ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf in a group photo with the Judges and Participants of First International Qirat competition after the inaugural session
ISLAMABAD
An attractive view of sunset in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
13,000 smoky vehicles stopped
LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):Lahore Traffic Police is intensifying efforts to combat smog across the province, with 13,000 smoke-emitting vehicles being stopped as part of a focused operation.
DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir has issued orders for strict action against vehicles emitting smoke.
According to the orders, the campaign targeting smoke-emitting vehicles has significantly increased in the past three weeks, with fines totaling over Rs 174.9 million imposed during this period. A 116 percent increase in operations has been recorded.
In total, more than 87,000 challans have been issued this month to vehicles emitting smoke. Additionally, fitness certificates of 41 vehicles and route permits for more than 35 environmentally harmful vehicles have been suspended. FIRs have also been filed against 24 vehicles.
Traffic police statistics show that over 13,000 smoke-emitting vehicles have been halted, and heavy fines have been imposed on more than 5,000 vehicles transporting sand and soil without proper covers.
DIG Traffic Punjab emphasized that fines of up to Rs 2,000 and strict legal action are being taken against such vehicles. He urged citizens to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles and cooperate with the traffic police to eliminate smog.
DIG Muhammad Waqas Nazir further stressed that toxic smoke from vehicles contributes to numerous health issues and environmental pollution, making it essential to take action for a cleaner environment in Punjab.
AJK PM reiterates to serve people without any prejudice
MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Reaffirming his commitment to public welfare, the Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that his government was determined to restore the dignity of the state by tackling its pressing challenges head-on.
The PM said this while addressing a ceremony organized by Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) here on Monday. During the ceremony keys of newly constructed houses, built under the KORT’s Housing Project for widows, orphans and deserving persons, were distributed amongst the needy.Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister Rathore said, “With honest intent and firm resolve a lot could be achieved in just six months.”
He added that the PPP government will spare no efforts in addressing masses’ problems and restoring their confidence in politics. The prime minister reiterated his government’s pledge to serve the state and its people without any prejudice or discrimination.
He noted that public welfare and establishing strong ties between the state and its people remain his government’s top priority.Commending the KORT for its remarkable services to humanity, the PM said that institutions like KORT enhance the people’s trust and strengthen their confidence in collective welfare.He praised the Trust for building homes for the homeless describing it as a noble gesture of brotherhood, compassion and mercy.
He also appreciated the KORT chairman for establishing a state of the art boarding school for orphans in the lakeside city of Mirpur.Paying rich tributes to the KORT chairman Chaudhry Akhtar for his commitment to the noble cause, he said, “Those who serve Allah’s creation are Allah’s friends.”
Assuring his government’s full support to KORT in advancing its humanitarian mission, the Prime Minister said that the Trust would be provided land and all necessary assistance to establish its own office in the capital.On this occasion, Prime Minister Rathore, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Syed Bazal Naqvi, Nabila Ayub, Chairman KORT Chaudhry Akhtar distributed the keys of newly constructed houses amongst the needy.
It may be recalled that under the auspices of the KORT, the keys of 195 newly built houses were handed over to deserving widows. On the occasion, a documentary showcasing the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust’s dedicated work during natural disasters in Kashmir and other regions of Pakistan was screened. The function was also attended by Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Minister for Public Health Azad Kashmir Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, Minister for Kashmir Cause Arts and Literature Nabila Ayub, Founder of Kashmir Orphan Welfare Trust Chaudhry Akhtar, Mayor Muzaffarabad Syed Sikandar Gilani, Advocate Zulqarnain Naqvi and others.
Youth empowerment, social inclusion vital for Pakistan’s progress, experts tell SAU seminar
HYDERABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Academicians, development experts and youth advocates at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam have emphasized that Pakistan’s sustainable socio-economic future lies in empowering its young population, described as the country’s most valuable human resource, through skill development, inclusive policies and equitable access to opportunities.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Social Inclusion and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development,” organized under the Students–Teachers Engagement Programme with the support of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad, Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Government of Sindh, the speakers urged institutions and policymakers to remove the systemic barriers that hinder youth participation in national development.
According to the SAU spokesperson, the event was held at the Dr. A.M. Shaikh Auditorium, which was attended by students, faculty members and civil society representatives and youth leaders from across the province.
In his keynote address, the SAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said that the country’s future depends on socially included and empowered youth who are equipped to compete and collaborate globally. He warned that economic and social constraints continue to prevent young people from fully utilizing their abilities.
“Pakistan’s future lies in the hands of empowered youth,” he said. “Institutions and government bodies must ensure that these young people are equipped with knowledge, confidence and the environment to excel.”
Dr. Siyal stressed that social inclusion means ensuring fair access to education, opportunities and decision-making regardless of gender, geography or socio-economic status. He added that universities play a vital role in nurturing responsible citizens committed to diversity, tolerance and innovation.
Director University Advancement and Financial Assistance Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar noted that youth empowerment goes far beyond academic qualifications. He said that social inclusion was not merely access to education, It was about ensuring that every graduate feels valued, confident and capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Other speakers, including Aamir Bangash and Vinod Kumar said that promoting social inclusion reduces discrimination and inequality, while fostering empathy and civic responsibility among students. They encouraged youth to participate in volunteerism, community service and innovation-led initiatives that strengthen social welfare and sustainable development.
Improved police reporting system for women protection welcomed
RAWALPINDI, Nov 24 (APP):Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), has said that more than 15,000 cases of violence against women being reported in the first six months of the current year is clear evidence that Punjab’s crime reporting and data-access systems have become significantly more effective and functional compared to the past.
Speaking to APP on Monday, he said the emergence of an average of 85% per day is a strong indicator that awareness about rights and legal aid has increased among the public, especially women.
He explained that SSDO’s mid-year fact sheet is based entirely on official data provided by the police, which demonstrates that law-enforcement agencies are moving toward better data collection and sharing practices.
“This progress will not only improve policy-making but will also provide a stronger foundation for ongoing initiatives to protect women,” Syed Kausar Abbas said.
He praised the Punjab government, police, and other stakeholders for the commendable improvements made in digital reporting, case management, and information-sharing systems.
He expressed hope that greater transparency in data will enhance the performance of provincial institutions and make efforts to prevent crimes against women and provide timely support to victims even more effective.
“We are confident that increasing institutional capacity, strengthening police investigation capabilities, streamlining judicial processes and expanding support services for affected women will deliver positive and sustainable outcomes overall”, he said and added that SSDO would continue its cooperation with the government and relevant institutions to make this process even more effective.
He further expressed hope that continued improvement in the reporting system will not only reveal the true scale of crimes but will also help responsible institutions set clearer targets and accelerate the pace of implementation.
DIG congratulates SBA Range Police Sports team for excellent performance
HYDERABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Deputy Inspector General Police Shaheed Benazirabad Range Faisal Bashir Memon has congratulated the SBA Range Police Sports Team for their excellent performance in Sindh police games.
According to public relation officer, the Shaheed Benazirabad Range Police Sports Squad consisting of 96 players from all districts of the range demonstrated outstanding performance at the Sindh Police Games 2025 held in Karachi at the provincial level. The team secured multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals. It is worth mentioning that the Sindh Police Games were organized on the instructions of the IG Sindh, in which 1,750 players from 13 units across the province participated.
PRO said that in these competitions, talented players of SBA Range won 4 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals in various sports events. In athletics, Constable Naseeruddin Shah from District Naushahro Feroze secured two gold medals in triple jump and long jump, while Nimra from District Nawabshah won a gold medal in shot put event. The SBA Range Women’s Handball Team also secured a gold medal. Additionally, SBA Range players earned 4 silver medals and 7 bronze medals in individual categories. IG Sindh awarded the SBA Range Police Sports Squad with the CC-1 Certificate in recognition of their achievements.
DIG SBA Range Faisal Bashir Memon extended heartfelt congratulations to the SBA Range Police Sports Squad, Focal Person Inspector Irfan Nazir, officials HC Mukhtar, ASI Fida, and HC Altaf Bhatti for their remarkable success. DIG said that the squad has brought pride to the SBA Range Police by excelling at such a major sports platform.
Musadik, FAO discuss boosting climate-resilient land and water management
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Monday met a delegation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) led by Lifeng Li, Director of the Land and Water Division, to discuss avenues of cooperation in sustainable land use, water management and climate-resilient development.
During the meeting, Li highlighted Pakistan’s high vulnerability to climate change and stressed the centrality of food systems and natural resource governance in mitigating its impacts.
He briefed the minister on FAO’s ongoing initiatives, including programmes aimed at preventing land degradation, improving the management of Indus Basin resources and strengthening national water governance frameworks.
He also presented the Country Programming Framework (2023–27) along with the Aqua Portal — an inter-agency information-sharing platform.
Dr Malik appreciated FAO’s technical support and called for prioritising areas with low public returns, particularly institutional strengthening and capacity building.
He also discussed the government’s plan to facilitate the establishment of Green Clusters that would connect young Pakistani entrepreneurs working on green startups with international investors.
The minister further underscored the need for a formal collaborative mechanism encompassing administrative coordination, capacity enhancement and public–private partnerships.
He warned that climate-related projects should not rely on the diversion of development loans meant for education, health and human capital, arguing that such practices undermine progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Malik emphasised the importance of active ministerial involvement and stronger alignment among federal, provincial and international partners to ensure coherence and sustained long-term impact.
SAFCO Microfinance Company recognized with “Excellence Award for Islamic Microfinance in Pakistan“
HYDERABAD, Nov 24 (APP): SAFCO Microfinance Company Limited (SMCL) has been honored with the prestigious “Excellence Award – Islamic Microfinance in Pakistan” at the 11th International Retail Banking Awards (IRBA) 2025, held during the International Conference on Islamic Banking & Finance.
According to a statement issued by Safco Microfinance Company this distinguished recognition celebrates SMCL’s Yaqeen Islamic Finance for breaking barriers in ethical lending and expanding access to Halal, Shariah-compliant microfinance solutions for underserved and financially excluded communities across Pakistan. The award acknowledges SMCL’s leadership in strengthening the Islamic microfinance sector through disaster-resilient, innovative, client-centric, and socially responsible Islamic finance models.
Over the past years, SMCL has significantly expanded its Islamic microfinance outreach, enhanced its Shariah governance framework, introduced need-based and inclusive Islamic financial products, and strengthened technology-driven processes to improve customer experience. SMCL’s Yaqeen Islamic Finance has played a catalytic role in ensuring that low-income households—particularly women and small entrepreneurs—can access dignified, Halal, and affordable financing options.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Suleman G. Abro, Founder & Group President of SAFCO and recipient of the award on behalf of SMCL, expressed his gratitude:
“We are deeply honored to receive this global recognition at the IRBA Awards 2025. This achievement reflects SMCL’s unwavering commitment to promoting ethical, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant financial services for those who need them most. Our Yaqeen Islamic Finance model demonstrates that Islamic microfinance can uplift communities, strengthen resilience, and open new pathways for sustainable livelihoods. I dedicate this award to our clients, partners, and the dedicated SAFCO team working tirelessly to make a meaningful impact.”
On this occasion, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Managing Director, SMCL, along with senior members of the leadership team, were present to represent the organization.
He shared:
“This award reinforces our mission to build a responsible, client-focused Islamic microfinance system that fosters trust, dignity, and financial empowerment. We will continue to introduce innovative, Shariah-compliant solutions that support entrepreneurship, women’s economic inclusion, and climate resilience across Pakistan.”
The Islamic Retail Banking Awards, powered by the globally renowned Cambridge IFA, recognize leading institutions and individuals contributing significantly to the development and advancement of Islamic retail banking worldwide. This award further strengthens SMCL’s position as a national leader in Islamic microfinance and underscores its contributions to ethical finance and sustainable development.
SMCL remains committed to expanding modern, Shariah-compliant microfinance solutions that promote financial inclusion, enhance community resilience, and foster long-term socio-economic growth across Pakistan.
Midnight closure order: Two ACs conduct compliance inspections
HYDERABAD, Nov 24 (APP):On the directives of deputy commissioner Zain-ul-Abedin Memon, assistant commissioners of Qasimabad and Latifabad conducted separate inspection drives to enforce the newly issued administrative order mandating a 12:00 AM shutdown for marriage halls, banquets, restaurants and chai dhabas.
According to a handout issued on Monday, assistant commissioner Latifabad Saud Lund and assistant commissioner Qasimabad Hataf Siyal visited various places in their respective areas to review compliance.
Both officers reminded the business community that the order aims to maintain public order and control late-night commercial activities. They also warned that strict action would be taken against violators.
The district administration announced that inspection drives will continue to ensure full compliance across both talukas.