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RDA vows strict action against all illegal commercial and residential structures

By
Asif Jalal
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 02 (APP): The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Tuesday demolished an illegal under-construction commercial building on a protected green belt in Bahria Town Phase-8 and sealed the adjacent Attock Oil Pump for violating land-use and building regulations.
Acting on the instructions of Director General RDA Kinza Murtaza, the Enforcement Squad moved in with heavy machinery after officials determined that the property owner, Shahid Laiq, had begun construction without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) and approvals required under the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations 2021.
An RDA spokesperson said the operation was part of a wider clampdown on illegal commercial activities on public land, particularly green belts reserved for environmental protection and public use. The spokesperson added that the DG had directed the Land Use and Building Control (LU&BC) Wing to take “strict action without fear or favour” against all encroachments and unauthorised residential-cum-commercial structures.
Kinza also instructed the Building Control Wing to carry out a detailed survey to assess fees related to the approval and regularisation of illegal constructions, including commercialization cases and complementary site plans.
The operation was executed by Building Superintendent Fahad Bhatti, Building Surveyor Aamir Mahmood Malik, and the Enforcement Team, assisted by personnel from Police Station Rawat.

Wheelchair distribution ceremony held at CPO for children of police employees

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):A special ceremony was held at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Tuesday for the distribution of specially designed wheelchairs to the special children of police employees and Ghazi officials, organized in collaboration with the welfare organization Milestone and a Japanese private welfare group.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar handed over wheelchairs to seven special children of police personnel and three Ghazi officials.
Representatives of the Japanese welfare organization, Shenoda Hiroyuki, Hirata Masayuki, Kawahara Hiroki, Murata Kenichi, Takechi Yuhi and Miyaki Yoshitaka, along with Milestone CEO Shafiq-ur-Rehman, attended the ceremony.
The IG Punjab appreciated the cooperation of both organizations and said that the specially crafted wheelchairs were designed for children suffering from polio, paralysis and other conditions that restrict mobility.
Dr Usman Anwar said arrangements were also underway for lift vans to facilitate long-distance travel for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, in addition to providing mobility support to Ghazi officials. Children of police employees from Punjab Highway Petrol (PHP), Lahore and Sahiwal, as well as Ghazi officials Muhammad Hashim, Aurangzaib and Shahid Ali, who are paralyzed in the lower body, received wheelchairs during the event.
He added that Punjab Police remain committed to the welfare and rehabilitation of its special children through initiatives under the “Our Flowers” project, which includes medical treatment support, stipends and other assistance. The IG noted that the provision of wheelchairs would significantly improve the mobility and daily comfort of the beneficiaries.
Milestone CEO Shafiq-ur-Rehman said the organization, in partnership with Punjab Police, would continue efforts to extend wheelchair support to more children of police employees.
Additional IG Welfare & Finance Imran Arshad, AIG Inspection Shaista Nadeem, AIG Welfare Muhammad Abdullah Lak and AIG Admin & Security Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi, along with senior officers, were also present on the occasion.

694 suspects arrested, 688 cases registered in 72-hour anti-narcotics crackdown

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP): Punjab Police have intensified its province-wide anti-narcotics crackdown in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directives to achieve a drug-free Punjab, arresting 694 alleged drug peddlers and registering 688 cases during the past 72 hours.
According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, the ongoing campaign has led to the recovery of 907 kilograms of charas, 445 kilograms of ice, 79 kilograms of heroin and 11 kilograms of opium from various districts, while two accused have been taken into custody through targeted actions.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar ordered further acceleration of operations against major drug dealers and smugglers, emphasizing that every individual connected to the narcotics supply chain must be apprehended and subjected to strict legal action. He instructed field formations to dismantle networks involved in the transportation, distribution and online sale of narcotics.
The IGP directed police units to intensify surveillance and enforcement activities around educational institutions, hostels and youth-centric areas to safeguard students from drug peddlers. He said the the police department is committed to cleansing the province of narcotics and ensuring exemplary punishment for offenders.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on relief activities in the areas of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah

By
Khuram Maryam
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on relief activities in the areas of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah
APP57-021225
ISLAMABAD

PCJCCI lauds Pakistan’s new economic roadmap

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has welcomed Pakistan’s newly introduced roadmap to fast-track Phase -II of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), terming it a transformative step toward high-tech industrialization, enhanced provincial cooperation, and sustainable national development.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said here Tuesday that CPEC Phase-II aims to shift Pakistan from infrastructure-led growth toward innovation-led expansion through industrial upgradation, digital transformation, and modern governance. The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Reform and Modernization” underscores a national commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles, promoting a pro-investment environment, and improving institutional efficiency.
He said that Pakistan’s new direction under CPEC Phase-II reflects a bold and future-focused approach. “High-tech industrialization, innovation-led growth, and deeper cooperation with China will unlock new opportunities for our industries, our youth, and our emerging entrepreneurs,” he remarked.
PCJCCI, he added, stands committed to facilitating this new era of economic transformation, asserting that a major milestone in this phase is China’s commitment to financing 85 percent of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Project, reflecting the deepening economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.
The joint Chamber’s Senior Vice President Brig. (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh stated that the government has also announced the initiation of the bidding process for the Thakot–Raikot Motorway within the next two months, along with expanding provincial-level cooperation under CPEC to ensure balanced and inclusive development across all regions. He also said that the commitment of China to the KKH financing and the expansion of provincial partnerships shows the strength of bilateral bond. “CPEC Phase-II will modernize our key sectors, support local industries, and create sustainable jobs. PCJCCI will continue to act as a bridge for strengthened commercial collaboration,” he added.
Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI, was of the view that human capital development particularly empowering youth and women is a critical pillar of this new roadmap. This aligns strongly with PCJCCI’s vision of an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy. “We look forward to supporting initiatives that promote skill enhancement, innovation, and industrial competitiveness,” he added.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General, reaffirmed the PCJCCI’s dedication to supporting all initiatives aimed at deepening Pakistan-China economic integration and advancing sustainable national growth.

DIG Traffic announces full enforcement of new traffic amendment ordinance, 332,000 challans issued in 5 days

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP): DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir said on Tuesday that the newly amended traffic ordinance has been fully enforced across the province, with traffic police issuing more than 332,000 challan tickets within the first five days of implementation.
Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office (CPO), he said that despite repeated awareness messages, 56,899 vehicles and motorcycles were impounded for repeated violations, while cases were also being registered over serious traffic offences. He asserted that the law applies equally to all citizens and that government vehicles are not exempt from action.
The DIG said the Punjab Traffic Police has distributed over 40,000 banners and pamphlets across the province to raise awareness about the amended law, adding that all possible measures are being taken to ensure uniform enforcement and reduce road accidents. He said the objective of the new ordinance is to protect the lives and property of citizens, and that fines and cases are lodged only in cases of violations. He clarified that students and underage drivers will not face criminal cases; instead, vehicle owners will be held accountable. He added that the purpose of recent amendments is not to jeopardize the future of young people but to make road conditions safer for them.
DIG Waqas Nazir said mobile education units of the Traffic Police are visiting educational institutions to educate students about traffic regulations. He rejected several claims circulating on social media as baseless and said the press conference was held to convey factual information to the public. He added that, under the directions of the IGP, every possible step is being taken to prevent road accidents and ensure safe travel.
The DIG said the Punjab government and the Traffic Police are not focused on revenue collection; rather, their top priority is to ensure safe highways and a better travel environment for citizens. He urged the public to strictly follow traffic laws so that roads can be made safer for everyone.

Gas leakage sparks blast at NUML; 5 students among 7 injured, says IGP Islamabad

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Five students were among seven people injured after a gas leakage caused an explosion at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi shared the details while addressing a press conference.
Gas leakage sparks blast at NUML; 5 students among 7 injured, says IGP Islamabad
IGP Rizvi said the blast took place around 4:00 p.m., shortly after the university turned on its gas supply for the winter season. He explained that NUML usually keeps the gas connection closed during summer and reopens it when winter begins. Around 3:30 p.m., the gas connection was restored, and by 4:00 p.m., leaked gas inside the room caught fire after an electrical short circuit, triggering the explosion.
The affected place included a small prayer area and an office used by clerical staff. As a result, five students, a naib qasid and a clerk were injured. Doctors have confirmed that most of the injured are out of danger. However, the clerk received burns on 65 percent of his body and is under treatment.
Gas leakage sparks blast at NUML; 5 students among 7 injured, says IGP Islamabad
He said that Islamabad Police examined the site fully according to all SOPs and confirmed that the incident occurred due to gas filling the room, which later ignited because of a short circuit. He instructed the NUML administration to thoroughly check all gas lines, connections and the affected room again, strictly following safety procedures.
IGP Rizvi said that all gas connections inside the university have been shut down as a precaution until a complete safety inspection is carried out. He assured that the safety of students and staff remains the top priority and police teams are closely coordinating with NUML to prevent any similar incident in the future.

PFA imposes fine Rs 83,000 for violations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
CHINIOT, Dec 2 (APP): Under the mission of providing safe and healthy food, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Tuesday conducted inspections of multiple food points, grocery stores, and milk sale centers across the district.
The spokesman said that based on public complaints, the messes of a well-known educational institutions were inspected where poor hygiene and substandard storage conditions were observed.
The expired and low-quality food items were recovered from the kitchens and heavy fines were imposed.
Overall fines worth Rs 83,000 were imposed, he added
During inspections, over 1 kg expired products and 52 liters of expired cold drinks were seized and destroyed.
According to the spokesperson, such operations would continue for the safety of citizens’ health.

16 cases of land disputes resolved

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BAHAWALPUR, Dec 02 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur, Dr. Farhan Farooq, heard 16 public complaints related to illegal land occupation and property disputes in Bahawalpur City. The session was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Captain (retd) Tayyab Sami Khan, Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur City Khaleel Ahmed, and ASP Ghaffar.
During the proceedings, all applications were reviewed in detail, and several cases were resolved on the spot, with immediate instructions issued for corrective action. Dr. Farhan Farooq stated that, due to timely measures taken by the district administration, many citizens have already been restored possession of their rightful properties.
Affected citizens expressed gratitude to CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Farhan Farooq, noting that the initiative reflects a strong commitment by the Punjab government and district administration to provide meaningful relief to the public. The district administration reaffirmed its resolve that no citizen will be denied justice and that strict action against all elements involved in illegal land grabbing will continue without exception.

Recruitment in Pak Army to continue till Dec 9

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Army Selection and Recruitment Center Hyderabad has revealed that the process of recruitment of soldiers in Pakistan Army will continue till December 9.
In this regard, the schedule of registration and test in different districts of Hyderabad region has been issued including, Team DC Office of Selection Center Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, on December 2nd, Town Committee, Tandu Elhiar, on December 3rd, Municipal Committee Sanghar, on December 4th, District Council Badin, on December 5th, Municipal Committee Matari, on December 8th, Municipal Committee Shahid Benazirabad and on December 9th, Kotri Town Committee and Sehwan. Taking the test for recruitment in the town committee,
It has been informed by the spokesman of the Army Recruitment Center Hyderabad that the aspirant candidates should have at least matriculation and the age should be 17 and a half-22 years. .
The spokesman said that such candidates who are domiciled in the said areas and are residing in Hyderabad can come and take the test at the Army Selection Center Hyderabad  till 9th December.
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