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Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):A high-level policy dialogue in Islamabad has outlined an ambitious roadmap for CPEC 2.0 and a stronger Pakistan-China partnership in a rapidly evolving geo-economic landscape.
Hosted by Beaconhouse National University’s Center for Policy Research (BCPR) in collaboration with the Understanding China Forum (UCF), the event brought together senior diplomats, scholars, security experts and policymakers to examine how Pakistan can leverage regional connectivity amid shifting global power dynamics.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
 Dr. Moeed Yusuf, former National Security Advisor and currently Vice Chancellor of BNU, proposed a “China–South Asia + Central Asia” economic framework.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, delivered the keynote, marking the formal launch of “CPEC 2.0.”
Citing completed investments worth US $25.93 billion, over 8,000 MW of power generation and 261,000 jobs, he announced major new industrial ventures, including a US $400 million Haier appliance park and a US $150 million textile park by Challenge Group.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to fast-tracking the Karakoram Highway realignment, developing Gwadar as a connectivity hub, and expanding CPEC cooperation toward Central Asia and the Middle East.
Experts emphasized the need for predictable regulatory frameworks, inclusive economic opportunities, improved productivity, and a shift toward private-sector–driven growth.
Speakers also highlighted challenges ranging from information warfare to modernization and regional security.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
Maritime connectivity, the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and community engagement in CPEC projects were identified as critical to future success.
Participants collectively agreed that as Pakistan and China approach 75 years of diplomatic relations, CPEC 2.0 represents a vital opportunity to redefine Pakistan’s role in an emerging multipolar order.

Woman among three people killed in two incidents

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MUZAFFARGARH, Nov 26 (APP):Three people were killed in two separate incidents on Wednesday.
According to a spokesperson,a passenger bus going from Rawalpindi to Kot Addu crashed into a truck on MM Road near Sarai Mohajir.Two people identified as Yasra Bibi and Mohammad Ramzan died on the spot,while several others were injured.
Rescue teams took the bodies and injured passengers to the District Headquarters Hospital(DHQ).
Police said the accident happened because of the over-speeding.
The drivers have been arrested for investigation.
In other incident,Muhammad Faiz(60) died after a fight with two contractors at a cattle market over a token fee.
The contractors allegedly beat him,after which he collapsed and died,reportedly from cardiac arrest.
The suspects fled and Chowk Azam police have registered a case and started searching for them.

KP Govt notifies creation of new District Paharpur

By
Asif Jalal
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0
Dera Ismail Khan , Nov 26 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally established District Paharpur, creating a new administrative unit in the province through the bifurcation of Dera Ismail Khan, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the official notification, the new district consists of Tehsil Paharpur and Tehsil Paniyala, which previously operated as a sub-division of Dera Ismail Khan.
The elevation of the area to district status was approved during the 39th meeting of the provincial cabinet held on October 2, 2025, chaired by then chief minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, and has now been implemented.
The notification also designates Paharpur town as the district headquarters.
Following the announcement, the provincial administration has begun reorganizing the local governance structure. Officials say the creation of District Paharpur is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency, improve public service delivery, and enhance coordination at the grassroots level.
Residents have welcomed the move, noting that the new district will significantly reduce the need for long-distance travel to Dera Ismail Khan city for official matters. They said the previous arrangement imposed financial burdens and time challenges, particularly on low-income and marginalized communities.
The establishment of District Paharpur marks a major administrative development aimed at bringing governance and services closer to local communities.

Lahore records 189 average AQI

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP): The provincial capital recorded an average AQI of 189 on Wednesday evening, after levels surged to around 450 in the early hours.
According to IQAir data, the city’s air quality remained in the “very unhealthy” range, with PM2.5 concentrations measuring 21.7 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline.
The most polluted areas included Allama Iqbal Town, Bedian Road, DHA, Civil Secretariat, Barki Road, Johar Town, AC Office Shalimar Complex, Wagah, AC Saddar/Cantt and Askari 10.

Dry, cold weather forecast for Lahore

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP):Lahore experienced dry and cold weather on Wednesday, with similar conditions expected on Thursday.
MET officials said most parts of the country would remain under the influence of continental air. They forecast cold and dry weather across much of the country, with very cold conditions in hilly areas during the morning and night.
Smog and patchy fog may develop over the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night hours. Officials added that day and night temperatures in northern regions are likely to drop further in the coming days, while foggy conditions over the plains of Punjab and KP are expected to intensify gradually.
They noted that the intensity of cold has increased across Punjab, including Lahore, where temperatures fell sharply on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Other cities—such as Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and surrounding areas—are also likely to experience fog during the morning and night.

Dera police arrest 50 suspects in search operations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 26 (APP): The Dera police carried out major search and snap-checking operations in in different areas, arresting a total of 50 suspects including several wanted criminals, police said on Wednesday.
According to police spokesman, the operations were conducted following the directions of District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada.
In Paroa Circle, the operation was supervised by SP City Ali Hamza and led by SDPO Paroa Inamullah Khan Gandapur, along with SHO Gomal University Police Station Faheem Mumtaz. The police team searched over 30 houses and checked multiple vehicles and motorcycles.
The police detained 12 suspects including an accused named Ghulam Fareed son of Umar Hayat, wanted in murder and attempted murder cases. He was taken into custody along with a 30-bore pistol believed to be the murder weapon. Another 30-bore pistol and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Paharpur Division, snap-checking operations were conducted under the supervision of SP Paharpur Division Syed Asad Ali Shah. SHOs from Panyala, Yarak, Giloti, Kari Khisor, Band Korai and Paharpur police stations set up checkpoints at multiple locations.
The police arrested 38 suspects, including three proclaimed offenders wanted in murder cases.
During the operations, five pistols and 77 rounds were recovered, and separate cases were registered. The police also checked 92 motorcycles and 117 vehicles. The action was taken against 25 unregistered motorcycles and 13 vehicles with tinted windows.
The spokesman stated that these coordinated operations were part of an ongoing strategy to curb criminal activities and maintain public safety in the district.

Pakistan Customs foils major smuggling attempt worth Rs 157.7 million at Sost dry Port

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):Pakistan Customs has foiled a major attempt to smuggle mobile phones, weapon parts, alcohol and pork meat valued worth approximately Rs157.727 million at the Sost Dry Port and Baggage Section in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Acting on credible information the Customs’ officials thoroughly examine two consignments imported from China. During inspection at the Dry Port, Customs recovered 59,000 units of Nokia 105 mobile phones with batteries, 5,200 pieces of medicine weighing 318 kg, 3,000 Sildenafil Citrate tablets, and assorted weapon parts, said a release issued here on Wednesday.
In a separate operation at the Baggage Section, Customs personnel intercepted an attempt to smuggle 80 bottles (20 litres) of liquor and 40 kg of pork meat brought from China through the Khunjerab Pass, in violation of Pakistan’s import prohibitions.
The estimated duty and taxes the seized items amounted to Rs78.547 million. Seized items have been taken into custody under the Customs Act, 1969.
Further legal proceedings are also underway.
Such operations reflect FBR’s resolve to curb smuggling, protect national revenue and prevent prohibited goods from entering the country.

Tree plantation begins around Multan’s disposal stations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Nov 26 (APP): In a collaborative effort between the divisional administration, the Horticulture Agency, and the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA), a tree-plantation campaign was launched at WASA’s disposal stations to help reduce smog and promote a healthier environment.
The campaign was inaugurated by Commissioner Amir Karim Khan and Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmad Sindhu, who kicked off the initiative by planting saplings at the Qasimpur disposal station. Officials from the Horticulture Agency, including Managing Director Karim Bukhsh, were also present at the launch.
According to a spokesman for the administration, approximately 300 saplings were planted at the Qasimpur disposal station. Commissioner Amir Karim Khan emphasized the importance of plantation efforts in creating a sustainable and healthy environment for the community. He stressed the need for greater awareness and active participation in such initiatives, encouraging institutions not to rely solely on government directives but to take ownership in promoting tree-planting activities across the city.
“Tree planting is vital for improving air quality and curbing smog,” said the Commissioner. “We must expand these efforts, and it is essential for people from all walks of life to join hands in making this initiative a success.”
The Managing Director of the Horticulture Agency, Karim Bukhsh, shared that a detailed strategy had been devised for further plantation drives at other WASA disposal stations. He added that saplings of Jamun, Kachnar, Palak, and Mango would be regularly watered and maintained until they grow into full trees.
Looking ahead, Bukhsh expressed confidence that over 20,000 trees would be planted around various disposal stations in the coming weeks, contributing to the long-term greening of the region.

FBR hails SC’s decision on confiscation of vehicle for transporting smuggle goods

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The Federal Board of Revenue has hailed the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision on confiscation of a vehicle used for transporting smuggled goods.
The Federal Board of Revenue has welcomed the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision on the applicability of SRO 499(I)/2009, as amended through SRO 1619(I)/2024, in a landmark judgment in CPLA No. 3886/2025, Taj Muhammad vs. Collector Customs Enforcement, Peshawar, reaffirming the confiscation of a vehicle used for transporting smuggled goods, said a release issued here on Wednesday.
The ruling significantly strengthens the legal framework available to Pakistan Customs for curbing the misuse of vehicles in smuggling activities.
The judgment provides long-awaited clarity on the enforcement powers of Pakistan Customs and is expected to bolster anti-smuggling operations nationwide.
As a result of the Apex Court’s decision, Customs formations across the country have been cleared to dispose of more than 1,000 seized or confiscated vehicles through public auction.
The auction of these vehicles is projected to generate over Rs. 8 billion, contributing directly to the national exchequer.
This timely and judicious verdict will deter habitual smugglers and facilitate the expeditious disposal of stuck-up vehicles under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The strengthened enforcement mechanism will further ensure improved revenue generation and more effective anti-smuggling operation across the country.

Senior APP journalist Shahzad Saleemi retires

By
Asif Jalal
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0
APP LOGO
FAISALABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter of APP Faisalabad Bureau Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi has retired from government service after attaining the age of superannuation.
In this connection, a grand and graceful farewell ceremony was organized in his honor at APP Faisalabad Bureau where the journalistic community paid glowing tribute to his outstanding services.
Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi began his professional journey at APP as a Sub-Editor/Reporter and through hard work, integrity and exceptional professional competence he soon earned a distinct recognition for himself within the organization.
Owing to his abilities, he was entrusted with the important responsibility of serving as Incharge of Urdu News Service at APP Lahore Bureau where he played a pivotal role in promoting quality Urdu journalism, strengthening editorial standards and enhancing the institutional image of APP.
Bureau Chief APP Faisalabad Rana Anjum Aala Rehman presided over the farewell ceremony while Chief Reporter Iftikhar Ahmad, Incharge Urdu News Service Rao Ali Aamir Sultan, Senior Sub-Editors/Reporters Muhammad Iqbal Awan, Abdul Rehman, Mirza Jabir Baig, Sub-Editors/Reporters Asif Ghaffar, Athar Rauf, Shafqat Rasool, Shehbaz Bhutta, Assistant Manager Tariq Mahmood Bandesha, Photographer Tasawar Abbas, Cameraman Muhammad Waseem and other staff members also attended it and bade an emotional farewell to their colleague.
Former Chief Reporter Advocate Syed Kaleem Hayder Saqlain Shah, retired Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter Muhammad Farooq Seemab and retired Computer Operator Rana Muhammad Azam also graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Bureau Chief Rana Anjum Aala Rehman paid tribute to journalistic services of Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi and said that responsible and hardworking journalists like Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi are a beacon of light for the younger generation of reporters and sub-editors and APP will always remember his services with respect and appreciation.
Other speakers also recalled their memorable professional association with Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi and highlighted his honesty, keen eye for news verification, editorial skills and selfless devotion to the institution.
Later, Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi was presented with bouquets and commemorative gifts as a token of love and appreciation.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the APP management, fellow journalists and staff members.
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