KMC digitalizes all official correspondence with QR code verification

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:13 PM

KARACHI, Dec 19 (APP): In a major breakthrough aimed at transforming and fully digitalizing municipal governance, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has announced the launch of a secure digital correspondence system embedded with QR codes.

This landmark initiative is designed to ensure authenticity, transparency, and efficiency in all official communications and will come into effect on December 22, 2025.

Under the new system, all official letters, notices, and communications issued by KMC will carry a unique QR code that can be verified by anyone, anywhere.

This step will not only streamline internal processes but will also enable citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to instantly verify the authenticity of official documents, thereby eliminating the risk of forged or fraudulent correspondence.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, while receiving a detailed briefing on the launch of the digital system, stated that KMC is moving decisively towards modern, transparent, and technology-driven governance, emphasized that the introduction of QR-code-based correspondence is a significant step to safeguard official transactions and restore public trust in municipal documentation.

“KMC is not limited to providing municipal services alone. We are responsible for managing prime lands, recreational facilities, markets, slum abadis, and several other critical sectors. To secure official transactions, prevent misuse, and curb fraudulent practices, the adoption of a digital and verifiable correspondence system was the need of the hour,” the Mayor said.

The Mayor further directed all KMC officers and departments to strictly implement this directive without exception. He made it clear that compliance with the new digital correspondence policy is mandatory and will be enforced at all levels to ensure uniformity and effectiveness across the organization.

He added that this initiative will significantly reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and place KMC services on a fast track. “We are successfully moving towards our goal of digital transformation and today marks an important milestone in bringing the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation in line with modern governance standards,” he remarked.

The meeting was attended by S. M. Afzal Zaidi (PAS), Municipal Commissioner KMC, Gulzar Abro, Financial Advisor KMC, and Daniyal Siyal, Director Media KMC, along with other senior officials who were briefed on the operational framework and rollout strategy of the digital system.

KMC’s move towards digital and secure correspondence reflects its strong commitment to innovation, transparency, and improved service delivery for the citizens of Karachi. After December 22, all official letters issued without a QR code will be considered invalid.

Gold prices fall by Rs 900 per tola

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:12 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): The price of 24 karat gold decreased by Rs 900 per tola and was traded at Rs 454,862 on Friday, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also went down by Rs 772 to Rs 389,970, whereas the price of 10 grams of 22 karat gold decreased by Rs 434 to Rs 357,485.

The price of per tola silver decreased by Rs 52 to Rs 6,848, while the price of 10 grams of 24 karat silver fell by Rs 44 to Rs 5,871.

In the international market, the price of gold decreased by $9 to $4,325 per ounce, whereas the price of silver went down by $0.52 to $65.76 per ounce.

49 schools in Layyah shifted to solar power

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:11 PM

MUZAFFARGARH, Dec 19 (APP): Forty-nine government schools in Layyah district have been shifted to solar power with the installation of solar systems and a strategy is being pursued to add the cost-effective facility to the remaining school to cut their cost on monthly electricity bills.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdul Qayyum inaugurated the new solar system at government girls Islamia high school at ceremony on Friday after he was accorded a warm reception by students and teachers upon his arrival.

Speaking on the occasion, the CEO education said that solarization of 49 government schools has been completed in Layyah district and efforts were being made to cover the remaining government schools.

He said that the solar systems installation would reduce electricity related expenses of schools in a big way.

Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:09 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP):The Rupee on Friday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 280.25 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs 280.26.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281 and Rs 283.1, respectively.

The price of the Euro decreased by 67 paisa to close at Rs 328.20, from the previous day’s close of Rs 328.87, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen came down by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 1.78, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of 06 paisa and closed at Rs 374.82 compared to the previous day’s Rs 374.76.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 01 paisa each and closed at Rs 76.30 and Rs 74.70, respectively.

CPO Rawalpindi orders constable’s suspension over social media corruption complaint

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:09 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 19 (APP): City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani on Friday took notice of a social media complaint alleging corruption against a police constable, ordering his suspension and directing that a charge sheet be issued, a police spokesman said.

The CPO said any conduct undermining the dignity of the police force would not be tolerated and pledged strict accountability. “Those involved in corruption or abuse of authority will not be spared. Officers must correct their conduct,” he added.

The spokesman said departmental action had been initiated against the constable in accordance with police regulations.

Pakistan Embassy in Abidjan Hosts Sufi, Cultural Night honoring Rumi & Iqbal

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:06 PM

ABIDJAN, Dec 19 (APP):The Embassy of Pakistan in Abidjan on Friday organized a Sufi and Cultural Night here at the embassy premises to commemorate the death anniversary of Maulana Jalal ud-din Rumi, under the theme “Talks of Maulana Jalal ud-din Rumi (R.A.) and Allama Muhammad Iqbal (R.A.) with relevance to present age”.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the National Islamic Council of Côte d’Ivoire, the Supreme Council of Imams, Mosques and Islamic Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire (COSIM), as well as members of the Pakistani community.

Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador Mahmood Akhtar Mahmood highlighted the timeless message of universal peace, harmony and global cohesion reflected in the works of Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He said that embracing their teachings enables societies to recognize the true essence of humanity and promote interfaith coexistence in an increasingly divided world.

The ambassador also underscored Iqbal’s stature as Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher, noting that his vision continues to inspire national progress, self-awareness and collective development.

In his remarks, Mir Mohammad Meigoni Seyed Gholamreza, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, praised Iqbal’s global recognition as a poet and philosopher, and elaborated on the enduring philosophical and spiritual influence of Rumi’s work on Muslim societies across generations.

The evening featured Sufi music performances that reflected the deeper cultural and spiritual traditions of Islam, emphasizing peace, harmony and Iqbal’s message of unity, development and progress beyond divisions of class and rank.

Participants appreciated the cultural presentation and the relevance of Rumi and Iqbal’s teachings in the context of contemporary global challenges. The event concluded with special prayers for the departed souls of Maulana Jalal ud-din Rumi (R.A.) and Allama Muhammad Iqbal (R.A.) in Abidjan.

DPO Khyber reviews security at court

Kamran Muraad

Fri, 19 Dec 2025, 5:03 PM

PESHAWAR, Dec 19 (APP): District Police Officer Khyber Waqar Ahmed paid an official visit to the District Court Khyber and conducted a detailed review of the judicial security arrangements.

During the visit, the DPO inspected entry and exit points, reviewed the deployment of security personnel, examined walk-through gates, and assessed other surveillance and security measures in place.

DPO Waqar Ahmed issued clear instructions to the DSP Jamrud Circle and the security in-charge, emphasizing that the safety of litigants, lawyers, and court staff is the top priority. He stated that no negligence or lapse in duty would be tolerated and directed that maximum alertness must be maintained at all times.

He further instructed the on-duty personnel to perform their responsibilities with vigilance, keep a close watch on suspicious individuals, and ensure that security arrangements are reviewed on a daily basis to maintain a secure environment within the court premises.