HYDERABAD: March 10 –
APP11-100325
HYDERABAD: March 10 – Artisan is busy cutting leather before preparing sandals for sale at a local sandal factory in Fort Area, in connection with the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. APP/FHN/MAF/FHA
Artisan is busy sewing leather before preparing sandals for sale at a local sandal factory in Fort Area, in connection with the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
HYDERABAD: March 10 –
Minister chairs meeting on price control, clean Punjab initiative
SARGODHA, Mar 10 (APP):Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique on Monday visited Sargodha and chaired a meeting at the Commissioner’s office to review the implementation of price control measures, Ramazan Nigehbaan Package, and the Clean Punjab initiative.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Jahanzaib Awan, Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Capt (retd) Muhammad Waseem, Director Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik, CEO SWMC Rana Shahid Imran, CO MC Umar Farooq, CO District Council Asad Hariya, and political leaders, along with officials from the Food, Market Committee, and Industry departments. Deputy Commissioners of Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar joined via video link.
The provincial minister received a detailed briefing on the prices, supply, and demand of essential commodities across the four districts. He directed that strict action be taken against profiteers, ensuring they face legal consequences, including spending Eid in jail.
The provincial minister also directed the authorities to seal the shops of repeat offenders for at least ten days.
Taking notice of higher gram flour prices in Khushab, he ordered uniform pricing of essential food items across all four districts. He emphasized that profiteers do not deserve any leniency and reiterated the Chief Minister’s stance that the public must receive relief during Ramadan.
The meeting was informed that five model facilitation markets, 10 regular facilitation markets, and 21 sugar sale points have been set up across the division.
In one week, 177 price magistrates conducted 89,829 inspections, imposing fines totaling Rs. 1,780,740 on profiteers, registering cases against 107 shopkeepers, sealing 164 shops, and arresting 1,405 violators.
Regarding the Ramazan Nigehbaan Package, officials reported that out of 278,248 eligible families across the division, 190,000 families already had received Rs. 10,000 money orders at their doorsteps.
The minister also reviewed the Clean Punjab operation, commending Sargodha for ranking among the top two divisions in performance. He praised Commissioner Jahanzaib Awan, Deputy Commissioners, and CEO SWMC Rana Shahid Imran for their efforts and urged them to maintain their momentum.
The meeting was informed that an anti-encroachment drive is in full swing across all four districts.
Additionally, efforts are underway to standardize shop signboards and sheds, build footpaths, and restore Sargodha’s historic Gol Chowk market to its original state after 52 years. Street vendors were also relocated to designated vendor markets.
Addressing the meeting, the minister announced a major project for water supply and drainage in all urban areas of Punjab. He stated that within the next 18 months, clean drinking water would be available to all residents of Sargodha division, and long-term solutions for sewage issues would be implemented for the next 25 years.
He directed stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan within the next two months, including provisions for sewage bypass systems in major cities. The project would also include solar-powered disposal units and underground storage tanks for rainwater.
Later, Zeeshan Rafique inspected the model facilitation market on University Road and the model vendor market at Shaheen Chowk. He was accompanied by Commissioner Jahanzaib Awan and the Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Waseem.
The minister personally assessed the quality and prices of essential goods at various stalls, interacting with consumers for feedback.
He also instructed market administrators to ensure ample stock of all essential items throughout Ramadan to facilitate the public.
Founding Chairman NADRA Maj General (R) Zahid Ihsan addresses during the Pakistan’s first Dematerialized ID Card at a historic ceremony in the federal capital.
ISLAMABAD: March 10-
APP07-100325
ISLAMABAD: March 10- Founding Chairman NADRA Maj General (R) Zahid Ihsan, Chairman NADRA Lt Gen Muhammad Muneer Afsar, and other dignitaries gather for a group photo at the historic unveiling ceremony of Pakistan’s first Dematerialized ID Card in the federal capital. APP/MAF/FHA/SSH
Founding Chairman NADRA Maj General (R) Zahid Ihsan unveils Pakistan’s first Dematerialized ID Card alongside Chairman NADRA Lt Gen Muhammad Muneer Afsar and other dignitaries during a historic ceremony in the federal capital.
ISLAMABAD: March 10-
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yusuf given briefing regarding working of Ministry of Religious affairs.
ISLAMABAD: March 10-
Complaint resolution by FTO increases by 63% in 2024
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):The complaints resolved by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) increased by 63.69 percent and were recorded at 12,914 during 2024 compared to 7,889 complaints during 2023, according to FTO Annual Report for the year 2024.
The total number of complaints also increased by 70.52 percent to 13,772 complaints registered during the period under review compared to the 8,076 complaints in 2023.
The FTO settled 6,106 complaints out of 6,480 in 2022 and addressed 2,867 complainants in 2021 as against registered complaints of 3,038.
In FY2024, the FTO recommended, sanctioned, and disbursed refunds amounting to Rs. 22.793 billion to taxpayers. Additionally, the average time for complaint disposal was reduced to just 34.11 days.
The department received 7872 fresh complaints related to income tax; 2080 on sales tax, 3375 customs duty, 32 federal excise duty and 147 related to FIO.
FTO held around 251 seminars and awareness sessions with concerned Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI), different Trade bodies, Tax Bars, and college/universities in 2024 compared to 113 such seminars and sessions in organized in 2023.
It is pertinent to mentioned here that the increase in the number of complaints was seen as a positive indicator of the FTO’s effective awareness campaigns, which targeted key stakeholders, including Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Tax Bar Associations, Business Community Associations, and Tax Law Practitioners.
By disseminating information about the FTO’s mandate and functions, taxpayers were encouraged to seek redress for their grievances. In addition to resolving standard complaints, the FTO placed special emphasis on assisting underprivileged complainants through informal grievance resolution.
Furthermore, the FTO’s interventions led to increased taxpayer registration, enhanced tax collection in the real estate sector, and improvements in the withholding tax regime. Relief measures were also implemented through an automated system for jurisdiction changes and the restoration of blocked mobile SIMs.
In addition to addressing individual grievances, the FTO has consistently identified systemic issues and formulated recommendations to improve the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s systems and procedures.
These efforts have provided substantial relief to thousands of taxpayers, reinforcing the FTO’s role as a relief-oriented institution. Officials reiterated their commitment to promote transparency, accountability, and trust in the taxation system.
A traffic police official lifting a wrongly parked car with the help of a lifter at Murree Road.
RAWALPINDI: March 10 –
PU awards 10 PhDs
LAHORE, Mar 10 (APP):Punjab University (PU) conferred Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees on its ten scholars after approval of their thesis in various disciplines.
According to PU’s spokesperson, Abdul Sattar son of Manzoor Hussain awarded PhD degree in the subject of History, while Muhammad Ashfaq Aslam son of Muhammad Aslam in Botany, Nadia Fatima daughter of Ghulam Nabi in Botany, Asghar Ali son of Wali Muhammad in Administrative Sciences (Management), Rabia Bashir daughter of Bashir Ahmed in Sociology, Nabiha Fatima daughter of Syed Zawwar Hussain Rizvi in Sociology, Fakeha Farooq daughter of Farooq Ahmad in Physics, Anbreen Mazhar Choudhary daughter of Mazhar Saeed Choudhary in Biochemistry, Sayra Tariq daughter of Muhammad Tariq Naeem in Biotechnology, Naveeda Batool daughter of Ch. Gulzar Ahmed in Botany.
The varsity congratulated to all the scholars on their remarkable accomplishment.
Solo art show held to mark Women’s Day
FAISALABAD, Mar 10 (APP):Government College Women University Faisalabad (GCWUF) organized a special solo art exhibition as part of International Women’s Day celebrations here on Monday.
The title was “Tapestry of Love: Weaving Together Family, Art, and Poetry,” which was organized at the Punjab Council of the Arts, Faisalabad. The exhibition featured the artistic work of Dr. Tooba Najam, Head of the Department of Art and Design at GCWUF, showcasing the emotional depth, familial bonds, and struggles of women through diverse artistic expressions.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the exhibition. She keenly observed the displayed artworks and highly appreciated Dr. Tooba Najam’s creative expression.
She congratulated the artist on successfully organizing her first solo exhibition and emphasized that art serves as a powerful medium to convey the unspoken stories, emotions, and social experiences of women.
She noted that such exhibitions provide young female artists with a valuable opportunity to showcase their creativity and highlight important societal themes.
Dr. Tooba Najam portrayed various dimensions of women’s lives through installation art, collage, miniature, oil, and pastel paintings. While sharing her thoughts on the exhibition, she expressed that her artwork was an attempt to visually depict the everyday lives, emotions, challenges, and aspirations of women.
She hoped that the audience would connect with these narratives and gain a deeper understanding of women’s experiences. She also acknowledged the support of the university administration and extended her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for offering her a platform to present her creative work.
Dr. Sadaf Naqvi, Incharge of the Women Development & Mentoring Center, highlighted that the exhibition was the third major event organized as part of the Women’s Day celebrations.
She reiterated GCWUF’s commitment to encouraging women’s artistic contributions and fostering their creative growth. She also said that the exhibition would remain open on Tuesday to allow more visitors to experience and appreciate this significant artistic display.
The exhibition saw the presence of Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zill-i-Huma Nazli, faculty coordinators, heads of departments, directors, faculty members, and a large number of students.
The attendees took a keen interest in the artworks, appreciating their thought-provoking themes and commending the creative representation of women’s roles in society.
The event reaffirmed GCWUF’s dedication to nurturing artistic talent, fostering intellectual discourse, and empowering women through creative expression.
AIOU extends enrollment deadline until March 25
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has extended the enrollment deadline until March 25 for already enrolled students, keeping in view their convenience.
Admissions for the Spring 2025 semester are ongoing for Matriculation, FA, Associate Degree Programs, Teacher Training Programs, Postgraduate Diploma Programs, and Certificate Courses.
This extension provides a golden opportunity for previously enrolled students to complete their enrollment.
The decision was made under the special directives of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood to ensure that no student loses a valuable semester.
He emphasized that students should be provided with maximum educational facilities and a full opportunity to continue their studies.
Students are advised to complete their enrollment before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience.
Rescue 1122 responds to 61 emergencies in one week
MOHMAND, Mar 10 (APP):The Rescue 1122 emergency service, under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Engineer Khaliq Dad, on Monday released a weekly report detailing its emergency response activities across the district.
According to the report, Rescue 1122 responded to a total of 61 incidents over the past week. These included 51 medical emergencies, four road traffic accidents, two fire incidents, and four recovery operations. The prompt response ensured timely assistance in all cases.
Additionally, Rescue 1122 provided support in 22 emergency referrals through its in-district and out-of-district referral services, ensuring patients received necessary medical attention.
The spokesperson of Rescue 1122 Mohmand said that the 1122 was fully operational across the district and providing international standard emergency services to citizens at their doorstep.
Jazz, mercantile launch Pakistan’s first iPhone Trade-In Program
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital conglomerate, in partnership with Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor in Pakistan, has introduced the country’s first-ever iPhone Trade-In Program, making the iPhone 16 series more accessible and affordable.
Under this initiative, customers can trade in their old PTA-approved iPhone 11 or newer models to receive a discount on the latest iPhone 16 series. To further ease affordability, Jazz and Mercantile are offering an additional subsidy bonus on top of the trade-in value, said a news release.
“As a digital leader, Jazz is committed to bridging the digital divide in Pakistan. Our partnership with Mercantile to launch the first iPhone Trade-In Program reflects our focus on innovation and customer convenience,” said Ali Fahd, Head of Marketing at Jazz. “By making premium devices more accessible, we are empowering customers to enhance their digital lifestyle with seamless connectivity and value-added services.”
Nauman Durrani, CEO of Mercantile Pakistan, commented: “This launch simplifies how people in Pakistan can access the latest iPhone models. By working with Jazz, we’re offering a clear, straightforward way for customers to upgrade from older devices and enjoy a better user experience.”
The program is currently available at Jazz Experience Centers in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. More details are available on Mercantile’s website. The trade-in offer applies to full-price purchases only and is not available on postpaid installment plans at this stage.
In addition to the trade-in program, Jazz has introduced an exclusive six-month bundle for customers purchasing a PTA-approved iPhone 16 through Jazz. This package includes 200GB of internet, 6 months of free airtime, e-SIM activation, discount vouchers, and handset insurance worth up to Rs 100,000 covering theft, loss, and damage for 6 months.
Jazz is also offering the iPhone 16 series on an 18-month installment plan for only postpaid customers, providing flexible payment options to suit varying needs. By enabling affordable access to premium devices, Jazz continues to drive digital inclusion, helping individuals and businesses thrive in an increasingly connected world.
25 Years of NADRA: A Journey from National Identity System to Digital Revolution
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has completed 25 years of service, during which it has modernized Pakistan’s identity system with cutting-edge technology, making the national identification process more efficient and secure.
After Pakistan’s independence, the foundation for the citizen registration system was laid in 1951 with the country’s first population census. In 1973, a formal registration system was introduced, followed by the launch of the National Identity Card (NIC) in 1974, which was made mandatory for citizens 18 years and older.
In 1998, the National Database Organization (NDO) was established, which later evolved into NADRA on March 10, 2000. This transformation modernized Pakistan’s national registration system. Despite initial challenges, NADRA gradually introduced an advanced and secure identification system. The launch of the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) in 2001 marked a major milestone in NADRA’s success.
Over the years, NADRA has gained international recognition for providing identity, e-governance, and secure document solutions. In 2008, NADRA upgraded its biometric database, incorporating 10 fingerprint scans and digital photography, further strengthening the identity verification process.
Today, NADRA’s network spans the entire country, comprising 13 mega centers, 890 registration centers, 230 mobile registration vans, and 10 registration centers abroad. NADRA has played a key role in various government initiatives, including arms licensing, the National Socio-Economic Registry, disaster management, and biometric verification systems.
NADRA’s services have been internationally recognized, with the authority providing identity solutions to countries like Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, Turkey, and the European Union. Recently, NADRA introduced the “Pak Identity” app, allowing citizens to access identity-related services digitally.
According to NADRA officials, the organization remains committed to providing every Pakistani citizen with a secure and verified identity and is continuously working to transform the vision of a Digital Pakistan into reality.
KP Cabinet meets Tuesday
PESHAWAR, Mar 10 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 9 PM, with invitations already sent out to the members.
Official sources said on Monday, the meeting will be held at the Civil Secretariat and will be chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Cabinet members have been officially invited to participate in the session, while the agenda for the meeting will be released later.
Building bonds: Iftar parties unite communities of all faiths
PESHAWAR, Mar 10 (APP):Rawandar Singh, a 42-year-old Sikh, is all smiles and exudes high spirit of sharing and compassion as he seeks solace in dolling out dates and pakora among fasting Muslims during Aftar on returning home from his shop in Hashtnagri.
Wearing the traditional turban, Rawandar has been distributing packets of dates and other edible items among the fasting Muslims in Hastnagri bazaar since 2012.
Rawandar’s father Awtah Sindh has started this noble practice and later passed on to his son. “I feel inner peace and satisfaction while doing the noble practice in the Holy month of Ramazan.”
“The soothing movement of distributing Aftar’s items including dates, pakora, jalebi and others food dishes are still alive as fresh as today when I keenly observe my late father Awtah Singh handing over packets of Aftar food to Muslim brothers all along way from Hastnagri to Mohalla Jogan Ramdas in interior City,” Rawandar told APP while distributing dates and Pakora among fasting Muslims ahead of Iftar.
“I strongly believe in interfaith harmony, love and brotherhood. Distribution of food in Ramazan is our mark of respect and admiration for our fasting Muslims’ brothers and sisters besides giving us inner peace and satisfaction,” Rawandar who is being helped by his son in dolling out of dates and Pakora told APP.
Dewa Singh and his son Tajindar Singh, who are associated with telecommunication business in Hastnagri Peshawar said inviting people of different faiths in Aftar parties in Pakistan sends a strong message of love and brotherhood to world.
“Without winning hearts and minds, we can’t come closer to each other and could not develop a society whose inhabitants enjoy equal rights and respect for each other’s faith,” they said.
“Arranging Aftar parties and Ramzan camps for Muslims is not a new practice for us. Our forefathers did the same thing to express warmth, love and friendship to our Muslims brothers of Peshawar during Ramzan,” they said, adding they are serving Aftar’s foods to over dozens of fasting persons on daily basis and vowed to continue to do so in remaining days of holy month.
Roadside Aftar parties are being seen at Qisa Khwani, University Road, Lady Reading Hospital, Takhto Jumat Cantonment, Tehkal, Spin Jumat and Ramadas where philanthropists invite people of different faiths for joint Aftar parties in an environment of sharing, friendship and care.
The long sheets filled with food, dates, pakora, jalebi snacks, fruits and sweet beverages get fully occupied by the passerby, labourers and other segments of the society irrespective of caste, colour and creed.
Haroon Sarbdayal, a representative of Hindu community in Khyber Pakthunkhwa and a founding member of Pakistan Council of World Religions said that all prophets and founders of all religions had promoted peace, forgiveness, patience, love and tolerance through their teachings, actions and deeds.
He said that misperceptions among followers of different faiths could be removed by enhancing interaction and dialogues among all religious communities.
“We need to promote ‘acceptance’ instead of ‘tolerance’ because the former is more effective in establishing durable peace, patience, and pluralism in a prosperous society.”
He said that Ramazan is the month of tolerance and patience in which Hindu Community has started arranging Aftar parties for their Muslim brothers in Sindh. In Peshawar, he said a grand Aftar party would be arranged in last Ashra of Ramazan where leaders of all religions would be invited.
He suggested establishment of a common study centres for followers of all religions where they could interact and understand each other’s religion and organzing of Aftar parties to bring people of different faith closer.
Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Chief Khateeb of KP told APP that Ramzan being the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. “The Muslims seek forgiveness and mercy in this holy month besides having a blessed night of Lalatul Qadar.”
Highly appreciating the minorities’ goodwill gestures of arranging Aftar parties and Dastarkhwans’ for rozadars, he said these noble practices brings Muslims and minorities closer besides increasing their understanding about each others’ faiths.
“The interfaith harmony means bringing peace and tranquility among people through positivity and mutual coexistence and Ramazan strength social bonds.”
He said inviting each others for Aftar parties cement bonds of love and brotherhood among people of all religions including Islam and Christianity.
“The principles of interfaith harmony and mutual coexistence were clearly explained in Madina Charter (Meesaq-e-Madina) and Pakistan’s founder Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic address on August 11, 1947 to the members of constituent assembly besides 1973 Constitution.”
Maulana Qureshi said the Madina Charter had provided complete and unprecedented religious freedoms to followers of all religions and there is a need of constant debate and discussion on its different clauses and articles for education and guidance of all imperative for lasting peace in the society.
Terming charity an important component of Islam, he said it is more significant in Ramazan and people should give it to reputable charity organisations having an excellent service and clean accounts record.
He said a list of reputable charities organisations was available in NECTA website, adding extra care should be made so that their charity can’t go into the wrong hands.
He said charitable initiatives such as arranging Aftar parties and Ramzan camps strengthen bonds of love and friendship besides bringing people of all schools of thoughts closer by promoting peace in society.
Two held over power pilferage
SARGODHA, Mar 10 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) caught two power pilferers during an ongoing crackdown here on Monday.
According to official sources, a task force team raided various areas of the district and caught 02 accused involved in electricity theft from main lines and meter tampering.
On the report of fesco authorities, the police registered cases against them.
Rescue1122 responds to 71 emergencies in last week
CHARSADDA, Mar 10 (APP)::Rescue1122 Charsadda successfully responded to 71 emergencies and rescued 66 patents in last week. According to a spokesman, the emergency service handled a diverse range of incidents, including 54 medical emergencies, 11 road traffic accidents, six other recoveries and one expired case.
During these operations, 100 patients received first medical aid and were shifted to hospitals. The emergency service received 2,787 calls, of which 1,670 were deemed irrelevant or false.
To promote community safety, Rescue1122 Charsadda has conducted fire safety and lifesaving training sessions at various schools, colleges and universities in the district.
DPO distributes over Rs2.4mln welfare cheques among police personnel
KHYBER, Mar 10 (APP):District Police Officer (DPO) Rai Mazhar Iqbal here on Monday distributed welfare cheques amounting to over Rs2.4 million among 30 police officials of the Khyber Police, as approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Welfare Department.
Addressing the cheque distribution ceremony, DPO Rai Mazhar Iqbal emphasized that police personnel were a valuable asset, and their welfare remained a top priority.
He highlighted that, under special directives from the Inspector General of Police, practical measures were being implemented to enhance the well-being of the police force and address the financial challenges faced by personnel.
These initiatives aimed to enable officers to perform their professional duties more effectively. The DPO further stated that all applications from police personnel were being processed on merit to ensure that every deserving officer receives their rightful benefits. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing such welfare initiatives in the future for the betterment of police personnel.
Rawalpindi Police pay tribute to Constable Dilnawaz martyred in 2011
RAWALPINDI, Mar 10 (APP):The Rawalpindi Police on Monday paid tributes to its Constable Dilnawaz, who was martyred in a terrorist attack in 2011, on his death anniversary.
High police officers visited the grave of the martyred constable, and offered Fateha and prayed for the elevation of his ranks in Jannah. They also met the family of the martyr.
A well-dressed police contingent offered a salute at the martyr’s grave.
Constable Dilnawaz was martyred on March 10, 2011, in the area of New Town Police Station while on patrol duty when a motorcycle-borne terrorist fired on him.
70 held in crackdown against encroachment mafia
PESHAWAR, Mar 10 (APP):The Peshawar City Traffic Police have arrested 70 individuals during an extensive crackdown against the encroachment mafia in various parts of the city.
According to a press release the operation was launched following directives from Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Haroon Rashid Khan.
It said that traffic police officials initially instructed encroachers to voluntarily remove their illegal structures. However, non-compliance by the encroachment mafia led to decisive action.
During the operation, 70 individuals were arrested, and three truckloads of encroachment materials were confiscated.
Thevpress release said that CTO Haroon Rashid Khan emphasized that encroachers must voluntarily clear illegal structures, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those who fail to comply.
He noted that illegal encroachments create significant difficulties for both commuters and transporters.
The CTO further advised citizens to park their vehicles and motorcycles in designated parking areas.
He also warned that vehicles found parked in “No Parking” zones would be impounded and shifted to terminals.