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HED hosts debate, essay competitions on anti-corruption awareness

By
Kamran Muraad
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MULTAN, Nov 25 (APP):The Higher Education Department (HED) South Punjab, in collaboration with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), organized regional speech and essay competitions at the Government Graduate College of Science in Multan on Tuesday.
A large number of students from schools and colleges across the Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur regions participated in the event. The competitions, conducted in both Urdu and English categories, centered around the theme “The Role of Youth in Combating Corruption.”
Participants demonstrated strong confidence, clarity of thought, and analytical skills as they delivered well-structured speeches and submitted high-quality essays. Their work addressed key issues such as transparency, social responsibility, and the importance of youth leadership in the fight against corruption.
In his address, Umar Randhawa, Additional Director of NAB, emphasized that the bureau aims to instill values of honesty, integrity, and a commitment to eradicating corruption among the younger generation. He noted that events like this encourage youth to think critically and take an active role in fostering positive change in society.
Additional Secretary of HED South Punjab, Azeem Qureshi, praised the students’ outstanding performances, saying their preparation and impressive talent reflect that the country’s future is in capable hands.
The event was attended by officials from the School Education and College Education Departments, along with principals, teachers, and parents. Shields and certificates were presented to the winners and position-holders.

Agriculture dept issues guidelines to protect mango orchards from winter damage

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MULTAN, Nov 25 (APP):The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a set of advisory guidelines to help mango growers protect their orchards from winter-related damage. A department spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining soil moisture during cold spells by sprinkling water in orchards, although irrigation is not necessary if the soil already has adequate moisture.
Growers have been advised to cover young mango plants with sheesham branches or plastic sheets to protect them from cold exposure. Additionally, creating smoke under the tree canopy is recommended to reduce the effects of frost. The department also suggests spreading 80–100 kilograms of organic material, such as decomposed farmyard manure, around each tree to help maintain warmth and moisture.
To prevent early winter flowering, the department encourages growers to halt irrigation. If phosphorus and potash fertilizers were not applied right after harvest, they should be mixed with decomposed manure and applied in December.
To further shield orchards from cold winds, protective shields around the orchard are recommended. For frost protection, growers should apply Bordeaux mixture paste or another appropriate fungicidal paste, as suggested by local agriculture officials, to tree trunks.
For pest control, particularly against the mango mealybug, farmers should apply insecticide sprays to the thick branches where the pests tend to hide. Additionally, slippery bands or plastic sheets should be wrapped around tree trunks to prevent mango weevils (guddiheri) from climbing the plants.
The department urges growers to implement these protective measures promptly to minimize potential winter losses.

Alhamra Sufi Festival 2025 to begin on 28th

By
Kamran Muraad
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Alhamra
LAHORE, Nov 25 (APP):The Lahore Arts Council has announced the schedule for the Alhamra Sufi Festival 2025, which will be held from November 28 to 30.
The three-day festival will feature theatre, Sufi music and devotional dance performances.
According to the programme, the festival will open with a stage play titled “Maqsood-e-Kul Mein Hoon” by the Versatile Group. The play is based on the mystical philosophy of Allama Iqbal and focuses on themes of self-realization and the search for spiritual truth.
On the second day, artists from the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts will present Raqs-e-Darvish and Sufi music. A special Sufi Night will also be held, featuring well-known folk singer Tahseen Sakina. Yousaf Punjabi will present Sufi dance performances.
The final day will include performances by Riaz Ali Qadri and Ghulam Ali Qadri, followed by Sufi dance by the Versatile Group. The festival will conclude with a grand qawwali by renowned qawwal Sher Miandad.
Alhamra Executive Director Mahboob Alam said, “Each segment of this festival has been crafted with intention and respect for our spiritual heritage. Alhamra continues to stand as a home for art that uplifts the mind, awakens the heart and strengthens our collective identity.”
The Lahore Arts Council invites the public to join this remarkable three-day journey into the timeless world of Sufi expression.

Radio Pakistan former station director Dr Nasrullah Nasir passes away

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
BAHAWALPUR, Nov 25 (APP):Dr. Nasrullah Khan Nasir, the former Station Director of Radio Pakistan Bahawalpur, former Chairman of the Department of Saraiki, and Principal of the University College of Art and Design at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, has passed away. A distinguished researcher, intellectual, writer, poet, and historian, Dr. Nasir was honored with the Presidential Award by the President of Pakistan in recognition of his outstanding national services.
The Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamran, along with Deans, Chairman of the Department of Saraiki, Dr. Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Principal of the University College of Art and Design, Dr. Farhana Altaf Qureshi, Registrar Muhammad Shaji ur Rehman, and Director of Public Relations, Dr. Shahzad Ahmed Khalid, have expressed deep sorrow and grief over his passing. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his daughter, Dr. Areeba Khan.

International Day for the elimination of violence against women marked worldwide

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):Countries across the globe today observed the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, reaffirming their commitment to ending gender-based violence and supporting survivors through legislative, social and institutional reforms.
The United Nations, governments, civil society organizations and human rights groups held events, awareness campaigns and policy dialogues to highlight the alarming rates of violence faced by women and girls worldwide. The day also marks the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until 10 December.
In his message for the day, UN leadership stressed that violence against women remains “one of the most pervasive human rights violations,” calling for urgent investment in prevention, stronger legal protections, and survivor-centered services.
Experts highlighted that gender-based violence continues to affect women in homes, workplaces, public spaces and online environments.
Commemorated every year on 25 November, the observance honors the memory of the Mirabal sisters—three Dominican activists assassinated in 1960—and serves as a global reminder that ending violence against women is essential to achieving equality, justice and sustainable development.
Governments worldwide used the occasion to renew commitments to protect women’s rights, strengthen enforcement of laws, and promote public awareness aimed at changing harmful social norms. Advocacy groups emphasized that meaningful progress requires coordinated action from state institutions, communities and individuals.
The day concludes with calls for continued global solidarity to ensure that all women and girls can live free from violence, discrimination and fear.

Court seeks further arguments on Parvez Elahi’s acquittal plea in money laundering case

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Nov 25 (APP): A Special Court (Central) on Tuesday sought additional arguments on former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi’s acquittal application in the money laundering and suspicious bank transactions case, adjourning the proceedings until December 18.
Judge Arif Khan Niazi heard the acquittal plea, during which Pervez Elahi personally appeared before the court.
The judge noted that although the verdict on the acquittal plea had been reserved earlier, the court now required answers to several questions before announcing the decision.
The court remarked that Parvez Elahi faces specific allegations of misusing his public office. The judge observed that, similar to proceedings in the high court, the term “Chaudhry family” had also been mentioned in this case, with allegations that Elahi’s position benefited his family and their companies.
The court noted that NOCs for sugar mills were issued during a period when restrictions were in place, allegedly misusing powers both as chief minister and as apeaker.
Elahi’s counsel argued that the case was bogus, claiming Parvez Elahi had no connection with the companies being linked to him, nor with his family’s business entities.
The court questioned how the defence intended to prove that Parvez Elahi has no association with cases filed against other members of the family.
The defence maintained that cases previously quashed by courts were being revived under the same allegations. The judge directed Elahi’s lawyer to clearly establish how the plea for acquittal differs from the charges faced by other accused individuals, stating that it was the defence’s responsibility to prove this distinction.
Elahi’s counsel requested adjournment, stating that senior lawyer Aamir Saeed Raan was in Islamabad. The court accepted the request.
Meanwhile, the government prosecutor raised objections to Moonis Elahi’s application for defreezing of assets, pointing out that when a court declares someone a proclaimed offender , even their counsel is not allowed to appear on their behalf.

Aged Garlic extract protects against various disease processes: Experts

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Nov 25 (APP): Scientists at an international symposium on Tuesday highlighted the health benefits of garlic, stating that aged garlic extract offers protection against various disease processes.

They noted that garlic possesses several beneficial properties and has been reported to exhibit hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. They also pointed out that tumors can change over time and may differ from one area of the body to another.

Prof. Dr. Nessar Ahmed from the UK delivered the first lecture of the day at the 9th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (MMDR), held at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium and organized by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

Around 600 scientists, including 42 international participants, are attending the global conference.

In his lecture, Prof. Ahmed explained that aged garlic extract is produced by aging raw garlic for 20 months to create an odorless, palatable extract rich in antioxidants.

He said that aged garlic extract protects against various disease processes. He added that his laboratory has demonstrated the antiglycation and antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract, including its ability to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

He said aged garlic extract deserves more scientific attention, as it may have therapeutic potential in reducing advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in diabetic patients and in protecting cancer patients from doxorubicin-induced heart damage.

In his lecture, Dr. Ikram Burney said that tumors differ from one location to another and may change over time. This, he explained, makes large or repeated biopsies challenging for both patients and doctors.

Prof. Dr. Luciana Dini stated that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is extremely difficult to treat due to its fast growth and the limited number of available treatment options.

Prof. Dr. Zhen-Feng Chen highlighted that alkaloids—active components of traditional Chinese medicine—possess a wide range of biological activities. He added that a new approach involves combining a potent natural product with a hypoglycemic drug to help treat tumor patients who also have diabetes.

Pakistan shifts from ‘sick-care’ to prevention, launches national digital health records: Kamal

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday said Pakistan is fundamentally transforming its healthcare system by shifting from a hospital dependent “sick-care model” to a comprehensive preventive framework focused on vaccination, clean water and nationwide digital medical records.
Addressing global health leaders at the Medical World Conference in Ankara he said real healthcare must begin at birth and operate through a “full preventive ecosystem” rather than relying solely on hospitals.
He noted that Pakistan’s previous approach centered on treating illness instead of preventing it, was not sustainable for a population of 250 million, including over 6 million newborns each year.
“It is impossible for hospitals alone to address all illness,” the minister said, adding that the government is now strengthening primary and secondary healthcare to ensure early detection and prevention.
A major pillar of this new strategy is the launch of a national Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, which will create a Universal Medical Record (UMR) for every citizen by linking individual health data to the National Identity Card.
Kamal said the project was inspired by Turkey’s digital health ecosystem, developed after extensive collaboration and exchange of delegations between the two countries.
He expressed Pakistan’s desire to deepen practical cooperation with Turkey in modern, patient-focused medical services, noting that unified digital records would address longstanding fragmentation where provinces and hospitals operate in isolation.
On the prevention side, the minister said the national immunization program has been expanded to 13 free vaccines, with the cervical cancer vaccine recently added.
He also announced a major new initiative to eliminate Hepatitis C, modeled on Egypt’s successful national program, which will include nationwide screening.
Kamal stressed that while the Health Ministry is driving major reforms, essential public health infrastructure including clean drinking water and sanitation were remains the responsibility of local governments.
To support long-term self-reliance, Pakistan is also ramping up domestic vaccine production.
The minister said the country aims to manufacture more than 13 types of vaccines within the next three years, with four production lines already functional.
He urged global health organizations and international partners to strengthen collaboration with Pakistan in research, clinical trials and vaccine manufacturing, calling for joint efforts to “shape a healthier future through cooperative innovation and shared commitment.”

With over 5,500 personnel deployed, Rawalpindi Police secure T20 tri-series match

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Nov 25 (APP):The Rawalpindi Police on Tuesday continued to enforce stringent and foolproof security and traffic arrangements for the Sri Lanka–Zimbabwe fifth T20 match of the ongoing tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With over 5,500 personnel deployed, Rawalpindi Police secure T20 tri-series match
City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani said more than 5,500 personnel were deployed for the stadium and perimeter security, while over 350 traffic officers were on duty to ensure smooth traffic flow around the venue.
He added that senior officers remained in the field to brief and inspect the deployed force.
According to the CPO, snipers had been positioned on rooftops, and surveillance was maintained through CCTV cameras monitored from a dedicated control room established for the series.
Police mobiles from local stations, along with Elite Force and Dolphin Squad units, also patrolled the stadium’s surroundings.
CPO Hamdani said the Rawalpindi Police ensured  comprehensive security and traffic management for the tri-series.

Commission for journalists & media workers’ protection holds maiden meeting

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):The commission for the protection of journalists and media professionals has taken key decisions in its maiden meeting which was presided over by Kamaluddin Tipu.
According to an official statement,  a formal system has been devised for redressal of journalists and media professionals’ complaints, while a committee was set up to formulate the rules and regulations of the commission.
Among other decisions, it has been decided to adopt digitalization to launch a dedicated web portal for streamlining the processes, and also organize trainings, workshops and seminars for capacity building of journalists and media professionals.
It is pertinent to mention here that the notification for the commission was issued through the personal efforts made by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
The government has established the commission in complete adherence with international standards and best practices.
The commission is committed to ensure the independent and autonomous work of journalists and media professionals.
In its maiden meeting, the principal Information Officer and DG Human Rights Commission also participated.
Representatives of various journalist organizations across the country also took part in the meeting.
The members of the commission including Nawaz Raza, Khalil Ahmed, Tahir Hassan, Naveed Akbar, Hassan Abbas, Tamsela Qureshi and Nadia Saboohi were also present in the meeting.
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