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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.

CM Maryam condemns terrorist attack on police squad in Bannu

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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a police squad in Bannu.
She expressed her heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families of Assistant Commissioner Shah Wali and four civilians who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The chief minister also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack.

ATC reserves verdict on Dr Yasmin Rashid’s bail plea

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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a bail petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid in a case pertaining to the burning of a police vehicle near Jinnah House during the May 9 violence.
ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill conducted the proceedings and reserved the verdict after completion of arguments from both sides. The court indicated that it would announce the decision on Wednesday.
During the hearing, Advocate Rana Mudassir Umar presented arguments on behalf of Dr. Rashid.
Sarwar Road police had registered FIR No. 108/23 against Dr. Yasmin Rashid and others on charges of setting a police vehicle on ablaze near Jinnah House.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearings on Dr. Rashid’s bail petitions in the Askari Tower attack case and the Club Chowk GOR Gate attack case.
It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Yasmin Rashid has already been granted bail in the Mughalpura police vehicle-burning case, while she has been convicted in four other cases related to the May 9 events.

CM orders not to arrest underage students for traffic violations

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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting to address traffic violations and enhance road safety, directing authorities to stop arresting underage students for traffic offences.
She expressed strong concern over incidents of children being handcuffed for minor traffic violations and instructed that 16-year-old students be issued smart cards and motorcycle driving licences. The meeting also decided that traffic police will observe an awareness week across the province, targeting students and the general public.
Authorities briefed the Chief Minister that first-time offenders not wearing helmets will be issued warning challans, and highlighted the introduction of drone cameras and body cams for traffic monitoring.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that parents must actively educate children about traffic laws, noting that rules exist to protect lives and public habits must change for safety. She stressed that the government does not intend to penalize innocent children but law compliance remains essential.
The CM also directed traffic police to maintain citizens’ dignity and avoid harshness or misconduct. She was informed that 2,445 police vehicles were found violating traffic rules, underscoring the need for strict enforcement coupled with public awareness.

CTP Rawalpindi launches General Hold-Up to enforce traffic laws

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 02 (APP): In a bid to enforce traffic laws and ensure road safety, the City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi launched a comprehensive general hold-up operation.
The initiative, led by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam, targets curbing traffic violations and promoting discipline on the city’s roads.
A total of 31 special pickets were established and 103 officers and personnel were deployed to monitor traffic and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
During the past 24 hours, more than 5,500 traffic violators were issued challan tickets.
Additionally, 51 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered for serious offenses.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam emphasized the importance of these measures in maintaining road safety and reducing accidents.
He called on all drivers and motorcyclists to comply with traffic laws to ensure a safer environment for all road users.

Rupee gains 03 paisa against US Dollar

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The Rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 03 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs280.47 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs280.50.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.5 and Rs 283.25, respectively.
The price of the Euro decreased by 05 paisa to close at Rs 325.72, from the previous day’s close of Rs 325.77, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went remained unchanged and closed at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed a decrease of 38 paisa and closed at Rs 370.50 compared to the previous day’s Rs370.88.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 01 and 03 paisa to close at Rs 76.36 and Rs 74.72, respectively.