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Communication Minister, Saad Rafique discuss economic stability, investments

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan met with PML-N senior leader and ex-Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to deliberate on Pakistan’s political and economic conditions, with a particular focus on fostering economic stability, boosting investments, and addressing other pressing issues.
During the meeting, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan expressed optimism regarding the country’s current trajectory stating that Pakistan is heading in the right direction.
Both the leaders agreed upon that the challenges being faced by the country which are beginning to be addressed, effectively. Abdul Aleem Khan remarked that there is a growing sense of trust and confidence among both local and international investors and expressed hope that the national economy is approaching a significant take-off phase in the coming years.
Abdul Aleem Khan and Khawaja Saad Rafique lauded the Government’s achievements and reaffirmed the ongoing political partnership between the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Khawaja Saad Rafique emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing peace and stability in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting was also attended by General Secretary of IPP Punjab and Member of the Punjab Assembly Shoaib Siddiqui along with senior PML-N leader and former MPA Mian Naseer Ahmed.

Religious Ministry ensures merit-based selection of Moavineen-e-Hujjaj : Dr.Tariq Fazal

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on Monday that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony selects Moavineen-e-Hujjaj strictly on merit.

During the National Assembly’s question hour, he said the ministry follows a transparent and rigorous process to appoint staff for Hajj duties. A selection committee, led by a senior officer of Grade-20 or above, evaluates candidates based on well-defined merit-based criteria to ensure competence and fairness.

He informed the House that these assistants are deployed at key locations including Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Saudi airports, where they help pilgrims and support the smooth delivery of Hajj services.

To further improve transparency and address past concerns, the ministry has partnered with the National Testing Service (NTS) to conduct the recruitment test for Moavineen-e-Hujjaj.

The minister said that NTS, along with other testing services like ATS, is a well-established and trusted institution that regularly conducts recruitment exams for government bodies.

“In previous years, there were concerns about the selection process of Hajj support staff. To make it more merit-based and transparent, the Ministry has chosen NTS for recruitment,” he said.

This step, he added, is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to institutionalize transparency, build credibility, and ensure a fair selection system for those sent to assist Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

He clarified that this measure is not limited to the current government but is part of ongoing efforts to improve Hajj operations and maintain public trust in national processes.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the number of assistants is calculated according to the percentage of pilgrims allocated to Pakistan each year. “This year too, the number of Moavineen has been decided in proportion to the Hajj quota,” he added.

He explained that three main categories of personnel are sent to Saudi Arabia for Hajj operations. Moavineen-e-Hujjaj are not permanent employees of the ministry but are nominated by different government departments through the National Information Technology Board (NITB). They provide logistical and administrative support to pilgrims.

Seasonal Duty Staff, he said, are regular employees of the Ministry of Religious Affairs with extensive experience in Hajj management. They supervise the implementation of Hajj arrangements and are often reappointed due to their performance and expertise.

He said that Medical Mission includes doctors from the Pakistan Army and other government healthcare institutions. They are responsible for providing medical care and emergency services to pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and at airports.
APP/zah-sra

Rupee sheds 14 paisa against US Dollar

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):The Rupee on Monday depreciated by 14 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs280.60 against the previous day’s closing of Rs280.46.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs280.65 and Rs282.15, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by 79 paisa to close at Rs319.75 against the last day’s closing of Rs318.96, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese yen remained unchanged and closed at Rs1.96, whereas an increase of Rs3.69 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs369.66 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs366.54.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 04 and 05 pasia to close at Rs76.39 and Rs74.76, respectively.

3rd Pak-Morocco Joint Bilateral Military Exercise – 2025 kicks off

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RAWALPINDI, Apr 14 (APP): The 3rd Pak- Morocco Joint Bilateral Military Exercise–2025 between the Armies of Pakistan and Morocco kicked off in Counter Terrorism domain at Special Operations School, Cherat on Monday.

Commandant Special Operation School, Cherat was Chief Guest at the opening ceremony, said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Special Services Group of Pak Army and Special Forces of Moroccan Army are participating in the Exercise. The Exercise is aimed at refining professional skills through joint training and harnessing historic military to military relations among the friendly countries.

Participating troops are looking forward to benefit from mutual expertise/experience.

Punjab Culture Day observed in colleges across  South Punjab

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MULTAN, Apr 14 (APP):Punjab Cultural Day was marked with great enthusiasm in the colleges across  South Punjab under the auspices of the Higher Education Department here on Monday.
Various events were organized on this occasion, including displays of traditional dresses, music, dance, exhibitions of regional cuisine, handicraft stalls, and poetry recitals.
Students actively represented the culture of their respective regions, highlighting the local heritage.
The purpose of celebrating Culture Day was to promote national unity, cultural awareness, and positive activities among students.
Teachers, parents, and officials also participated in the events and appreciated the students’ enthusiasm.
The HED South Punjab had issued special instructions to all colleges for organizing Culture  Day, and in response, each institution held splendid events in their own unique ways.
At the conclusion of the events, students who demonstrated outstanding performance were awarded prizes and certificates.

Over 5.5 million Pakistanis in GCC, playing vital role to boost national economy: Ahmed Farooq

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq has said that there are currently more than 5.5 million Pakistanis were residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, who are not only contributing to the local economy but also serving as a vital backbone for Pakistan.
Addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention here on Monday, he said that overseas Pakistanis playing a very important role in the country’s economic stability, especially through remittances, they are continuously playing positive role for the development and prosperity of the state.
Ambassador Ahmed Farooq highlighted the significant contributions of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia’s major construction and development projects, aligning with the kingdom’s Vision 2030.
He said that many positive changes have been taking place in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in recent years, which are creating more opportunities for Pakistanis. These changes include protection of labor rights, relaxation of visa policy, and new employment opportunities for skilled people.
The ambassador further said that Pakistan is striving to further strengthen bilateral relations with these countries so that maximum facilities can be provided to Pakistanis living there.
Ambassador Ahmed Farooq emphasized that to take full advantage of employment opportunities abroad, we should focus on developing skills and expertise.
He said that competition is increasing in the global market, and if Pakistani youth become skilled according to modern requirements, they can not only improve their lives but also prove to be a valuable asset for the country.

AC holds open court to resolve women’s issue on priority

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KOHAT, Apr 14 (APP):On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner, Abdul Akram Chitrali, a special open court for women on Monday was organized under the chairmanship of Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Kohat, Nimra Owais.
The open court was organized in collaboration with the SRSPPLG Project, with the aim of directly listening to the problems of women and paving the way for their immediate solutions.
The open court was part of the public agenda of the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under which the policy of resolving the problems of the people at their doorsteps is being implemented.
The Women representatives of various line departments and  a large number of women belonging to Village Councils (VCs) and Neighborhood Councils (NCs) attended the open court and registered their problems .
During the court, the women presented complaints and suggestions regarding health, education, sanitation, road condition, water supply and other basic issues.
The assistant commissioner  issued immediate orders to resolve the women’s issues. She said that the government was taking serious steps for resolving women’s problems.
The AC assured that all the problems presented in the court would be resolved on priority basis.
The public circles have appreciated this initiative and expressed hope that the continuation of such open courts would prove helpful in timely resolution of public issue.

Makhdoom Saeed u Zaman urges Muslim countries to raise voice against Israel aggression

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HYDERABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Chairman Sindhi Adabi Board Makhdoom Saeed u Zaman Atif has appealed to all Muslim countries to raise their voice against the Israeli oppression of Palestinians and help the oppressed Palestinians.
In a statement, Makhdoom said that if all the Muslim countries come together and become one voice, the atrocities against Palestine can be answered by the enemy.
He said that the Israeli government has started aggression upon Palestinian citizens for the past one and a half years. All the international powers as well as Muslim Countries are silent on this bloody attack.
In these difficult times, the Muslims of Palestine should be supported and the Muslim countries should provide immediate assistance to the injured and bereaved Palestinian people, he added.
There are currently more than fifty Muslim countries in the world and during their worship they should pray for Israel’s destruction and annihilation against the oppression of the Muslims of Palestine and the role that Muslims should play in raising their voices against the oppression of Israel through social media platforms.
 “All the products of Israel that exist in Muslim countries should be practically boycotted”, he added.

CM extends greetings on Vaisakhi festival

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LAHORE, Apr 14 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has extended warm greetings to the Sikh community across the globe on the occasion of Vaisakhi, calling it a vibrant agricultural and cultural festival that celebrates the spirit of Punjab.
In her special message, she said, “Vaisakhi is a beautiful celebration of Punjab’s rich agricultural heritage. The golden wheat stalks carry the joyous message of Vaisakhi, representing the hard work and resilience of our farmers.”
The CM expressed her happiness over the global observance of Vaisakhi by the Sikh community and extended her heartfelt congratulations, saying, “I am truly delighted to see Sikh brothers and sisters around the world celebrating this festival. We wholeheartedly share in their joy.”
Recalling her visit to Kartarpur during last year’s Vaisakhi celebrations, CM Maryam Nawaz noted, “The happiness witnessed during the wheat harvest in Kartarpur last year is etched in my memory. It was a true reflection of cultural unity and agricultural pride.”
Highlighting her government’s commitment to empowering farmers, she stated with pride, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, we have distributed 1,000 tractors free of cost to farmers who cultivate wheat.” She further added that billions of rupees worth of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipments have been provided to wheat-growing farmers across Punjab to boost productivity and support rural livelihoods.
CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s resolve to continue supporting the backbone of Punjab’s economy, its farmers, and to promote interfaith harmony by celebrating festivals that symbolize unity, prosperity, and shared cultural values.

Interior Minister meets British MP Afzal Khan to discuss strengthening Pakistan-UK ties

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan to discuss the enhancement of Pakistan-UK relations and address issues concerning the Pakistani community living in the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism. They discussed the recent wave of terrorism and the steps being taken by Pakistan to counter it.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Afzal Khan for his effective role in strengthening ties between Pakistan and the UK. He also congratulated Khan, a senior member of the Labour Party, on his success in the recent UK elections.
Expressing optimism about future relations, Naqvi said, “We hope that during the Labour Party’s tenure, Pakistan-UK relations will reach new heights.”
Addressing the issue of global security, Naqvi stated, “Many countries are facing the challenge of terrorism. It is time to develop a comprehensive, multi-dimensional international strategy against terrorism and implement it without delay.”
He welcomed British cooperation in enhancing the capabilities and training of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism institutions.
Highlighting the importance of the Pakistani diaspora in Britain, Naqvi remarked, “A large number of Pakistanis are settled in the UK, and they are playing a key role in strengthening not just Pakistan’s image, but also the British economy.”
British MP Afzal Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated the country’s efforts. He assured that he would continue to play his role in further improving Pakistan-UK relations.

PML-N leader hails expats for record $28 billion remittances

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Senator Nasir Butt, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, has commended overseas Pakistanis for their record-breaking $28 billion in remittances this fiscal year.
In a statement, Senator Butt stated that overseas Pakistanis’ record $4.1 billion remittances in March 2025 demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the nation, effectively countering negative narratives of Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
By sending record-breaking remittances, overseas Pakistanis have shown overwhelming support for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic policies, demonstrating their faith in the government’s policies.
Overseas Pakistanis have remitted a substantial $28 billion, showcasing their unwavering support for Pakistan’s economy and disregarding the PTI founder’s appeal to halt remittances. This remarkable contribution underscores the diaspora’s faith in the nation’s economic potential and their dedication to its progress.
Under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) is delivering on its commitments to overseas Pakistanis, ensuring their trust and support.
This overwhelming response reflects their confidence in PML-N’s policies and their unwavering patriotism.

Rs19.2m fines, 1,461 held over profiteering

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LAHORE, Apr 14 (APP):The district administration stepped up its campaign against profiteering and hoarding to ensure market stability and protect consumers.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza told the media on Monday that a total of 279,223 violations were recorded during January 1 to March 31 and a fine of Rs 19.209 million was
imposed on profiteers.
Additionally, 485 FIRs were registered, 1,461 individuals arrested, and 198 shops were sealed for non-compliance.
The district administration also released price report, indicating stable prices for several
essential items, including rice, various pulses.
DC Musa Raza reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to curbing inflation and protecting consumers. “We will not allow any one to exploit citizens through profiteering or hoarding,”
he stated.

CTD foil major terror plan, 10 terrorists arrested

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RAWALPINDI, Apr 14 (APP):The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Punjab province foiled a major terrorist plan by arresting 10 terrorists belonging to banned organizations during operations in different areas of Punjab.
Most wanted terrorists Suraj Singh and Badal Singh arrested from Rawalpindi along with a large quantity of explosives. Both terrorists belong to Nankana Sahib.
According to the spokesperson, CTD Punjab conducted 189 intelligence-based operations in different districts of the province to effectively deal with any untoward incident of terrorism, in which 189 suspects were interrogated  resulting in 10 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials.
 The arrested terrorists include Badal Singh, Suraj Singh, Siraj, Hidayatullah, Deedar Hussain, Sadaqat Hussain and others, affiliated with Fitna Khawarij, Al-Zanbiyon and other organizations.
He said that these terrorists were arrested during intelligence-based operations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Jhelum and Bahawalpur.
During the operation, 2645 grams of explosives, 16 detonators, safety fuse wire, pamphlets of banned organization, weaponry magazines,  Prima card mobile phone and cash have been recovered from the possession of terrorists
The spokesperson further said that the terrorists had planned to target important buildings in Rawalpindi and other cities. He added that 9 cases have been registered against the arrested terrorists and further investigation is being carried out.
Giving details of the recent operations, the spokesman said that 2053 combing operations were also conducted with the cooperation of local police and security agencies during the current week in which 82473 people were checked, 263 suspects were arrested, 226 FIRs were registered and 163 recoveries were made.
Expressing the professional commitment, he said CTD Punjab is diligently pursuing its goal of a safe Punjab
“No stone will be left unturned in its efforts to bring terrorists and anti-state elements behind bars”, he said.

IMF mission calls on President SCBAP

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Final IMF SBA
ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):A meeting between the President Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP), Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, and the IMF mission was held today in Islamabad.
On the occasion, Mir Atta Ullah Langove and Barrister Sarfraz Metlo, Presidents of the High Court Bar Associations of Baluchistan and Sindh, respectively, were also present. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss issues such as judicial efficiency, contract enforcement, and property rights protection, etc.
The meeting, which lasted for more than one hour, covered extensive discussions on a range of issues, particularly the issue of judicial efficiency, which appears to be one of the core concerns of the mission.
The mission also shared its concerns regarding contract enforcement and property rights issues, directly affecting foreign investments. In this context, the President SCBAP provided a detailed and factual response to the mission’s queries.
President SCBAP, while recognizing the importance of judicial efficiency, viewed that for a vibrant and independent judicial system, judicial efficiency is one of the basic prerequisites.
He apprised the mission that two important efforts are currently being made to enhance judicial efficiency, one on the judicial side and the other on the legislative side.
On the judicial side, he apprised the mission of the initiatives taken by the Chief Justice of Pakistan aimed at improving judicial efficiency, such as the introduction of an e-filing system replacing the orthodox filing system, revamping the case management system, expeditious disposal of pending cases, and the introduction of video link facilities in the Supreme Court. All these initiatives are directed toward improving judicial efficiency and eliminating hurdles in the process.
Additionally, efforts are being made to introduce the same initiatives in the higher and subordinate judiciary, the President stated.
On the legislative side, he apprised the mission that the recently introduced 26th Constitutional Amendment was made with the aim of improving judicial independence, enabling the judicial system to work more efficiently and effectively.
It was reiterated that under the amendment, a constitutional bench has been formed to address more complex high-profile political and constitutional cases, so as to save more time of the court for regular work without interruption.
Besides that, an institutional system to check the performance of judges is already functioning.
The mission was also informed about other initiatives aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency, such as increasing the number of expert judges not only in the Supreme Court but also in the high courts, the introduction of a number of tribunals, especially in tax matters, and the creation of forums to resolve complex issues through Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) initiatives, ensuring that justice is served effectively at the grassroots level.
Regarding the issues of contract enforcement, the mission was apprised that, albeit delays due to procedural inefficiencies, the government is trying its level best to provide a conducive environment to attract and secure direct foreign investment, and specialized courts and benches are being introduced to adjudicate these matters.
Additionally, it was mentioned that Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution deal with the right to own property, and efforts are being made to strengthen anti-encroachment laws and enforcement mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing that the recipe to resolve all the aforesaid issues lies in economic and political stability, and good governance, with the President of SCBAP describing the rule of law as the cornerstone.
In this context, a questionnaire containing queries related to the aforesaid matters will be shared with this Association by the mission, followed by a detailed response along with proposals and suggestions to be made by the other side.

Punjabi culture day observed in Sargodha

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SARGODHA, Apr 14 (APP):Punjab Culture Day was celebrated in the division as a colorful ceremony was organized at the Arts Council Complex.
Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan and Deputy Commissioner  Muhammad Waseem with other
administrative officers, students and others participated.
A painting competition was also held among university students
while school students beautifully depicted the culture of Punjab.
A Punjabi poetry competition was also organized in which poets presented their poems.
Director Arts Council Asad Rabbani and Professor Dr Haroon-ul-Rashid Tabassum also attended
the ceremony.
Earlier, Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Waseem inaugurated the painting competition at the Arts Council Gallery.

Sindh CM pays tribute to his late father on 18th death anniversary

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HYDERABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday visited Wahur near Sehwan to attend the 18th death anniversary ceremony of his father, former Sindh Chief Minister Syed Abdullah Shah. He offered prayers at his father’s grave and recited Fateha for his soul.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, CM Murad Ali Shah said, “I have come here to attend my father’s 18th death anniversary. I prayed for his forgiveness and also prayed for myself to follow in my father’s footsteps and serve the people selflessly.”
Highlighting the upcoming political activity, he stated, “Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced a public rally in Hyderabad on April 18 and we expect strong participation from the public.”
Responding to a question, the chief minister said he was unaware of who had given Azam Swati the mandate for negotiations. “We want PTI to abandon its confrontational style of politics and adopt a more constructive and serious approach in the national interest”, he added.
On the issue of canals, Murad Ali Shah maintained that Sindh has a strong case, our stance cannot be rejected, and Bilawal Bhutto has also clearly stated that he will stand with the people.
Addressing concerns over law and order, he assured improvements in the security situation in Sehwan and other areas. When asked about MQM’s recent statement, he expressed surprise and said it reminded him of the political era of the 1980s and 1990s.
Several notable officials accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit including Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah, former MNA Sikandar Rahpoto, Secretary Public Health Engineering Sindh Syed Ajaz Ali Shah, Muhammad Saleem Bajari, Amanullah Shahani, Sardar Hakim Khan Noohani, Makhdoom Zamir, Syed Asif Ali Shah, Divisional Director Information Hyderabad Shahzad Shaikh, Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro Ghazanfar Ali Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Syed Ali Murtaza Shah, SSP Jamshoro Muhammad Zafar Siddique Chhanga and other relevant officials.

Heat wave relief camps set up at 34 points

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FAISALABAD, Apr 14 (APP):The district administration has taken steps and established heatwave relief camps at 43 points in the division.
A spokesman for the administration said on Monday that 34 camps were equipped with cold drinking water and emergency medical services as staff of the camps would provide first-aid treatment and support in case of heatstroke or health issues.
He said that special heatstroke emergency rooms were also set up in all hospitals and healthcare centers across the division.
Commissioner Madam Maryam Khan also announced that rescue centers and mosques would serve as cooling points for the public to provide them relief from heat.
She also directed the district administrations to conduct regular water sprinkling on roads to help reduce surface temperatures and improve overall environmental conditions.

Condolences pour in for Professor Khurshid Ahmed’s passing

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SUKKUR, Apr 14 (APP):Prominent social and political figure Syed Shafqat Ali Shah on Monday has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Khurshid Ahmed.
 Professor Ahmed was renowned for his distinctive contributions to knowledge and politics.
Syed Shafqat Ali Shah described Professor Ahmed’s services as unforgettable and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, saying, “In this hour of grief, we stand with the deceased’s family”.

Multi-stakeholder consultation proposes key amendments to Draft Bill banning E-Cigarettes in KP

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PESHAWAR, Apr 14 (APP):A multi-stakeholder consultation on the draft bill prohibiting e-cigarettes and vapes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) proposed critical amendments to strengthen the legislation before its submission to the Health Department.
Organized by Blue Veins, a civil society organization, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tobacco Control Cell (KPTCC), the consultation brought together legal experts, district administration officials, representatives of the Tobacco Control Programme, social activists, and media professionals in Peshawar.
In his welcome address, Qamar Naseem, Programme Manager at Blue Veins, highlighted the absence of laws regulating newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes and vapes in Pakistan.
“The tobacco industry markets these products as harm-reduction tools, but the WHO and health experts confirm that they are more dangerous than traditional cigarettes,” he stated.
Qamar added that over 40 countries have already banned e-cigarettes due to their severe public health risks.
To address this regulatory gap, civil society organizations and public health advocates have long demanded comprehensive legislation.
Responding to this need, a draft bill titled “The Prohibition of E-Cigarettes/Vapes, E-Liquids/Flavoured Additives and Related Chemicals Bill 2025 (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)” has been developed.
The draft is now under consideration by the Health Department and the provincial government.
Following the incorporation of stakeholder feedback, the draft will be submitted to the Technical Advisory Committee of the Health Department.
 After review, it will be forwarded to the Law Department for vetting, and finally presented to the KP Legislative Assembly for approval.
During the consultation, participants discussed critical aspects of the draft bill, including sentencing guidelines (imprisonment duration, fines), enforcement mechanisms (designation of authorities), and existing legal loopholes.
Ajmal Shah, Coordinator of the KP Tobacco Control Cell, noted that in the absence of specific legislation, businesses selling e-cigarettes operate in a legal grey area.
“District authorities and police are cooperative, but current laws do not cover these products, creating enforcement challenges,” he explained.
Syed Zainab Naqvi, former Assistant Commissioner of Peshawar and Deputy Director of the Education Monitoring Authority, highlighted the administration’s difficulties in confiscating and destroying illegal tobacco products due to legal gaps.
She emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive law to protect youth.
Miss Haseena Khan, Assistant Commissioner of Hayatabad and Focal Person for Tobacco Control, praised the collaborative drafting efforts and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to implementing tobacco control regulations.
She commended Blue Veins and the Provincial Tobacco Control Programme for taking the lead on regulating newer tobacco products.
“This consultation marks a crucial step toward curbing youth vaping and aligning KP’s policies with global health standards,” she remarked.

401 shops sealed, equipments seized

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sealed
FAISALABAD, Apr 14 (APP):The civil  defence department sealed 401 shops over gas decanting and confiscated equipments from 330 outlets in addition to lodging FIRs against eight violators.
According to Civil Defence Officer Rana Abbas, teams sealed 401 shops and
confiscated equipments from 330 shops, including 280 shops in Faisalabad City,
16 in Samundri, 19 in Chak Jhumra, 15 in Jaranwala and Khurarianwala.
He said that cases were also got registered against the owners of eight shops
involved in the violation of public safety laws.