MULTAN
MULTAN
Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing a gathering as Chief Guest at the distribution ceremony of essential relief packages to 300 flood-affected households, organized by the Farmers Development Organization (FDO) in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) at Union Council Sher Shah
MULTAN
MULTAN
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik Visits Jalalpur Pirwala to Monitor the Flood-Affected Gas Pipeline
MULTAN
President Asif Ali Zardari shaking hands with Dr Yunchun Yang, Owner and CEO of Serene Air, during a meeting
KASHGAR
Seven accused in Rs 1.2b APP corruption case remanded for three more days
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): The court on Saturday handed over seven accused in the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) mega corruption case, involving alleged embezzlement of Rs 1.2 billion, to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a three-day physical remand.
The order was given by Civil Judge/ Judicial Magistrate Ahmad Shehzad Gondal, after hearing detailed arguments from the FIA investigation team and lawyers representing the national news agency.
During the hearing, FIA officials presented the accused — Ghawas Khan, Idrees Chaudhry, Imran Munir, Tahir Ghumman, Sajid Ali Warraich, Azhar Farooq, and Khurram Shehzad before the court. The investigation officer, Muhammad Junaid, informed the judge that the suspects had allegedly been involved in serious financial irregularities.
He said the accused carried out illegal transactions worth millions of rupees through APP accounts, including those linked with the Holiday Inn.
According to the FIA, even the Provident Fund (PF), a scheme meant to safeguard employees’ savings — was withdrawn without approval from the competent authority and transferred into different accounts.
The FIA argued that custodial interrogation was still required to recover the missing records, trace illegal financial trails, and identify other individuals involved. It requested the court to approve 11 days of physical remand for the seven accused.
On behalf of APP, Advocates Rohail Asghar and Hasnain Haider Thaheem opposed the defense and presented their version. They alleged that the accused prepared fake vouchers to mislead auditors, which enabled them to withdraw approximately Rs 1 billion unlawfully.
Advocate Thaheem told the court that APP employs about 850 workers, whose total monthly salaries amount to Rs 45 million. However, in one particular month, the accused transferred Rs 115 million under the head of salaries. He said this excess amount of Rs 70 million was a clear indication of deliberate mismanagement.
The lawyer further alleged that the accused initially transferred the funds into a single account and later distributed the amounts among themselves.
The defense counsel, however, contested these claims. Advocate Kashif Gorsi, representing accused Idrees Chaudhry, argued that his client was not among the main beneficiaries. He told the court that three individuals received the bulk of the money, with Rs 150 million transferred to the accounts of Arshad Majeed Chaudhry, Azhar Farooq and Ghulam Murtaza.
Separately, during the hearing, the lawyer of accused Tahir Ghumman told the court that the real beneficiaries were Arshad Majeed Chaudhry, Azhar Farooq and Sajid Warraich. He insisted that his client had no role in the direct transfer of funds.
After hearing the arguments, the judge extended the physical remand of the seven accused for another three days, instead of the 11 days requested by the FIA. The suspects were again handed over to the investigation agency for further questioning.
This was the second consecutive extension of their remand, as the same accused had been handed to FIA on a three-day remand in the previous hearing as well.
The mega corruption case at APP surfaced after complaints of financial irregularities and alleged embezzlement of Rs 1.2 billion were lodged. The FIA registered a case against 16 suspects, including officers and staff members of the state-run news agency.
During the initial stages of investigation, FIA teams uncovered key evidence including fake vouchers, unauthorized bank transactions and misuse of institutional accounts.
The seven accused will remain in FIA custody until the next hearing.
Terrorist belonging to Fitna al Hindustan mysteriously killed in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Terrorist belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, Gul Rehman alias Ustad Mureed has been mysteriously killed in Afghanistan’s Helmand province “Gul Rehman alias Ustad Mureed was the mastermind of the Jafar Express attack,” sources said.
According to Indian media and social media reports on Saturday, the terrorist was killed on September 17 in Helmand province.
Sources said that Gul Rehman was a trainer and operational commander of Fitna al-Hindustan (Majeed Brigade). He was accused of orchestrating multiple high-profile terrorist attacks in Pakistan, targeting security forces, Chinese nationals, civilians, and various strategic projects, they added.
They further said that Fitna al-Hindustan had targeted unarmed civilians, security forces, and CPEC projects in Pakistan. The group carried out terrorist attacks on the Jafar Express, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, and the PC Hotel at Gwadar.
Other attacks linked to the group include the Khuzdar school bus bombing, the Pakistan Stock Exchange assault, and the Quetta railway station blast.
The sources said that the killing of the Fitna al-Hindustan terrorist is evidence that Afghan soil is being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
The United States has already declared the Majeed Brigade a global terrorist organization. Pakistan and China have also demanded that the UN place Fitna al-Hindustan’s Majeed Brigade on its list of terrorist organizations, the sources added.
President Zardari visits Etigar Mosque in Kashgar
KASHGAR (Xinjiang), Sep 20 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday paid a visit to the historic Etigar Mosque in Kashgar, one of the region’s most renowned religious and cultural landmarks. The visit reflected the growing cooperation between Pakistan and China in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.
On his arrival, President Zardari was warmly welcomed by Yao Ning, CPC Party Secretary of Kashgar, and Imam Maimaiti Juben. The Imam guided the president through the mosque and shared an overview of its rich history, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
During the visit, the President offered Asr prayer and admired the architectural grandeur of the centuries-old mosque.
“President Zardari’s visit marks another step in consolidating the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, with both countries committed to further deepening their historical ties and advancing shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity,” it was further added.
Tajikistan, Pakistan key players in region for promoting regional economic integration: Ambassador Sharifzoda
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, H.E. Yusuf Sharifzoda has said that Tajikistan and Pakistan are key player in region for promoting the regional economic and trade integration with Central Asian States (CARs).
The Ambassador reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen the long-standing brotherly ties by expanding cooperation in diverse fields, particularly trade and investment.
This resolve was expressed during the visit of H.E. Yusuf Sharifzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), said a release issued here on Friday.
The Ambassador visited ICCI to felicitate Sardar Tahir Mehmood on his unopposed election as President of the Chamber.
Ambassador Sharifzoda said that Pakistan is a land of opportunities with its most intelligent and loving people known for their hospitality.
He highlighted Tajikistan’s economic, trade, and tourism potential and extended an invitation to the ICCI President in particular and the ICCI members in general to attend the forthcoming Dushanbe International Investment Forum-2025 to be held on October 14-16, 2025 by expressing confidence that Pakistani business community’s participation in this Forum will not only enable it to showcase Pakistani products but will further develop bilateral relations also.
He mentioned that medical equipment, leather products, pharmaceuticals and Pakistani skilled workers especially in handicraft have vast scope in Tajikistan.
Welcoming the Ambassador, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood thanked him for his visit and goodwill gesture.
He said Pakistan and Tajikistan are bound by centuries-old cultural and social ties and stressed the need to transform these relations into robust trade and economic partnerships.
He said that bilateral cooperation between the two countries will be further promoted with the completion of CASA-1000.
He underlined the need for the regulatory facilitations for the promotion of trade between the two countries and that Pakistani businessmen by using Tajikistan as a base can have easy access to other central Asian states for the promotion of businesses.
Sardar Tahir reaffirmed ICCI’s determination to strengthen chamber-to-chamber relations through B2B networking with friendly nations, with a special focus on Tajikistan.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub lauded the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and reiterated that ICCI is committed to enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties with Tajikistan for shared prosperity.
In his vote of thanks ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry underscored the need that Tajik investors must also frequently visit Pakistan for the promotion of people to people contacts.
ICCI Executive members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Waseem Chaudhry, Mohsin Khalid Malik, Rohail Anwar Butt, Khayyam Abbasi and Ms. Fatima Azim were also present on the occasion alongside others.
Serene Air CEO calls on President Zardari in Kashgar; briefs on future plans
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Serene Air Yunchun Yang Saturday called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Kashgar, China and informed him of airline’s future plans for operations in Pakistan.
The president requested that Serene Air should increase the number of aircraft in its fleet to strengthen the airline’s network and connectivity.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, along with the ambassador of Pakistan to China and the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, were also present at the meeting, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
Dr Yang, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of California and is founder and president of a listed semiconductor company in China with subsidiaries in Sweden and the USA, assured the president of his commitment to invest further in Serene Air’s operations in Pakistan.
Serene Air is the first Chinese private investment in Pakistan’s aviation sector and the first private Pakistani airline to operate flights to Beijing.
Dr Yang also highlighted the company’s collaborative projects with the Pakistan Air Force on JF-17 avionics.
Sialkot Airport celebrates everlasting Pak-Saudi ties
SIALKOT, Sep 20 (APP): Sialkot Airport celebrated everlasting Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia ties,here on Saturday.
According to the SIAL spokesperson, the airport was illuminated in green and the flags of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were displayed.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share an everlasting bond of friendship and love, the flags of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were displayed in the external and most of the internal premises of the airport.
a private airline of Saudi Arabia also recently started air operations at Sialkot International Airport.
ISSI launches Book ‘Pakistan and China: Connecting at People’s Level
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised the launch of its latest book titled “Pakistan and China: Connecting at People’s Level” here.
The event featured remarks by Ambassador Masood Khalid, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to China; Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque, Pakistan’s former Ambassador Pakistan to China; Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, Senior Associate Professor at Bahria University; Dr. Sundus Mustaqeem, Assistant Professor at NUST; and Ms. Aiza Azam, Lecturer at Air University. Mr. Xu Hangtian, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China was the guest of honour, said a press release.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, termed Pakistan-China relations as ‘unique in inter-state relations,’ based on mutual respect, strategic mutual trust, and mutual support on each other’s issues of core interests.
He highlighted that this all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has endured regional and global changes for more than seven decades, and continues to serve as a positive factor for peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.
Ambassador Soahil Mahmood emphasized that the launch of this book is both timely and significant. He stressed that while CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative have reinforced economic and physical connectivity, the human and cultural connectivity will secure the relationship for the future generations.
He pointed out that the book makes a valuable contribution by shedding light on public diplomacy, cultural exchanges, academic linkages, tourism, and soft power, areas that need to be systematically strengthened.
Referring to the recently adopted China-Pakistan Five-Year “Action Plan” (2025–29), Ambassador Soahil Mahmood noted that a full chapter has been devoted to people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
He said this reflects the recognition at the highest levels that sustained friendship rests on social, cultural, and academic linkages.
Looking ahead, he proposed that the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in 2026 should be commemorated through special initiatives in these areas, with wider participation of the youth, students, artists, media professionals, and think-tanks.
He also proposed closer collaboration in benefiting from China’s immense expertise in the field of sports as well as in preservation of civilizational and cultural heritage.
He concluded by stressing the importance of visa facilitation and enhanced air connectivity to foster deeper P2P links.
Ambassador Moin-ul-Haq underlined that Pakistan-China relations remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He highlighted the deep warmth and respect the Chinese people hold for Pakistan.
He identified five priority areas for strengthening people-to-people ties: civilizational connections, cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, technological collaboration, and tourism.
He highlighted the role of initiatives such as Gandhara civilization exhibitions and proposed establishment of joint IT parks in every province, as well as group tourism programs.
He stressed that the forthcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 provides an ideal opportunity to launch people-centric initiatives.
Dr. Hassan Daud Butt noted that the book coincides with the second phase of CPEC, characterized by deeper institutional and societal linkages.
He underlined that people-to-people interaction forms the backbone of sustainable partnerships and praised the book’s contribution in showcasing cultural, educational, and social dimensions, from student exchanges to maritime tourism.
He said the findings align with President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative and called for wider dissemination.
Dr. Sundus Mustaqeem stressed that education, culture, media, and tourism are vital for deeper people-to-people ties and urged Pakistan to strengthen its film and digital media presence.
Ms. Aiza Azam highlighted that people-to-people connections span business, cuisine, education, and the arts. She emphasized the value of structured exchanges and academic dialogue in shaping a shared vision.
Ambassador Masood Khalid praised the inclusion of themes such as maritime tourism and the blue economy, noting that Pakistan could generate up to USD 1.5 billion annually from tourism with China’s collaboration.
He stressed the importance of expanding sister-city partnerships, cultural exchanges, and think tank cooperation under the new five-year Action plan.
He also cautioned that attempts are being made to create misunderstandings in Pakistan-China relations and argued that the best response is to deepen people-to-people linkages.
Mr. Xu Hangtian, echoing President Xi Jinping’s words, emphasized that people are the foundation of history and the future. He cited examples of solidarity between the two nations during COVID-19 and natural disasters, highlighting the resilience of the friendship.
He noted rising cultural and educational exchanges, with sister-city linkages growing from 8 to 19 in the last decade and Pakistani student enrollment in China nearly doubling.
He also pointed to the 17% rise in Chinese visas for Pakistani businessmen in 2024 and further increases in 2025. Stressing the importance of media, tourism, and youth engagement, he warned against disinformation campaigns and underlined the need for counterterrorism cooperation to unlock the full potential of exchanges.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties under the five-year action plan, including new measures such as expanding direct air links.
Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir observed that the book highlights the often-overlooked people-to-people dimension of Pakistan–China relations. By focusing on education, tourism, cultural exchanges, media cooperation, and soft power, it shows how shared human experiences and cultural empathy can sustain the partnership beyond strategic projects like CPEC.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted the significance of people-to-people contacts in advancing Pakistan–China relations within the framework of public diplomacy. He commended CPSC for producing a timely and well-researched publication that makes a valuable contribution in this important domain.
The event brought together senior diplomats, academics, scholars, and policymakers to reflect on the often-overlooked social and cultural dimensions of Pakistan-China relations.