Thursday, August 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 351

3 held for elderly man’s murder over dowry issue

By
Ahmed Waheed
-
0
LODHRAN, Jul 25 (APP):Police claimed to have arrested three suspects including the prime suspect involved in murder of an elderly man during a domestic dispute over dowry issue in the Adam Wahan area.
According to DSP Sadar Abid Hussain Bhalla, the conflict began between a husband and wife over the possession of a buffalo that had been given as dowry. Following the argument, the wife left her husband’s home and returned to her parents’ house. She later came back to her in-laws’ residence accompanied by her brothers.
An altercation broke out upon their arrival, during which the brothers allegedly assaulted the woman’s father-in-law with sticks. The elderly man sustained severe injuries and died on the spot.
As soon as the incident was reported, SHO Sadar police station, Imran Gujjar, reached the scene with his team. A case was registered and police arrested the nominated suspects including key suspect Akhtar.
District Police Officer (DPO) Capt (retd) Ali bin Tariq, took notice of the incident and assured the public that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. He added that all resources were being utilized to ensure justice.

ADCG, traders unite to tackle market issues

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Sahibzada Muhammad Yousaf on Friday held a meeting with representatives of various traders’ unions in Islamabad and discussed the ongoing market concerns and finalize plans for Independence Day celebrations.
The meeting aimed to build coordination between traders and district officials for better service delivery and public relief.
The delegation was led by senior trader leader Ajmal Baloch.
During the meeting, the ADCG listened to the concerns raised by the business community. These included matters related to the pricing of essential goods, enforcement of official rate lists, the use of plastic bags, and encroachments in commercial areas.
The traders also shared their suggestions on how to address these issues effectively.
On the occasion, Sahibzada Yousaf assured the delegation that the district administration would take practical steps to resolve their concerns.

ICT admin holds six agents outside Excise Office

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):A surprise inspection by the Assistant Commissioner of Islamabad’s Industrial Area led to the arrest of six agents operating outside the Excise Department.
The action was taken as part of an effort to curb illegal activities around government offices.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration, the Assistant Commissioner (AC) Industrial Area conducted an unannounced visit to the premises outside the Excise and Taxation Office in Islamabad.
During the inspection, six individuals identified as agents were taken into custody on charges of unauthorized operations and public disturbance.
The arrested persons were allegedly involved in offering unofficial services to citizens visiting the excise office for vehicle registration, license renewals, and tax-related tasks. Authorities stated that these agents often charge citizens extra money under the pretext of speeding up government procedures.
Following their arrest, the agents were shifted to the police station for further legal action. According to the administration, the presence of these individuals creates difficulties for the public and disrupts the orderly functioning of the department.
Officials said the action was taken to discourage the use of middlemen and ensure transparency in public service delivery.
The Assistant Commissioner noted that such visits would continue in the future to maintain discipline around government offices.
The administration has urged citizens to avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals and to use only the official counters for any excise-related services. Signboards and warnings are also being placed near the premises to inform visitors about the risks of using agents and the legal consequences for those found engaging in such practices.
Authorities emphasized that the goal of such operations is to ensure that all government services are provided directly to the public without interference or exploitation. The Assistant Commissioner further stated that the crackdown is part of a broader initiative to improve public access and reduce complaints related to delays and overcharging.
In the coming days, more inspections are expected in other parts of the city to identify and stop similar activities near other government offices.

Women cricketers continue taking part in rigorous training ahead of Ireland series

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
KARACHI, Jul 25 (APP):On the 18th day of the Skills and Fitness Camp, the women cricketers trained for four hours at the Hanif Muhammad High Performance Centre here on Friday.
Ahead of the upcoming series against Ireland, the players took part in rigorous batting, bowling and fielding drills.
Under the supervision of Head Coach Muhammad Wasim, the camp focused on enhancing the player’s skills through practical training sessions.
The Camp will continue in Karachi until August 2. The women’s national team is scheduled to depart for Ireland on August 3.
Pakistan and Ireland will play a three-match T20I series with all matches to be held at Clontarf, Ireland.

Gold prices dip by Rs.2,300 at Rs356,700

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The price of 24 karat per tola gold decreased by Rs.2,300 and was traded at Rs.356,700 on Friday as against its sale at Rs.359,000 the previous day, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association reported.
The prices of 10 grams of 24 karat also decreased by Rs.1,972 to Rs.305,812 from Rs. 307,784 whereas that of 10 grams of 22 karat gold went down by Rs.1,808 to Rs.280,337 from Rs.282,145.
However, the rates of per tola and ten gram silver decreased by Rs34 and Rs.39 to Rs.4,023 and Rs.3,449 respectively.
The price of gold in the international market decreased by $23 to $3,340 from $3,363, whereas that of silver decreased by $0.34 to $38.74 from $39.08, the Association reported.

Calls for National Discussion on Forensic Justice, Gender-Based Violence, and Rights-Based Medical Practices

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), under the leadership of Chairperson Ms Ume Laila Azhar, convened the first national consultation to review the draft of the Islamabad Capital Territory Medico-Legal Regulation Act, 2025.
This proposed legislation seeks to regulate medico-legal services and strengthen rights-based forensic practices in Islamabad.
NCSW under its constitutional mandate to review laws affecting the status and rights of women, has taken the lead in proposing a standardized, rights based, and gender-sensitive framework for ICT. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani in his speech at the National Dialogue regarding “Medico-Legal law in Pakistan” also highlighted this issue. A long-overdue reform aimed at reinforcing the pillars of justice, dignity, and accountability in Pakistan’s legal-medical ecosystem.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Law & Justice, National Health Services, ICT Administration, PIMS, Polyclinic, Legal Aid Society, LJCP, and leading forensic and gender rights experts. Discussions were candid, complex, and highly significant.
Why This Matters — And Why the Conversation Must Begin Now
Is Pakistan ready to adopt a victim- and rights-centered forensic system in gender-based violence (GBV) cases?
Can forensic evidence be restructured to work in tandem with circumstantial and testimonial evidence — instead of replacing it?
Will digitalization, decentralization, and safety of medico-legal officers finally be prioritized in law?
How can we ensure dignified treatment of both victims and accused, as per our constitutional and international obligations?
These questions are no longer theoretical — they’re at the center of this draft Act and demand public and media scrutiny.
 The Ministry of Human Rights urged a balanced approach that protects both victims and the accused, and raised concerns over rigid timelines for medico-legal reports.
Terminology review: PIMS recommended replacing the binary “fabricated/non-fabricated” with a third option to avoid premature judgments. The term “friendly injuries” was also proposed.
Jurisdictional coordination: The Ministry of Law recommended a comparative analysis with Sindh and Draft by Punjab legislation for alignment and clarity.
Technology and outreach: Polyclinic and NCSW emphasized digital tools and public awareness as key to enforcement and accessibility.
Security of examiners: A recurring concern was the safety and legal protection of medical officers, especially in sensitive GBV cases.
 All stakeholders called for inclusion of police, judiciary, and grassroots health units in future discussions.
The formation of a special drafting committee is under consideration for which, NCSW in its call to action said, “We are not just drafting another law,” said Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar. “We are confronting a broken system where survivors of violence often face further injustice at the hands of procedures meant to protect them. Let this be a national moment to ask: Are we doing enough?”
The NCSW invites civil society, journalists, legal experts, and citizens to join the dialogue, share critiques, and demand accountability — because equitable medico-legal reform is not a technical exercise; it is a societal necessity. Second consultation to follow in early August 2025, featuring judiciary, police, and gender units, and focusing on real case studies and implementation mechanisms.

“More Daycare Centers Needed in Federal Capital, Say islamabad Residents”

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Civil Socity have  demanded Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Ministry of Human Rights to expand public childcare services, especially in areas with a high concentration of working women such as G-6, G-9, and Blue Area.
While a few state-run daycare facilities do exist — such as the one near Rawal Lake — residents argue they are too few to meet the growing demand. Working mothers, especially those from low and middle-income households, often face difficulty finding reliable, affordable childcare during office hours.
Nusrat Bano, a government employee and mother of two kids islamabad i, said: “There is only one government daycare near my office, and it’s already full. I have to leave my child with a neighbor, which is risky and not always dependable.”
As more women join the workforce in Pakistan’s capital, citizens and civil society activists are raising concerns over the lack of adequate government daycare centers in Islamabad.
Advocates for women’s rights Aliyea  Hina say the issue is not just about convenience — it’s about enabling economic participation. “Without adequate daycare, many women are forced to choose between a career and their children,” said activist Mehnaz Akbar.
Officials from the Ministry of Human Rights acknowledged the problem and said new proposals for expanding daycare access are under review. However, no timelines have been confirmed.
Until then, many working mothers in the federal capital continue to juggle responsibilities in a system that has yet to fully support them.

Bushra Butt to advance educational legislation, inclusive policy initiatives

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, on Friday chaired a significant meeting, focused on key legislative proposals and educational reforms aimed at enhancing quality, accessibility, and inclusivity across Pakistan’s education system.
The meeting began by considering the private member bill titled “The Federal Supervision of Curricula, Textbooks, and Maintenance of Standards of Education (Amendment) Bill 2024,” said a press release.
Senator Bushra emphasized the importance of addressing sensitive topics like reproductive health in a responsible and age-appropriate manner, stressing the necessity of parental involvement. While acknowledging some reservations, she stated that the majority of members viewed the bill as timely and essential. With six votes in favor and two against, the bill was approved by the committee.
Senators Afnan Ullah Khan, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Fawzia Arshad, and Rahat Jamali supported the bill.
Senators Kamran Murtaza and Falak Naz opposed it, citing cultural sensitivities, while Senator Khalida Ateeb suggested limiting its application to secondary education.
The committee was also briefed on the case of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) law students affected by academic transition issues. Members were informed that most concerns had been addressed and exam schedules would resume by September 1. Chairperson Butt reiterated the committee’s commitment in ensuring timely accommodations for the affected students.
In discussions on disability inclusion in private schools under ICT, the committee called for strengthened infrastructure, such as accessible transportation and hearing support services. Senator Bushra proposed integrating mandatory hearing screenings into newborn vaccination cards to support early detection of disabilities. The Ministries of Health and Education were directed to collaborate and submit a joint report.
The committee also reviewed the School Milk Program, which aims to combat child malnutrition. Concerns were raised over quality, sugar content, lactose intolerance, and real-time delivery monitoring. Officials reported initial success in pilot districts, but the committee urged a thorough review of its nutritional impact and sustainability, particularly in light of rising childhood health issues.
Additional discussion included accessible transport for students with disabilities, designated parking, and improving coordination between federal education institutions. The committee expressed concern over persistent administrative challenges, especially at institutions like Federal Urdu University, and called for a standardized model for better governance across universities.
In attendance were Senators Kamran Murtaza, Afnan Ullah Khan, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Fawzia Arshad, Falak Naz, Rahat Jamali, Khalida Ateeb, and Sarmad Ali, along with the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, the Secretary of the Ministry, and senior officials from relevant departments.

NPC to organize free medical camp on 27 July

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):National Press Club Islamabad (NPC), in collaboration with Pakistan Islamic Medical Associations (PIMA), would organize free medical camp on 27 July (Sunday) for members and their families.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the free medical camp will run from 12 noon to 5 p.m. with free screening for Hepatitis B and C, along with free medical consultations and expert advices.
Additionally, free Hepatitis B vaccinations and laboratory tests will also be provided.

Pakistan calls for climate justice at COP29 HoD Retreat in Azerbaijan

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

SHAMAKHI, Jul 25 (APP): Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, urged global climate leaders to honour climate finance commitments and strengthen cooperation between developed and developing nations during the COP29 Heads of Delegation (HoD) Retreat held in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the high-level gathering, Dr. Malik emphasized the need for “climate justice, equity, and stronger collaboration between the Global North and South” in tackling the escalating climate crisis.

Pakistan calls for climate justice at COP29 HoD Retreat in Azerbaijan

He highlighted Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change, noting that despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the country faces severe climate-related disasters including floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

“The time for promises is over. Developing countries like Pakistan need inclusive and transparent access to climate finance, technology, and adaptation support,” said Dr. Malik. “The world cannot afford delay — the Paris Agreement must be honoured in both letter and spirit.”

The retreat, a closed-door dialogue between Heads of Delegation from across the globe, aimed to build trust and chart a path toward meaningful outcomes at COP29, scheduled for later this year in Azerbaijan.

Discussions focused on key unresolved issues such as climate financing, loss and damage mechanisms, and bridging the implementation gap in emissions reduction pledges.

Dr. Malik reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a climate-resilient and sustainable development pathway, and its active participation in shaping a fair and effective international climate framework.

Pakistan calls for climate justice at COP29 HoD Retreat in Azerbaijan

He called on developed nations to meet their pledged contributions to the $100 billion annual climate finance goal, a promise made under the 2015 Paris Agreement to help poorer countries cope with climate impacts.

Pakistan, ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries globally, has in recent years faced deadly monsoons and rising temperatures that have displaced millions and damaged infrastructure.

Pakistan calls for climate justice at COP29 HoD Retreat in Azerbaijan

The country has been a vocal advocate for equitable climate action and greater support for adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Global South.

The HoD retreat marks an important milestone in the lead-up to COP29, offering an opportunity for countries to align on key priorities ahead of formal negotiations.

Pakistan calls for climate justice at COP29 HoD Retreat in Azerbaijan

1...350351352...28,567Page 351 of 28,567

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan