KARACHI
KARACHI
People stand in front of oil tankers burned at the Keamari Oil Terminal
KARACHI
KARACHI
Court orders university to vacate residential quarters from retired staff
HYDERABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The Sindh High Court has ordered the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, to vacate all its residential bungalows and quarters occupied by retired professors, doctors, officers and lower staff.
The Hyderabad Circuit Bench on Tuesday issued the order in a petition filed by Gulshan Ara. During the hearing the counsel of LUMHS advocate Bhagwandas Bheel submitted the list of the varsity’s quarters and briefed the court about the allotment mechanism.
The petitioner contended that a number of retired administrative officers, professors and other staff were still living in the university’s quarters even though the law stipulated them to vacate those places.
The SHC directed LUMHS to bring an end to illegal occupation of its quarters and submit a compliance report in the court at the next date of hearing.
Minorities minister highlights religious harmony at Christmas event
RAWALPINDI, Dec 16 (APP): Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora on Tuesday evening attended a Christmas celebration as chief guest at a local hotel, where he extended greetings to the Christian community and highlighted the message of peace, love and brotherhood associated with Christmas.
The provincial minister cut a Christmas cake and congratulated the community, saying Pakistan was home to followers of different religions who enjoyed complete religious freedom.
He said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had repeatedly stated, including on the floor of the provincial assembly, that minorities were a source of pride for her, adding that she was taking practical steps for their welfare and regularly participated in minority religious festivals.
Sardar Arora said the chief minister would attend a Christmas ceremony at the Church of Pakistan in Lahore on December 22. He added that Christmas celebrations had formally begun across the province from December 14.
Referring to related activities, he said a rally was organised from Cathedral Church, Regal Chowk to Liberty Chowk, Lahore, as a demonstration of interfaith harmony.
The minister said places of worship, including gurdwaras and temples that had remained closed since independence, had not only been reopened but were also being renovated.
He stressed that projecting Pakistan’s positive image was a shared national responsibility and called for collective efforts to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Punjab focuses on agri reforms, farmer support: Marriyum Aurangzeb
MULTAN, Dec 16 (APP):Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday said that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Agricultural Graduates Internship Programme had become a practical guarantee of dignified employment for educated youth after graduation.
She emphasized that agricultural reforms, promotion of modern technology and farmer welfare remained the top priorities of the Punjab government.
She was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the Agricultural Graduates Internship Programme at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agriculture University Multan, along with Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani where she distributed appointment letters among agricultural graduates.
Congratulating the selected graduates on behalf of the Chief Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that through a merit-based and transparent system, young professionals were being provided an opportunity to work in the public sector with dignity on a monthly stipend of Rs 60,000. She said that in the second phase, 2,000 more agricultural graduates were being inducted, bringing the total number of interns to 3,000 across two phases.
She further stated that the Punjab government had allocated Rs 66 billion for agricultural reforms, while the Rs 250 billion Kissan Card Programme was being implemented successfully. She added that the Punjab was the only province where wheat was being cultivated on more than 16.5 million acres. Through this initiative, agricultural graduates would facilitate services for over one million farmers across the province.
Highlighting the performance of agricultural interns, the Senior Provincial Minister said they played an exemplary role during floods and other emergencies, as well as in the recovery process of the Kissan Card Programme, which had now reached a recovery rate of 90 percent. She said the Chief Minister had launched the revolutionary Green Tractor Scheme, adding that 5,000 super seeders were already operational across Punjab, with plans to increase the number to 10,000 in the next phase. As a result of these measures, the burning of crop residues had been reduced by 55 percent, significantly contributing to smog control. She also noted that for the first time, 5,500 acres of land in the Potohar region were being brought under cultivation.
Aurangzeb also highlighted other welfare initiatives of the Punjab government, including the Suthra Punjab Programme for cleanliness in streets and neighborhoods, internship opportunities for 50,000 students in various sectors, and 1,100 field hospitals that had provided medical facilities to millions of citizens. She said free electric bus services were being operated for students and senior citizens, while under the “Apna Chhat Apna Ghar” scheme, housing had been provided to 120,000 citizens. She added that the use of modern AI technology had led to a significant reduction in smog across the province.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the launch of the second phase of the internship programme in Multan reflected the government’s confidence in the capabilities of young agricultural graduates. He said that in the first phase, 1,000 graduates were deployed in the field and delivered outstanding performance, which paved the way for the expansion of the programme.
He added that by equipping educated youth with modern training, the government was ensuring real progress in the agricultural sector. Joint efforts of the Agriculture Department and agricultural interns had made record wheat cultivation possible. Provision of quality seeds, irrigation water and other facilities, he said, remained a top priority for farmers. He also highlighted the launch of the Agriculture Mall initiative, through which farmers were being provided affordable agricultural inputs and equipment.
Rangers, Customs seize smuggled goods in joint operation
KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP):Pakistan Rangers Sindh, in coordination with Pakistan Customs, recovered a large quantity of smuggled and non-duty-paid goods during a joint operation conducted on the basis of intelligence information in different parts of the city.
According to a Rangers spokesperson on Tuesday, the operation was carried out in the areas of Bus Terminal Yousuf Goth and 100 Feet Road near Hub River Road.
The seized items included dry milk, Iranian toffees and chocolates, cloth, tile strips, Chinese salt, tyres, dairy milk cream, crockery, and other assorted food items. The goods had been concealed in warehouses.
The recovered consignments were shifted in 10 trucks and handed over to Customs authorities for further legal proceedings.
The spokesperson said Pakistan Rangers Sindh will continue operations against smuggling until its complete eradication.
Leghari condemns Dr Nusrat’s public humiliation by Bihar’s Chief Minister
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari on Tuesday strongly condemned the public humiliation of Indian Muslim woman Dr. Nusrat Parveen by Bihar’s Chief Minister and forcibly removing a woman’s niqab.
In his message of solidarity with Muslim woman, the Minister termed this coward act of Indian Chief Minister a violation of woman spirit, dignity, and religious freedom.
He highlighted that this act is not an isolated lapse but it reflects a disturbing pattern where the rights of Muslim women in India are disregarded with impunity by those in power, adding that the laughter from officials on stage compounds this injustice.
“We stand in solidarity with Dr. Parveen and the Chief Minister must issue an unconditional apology on this act,” Leghari stated and urged the Indian authorities must investigate and ensure such violations of religious freedom never recur in future.
He emphasized that the international community must take notice when fundamental rights are publicly stripped away which a concern for all.
18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 “Jashan-e-Pakistan to begin from December 25
KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP): President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah has announced in a press conference that the four-day Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 – Jashan-e-Pakistan will commence on December 25 (Thursday) and will continue until December 28 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.
He said that literary legends such as Fatima Surayya Bajia, Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, and Intizar Hussain always extended their guidance and support.
He recalled that the International Urdu Conference was launched 18 years ago during a period of severe ethnic violence, and that dialogue through literature helped carry the message of peace forward.
He further stated that alongside Urdu, Pakistan’s regional languages are also included in the conference. Writers and poets from Pakistan and around the world will participate. This year, the conference will celebrate Pakistani literature from 1947 to the present, with sessions on major poets, novelists, and short story writers, including special sessions in remembrance of departed literary figures, with the participation of women writers as well.
Topics such as “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Literature” climate change will be discussed. Two international mushairas will be held, while Ayaz Fareed and Abu Muhammad Qawwal will also perform.
Renowned poetess Zehra Nigah, eminent educationist and intellectual Prof. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi, and Joint Secretary Noor-ul-Huda Shah also present at the press conference.
Zehra Nigah, in her address, said that literature and language are the strongest pillars for elevating ethics in society. She stated that all languages spoken in Pakistan are national assets, and Urdu serves as a link language. She said that every form of literature in Pakistan, Sindhi, Punjabi, Siraiki, Balochi, or Pashto, deserves equal respect. She added that the Urdu Conference serves as a bridge between languages and will continue to keep Karachi’s name shining in the promotion of knowledge and literature.
Prof. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui described the conference as a memorable and historic initiative, stating that it has gained global recognition in countries such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He appreciated the Arts Council’s focus on engaging youth, noting that such literary activities play a crucial role in their intellectual and moral development.
President strongly condemns attack on polio team in Bajaur
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari, Tuesday, strongly condemned the attack on a polio vaccination team in the Tangi area of Bajaur district.
The president expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of a constable deputed to protect the polio team and a civilian, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
He said the nation saluted the sacrifice of Constable Sajjad Ahmed and such sacrifices of shuhada would not go in vain.
The president further observed that attacks on the national campaign to eradicate a deadly disease like polio were crimes against humanity, adding the national resolve to complete eradication of polio would not be allowed to weaken under any circumstances.
He reiterated that the polio vaccination drive would continue uninterrupted.
NA body expresses concern on complaints about quality of internet services
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The 18th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunication chaired by Chairman, MNA Syed Amin ul Haq on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and observed that the complaints were raising regarding quality of internet services in every meeting.
During the meeting, the committee expressed concern that no significant improvement has been witnessed in the quality of internet services so far.
The committee noted that PTA presents the services as satisfactory in official documents, whereas the ground realities are entirely different. The general public faces severe difficulties in accessing internet services and in many areas, the availability of internet services is almost non-existent.
It expressed serious concern over this situation and directed that immediate and effective measures be taken to improve the quality of internet services. The committee further stated that PTA had earlier been directed to appoint a focal person for each member to address their complaints in a timely manner. However, it was acknowledged that appointing such a large number of staff are not feasible.
In view of this, the committee directed that one officer from each of the twelve zonal offices of PTA be nominated, who shall remain in constant coordination with all members and ensure prompt and effective resolution of their issues.
The committee further directed that the forthcoming 5G spectrum auction process be conducted in a completely fair, free, and transparent manner, ensuring full compliance with all legal and regulatory (codal) formalities.
The committee recalled that it had previously directed that the 5G spectrum auction be held in Pakistani Rupees and that the spectrum prices should not be set unnecessarily high. Furthermore, It was directed that any discount or concession granted to telecom operators during the spectrum auction should be strictly linked to the utilization of such benefits for network and infrastructure improvement.
The committee expressed further concern that the agenda item related to SCO has been taken up in its meeting for the third time; however, the Head of SCO, i.e., the Director General, has not appeared before the committee so far. In view of this, the committee urged that the Director General, SCO, shall appear in person before it in the next meeting to provide a direct briefing to the members. Accordingly, the committee deferred the said agenda item to the next meeting.
The committee appreciated the efforts of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) and termed its performance commendable, stating that NITB is doing excellent work and that its projects are in the broader national interest. The committee emphasized that NITB should continue its work with the same commitment and consistency.
Furthermore, the committee directed that all matters of this NA body processed and approved through the e-Office system and that the committee be made completely paperless.
In this regard, it was directed that all briefings and agenda items be made available to the members on the tablets already provided to them prior to the upcoming meetings, so that the meetings of the Standing Committee on IT may be conducted in a fully paperless manner.
Thereafter, the committee deliberated upon The Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025, which was moved by Ms. Shahida Rehmani, MNA. During the discussion, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented its observations, stating that legislation of a similar nature already exists; therefore, there is no need for a separate law, as it would result in overlapping of legal provisions.
NCCIA further clarified that all such matters relating to digital media are already covered under the PECA Act. In view of these observations, the member, while acknowledging and understanding the directions of NCCIA, withdrew her Bill.
Furthermore, the committee directed the members to consult with NCCIA and examine whether any shortcomings or additional provisions are required in the existing law, and if so, the same may be incorporated into the PECA Act and the existing cybercrime legal framework, so as to avoid the creation of a new authority and to effectively address the issue of overlapping legislation.
Indian media propaganda linking Bondi Beach incident to Pakistan flops
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Indian media propaganda against Pakistan has once again failed, as India’s own news outlet ‘The Print’ brought verified facts about the Bondi Beach incident in Australia.
According to The Print, Sajid Akram—the individual involved in the incident—moved to Australia in 1998 from India. The report confirmed that he belonged to Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state and was of Indian origin. It further revealed that his son, Naveed Akram, is an Australian citizen by birth.
The report further said that Australian authorities sought information about Sajid Akram from India and that at no stage was any link to Pakistan mentioned.
Meanwhile, several Indian and Israeli media organizations began blaming Pakistan without verification immediately after the name surfaced, running a coordinated campaign contrary to established facts.
The report also exposed attempts to defame Pakistan through fake social media accounts, aimed at portraying the incident as a false-flag operation linked to Pakistan.
The Bondi Beach incident has once again exposed the false narrative of the Indian media, as the allegations against Pakistan collapsed on the basis of facts reported by Indian media itself.