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PA holds parliamentary consultation on ending child marriage

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP): Punjab Assembly (PA) hosted a parliamentary consultation to end child marriage in the province, bringing together lawmakers, child protection authorities, legal experts, and partners to review evidence, address legislative gaps, and advance reforms to protect children’s rights, here on Tuesday.
The consultation was organized by the Parliamentary Development Unit in collaboration with UNFPA, reflecting the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for child protection.
The session opened with context-setting and evidence-sharing by Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, and Convener of the Child Rights Caucus Punjab. She described child marriage as a constitutional, public health, and gender equality issue, highlighting data showing that thousands of girls are still married before the age of 18. She outlined the key features of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2024, which was currently under consideration by the Punjab Cabinet. The proposed legislation seeks to set 18 years as the minimum legal age for girls and boys, introduce stronger safeguards, and ensure strict accountability.
Concluding the consultation, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan urged decisive action to end child marriage, stressing that the practice causes lifelong harm, undermines education and health, and persists due to social normalization. He called on lawmakers to act with courage, compassion, and constitutional responsibility, emphasizing that protecting children is a moral duty that shapes society’s future.
The consultation also included a screening of the film Salma: The Silent Scream and an Islamic jurisprudence session by Mr. Muaz Ali Shah, which provided legal clarity on age, consent, and religious interpretations. Members of the Punjab Assembly participated in an open discussion focusing on legislative reforms, institutional coordination, and consensus-building.
The session concluded with agreement on next steps to align provincial reforms with the national framework and advance collective action to end child marriage in Punjab.

Tajik ambassador briefs Aleem Khan on cultural troupe’s Pakistan visit

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and briefed him on the upcoming visit of a 75-member Tajik cultural troupe to Pakistan.
During the meeting, the ambassador informed the minister that the troupe would visit Pakistan at the invitation of the Prime Minister and has been accorded the status of state guests.
He said it is the largest Tajik cultural delegation to visit Pakistan to date.
The delegation, comprising artisans, singers, artists and dancers, will showcase Tajik culture through performances and exhibitions.
Cultural stalls will be set up, and performances will be held at Lok Virsa and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, followed by events in Lahore.
Aleem Khan welcomed the delegation and underscored the strong cultural and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He said cultural exchanges play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people contacts and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
The minister assured full cooperation to ensure the successful conduct of all planned activities during the visit.
The federal minister also appreciated Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir’s fluency in Urdu, terming it a reflection of his affection and attachment to Pakistan.
The Tajik cultural troupe will remain in Pakistan from December 16 to December 24.
The delegation will be led by Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture and former deputy prime minister, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon.

CTP Murree hold road safety awareness session at Govt High School

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 16 (APP): The City Traffic Police (CTP) Murree on Tuesday organised a road safety awareness session here at the Government High School to educate students about traffic rules and the dangers of underage driving.
A CTP spokesman said the session was arranged by the Education Wing in line with the vision of the Punjab Government and the Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, under the directives of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Murree Imran Razaq.
He said the session aimed to highlight the importance of traffic laws and warn students about the risks of driving motorcycles or vehicles at a young age.
Traffic police officers informed the students that underage driving was a legal offence and could cause fatal accidents, stressing that obtaining a driving licence after turning 18 was both a legal and moral responsibility.
The spokesman said special emphasis was placed on mandatory helmet use by motorcyclists, safe use of zebra crossings, observing traffic signals and signboards, and looking both ways before crossing roads.
CTO Imran Razaq said students were the future of the nation and early awareness of traffic laws was key to building a safe and responsible society.
At the conclusion of the session, the students and teachers pledged to follow traffic rules and spread awareness.
The spokesman expressed hope that such activities would promote positive change and urged citizens to make traffic rules part of daily life to ensure safety for all.

CAT rejects stay pleas in two cases, orders deposits to secure CCP penalties

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) has rejected the appeal filed by M/s Kingdom Valley Pvt. Ltd. seeking a stay against recovery proceedings initiated by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), allowing the Commission to proceed with enforcement of its penalty.
Following Commission’s decision, the CCP had attached the company’s bank accounts and recovered PKR 27 million, sad CCP press statement issued here Tuesday. The CAT further directed Kingdom Valley to deposit 50 percent of the total penalty, amounting to PKR 75 million, and to submit post-dated cheques for the remaining penalty amount to the CCP.
In its order, the Tribunal observed that a prima facie violation of the Competition Act, 2010 was established, and therefore a stay could not be granted without the mandatory deposit of half of the imposed penalty.
The CCP had imposed a PKR 150 million penalty on Kingdom Valley Pvt. Ltd. for deceptive and misleading marketing practices, including falsely advertising the project as being located in Islamabad while it is situated in Mouza Choora, Rawalpindi, misrepresenting links with the Naya Pakistan Housing Programme, and making false claims of NOC approval without proper disclosure.
Earlier, the company had challenged the CCP’s decision before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). In November 2025, the IHC dismissed the petition and referred the matter to the CAT. The appeal is currently pending before the Tribunal without any stay order.
In a separate case, the CAT directed M/s United Distributors (UDPL) and International Brands Limited (IBL) to submit a bank guarantee of PKR 20 million (50 percent of the penalty) along with post-dated cheques for the remaining 50 percent to obtain a stay against recovery proceedings initiated by the CCP.
The case relates to penalties of PKR 40 million imposed by the CCP on UDPL and IBL for entering into an illegal and anti-competitive non-compete agreement, in violation of Section 4 of Competition Act 2010. According to the CCP, IBL paid over PKR 1.13 billion to UDPL to stay out of the human pharmaceutical distribution market for three years.
The CCP ruled that the arrangement amounted to market sharing, which restricted competition, blocked market entry, and harmed consumers. The Commission also noted that the agreement was implemented without obtaining mandatory approval from the CCP, in violation of the Competition Act, 2010.

NDF for devising collective strategy to eliminate polio in Sindh

By
Kamran Muraad
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NAWABSHAH, Dec 16 (APP): President of the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan and Member of the Rotary Club Nawabshah, Abid Lashari has urged citizens to actively support ongoing polio vaccination drives across Sindh, emphasizing that eliminating polio is a shared national responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion of the polio drive, Lashari stated that every citizen must take ownership in ensuring that two drops of polio vaccine reach every child in their surroundings during vaccination campaigns. “A polio-free Pakistan is our collective dream, and it can only be achieved through community participation and vigilance,” he said.
Lashari appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Government of Sindh and the Rotary International for their continued commitment to reaching unreached and under-served communities, particularly in remote and marginalized areas.
However, he also expressed serious concern over the emergence of new polio cases in Sindh, calling them alarming and unacceptable. He stressed that renewed commitment, improved coordination, and community trust-building are urgently required to address the challenge.
He further emphasized that civil society organizations must play an active role in supporting polio eradication efforts. “If we successfully control polio, we can significantly reduce disability rates in Pakistan and secure a healthier future for our children,” Lashari concluded.

Aurangzeb underscores Pakistan’s drive for stronger regional connectivity, trade diversification

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday underscored Pakistan’s commitment to proactive economic diplomacy aimed at deepening international partnerships, diversifying trade and connectivity routes, attracting sustainable and investment-led growth, and positioning the country as a reliable, competitive, and forward-looking partner in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economic landscape.
In two separate interviews with Azerbaijan’s leading news agency, Report Information Agency (REPORT), and Russia’s prominent news agency, RIA Novosti, the Finance Minister outlined Pakistan’s economic priorities, investment outlook, and expanding engagement with regional and global partners, underscoring the government’s focus on macroeconomic stability, trade expansion, and sustainable investment-led growth.
In his interview with REPORT, the Finance Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s long-standing and strong government-to-government relations with Azerbaijan are now translating into tangible economic outcomes, with trade and investment flows gaining increasing importance.
He highlighted that Azerbaijan has publicly expressed an appetite to invest close to USD 2 billion in Pakistan, with energy, oil and gas, as well as minerals and mining identified as key priority sectors for collaboration. He noted that discussions are underway on several projects, including a potential oil pipeline investment being explored by SOCAR, describing these engagements as progressing and reflective of growing investor confidence in Pakistan.
Senator Aurangzeb further stated that any financial support or lending arrangements from Azerbaijan would be structured to facilitate trade and investment rather than aid, stressing Pakistan’s preference for sustainable financing models linked to productive economic activity.
He explained that such financing could take multiple forms, including placements with the central bank or project-linked financing to support Azerbaijani investors entering Pakistan.
The Finance Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s interest in learning from Azerbaijan’s advances in digital services, technology-led service centres, artificial intelligence, fintech and cybersecurity, noting that Pakistan is steadily moving towards a digital economy with enhanced payment systems and digital infrastructure.
Highlighting future areas of cooperation, he pointed to the growing importance of South-South cooperation amid stress in the global trading system. He  underscored the potential of developing new trade and transport corridors between Pakistan, Central Asia and Azerbaijan, observing that current bilateral trade volumes do not reflect the true potential of the two economies.
He also stressed the importance of developing financial instruments such as guarantees, export credit mechanisms, banking linkages and Islamic finance tools to support the ambitious trade and investment agenda between the two countries.
In his separate interview with RIA Novosti, Senator Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s desire to join BRICS, noting that Pakistan is already an active member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and could play a constructive role within the BRICS framework. He acknowledged ongoing global discussions on alternative cross-border payment systems and stated that Pakistan would explore such mechanisms as its engagement with BRICS evolves.
Addressing investment facilitation, he highlighted that ensuring macroeconomic stability remains the government’s foremost priority, as investor confidence is directly linked to currency stability, repatriation of profits and overall economic certainty.
He noted that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are steadily improving and approaching coverage of nearly three months of imports, describing this as essential “elementary hygiene” for investor assurance. He added that sovereign guarantees and export credit agency support could be considered on a project-by-project basis to mitigate country risk.
On digital assets, Senator Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan’s central bank is evaluating digital currencies in view of the significant number of Pakistani citizens engaged in cryptocurrency-related activity. He emphasized that the government’s objective is to bring this sector into a regulated framework, supported by the establishment of a virtual assets regulatory authority, while carefully assessing risks related to capital flows, compliance, and anti-money-laundering standards.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for Pakistan’s economy, particularly in agriculture, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.
He noted that Pakistan’s large freelancer base stands to benefit significantly from AI adoption, enabling higher productivity and income levels. He expressed Pakistan’s interest in learning from Russia’s experience in applying artificial intelligence in public finance and budgeting processes, while recognizing the continued importance of human oversight in policymaking and decision-making.
On regional connectivity, Senator Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of developing trade corridors, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, to support resilient trade flows amid global economic uncertainties.
He further identified energy, oil and gas, minerals, mining and industrial cooperation, including the possible establishment of a steel plant, as key areas of potential collaboration between Pakistan and Russia, noting that discussions are ongoing at the ministerial level.

DC Matiari chairs meeting on National Action Plan implementation

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 16 (APP):An important meeting regarding the National Action Plan (NAP) was held under the chair of Deputy Commissioner Matiari Muhammad Yousif Shaikh on Tuesday.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements for CPEC projects and Chinese nationals working on these projects, registration and security of madaris, mosques and shrines, expulsion of foreign refugees, elimination of illegal constructions and actions taken against land-grabbing mafias.
According to a handout, the meeting also discussed action against illegal, substandard, under-measurement and unlicensed petrol pumps, measures to curb smuggling and hoarding of essential food items, ensuring protection of children’s rights, action against electricity thieves and operations against non-custom-paid vehicles, particularly illegal cigarettes.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Yousif Shaikh said that although Matiari was a peaceful district, however, those who post or share anti-state or sectarian content will not be forgiven under any circumstances, because no one was above the law and every citizen must abide by the law.
He further announced that a facilitation centre would be established to provide one-window services for registration of madaris, mosques and shrines, issuance of licenses to petrol pumps and flour mills and resolution of other related matters.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective resolution of issues.
On the occasion, SSP Matiari Rao Arif Aslam informed the meeting that strict action would be taken against all illegal Afghan nationals except those residing on valid work visas, for which the cooperation of NADRA and other relevant institutions was essential.
Officials of all concerned departments gave detailed briefings during the meeting. The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to work under the framework of the National Action Plan to ensure effective implementation of all agenda items discussed.
The meeting was attended by ADC-I Matiari Noor Ahmed Khahro, ADC-II Iqra Jannat, DHO Dr Asif Hussain Shah, assistant commissioners of the district, Incharge Anti-Narcotics Javed Memon, Incharge IB and officers of other relevant government departments.

Traders pay tribute to APS martyrs, recall Dec 16 as solemn chapter in national history

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Leaders of the traders’ community in Faisalabad paid glowing tribute to martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, saluting 130 innocent students and 20 teachers who laid down their lives, and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to stand united against terrorism and extremism.
Speaking on behalf of the Central Organization of Traders Pakistan, Patron-in-Chief and President Anjuman-e-Tajran Faisalabad Khawaja Shahid Razaq Sikka, along with General Secretary Sheikh Saeed Ahmed, Deputy Secretary Mian Riaz Shahid, President Ring Traders Malik Sohail Niaz Toor, Chairman Mirza Ashraf Mughal and other senior leaders, said that martyred students had left their homes to light the lamp of knowledge, and today the entire nation lights candles of remembrance in honor of their sacred blood.
They said that Islam accords a lofty status to martyrs, quoting the Holy Quran that martyrs are alive in the sight of Allah, adding that every drop of their blood is fragrant and eternal.
The traders’ leaders also paid homage to the martyrs of Pakistan Armed Forces and praised the valor of Ghazis who continue to safeguard the country’s borders and strive tirelessly to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the homeland.
Recalling December 16 as a day of profound national grief, the speakers said that the same date in 1971 marked the fall of Dhaka, a black chapter in Pakistan’s history when East Pakistan was separated, an outcome they said was influenced by India’s condemnable role, dealing a deep blow to the concept of Pakistani nationhood, the wounds of which are still felt today.
They said that the foremost lesson of 1971 tragedy is that Pakistan can only be strengthened internally by realizing the true spirit of provincial autonomy and national cohesion.
The traders’ leaders urged unity, resilience and collective responsibility to honor the sacrifices of martyrs and build a peaceful, strong and prosperous Pakistan.

KP food authority destroys large quantity of Ketchup during province-wide actions

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority (KPFS&HFA) has intensified its operations across the province against substandard and unhygienic food items, seizing and destroying large quantities of unsafe and expired products in Peshawar and Haripur.
According to details shared by the food authority spokesperson on Tuesday, the Town-I team of KPFS&HFA, in coordination with the district administration, conducted a joint operation on Phandu Road in Peshawar. During the raid on a warehouse, 1,500 kilograms of various substandard food items were recovered, including low-quality ketchup, expired chemicals, and other hazardous food products. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in the violations.
Similarly, in Haripur, the food authority team took action against a ketchup manufacturing factory located in the Hattar Industrial Estate. During the inspection, 750 kilograms of substandard and expired ketchup pulp and 80 kilograms of inferior-quality vinegar were recovered, which were intended for use in the production process. The unsafe items were destroyed on the spot, and heavy fines were imposed on the factory owners.
Director General KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Wasif Saeed, praised the teams for their successful operations and reiterated that indiscriminate action would continue against those supplying substandard and harmful food items. He emphasized that no compromise would be made on food quality and that strict enforcement of food safety laws would be ensured to protect public health.

Swift legal reforms, institutional strengthening essential for wildlife conservation in KP

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): A meeting on Khyber Pakutunkhwa (KP) Wildlife conservation was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Climate Change, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department Junaid Khan.
During the meeting, Dr. Mohsin Farooq, Chief Conservator Wildlife KP, gave a concise yet comprehensive presentation on the performance, challenges and future direction of the KP Wildlife Department.
The meeting was attended by the Special Secretary, Additional Secretaries and Conservators from various Wildlife Divisions and formations.
Dr. Mohsin Farooq briefed the participants on the evolution, mandate and key achievements of the Wildlife Department, highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s exceptional biodiversity and its global significance, including the world’s largest surviving populations of Kashmir Markhor and Western Tragopan.
He also shared progress on wildlife law enforcement, expansion and management of protected areas, community-based conservation initiatives, UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves, and internationally acclaimed trophy hunting programmes that directly benefit local communities.
A central focus of the briefing was on proposed amendments in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015, and various allied rules, aimed at aligning the legal framework with modern conservation needs, strengthening governance, and improving enforcement mechanisms.
Dr. Farooq emphasized that these reforms are essential to effectively respond to emerging conservation challenges, habitat degradation and wildlife trafficking.
Secretary Junaid Khan appreciated the Department’s performance and reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for upgrading wildlife laws and regulations. He assured that all proposed amendments would be forwarded to the KP Law Department at the earliest for legal cover, and directed KP Wildlife to complete the necessary paperwork without delay.
He further assured the establishment of a Wildlife Development Fund, similar to the one successfully operating in the KP Forest Department, to ensure sustainable financing, strengthen field operations and enhance conservation outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen wildlife conservation through robust legal reforms, institutional support and community participation, reinforcing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s role as a national and international leader in biodiversity protection.
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