Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Health minister condemns attack on polio team in Bajaur

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP):Provincial Minister for Health, Khaliq Ur Rehman, has strongly condemned the heinous and cowardly attack on the polio vaccination team in Tehsil Salarzai, District Bajaur.
He expressed deep grief and sorrow over the killing of a police constable and loss of precious civilian lives in this tragic incident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
He also prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the attack.
The health minister stated that such barbaric and inhuman acts would not affect the commitment, determination and passion of KP government to eradicate polio.
He emphasized that the health department, the provincial government, and the entire nation stand shoulder to shoulder with the law enforcement agencies in their relentless efforts to safeguard public health workers and maintain peace.
He further reiterated that polio vaccination campaign would continue uninterrupted across the province and ensured safety and security of all frontline workers and citizens.

District admin review Christmas arrangements, assures security

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 16 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen Memon on Tuesday chaired a meeting with representatives of the christian community regarding celebrations of Christmas.
The meeting reviewed in detail the preparations for Christmas, law and order situation and other arrangements.
According to a handout, the meeting also discussed various issues faced by the christian community including the payment of salaries and allowances to HMC and HDA employees before Christmas, installation of decorative lights at churches, ensuring cleanliness during Christmas celebrations, exemption from load-shedding on December 24 and 25 and comprehensive security arrangements by police and Rangers during Christmas events.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the cooperation of the Christian community in polio eradication campaigns and said that the district administration was taking all possible measures to ensure that religious festivals of minority communities were celebrated in a peaceful and pleasant manner. At the end of the meeting, a cake was also cut.

PUC Chairman emphasizes national unity, condemns extremism and global acts of violence

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Tuesday led a multi-faith conference at Jamia Manzoor-ul-Islamia, where religious scholars and faith leaders from various sects expressed full support for the state in combating terrorism, extremism, and sectarian violence, and called on the international community to address alleged human rights violations against minorities in India.
The gathering, held on the anniversary of the Army Public School tragedy, saw participants offering condolences to the families of the martyred children and paying tribute to their sacrifice.
Addressing the press, Ashrafi and other leaders emphasized that Pakistan’s security, stability, and defense are a shared national responsibility and praised the points presented by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on national cohesion.
The declaration strongly condemned continued oppression of minorities in India, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and marginalized Hindus, urging the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United Nations, and international human rights bodies to take immediate action. The leaders also condemned the recent terrorist attack in Australia and paid tribute to a young man, Ahmed, who confronted the attacker to protect civilians.
The participants announced that Friday, December 19, would be observed as a Day of Condemnation against terrorism, extremism, and persecution of minorities in India and worldwide. The declaration underscored that all religions promote peace, compassion, and tolerance, reiterating Islam’s principles of moderation, harmony, and the sanctity of human life.
The conference was attended by prominent religious and community leaders, including Father James Channan, Dr Majid Aabel, Sardar Gyan Singh, Maulana Asim Makhdoom, Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Pir Khalil Ahmed, Dr Badr Saifi, Allama Tahir-ul-Hasan, Hafiz Maqbool Ahmed, Maulana Muhammad Ashfaq Patfi, Mufti Umar Farooq, Qari Abdul Hakeem Athar, Maulana Mubashir Rahimi, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Hanafi, Hafiz Ehtesham-ul-Haq, Sufi Islamuddin Usmani, Qari Faisal Amin, and others.

IHC rejects Justice Jahangiri’s objections in case regarding his degree

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected two objections of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri in a case regarding his degree.
The court rejected the objection regarding the formation of a two-member bench instead of a single bench and the objection against Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar.
Rejecting the request of Islamabad District Bar Association to be made a party in the case, it said that the court will hear the Islamabad High Court Bar and Islamabad Bar Council.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan issued a written order of the previous hearing on the application of Advocate Mian Dawood. The court has said that serious allegations have been made regarding the degree of a High Court judge. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter, a two-member bench was formed under administrative authority. The formation of benches is a discretionary power of the Chief Justice of the High Court. The formation of a special bench is not the first instance.
The written order has said that there is no legal justification for Justice Jahangiri’s objection of bias against the Chief Justice. The appeal of Justice Tariq Jahangiri and other judges against the transfer of the Chief Justice Dogar has been rejected by the Federal Constitutional Court.
There are several decisions of the Supreme Court on the principle of separation of a judge from the bench on the basis of bias. The Supreme Court has clarified the principles of objection against a judge in its decisions from 1966 to 2023. Not a single legal reason has been stated for Justice Jahangiri’s objection to the Chief Justice.
The IHC has ordered Justice Jahangiri to provide the record of the application and said that the complete response and record submitted by the university should also be provided. The court, while rejecting the request of the Islamabad District Bar Association to be made a party, said that the Islamabad High Court Bar and the Islamabad Bar Council will be heard. The further hearing of the case will be on December 18.

Over 1,500 candidates appear in Turbat University entry tests for spring 2026 admissions

By
Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Dec 16 (APP): The University of Turbat successfully conducted entry tests on December 14 and 15 December 2025, for admissions to various undergraduate and graduate degree programs for the Spring 2026 session.
More than 1,500 candidates from across Balochistan appeared in the entry tests, including 45 percent female candidates.
The entry tests were conducted for admissions to over fifty undergraduate and graduate academic programs, including BS, AD, Post-AD, MBA, MPhil, MS, and PhD programs.
Under the dynamic leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Gul Hassan, the University of Turbat has obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the relevant academic and professional councils as well as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Academic programs of the university are duly recognized by the respective councils and the HEC.
According to the University of Turbat spokesperson, six examination centers were established at the main campus and city campus to facilitate the entry tests.
In line with special directives from the Vice Chancellor and to ensure the convenience of candidates, transportation facilities were also provided for candidates from Turbat city and remote areas to the examination centers.
In his electronic message, the Vice Chancellor expressed satisfaction over the transparent and smooth conduct of the examination process and reiterated that no compromise would be made on merit during the admission process.
He commended the collective efforts of the Chairman Admission Committee, Dr Muzaffar Hussain and his team, along with all Deans, heads of academic and administrative departments, the Registrar’s Office, Controller of Examinations Office,
Admission Cell, IT Section, faculty members, and administrative staff for the successful conduct of the entry tests.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the university’s primary objective is to equip students with modern knowledge, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital skills, enabling graduates of the University of Turbat to contribute effectively to the socio-economic development of the province and the country.
It is worth noting that, to ensure high standards of teaching and learning, promote the use of modern technology, and align academic programs with evolving market needs, the syllabi and course schemes of all academic programs have been harmonized with the latest policies issued by the HEC.
This initiative aims to position the University of Turbat as a leading center of higher education and research in the region.
According to the Chairman of the Admission Committee, the results of the undergraduate entry tests will be announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, while merit lists will be published on the university’s official website and social media platforms.
Additionally, the results of the entry tests for graduate and B.Ed. programs will be announced by the National Testing Service (NTS) on December 20, 2025.

Agri dept surpasses wheat cultivation target in Faisalabad division

By
Kamran Muraad
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FAISALABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The agriculture department has surpassed the wheat cultivation target in Faisalabad division by achieving 2.93 more than the last year.
It was revealed in a meeting held with Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar here on Tuesday, attended by the Director Agriculture (Extension) Chaudhry Khaid Mahmood and others.
The Agriculture Director said that wheat has been cultivated over 1,868,000 acres of land against the fixed target of 1,834,000 acres.
He said that last year, 1,809,000 acres of land was brought under wheat crop cultivation.
The commissioner has appreciated the efforts of the agriculture extension department for record wheat cultivation in the division.

Facilitation for citizens continues under Property Protection Ordinance

By
Kamran Muraad
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KHANEWAL, Dec 16 (APP):The process of providing relief to citizens under the Property Protection Ordinance was continued in the district, with the District Resolution Committee successfully restoring possession of land to 34 applicants so far.
According to official sources, the eighth meeting of the District Resolution Committee (DRC) was held under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Maliha Rashid, during which 21 applications related to property disputes were heard. After hearing both parties, decisions on seven additional applications were announced, further strengthening public confidence in the dispute resolution mechanism.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Khalid Abbas Sial, along with assistant commissioners and other concerned officers. The committee reviewed cases in detail to ensure transparency and timely justice for aggrieved citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Maliha Rashid said that property-related disputes were being resolved within the stipulated time frame under the ordinance to provide swift relief to the public. She emphasized that strict action would be taken against those submitting false or baseless applications, adding that under the law, filing a fake claim could result in imprisonment of up to 10 years.
She reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ property rights and ensuring that the provisions of the Property Protection Ordinance were implemented in letter and spirit to curb illegal occupation and protect lawful ownership.
APP

Meeting reviews mandate, achievement of wildlife department

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 16 (APP): Secretary Climate Change and Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Khan here Tuesday chaired a meeting to review mandate and achievements of wildlife department.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary, Additional Secretaries, Chief Conservator and conservators from various wildlife divisions and formations.
Chief Conservator, Dr. Mohsin Farooq briefed the participants on the evolution, mandate and key achievements of wildlife department highlighting KP’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 program that directly benefit local communities.
Briefing also focused proposed amendments in KP Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015, allied rules, strengthening governance and improving enforcement mechanisms.
Secretary wildlife appreciated department’s performance and reaffirmed that provincial government would support 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 completion of necessary paperwork without.
He 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 and reinforcing KP role as a national and international leader in biodiversity protection.

Court adjourns illegal recruitment case against Parvez Elahi

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP): An anti-corruption court  on Tuesday adjourned proceedings in a case pertaining to alleged illegal recruitments in the Punjab Assembly against former chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and others until January 13.
Parvez Elahi did not appear before the court for the second consecutive hearing. The court approved his one-day exemption from appearance after his counsel informed the court that he was unwell and had been advised rest by doctors.
Former principal secretary to chief minister, Muhammad Khan Bhatti, also submitted an application seeking exemption from appearance, while other co-accused appeared before the court to mark their attendance.
Judge Javed Iqbal Waraich conducted the proceedings and directed Parvez Elahi and all other accused to ensure their appearance at the next hearing.
Meanwhile, four co-accused — Mukhtar Ahmed Ranjha, Haider Shafqat, Ejaz, and Zohaib — have filed applications seeking acquittal. The prosecution requested time to present arguments on these applications, which was granted by the court.
Charges have yet to be framed against Parvez Elahi and the other accused in the case.
Parvez Elahi, Muhammad Khan Bhatti, and other accused are facing allegations of fake and illegal recruitments in the Punjab Assembly, with the recruited candidates also nominated as accused in the case.

IHC orders for re-recording of testimonies in case against Imaan Mazari

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the trial court to re-record the statements of witnesses in a case against lawyers Hadi Ali Chatha and Imaan Mazari regarding the disputative tweets.
The court said that a fair trial is the constitutional right of the accused and no question should be raised on the trial.
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the petition of Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha. Advocate Riasat Ali Azad took the stand that Iman Mazari had applied for adjournment due to illness, despite this, the statements of four witnesses were recorded in her absence, which is illegal.
Riasat Ali Azad told the court that senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqui’s power of attorney has arrived and he will present arguments in the next hearing. However, time should be given for arguments on the merits. He also said that it is necessary to record the complete record including the order of the Supreme Court. Assistant Attorney General Raja Zamiruddin took the stand that the testimonies that have been recorded are legal and this is another attempt to delay. However, Justice Azam Khan said that exemption is given in the trial so that the trial is not affected. The court inquired whether any pleader was appointed in the absence of Imaan Mazari? To which Hadi Ali Chatha said that no pleader was appointed nor was any lawyer present in the court.
Justice Azam Khan remarked that the court was not going into the merits at this stage but was only ordering the re-recording of the testimonies. With the consent of both the parties, the trial court was directed to re-record the testimonies and adjourned the hearing.
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