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Mohsin Naqvi visits FC headquarters, lauds personnel for thwarting Peshawar suicide attack

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar on Friday, paying tribute to the personnel who foiled a suicide attack earlier in the day.
Naqvi laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered Fateha in honour of the three FC personnel who lost their lives in the operation. He also inspected the attack site and met officers and personnel involved in the swift response.
Chairing an important meeting at the headquarters, the Interior Minister received a detailed briefing on the foiled assault, attributed to extremist elements. He commended the courage and professionalism of the FC personnel for neutralising all three suicide bombers within minutes.
“I salute the sacrifice of the three personnel who embraced martyrdom,” Naqvi said. “Their bravery thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious designs. The martyrs’ families will be cared for like our own. Their sacrifice will not go in vain.”
He added that the personnel had “set an eternal example of valour” by repelling the attackers and praised the force for confronting what he described as “India-sponsored terrorists” with exceptional resolve.
Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed, FC Commandant Nazir Gaara, and other senior officials were present during the visit.

Court indicts leader of banned religious party in provocative speech case

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LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday indicted Pir Zaheer-ul-Hassan Shah, the deputy chief of a banned religious party, in a case involving an alleged provocative speech against a senior judicial figure.
Pir Zaheer was brought from jail and presented before the court, where Judge Arshad Javed formally framed charges against him. The accused pleaded not guilty and contended to contest the charges.
At this, the court summoned witnesses to record their statements and adjourned further proceedings until December 2.
The case was registered at Qila Gujjar Singh Police Station in 2024, accusing Zaheer Shah of delivering a provocative speech near Lahore Press Club against a senior judicial personality of that time
The prosecution has already submitted the challan in the case.

Effective legislation, awareness, institutional mechanisms essential for eliminating gender-based violence: Fauzia

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QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment, Fauzia Waqar on Friday said that effective legislation, awareness, and institutional mechanisms are essential for eliminating gender-based violence and safeguarding women’s inheritance rights.
She emphasized that harassment is not confined to women alone; it affects all genders and must be addressed through joint efforts.
She expressed these views while speaking to the media at the Regional Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment in Quetta, during activities held under the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Fauzia Waqar said that various activities are being organized as part of the global campaign against gender-based violence.
The Federal Ombudsperson’s office is actively working to eliminate workplace harassment and gender-based violence.
She added that competence is linked to ability and work, not gender, and Pakistan is home to countless talented women.
The Government of Pakistan is taking harassment issues very seriously.
She further stated that the Federal Ombudsperson’s office ensures implementation of relevant laws within federal institutions. The second mandate of the institution includes addressing complaints related to inheritance and property matters in Islamabad.
She noted that the Balochistan High Court is playing an active role in safeguarding women’s inheritance rights; however, the province lacks special legislation on inheritance, and subordinate courts are burdened with a high number of related cases.
Fauzia Waqar highlighted a recent decision in which the Federal Ombudsperson ensured a woman’s right to inheritance after 31 years—an important milestone in protecting women’s rights.
She added that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) would be engaged to integrate topics related to women’s rights, inheritance laws, and human rights into the academic curriculum.
She also urged the Balochistan government to introduce similar reforms at the provincial level to include these essential subjects in the curriculum.

Pakistan hosts international conference on combating migrant smuggling

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating irregular migration as it hosted a major international conference on combating migrant smuggling in Islamabad on Friday.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), brought together representatives from 30 countries — a development hailed by officials as a “significant diplomatic achievement.”
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, addressing delegates, emphasized that Pakistan “stands firmly with the international community in ending illegal migration.” He noted that migrant smuggling is a “global challenge” that requires a coordinated strategy and robust information-sharing mechanisms among nations.
Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to promoting safe and legal migration across the region. He stressed that breaking human-smuggling networks is impossible without strong international cooperation, adding that broad participation in the conference reflects growing global resolve.
International partners praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling, assuring continued support for its initiatives. The conference also featured discussions on effective counter-smuggling measures and the exchange of best practices.
Ahead of the conference, Chaudhry met Dr. Oliver Stolpe, the UNODC’s Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, to discuss ongoing collaboration and future strategies for tackling transnational organised crime, including human smuggling.

German firm to invest $50 mln in energy, oil refinery project in Hub: Balochistan CM

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QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, announced that the province is one of the most suitable regions for investment, describing it as a land rich with opportunities.
He urged both domestic and international companies to prioritize hiring skilled local manpower in their projects to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting in Quetta with a delegation from the AOCH Group of Companies to discuss new investment prospects in Balochistan.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) and the AOCH group of companies.
Under the agreement, German firm AOCH GmbH will establish an energy and oil refinery infrastructure project in Hub, with an estimated investment of USD 50 million.
The MoU was signed by Bilal Khan Kakar, Vice Chairman BBoIT, and Andreas Embrewein, Chairman AOCH GmbH.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Bugti reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment for investors. He highlighted vast opportunities in fisheries, tourism, mining and energy.
He noted that these sectors offer lucrative prospects for both national and foreign investors.
The Chief Minister stressed that prioritizing local skilled manpower would support economic growth, create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the province’s development infrastructure.

Minister for Quranic education to counter intolerance

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Friday underscored the importance of imparting Quranic education to the younger generation, asserting that intolerance can be eliminated from society by spreading the true message of the Holy Quran.
He expressed these views at a dinner hosted by Senator Talha Mehmood in honour of Qura (reciters) participating in the International Qirat Competition.
Sardar Muhammad Yousuf served as the chief guest at the event.
The minister said the participation of nearly 40 countries in the competition was a significant achievement and a source of pride for Pakistan.
“Organizing this event in the current circumstances is a gift and blessing from Allah,” he remarked.
Sardar Yousuf added that the event was held under the special patronage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He further stated that Pakistan’s past victory against India in war was achieved through the blessings of the Quran.
Commending the Religious Affairs Ministry for arranging the International Qirat Competition, the minister noted that the coordination and commitment of all concerned authorities were commendable.
He also praised the efforts of the competition’s chief coordinator, Qari Sadaqar, saying his contributions were highly valuable.
He emphasized that organizing such events at the national level helps foster a positive environment within society.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Talha Mehmood said his entire family is religious, a fact he takes pride in.
The senator highlighted the need to spread the Quran’s true message, saying that the path to every success is derived from it.
Professor Sajjad Qamar also called for promoting the teaching of Qirat and ensuring proper supervision of the discipline.
He emphasized to teach Arabic language at national level.

Protection of life and property top priority: Khawaja Salman

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LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that protection of life and property of the people is the top priority of the state.
Presiding over the 44th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held in the Punjab Home Department on Friday, he said the law and order situation across the province is satisfactory. As per the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, law enforcement agencies are working round the clock to maintain peace, he added.
Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi and representatives of law enforcement agencies briefed the meeting. Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi informed that all available resources are being utilized to ensure law and order throughout the province.
A detailed review of the law and order situation across Punjab was conducted during the meeting. Director General Price Control also presented the performance report of the department.
The meeting approved the appointment of 97 Special Price Control Magistrates in Lodhran, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Okara and other districts. Funds were approved for expenses to be incurred by Punjab Police, DC Lahore, DC Rawalpindi and DC Faisalabad during cricket matches.
The committee directed that combing operations and the use of Hotel Eye software be ensured across the province to maintain law and order.
Additional IG Special Branch, DIG CTD and concerned additional secretaries from the Home Department attended the meeting in person, while Commissioners, RPOs, Deputy Commissioners and DPOs from across Punjab participated through video link and gave detailed briefings.

OIC assistant secretary general arrives on one-day official visit

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Assistant Secretary General and Ambassador of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Tariq Ali Bakhit, on Friday arrived in Pakistan on a one-day official visit.
He was received by Head of the Ministry’s Department of Da’wah and Pilgrimage, Ahmed Nadeem Khan, who welcomed the distinguished guest at the airport.
Bakhit will represent the OIC Secretary General at the prize distribution ceremony of the International Hasan Qira’at Competition, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.

Reko Diq Technical Institute in Nokkundi celebrates graduation of over 400 skilled youth

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QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Nokkundi Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) Technical Institute run by The Hunar Foundation (THF) in Nokkundi celebrated the graduation of over 416 trainees marking a milestone in skill development and youth empowerment in District Chagai.
The trainees have now completed six-month vocational courses, including 278 male and 138 female graduates.
The ceremony was attended by office bearers of the Community Development Committee Nokkundi, students, families, and senior representatives from THF and RDMC.
Speeches emphasized the importance of technical skills and sustainable development for the region.
THF Project Director Mr. Nadeem Manzoor congratulated the graduates, highlighting the long-term value of the THF–RDMC partnership.
 RDMC Community Investment team lead Mr. Essa Tahir stated:
“Skill is very important, and we are proud looking at our few graduates working in one of the most important mining project of Pakistan.”
THF CEO Tahir Javed said THF is committed to cultural inclusion and local empowerment.
RDMC Head of HR, Hanno Staden, also engaged the students with warm remarks in Balochi.
Graduates shared personal success stories, reflecting the transformative impact of training on employment and livelihoods.
The ceremony concluded with certificate distribution and a traditional Balochi dance, celebrating achievement and community pride.

Sindhi Language Authority to host Bhitai Festival

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HYDERABAD, Nov 28 (APP): The 2-day Shah Abdul Lateef Bhitai Children’s Festival will start in the Sindh Language Authority (SLA) on November 29.
The Authority’s spokesman Saleem Jarwar informed here on Friday that former Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo, President Qaumi Awami Tehreek Ayaz Latif Palijo, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbassi and several eminent writers and educationists would attend the event.
He said the purpose of the festival was to connect the young generation with Sindhi language and literature, especially the poetry of Bhitai.
According to him, students of several schools would participate in speeches, debates, poetry sessions, music and other activities which would feature the festival.