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PM Shehbaz hails FBR’s anti-smuggling drive, orders tougher action against tax evasion

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP):Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday chaired a weekly performance review meeting of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), lauding recent anti-smuggling operations and directing authorities to further intensify action against tax evasion and illicit trade.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on progress made by the FBR in curbing smuggling and related enforcement measures. He said that smuggling annually causes losses of billions of rupees to the national exchequer, stressing that decisive action was essential to safeguard the country’s economic interests, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
The prime minister commended the role of Pakistan Customs and said successful enforcement operations had led to a significant reduction in smuggling, calling the results encouraging and commendable. He noted that due to effective measures, several commodities that were previously smuggled were now being imported through legal channels and had become part of the formal economy.
The prime minister directed that efforts against tax evasion be further accelerated, reiterating that no leniency would be shown in cases involving smuggling or tax fraud. He also instructed provincial governments to extend full cooperation to the FBR in taking legal action against illegal petrol pumps.
The officials informed the meeting that an integrated customs enforcement system was now operational across the country to prevent smuggling. It was further briefed that petrol pumps nationwide had been registered through the Rahguzar App, while legal action against illegal outlets was ongoing. District administrations have been empowered under the new Petroleum Act to seize illegal machinery, and a GPS-based tracking system has been enforced for the transportation of petroleum products.
According to the briefing, measures taken between July and November 2025 to curb petroleum smuggling resulted in an 82 percent increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. Significant revenue gains were also recorded over the past five months following actions against the illegal smuggling of cigarettes, tyres, garments, electronics, and other goods.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Chairman FBR, and senior officials from relevant departments.

UNSC report rejects Afghan interim government’s claim of ‘no safe havens’

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The 16th Report of the UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team has presented a stark assessment of Afghanistan’s security situation, directly rejecting the claims of Afghanistan’s interim government that Afghan soil is not being used for terrorism.

The report highlights the continued presence of multiple terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including TTP, ISKP, Al Qaeda, ETIM, and others, warning that Afghanistan has increasingly become a source of regional instability.

It also acknowledges Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, including arrest of ISKP propagandist Sultan Aziz Azzam, while underlining the serious threat posed by TTP operating from Afghan sanctuaries.

The UN report clearly states that the Taliban’s claim of no terrorist footprint in Afghanistan is “not credible”, exposing gap between Taliban assurances and ground realities.

According to the Monitoring Team, multiple terrorist groups continue to use Afghan territory for planning and coordinating cross-border attacks, posing a direct threat to regional and global security.

The report identifies TTP as the most serious and immediate threat to Pakistan , noting that the group enjoys sanctuaries and support from elements within the Taliban, despite internal divisions on whether TTP has become a liability.

The UN findings reveal that over 600 TTP attacks have taken place in Pakistan in 2025, many launched from Afghan soil, with several attacks involving Afghan nationals as suicide bombers.

The report highlights that border closures triggered by security tensions are costing the Afghan economy nearly $1 million per day, underlining the economic consequences of continued militancy.

The Monitoring Team also warns that Al Qaeda has effectively “blended itself with TTP”, with or without Taliban acquiescence, benefiting from a permissive environment inside Afghanistan.

At the same time, the UN report acknowledges Pakistan’s counter-terrorism progress, citing the arrest of ISKP spokesperson and propagandist Sultan Aziz Azzam on 16 May 2025 as a significant development.

The report further notes that Pakistan’s actions, alongside international cooperation, have degraded ISKP’s operational and media capabilities, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a key contributor to global counter-terrorism efforts.

PM Shehbaz orders one-year completion of Autism Centre of excellence, announces transport support

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed that the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in the federal capital be completed within one year instead of two amid reaffirming the government’s resolve to provide world-class education, therapy and vocational facilities to children with special needs.
Addressing the foundation-laying ceremony, the prime minister said special children are the children of the nation and that it is the state’s collective responsibility to equip them with skills, modern technology and training so they can stand on their own feet and become active members of society.
PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that where a child may lack one faculty, “Allah Almighty has blessed them with many others,” urging institutions to nurture these abilities through quality education and care.
The prime minister announced the provision of 15 coasters to ensure smooth transportation for special children to and from the centre, and called upon philanthropists and public institutions, including Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, to contribute generously to the initiative.
The prime minister congratulated parents and teachers for their perseverance, thanked the Ministry of Education and project team, and reiterated that supporting special children is both a moral duty and a national investment.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on the project and toured various departments planned for the Autism Centre of Excellence.
Federal Minister for Education, Dr. Khalid Maqood Siddiqui termed the day a transformation of national intent into a national institution, expressing confidence that the centre would launch a new mission for inclusive education and talent development. He pledged close coordination with the Ministry of Education to meet the revised one-year completion timeline set by the prime minister.
Captain (R) Asif Iqbal, Director-General Special Education, welcomed the prime minister and highlighted ongoing services at national special education institutions, noting that around 700 students from diverse backgrounds are currently enrolled from kindergarten to graduation. Students of the National Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children presented the national anthem in Pakistan Sign Language.
A special segment of the event featured performances by students with disabilities, including Master Fawad, a visually impaired student with exceptional hearing, whose rubab performance drew appreciation from the audience. The hearing impaired children also presented the national anthem in sign language.
Sharing a personal journey, Ayesha Haroon, Founder of Oasis School and an advocate for autism and neurodivergent children, spoke about establishing a structured, non-profit model offering integrated services ranging from speech and occupational therapy to vocational training aimed at independence, safety and dignity for special children. She offered to share institutional learning with government bodies seeking to replicate such models nationwide.

Special Operations Cell arrests 3 POs in murder cases

By
Kamran Muraad
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SARGODHA, Dec 19 (APP):The Sargodha Police’s Special Operations Cell arrested three proclaimed offenders (POs) wanted in murder cases, including two who had been absconding for seven years, here on Friday.
According to a police spokesperson, the Special Operations Cell — established under the leadership of Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sargodha Muhammad Shahzad Asif Khan to apprehend proclaimed offenders — continues to achieve significant successes.
In its latest operation, the team arrested Akash Ashraf, who was wanted for one year in a murder case registered at Bhera Police Station, and Ikram Ali, who had been wanted for seven years in a case registered at Sadar Police Station. Both accused were arrested with the assistance of Interpol from Dubai after completion of all legal formalities.
Akash Ashraf had allegedly shot and killed Mukhtar Ahmed in January 2024 in the jurisdiction of Bhera Police Station due to a long-standing enmity before fleeing abroad. All other accomplices involved in the incident have already been arrested and sent to jail.
Meanwhile, Ikram Ali was accused of causing the deaths of three minors and injuring two others due to negligence and reckless driving. After the fatal accident, he escaped abroad and remained a fugitive for the past seven years.
The Special Operations Cell traced the accused using modern technology and ensured their arrest through coordinated international efforts.
The police spokesperson further stated that, as part of the ongoing campaign against proclaimed offenders, the process of repatriating 17 more declared criminals arrested in various countries is underway. These suspects are expected to be brought back to Pakistan in the coming days.

Sindh depts directed to publish job ads, establish redressal system

By
Samina Ch
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KARACHI, Dec 19 (APP):The Chief Secretary (CS) Sindh Syed Asif Haider Shah on Friday directed all the Secretaries of all departments to publish job advertisements on Sindh Job Portal till January.
      While presiding over an important meeting of “the Secretary Committee”, he directed, “All departments that have not yet published job advertisements on the job portal should do so by the end of January.”
     The meeting was attended by the secretaries of all departments.
     The agenda included discussions on the job portal, pension matters, the public accounts committee, audit para, and other key issues.
     The Chief Secretary Sindh said that
the provincial cabinet meeting had been fully digitized, and all summaries from the Law, Services, General Administration, and Universities & Boards departments should be sent to the Chief Minister in digital format.
      He emphasized that complaints received from the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell should be addressed promptly.
    All secretaries were instructed to ensure the timely completion of development projects.
     The CS directed that pension cases of employees should be resolved within one year and medical reimbursement cases should be settled within six months.
       He also directed all the secretaries to establish complaint redressal management mechanisms.
     The CS asked to ensure punctuality in the secretariat offices and instructed all departments to improve public service delivery.

PAS delegation visits livestock station

By
Samina Ch
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SARGODHGA, Dec 19 (APP):A delegation of Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officers from the 52nd Common, led by Director Civil Services Academy Dr Faisal, along with Additional Director Civil Services Academy Usman Ali and Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Livestock & Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) Ali Arshad Rana, visited the Livestock Experiment Station (LES) Khizerabad, operating under the PLDDB.
The delegation was warmly received by Additional Director Livestock Sargodha and Senior Manager Farm, Dr. Tanveer, who briefed the guests on the objectives of the farm, its achievements, and the overall role of the Livestock & Dairy Development Department (L&DD).
The visiting officers showed keen interest in the ongoing farm activities and appreciated the efforts being made to promote livestock and dairy development in the region.

NA Speaker reaffirms strong Pakistan–Maldives ties

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Maldives during a meeting with Maldivian Vice President.
The parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker, is currently on an official visit to the Republic of Maldives at the special invitation of the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla. As part of the visit, the Pakistani delegation also called on the President of the Republic of Maldives, Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, at the President’s Office, underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Vice President, the People’s Majlis and the Government of the Republic of Maldives. He stated that the hospitality accorded to the Pakistani delegation reflects the deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect, and strong bonds of brotherhood between the peoples of Pakistan and the Maldives. The parliamentary delegation accompanying the NA Speaker comprises MNAs Salahuddin Junejo, Naveed Amir Jeeva, Mehmood Qadir Khan, Bilal Farooq Tarar, Muhammad Bilal Badar, and Daniyal Ahmed.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underscored the longstanding, close and cordial relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, based on shared religion, and strong people-to-people linkages. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations and emphasized the importance Pakistan attaches to its friendship with the Maldives.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted cross-border terrorism as a serious regional and global challenge. He stated that Pakistan continues to face the menace of cross-border terrorism, including activities of Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khawarij, and emphasized that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be collectively addressed through coordinated regional and international efforts.
The NA Speaker also expressed grave concern over ongoing human rights violations in different parts of the world, particularly the plight of the Palestinian people, who continue to suffer due to illegal blockades on food and medical aid imposed by Israeli occupation forces. He stressed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian assistance and an immediate end to the suffering of civilians.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further highlighted the continued denial of the right to self-determination to the people of IIOJK, and noted with concern that the illegal abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution has deprived Kashmiris of their distinct legal identity and right to land ownership, in clear violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also raised serious concerns regarding the growing marginalization and systemic oppression of Muslims in India. He referred to incidents of religious, social and political intolerance, including the recent disturbing act involving the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, which reflected an alarming trend of intolerance. He regretted that such actions were met with support rather than condemnation by certain political elements, and stressed that these developments pose serious concerns for the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of minorities.
Both leaders noted that climate change is a shared global challenge, and stressed that both countries are particularly vulnerable to its adverse impacts. They collectively called for enhanced cooperation to strengthen climate resilience through joint initiatives, exchange of expertise and coordinated efforts at regional and international platforms.
Vice President, Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef commended Pakistan’s role for regional peace and stability. He further highlighted the significant potential for expanding cooperation in key areas, including tourism and higher education. He stated that enhanced people-to-people exchanges, academic collaboration and institutional linkages would play a vital role in deepening bilateral engagement and delivering tangible benefits to both nations.

Chief Secretary GB Attend the Passing Out Parade at Police Training Center Gilgit

By
Samina Ch
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ASTORE, Dec 19 (APP):Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr. Abrar Ahmed Mirza, attended the passing out parade of Police and Excise Police at the Police Training Center Gilgit as the chief guest. Addressing the ceremony, he stated that the police are the backbone of peace and unity, and the government will play every possible role in establishing a strong, dignified, and professional police force.
The Chief Secretary said that the government is taking practical measures to uphold the prestige of the police and further strengthen police stations.
 Addressing the passing-out officers and personnel, he urged them to perform their official duties with integrity, rising above all biases, and through their actions bring pride to society, the nation, and the institution.
He further said that the role of the police is of key importance in establishing peace, prosperity, and a harmonious society in the country. The Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan congratulated the passing-out police officers and personnel on the successful completion of their training and extended his best wishes for their bright future.
Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr. Afzal Mahmood Butt, also addressed the ceremony and highlighted the steps being taken to enhance the professional capabilities of the police force. Commandant Police Training College Gilgit, Ms. Tahira Yousuf, in her welcome address, said that the Police Training Center is playing an important role in training police personnel in accordance with modern requirements. Later, she administered the oath to the passing-out police officers and personnel.
On this occasion, the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan also inspected the parade. Inspector General of Police Afzal Mahmood Butt presented a traditional cap to the Chief Secretary. During the ceremony, the Chief Secretary distributed shields and cash prizes among police officers and personnel who demonstrated outstanding performance in various fields.

Final round of national anti-polio drive concludes

By
Samina Ch
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APP06-181025 ISLAMABAD: October 18 - A health worker administers polio drops to a child during the anti-polio vaccination campaign at Ghouri Town in the Federal Capital. APP/SAK/TZD
SARGODHA, Dec 19 (APP):The final round of the national anti-polio campaign for the current year was successfully completed in Sargodha district here on Friday.
A review meeting to assess the overall performance of the campaign was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Muhammad Waseem.
The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer Health Authority Dr Saira Safdar, District Health Officer Dr Shahzad Gull, representatives of the World Health Organization and officers from the district administration and other relevant departments.
The meeting was briefed that the overall target for the campaign across the district was 709,266 children, out of which 681,134 children were administered polio drops, achieving an overall coverage of 96 percent.
It was further shared that 87 percent of not-accessible children were covered, while no serious refusal cases were reported during the campaign.
A special review of household coverage was also conducted.
Health officials informed the meeting that out of a target of 529,088 households, vaccination teams reached 518,914 households, resulting in 98 percent household coverage.
It was further reported that 23,220 children were vaccinated on catch-up day. Zero-dose children were also identified during the campaign and were subsequently covered.
DC Muhammad Waseem appreciated the efforts of polio teams, health workers, supervisors, volunteers and partner organisations. He said that despite harsh weather and challenging field conditions, both male and female workers performed their duties with dedication. He expressed hope that with the same spirit and sustained efforts, complete eradication of polio from Pakistan would be possible.

Pakistani scholar stresses multilateral cooperation at ‘Global Security Governance’ symposium in China

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0

CHONGQING, China, Dec 19 (APP): Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) Khalid Taimur Akram on Friday emphasized the importance of collaborative frameworks, multilateral cooperation, and knowledge sharing to strengthen regional stability in a multipolar global order.

Khalid Akram expressed these views as he participated as distinguished speaker at the 4th Academic Symposium on “Global Security Governance,” jointly organized by the Baize Institute of Strategic Studies at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Chongqing, China, and the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand held at Chongqing, China. Around 80 scholars and experts from 27 countries participated in the event.

Pakistani scholar stresses multilateral cooperation at 'Global Security Governance' symposium in China

In his keynote speech on “Rethinking Regional Security Governance in a Multipolar World” in the forum themed “Regional Practices in Global Security Governance”, Akram analyzed emerging regional security architectures and highlighted the evolving roles of both state and non-state actors in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Drawing on practical case studies and policy insights, Khalid Akram proposed innovative approaches for integrating regional practices with global governance mechanisms. His presentation was highly appreciated for combining scholarly analysis with actionable strategies for promoting peace, security, and cooperative governance.

This year’s symposium was themed “The Contemporary Connotation and Global Significance of the Global Governance Initiative.” The keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Ma Fang, Chairman and President at the Baize Institute for Strategic Studies, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and Professor Hu Ergui, Vice President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Chongqing, China. Both speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation, advancing rule-based global governance, and addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly multipolar world.

The symposium was structured into three thematic Forums, each focusing on a critical dimension of global governance and security.

Pakistani scholar stresses multilateral cooperation at 'Global Security Governance' symposium in China

The Forum 1 focused on ‘Promoting the Democratization and Rule of Law in International Relations’, where the discussions explored strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in international relations, emphasizing the importance of democratic norms and legal frameworks in addressing global challenges.

The Forum 2 themed ‘Adhering to the Global Governance Concept of Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits’ discussed approaches to cooperative global governance, highlighting how multilateral engagement, mutual consultation, and equitable sharing of benefits can strengthen international stability and development.

The Forum 3 titled ‘Regional Practices in Global Security Governance’ focused on innovative regional approaches to security governance, evaluating case studies, best practices, and the role of regional institutions in promoting peace, stability, and collaborative security frameworks.

The 4th Academic Symposium brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing issues in global security and governance successfully provided a dynamic platform for dialogue and exchange among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.

By combining theoretical insights with practical perspectives, the symposium contributed significantly to the ongoing discourse on global security governance, emphasizing the relevance of regional practices and multipolar cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.

 

 

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