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NUML partners with TEU Development Centre, Azaad Media Academy to boost student skills, media training

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):National University of Modern Languages (NUML) has signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the TEU Professional Development Centre (TEUPDC) and Azaad Media Academy to strengthen practical learning and enhance employability among its students.
The MoUs aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering professional training, short courses, and real-world media experience to students.
The agreements were formalized at NUML’s Islamabad campus, with Director General NUML Brigadier Shahzad Munir signing both deals on behalf of the university.
The first partnership, with TEUPDC, focuses on equipping students with in-demand professional skills through targeted training and industry-aligned short courses.
Brigadier (R) Muzaffar ul Hassan, Executive Director of TEUPDC, signed the agreement alongside DG NUML.
The collaboration is positioned as a model for public-private partnerships that address Pakistan’s growing need for job-ready graduates.
“This initiative is about more than just training—it’s about empowering our youth with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive job market,” said Brigadier Munir. “We are committed to aligning our academic programs with real-world demands.”
In a separate agreement, NUML joined hands with Azaad Media Academy to offer internship opportunities to students enrolled in the university’s Media and Communication Studies Program.
The collaboration was formalized by Murtaza Solangi, Patron-in-Chief of the Academy and a veteran media professional.
Through this partnership, students will gain hands-on experience in areas such as journalism, broadcasting, digital storytelling, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in contemporary media practices.
Solangi emphasized the importance of practical exposure in media education: “The future of journalism is evolving rapidly. Our partnership with NUML will prepare the next generation of media professionals to meet those changes head-on with skill and confidence.”
Both agreements reflect NUML’s broader vision of integrating practical training with academic learning, helping students transition more smoothly into the professional world.
The university is increasingly focusing on industry collaborations as a way to stay ahead of shifting job market dynamics and technological trends.
The initiatives are expected to launch in the upcoming academic semester, with joint training modules and internship placements rolling out in phases.

ATC extends interim bail of Omar Ayub, others in six May 9 cases

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LAHORE, Jul 25 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday extended the interim pre-arrest bails of several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, and others till September 19 in six May 9 related cases.
ATC Judge Arshad Javed conducted proceedings on bail applications wherein  the sisters of the PTI founder Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, Omar Ayub Khan, and Fawad Chaudhry did not appear before the court despite the expiry of their bail periods.
Their counsels submitted exemption pleas citing unavoidable circumstances. The court accepted their requests and directed the lawyers to present their arguments at the next hearing.
However, former federal minister Asad Umar, Senator Azam Khan Swati, and several other PTI leaders and workers marked their attendance in court.
After hearing the arguments, the court extended the interim bails of all the above-named leaders until September 19.
The cases involve serious charges such as setting fire to a container at Kalma Chowk and torching a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) office during the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of the PTI founder
Other PTI leaders who have also filed for pre-arrest bail in these cases include: Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, Karamat Ali Khokhar, Hafiz Farhat Abbas, Bilal Ejaz, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Ali Imtiaz Warraich, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, Muhammad Ashraf Sohna and Rai Murtaza Iqbal.

WB regional vice president concludes Pakistan visit

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region, Ousmane Dione, concluded his three-days visit to Pakistan on Friday.
This marked his first visit to the country since its alignment within the newly expanded and reorganized World Bank region, according to WB press release issued here.
Dione met with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his government as well as key counterparts to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities. During his meeting with the Prime Minister Sharif, he discussed key structural reforms needed to boost economic growth and accelerate development efforts in the country.
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Pakistan- a country I had the privilege of working with over a decade ago. This visit has provided me with invaluable insights into how the World Bank Group is partnering with the government to better serve the people of Pakistan,” said Dione.
“In my discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, we explored the country’s key development priorities, the implementation of the new Country Partnership Framework, and the ongoing reform agenda. I am deeply impressed by the government’s commitment to advance human development, foster inclusive economic growth and job creation. I look forward to deepening our collaboration in support of Pakistan’s development.”
He also met Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), and Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
In these meetings they discussed how the new World Bank’s regional alignment would support the country program in delivering faster and more effectively.
Dione visited Karachi, where he met the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister of Sindh for Information, Transport and Mass Transit. They discussed operations in Sindh, focusing on flood response, housing and reconstruction efforts, as well as Sindh’s experience in addressing child stunting.
 During his interactions with the Pakistan government and local and international partners, Dione reassured them of the World Bank Group’s continued support for the people of Pakistan.
“We stand committed to help Pakistan address important challenges including child stunting, learning poverty, access to cleaner energy, climate resilience, and air pollution,” he stated.
Dione was joined in his meetings by Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the World Bank’s new Country Director for Pakistan, Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh, Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation, Fadia Saadah, Regional Practice Director for Human Development, and Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure.

Rescue 1122 observes World Drowning Prevention Day in Muzaffargarh

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MUZAFFARGARH, Jul 25 (APP):In line with observance of World Drowning Prevention Day 2025 here Friday, District Emergency Officer Obaidullah Khan issued a set of guidelines emphasizing urgent need for preventive measures to reduce drowning incidents, particularly in flood-prone areas like Muzaffargarh.
Speaking to the media, he noted that Muzaffargarh, flanked by two major rivers and numerous canals, remains highly vulnerable to such emergencies. In the past year alone, eleven (11) drowning cases were recorded, all resulting in fatalities.
Khan highlighted common causes, including swimming in open waterways, taking selfies on bridges and headworks, and attempting to cross rivers while herding livestock. He informed that, in coordination with the District Emergency Board, Deputy commissioner Muzaffargarh has imposed Section 144, banning swimming in rivers and canals across the district.
Following directives from Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Rescue 1122 has launched awareness campaigns through Community Emergency Response Teams. Local elders are also engaged to educate residents on the life-threatening risks of entering rivers and canals.
“We urge citizens to cooperate and ensure their own safety as well as their children’s,” Khan said, appealing for public support in preventing avoidable tragedies.

Parking plaza to be operational by next month in Kutchehry

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MULTAN, Jul 25 (APP):A major breakthrough in solving the persistent traffic congestion at Kutchehry Chowk was on the horizon as the construction of a four-storey parking plaza has been completed and was expected to be operational next month.
During a meeting, a delegation from the District Bar Association met with Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fuad Hashim Rabbani, to discuss the traffic situation and advocate for swift action. The delegation included President District Bar Javed Dogar and General Secretary Malik Nauman Ahmed.
The Additional Chief Secretary, confirmed that only an electricity connection remains to make the facility functional. Funds for the electricity meter’s demand note were available, and the issuance of the required barcode, now mandatory after the launch of the Micro Payment Gateway was underway.
The ACS has tasked the Special Secretary, Communications & Works (C&W) South Punjab, with ensuring the plaza becomes operational without delay. “Once functional, the parking plaza will eliminate traffic blockages at Kutchehri Chowk,” he stated.
The facility will accommodate 220 vehicles, according to Bar President Javed Dogar, who also announced that once operational, parking outside the yellow line under the flyover will no longer be permitted. The District Bar’s General Secretary, Malik Nauman Ahmed, emphasized the plaza’s significance, calling it a long-awaited solution to longstanding issues faced by lawyers and litigants.
He added that the District Bar Multan was the second-largest in the province and the largest in South Punjab, playing a vital role in delivering justice.
The Additional Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure and facilities for both lawyers and citizens at the district courts.
With the completion of the Judicial Tower and now the parking plaza, Multan’s legal district was poised for a major transformation.

Price control magistrate conducts market inspection

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GUJRAT, Jul 25 (APP):District Officer Industries and Price Control Magistrate Ashida Batool carried out a price inspection on Jail Road and Bhimber Road to check the implementation of official rate lists for essential food items.
She reviewed prices and quality of commodities at grocery shops, fruit and vegetable stalls, and meat outlets. Several vendors were warned for overcharging and not displaying official price lists.
She said the district administration remains committed to protecting consumer rights and that strict action would be taken against profiteers and violators of price control regulations.

FIA arrests nine suspects involved in human trafficking, visa fraud

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MULTAN, Jul 25 (APP):The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Multan Zone has arrested nine individuals, including proclaimed offenders, involved in human trafficking and visa fraud.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspects were apprehended from various areas of Multan and Bahawalpur. They were allegedly involved in defrauding citizens by promising overseas employment opportunities and collecting large sums of money.The arrested accused have been identified as Ghaus Bakhsh, Atta-ul-Hassan, Muhammad Shoukat, Muhammad Waqas, Usama Ashraf, Muhammad Din Muhammad, Manu Ram, Azhar Iqbal, and Mulazim Hussain.
The suspect Ghaus Bakhsh allegedly extorted Rs 800,000 from a citizen on the pretext of a job offer in Saudi Arabia.Muhammad Shoukat, a proclaimed offender since 2023, extorted Rs 500,000 by offering a fake Dubai employment visa. The accused Atta-ul-Hassan collected Rs 180,000, while Mulazim Hussain citizenf over Rs 2 million under similar pretenses.
The accused Muhammad Waqas took Rs 1.3 million and Usama Ashraf received Rs 563,000, both for promised jobs in Saudi Arabia. Mainwhile proclaimed offender Muhammad Din Muhammad took Rs 200,000 for an Umrah visa. Similarly the suspect Manu Ram allegedly took Rs 900,000 for a UAE visa, and Azhar Iqbal took Rs 700,000 while falsely promising employment abroad.All the accused failed to fulfill their commitments and went into hiding after receiving the amount . All the suspect taken into custody and further investigation is underway.

PSB issues show-cause notice to PNF

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PSB

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Friday issued a show-cause notice to the Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) for failing to respond within the stipulated time.

According to Khurram Shahzad, Spokesperson PSB no response had been received till Friday.

The Netball Federation has circulated screenshots of a draft email through media sources. However, these screenshots appear to be from before the email was actually sent.

A validly sent email typically contains a time stamp, including the date and time, he claimed.

Moreover, at 2:55 PM on Friday, the Pakistan Netball Federation shared a dispatch receipt via WhatsApp, which carries the date of July 25.

It is officially confirmed that, as of the stated time, no formal response has been received by the Pakistan Sports Board through either email or post, he added.

Traffic diversion issued after road collapse

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MULTAN, Jul 25 (APP):In the wake of ongoing rainfall in Multan, a significant road collapse has occurred in front of the Shell Petrol Pump on Bahawalpur Bypass Road, heading towards Qasimpur Colony.
The incident, identified as a crown failure or sinkhole, has led to serious traffic disruptions in the area.
Due to the road damage, traffic from Bahawalpur Bypass Chowk has been diverted to alternative routes. The diversion aims to ensure the safety of commuters and to manage traffic flow efficiently. Commuters traveling along this stretch were experiencing delays, and traffic police was actively present at the site to manage the situation and guide vehicles.
However, restoration work was currently underway, with the relevant departments on-site assessing and repairing the damaged road section. The repair work may take some time due to the extent of the damage and continued rainfall, which was affecting progress.
Authorities have requested the public to avoid the affected area whenever possible and to use alternate routes until the situation was fully resolved. Citizens were also urged to maintain lane discipline and cooperate with traffic police to ensure smooth movement and avoid any further inconvenience or accidents.
The Multan Traffic Police have reassured the public that they were monitoring the situation closely and will continue to issue timely updates. For the latest information or assistance, residents can contact the official helpline.

Ethiopian Ambassador meets KP Governor to discuss trade, tourism, climate collaboration

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, met with Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, at Governor House Islamabad on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, trade, tourism, and climate cooperation between the two nations.
During the meeting, the Ethiopian envoy highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Ethiopia, dating back to 1958, and emphasized that these relations were further deepened during the era of Prime Minister
Shaheed Zulfikqar Ali Bhutto in 1972.
He praised the bravery of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed admiration for the scenic beauty of Swat.
Ambassador Beker said the cultural and social similarities between the two countries and emphasized the shared challenges posed by climate change.
He underscored the need for a joint strategy to address these issues and learn from each other’s experiences.
He also announced that a delegation from the Green Legacy Forum would soon visit Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhancing collaboration in culture, business, and education.
Ambassador Beker invited Governor Kundi to visit Ethiopia along with a business delegation to explore mutual investment opportunities.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed the invitation and assured full support during the Green Legacy Forum delegation’s visit to KP.
He said they would be facilitated in meeting with local traders and investors.
The Governor also highlighted the province’s strategic location as the “Gateway to Asia” and its vast potential for investment, especially in religious tourism and the globally recognized Gandhara civilization.