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Food outlets penalized in Gujrat

By
Asif Jalal
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GUJRAT, Nov 26 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams conducted 106 inspections across Gujrat district on the directives of Deputy Director Rizwan Saeed.
According to a PFA spokesperson, 30 food outlets were issued improvement notices, while fines totaling Rs. 89,500 were imposed in 10 cases. The authority also issued a work-stop order against one unit, resolved two complaints, and collected six samples for laboratory analysis.
During the operation, 8.88 kilograms of expired and prohibited food items were confiscated and discarded to protect public health.

Ahsan Iqbal urges speedy completion of development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan

By
Asif Jalal
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GIlGIT, Nov 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the need for expediting the ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that Pakistan’s economic indicators are steadily improving and the country’s economy is now moving in a stable direction, compared to the brink of collapse it once faced.
Addressing the top bureaucracy of Gilgit-Baltistan at the Chief Secretary’s Office, the minister credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for putting the economy back on track. He said political stability is essential for sustainable development, and that global uncertainties can only be navigated through collective effort.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan has the potential to reach a $3 trillion economy, provided that key sectors receive focused attention. “We must enhance our exports at all costs. Technology is advancing rapidly and we need to build our technological capabilities to prepare our youth for future jobs,” he stressed. He added that development is impossible without tackling climate challenges, calling for greater focus on energy, green infrastructure, health, and social development.
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Mushtaq Ahmed briefed the minister on the progress of various PSDP-funded projects, including the 16MW Naltar and Henzel power projects, the 100MW solar power project, DANISH School, Engineering Project KIU Gilgit, Sky Project Gilgit, Nagar Highway, Gilgit–Chitral Expressway, upgradation of PHQ Hospital Gilgit and updating of the Gilgit Medical College.
Ahsan Iqbal urged the authorities to accelerate work on these schemes, stating that their timely completion would pave the way for new avenues of development in Gilgit-Baltistan. He assured that any hurdles in the execution of these projects would be promptly addressed by the federal government.

Four held for possessing illegal weapons

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Nov 26 (APP): The Police nabbed four individuals for allegedly possessing illegal weapons, and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
He stated that the operations were carried out by teams from the Airport, Wah Saddar, Dhamial and Kallar Syedan police stations.
The seized items included illicit firearms along with ammunition.

Ahsan Iqbal stresses education, character building, NFC share for GB, and revival of CPEC projects

By
Asif Jalal
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GIlGIT, Nov 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Dr. Ahsan Iqbal has said that alongside education young people must focus on becoming individuals of strong character as hard work, dedication and service to humanity are the true paths to success.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony at Karakoram International University (KIU) on Wednesday.
Dr. Ahsan Iqbal said that money is not everything and even without financial resources one can achieve their goals through commitment and perseverance.
Sharing challenges from his own academic journey, he said that despite hardships he became a six-time member of the national assembly and four-time minister for planning.
He warned that spreading hate in society is like a dangerous virus that makes people look down upon one another.
“Differences are natural, but they must never reach a point where they harm others. We must learn to coexist with respect, dialogue and tolerance, because we are one nation,” he added.
Highlighting constitutional and financial rights, the minister said People of Gilgit-Baltistan must receive their rightful share in the NFC Award. If constitutional amendments are needed they should be made. We will also convince other provinces that GB and Azad Kashmir deserve their due rights.
Dr. Ahsan Iqbal said that under Vision 2025 new universities and higher education institutions were established across Pakistan, including Gilgit Baltistan. He announced that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) will provide funds for all three KIU campuses to improve educational access in the region.
Responding to questions from students, Dr. Ahsan Iqbal said that the government that came into power in 2018 “put CPEC in reverse gear,” halting development and shelving several key projects. He said numerous energy projects had been initiated to address GB’s chronic power crisis, adding:“In the next two years, people will witness a visible improvement.”
He emphasized the need to utilize GB’s natural resources efficiently. “The Prime Minister has approved a one-billion-rupee endowment fund to support deserving students with their fees,” he said.
Dr. Ahsan Iqbal added that  in Past Pakistan’s economy was pushed into crisis, and now the responsibility lies on everyone to help bring it back on track.
Former Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan and President PML-N GB Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman speaking on the occasion said that Dr. Ahsan Iqbal played a key role in the establishment of universities and technology-related institutions across Pakistan. He urged the federal government to resolve KIU’s financial issues, adding that despite generous federal support, provincial inefficiency has prevented GB from fully benefiting.
Earlier, KIU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah briefed the minister on the university’s progress. He said that the construction of the Engineering Faculty was the biggest milestone of the past seven years, made possible through Ahsan Iqbal’s special interest. He also highlighted financial challenges and requested a separate campus for female students.

PSX turns bullish, gains 1,496 points

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday turned around to bullish momentum, surging by 1,496.04 points, or 0.93 percent, to close at 163,188.53 points compared to 161,692.49 points on the previous trading day.

A total of 636.40 million shares were traded in the ready market with a value of Rs30.91 billion, up from 590.53 million shares worth Rs22.15 billion in the previous session. Market capitalisation also increased to Rs18.512 trillion from Rs18.416 trillion.

Out of 474 active companies, 136 closed higher, 290 declined, while 48 remained unchanged.

The leading companies in terms of ready-market turnover were WorldCall Telecom with 47.77 million shares, followed by Hum Network with 38.12 million shares, and Dost Steels Ltd. with 34.68 million shares.

The top gainers were Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which increased by Rs539.00 to close at Rs29,590.00, and Sapphire Fibres Limited, rising by Rs31.97 to close at Rs1,298.90.

Conversely, the major losers were PIA Holding Company Limited-B, which declined by Rs1,079.63 to close at Rs23,206.37, and Pakistan Services Limited, decreasing by Rs80.20 to close at Rs1,281.52.

In the futures market, turnover stood at 491.19 million shares with a traded value of Rs31.01 billion, compared to 387.49 million shares valued at Rs17.55 billion on the previous day. Out of 318 futures-market companies, 135 recorded gains, 181 declined, and 2 remained unchanged.

The top volume contracts in the futures segment were WTL-Dec with 22.04 million shares, followed by BOP-Nov with 20.20 million shares, and WTL-Nov with 20.06 million shares.

Experts at AIOU highlight intellectual iImpact of Andalusian Heritage

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):National and international speakers on Wednesday said that for centuries Andalusian literature had enriched linguistic, intellectual, and literary domains with its deep and lasting influence.
The two-day Fourth Annual Arabic Conference, titled “Andalusian Literature: Cultural and Artistic Relations and Influences Between the Arab World and the West,” concluded at Allama Iqbal Open University.
Prof. Dr Qadam I’ish Mehrath from the College of Islamic Literature, University of Education, Iraq, was as the chief
guest at closing ceremony while Prof. Dr Shah Mohiuddin Hashmi, Dean of the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies, presided over the event.
Professors, researchers, and literary scholars from Jordan, Algeria, Oman, Iraq, Morocco, and Egypt also attended the conference.
The participants also noted that Andalusian literature was an enduring symbol of the cultural and artistic connection between the Arab world and the West.
They added that this conference had provided an opportunity to understand this invaluable heritage from new perspectives.
Speakers also stated that the Andalusian heritage was not only a shining example of Islamic civilization but also a remarkable model of intellectual harmony and cultural dialogue in world literature.
They emphasized that such international academic engagements further strengthen Pakistan’s scholarly and research collaboration with the Arab world.

Police sign MoU with private hospital

By
Asif Jalal
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FAISALABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The district police signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private hospital for provision of healthcare facilities on concessional rates to families of martyrs, retired officials and regular employees and their families, here on Wednesday.
According to the police spokesman, CPO Sahibzada Bilal Umar signed the understanding in a ceremony held at his office. In-charge Welfare Branch Khurram and PSO Yasir Qayyum were also present.
Under the agreement, the treatment facilities will be provided to martyrs’ families on 50 per cent concessional rates while lab tests will be conducted on 20 per cent concession.
The retired official will be able to get medical treatment on 30 per cent and lab tests on 15 per cent discount. Likewise regular employees will be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on treatment and 10 per cent in the lab.

Pakistan for regional maritime dialogue bringing together like-minded countries

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Pakistan has unveiled a comprehensive proposal for the formation of a “Regional Maritime Dialogue”, bringing together like-minded countries from the GCC, Central Asia and Africa to create a permanent platform aimed at addressing shared maritime challenges, improving cooperation and shaping global maritime policy.

The initiative was formally presented by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry while addressing a high-level breakfast reception hosted by Pakistan at International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London on Wednesday.

The event drew delegations from more than 173 countries, including over 100 maritime ministers, making it one of the most widely attended gatherings during the Assembly week.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and the Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez also jointly inaugurated the model of the PNSC Ship KARACHI memento presented to the IMO. This model represents one of the three new ships the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) plans to purchase, named after major Pakistani cities; Karachi, Lahore and Quetta.

In his address, the maritime minister said the fast-changing global maritime landscape demanded new regional mechanisms that could help countries collectively respond to operational, environmental, regulatory and technological challenges.

He stressed that the proposed regional maritime dialogue would focus on carbon emissions reduction, safety of life at sea, coordinated search and rescue operations, and strengthening navigational safety, noting that Pakistan currently serves as the coordinator of NAVAREA IX, a vast area covering the Arabian Sea, Gulf waters and parts of the Indian Ocean.

NAVAREA IX is one of the 21 designated Navigational Areas established under the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) of the IMO and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). These areas ensure that ships receive timely and reliable navigational warnings for safe passage.

Junaid Chaudhry further proposed the establishment of a Regional Maritime University and a Regional Maritime Training Institute to cater to the growing needs created by new IMO regulations, autonomous shipping, digitization and artificial intelligence.

These institutions, the minister said, would focus on AI-enabled Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) compliance, ensuring that seafarers from Pakistan and the broader region receive training aligned with emerging global standards. “We want to prepare our workforce for the future of shipping, where technology, environmental compliance and digital skills will be essential,” he noted.

He also announced Pakistan’s plan to establish a Pakistan-made terminal as part of the government’s broader maritime modernization drive. The minister emphasized that all ongoing maritime projects, including the accelerated revival work at the Gwadar-adjacent Gadani shipyard and industrial zone, are being carried out in full compliance with IMO regulations, ensuring sustainability, safety and international alignment.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s ambition to become a maritime regional leader, the minister said the country was committed to deepening cooperation with friendly partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, other GCC states, Centeral Assia and Africa to jointly build the proposed dialogue platform.

“The pinnacle of maritime diplomacy is the IMO, and Pakistan is ready to play a proactive role in shaping regulations that reflect the needs of our region,” he told the gathering.

The minister underlined that Pakistan, like many developing and climate-vulnerable nations, required stronger representation in global decision-making. “We have faced three major climate-induced floods in recent years, leading to massive financial losses and tragic human casualties”, he added.

“Our maritime policies must reflect our vulnerabilities and our priorities,” he said, adding that Pakistan was increasingly focusing on marine biodiversity, marine biology, coastal resilience and environmental safeguards.

Junaid Chaudhry said that, just as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have successfully formed their own coalition within the IMO, Pakistan hoped that consensus among regional partners would enable the proposed dialogue to act as a unified voice on key maritime issues at global forums.

SIDS comprise 39 small, low-lying island nations in the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans that are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Their shared maritime, economic and environmental challenges have led them to build a strong collective voice within the IMO.

The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with all regional stakeholders to turn the idea into a structured, durable and outcome-oriented platform that strengthens maritime governance, enhances cooperation and supports sustainable development across three continents.

All LTOs, MTOs, CTOs, RTOs to remain open on Saturday

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Wednesday that all the Large Taxpayer’s Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayer’s Offices (MTOs), Corporate Tax Offices (CTOs) and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) will remain open on Saturday, the 29th of November 2025.
For the facilitation of the taxpayers, FBR has directed that all LTOs, MTOs, CTOs, and RTOs shall observe 29th November 2025 as a normal working day for collection of duties and taxes, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

Pakistan, Qatar agree to boost cooperation in AI, cybersecurity & digital transformation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja held an important meeting with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) Chief Executive Officer Abdulrahman Al Sowaidi in Doha, Qatar, to expand bilateral cooperation in the technology and innovation sectors.
During the meeting, both sides discussed new avenues of financing, incubation, and investment opportunities for Pakistani tech startups, according to a press release.
The Minister Shaza said that Qatar Development Bank could become a strategic partner for Pakistan’s IT and tech-focused SMEs, helping them scale through global collaboration and targeted support.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. They also explored expanding joint initiatives in innovation and digital-skills development programs between Pakistan and Qatar.
Shaza Fatima proposed strengthening institutional frameworks to support talent development, training programs, and startup-exchange mechanisms. Both parties prioritised collaboration in industrial digitalisation, IoT testing environments, and cross-incubation programmes to accelerate growth in emerging technologies.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan–Qatar technology partnership and opening new pathways for long-term digital cooperation.
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