RAWALPINDI, Dec 27 (APP): The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) conducted a major crackdown against drug smuggling near educational institutions and in several cities across the country, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of over 83.94 kilograms of narcotics worth more than Rs 6.8 million.
In Karachi, ANF teams recovered 3 kilograms of crystal meth (Ice) from a drug pusher near a university in Rais Goth, who admitted to selling drugs to students. Other operations included the seizure of 548 grams of hashish from a passenger’s shoes at Islamabad Airport.
Near the Motorway Toll Plaza in Islamabad, two drug pushers were arrested and 74.4 kilograms of hashish recovered from a vehicle. In Ghauri Town, Islamabad, three drug pushers were apprehended with 3.6 kilograms of hashish, and in a separate operation in the same area, another 2.4 kilograms of drugs were seized and a suspect arrested. Cases have been registered under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act 1997, and investigations are ongoing, ANF officials confirmed.
ANF launch crackdown against drug smugglers across country, 8 arrested
Sherry Rehman pays tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): Vice President Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman said that the entire PPP leadership is present in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh today to commemorate the 18th death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Speaking to the media, Senator Sherry Rehman said that the party leadership and workers are praying for the strength and resolve to continue following the ideals and vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. She stated that a public gathering has been arranged on the occasion, where senior party leaders will address the participants.
Senator Rehman underscored that the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto always practiced politics of reconciliation and placed Pakistan above all else. Despite facing imprisonment, threats, exile, and immense hardships, she never deviated from democratic principles.
“She never taught us to attack any pillar of the state,” Sherry Rehman said, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party and its workers have never engaged in propaganda against state institutions, either at home or abroad.
She noted that in 2022, families affected by disasters were granted ownership rights to their homes, reflecting the party’s commitment to the welfare of the people. The services of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the country and the nation, she said, will always be remembered.
Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized that democratic forces must stand with oppressed and marginalized communities. She reiterated that Benazir Bhutto taught resilience in the face of adversity without ever turning against the state.
Even today, she said, the Pakistan Peoples Party stands firm whenever the federation or national resources come under threat. Benazir Bhutto’s legacy, she added, guides the party to pursue politics that serve the people and strengthen democracy.
She further stated that President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are continuing to carry forward Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s vision.
Recalling the sacrifices of party leadership, Senator Rehman said that Asif Ali Zardari spent fourteen years in prison but never compromised to dictatorship.
Concluding her remarks, Senator Sherry Rehman said that all political parties should learn from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto how democratic politics is practiced in the true spirit of public service and constitutionalism.
Pakistan secures 10,500-job quota from Italy over three years
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): Pakistan has secured a quota of 10,500 jobs from Italy over the next three years, marking the first time a European country has formally allocated labour quotas to Pakistani workers, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development said on Saturday.
Under the agreement, 3,500 Pakistani workers will be employed in Italy annually, including 1,500 under seasonal quotas and 2,000 under non-seasonal quotas. The jobs will be available in sectors such as shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture.
According to the ministry, skilled and semi-skilled workers will be employed in a range of professions, including welding, technical trades, culinary services, hospitality staff, nursing, medical technicians, and agricultural work.
The quota allocation follows sustained engagement between the two countries and is being described by officials as a significant step towards expanding employment opportunities for Pakistanis in the European labour market.
A spokesperson for the ministry said that Italy was the first European country to grant such job quotas to Pakistan, adding that the second meeting of the Pakistan–Italy Joint Working Group is scheduled to be held in Islamabad in February 2026.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain welcomed the development, calling it a historic milestone.
He said the agreement reflected the government’s continued efforts to create dignified overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani workers.
“Overseas Pakistanis are ambassadors of the country and play a vital role in strengthening the national economy,” the minister said, expressing hope that similar arrangements would soon be finalised with other European countries.
Bilawal Commemorates Mother’s Legacy, Hails Pakistan’s Military Victory
GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH, Dec 27 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday paid tribute to his mother Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on her 18th death anniversary, highlighting Pakistan’s recent military success against India as a significant achievement.
Addressing a large gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal claimed the fighter jets responsible for downing six Indian aircraft were procured by his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, calling it the nation’s biggest victory this year and a triumph for all Pakistanis.
He credited Benazir Bhutto’s legacy for providing Pakistan with missile technology, enabling the country to defend itself effectively. Bilawal emphasized the victory wouldn’t have been possible without the sacrifices of the people of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.
A high level Government delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq attended the event, praising Benazir Bhutto’s contributions. Sadiq said PPP and PML-N are committed to a long-term political partnership and urged PTI to engage in dialogue through the Assembly.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah stressed the importance of political dialogue, saying PML-N encourages negotiations while PTI’s founder has resisted engagement.
President Asif Ali Zardari honored Benazir Bhutto’s struggle for the Constitution, Parliament and citizens’ voting rights, urging youth to pursue justice peacefully and promote unity.
The event drew a massive turnout, with tight security and arrangements for thousands of attendees.
Martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto being observed
Security Forces kill 4 khwarij terrorists in Panjgur
RAWALPINDI, Dec 27 (APP): Security Forces killed four khwarij terrorists in an intelligence based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.
“During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell,” said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.
“sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji present in the area. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it further said.
2 officials held in bribery sting in Lodhran
SIUT Students’ Volunteer Winter Program concludes
124th midshipmen, 32nd short service commission course commissioning parade held
KARACHI, Dec 27 (APP): The Commissioning Parade of 124 Midshipmen and 32n Short Service Commission Course (SSC) was held at Pakistan Naval Academy, marking the passing out of 90 Midshipmen and 34 SSC cadets.
Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force, Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, said a news release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).
Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The Chief Guest, himself an alumnus of Pakistan Naval Academy, expressed pride in reviewing the Commissioning Parade at his alma mater and lauded professional competence of Pakistan Navy as a key regional force.
He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s longstanding tradition of imparting high quality training to cadets from friendly countries, with cadets from Bahrain, Iraq, the Republic of Djibouti, Sri Lanka and Türkiye in the parade.
The Chief Guest also reaffirmed the enduring bonds, shared values and commitment to mutual progress between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Later, the Chief Guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Muhammad Uzair Abbas was declared winner of the coveted Sword of Honour for overall best performance whereas Midshipman Shahab Ahmed won the Academy’s Dirk. Officer Cadet Umar Mukhtar from Pakistan and Officer Cadet Aldhahabi Fahad Husam Fareed from Iraq won Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medals and Officer Cadet Syed Saad Shahid from SSC Course clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. Proficiency Banner was claimed by Quarterdeck Squadron.
The ceremony was attended by military officers, dignitaries and parents of cadets.
COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir grieves over death of Dr Shamshad
RAWALPINDI, Dec 27 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr Shamshad Akhtar and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
In his message, he prayed Allah Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant patience to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
He said Dr Shamshad Akhtar rendered invaluable services to Pakistan in the field of economics.