Home Blog Page 308

Rupee gains 03 paisa against US Dollar

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The Rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 03 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs280.47 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs280.50.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.5 and Rs 283.25, respectively.
The price of the Euro decreased by 05 paisa to close at Rs 325.72, from the previous day’s close of Rs 325.77, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went remained unchanged and closed at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed a decrease of 38 paisa and closed at Rs 370.50 compared to the previous day’s Rs370.88.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 01 and 03 paisa to close at Rs 76.36 and Rs 74.72, respectively.

IHC introduces online grievances regressal mechanism

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has introduced online grievance redressal mechanism to facilitate the litigants and complainants.
As per the mechanism, the pleaders and public will now be able to lodge complaints through email and WhatsApp service. Special system introduced for complaints on conduct of court officers and staff.
The registrar office of IHC had issued email address and dedicated WhatsApp number in this regard. Grievance redressal details also uploaded on court website.
The IHC office said that the commitment is to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability and discipline. The System created to increase public confidence and redressal of complaints promptly.  The Islamabad High Court has requested the citizens to provide feedback in this regard.

Smog intensifies in Lahore

0
LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):Smog intensified in the provincial capital on Tuesday as the average AQI climbed to 229.
Data from IQAir showed the air quality to be “very unhealthy,” with PM2.5 levels measured at 30.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline. The most affected areas included various phases of DHA, the Civil Secretariat, Bedian Road, Allama Iqbal Town, several parts of the Cantonment, Barki Road, Johar Town, and Askari 10.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian relief to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Pakistan has sent a major humanitarian relief consignment to Sri Lanka in response to Colombo’s urgent appeal for international assistance, after Cyclone Ditwa left widespread devastation across the island nation.
On the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and with the support of the Field Marshal & Chief of Army Staff, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has arranged a sea cargo shipment carrying 200 tons of essential relief supplies.
The consignment includes tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, rescue boats, de-watering pumps, rechargeable lamps, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, infant dry milk, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), and essential medicines to address urgent needs for shelter, nutrition, health, and safety.
Humanitarian partners like Al Khidmat Foundation also contributed in relief consignment.
Due to India’s refusal to grant overflight clearance for the humanitarian mission, the dispatch was rerouted via sea, resulting in an unavoidable delay. Despite this challenge, NDMA swiftly mobilized resources to ensure the timely departure of the aid, which is now en route and expected to reach Sri Lanka within eight days.
A send-off ceremony was held in Islamabad to mark the departure of the shipment. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, Defence Attaché of Sri Lanka, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani as Chief Guest, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NDMA, Alkhidmat Foundation, and members of the media.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani commended NDMA’s rapid response and efficient mobilization of critical relief resources, stating that NDMA’s swift and coordinated action in the face of logistical challenges is a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian values and regional solidarity.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd), expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, remarkig that people of Sri Lanka are profoundly moved by Pakistan’s resolute and timely assistance during this hour of need. This gesture reflects the enduring friendship and mutual support that define our bilateral relations.
NDMA reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to supporting friendly nations in times of crisis, emphasizing that the Authority remains fully dedicated to mitigating the impacts of disasters both domestically and internationally.
Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support to Sri Lanka as it undertakes recovery and rehabilitation efforts, reflecting the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood, compassion, and solidarity between the two nations.

Bilawal Bhutto to inaugurate 35th National Games on Dec 6

0
KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP): The 35th National Games in Karachi will be inaugurated on December 6 by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, announced Sindh’s Minister for Sports, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar.
A high-level committee of the Sindh government held an important meeting regarding preparations for the 35th National Games 2025, chaired by Sindh’s Minister for Sports Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar and Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
Before the meeting, the provincial ministers for sports and culture visited the National Stadium and the KMC Karachi Swimming Pool to inspect preparations for the opening ceremony on site.
The meeting was attended by Sports Secretary Munawar Ali Mahesar, Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, DGs Muiz Ahmed Pirzada and Habibullah Memon, along with senior officials from the Transport Department, DIG Traffic, DC East, and other departments.
The meeting reviewed in detail the arrangements for the opening ceremony, events, and security of the National Games.
Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar stated that the 35th National Games will be held in Karachi from December 6 to 13, 2025, and a briefing was also given on the parking plan for participants of the opening ceremony.
Education Secretary Zahid Hussain Abbasi informed that over 10,000 students from public and private schools and colleges will participate in the National Games. Focal persons have been appointed at town and district levels to bring students to the opening ceremony.
According to the Transport department, pink buses will operate for female athletes from December 6 to 13.
DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah briefed that traffic police focal persons will accompany athletes and guests arriving from other provinces, while traffic police will also be deployed from Karachi athletes’ residences to the venues.
The Sports Minister announced that online registration for families wishing to attend the opening ceremony on December 6 has begun. He emphasized that security will be extremely strict and all institutions must fully cooperate.
Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar added that the Sindh government and the Sindh Olympic Association have finalized preparations for the Games.
He stated that the opening ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM at the National Stadium, while the arrival of athletes and officials will be completed before 12 noon.
Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah assured that the Culture Department will provide full support for the National Games events.
The ministers directed that a special campaign be intensified on social media, print, and electronic media regarding the preparations and activities of the Games.

Dr Tariq Fazal grieves over loss of life, destruction in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction in Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka caused by devastating floods.
“Heartbreaking scenes are emerging from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, where devastating floods have caused immense destruction and tragic loss of life,” the minister wrote on his social media platform X.
“In this difficult hour, we stand in full solidarity with the resilient people of these nations and their leadership, who are working tirelessly to protect lives and restore normalcy,” it further said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to all families who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. May the injured recover swiftly, and may those affected find strength and support to rebuild their lives,” the minister said.
Natural disasters remind us of our shared humanity today; our thoughts and prayers are with Southeast Asia.

Govt supports promoting cricket in cities across Sindh: Senior Minister

0
KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP): Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said the government supports promoting cricket in cities across the province, including Hyderabad.
He said the government has already written several letters to the Pakistan Cricket Board and made its position clear on hosting matches at Niaz Stadium, said a statement on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Sindh Assembly, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said Hyderabad Stadium has its own identity and has hosted matches in the past.
He said every district should have quality stadiums so young players can get opportunities and new talent can develop. Referring to the completion of the new stadium in Sukkur, he said the government wants regular matches to be held there as well.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka via sea cargo to support relief efforts following the devastating cyclone Ditwah.

A send off ceremony was held in Islamabad, attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne.

Senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) were also present in the ceremony. “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement.

IHC suspends order to register case against VC Health Service Academy

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday suspended an order for registration of a case against Vice Chancellor of Health Service Academy Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan in a matter of marriage with a female doctor.
The Islamabad High Court has suspended the decision of the Sessions Court to register a case on the petition of the Vice Chancellor and served notices to respondents.
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri heard the case and sought response from the respondents. It may be mentioned here that the Islamabad Sessions Court has ordered to register a case against the Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy, which was challenged before the IHC.
It is alleged that a female doctor was kept in a long-term relationship through fake marriage and deception.

IGP Rizvi chairs high-level meeting on law & order, crime prevention

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Central Police Office to review the prevailing law-and-order situation, crime prevention measures, and ongoing police operations in the federal capital.
The meeting was attended by DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DG Safe City Muhammad Haroon Joiya, DIG Security Muhammad Atiq Tahir, DIG Headquarters Malik Jameel Zafar, as well as AIGs, SSPs and other senior police officers.
An official told APP that the IGP conducted a detailed assessment of the current crime rate, ongoing intelligence-based operations, and the implementation of technology-driven reforms within the Islamabad Capital Territory Police.
While receiving briefings on Safe City smart integration, new tech initiatives and development projects, he stated that Islamabad Police are enhancing the use of modern technology to deliver fast, transparent and smart services to citizens. He directed all officers to further strengthen these initiatives and align them with public needs.
IGP Rizvi ordered a comprehensive crackdown on illegal weapons, drug dealers, motorcycle lifters, suspects involved in residential and commercial thefts, and organized criminal groups. He emphasized intensifying intelligence-based measures to ensure crime prevention at the earliest stage.
He instructed all divisional officers to enhance targeted search operations, checkpoints and daily patrolling to maintain a safe and secure environment for the public.
Furthermore, the IGP reviewed matters related to police welfare and stressed that the well-being of police officials — including housing, duty schedules, medical facilities and essential amenities — must be prioritized. He noted that effective service delivery is only possible when personnel work with satisfaction and proper facilities, and directed that ongoing welfare programmes be further improved.
The IGP also directed the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad to ensure strict implementation of the modern traffic management system, camera integration, field staff training and deployment of additional officials at busy locations in view of increasing traffic pressure in the capital.
He issued strict instructions for effective enforcement of traffic laws, accident prevention and action against overspeeding and major traffic violations.
IGP Rizvi reaffirmed that Islamabad Police is committed to eliminating crime, strengthening community-friendly policing, and enhancing public trust.
He directed all officers to adopt courteous behaviour with citizens, resolve their issues promptly and ensure continuous improvement in policing standards.