Young voices shine at Speech competition held under DeraJaat-2025

-

PESHAWAR, Apr 15 (APP):To secure the Tall-Parachinar Road, 492 personnel have been recruited into the Special Protection Force.

According to official sources on Tuesday, initially, only residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were eligible to apply. However, during the earlier recruitment phase, 158 positions including 128 for head constables and 30 for constables remained vacant .

Now, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has granted permission to the police department to recruit those 158 personnel, and this time the recruitment will be carried out from across the country.

It said that 492 personnel have been recruited into the Special Protection Force, including 3 SPs, 27 Sub-Inspectors, and 374 Constables. The force also includes ex-servicemen.

Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, had assured that all possible measures were being taken to ensure lasting peace in Kurram.

He also mentioned that the Special Protection Force has been equipped with modern weapons to secure the Tall-Parachinar Road.

PSX witnesses bullish trend, gains 385 points

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a bullish trend on Tuesday, gaining 385.47 points, a positive change of 0.33 percent, closing at 116,775.50 points as compared to 116,390.04 points on the last trading day.

A total of 479,465,114 shares were traded during the day as compared to 484,547,019 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs30.449 billion against Rs27.430 billion on the last trading day.

As many as 447 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 219 of them recorded gains and 174 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 54 companies remained unchanged.

The three top trading companies were Cnergyico PK with 32,091,019 shares at Rs 8.53 per share, TRG Pak Limited with 21,511,574 shares at Rs 67.90 per share and B O Punjab with 20,785,866 shares at Rs 11.17 per share.

Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 184.62 per share closing at Rs 23,294.62 whereas runner-up was PIA Holding Comapny LimitedB with Rs 142.36 rise in its share price to close at Rs 1,604.76.

Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 85.61 per share price, closing at Rs 1,175.87, whereas the runner-up Nestle Pakistan Limited with Rs 58.56 decline in its per share price to Rs 7,114.77.

PTA sets up dedicated stall at convention 2025 to facilitate overseas Pakistani

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set up a dedicated stall at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2025, being held in Islamabad from April 13 to 15, to facilitate overseas Pakistanis with telecom-related services and information.

The stall offers streamlined guidance on telecom regulations, mobile device registration, and digital services tailored for the diaspora, said a news release.

A key feature is the free 120-day mobile registration service for expats on each visit, ensuring seamless connectivity during their stay in Pakistan. Senior PTA officials and experts are providing on-ground support through interactive displays and personalized assistance.

Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen. (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman emphasized the Authority’s commitment to advancing the Prime Minister’s digital inclusion goals: PTA is focused on enabling hassle-free telecom services and fostering a digitally empowered nation for all Pakistanis, at home and abroad.

PSDE 38th Conference opens with urgent call for digital transformation, policy reforms

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The 38th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) started on Tuesday with a theme “URAAN Pakistan: Growth Through Digital Transformation” a call to re-imagine development in the digital era.

The event was organized by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), RASTA, and the CPEC Center of Excellence, said a press release.

The conference aims to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation through inclusive, data-driven policies; integrate global best practices with localized adaptation for AI and digital governance; strengthen public-private partnerships in education, health and technology, redefine development by promoting innovation, youth engagement and long-term planning.

Addressing the conference Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal, laid out a comprehensive road-map for transformation through the URAAN Pakistan-5E Framework, focusing on exports, equity & empowerment, E-Pakistan, environment, climate, energy and Infrastructure.

He emphasized that technology is a powerful equalizer and stressed the need for National Center for Digital Innovation, long-term planning, and consistent policies to overcome structural instability.

“Pakistan is not poor country but a poorly managed economy so digitization offers lot of opportunities to improve the business processes and boost productivity”, the minister added.

Dr. Nadeem Javaid, President of PSDE and Vice Chancellor of PIDE, introduced his “Leapfrogging Ladder Theory,” proposing a model for Pakistan to bypass conventional stages of development through the adoption of frontier technologies, institutional reinvention, youth-led innovation, and a strong absorptive capacity.

Stressing the urgency of a digital-first mindset, he stated, “We cannot shape the digital future with analog instincts—Pakistan must choose curation over censorship, and strategy over suspicion.”

Awais Manzur Sumra, Federal Secretary of MoPD&SI, described URAAN Pakistan as a strategic blueprint to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2035. He reaffirmed the centrality of the 5Es framework to digital-first governance and urged policymakers to implement real policy shifts to build a more inclusive, technology-driven Pakistan.

Dr. Nasir Iqbal, Secretary of PSDE, reaffirmed the Society’s enduring role in connecting rigorous academic research with practical policymaking. He expressed gratitude to Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Dr. Nadeem Javaid for facilitating the re-allotment of land for a new PIDE campus.

He also noted the academic strength of the conference, with 150 research papers received and 40 selected for presentation through a blind review process.

ICCI stresses need for international-level skill centers to combat poverty, unemployment

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday emphasized the critical need to impart market-driven training to youth and equip them with industry-relevant skills to effectively tackle unemployment and poverty across the country.

In a statement President ICCI, Nasir Mansoor Qureshi pointed out that Pakistan lacks international-standard skill development centers, while countries like India have over 280 and Bangladesh boasts around a dozen such institutions.

These centers not only provide technical training but also educate skilled workers about the cultural, linguistic, and professional expectations of their destination countries, he remarked.

Qureshi underlined the importance of industry-integrated training programs, advocating for practical, hands-on learning directly within industrial environments. “Rather than relying solely on theoretical learning, we must expose students to real-time tools, equipment, and working conditions,” he said.

He further stressed that, along with conventional and industrial skills, IT and digital training must be prioritized to keep pace with global demand. Key sectors identified for targeted skills development include healthcare, agriculture, banking and finance, construction, driving, hospitality, language training, tourism, IT, manufacturing, textiles, and mining.

The ICCI President particularly highlighted the importance of International Certification, stating, “Without recognized certification, our workforce cannot effectively compete in the global job market.”

Recognizing the role of women in economic development, Qureshi also called for focused initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs and support them in establishing their own startups within their communities.

He assured that the ICCI stands ready to collaborate with all relevant government entities to establish a network of world-class skill development centers in Pakistan.

FOSPAH upholds woman’s right to Jointly-Owned Properties after separation

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):In a significant stride towards protecting women’s property rights, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at the Workplace (FOSPAH), Ms. Fauzia Viqar, has ordered the transfer of 50% property ownership to Ms. Maleeha Mehboob Haider, following her complaint against her former husband, Dr. Sheraz Ahmad Cheema.

Ms. Maleeha approached FOSPAH after her separation, seeking a fair division of four jointly-owned properties. Upon a thorough evaluation of the case and the value of the properties, the Federal Ombudsperson ruled in favor of Ms. Maleeha, awarding her an equal 50% share in accordance with the principles of justice and equity.

This case is a testament to FOSPAH’s unwavering commitment to upholding women’s rights, particularly in matters of property and post-marital justice, and sends a strong message of hope and empowerment to countless women facing similar challenges.

Rupee gains 04 paisa against US Dollar

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The Rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 04 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs280.56 against the previous day’s closing of Rs280.60.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs280.60 and Rs282.10, respectively.

The price of the Euro decreased by 81 paisa to close at Rs318.94 against the last day’s closing of Rs319.75, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese yen came down by 01 paisa and closed at Rs1.95, whereas an increase of Rs1.57 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs371.23 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs369.66.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham decreased by 01 paisa to close at Rs 76.38, while the Saudi Riyal increased by 01 paisa and closed at Rs74.77.

KP Govt releases white paper on proposed mines, minerals bill 2025

By

-

PESHAWAR, Apr 15 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Tuesday released a white paper on the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, outlining a comprehensive framework to align mineral laws with those of other provinces and the federal government.

According to the document, the new legislation aims to attract large-scale domestic and international investment. A key feature of the proposed bill is the establishment of a Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority to streamline investment processes.

The white paper highlights the introduction of a Digital Mining System to ensure transparency and accessibility in the licensing process. To facilitate easier lease acquisition, the license duration has been reduced to three years.

The government also plans to crack down on illegal mining through stricter penalties and confiscation of machinery. However, it was clarified that existing leases and applications will remain valid under the new law.

The document further mandates the creation of a comprehensive geological database to support exploration and investment decisions.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, commenting on the proposed amendments, stated that misinformation is being spread about the bill, possibly by vested interests opposed to reforms.

“No provincial authority is being handed over to any individual or group,” he said, adding that illegal mining at four gold sites has continued unchecked for the past 76 years, and previous governments failed to take action.

The government insists that the new legislation will bring greater regulation, transparency, and economic opportunity to KP’s mining sector.

Super Tax; the Supreme Court to continued hearing of the petitions

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The Supreme Court has adjourned hearing of the petitions against super tax for tomorrow while counsel for the petitioners will continue his arguments before the court.

The five-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, headed by Justice Amin ud Din Khan and comprising Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan was conducting the proceedings.

Advocate Makhdoom Ali Khan, Counsel for the petitioners, assured the Court to conclude his arguments in two days.

He informed the Court that Super Tax was initially introduced by the federal government in 2016 for one year. It was latter extended for another year and in 2019, it was further extended using the word ‘onward’. It was not supposed to be distributed among the provinces as the tax was introduced to help the internally displaced people during the military action in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa.

He further added that all details relating to tax affairs are made clear in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.

The Court then adjourned hearing to be continued tomorrow.

UK and Pakistan join hands to support safe return and reintegration of migrants

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15(APP):In a powerful reaffirmation of the longstanding UK-Pakistan partnership, Deputy British High Commissioner Matt Cannell has emphasized the importance of tackling irregular migration while ensuring that returnees are treated with dignity, respect, and support upon their return.

Speaking at a key event , Cannell lauded the collaboration with Pakistani organization *WELDO*, which is spearheading reintegration efforts under the UK’s *Home Office Returns and Reintegration Plan (HORRP)*.

Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations—anchored in a diaspora of 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage and bilateral trade worth £4.8 billion—Cannell noted, “Our partnership is unique, built on shared values, economic cooperation, and mutual interest in areas like climate change and gender equality. Migration, too, is a part of that story—bringing both opportunities and challenges.”

The UK government has partnered with **WELDO**, a leading NGO, to ensure that returnees who have not stayed in the UK through legal means are supported in a safe and dignified transition back to their communities. *WELDO’s CEO Irum Masud* described the initiative as “a second chance delivered with honour and respect,” stressing that integration is “a respectable right, not a privilege.”

Since 2010, WELDO has supported over *15,000 returnees*, providing services including business startup assistance, medical and legal support, accommodation, psychosocial help, and technical training. WELDO also operates at all major airports across Pakistan to ensure immediate and humane handling of returnees.

*David Barlow*, Returns and Reintegration Manager at the British High Commission, echoed this sentiment in his keynote address, stating that the UK’s position is clear: “Returns must be respectful and dignified. Reintegration is not just about going home—it’s about rebuilding lives.”

A short documentary screened at the event showcased moving stories of returnees, including *Raja Khizar Hayat*, a former tractor mechanic who was duped by an agent and lost his livelihood trying to go abroad illegally. With WELDO’s help, he now runs a small but growing cattle business with his wife. “This support gave me back my dignity,” he said.

Another returnee cautioned others against illegal immigration, calling it a “painful mistake” and urging people to choose legal routes.

*FIA Deputy Director Qamar Zaman* concluded the event by reaffirming FIA’s role in managing legal border crossings and tackling human smuggling, while also praising the cooperation with WELDO: “Managing dignified returns is not just a policy—it is a profound human service.”

The UK’s HORRP, active in 12 countries, represents a humanitarian approach to migration management. With further plans for collaboration in the coming years, both the UK and Pakistan appear committed to not just managing migration—but doing so with humanity at its core.

Students get lecture on importance of vote, identity

By

-

MUZAFFARGARH, Apr 15 (APP):The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has started a campaign to sensitize the youth on importance of vote and identity documents in Kot Addu and Muzaffargarh districts.

Delivering a speech at government postgraduate college in Kot Addu, district election commissioner (DEC) Allah Bakhsh Malghani told a gathering of students that awareness on importance and power of vote was the need of the hour and advised them to get prepared identity cards of their family members on time and ensure their enrolment in the voters list.

He said the government was facilitating public on preparation of their computerised national identity cards (CNICs). However, still a number of people were without CNICs owing to lack of awareness.

He urged younger generation to be smart and act rightly adding that bringing youth to the national mainstream was mandatory to speed up the national development process.

He promised that the ECP would extend all possible assistance to the youth in this respect.

PBM South Punjab provides iftar to 569,000 people under Ramadan drive

By

-

MULTAN, Apr 15 (APP):The Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) South Punjab achieved a significant milestone during the holy month of Ramadan by continuing its tradition of welfare services.

Under the Ramadan drive, Iftar was provided to 569,000 individuals, achieving 94 per cent of the target.

This programme was launched under the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with an aim of delivering Iftar to 5 million people across the country.

The campaign was efficiently and effectively executed under the supervision of PBM Managing Director Captain (Retd) Shaheen Khalid Butt. Numerous Iftar distribution points were established across 14 districts of South Punjab—including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Lodhran, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Layyah, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, and Kot Addu.

These points included the regional office, shelter homes, Pakistan Sweet Homes, Women Empowerment Centers, and schools for rehabilitating laborers and children. Additionally, three food distribution trucks from the “Khana Sab Kay Liye” (Food for All) programme were deployed—two in Multan and one in Bahawalpur—delivering Iftar at railway stations, hospitals, and other major locations.

As many as, 569,000 iftar boxes were distributed as each box contains with PBM branding as 73.5 per cent of the expenses were covered by the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, while 23.5 per cent were provided by Al-Mustafa Welfare Society.

541,000 Iftar meals were distributed in collaboration with Al-Mustafa Welfare Society, while 28,000 meals were self-cooked and provided using PBM’s own resources.

Out of a total target of 607,500 meals, 94 percent was successfully achieved.

Director PBM South Punjab Rana Muhammad Ramzan Tahir stated during a media briefing:

“The success of the Ramadan drive is a clear reflection of our institution’s commitment to public service. South Punjab played a leading role in this campaign at the national level, which is the result of our team’s dedication and the valuable cooperation of Al-Mustafa Welfare Society.”

He also informed the media that the Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal will soon visit South Punjab, including the regional office, to review the progress of welfare projects and take steps for further improvement.

Ahsan urges economists to highlight role of supportive ecosystem for national development

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday urged leading economists to identify the factors that have repeatedly derailed Pakistan from its development trajectory, highlighting the crucial role of a supportive ecosystem in achieving sustainable national growth.

“The seed of development cannot flourish without an enabling environment — one rooted in peace and harmony, long-term political stability, policy consistency and continuous reform. These are the pillars that successful nations have embraced to reach developed status,” he said.

The minister was addressing the inaugural session of the three-day annual conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE), organized by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), under the theme: “URAAN Pakistan: Growth Through Digital Transformation.”

He said the conference reflected a shared national vision to embrace innovation, technology, and strategic planning as tools for inclusive and sustainable progress. “URAAN Pakistan is not just a slogan. It is our commitment to break the cycle of low growth, low productivity, and low ambition.”

Under the current government, he said, URAAN Pakistan was launched as a comprehensive national vision to drive economic, social and digital transformation. “It is more than a metaphor for flight — it is a declaration that Pakistan is ready to take off into a new era of opportunity and innovation.”

Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan was not underdeveloped but “undermanaged,” and the time had come to put the country on the course its people rightly deserved.

He highlighted the critical role of economists in shaping development strategies, describing economics as “the queen of the social sciences” that enabled societies to make informed decisions about the use and allocation of scarce resources.

Highlighting the export-driven orientation of URAAN Pakistan, the minister said the initiative opened new avenues for policy-backed trade facilitation, industrial accreditation and regional connectivity. “No country can grow sustainably without increasing its foreign exchange earnings,” he noted.

Through sectoral export strategies, enhanced participation in global trade fairs, and support for manufacturers accessing international markets, the government aims to raise exports to over $60 billion by 2029 – a goal Ahsan Iqbal called achievable and essential for sustained growth.

“Pakistan has long relied on consumption and imports. Now is the time to shift towards growth driven by exports,” he stressed.

He stressed that growth must be inclusive, ensuring equity and poverty alleviation through job creation and youth development. URAAN Pakistan, he said, prioritizes skills training and workforce development to meet the demands of an evolving industrial landscape.

“Nations that embrace technology leapfrog stages of development. Those that resist are left behind. Digitalization is not just about apps and portals — it’s about dismantling red tape and building responsive, intelligent systems,” he remarked.

Ahsan Iqbal described the emergence of “e-Pakistan” as a new pillar of the country’s transformation strategy, focused on reimagining the national economic model through digital ecosystems in fintech, agritech, and greentech – all designed to generate jobs and attract investment.

He said policies were being shaped to position Pakistan as a regional IT hub, supporting artificial intelligence labs, digital finance, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. “Pakistan’s future economic resilience depends on climate-smart planning,” he added.

Recalling the 2022 floods, which caused over $30 billion in damages, he said that the government had launched the Climate Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) to build back better, integrating resilience into housing, transport and water infrastructure.

He also mentioned the Living Indus Initiative, one of the largest climate adaptation efforts in Pakistan’s history, aimed at restoring ecological balance across the Indus Basin.

Turning to energy, Iqbal said, “Energy is the lifeblood of industrial growth. Pakistan has up to 40 gigawatts of solar and wind potential by 2030. We are inviting private sector participation in green energy, digitalized grids, and infrastructure under public-private partnerships.”

Commenting on past achievements, he credited previous PML-N governments with launching long-term visions such as Vision 2010 and Vision 2025, which laid the groundwork for major national projects including CPEC, energy infrastructure, and knowledge parks.

He called for reviving that spirit through URAAN Pakistan Vision 2035, which envisioned a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

“The challenges we face, from climate change and youth unemployment to productivity gaps, require foresight and discipline. We need to think in terms of decades, not days,” he asserted.

Ahsan Iqbal said the world was moving at digital speed and Pakistan must not lag behind and the time for reflection had over now. “It’s time to act — and together, make URAAN Pakistan a success story of the 21st century,” he remarked.

Man killed, another injured on minor dispute in Soon valley

By

-

JAHURABAD, Apr 15 (APP):A man on Tuesday was murdered and his brother injured seriously in firing incident over minor dispute in Soon valley.

The Police spokesman said Imran exchanged harsh words with a person namely Qaiser over minor dispute some days ago.

The accused opened indiscriminate firing on Qasire and killed him on the spot, he said, adding his brother had been injured seriously in the incident.

The body and the injured had been shifted to Tehsil Headquarter Hospital (THQ), he added.

The Noshehra police registered a case against the accused and started investigation.

PDMA warns glacier flood risk due to rising temperature

By

-

PESHAWAR, Apr 15 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an urgent alert warning of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s northern districts.

The warning comes as meteorologists predict a dangerous spike in temperatures that could trigger devastating flash floods from bursting glacial lakes.

Authorities have placed emergency services in Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, and Kohistan on high alert.

Local administrations have been directed to immediately warn vulnerable communities and pre-position relief supplies. “We’re taking no chances with public safety,” a PDMA spokesperson said. “All rescue teams are being mobilized ” .

The alert specifically advises tourists to reconsider travel plans to northern areas until the threat passes.

The PDMA’s 24/7 Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate response efforts, with citizens urged to report any flood sightings immediately to helpline 1700.

The provincial government has allocated special funds for disaster preparedness, including early warning systems in high-risk valleys.

Experts call for urgent need of financing Tobacco Control in KP

By

-

PESHAWAR, Apr 15 (APP):Experts on Public Health have called for sustained financing to ensure effective tobacco control at both provincial and national levels for strong enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and support for smokers trying to quit.

Tobacco consumption is a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, with severe consequences for individuals and the healthcare system, experts added.

Despite national efforts, the absence of comprehensive provincial legislation continues to weaken tobacco control, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The economic burden of tobacco-related illnesses strains healthcare resources, making investment in tobacco control a necessity rather than an option, they stressed.

The experts suggest that raising tobacco taxes, allocating funds for control efforts, and implementing stricter regulations at the provincial level can help combat this growing crisis.

While expressing views at a consutative session, the experts says Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces unique challenges in tobacco control due to the lack of robust provincial legislation.

While national laws exist, their enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly within KP, where policy gaps have led to widespread violations.

Tobacco products remain affordable, especially for young consumers, because of weak taxation policies at the provincial level.

Without a substantial increase in taxes, the easy accessibility of tobacco products continues to fuel addiction, they elaborates.

Furthermore, enforcement mechanisms within KP are underfunded and ineffective, allowing tobacco advertising, public smoking, and illicit sales to thrive.

Establishing dedicated tobacco control funding through a provincial tax would provide long-term financial support for awareness campaigns, smoking cessation programs, and regulatory enforcement.

Political resistance remains one of the biggest obstacles to effective tobacco control in KP.

Many policymakers hesitate to impose stringent regulations, fearing backlash from the tobacco industry and its financial influence.

Lobbying efforts have blocked proposals for higher taxes and tougher legislation, leaving anti-tobacco efforts severely underfunded.

The lack of political will to prioritize tobacco control prevents the province from making meaningful progress. Overcoming this resistance requires transparent policymaking, strong leadership, and public advocacy to highlight the economic and health benefits of tobacco control.

Weak enforcement has further exacerbated KP’s tobacco control challenges.

Smoking bans in public places are often ignored, advertising restrictions are poorly implemented, and mandatory health warnings on cigarette packaging are frequently disregarded.

Without strict monitoring, compliance remains low, allowing the tobacco industry to continue operating with minimal restrictions. Strengthening provincial enforcement mechanisms will ensure compliance and deter violations, making existing laws more effective.

To effectively combat tobacco use in KP, stronger financial commitments and provincial action are needed.

Increasing tobacco taxes and ensuring that a portion of revenue is allocated directly to tobacco control programs would provide sustainable funding for long-term initiatives.

Implementing stricter regulations at the provincial level would ensure uniform enforcement and close existing loopholes that allow tobacco companies to exploit weak policies.

Reducing industry influence by prioritizing public health over corporate interests is crucial to preventing policy manipulation. Additionally, targeted awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs can help individuals quit smoking while preventing new tobacco users from emerging.

Tobacco control is more than just a health issue—it is a social and economic imperative for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The province must recognize that sustained investment and stringent regulations are the only way forward in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases.

Without decisive action, KP risks falling behind in the fight against tobacco consumption, prolonging the economic and healthcare crisis.

By prioritizing adequate financing and stronger legislation, the province can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, tobacco-free future. Policymakers must act now to ensure that future generations are protected from the devastating effects of tobacco use, securing a healthier and more prosperous KP for all.

FPCCI, business leaders’ hail “Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2025”

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) leadership and business community leaders have hailed the holding of “Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2025, organized by Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and termed it important in promoting domestic trade.

The participation of 87 industrial brands of Gujranwala in the industrial exhibition in Islamabad and the participation of such a large number of foreign ambassadors and diplomats gave this industrial exhibition an international color, which is a great achievement of the President of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rana Muhammad Saddique Khan and the Executive Committee of the GCCI, Patron-in-Chief of United Business Group (UBG), Mr SM Tanveer here in message.

FPCCI, business leaders' hail "Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2025"

The three-day event is a premier Business to Business (B2B) trade fair organized by the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

S.M. Tanveer praised the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for successfully organizing the three days Industrial Expo being held from April 11-13, 2025, which had brought together industry leaders, businesses, and innovators to showcase local production, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Senior business leader said that Gujranwala industries have huge potential for playing their due role in the country’s economy and increasing the country’s export at the optimum level.

He said that Gujranwala has 18000 Small and Medium Industries (SMEs), which are the backbone of the country’s economy and have big potential for increasing exports.

President, FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh felicitated the GCCI leadership for holding of Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2025 and said that Gujranwala is fourth biggest industrial city of Pakistan and can play pivotal role for increasing the country’s exports.

He said that GCCI’s Made in Gujranwala Expo-2025 is a milestone for achieving the country’s economic goals and connecting the city with the global supply chain.

Atif said that the city has huge potential for SMEs, which requires liquidity and connection with international markets for these events play a major role.

The Gujranwala Expo 2025 continued for consecutive three days started from April 11 to 13th showcased a wide array of brands and products from innovation to craftsmanship aimed at boosting local production, promoting exports, and strengthening the domestic economy to reduce reliance on imports.

The Expo provides a valuable platform for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to connect, explore high-quality products, and discover emerging market trends.

Formally inaugurated on April 11th by Federal Minister for Finance and revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, the event was attended by prominent government officials, business leaders, ambassadors, traders, and a diverse group of attendees.

At the expo, over 90 stalls have been set up, showcasing a variety of products, including home appliances, sanitary items, edibles, beauty products, cutlery, LED lights, dresses, plastic goods, paints, and products related to the electrical industry.

Blind Sports Gala | Islamabad | Blind Sports Team | Hussain Lashari

By

Maryam Zahra

-

PPSC concludes four-day examination process

By

-