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Islamabad’s Key Infrastructure Projects Enter Final Phase

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): Three major infrastructure projects in the federal capital — the T-Chowk Flyover, Shaheen Chowk Underpass, and Faizabad Interchange remodeling — have entered their final stages, with construction work progressing at an accelerated pace.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday visited all three sites to review ongoing development activities. During the inspection, he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, directing authorities to ensure timely completion using all available resources.
To further ease traffic flow at Faizabad, the minister instructed that Loop 1 and Loop 2 be expanded to three lanes. He also ordered the installation of landscaping and lighting along both sides of the projects to enhance their visual appeal.
The minister noted that the completion of these initiatives will significantly improve traffic movement, reduce congestion, and facilitate daily commuters. He added that the T-Chowk Flyover, in particular, will benefit travelers from the twin cities and Punjab.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister on the progress, stating that nearly 80 percent of the T-Chowk Flyover has been completed and is expected to open for traffic in early December. All pile caps and girder casting for the flyover are finished, while 75 percent of the protective walls are in place.
At Shaheen Chowk, all 70 girders for the underpass have been launched, with remaining structural work nearing completion. Ramp 1 and Ramp 2 of the project are already fully built.
Progress at the Faizabad Interchange also remains steady, with pole foundations and RCC walls completed and asphalt work currently underway.
The visit was attended by CDA members, the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and other senior officials.

Quality marble best resilient to severe climatic conditions: Malik

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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP): SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former president Iftikhar Ali Malik has said that use of quality marble in the infrastructural development can effectively offset the impact of diverse and severe climatic conditions on buildings.
Talking to a delegation of marble importers and traders here Sunday, he said that Pakistan is exposed to harsh summers, heavy monsoon rains, smog/dust, and fluctuating temperature, however, premium marble provides a stable and resilient surface that can endure these challenges without losing its structural integrity. Its natural density and low porosity help prevent cracks, stains, and erosion, ensuring that floors, walls, and exterior facades maintain their original form and finish for decades, he observed.
Malik was of the view that impact of quality marble on the lifespan of constructed buildings is particularly significant, as it directly contributes to reducing long-term renovation costs, making it a cost-effective investment for homeowners, builders, and commercial developers. Its lasting strength adds to the overall structural reliability of the building, enhancing safety and sustainability.
He congratulated the CEO 5Marble and 5M construction company Shaharyar Ali for introducing 25 various varieties of imported quality marbles imported from Italy Vietnam, Iran, China and Sri Lanka including Onyx and a number of local best marbles in the market for durable construction which not only enhances the lifespan and beauty of buildings but also long-lasting, structurally sound, and economically viable.
Former SAARC Chamber’s president said, buildings hat incorporate premium marble require far less maintenance and fewer repairs over time. The use of superior marble increases property value and gives homes, offices, and public structures a refined and premium look. Furthermore, promoting the use of local high-quality marble supports Pakistan’s mining and stone-processing industries, generating employment and boosting exports, he concluded.

LWMC intensifies its anti-smog drive

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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP): Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has intensified its anti-smog drive to protect citizens from the adverse effects of smog.
According to LWMC sources, and following directives from the Company’s CEO Babar Sahib Din, water sprinkling operations were carried out at key entrance and exit points of the city, even on Sunday, a holiday.
Mechanical sweeping and scraping operations were also underway on major roads to control fugitive dust. Special instructions have been issued to continue intermittent water sprinkling in areas with high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
These efforts were focused on prominent roads, including Mall Road, Jail Road, Gulberg, Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, Shimla Pahari, Press Club, Egerton Road, Kashmir Road, and Queen Mary Road.
Scraping operations were carried out on Multan Road, Bhekewal Mor, Punjab University, Queen Mary Road, Gol Bagh, Shad Bagh, McLeod Road, and Allama Iqbal Road. Scraping teams were also actively working on GT Road, Ferozepur Road, Kacha Jail Road, Madar-e-Millat Road, and Raiwind Road.
CEO Babar Sahib Din emphasized that the scraping process would be completed in phases across all towns in Lahore. He also warned that strict action would be taken against individuals disposing of construction debris or garbage on the streets.
LWMC remains committed to providing a smog-free environment for the people of Lahore, he added.

PTA warns citizens of new techniques of fraud

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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Sunday issued a warning to citizens about the theft of personal information.
In a statement released to the public, PTA cautioned that scammers often pose as representatives of the authority, banks, or courier services to steal personal information.
The statement advised the public to never share sensitive details such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs), identity card numbers, or passwords with anyone, and to avoid clicking on any suspicious links or messages.
PTA further emphasized that in case of fraud or any suspicious activity, citizens should immediately register a complaint through the PTA’s Complaint Management System (CMS) or the CMS mobile app.

Woman killed, 3 injured in motorcycle collision

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FAISALABAD, Nov 30 (APP): A woman was killed, and three people sustained multiple injuries in a motorcycle collision in the area of Jaranwala police station.
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said here on Sunday that two speeding motorcycles collided near Jhok Mor.
As a result, 60-year-old Sattan Bibi sustained serious injuries and died on the spot, while Rescue 1122 personnel shifted 46-year-old Tariq, 36-year-old Imran, and 27-year-old Sadi Ahmad to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Jaranwala in critical condition, he added.

Woman, daughter harassment case accused arrested

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FAISALABAD, Nov 30 (APP): SHO Women Police Station, Inspector Madiha Irshad, acting on the directives of City Police Officer Sahibzada Bilal Umar, has arrested a man on charges of harassing, torturing, and threatening a woman and her daughter in the Old Youngwala area near the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
A police spokesman said here on Sunday that the accused, Shahzaib, along with his accomplices, had allegedly subjected Saleema Bibi and her daughter to repeated harassment and physical torture, in addition to making threats of dire consequences.
Upon receiving the complaint, SHO Inspector Madiha Irshad promptly conducted a raid and apprehended the accused to provide immediate relief to the affected family.
The police have initiated legal proceedings against the accused under relevant sections of the law, and further investigation is underway to arrest the remaining suspects and bring them to justice, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, City Police Officer (CPO) Sahibzada Bilal Umar stated that the protection of life, honor, and property of citizens is the foremost priority of Faisalabad police.
He assured the complainant of full protection and promised strict action against the perpetrators. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands, especially in cases involving violence against women and children,” he emphasized.

Heavy fines imposed on traffic violators

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FAISALABAD, Nov 30 (APP): City Traffic Police have launched a massive crackdown across the district, imposing heavy fines amounting to millions of rupees on violators, in addition to impounding their vehicles for blatant violations of traffic rules and regulations.
A police spokesman said here on Sunday that the police took action against 1,892 motorcyclists for riding without helmets, imposing fines totaling Rs.3.784 million, and impounding 158 motorcycles on the spot.
Similarly, 519 drivers were challaned for one-wheeling and wrong-way driving, with fines of Rs.1.038 million levied against them, while 127 vehicles were impounded.
The crackdown also targeted smoke-emitting and unfit vehicles, resulting in action against 694 vehicles, with 129 impounded and fines of Rs.0.894 million imposed.
Additionally, strict enforcement was carried out against underage and unlicensed drivers, leading to the seizure of 92 vehicles and fines totaling Rs.1.1818 million.
Meanwhile, 39 cases were registered under the Punjab Motor Vehicles Ordinance for serious violations of traffic laws, the spokesman added.

Three dacoits arrested

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FAISALABAD, Nov 30 (APP): Balochni police claimed to have arrested three dacoits and recovered four motorcycles, cash, and illicit weapons from their possession.
A police spokesman said here on Sunday that SHO Balochni Police Station Inspector Ejaz Ahmad, acting on a tip-off, conducted a raid and nabbed three criminals of a gang, including ring leader Arslan, and his accomplices Hasnain and Shahzaib, who were wanted by the police in dozens of dacoity, robbery, and other cases.
The police traced out 15 cases so far and recovered four snatched motorcycles, looted cash amounting to Rs.700,000/-, mobile phones, batteries, illicit weapons, and various other items from their possession, while further investigation was in progress, he added.

Amid shrinking global funds, APLHIV continues to strive for welfare of people living with HIV

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PESHAWAR, Nov 30 (APP): The Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV), an organization striving to improve quality of people living with HIV in Pakistan, has continued to work tirelessly for welfare of affected communities amid global funding cuts that threatened programme continuity and community systems during the current year.
“From December 2024 to November 2025, the APLHIV-Pakistan carried forward its mission with renewed purpose and people-centered resolve that community voices not only be heard but shape the direction of Pakistan’s HIV response, protecting gains made and centering those most impacted,” said Asghar Ilyas Satti, National Coordinator Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV) in a press statement issued here on Sunday.
Asghar Satti said in a year marked by climate and social challenges, APLHIV conducted a large-scale situational assessment to understand community vulnerabilities during disasters, leading to the reactivation of its Emergency Response Cell for flood-affected areas. Tree-planting initiatives further reflected APLHIV’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility within health advocacy, he added.
The organization also transitioned from Global Fund Grant Cycle 6 to Cycle 7, ensuring uninterrupted community-led HIV testing and treatment-for-all services through continued engagement with NACP and CMU.
Another proud achievement was the launch of the Activists’ Coalition on TB Pakistan (ACT! PK), a platform uniting TB-affected communities to amplify their voice in the national TB response.
The APLHIV also organized and chaired the Annual Meeting of the CSO Partnership Forum, reinforcing solidarity and shared learning with civil society allies, Satti added.
Through these collective efforts, APLHIV reaffirmed its role as a driving force for equity, resilience, and community leadership, charting pathways toward a stronger, more inclusive HIV response in Pakistan.
During the reporting period, APLHIV-Pakistan continued to facilitate access to treatment, care, and support services for people living with HIV, while providing community-led oversight to ensure that services remained responsive and equitable.
The Toll-Free Helpline remained a vital bridge between communities and care, responding to more than 52,000 calls from across the country, the statement continued.
Through this platform, thousands of people received essential information, psychosocial support, and referrals to health and social services under the Global Fund grant.
APLHIV also provided mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to over 1,300 individuals telephonically and nearly 200 in person, ensuring that emotional well-being remained an integral part of HIV care and community support.
In parallel, the organization delivered 4,500 nutritional support packages to PLHIV households and successfully tracked 2,102 loss-to-follow-up cases, of which 1,103 were re-linked to treatment centers.
To strengthen accountability and community participation, the Complaint Management Mechanism addressed 16 formal complaints, while 128 Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) visits were conducted.
During these visits 128 healthcare provider interviews were conducted alongside 476 beneficiary feedback interactions to assess and enhance the quality of services.
Through these sustained initiatives, APLHIV continued to strengthen systems of care, amplify community voices, and uphold its commitment to ensuring that every person living with HIV in Pakistan has access to quality services, dignity, and support.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah cuts the cake with others on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the Pakistan People’s Party at Municipal Stadium

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Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah cuts the cake with others on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the Pakistan People’s Party at Municipal Stadium
APP18-301125 LARKANA: November 30 - Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah cuts the cake with others on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the Pakistan People’s Party at Municipal Stadium. APP/NAS/FHA
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah cuts the cake with others on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the Pakistan People’s Party at Municipal Stadium
APP18-301125
LARKANA