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Rs 5,000 dispute leads to fatal shooting in DI Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 02 (APP):A man was shot dead while his son survived a targeted attack after two suspects opened fire over a dispute of Rs 5,000 near the motorcycle bargain market close to Kotli Imam Hussain in the jurisdiction of Cantt Police Station.
According to police, the accused, identified as Ahmad Shah along with an unidentified accomplice, intercepted Ayaz Khan of Suleman Khel and his 26-year-old son, Saifur Rehman, and opened fire. Ayaz Khan died on the spot, while his son escaped unharmed. A passer-by named Jehanzaib Mahmood was also injured in the incident.
The Cantt police registered a case on the complaint of the victim’s son, who stated that the suspects owed his father Rs 5,000. When his father demanded the money, the suspects allegedly became enraged and shot at them. The police have launched further investigation.

Commissioner inaugurates sasta bazaar for public relief

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APP10-020325 ISLAMABAD: March 02 – A large number of people purchasing fruits for iftar at Sasta Ramadan bazaar Aabpara in the Federal Capital. APP/SAK/FHA
MULTAN, Dec 02 (APP):Multan Commissioner Division Amir Kareem Khan inaugurated a low-cost (Sasta Bazaar) set up under the supervision of the Behbood Foundation, marking another significant step forward in ongoing social welfare initiatives across the division.
The specially organized bazaar features warm clothing, essential daily-use items, and food stalls, quickly becoming a centre of attention for local residents.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said the initiative would allow citizens to purchase quality goods at significantly reduced prices, easing the financial burden on households.
He further stated that the welfare-driven campaigns “Khair Ka Safar” and “Man-o-Salwa” were continuing successfully across the division with the support of generous philanthropists. He urged affluent individuals to actively participate in such social causes, emphasizing that community well-being strengthens when society contributes collectively.
During the ceremony, pushcarts were distributed among members of the labour community to help improve their livelihoods. Certificates were also awarded to young girls who completed skill-based training through the Behbood Foundation.
Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan visited various stalls to review the arrangements in detail. As a gesture of Multani tradition, the President of the Behbood Foundation presented him with a traditional Multani Ajrak.

Special woman suffers severe burns

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BAHAWALPUR, Dec 02 (APP):A woman has sustained serious burn injuries in a fire incident in the Uch area.
Official sources in the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122, said that the rescue staff was informed by her relatives that the woman had not been mentally stable for the past six months and had been undergoing treatment by a doctor. “At night, when the children were sleeping, she set fire to some firewood lying outside in the yard. While igniting it, the flames caught her clothes, causing her to suffer severe burns,” they said, adding that after first aid, she was shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters, Ahmedpur Sharqia.
The injured woman, who has sustained burn wounds on 80 percent of her body, was identified as 45-year-old Siyani Mai. She was receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

Chill in the Air, style on the feet: Pakistan’s Winter shoe crazes

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By Maryam Shah
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Winter is in full swing across Pakistan, including Islamabad, driving shoppers to malls and markets to secure the season’s hottest shoes before they run out. Leather boots, suede shoes, fur-lined loafers, insulated joggers, and trekking shoes are flying off shelves.
The sudden chill and December discounts have created a shopping frenzy. People of all ages are visiting malls, markets, and online stores in Islamabad. Retailers report fast-moving stock and high footfall. Young buyers are driving the demand, while parents shop for children and older buyers look for comfort. Winter shoes are now a must-have, not a luxury.
Centaurus Mall, Giga Mall, Safa Gold Mall, Jinnah Super, F-10 Markaz, G-11 Markaz ,I-10 Markaz, and Aabpara are all crowded daily. Shoppers compare designs, feel materials, and check warmth. Stock is moving faster than ever.
Muhammad Nasir, a shopkeeper in Aabpara Market, said popular shoes this season include leather boots, suede ankle boots, fur-lined loafers, long snow boots, waterproof trekking shoes, chunky sneakers, moccasins, and insulated joggers for children. Women are buying knee-length leather boots, block-heel suede boots, and soft fur pairs. Men are choosing rugged leather boots, outdoor-ready shoes, and warm joggers. Children prefer colorful insulated shoes for early school mornings.
When it comes to colors, classic shades are dominating this winter. Black leather and brown suede boots are the top choice across all age groups because they are versatile and match almost every outfit. Dark grey and navy shoes are also popular among young adults who want a modern yet understated look. Women are adding a touch of style with deep burgundy or olive boots, while children gravitate toward bright and playful tones such as red and blue. Retailers say neutral colors are selling fastest, making black and brown the undisputed favorites this season.
Retailers say the eighteen-to-thirty-five age group leads sales. Buyers aged eighteen to twenty-five go for chunky sneakers, suede boots, and trekking shoes. Those aged twenty-six to thirty-five prefer leather ankle boots and waterproof shoes. Families are buying school shoes for children. Older buyers focus on soft leather and cushioned loafers for comfort.
Sellers told APP that customer awareness is higher this year. Shoppers inspect leather, check suede, and ask about warmth and durability.
Ahmed Ali, a shopkeeper in Jinnah Super, said boots and joggers are disappearing fast. Rehan Mirza, a Centaurus shoe store manager, added that young buyers want shoes that are stylish and warm. Local craftsmen in Aabpara said buyers prefer real leather for long-lasting quality.
Buyers say seasonal discounts are irresistible. A mother in F-10 said she planned to buy one pair but ended up buying two. A university student said chunky sneakers match almost every winter outfit. An office worker said warm boots are essential for cold mornings.
In December, brands began offering twenty to fifty percent discounts. Online stores are also seeing strong sales in leather boots, warm joggers, and trekking shoes. Retailers restock daily. Local craftsmen work late to meet demand. Social media is full of winter shoe videos and reviews. Shoppers want to secure their favorite styles before stock runs out. Real leather, genuine suede, and soft fur remain the most sought-after materials.
Winter shoes now combine warmth, comfort, style, and durability. Across Pakistan, shoppers treat them as a seasonal essential rather than a luxury.

Farhan Yousaf to lead ACC U 19 Asia Cup

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LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Farhan Yousaf captain of the Pakistan U 19 team which is due to take part in Asian Cricket Council (ACC) U 19 Asia Cup from December 12 to December 21 in Dubai.
Farhan Yousaf also featured in last year’s ACC U19 Asia Cup. The 50-over event will feature eight teams.
Pakistan, who were beaten by Bangladesh in last year’s semi-final, are placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3. Group ‘B’ comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2 and Sri Lanka.
The eight-team tournament will provide Pakistan side with preparations ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
Pakistan will open their campaign on Friday, 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Their second group match is against India on Sunday, 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, while their final group fixture is against Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, 16 December at the same venue.
The semi-finals will be played on 19 December at The Sevens Stadium and ICC Academy Ground, while the final will take place on Sunday, 21 December.
18-year-old Farhan recently led Lahore Region Whites in the National Men’s U19 Cup, scoring 369 runs from seven matches, including a century and two half-centuries. Usman Khan, who scored a century in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, will be Farhan’s deputy in the event.
Playing for FATA in the National Men’s U19 Cup, left-handed Usman scored 429 runs from seven matches, which included two centuries and a half-century.
Pakistan team will undergo a camp in Karachi from later today until the team’s departure for Dubai, which will be confirmed in due course.
15-member squad:
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

ECP notifies PML-N’s Muhammad Bilal Badar victory in NA-96  by-election

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday notified the victory of Muhammad Bilal Badar, candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), from NA-96 Faisalabad-II.
 The announcement follows the by-election held on 23 November 2025.
According to the notification, Badar has been returned to the National Assembly after the completion of the legal scrutiny process, formally securing his seat in the lower house of parliament.

Cotton research push: Pakistan develops five heat-tolerant varieties for 47°C conditions

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Scientists at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) are working on five new cotton varieties that can survive temperatures of up to 47°C, offering a possible shift for farmers struggling with climate pressure.
The research is part of a wider effort to revive cotton production, which has been declining due to extreme heat, erratic weather, pests, and disease, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
CCRI officials said the new varieties aim to help growers in the plains of Punjab, where temperatures during the sowing and fruiting stages often exceed levels that current crops can tolerate.
Sajid Mahmood, Head of Technology Transfer at CCRI Multan, told Wealth Pakistan that the work focuses on heat and drought tolerance as well as resistance to major pests and diseases.
 He said the institute has already developed Bt Cyto-511, a variety that has gained quick acceptance in Punjab for maintaining performance even at 45°C. The next set of varieties is being designed to survive up to 47°C.
Other varieties produced by the CCRI so far include Bt CIM-775, Cyto-537 and CIM-343. These triple-gene types are built to handle climate stress, fend off multiple bollworms, tolerate drought and allow the use of specific herbicides for better weed control.
Mahmood noted that shifting weather patterns have altered Punjab’s sowing window. A decade ago, cotton was planted soon after wheat harvest in late April. But now, temperatures from 40°C to 47°C in May have caused many crops to lose flowers and bolls before they form. “Our priority is to develop seed that can hold fruit even under severe heat,” he said.
Beyond heat-tolerant varieties, CCRI scientists are also working on extra-long staple cotton—up to 34 millimeters—and naturally colored cotton in brown, green and blue. However, farmers have avoided these options because of lower yields.
Funding constraints have long affected cotton research, but Mahmood said the situation is improving after an agreement between the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). The deal requires textile mills to clear outstanding cotton cess payments, which help finance the CCRI in Multan and Sakrand.
APTMA Secretary General Punjab, Raza Baqir, said mills have been paying Rs50 per 170-kg bale in cess for decades and are now settling arrears under the July agreement with the PCCC. He said the contribution, though small, supports ongoing research.

SRSO Staff Sensitized on Protection Against Sexual Harassment Act

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SUKKUR, Dec 02 (APP):The Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Office on Tuesday conducted an awareness session on the Protection Against Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010 and its 2022 Amendment for SRSO staff at the SRSO Complex, Sukkur.
The session aimed to strengthen staff understanding of the legal framework and reinforce SRSO’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and harassment-free work environment.
Key speakers from the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Regional Office Sukkur, including Muhammad Iqbal Arain, Consultant, Retired District and Session Judge, Syed Manzoor Hussain Shah, In-charge, Provincial Ombudsman PHWWP Regional Office Sukkur, and Abdul Samee Soomro, Senior Officer, shared insights on the Ombudsman’s role, the Act’s provisions, and complaint mechanisms.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SRSO, Muhammad Dittal Kalhoro welcomed the team and expressed gratitude for the session. He highlighted SRSO’s commitment to maintaining strong reporting and redressal mechanisms.
The session was managed by SRSO’s Human Resources Department and attended by all Head Office staff, who participated in the discussion and were sensitized on their roles in fostering a secure workplace environment.

Govt incorporates presidential observations to strengthen minority rights bill

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed that no law could compromise the sanctity of the finality of prophethood, noting the government had addressed the President’s observations and strengthened the National Commission for Minority Bill 2025, already passed by both Houses of Parliament.
Speaking in Majlis-e-Shoora, after the passage of the minority rights bill, he noted that the Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, had comprehensively addressed each point raised, and the government had also accepted the additional improvements proposed by Senator Kamran Murtaza under the guidance of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Dar regretted that some political quarters attempted to cast the legislation in a negative light, stressing that finality of prophet hood is an article of faith for every Muslim, and no law could ever compromise that belief. He said no institution or office holds greater sanctity for Muslims than the honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
He added that sensitive legislative matters must not be politicized, and Parliament should operate through consultation and consensus just as it did during earlier major constitutional reforms. “All laws evolve through a process,” he said, adding that if improvements were needed in any legislation—including this one—the government was always willing to sit together and consider amendments.
Former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said that the rights of minorities were a constitutional responsibility and part of Pakistan’s foundational vision. He recalled that during his tenure he had formally introduced the observance of National Minorities Day to recognise their contribution and ensure inclusivity within state institutions.
Gillani said the white portion of the national flag was a reminder of the equality and protection guaranteed to non-Muslim citizens by Quaid-e-Azam. He urged the Law Minister to carefully consider the reservations raised by some members as well as the observations earlier communicated by the President, emphasising that broader consultation strengthens legislation and enhances national unity.
Molana Fazal ur Rehman, expressing his views, said Parliament is a forum of collective consultation, and Islamic principles encourage dialogue and consensus. He stressed that constitutional amendments should be built on broad agreement to avoid controversy and ensure national cohesion, noting that differing opinions must be respected within the democratic process.

President praises Pakistan Navy’s relief operation in flood-hit Sri Lanka

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday commended the Pakistan Navy for carrying out the relief operation in Sri Lanka, after the floods and landslides hit many parts of the country, causing deaths and widespread destruction.
The president, in a statement, lauded the Pakistan Navy helicopter crew for the timely rescue of a family stranded for five days.
He said that the flood relief mission carried out by Pakistan Navy’s ship “Saif” in Sri Lanka was a manifestation of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.