litres of milk and 75,000 kilograms of meat supplied from the Gajjumata, Thokar, and Adda Plot areas. Adulterated milk containing powders and chemicals was immediately discarded, and chickens suffering from flu, low weight, and other diseases were removed from the market following a detailed examination by a veterinary specialist, who declared them unfit for human consumption.
The DG said that heavy fines were imposed and all substandard products were discarded immediately. He said that modern standard operating procedures (SOPs), aligned with international standards, have been implemented to ensure the quality of milk and meat.
He further stressed that food business employees must use aprons, head covers, masks, and gloves during work and noted that PFA teams are inspecting all food items in three shifts daily.
DG PFA stressed that there would be zero tolerance and no compromise on the quality of milk, meat, ghee, and water. He added that all milk and meat entering Lahore are being checked daily at markets and city entry points.
He urged the public to support PFA efforts against the adulteration mafia and report violations through the PFA helpline 1223.

Rawalpindi to get Iconic Monuments at Key Interchanges and Roads, says DG RDA Kinza Murtaza

By
Asif Jalal
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 28 (APP): The Director General, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Kinza Murtaza, visited the Mumtaz City Interchange near the New Islamabad International Airport and the Check Post at Peshawar Mor, Rawalpindi. During the visit, she conducted a detailed review of the ongoing development projects in the city.
On the occasion, the DG RDA emphasized the importance of beautifying Rawalpindi City. The city is set to receive iconic monuments at key interchanges and major roads. She directed the Engineering Directorate of RDA to construct high quality, visually appealing, and landmark monuments at Mumtaz City Interchange, Top City Interchange, Chour Chowk Rawalpindi, and Old Airport Road, aiming to enhance the prominence and attractiveness of the city’s main entry and exit points.
The DG RDA stated that these projects aim to enhance the beauty and aesthetics of the city and to highlight Rawalpindi as a modern, beautiful, and developed city. She directed the concerned officers to ensure that the work is completed within the prescribed standards and timeframe.
She further emphasized that the convenience and safety of citizens remain a top priority and that these development initiatives will strengthen the city’s infrastructure while improving the quality of life for residents.
The DG RDA assured that the RDA team would continuously monitor and maintain quality control to ensure timely completion of the projects and visible benefits for the citizens.

RWMC ensures Citywide cleanliness on Public Holiday under Suthra Punjab Programme

By
Asif Jalal
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 28 (APP): On the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, workers of the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) remained actively engaged in maintaining exemplary cleanliness across the city on Sunday, despite the public holiday, under the Suthra Punjab Programme.
RWMC field staff performed their duties with dedication and commitment, continuing efforts to achieve the mission of making Rawalpindi a zero-waste city. Cleaning operations were carried out in all major markets, main roads, residential areas and commercial zones, where manual sweeping, waste lifting, door-to-door waste collection and washing sweeping activities remained ongoing throughout the day.
Special teams began cleanliness operations early in the morning, collecting garbage from streets, neighbourhoods, footpaths and roads. Mechanical washing and sweeping were also conducted on key arteries to ensure a clean, transparent and pleasant urban environment.
The door-to-door waste collection system remained fully functional, with garbage collected directly from homes and shops and transported to designated transfer stations. Waste lifting teams ensured timely clearance of containers and dumping points to prevent the accumulation of garbage at any location.
CEO RWMC Rana Sajid Safdar, while reviewing field operations, said that in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, making Rawalpindi a clean and zero-waste city is the company’s top priority. He appreciated the efforts of RWMC workers who continued to perform their duties with the same zeal on a public holiday as on regular working days.
“Our workers are committed to public service at all times, whether it is a holiday or a routine day. Providing a clean environment to citizens is our responsibility, and we will ensure the success of this mission at all costs,” he said.
Rana Sajid Safdar also appealed to citizens to cooperate with sanitation staff by disposing of waste at designated places and times, and by playing their role in making the Suthra Punjab Programme a success.
RWMC reaffirmed its commitment to further improving cleanliness, drainage and waste management systems across the city, ensuring a healthy and clean environment for the people of Rawalpindi.

MCF completes patchwork, street lights on 14 roads

By
Asif Jalal
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 28 (APP): The district administration is utilizing all available resources to provide 100 per cent municipal services to people.
According to official sources here Sunday, Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar assigned the target to the officers for monitoring the completion of 100 per cent street lights, painting of walls, patchwork and lane marking work on 40 roads of the city on an urgent basis.
The municipal corporation completed the patchwork, street lights and painting work on 14 roads in the first phase, while work on 40 roads is ongoing at a rapid pace, which will be completed on priority basis.
The remaining 16 roads will be repaired in the next phase by January 15.

Chairman CDA reviews Shaheen Chowk Underpass project

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, paid a visit to the Shaheen Chowk Underpass project and reviewed the ongoing construction work, inspecting various sections of the site.
Officials briefed the chairman that the project has entered its final stages ahead of schedule, with over 95 per cent of development work completed.
They informed him that the structural work has been finalized, while finishing works are progressing at a fast pace.
Chairman CDA reviews Shaheen Chowk Underpass project
The briefing further highlighted that landscaping and horticulture work is being carried out around the project to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
In addition, permanent decorative lighting is being installed to further improve the outlook of the underpass.
Chairman CDA reviews Shaheen Chowk Underpass project
Expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of work, Randhawa said that high construction standards had been ensured alongside timely completion.
He directed the concerned departments to expedite all remaining beautification works and complete them before the inauguration.
The CDA chairman said the Shaheen Chowk Underpass would provide signal-free movement for students of nearby educational institutions as well as daily commuters, resulting in significant savings of time and fuel.
He added that the project would help reduce traffic congestion in the federal capital and improve overall travel facilities.
“Providing modern infrastructure and the best possible travel facilities to the citizens of Islamabad remains one of our top priorities,” he said.
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