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Translation Commission Launches ‘Children’s Literary Week’ in Qatif

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NNPS Desk
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Qatif, Dec 18 (SPA/APP): The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched Children’s Literary Week in Qatif Governorate. The four-day event aims to enhance the presence of literature in the lives of children and adolescents and to develop their creative skills through an integrated cultural experience.
The activities offer a diverse program that includes creative writing workshops, storytelling theater, and interactive sessions designed to transform reading into an enjoyable experience and a journey of discovery. The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation.
The program also provides children and adolescents with practical spaces to engage with literary texts and develop their storytelling and imaginative skills through initiatives that combine learning and entertainment, supporting the early discovery and nurturing of literary

KP Chief Secy orders early completion of Women and Children Hospital Haripur, announces upgrade of DHQ Hospital

By
Samina Ch
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HARIPUR, Dec 18 (APP):Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah on Thursday visited DHQ Hospital Haripur, the Trauma Center, and the under-construction Women and Children Hospital, accompanied by Commissioner Hazara Fayyaz Ali Shah.
He inspected various wards, met patients, and reviewed the quality of medical services being provided.
The Chief Secretary directed hospital management to ensure effective utilization of available resources to further improve healthcare services. He announced that DHQ Hospital Haripur would soon be upgraded with the induction of new doctors and the provision of modern medical facilities.
During a surprise visit to the Women and Children Hospital project, Shahab Ali Shah expressed strong displeasure over the seven-year delay in completion and directed that the hospital be completed by February 28 at all costs. He also instructed the Finance Department to immediately release the required funds.
The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioner Haripur to convene a meeting of all relevant departments and submit a comprehensive report on the project’s completion, ensuring timely delivery of improved healthcare facilities for the people of Haripur.

Pezeshkian says expansion of public transport, rail corridors ‘a priority’

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NNPS Desk
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Tehran, Dec 18 (IRNA/APP): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said expanding public transport fleets and completing Iranian rail corridors are the government’s top transport priorities.

Speaking at a specialized meeting reviewing the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development’s actions on suburban and regional rail projects around Tehran on Wednesday, Pezeshkian said the government’s strategy is to move public transport toward electrification as much as possible.

He said electrification would help cut air pollution, improve energy efficiency, and reduce long-term costs.

The president added that all government transport plans, including the development of suburban rail networks of Tehran, are aimed solely at improving services for citizens and enhancing quality of life, rather than encouraging further expansion of the capital.

DIG visits PTS, reviews security , training standards

By
Samina Ch
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KOHAT, Dec 18 (APP):Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Police (Training) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ghulam Mubashir Maken on Thursday  paid a detailed visit to the Police Training School (PTS)  and the Police School of Traffic and Telecommunication (PST&T) Kohat and reviewed security and training standards.
 District Police Officer Kohat Shahbaz Elahi accompanied him during the visit.
The purpose of the visit was to review the ongoing training processes, security arrangements, and facilities being provided to the under-training personnel, the official sources said.
The DIG Training inspected security measures at both institutions and directed the concerned officers to further strengthen and enhance the security framework to ensure a safe and conducive environment for trainees.
He visited all security points established within the training institutions and conducted a comprehensive assessment.

Iran, Russia FMs sign cooperation document in Moscow

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NNPS Desk
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Moscow, Dec 18 (IRNA/APP): Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have inked a cooperation document following their meeting in Moscow, the capital of Russia.

Araghchi and Lavrov signed a cooperation document at the conclusion of their discussions on Wednesday.

After the signing ceremony, Araghchi said, “Bilateral relations between Iran and Russia have significantly expanded in recent years, particularly this year with the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Treaty, which has further accelerated our cooperation. This treaty is now in force, and we are moving forward based on its vision.”

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized, “In the agreement we signed, we have established a consultation program for the years 2026 to 2028, which will serve as a roadmap for our cooperation over the next three years.”

Facilitation centers to bridge police–public gap as new facilities inaugurated in Abbottabad: Zulfiqar Hameed

By
Samina Ch
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ABBOTTABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed on Thursday said that the establishment of police facilitation centres was aimed at reducing the distance between the police and the public by providing transparent and quality services under one roof, as he inaugurated a Police Facilitation Centre, a Traffic Police Driving Licence Branch and a modern police gym in Abbottabad.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by DIG Hazara Region Nasir Mahmood Satti, DPO Abbottabad Haroon Rashid Khan, SSP Traffic Warden Qamar Hayat Khan, along with senior police officers and personnel.
Addressing the gathering, the IGP said that citizen-friendly initiatives were a key component of police reforms in the province. He said the facilitation centre and the modern driving licence branch would offer services including issuance and renewal of driving licences, learner permits, payment of traffic fines, police clearance, character certificates, general police verification, registration of complaints and guidance through a modern system, ensuring transparency and saving citizens’ time.
He added that the traffic police licensing branch had been equipped with modern testing equipment, biometric verification and fast-track processing to eliminate unnecessary delays and inconvenience for applicants.
Speaking about the newly established gym, the IGP said that physical fitness was the backbone of an effective, alert and professional police force. He said modern gym facilities had been provided to enable police officers and personnel to improve their health, strength and endurance, which was essential for efficient performance of duties.
At the end of the ceremony, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed lauded the efforts of the DIG Hazara, DPO Abbottabad and the Traffic Police, and reiterated that public-friendly measures and welfare projects for police personnel would continue in the future to further improve policing standards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

UAE steps up humanitarian efforts in Gaza as winter storm intensifies

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NNPS Desk
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GAZA, Dec 18 (WAM/APP): The UAE’s humanitarian Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 continues to implement urgent relief interventions in the Gaza Strip in response to the crisis caused by a winter storm and severe cold, which have exacerbated the suffering of displaced families.

Field teams have moved swiftly to deliver assistance amid the harsh conditions facing residents.

As heavy rainfall flooded many streets and water seeped into damaged tents, the UAE operation activated water-pumping mechanisms that had been deployed in advance as part of an emergency plan to address severe weather conditions and facilitate the movement of residents in inundated areas.

During the period of the weather depression, the operation distributed 1,189 shelter tents, 4,280 winter jackets and 538 relief kits containing essential supplies for displaced families. In addition, 5,012 winter clothing parcels and 1,403 winter blankets were delivered, as part of the UAE’s continued support for the people of the Gaza Strip.

These efforts fall under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, resulting in providing humanitarian and relief assistance to the people of Gaza for more than two years, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and alleviating their suffering amid ongoing challenges.

The President of Uzbekistan departs for Japan

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NNPS Desk
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TASHKENT, Dec 18 (UzA/APP) :
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev departed for Japan on an official visit on December 18 at the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi.
The agenda for the Tokyo visit includes a series of high-level bilateral meetings and events. The talks will focus on deepening and expanding the strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan.
The President of Uzbekistan will also participate in the first summit of the Heads of State of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue.

Seven trapped in S. Korea’s subway construction site accident

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NNPS Desk
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SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Xinhua/APP): Seven workers were trapped Thursday in South Korea’s subway construction site accident, according to Yonhap news agency.

It was reported to the police at about 1:22 p.m. local time (0422 GMT) that people were pinned under the collapsed steel bars at the construction site for a new subway line in the capital Seoul.

The accident occurred at a depth of some 80 meters underground.

Among the seven workers buried, one was found in cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital.

The police and fire authorities were conducting rescue operations for the remaining workers.

Mahodand lake welcomes adventure sports enthusiasts amid snowfall forecast creating magical charm

By
Samina Ch
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KALAM, Dec 18 (APP):Following Met office forecast for rains with chances of snowfall, the tourists arrived in substantial numbers to Kalam to enjoy snow and adventure sports
As clouds starts hovering over Upper Kalam, a mesmerizing transformation unfolds over Mahodand lake in the Osho Valley due to hide and seek between sun and clouds with chances of snowfall, attracting tourists.
Nestled amidst towering deodar trees and abundance of trout fish, Mahodand lake with 2 kilometers length and 9,400feet height of sea level emerges as a jewel of nature, its bluish-white waters swelling with chances of rains and snowfalls amid cold breeze taking tourists into thrill and excitement.
Visitors flock here, eager to immerse themselves in the lake’s tranquil beauty and partake in leisurely boating adventures. The lake’s surroundings burst into a riot of colours, sprawling across the landscape, creating a feast for the eyes and soul.
This season is cherished as an unparalleled opportunity to visit one of the country’s most beautiful tourist destinations. The atmosphere is imbued with a palpable sense of ecstasy, courtesy of the frequent chance of moderate to erratic rains besides snowfall that grace the region.
“I came to Kalam Valley with my family after 5 years to enjoy its mesmerizing natural beauty and snowfall,” said Riaz Khan of Nowshera while talking to APP.
“Every snowdrop here adds to the magic, enhancing the lush greenery and the lake’s emerald allure,” he said, adding Mahodand lake is renowned not just for its stunning vistas but also for its freezing waters due to snowfall with highest speed and abundant trout fish besides exploring it through boating of Rs 200 trip,” said Riaz while enjoying trout fish as his children playing football around him amid great fun and laughter at Mahundhand with cold breeze started from Osho mountains.
Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are particularly drawn to this beautiful destination taking advantage of the open access road and improved transportation facilities.
The enhanced infrastructure and Swat motorway have made it easier for tourists to indulge in various adventure sports in Upper Swat, further elevating the lake’s appeal.
“With the start of winter season, Mahodand lake stands as a testament to nature’s splendor. It invites all to experience its ethereal beauty, to breathe in the fresh, rain-kissed air, and to create unforgettable memories in one of Pakistan’s most enchanting locales,” he said.
The spokesman of Tourism and Culture Authority told APP that elaborate arrangements were made for accommodation and facilitation of tourists and adventure sports lovers during current season in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
Under Development of Ecotourism Project (ETP), he said that camping pods with facilities of two to four beds alongwith wash washrooms and kitchen were established at various scenic places including Malakand and Hazara divisions.
Besides establishment of camping pod at Gabeen Jabba near Mahudhand lake, and Sharan near Saiful  Malook lake, he said 10 more camping pods were installed at different tourism places to provide affordable accommodations to tourists’ families.
These camping pods were established at Sharan Kaghan Mansehra, Mahaband Buner-Swabi, Allai Batagram, Bamburait Chitral, Tandyani Abbottabad, Bisigram Swat, Yakhtangi Shangla, Saheed e Sir and Malka Swat and Sheikh Badin in DI Khan. Bishigram, Shran, Yakhtangi, Shaheed e Sir and Malk camping pods have already been opened for tourists.
“Each pod has two to four beds for families, a wash room and a small kitchen with foolproof security arrangements by tourism police,” he said, adding Rs3500 to Rs5000 per day/night stay was being charged against Rs12,000 to Rs15,000 per room by a private hotels at Khagan, Naran and Galiyat valleys.
 As many as 10 more camping pods at Jargo and Sulatanr in Swat, Lashkargha Broghal Valley and Surlaspur Shandor valley Upper Chitral, Kumrat velley in Upper Dir, Laram Top and Shahi Bin Shahi in Lower Dir, Lilowani Alpuri in Shangla  Samanah Top in Orakzai/Hangu and Kalam Swat.
One of the key initiatives that have been undertaken is to increase the presence of security personnel in tourist spots. This has made tourists feel safer and more secure, resulting in an increase in the number of tourists visiting northern KP.
Tourism police force comprises well-trained officers equipped to handle any situation that may arise while tourists are visiting the northern KP. These officers are fluent in several languages, including English, to make communication with foreign tourists easier.
A mobile application called the “Tourist Safety App,” has been launched enabling  tourists to quickly and easily contact the tourist police in case of an emergency.
Furthermore, the government has invested heavily in improving the infrastructure, including the road network, transportation, and accommodation facilities.
The construction of new hotels, resorts, and rest houses has made it easier for tourists to find suitable accommodations while enhanced road networks had reduced load on the established tourism stations.
Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager, Tourism and Culture Authority said that waterfalls of Lamchar, Sajkot, Noori, Chajjian Haripur, Jarogo Swat, Lanchar Dir and Umbrella Abbottabad were being developed to promote ecotourism.
Tourism spots, jeep tracks and roads to link waterfalls of Abbottabad, Haripure and Mansehra were being developed.
To reduce tourists’ load at Galiyat, Kaghan, Naran, Kalam, Malam Jabba and Dir, jeepable tracks was being constructed in 15 areas, adding camping pods were also established near it while local communities were encouraged to reserved at least one rooms for tourists to bolster income of rural population.
Omair Khattak, GM Investment, KP Tourism Authority said Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) at Ghanool Mansehra, Mankiyal Swat, Madaklasht Chitral and Thandiyani Abbottabad would be constructed with assistance of the World Bank.
Ghanool Mansehra would be established on 59.6 acres, Mankiyal Swat on 29.5 acres, Madaklasht on 540 Kanal and Thandyani on 640 Kanal of land respectively.
Rules and regulations for Mankiyal and Ghanool ITZs were prepared that would be completed on the patterns of ITZs of Malaysia and Indonesia. These ITZs are expected to create 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for youth and skilled workforce.
Feasibility of the Cable Car project from Dir Upper to Madaklast Chitral has been completed and it would be financially supported by the World Bank through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated  tourism project (KITE).
Four colonial era tracks’ development including Thandiani-Nathiagali having 8, 200 feet height, 40km length and 1500 old trees belt, Thandiani-Biringali track, Dagri Bangla-Meera Jani-Nathiagali track and Kaghan- Mahnoor track starting from Shinkyari to Kund Bangla and onward to Shaheed Pani-Nadi Bangla to Musa Ka Musallah were in pipeline.
 The experts underlined the need for showcasing these treasures through short videos and pictures through social media to attract foreign tourists imperative for bolstering the rural economy of Pakistan.
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