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ECP rejects allegations over NA-18 Haripur by-election

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NNPS Desk
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HARIPURP, Nov 30 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has strongly dismissed what it termed “baseless and misleading” allegations made by certain elements attempting to create controversy over the recent NA-18 Haripur by-election.
In an official statement on Sunday, the Commission clarified that claims regarding the appointment of the District Returning Officer (DRO) and Returning Officer (RO) being part of a conspiracy were entirely unfounded. The ECP explained that due to staff shortages during general elections, it is not always possible to appoint ROs and DROs from within the Commission, but in by-elections such appointments are made as per requirement. For the NA-18 by-poll, officers already posted in the same area were appointed, fully in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017.
The Commission noted that these appointments were made well before polling day and no objections were raised by any party until after the results were announced. “Raising accusations only after losing the election is unjustified,” the ECP stated.
Addressing further allegations, the Commission said that if any Returning Officer had refused to accept an application, the concerned party should have approached the ECP, but no such complaint was filed. Similarly, no formal request for stopping consolidation or initiating a recount was made either to the RO or the Commission within the stipulated time.
Terming the claim of pre-prepared Form-45s as “completely incorrect,” the ECP emphasized that all Presiding Officers and polling staff were provided by the provincial administration, not federal institutions. The same provincial staff submitted polling bags and results to the RO’s office, while security arrangements were also managed by the provincial government.
The Election Commission said that repeatedly leveling unfounded allegations after every election only aims to undermine the electoral process. Any party wishing to challenge the results should approach the Election Tribunal, which is already functional, instead of making media statements.
Reaffirming its commitment, the ECP said it conducted the NA-18 by-elections strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and will continue to uphold transparency and legality in all future electoral exercises.

CTO announces commendation certificates for traffic staff on cricket duty

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 30 (APP):Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi, Farhan Aslam, on Sunday announced commendation certificates for all officers and wardens who performed traffic and security duties “with dedication and commitment” during the recent cricket matches.
CTO Aslam, in a statement, said the staff had ensured smooth traffic flow on main arteries and alternative routes, while also providing continuous guidance and assistance to citizens and cricket spectators throughout the matches.
He noted that despite professional challenges, the morale of officers and wardens “never wavered,” adding that their sense of duty had further strengthened the reputation and standing of the police department.
Expressing gratitude to the citizens for their cooperation, he said that providing on-ground facilitation to the public had always remained the department’s foremost priority.
The CTO urged the traffic wardens to maintain the momentum and continue performing their duties with greater diligence and professionalism in the future.

Khyber Pass: The historic corridor still defining geopolitics, custodian of primitive civilizations

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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PESHAWAR, Nov 30 (APP):Standing before Bab-e-Khyber at Jamrud tehsil of Khyber district, the iconic gate marking the entrance to the historic Khyber Pass, 12-year-old Ibrahim Khan beams with pride as he visits the site with grandfather on Sunday.
“Seeing Bab-e-Khyber was always my dream,” he told APP as his eyes sparkling after watching the historic monument with national flag hoisting on top.
Dressed in traditional Shalwar Qameez with woollen sweater and Chitrali Chugha by her grandfather, young Ibrahim said, “My Baba Jan brought me here today, and it’s even more beautiful than I imagined, with the national flag hoisting sky-high on top of Bab-e-Khyber gate–a gateway to historic Khyber Pass.”
For visitors like Ibrahim, the Khyber Pass is not merely a rugged road rather it is a living museum without walls.
As high in the rugged folds of the Safed Koh mountain range where icy winds whisper tales of emperors, warriors, and wandering caravans, Khyber Pass passes between Pakistan and Afghanistan that still defines its importance in geopolitics besides unfolding history and primitive civilizations.
A symbol of Pakistan’s glorious past, the Khyber Pass remains a place where geography and history collide, and where every stone seems to echo with the footsteps of monarchs, invaders, and explorers who traversed it over the past 3,000 years.
Stretching 53 kilometers, the pass has served as a vital artery for trade, migration, and conquest. From Alexander the Great to the Mongols, from Persian kings to British colonial forces, this narrow ribbon of land has witnessed the rise and fall of world-changing empires.
“This historic pass has seen more history than most modern cities in South Asia. Being a gateway to subcontinent, Khyber pass continues to shape the history, civilizations and geopolitics of the region due to its strategic significance in all eras,” said Dr. Bakhtzada Khan, Assistant Director of Archaeology and Museums in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“It is not just a route but a palimpsest of empires, each era leaving behind cultural, political, and military imprints.”
He said how the British constructed the Khyber Railway in the early 20th century—an engineering marvel designed for military logistics. Even Winston Churchill, then a young British officer, once served here and wrote about the pass’s strategic importance.
At over 1,000 meters above sea level sits Landi Kotal, just seven kilometers from the Afghan border. Once a bustling stop for armies and traders, this dignified town has long served as a gateway between South and Central Asia.
“From Aryans to Mughals, every ruler who marched into the subcontinent passed through Landi Kotal via the Khyber Pass,” explains Dr. Bakhtzada.
The Achaemenid Empire incorporated the region in the 6th century BC, contributing to the spread of Gandhara culture.
Alexander’s forces encountered fierce resistance from local Afridi and Yousafzai tribes in 327 BC.
In 1001 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni used the pass to defeat Hindu ruler Jayapala reshaping regional history.
Later, Zaheeruddin Babur marched through the corridor before defeating Ibrahim Lodhi at Panipat in 1526, founding the Mughal Empire.
The Sikh Empire and later the British Raj also fortified the pass, stationing the famed Khyber Rifles to guard this strategic lifeline.
Beyond military campaigns, the Khyber Pass was a vital segment of the ancient Silk Road, facilitating the movement of goods, ideas, and people across continents. Buddhist monks, Hindu pilgrims, Sufi mystics, and European adventurers all once navigated its stony bends.
In the towns of Jamrud and Landi Kotal, remnants of this layered past such as forts, shrines, and colonial relics which are still stand watch over the hills.
“This region remains strategically and culturally important,” says Dr. Bakhtzada.
“We want to reintroduce it to the world not as a relic of war, but as a bridge of culture and tourism.”
With the project of Khyber Pass Economic Corridor advancing, officials envision transforming the passage into a thriving route not for conquerors, but for traders, tourists, historians, archaeologists, and storytellers.
According to Zahid Shinwari, former President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), cross-border trade and tourism could significantly boost both Pakistan and Afghanistan’s economies provided peace prevails.
“With proper planning and development initiatives, the Khyber Pass could become Pakistan’s cultural and commercial lifeline to Central Asia,” he says.
Experts believed the area even holds potential for health and heritage tourism, given improved infrastructure and services.
But development and peace, they stress, must remain sustainable.
“We must preserve history while promoting progress. The local communities must be the first beneficiaries,” Zahid Shinwari emphasized.
As twilight descends over the jagged cliffs of the Khyber Pass, long shadows stretch across a road shaped by centuries of conflict, commerce, and cultural exchange.
 From Alexander’s legions to modern-day convoys, this ancient artery remains etched by time and strengthened by struggle.
In a world marked by borders and geopolitical divides, the Khyber Pass offers a different perspective ie not as a line of separation, but as a timeless bridge connecting cultures and civilizations.
After all, as the pass itself reminds visitors that history does not end at a border rather it often begins there.

Over 309,000 power theft cases detected; 129,117 arrested in last two years

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Power distribution companies across the country intensified their crackdown on electricity theft, registering 309,757 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arresting 129,117 individuals during a two-year campaign from January 2022 to December 2024.
The crackdown uncovered 501 million units of stolen electricity, resulting in detection bills worth Rs 19,651 million. However, only Rs 11,361 million has been recovered, leaving a gap of more than Rs 8.29 billion. The figures, covering the two-year campaign, show a national recovery rate of just 57.81 percent.
According to official figures, Punjab led with 252,307 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against power pilferage, resulting in 115,577 arrests. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed with 40,112 FIRs and 11,012 arrests, while Sindh recorded 16,688 FIRs and 2,319 arrests. Balochistan reported 650 cases with 209 arrests during the two-year period.
Officials confirmed that the recovered amount is deposited into the DISCOs’ revenue accounts without allocation under any specific head.
LESCO filed 171,178 FIRs and arrested 50,123 suspects over the theft of 187 million kWh units. The company issued detection bills worth Rs 7.06 billion, recovering Rs 4.03 billion — a 57.08 percent recovery rate.
GEPCO and FESCO reported strong results, achieving recoveries of 94.62 percent and 79.69 percent respectively, while IESCO recorded a recovery rate of 87.66 percent of its billed amount.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded one of the poorest outcomes, managing to recover just 22.31 percent of its billed amount.
Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) reported that while it booked electricity theft cases amounting to Rs 3.15 billion, the utility managed to recover only Rs 690 million — reflecting a recovery rate of just 21.84 percent.
Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO) registered 264 FIRs in power theft cases, leading to the arrest of 24 individuals. The utility reported a modest recovery rate of 60.49 percent.

Pak-EPA warns smoke-emitting vehicles to face heavy fines in Islamabad

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has warned vehicle owners across the federal capital of strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles, as the agency steps up enforcement to curb worsening air pollution and recurring smog episodes.
In an exclusive talk with APP on Sunday, Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zaib Ali said enforcement teams have intensified inspections on major roads, intersections and high-traffic corridors to identify vehicles releasing excessive emissions.
Pak-EPA warns smoke-emitting vehicles to face heavy fines in Islamabad
She said violators would face on-the-spot fines, confiscation of vehicles or both, depending on the severity of the offence.
DG EPA said that driving a vehicle emitting thick black smoke or emissions beyond permissible limits constituted an environmental crime under federal laws.
“Smoke-emitting vehicles will not be allowed to operate in Islamabad under any circumstances,” she warned. “This is not just a regulatory issue — it is a public health emergency. Vehicular smoke is poisoning the air our children breathe.”
The DG noted a rising number of high-emission vehicles, particularly diesel buses, trucks, wagons, Qingqi rickshaws and motorcycles, operating without proper maintenance and contributing heavily to air pollution. These emissions, she said, were damaging both public health and the environment.
Vehicular smoke contains harmful pollutants — including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons — that degrade air quality and intensify smog formation.
Pak-EPA warns smoke-emitting vehicles to face heavy fines in Islamabad
Experts warn that PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, stroke and premature death.
Islamabad’s winter weather patterns, marked by stagnant air and temperature inversions, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening smog episodes.
Health specialists cite vehicular emissions as a leading cause of respiratory distress, asthma attacks, allergies and eye irritation, especially among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
“People often fail to realise that the smoke from a single vehicle affects hundreds of people around it,” said Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. “Every plume of black smoke is a toxic cloud carrying disease.”
Talking to APP, he urged residents to have their vehicles tested and certified at Pak-EPA–approved emission testing laboratories. Vehicles operating without valid emission certificates, he said, would face fines or confiscation.
Shaikh advised motorists to maintain engines, ensure regular oil changes and use quality fuel to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Citizens may contact Pak-EPA’s Islamabad office at 051-9250713 or visit the agency at Plot 42, Street 8, H-8/2 for further information.
DG EPA Nazia stressed that enforcement alone could not resolve the issue and called for collective responsibility.
She urged citizens to cooperate during inspections, maintain smoke-free vehicles, report violators and uphold environmental laws.
“Cleaner air is a shared national responsibility,” she said. “If people cooperate with us, we can significantly reduce pollution levels and protect the health of millions.”
Shaikh echoed the call for public support, saying that adherence to emission standards and participation in the agency’s enforcement drive were essential to achieving a healthier, more livable capital.

Senator Mushahid Hussain elected Chairman AEPF, focuses in promoting Eurasian connectivity

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF), at the annual conference of this bi-continental organization, held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, which concluded yesterday.

The conference, which was held under the theme, ‘Peace and Democracy in Eurasia’, was hosted by the ruling party of Hungary, Fidesz. Zsolt Nemeth, former deputy Foreign Minister of Hungary, was elected Co-Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) representing Europe, said a press release received here on Sunday.

The conference was attended by 35 parliamentarians, political and think tank representatives from 25 countries, 15 from Asia and 10 from Europe.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Mushahid Hussain, who is also Co-Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) thanked the participants for electing him Chairman of the unique Forum for a two-year term, since the Asia-Europe Political Forum is the only non-governmental institution which links political representatives, public intellectuals and think tanks of Europe with their Asian counterparts, meeting alternately in Asia and Europe.

Mushahid spoked of the role of Pakistan in promoting connectivity in Asia, between South Asia and Central Asia, and beyond as well, in Eurasia, especially given the emerging dynamics of geoeconomics and geopolitics. He termed Pakistan as the ‘ideal bridge between the East and the West’.

Senator Mushahid Hussain urged the need to promote connectivity through such mechanisms as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China, with CPEC playing a key role, plus other organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

He rejected the notion of a new Cold War or the politics of confrontation. Senator Mushahid Hussain welcomed the 28- point plan of US President Donald Trump to end the Ukraine War, saying this needless, unwarranted conflict must end through dialogue.

He also stressed the need for inter-faith harmony, adding that Asian values upheld the importance of family, religion, faith and harmony as pillars of stability in society.

Senator Mushahid Hussain also spoked of Pakistan’s connections with Europe in the field of trade, investment, economy, education and science and technology, adding that as a member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan was playing a responsible and important role to preserve and protect the rule of law and the United Nations Charter.

He also criticised Western double standards on human rights and said the world was moving towards a new global order that was no longer dominated by the West but, rather, a world where the global majority, countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, had a greater voice, role and impact as part of the Global South.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, while referring to his visit to pay homage at the Mausoleum of the Muslim dervish, Gul Baba, who is buried at Budapest, said that Gul Baba’s Mausoleum at Budapest showed Hungary’s multicultural heritage, as Hungary was once part of the Ottoman Empire.

ICT Police put 2 suspects in handcuffs; Murder weapon Klashnikov recovered

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police intensified their crackdown on criminal elements in the rural zone, as Shahzad Town Police made two major arrests and recovered a murder weapon in separate operations.
An official told APP on Sunday that the Shahzad Town Police’s team, led by SHO Ashfaq Warraich and including SI Zahid Hussain Shah and other personnel, achieved significant breakthroughs in two different cases.
ICT Police put 2 suspects in handcuffs; Murder weapon Klashnikov recovered
In the first operation, police recovered the AK-47 murder weapon used in the killing of security guard Ayaz Khan. The accused, Khanzada alias Sheno, confessed during investigation that he shot the victim on the night of September 29–30, 2025.
The police recovered the Klashnikov on the suspect’s identification, and a separate case has been registered. Further investigation is underway.
In another action, police arrested a suspect carrying an illegal 30-bore pistol with live rounds. The accused was identified as Muhammad Syed Ayan Ali, resident of Shakrial, Rawalpindi.
A case has been registered against him, and he will be presented before the competent court.
SP Rural, Flight Lieutenant (R) Zeeshan, and SDPO Muhammad Inzimam Khan said that ICT Police are committed to a zero-tolerance policy against illegal weapons and serious crimes. They added that such actions by Shahzad Town Police are contributing to improved law and order in the area.
They urged the public to cooperate with police and immediately report any suspicious activity to help ensure the safety of all citizens./

ICT Police lodge 71 FIRs, nab 72 suspects, recover 64kg drugs

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, under their anti-narcotics drive “Nasha Ab Nahi,” registered 71 FIRs, arrested 72 suspects, and recovered more than 64 kilograms of narcotics during the ongoing campaign this month.
An official told APP on Sunday that the operations, carried out across multiple police zones, resulted in the seizure of over 42 kg heroin, 16 kg charas, 6 kg ice, and 255 bottles of liquor. The campaign is being executed on the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
ICT Police lodge 71 FIRs, nab 72 suspects, recover 64kg drugs
The official said that ICT Police had launched several targeted operations during the month, leading to the arrest of 72 drug dealers and suppliers. He added that 71 FIRs were formally registered against the accused at various police stations across the federal capital.
DIG  Muhammad Jawad Tariq stated that specialized police units are continuously conducting intelligence-based raids against networks involved in drug smuggling and distribution. He said the police are committed to eliminating narcotics from the city and will continue operations with zero tolerance.
He said that those poisoning the youth with drugs will face decisive legal action, and all available resources are being utilized to strengthen the campaign

Pakistan-Egypt Business Council, Forum to be established: DPM/FM Dar

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sunday, said that a new Pakistan-Egypt Business Council would be established to institutionalize the cooperation and promote mutually beneficial commercial activities and business-to-business engagements.

Addressing a joint press conference along with visiting Foreign Minister of Egypt Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, he said besides this decision, a Pakistan-Egypt Business Forum would also be established which would be co-chaired by them both, and its first meeting would be held in the second quarter of 2026 in Cairo to enhance trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Leading businesses from both countries would be represented in these foras, he added.

The DPM/FM said that both sides had decided to take steps for business to business (B2B) upscaling activities which were not surely consumerate with their bilateral trade of around $300 million considering the depth and affection both countries had.

He informed that Pakistan would share a list of 250 business houses representing key sectors of the economy across the board after due considerations, involving all the chambers and industries and businesses, through a transparent selection of those who really deserved and willing to work and enhance the bilateral businesses, investment and trade.

Initially, a list would be prepared by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and relevant chambers and these businesses would be facilitated to enhance the commercial engagements, he said, adding subsequently, they would be declared after due diligence in Egypt in the whitelist.

The DPM/FM said that visas facility would also be enhanced to businesspeople while after six months, they would prepare another list of 250 taking the list to total 500.

The Egyptian foreign minister had also agreed to process the similar list, he added.

Dar said since 2010, the joint ministerial meeting had not taken place between the two countries, so they had decided that in the first quarter next year, senior officials from the foreign ministries would hold bilateral political consultations.

He also welcomed Egyptian foreign minister’s announcement of doubling of scholarships for the Pakistani students to study the religious education.

Foreign Minister of Egypt Abdelatty, in his remarks, conveyed sincere condolences and sympathies from his government and the people over tragic loss of lives in recent terrorists’ attacks and reaffirmed complete solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to eliminate terrorism.

He said Egypt and Pakistan shared strong and historic ties rooted in cultural, religion, friendship and respect sharing common views on regional and international foras.

He said the cultural ties and people to people relations had strengthened with passage of time. Their meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across all sectors for the mutually benefits of the two people.

The Egyptian minister said they also discussed the regional and international issues and resolution of conflicts through dialogue and under UN charter, adding Egypt appreciated Pakistan’s steadfast support to his country at multilateral forums.

He also reiterated Egypt’s support to two-state solution to Palestine issue and appreciated Pakistan’s support to Egypt in its efforts to find a solution.

He said both sides agreed to take concrete and solid steps for trade, investment and businesses promotion and invited Pakistani businesses to explore avenues of investment and cooperation in Egypt.

The minister also stressed upon increasing the connectivity initiatives between the two countries.

12th GCUF convocation on Dec 4

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) will organize its 12th convocationhere on December 4, Thursday.
GCUF spokesman said that all necessary arrangements had been finalized for the
convocation which would commence at 1 p.m. in New Campus Jhang Road.
In this connection, full dress rehearsal would be organized on December 03, 2025
in the same venue at 10 a.m.
The GCUF graduates were advised to ensure their presence in the full-dress
rehearsal in-time, he added.
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