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UoS hosts seminar on advances in functional materials

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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SARGODHA, Nov 24 (APP):The Institute of Chemistry at the University of Sargodha (UoS) organized a one-day seminar on Functional Materials on Monday, bringing together eminent scientists and researchers.
According to a spokesperson for UoS, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Qaisar Abbas attended the event as the chief guest.
Notable speakers at the seminar included Prof. Walther Schwarzacher, Dean of the SBA School of Science and Engineering at LUMS; Prof. Irshad Hussain from LUMS; and Dr. Saifullah Awan from the National Centre for Physics, Islamabad, all of whom delivered expert talks on the subject.
The speakers focused on the nature, applications, and scientific significance of functional materials, describing them as advanced substances with unique electrical, optical, thermal, magnetic, or mechanical properties. These materials are essential in fields such as energy storage, electronics, biomaterials, sensors, and sustainable technologies.
Prof. Walther Schwarzacher emphasized the foundational role of molecules, noting that the structure and interactions of molecules determine the properties of matter and are central to understanding both life and nature.
Prof. Irshad Hussain discussed the use of functional materials in energy devices, nanotechnology, biomedical applications, electronic components, and environmental improvement.
Dr. Saifullah Awan highlighted emerging research at the intersection of chemistry and physics, particularly in nanoscience and advanced analytical techniques.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Qaisar Abbas emphasized the importance of chemistry as the backbone of modern science, with direct relevance to life sciences, agriculture, engineering, and medicine. He encouraged students to embrace innovation, research, and global scientific trends to stay abreast of rapid technological advancements.
Director of the Institute of Chemistry, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sher, outlined the seminar’s objectives, noting that such academic events provide exposure to cutting-edge research, foster collaboration, and help students align with emerging scientific developments.
He further added that the institute plans to continue organizing similar initiatives to strengthen scientific learning and research culture at UoS.

Acting Chairman Senate addresses students, faculty at Jinnah University for Women

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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KARACHI, Nov 24 (APP):Acting Chairman Senate, Syedal Khan Nasir, graced a dignified ceremony as the chief guest at the Business Incubation Centre of Jinnah University for Women, where he addressed students, faculty members, and distinguished guests. The university administration warmly welcomed him on his arrival.
In his address, Syedal Khan Nasir said that educated daughters are the greatest strength of any nation. He emphasized that women play a fundamental role in the development of societies, and wherever women have embraced education, progress has naturally followed. He added that the education of a single daughter enlightens an entire generation.
Commending the university’s academic excellence and its significant role in character-building, the Acting Chairman Senate praised the institution for its impactful contributions. He also lauded the educational services of the university’s founder, Maulvi Riazuddin Ahmed Khan, paying rich tribute to his vision and dedication.
Syedal Khan Nasir highlighted that the Senate has taken several important initiatives over the past year for the promotion of women’s education and the protection of their rights. These include enhanced funding for women’s universities, special scholarships for girls from underprivileged areas, legislative measures to increase women’s representation in higher education institutions, and strengthened laws against harassment on campuses.
He further informed the audience that recommendations for the expansion of the “Digital Skills for Girls” program have also been approved, enabling young women to access greater opportunities in modern technology and the IT sector.
Addressing the students, he advised them that determination, hard work, and perseverance are the keys to success. He noted that history is filled with examples of remarkable women who brought transformative change through their courage and vision, and today’s Pakistani daughters possess the same potential to shape a bright future for themselves and the nation.
The Acting Chairman Senate also paid glowing tribute to the teachers, stating that a teacher is like a candle that burns to give light to others. He said that the role of educators resembles the legacy of prophets—building nations through knowledge and character.
He also thanked the university administration for their warm hospitality and prayed that Allah Almighty grants further success to the institution and blesses every student with perseverance and achievement.

CPO Rawalpindi holds open courts to address public grievances

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 24 (APP):City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani on Monday held Khuli Katcheri (open court) sessions at the Civil Lines and Saddar Beruni police stations in line with the Punjab Chief Minister’s vision for improved public service delivery, a spokesman said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Janbaz Afzal, Superintendent of Police (Potohar), Superintendent of Police (Saddar), Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil Lines), Assistant Superintendent of Police (Saddar), Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), station house officers and investigation officers were also present.
A large number of residents, civil society members and lawyers attended the open courts to raise issues related to policing and routine service delivery.
The spokesman said the CPO listened to the citizens’ complaints and issued on-the-spot directions for their resolution. Hamdani instructed officers to treat all visitors with courtesy and ensure prompt handling of their cases.
He said service delivery, merit and the rule of law would be ensured without exception, adding that the protection of citizens’ life and property remained the foremost priority under the Punjab Chief Minister’s instructions.

Gender-Based Violence: NCSW commemorates 16 Days of Activism with launch of new multi-channel complaint mechanism

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
NCSW
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Monday announced the launch of Pakistan’s most advanced Multi-Channel Gender-Based Violence Complaint Management System.
Aligned with this year’s UN theme, “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls,” NCSW underscored its national commitment to strengthening survivor-centered reporting pathways and addressing the alarming rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence across Pakistan.
In partnership with PKCERT, and in response to the rapid surge in digital threats including deepfakes, cyberstalking, extortion, and online harassment, NCSW is also announcing the soft launch of its Misinformation & Disinformation Awareness Campaign along with the Khudi Digital Safety Video Series, designed to equip women and girls with essential online safety skills and digital resilience tools.
Launching these initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism reflects NCSW’s strengthened resolve to: expand safe, confidential, multi-channel complaint access for women and girls; combat misinformation, deepfakes, and digitally enabled abuse; strengthen prevention and early-response mechanisms nationwide and promote digital literacy and protective behaviors for safer online participation
The new complaint system will help provide a survivor-centered reporting framework through an online portal, mobile app, walk-in centers, and upcoming hotline ensuring accessibility for women from all regions and backgrounds.

RJNM roundtable concludes in Islamabad

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Rights & Justice Network for Minorities (RJNM) convened a roundtable meeting today in Islamabad, bringing together 26 Network members from 11 selected districts of Punjab to advance collaborative efforts for the protection and promotion of minority rights in Pakistan.
The meeting served as a platform to  discuss key challenges, and identify opportunities for improving the socio-economic and protection of the rights of religious minorities.
Members shared district-level insights on district level issues of minorities. Participants collectively underscored the need for stronger local coordination, improved engagement with district authorities, and enhanced documentation of rights violations to generate evidence based appropriate policy discourse.
They highlighted the importance of consistent advocacy, capacity building, and active community engagement to address systemic barriers faced by minority groups.
The meeting was chaired by Ihsan Ghani, Former IGP and national coordinator NACTA who emphasized the need for well-researched data on the issues being addressed. He stressed that sustained consistency and proactive engagement with local institutions are essential for effective advocacy.
Shafique Chaudhry, Executive Director of the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), appreciated the efforts of the Rights & Justice Network for Minorities and assured members that PCHR will continue to support RJNM and raise its concerns at the policy level.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation that meaningful progress requires ongoing collaboration between civil society, government institutions, and local communities. Participants agreed that the Network will strengthen play a crucial role in addressing the minorities issues.

SECP approves PSX regulation overhaul for transparency, Shariah-compliance

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved amendments to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Regulations aimed at promoting greater market transparency, strengthening investor protection, and developing a robust Shariah-compliant capital market ecosystem.
The approved changes require PSX to publicly disclose all disciplinary actions taken against listed companies on its website. This will enable investors to make better-informed decisions and enhance overall disclosure to market participants, said a news release here on Monday.
Furthermore, listed companies must now provide Shariah-related disclosures on income, loans, and investments directly to PSX. This will give the exchange access to this information, allowing for accurate and timely Shariah screening for inclusion in the KMI All Share Index, thereby improving the reliability and credibility of Islamic indices.
To further enhance transparency, PSX has been advised to develop and maintain Shariah Indices (KMI Indices) either itself or through an independent third party within 12 months from the date of the amendments.
The amendments also facilitate the offering of Shariah-compliant brokerage services and introduce dedicated Shariah-compliant account opening forms (Customer Relationship Forms and Sahulat Account Opening Forms). This will make it easier for investors to open Islamic trading accounts.
These reforms reflect the SECP’s continued efforts to build a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive capital market that effectively meets the growing investor demand for trustworthy Shariah-compliant investment opportunities in Pakistan.

South exchange at COP30 opens with strong calls for Climate Finance, Equity & Fossil Fuel pledges

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Parliamentarians, policy experts, civil society leaders and private-sector representatives from Asia on Monday voiced deep concern over weak texts, slow negotiations and inadequate climate finance commitments at the South–South Exchange held on the margins of COP30.
Opening the session, Syed Naveed Qamar, Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and former Federal Minister for Finance, warned that Pakistan and other climate-vulnerable countries are facing existential threats due to recurring floods, droughts and rapid glacial melt.
He said that after attending more than 10 COPs, the negotiations continued to deliver the same debate and the same disappointing outcomes. He noted that while Pakistan received pledges after the 2022 floods, actual disbursements remained low, and the country is refrained from launching another appeal after the 2025 floods due to concerns over accumulating debt.
Qamar said Pakistan’s rapid solarization demonstrated people’s willingness to transition to clean energy without external financing. “With proper climate finance, the pace would be far stronger,” he added.
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), said President Lula’s declaration of COP30 as the “COP of truth” had highlighted the widening gap between ambition and delivery. He observed that the summit still lacked clarity on climate finance, fossil fuel phase-out and just transition, adding that many Asian communities “cannot wait while finance stalls and key emitters delay their NDCs.”
He said unresolved issues now placed additional pressure on the Brazilian presidency, which had positioned COP30 as the “COP of Action.”
Ma Jun, Environmental Policy Researcher based in Beijing, China called for retaining earlier transition commitments and strengthening renewable-energy cooperation with developing countries. She cited Pakistan’s distributed solar expansion as a successful model and emphasized improving financial risk assessments and green-bond mobilization.
Representing Germanwatch, Giovani said multilateralism within the UNFCCC system continued to weaken, urging developing countries to strengthen cooperation and pursue practical, trust-building steps.
Private-sector concerns were highlighted by Dr Ayaz, Chairperson of the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), who said EU Green Deal regulations were placing increasing pressure on local industries. He outlined PRGMEA’s initiatives on biochar, renewable energy, biodiesel and partnerships with universities and international agencies.
From Bangladesh, Sharif Jamil, Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, said fossil fuel phase-out commitments without parallel finance risked becoming a trap for developing economies. He said that unpredictable monsoons and cloudbursts could not be addressed through private-sector interventions alone.
Providing a regional perspective, Harjeet Singh, Global Expert at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said the latest draft text released early morning contained no reference to fossil fuels, and its finance section remained extremely weak. He termed the Colombia-led coalition of 80 governments supporting a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap a positive development outside the Paris Agreement.
A representative of the Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy (ACJCE) read a statement urging structural reforms in the UNFCCC process, including transparent negotiations, curbs on fossil-fuel lobbyists and enhanced support for vulnerable groups.

Babur Nawaz secures victory in Haripur as PTI suffers major setback, says Murtaza Javed Abbasi

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
HAVELIAN, Nov 24 (APP):Former Federal Minister and Provincial General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Murtaza Javed Abbasi, on Monday congratulated the people of Haripur for delivering a decisive victory to Babur Nawaz, describing it as a blow to the ruling PTI in the district.
Abbasi said the so-called “dictator family” had been decisively rejected by the conscious and brave voters of Haripur, who made a wise choice at the polls. He added that the humiliating defeat of the PTI leadership would be remembered for a long time.
He noted that the PTI remains the ruling party in the district, with the police under Sohail Afridi and the district administration reporting to PTI.
The Provincial Government had appointed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Deputy Political Officer (DPO), while election staff was assigned by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities. However, he alleged that the rigging attempts were carried out by the Nawaz League, which failed to secure results.
Abbasi said the public, fed up with PTI’s 15-year governance and their sense of unchecked power, played a pivotal role in ensuring Babur Nawaz’s victory.
He extended congratulations to all voters, workers, and leaders of PML-N, stating that their tireless efforts had been rewarded by Allah through this electoral success

Legendary poetess Parveen Shakir remembered on her 73rd birthday anniversary

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):The 73rd birthday of Parveen Shakir, the poetess known for her delicate feelings, fragrances, and the essence of love in Urdu literature, was celebrated with devotion and respect across the country on Monday.
Her words, tone, and unique style of expression breathed new life into Urdu poetry, earning her a special place in the literary world.
Born in Karachi on November 24, 1952, Parveen Shakir began writing poetry at a young age. Alongside her poetic journey, her academic achievements were equally remarkable.
She earned a degree in English literature and linguistics, and later completed her Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.
A particularly notable moment in her career came when, during the CSS exam, one of the questions featured her poetry—a testament to her widespread popularity and literary stature.
Parveen Shakir brought a refreshing, unique voice to Urdu poetry, describing love, feminine emotions, loneliness, fragrance, and the subtle nuances of relationships with such depth that readers were often captivated by the sweetness of her words.
Her acclaimed poetry collections include Khushboo, Sad Barg, Khod Kalami, Ankar, and Mah-e-Tamm.
Her first collection, Khushboo, brought her nationwide fame and earned her the prestigious Adamji Award. Later, the Government of Pakistan honored her with the Pride of Performance Award in recognition of her literary contributions.
Even today, Parveen Shakir’s words continue to resonate in the hearts of her readers, with the fragrance of her poetry still fresh. The poetess of love, fragrance, and emotion has left a timeless legacy.
Shakir’s work is deeply rooted in feminism, romanticism, and the critique of social stigmas. She was one of the first women poets to use the term larki (girl) in her writings, challenging the traditionally male-dominated space of Urdu poetry.
Her poetry reflects the feminine perspective on love, romance, longing, separation, and intimacy, making her an iconic figure in Urdu literature.

FESCO announces Upper Technical Subordinate Staff Course

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
SARGODHA, Nov 24 (APP):The FESCO Human Resource Directorate has announced the launch of the Upper Technical Subordinate Staff Course.
SE FESCO Sargodha Region, Abdar Ahmad Khan, made the announcement on Monday.
The course will run from December 1, 2025, to January 9, 2026, and will involve employees from FESCO’s First, Second, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, GSO, and Construction Circles.
All participants have been instructed to report to the training center before the course start date.
Khan emphasized that the completion of this course will significantly enhance the technical skills of the staff and improve system operations across the region.
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