ISLAMABAD: November 25 –
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi addressing the opening ceremony of “Book Fair” 2025 at Lok Virsa.
ISLAMABAD: November 25 –
Pakistan to host “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025” Exhibition in January
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) board on Tuesday reviewed Progress on MSME cluster development; “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025” exhibition set for January,2026.
The 35th Board meeting of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) was held on Tuesday, chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, said a release issued here.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Acting CEO SMEDA Nadia J. Seth, and senior officials from relevant departments.
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Board announced that “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025”—a landmark national exhibition—will be held in January 2026.
The event will feature product displays, exhibition stalls, MSME awards, and multiple panel discussions featuring national and international experts.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s SME clusters hold “immense untapped potential,” and highlighted that deliberations are underway for the selection of the top 100 MSMEs for national awards.
The Board further informed that, in collaboration with D-8 member countries, a high-level panel of global and local experts will be constituted for the exhibition.
Invitations will also be extended to international partners and stakeholders.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the national SME exhibition.
The SMEDA officials briefed the Board that a comprehensive business plan roadmap has been prepared with support from A.T. Kearney, focusing on nationwide cluster development. Cluster-wise business plans are being developed for both urban and rural regions.
The Board announced key initiatives including, launch of a dedicated e-commerce portal for women-led enterprises, deployment of specialized designer teams for digital marketing of SME products.
The board also decided Facilitating global trade fair access for Pakistani handicrafts, and finalization of cluster-specific business models across Pakistan.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan added that a detailed SME Business Plan, highlighting challenges and opportunities, will be presented to the Prime Minister.
He reaffirmed that enabling women entrepreneurs through digital commerce and boosting exports through enhanced digital advertising remain top government priorities.
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Dr. Ali Larijani calls on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
ISLAMABAD: November 25 –
View of thick fog while farmers are busy in ploughing in his fields in a traditional way at Hazar Khawani area.
PESHAWAR: November 25 –
Workers busy in recycling work of disposed tires at their workplace near Ring road.
PESHAWAR: November 25 –
PESHAWAR: November 25 – Workers busy in recycling work of disposed tires at their workplace near Ring road. APP/SYR/MAF/TZD/ABB
Nine new modern driving schools established across region
MULTAN, Nov 25 (APP):In a major step toward safer roads and improved public service delivery, Multan Region Police have expanded their network of modern Driver Training Schools by establishing nine new institutions during a year.
This was stated by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Capt (retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry in a statement issued here on Tuesday.
With this addition, the system has become more robust, active, and effective, an achievement made possible through the efforts of the Regional Police Office, he added.
These driving schools, set up across all four districts of the Multan Division, offer facilities such as modern driving simulators, trained instructors, upgraded classrooms, and comprehensive practical training areas. As a result, more than 13,000 citizens received high-quality training during the current year. A notable number of these trainees were women, reflecting growing female empowerment and greater access to safe transportation opportunities.
The RPO maintained that the driving school network is not only improving professional driving standards but also contributing to better road discipline, responsible driving habits, and a reduction in traffic accidents.
He reiterated that Multan Region Police remain committed to providing enhanced public services and that this initiative is a key component in creating a safer and more organized travel environment for the community.
The Multan Region Police plan to continue expanding such citizen-focused initiatives to ensure convenience, transparency, and service standards aligned with modern needs, he added.
PM to visit Bahrain on Nov 26: FO
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 26–27 November.
The visit reaffirms the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between the two brotherly countries.
The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and senior officers, Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tuesday, said in a press release.
During the visit, the prime minister will hold high-level engagements with the leadership of Bahrain to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, education and culture.
“The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally warm and cordial ties, identify new avenues of partnership, and deepen people-to-people linkages, contributing to mutually beneficial cooperation,” it was added.
The spokesperson further said that official visit underscored Pakistan’s continued engagement with the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at fostering a results-oriented and strategic partnership between the two countries.
RDA seals 50 properties during major anti-encroachment operation
RAWALPINDI, Nov 25 (APP): The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Tuesday intensified its anti-encroachment campaign, sealing 50 properties and demolishing several illegal structures during major operations conducted on Tipu Road, Rawal Road and Rahimabad.
Acting on the directives of Director General RDA, Kinza Murtaza, the Enforcement Squad carried out the operations with support from the Chaklala Cantonment Board, Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) Force and personnel from Police Station Waris Khan.
According to an RDA spokesperson, the team removed unauthorized structures, sheds, street stalls, car showrooms, tyre shops and service stations set up along the targeted routes.
In a separate action, the enforcement squad sealed the office of the unapproved Qaim Mansion Housing Scheme in Saddar for violating planning and zoning regulations.
The spokesperson stated that the operations were carried out in accordance with the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, and the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations, 2021.
Property owners had constructed buildings without securing the mandatory approvals and No Objection Certificates, prompting the use of heavy machinery to clear encroachments.
The DG has tasked the Land Use and Building Control Wing with taking firm action against all forms of encroachment and illegal residential-cum-commercial activity.
Emphasizing RDA’s commitment to regulated urban development, the DG urged citizens to cooperate with the Authority by removing encroachments voluntarily to avoid losses.
IHC grants time to CDA for report regarding Jinnah Garden Phase-II
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday granted time to the CDA for submission of report in the contempt of court case regarding the allotment of plots in the private housing society Jinnah Garden Phase II.
The court ruled that the matter would be further considered after the report of the technical committee comes. The hearing of the case was adjourned till December 22.
During the hearing, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa appeared in person on the court’s order. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked the CDA Chairman during the hearing what progress had been made in the matter after the court’s order.
The Chairman said that the case was placed before the CDA Board in a meeting held on November 21, where the board decided to form a technical committee. He added that the committee has been formed and will submit its report within 30 days.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa informed the court that comprehensive steps are being taken to secure the capital of the citizens in the future and new rules are also being prepared for this purpose. The court expressed satisfaction over the progress of the CDA and appreciated the efforts of the chairman and his team.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked that Chairman Sir, your team is doing a good job.
The petitioner’s lawyer Khurram Qureshi also appreciated the steps taken by the chairman CDA. The court, while accepting the CDA’s request for adjournment, said that the matter will be looked into further after the report of the technical committee comes.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till December 22.
FIA nabs two human traffickers of forced beggary network
FAISALABAD, Nov 25 (APP):Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Faisalabad has arrested two human traffickers during major operation against a network involved in human smuggling and forced beggary abroad.
FIA sources said that FIA Composite Circle Faisalabad conducted targeted actions across different areas of the city and apprehended Muhammad Ismail and Salman Manawar on charges of trafficking innocent citizens and forcing them into beggary overseas.
The officials said a formal case had been registered on the basis of a report received from the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, which highlighted the exploitation of Pakistani nationals in Malaysia.
The investigators revealed that arrested suspect Muhammad Ismail in collaboration with his accomplices lured citizens with promises of lucrative employment and sent them to Malaysia where they were coerced into begging.
The accused allegedly trapped a victim Khalid Mahmood by offering a false job opportunity and later cancelled his return ticket to keep him stranded without support.
The victim was eventually found unconscious in a hotel room and shifted to a hospital, but later died due to the ordeal.
The FIA team acted promptly to trace and arrest the accused while raids are underway to capture remaining members of the network. Authorities have also initiated the process of placing their names on the stop list.
Meanwhile, the second arrested suspect Salman Manawar was found operating an illegal travel agency without any license. The raid led to the recovery of agreements, mobile phones and stamp papers used in fraudulent activities.
The officials said that the accused had been collecting large sums of money from citizens by offering unlawful pathways for overseas travel.
Both accused have been taken into custody and a formal investigation has started and more arrests are expected as the crackdown on human trafficking and forced beggary networks continues, the official added.