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KU offering second intake in PhD programs

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KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):The postgraduate admission committee meeting regarding the second intake of PhD programs in the different faculties, centers, and institutes of the University of Karachi was held at the KU Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat on Tuesday.
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi chaired the meeting and the Director Postgraduate Admission Committee Professor Dr Anila Amber Malik briefed the participants about the second PhD intake in various departments, centers and institutes on the campus.
The members were informed that the admission form, prospectus 2025 second intake, entrance test form, and fee voucher can be downloaded from https://www.uok.edu.pk/admissions/pg-index.php from December 08, 2025.
She mentioned that candidates will be asked to submit a duly filled entrance test form along with academic documents and a paid fee voucher in their respective departments, centers, and institutes by December 15, 2025.
Professor Dr Anila Malik urged that candidates must carefully read the prospectus before filling and submitting their respective forms.
She added that the Karachi University Entrance Test 2025 is mandatory for all the candidates. The list of the eligible candidates for appearing in the KUET 2025 will be displayed on the KU’s website on December 24, 2025, while the admit cards will be collected from respective departments on December 26, 2025.
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi and meeting participants were told that the KUET 2025 second intake test will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 10am but the candidates will be directed to reach at their respective examination centers at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam.
The candidates will bring their admit cards and CNIC and the list of successful candidates will be announced on the KU’s website on January 05, 2026.
The KU Registrar Professor Dr Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, deans of faculties of arts and social sciences, science, management and administrative sciences, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, Islamic studies, Professor Dr Asma Manzoor, Professor Dr Basit Ansari, Professor Dr Intikhab Ulfat, Professor Dr Uzma Ashiq, and Professor Dr Tasser Ahmed Khan attended the meeting.

BZU’s jurisdiction expanded to entire Punjab

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MULTAN, Dec 02 (APP):The Punjab government has expanded the territorial jurisdiction of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) to the entire province, resolving a longstanding administrative and financial limitation after five decades.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Zubair Iqbal congratulated students and faculty on the landmark development, maintaining that the university’s jurisdiction had previously been confined only to Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. This limited scope had caused administrative hurdles and economic disadvantages for the institution.
The issue was resolved following persistent efforts by Vice Chancellor Dr. Zubair Iqbal, Registrar Muhammad Ijaz, and their team. A formal notification of the jurisdictional expansion has now been issued.
The move has been widely welcomed by civil society, the business community, and academic circles, who termed it a significant step towards strengthening higher education in the province.
The bill for expanding BZU’s jurisdiction was presented in the Punjab Assembly by Syndicate Member and MPA Ali Haider Gilani. The House approved the resolution, after which the official notification was released.

KU announces Syndicate elections on Dec 22

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KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):The University of Karachi issued the schedule for the Syndicate elections from the constituency of one university officer of the administration side, and from teachers.
The notification issued by the KU Registrar Professor Dr Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, elections to the Syndicate of the University of Karachi for one university officer of the administration side, one professor, one associate professor, one assistant professor, and one lecturer, will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Research Centre of the University of Karachi on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The last date for submission of nomination is Wednesday, December 10, 2025, till 1pm, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidate is Monday, December 15, 2025, till 1pm, and the final list of the candidature will be placed on the same day at 4pm.

IMCG F-7/4 awards degrees to 71 graduating students at first convocation

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG), F-7/4, held its first convocation for the BS Urdu program, during which 71 graduating students were awarded degrees and medals.
The Vice Chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University, Prof Dr Muhammad Niaz Ahmed, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Principal Prof Dr Sadia Aziz presided over the event. Teachers, parents, graduating students, and other guests were also present there.
In his address, the chief guest, Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, said that Urdu is not just a language but a key pillar of national identity, intellectual heritage, and cultural consciousness.
He emphasized that promoting quality higher education programs, especially in Urdu, is essential for Pakistan, enabling the younger generation to gain intellectual strength and academic self-confidence.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo session.

CPEC Phase II marks pivotal shift in bilateral partnership: Chinese scholar

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BEIJING, Dec 2 (APP): The launch of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) marks a pivotal shift in the bilateral partnership, elevating their collaboration from infrastructure-centered development to a comprehensive driver of socio-economic transformation.

As highlighted at the Fourth Pakistan-China Think Tank Forum recently held by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), this phase has emerged as a strategic anchor amid the volatile global geopolitical landscape and evolving regional dynamics.

These views were expressed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

He said that Phase II of CPEC focuses on industrialization, technological collaboration, green transition, agricultural modernization and human resource development—addressing Pakistan’s long-term developmental needs with targeted precision. Unlike the first phase, which prioritized laying the groundwork for critical infrastructure, the new phase emphasizes value addition: vocational training and innovation-driven growth will equip Pakistan with a skilled workforce, while purpose-built industrial parks will boost its manufacturing capacity. Alignment with the China-Pakistan Action Plan 2025-2029 ensures structured implementation supported by well-defined timelines and actionable frameworks.

This phase further reinforces regional stability. Against the backdrop of regional ongoing transition and persistent turbulence in the Middle East, CPEC’s regional connectivity initiatives serve as a vital stabilizing force in South Asia. As Dr. Hu Shisheng of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) noted, the corridor fosters pragmatic South-South cooperation initiatives, effectively countering the global tides of protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation.

Prof Cheng said that the strategic value of this phase extends far beyond economic dimensions. It aligns with China’s global development initiatives and Pakistan’s regional aspirations, cementing their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. As both countries look ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 and other key milestones, CPEC Phase II stands as a forward-looking investment in long-term mutual prosperity and shared development.

As emphasized by participants at the forum, think tanks play a pivotal role in guiding this phase. Their intellectual inputs ensure the corridor’s long-term sustainability and inclusive growth, ensuring its benefits extend to all segments of society. With a shared commitment to collaborative advancement, CPEC Phase II is well-positioned to translate the vision of China-Pakistan community with a shared future into tangible outcomes, delivering benefits to both nations and the broader regional community, he added.

KP Governor hails youth as Pakistan’s true asset at MUN Vision 2026

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the youth are Pakistan’s true asset, emphasizing that providing them with greater opportunities for global engagement, dialogue and training is the need of the hour.
He expressed these views while addressing the MUN Vision 2026 launch and awards ceremony held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The Governor said that platforms like Model United Nations enable young people to understand global challenges, promote constructive dialogue and explore collective solutions.
He said that although the world today faces increasing division and conflict, such programs guide youth toward dialogue, cooperation and peace.
Appreciating the strong relations between Pakistan and Italy, the Governor said the partnership goes beyond diplomacy, extending to cultural exchange, development cooperation and youth engagement.
He added that this collaboration allows young people from both countries to learn from each other and contribute to shaping a shared future. Urging students to take full advantage of MUN platforms, he encouraged them to embrace dialogue and contribute their ideas for the progress of the nation.
The Governor lauded the efforts of the organizers, calling the program an important milestone for Pakistan–Italy relations and for the younger generation.
He expressed hope that MUN Vision 2026 would serve as a memorable experience in leadership, diplomacy and global cooperation, further strengthening Pakistan’s positive image internationally.

CDA starts rehabilitation, upgradation of old sectors

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun work on the rehabilitation and upgradation of old sectors and commercial centres in the federal capital, officials said on Tuesday.
CDA starts rehabilitation, upgradation of old sectors
The plan, prepared by the authority’s Engineering Wing, was reviewed in a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, the director general works and other senior officers attended the meeting.
According to officials, the first phase of the project includes recarpeting of major commercial areas such as Blue Area, F-6 Super Market and F-7 Jinnah Super Market.
Streets in Sector I-14 and all roads in the D-12 Markaz are also part of the initial works. Recarpeting of main and service roads in Sector E-12 is slated for completion in the same phase.
The meeting was informed that the authority has adopted a phased plan to rehabilitate all sectors and markaz across Islamabad.
Officials said restoration of zebra crossings on major roads has also started on the directions of the CDA chairman. Priority is being given to crossings near hospitals, educational institutions and high-traffic corridors.
Randhawa directed that high-quality materials and strict adherence to standards be ensured in all restoration work.
He added that along with full-scale recarpeting, necessary patchwork should be carried out across highways, streets and market areas.
Under the project, existing footpaths will be repaired and new ones built where required.
Faulty streetlights and poles will be fixed, while new lights and poles will be installed in several locations.
The installation of signage for public guidance and speed-control measures is also included in the plan.
The meeting was further told that special attention will be given to covering sewage and drainage lines and securing service manholes in various sectors. Surveys of roads, streets, markets and markaz have already been completed.
Randhawa directed that the authority’s own resources be utilised for timely execution of the rehabilitation and upgradation works.

Bahrain’s envoy calls on CDA chairman

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Bahrain’s Ambassador Mohamed Ebrahim Mohamed Abdulqader called on Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Tuesday to discuss matters of mutual interest and avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Bahrain’s envoy calls on CDA chairman
During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Randhawa said Pakistan held its “brotherly country Bahrain in high esteem” and stressed the CDA’s willingness to support collaborative initiatives.
Bahrain’s envoy calls on CDA chairman
The ambassador praised the CDA’s efforts to improve the federal capital, noting that Islamabad was counted among the region’s greenest and most well-maintained cities.
Randhawa briefed the envoy on ongoing development and beautification projects in the capital, saying the authority was working to make Islamabad more modern and environmentally attractive.
He also discussed the possibility of relocating foreign embassies and diplomatic missions to the Diplomatic Enclave.
The CDA chairman said the authority was prepared to extend full facilitation to missions considering relocation and highlighted ongoing upgrades in the enclave, including improved recreational and sports facilities as well as landscaping and horticulture works.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to continue strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

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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.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

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.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

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.

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

Admissions open at Pakistan’s first-ever Maryam Nawaz School & Resource Centre for Autism

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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP): Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, admissions have commenced at Pakistan’s first government-run autism school.
Maryam Nawaz School and Resource Centre for Autism, established under the Special Education Department, has officially opened its admission process for children with autism, said a handout issued here on Tuesday.
Parents can now submit admission forms online through the Special Education Department’s portal at autism.punjab.gov.pk. The school has established an Early Childhood Education section for children aged 3 to 5 years, a Junior Section for children aged 6 to 12 years, and a Senior Section for those aged 13 to 16 years.
The last date for admission registration is December 10, 2025. The initiative aims to provide quality education and specialized resources for autistic children, marking a historic step in inclusive education in Pakistan.