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IHC quashes contempt conviction against DC ICT, SSP Operation

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday quashed the contempt of court convictions of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and SSP Operations announced by a single bench.
A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan quashed the decision of Justice Babar Sattar against the said officers. The officers were convicted for issuing orders of 3-MPO despite of stay order of the court.
Justice Babar Sattar had sentenced District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon to six months in prison, while the court sentenced SSP Operations Malik Jamil Zafar to four months in prison and the SHO to two months.
The officers were convicted of contempt of court for issuing three MPOs in violation of a court order.

Court reserves verdict on drugs’ case against journalist

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict in the drug and terrorism case against senior journalist Matiullah Jan after the arguments of the parties.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra reserved the verdict after the arguments of the parties. Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq requested that the drug charges against Matiullah Jan be dropped, however, the public prosecutor opposed the request.
It should be noted that the police tried to arrest journalist Matiullah Jan on the night of November 26, 2024, from Sector E-9, Islamabad, but he allegedly resisted arrest, rammed his vehicle into a police checkpoint and snatched official weapon.
Section 9(2)4 of the Anti-Narcotics Control Act has been included in the FIR, under which he is accused of possessing 100 to 500 grams of ice, while Section 7 of the Terrorism Act (ATA) has also been imposed.
Initially, he was handed over to the police on physical remand, however, the Islamabad High Court later declared this decision null and void and sent him on judicial remand. Later, lawyers Iman Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha obtained his post-arrest bail.

Umair Nasir Ali firmly placed Pakistani cinema on global map: Prof Cheng

By
Kamran Muraad
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BEIJING, Dec 17 (APP):Umair Nasir Ali’s triumph as Best Film Director at the 24th Lux Style Awards is more than a personal milestone—it stands as a powerful testament to his extraordinary ability to craft stories that resonate deeply both at home and on the international stage.
His debut feature Nayab, which also earned Yumna Zaidi the Best Film Actress award, has emerged as a global ambassador for Pakistani cinema, garnering accolades from the SCO Film Festival in Chongqing to prestigious festivals spanning Belarus, the United States and Europe.
This was observed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.
While felicitating him, the Chinese scholar said that what renders Umair Nasir Ali’s achievement truly exceptional is his masterful balance of cultural authenticity and universal appeal. Nayab—the tale of a Karachi-based young woman who defies societal norms to pursue her passion for cricket—is steeped in “pure Pakistani DNA,” capturing the raw grit of Karachi’s streets, the intricate dynamics of family life, and the quiet yet unyielding resilience of its people. Yet its core themes—ambition, breaking through glass ceilings, and chasing dreams against all odds—transcend geographical borders, a fact vividly evident in the intense engagement of the SCO Film Festival audience. “They picked up on every emotional nuance,” Ali recalled, “and posed thoughtful questions about the film’s climactic match scene.”
Umair Nasir Ali’s directorial brilliance lies in his meticulous attention to detail and profound emotional depth. He navigates Nayab’s journey with remarkable subtlety, eschewing tired clichés while authentically echoing the real-life struggles of Pakistani women athletes. This unwavering commitment to realism, paired with his seamless integration of social commentary into a compelling narrative, secured Nayab the Best Film award at the SCO Film Festival—an honor that underscores the growing global stature of Pakistani cinema, he added.
Prof Cheng said that as a first-time director, Umair Nasir Ali has redefined the boundaries of what Pakistani films can accomplish. His work delivers a powerful proof: stories rooted in local truths and cultural specificity possess the unique ability to captivate international audiences, laying the groundwork for deeper cross-cultural exchange. When he asserts, “Stories like ours must continue to travel,” he speaks not merely for his own film, but for the broader renaissance of an entire industry. Umair Nasir Ali is more than just an award-winning director—he is a visionary who has firmly placed Pakistani cinema on the global map.

Pakistan, European Investment Bank sign declaration to advance Karachi Sewage Water Project

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
BRUSSELS, Dec 17 (APP):The Government of Pakistan and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Wednesday signed a declaration to advance a major project aimed at improving sewage and wastewater management in Karachi.
The declaration was signed on the sidelines of the 15th Pakistan–EU Joint Commission being held in Brussels from December 15–17  by Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Muhammad Humair Karim, and Head of Division (Asia Pacific), European Investment Bank (EIB), Edvardas Bumsteinas.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Director-General, DG INTPA (European Commission), Myriam Ferran; Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Rahim Hayat Qureshi; Head of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis; and Acting Managing Director, European External Action Service (EEAS), Paola Pampaloni.
The agreement formalises EIB financing for the Karachi Water Infrastructure Framework project that will support the rehabilitation and construction of key water treatment facilities in Karachi. With an EIB financing package of approximately 60 million, this initiative is set to significantly expand safe water supply and enhance water security for Karachi’s rapidly growing population. The project reflects Pakistan’s commitment to modernising essential urban services and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure in one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Speaking at the signing, the Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, welcomed the EIB’s increased engagement in Pakistan and underscored the importance of deepening cooperation with European partners to address critical development and infrastructure needs. He expressed appreciation for the EIB’s growing footprint in Pakistan and conveyed Pakistan’s interest in expanding the pipeline of EIB-supported projects in priority sectors.
The signing demonstrates the continued momentum in Pakistan–EU cooperation and highlights shared priorities in sustainable development, public service delivery, and climate and environmental resilience.

Farmers form backbone of national economy: Ayaz

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that farmers are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that national food security, agricultural self-sufficiency and rural development are inconceivable without their tireless efforts and sacrifices.
He said that farmers work day and night to provide food for the nation and play a pivotal role in economic stability, exports and the promotion of rural employment.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed these views ahead of National Farmers’ Day, which is observed every year on 18 December.
The Speaker said that Pakistan is an agricultural country where the livelihoods of millions of families are directly linked with the agriculture sector.
He emphasized that it is the fundamental responsibility of the state to provide farmers with modern agricultural facilities, quality seeds, timely availability of fertilizers, equitable distribution of water and access to modern research, in order to enhance productivity, reduce input costs and improve farmers’ incomes.
Ayaz Sadiq said that climate change, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and rising agricultural input costs have emerged as serious challenges for farmers.
He stressed that promotion of crop insurance mechanisms, farmer-friendly credit schemes, affordable energy and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies are imperative to address these challenges.
The Speaker said that Parliament is playing its due role in resolving farmers’ issues and ensuring sustainable development of the agriculture sector and rural prosperity through legislation, oversight and effective policy measures.
He reiterated the national commitment to continue all possible efforts for the protection of farmers’ rights, improved access to markets and strengthening of the agricultural value chain.
The Speaker said that farmers’ prosperity is, in fact, a guarantee of national prosperity, and that by further empowering farmers, Pakistan will continue on its path towards becoming a strong, self-reliant and prosperous state
Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message on National Farmers’ Day, said that farmers’ welfare, agricultural development and stability of the rural economy are indispensable for Pakistan’s overall progress.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy, promotion of modern technology and implementation of farmer-friendly measures to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector.
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed that Parliament will continue to play its role for the protection of farmers’ rights and strengthening of the agricultural sector.

DPM Dar for timely follow-up on key diplomatic outcomes, enhanced coordination to advance Pakistan’s strategic, economic interests

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM-FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reviewed recent diplomatic engagements and upcoming foreign policy initiatives with the Foreign Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) here Wednesday.

During the meeting, the DPM/FM directed timely follow-up on key outcomes and enhanced coordination to advance Pakistan’s strategic and economic interests.

Experts highlight importance of peer support in suicide prevention, encouraging students to act as first responders for those at risk

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Experts emphasized the vital role of peers in suicide prevention, noting different signs and acts shown by individuals with suicidal thoughts. They encouraged students to act as first responders, explaining that suicidal ideation is treatable.
They expressed these views during a mental health awareness session titled of “Milkar Ao Baat Karein” supported by the Mir Khalil ur Rehman Foundation and The British Asian Trust, in collaboration with the NUML Department of Psychology and Project Suicide, a youth-led mental health initiative.
The event brought together students for an open and thoughtful discussion on how emotional pain often goes unnoticed in everyday environments such as classrooms, hostels and social circles, and how peers can play a critical role in identifying distress and guiding individuals toward appropriate help.
Addressing the students, experts explained that suicide is rarely an impulsive act and is typically preceded by identifiable emotional, behavioural and communication-related warning signs.
They noted that withdrawal, persistent hopelessness, drastic mood changes and difficulty coping with daily life are common indicators that peers are often best positioned to observe, provided they are aware of what to look for.
They also shed light on how suicidal thoughts are managed once a person is referred for professional care, emphasizing that suicidal ideation is treatable and that timely referral, appropriate intervention and consistent follow-up can significantly reduce risk.
They also stressed that experiencing suicidal thoughts does not mean an individual will remain at lifelong risk, provided they receive proper care and support.
A major focus of the session was the role of peers as first responders. Students were encouraged to view themselves as part of a broader safety net, capable of recognizing distress, responding with empathy and facilitating access to professional support rather than attempting to manage the situation alone.
The session also featured an interactive exchange with students on how to communicate with someone who may be suicidal. Trainers highlighted the importance of listening without judgment, avoiding dismissive reassurances and asking direct yet respectful questions.
Speakers pointed to the unique challenges facing suicide prevention in Pakistan, including deep-rooted social stigma, limited access to mental health services and legal constraints. Suicide attempts remain criminalised under Section 325 of the Pakistan Penal Code, a provision that mental health experts argue discourages individuals from seeking help and pushes psychological distress further underground.
Faculty members noted that such initiatives are particularly crucial in university settings, where academic pressure, financial stress and personal challenges often intersect, and where peers are usually the first to notice changes in behaviour.

Land records digitization essential for better governance, viable  development in Balochistan: CM

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
QUETTA, Dec 17 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday said that the digitization of land records is indispensable for transparency, better governance and sustainable development in the province.
He expressed these views while addressing at the ceremony of a formal agreement, signed between the Balochistan government and the Land Information Management System (LIMS) to digitize land records in Balochistan on modern lines
In this regard, a simple but dignified ceremony of signing the documents of mutual understanding was held at the Chief Minister Secretariat, Quetta, in which Senior Member Board of Revenue Qambar Dashti and Chief Executive Officer of the Land Information Management System signed the agreement on behalf of the Balochistan government.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Revenue Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Development Zahid Saleem, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Senior Member Board of Revenue Qambar Dashti, Member Board of Revenue II Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon and other senior officials.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti was given a detailed briefing about the project.
 In the briefing, it was informed that in the first phase of the project, land records will be digitized in 25 districts of Balochistan with the help of Geographical Information System (GIS).
Through this initiative, land records will be linked to a modern, secure and transparent system, which will improve land-related matters and provide public to be facilitated.
Addressing at the ceremony, Balochistan Chief Minister noted that the digitization of land records is indispensable for transparency, better governance and sustainable development in the province.
He said that the digital system would not only reduce the chances of corruption but could also provide ease to the people in matters such as acquisition, transfer and verification of lands.
The Chief Minister also directed to ensure the implementation of the project within the stipulated time frame and according to high standards.
 He said that the provincial government is determined to improve the public service system through the use of modern technology and the digitization of land records is a practical example of this vision.

Commissioner Sukkur Issues Safety Alert Amidst Fog, Smog

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
SUKKUR, Dec 17 (APP): Commissioner Sukkur Abid Saleem Qureshi on Wednesday has urged citizens to exercise caution while traveling due to dense fog and smog in the region.
He advised avoiding unnecessary travel on bypass (N-5) and Mehran Highway during early morning and night hours. Travelers have been recommended to travel after sunrise, maintain low speed, keep safe distance and keep fog lights on.
Drivers are warned to avoid mobile phone use and lane changes during foggy conditions, as minor mistakes can lead to accidents, risking lives.

Finance Minister inaugurates Centre for Government Data Analytics in AGP

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday emphasized adopting modern technologies of data analysis including machine learning, AI-based auditing and use of bots for performing analytical functions.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Center for Government Data Analytics at Auditor-General of Pakistan Headquarter, the minister appreciated the establishment of center.
He advised to digitally access all the data available on various data bases of public sector organizations. These measures will enhance the audit coverage, transparency and accountability of public money.
During the visit of the Finance Minister, the Auditor-General of Pakistan Maqbool Ahmad Gondal emphasized a strategic shift from quantity to quality of audits, focusing on entity- and project-based reporting, and fostering a constructive and collaborative environment with auditable entities. Audit is increasingly being used as a tool for improving governance, he stressed.
On reforms and modernization, the Auditor-General outlined his digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of the Audit Management Information System (AMIS), establishment of a Center for Government Data Analytics, and adoption of data analytics tools to enhance audit efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.
The center has been established in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for broader digitalization of the economy. With cashless economy initiative moving ahead at great pace, more digital data will be available which this center will access on real basis analyse.
The Controller General of Accounts Umar Ali Khan briefed the minister on CGA’s mandate and performance as the premier Public Financial Management institution responsible for government accounting, pre-audit of payments and financial reporting.
The CGA continues to strengthen accounting systems and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, he said adding that the Controller General of Accounts achieved the targets of cashless and digital public sector economy, micro payment gateway (MPG), RAAST, online billing, migration to SAP HANA and centralized HP Super Dom servers in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
He further said that the transition towards accrual-based accounting in line with international standards is also underway with the support of the World Bank.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued reforms, digitalization and collaboration with stakeholders to further strengthen transparency, accountability and efficient use of public resources for the benefit of the citizens of Pakistan.
The minister also appreciated the initiative measures of the Auditor-General of Pakistan regarding developing reporting structure of audit observations on internal standards.
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