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India continues to delay Pakistan’s Sri Lanka aid flight for over 60 hours: FO

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday said that India continued to block its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, where floods and landslides had badly hit several districts, causing the loss of lives and properties.

“The special aircraft carrying Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka continues to face delay for over 60 hours now awaiting flight clearance from India,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

He said that the partial flight clearance issued by India last night, after 48 hours, was operationally impractical: time-bound for just a few hours and without validity for the return flight.

He said that the delay by India was severely hindering this urgent relief Mission for the brotherly people of Sri Lanka.

Palestinians battle harsh weather as winter intensifies in Gaza: UN

By
Samina Ch
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UNITED NATIONS, Dec 02 (APP):The United Nations says its humanitarian partners in Gaza are scaling up winterization efforts as cold weather and heavy rain continue to impact displaced Palestinians.
More than 230,000 families – that’s around 1.15 million people – received monthly food parcels between 1 and 27 November, through 59 distribution points, including 21 in northern Gaza.
Shelter partners distributed over 8,800 blankets and more than 300 tents, with additional tarpaulins and mattresses arriving this week.
Site management teams warn that flooding remains a major risk.
Sandbags have been deployed to 41 displacement sites, while cash-for-work teams have been reinforcing drainage and collect empty flour sacks to improve insulation.
On Friday, UN-coordinated aid entering Gaza included dignity kits, menstrual health items, medical supplies and adolescent kits – though road damage and limited transport continue to restrict access, especially in the north.
Protection partners say gender-based violence services reached 671 women and girls in one day last week, with new tents allowing safe spaces to reopen after flood damage.
Briefing reporters in New York on Monday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said humanitarian conditions remain extremely dire even as aid operations continue.
Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, has just finished a fact-finding mission to Gaza, stressing the importance of unfettered humanitarian access.
“Meanwhile, our partners leading the health response report that they continue to restore services across the Strip – with 234 health service points now
Shelter needs are still high, with some 1.5 million people in need of urgent support.
Over the weekend, 160 high-performance tents arrived in Gaza for learning activities – the biggest influx so far.
However, stationary and other school supplies are still not being allowed into Gaza, Mr. Dujarric warned, hampering efforts to scale up the response.
Around 123,000 families have received cash assistance since the fragile truce began – exceeding the target of 120,000 under the 60-day ceasefire plan.

Pakistan, Canada discuss streamlining GM canola trade

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Pakistan and Canada on Tuesday discussed ways to streamline the trade framework for genetically modified (GM) canola, with both sides agreeing to improve regulatory clarity and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik met Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan in Islamabad. Secretary Climate Change Aisha Moriani was also present.

The meeting focused on challenges linked to existing Harmonized System (HS) codes and the need for greater efficiency in procedures governing GM canola trade.

Dr Malik said the government was committed to reducing procedural delays and ensuring that any policy amendments aimed to facilitate importers and exporters.

He added that the Ministry was upgrading its digital dashboard to enhance transparency and ease of doing business.

The minister noted that institutional capacity-building remained a priority to better manage technical and regulatory requirements for climate-linked trade, agricultural commodities and biosafety issues.

The Canadian high commissioner appreciated the Ministry’s efforts to improve regulatory mechanisms and reiterated Canada’s commitment to expanding cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to promote sustainable and mutually beneficial trade practices.

Zeeshan thanks Prime Minister for praising “Suthra Punjab”

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 02 (APP):Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for his appreciation of “Suthra Punjab” saying that it is a matter of honor for all of us to appreciate the vision of Chief Minister(CM) Maryam Nawaz for cleanliness at the national and international level.
“The praise of the Prime Minister has raised the morale of the entire team of Suthra Punjab”, he remarked.
He was speaking at the meeting of CEOs of waste management companies of Punjab held at the Civil Secretariat. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian,Special Secretary Arshad Baig, Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi also participated while Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) CEO Babar Sahib Din briefed the meeting on Suthra Punjab Phase Two.
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that our heads have been raised with pride by the writing of the internationally renowned journal Forbes on the cleanliness revolution in Punjab.“Appreciation of Punjab in the journal’s report has actually increased the good name of Pakistan around the world. Before this,US congress and many delegates of the recent World Conference COP-30 held in Brazil have also been praised Suthra Punjab”, he added.
Zeeshan Rafiq said that by the grace of Allah, Suthra Punjab has become the largest sanitation system in the world under single umbrella. “Now, he went on, “under the supervision of Chief Minister(CM)Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the work on the next phase “West to Value” has started. For this, we will use the 50 thousand tons waste accumulated everyday across Punjab”. There is no doubt that turning challenges into opportunities is the hallmark of the Maryam Nawaz government”, he praised.
The Local Government Minister directed all the CEOs to take measures for garbage segregation at the dumping sites emphasising that with proper segregation of waste, the targets of the waste-to-value phase will be achieved easily.
On this occasion, Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian asked all the CEOs for a detailed report from the segregation of the West saying that Suthra Punjab team move forward by learning from the challenges of the first phase of Punjab. “The results of good teamwork are already before us. Now we have to work with more effort and determination for the convenience of the people”, he urged.

NA session commences under Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chairmanship

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The National Assembly session commenced at 2:22 p.m. on Tuesday at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

The House is set to take up its agenda items, including calling attention notices, introduction of bills, motions and a resolution. Points of order are also expected to be raised, along with any other business permitted by the Chair.

Italian Archaeologist inspires Hazara University; four departments join new heritage initiative

By
Samina Ch
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MANSEHRA, Dec 02 (APP):The Department of Archaeology, Hazara University Mansehra, successfully hosted a special guest lecture  titled “From Vajirasthana/Barikot to Jayapalanagara/Zalamkot ,” the other day.
The session was delivered by renowned archaeologist Prof. (Dr.) Luca Maria Olivieri from the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan (ISMEO) and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
Faculty members, students, and research scholars from the Department of Archaeology participated with great interest, gaining valuable insights into recent archaeological discoveries, historical interpretations, and the cultural significance of major sites in the Swat Valley.
Following the lecture, a productive meeting was held under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ikramullah Khan, in his office. During the meeting, discussions were held with Prof. Olivieri regarding the newly launched “Khyber PATH (Profession for Climate Adaptation, Eco-Tourism, and Heritage)” project.
It was agreed that four departments of Hazara University Archaeology, Arts & Design, Architecture, and Tourism & Hospitality will participate as co-partners in the initiative. A formal agreement will soon be signed to ensure the active involvement of students, scholars, and faculty members from these departments.
The Vice Chancellor thanked Prof. Olivieri for his valuable contribution and for enhancing the academic exposure of the university’s students and researchers. A commemorative shield was also presented to the distinguished guest as a token of appreciation.

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

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0

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.

Safety systems under scrutiny: FOSPAH issues strong directive to Yango Pakistan after disturbing harassment allegations

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):In a decisive move underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on workplace and commuter harassment, the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ordered Yango Pakistan to submit a statutory compliance report after serious allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against one of its drivers.
The complaint detailed alleged sexual advances, diversion from the designated route, and inappropriate conduct during a booked ride. FOSPAH emphasized that the gravity of the accusations warrants a full examination of Yango’s internal mechanisms for preventing and addressing harassment.
FOSPAH has directed Yango Pakistan to provide, within seven days, comprehensive proof of compliance with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, including: evidence of a legally mandated Inquiry Committee (Section 3); proof of display and dissemination of the official Code of Conduct (Section 11); detailed internal protocols for addressing harassment complaints; all passenger-safety systems, such as driver vetting, route monitoring, in-app safety tools, and staff training mechanisms; and a complete record of all harassment-related complaints from the past three years.
A FOSPAH spokesperson stated that ride-hailing companies “carry an elevated responsibility to ensure safe, dignified, and respectful travel environments — particularly for women who rely on these services daily.”
The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to holding digital mobility platforms accountable, noting that public safety cannot be compromised by procedural lapses or inadequate oversight.
FOSPAH encouraged citizens to report any harassment incidents immediately, assuring swift and lawful action.

Pak-Saudi economic corridor pushes SIFC vision forward with new milestone

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Pakistan’s plan to boost foreign investment has taken a major step forward as work on the proposed Pak-Saudi Economic Corridor gains pace.
Officials and experts say the initiative is now emerging as one of the key achievements under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), raising expectations for stronger regional trade, new investment flows and deeper cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
China International Press and Communication Center media fellow Muhammad Zamir Asadi, while speaking to APP on Tuesday, said the SIFC’s recent measures are helping rebuild investor confidence and draw global attention toward Pakistan’s economic potential.
He said international partners are now viewing Pakistan as an active regional economic player with growing opportunities for long-term collaboration.
Asadi said the proposed Pak-Saudi Economic Corridor is shaping up as an important development for both countries, laying the groundwork for enhanced economic and strategic cooperation.
The initiative is being planned in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s development framework, enabling both sides to identify new areas for trade, investment and regional outreach.
He said the corridor is being discussed after the recent defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which marked a significant moment in bilateral ties.
 Asadi noted that both countries are now moving toward deeper economic engagement, using the Gwadar Port as a link between South Asia and the Middle East. According to him, this connection has the potential to improve regional trade routes and introduce new commercial opportunities.
Asadi said Pakistan-Saudi cooperation in the economic sector will encourage further investment and facilitate the transfer of technology across sectors. He drew parallels with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the upcoming corridor could also support modern infrastructure, new industries and stable partnerships.
Sharing trade figures, he said Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia have crossed USD 700 million during the current fiscal year. According to him, this trend shows growing momentum in bilateral trade and rising interest from Saudi businesses. He said investors from Saudi Arabia are looking closely at potential projects in agriculture, mining, energy and information technology.
Asadi said the Pak-Saudi Economic Corridor is likely to introduce large-scale projects in corporate farming, dairy production and meat processing. These initiatives, he said, can improve food security, support Pakistan’s export capacity and help upgrade the agriculture sector through better farming methods and modern systems.
He said the government and the SIFC have taken steps to support long-term cooperation with Saudi Arabia, focusing on stability, investment protection and ease of doing business. According to him, Pakistan has built the groundwork to welcome broader economic ties and ensure progress on major joint ventures in the coming years.
Asadi added that the corridor will reflect a shared vision for regional growth and offer both countries a platform to explore new sectors. He said continued collaboration under the SIFC will help Pakistan attract more international partnerships, create economic activity and support national development goals.
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now positioned to move forward with stronger economic ties as both sides explore the full scope of the proposed corridor. The initiative, he noted, will be a key component in shaping Pakistan’s economic outlook and strengthening its role in regional connectivity.

Pink mobile van facilitates University of Sialkot

By
Samina Ch
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0
SIALKOT, Dec 02 (APP):Sialkot Police started a Pink Mobile Police Station and licensing unit for Women at the University of Sialkot(UOS) on Tuesday.
According to a spokesperson, the mobile station helps women register complaints and provides 14 other services at their doorstep.
Students at the university were able to use the service and register their complaints.
This project also aims to help women in villages and remote areas.The schedule will be shared on the police website so women know when to approach the unit.
Teachers and students praised the project, saying it will make it easier for women to get help from the police.
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