Kohat police foil major arms smuggling attempt

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:35 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): In a historic step toward advancing Pakistan’s scientific and technological capabilities, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has announced the launch of the country’s first-ever public-private genomics joint venture.

This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen national research institutions, promote agricultural innovation, and improve healthcare through indigenous genomic research and diagnostics, said a press release on Wednesday.

The venture is a collaboration between the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), PARC–Agro Tech Company (PATCO), under the umbrella of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), and Blazon Diagnostics.

The inauguration ceremony was held at NIGAB, NARC, Islamabad, with a distinguished gathering of national and international experts.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman of PARC, Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum, Chairman of the Pak China Business Forum, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Director General of NARC, Brig. Ali Raza, Commandant SIBGE, Dr. Shaukat Ali, Director of NIGAB, Dr. Taj Naseeb Khan, CEO of PATCO, senior officials, researchers and stakeholders.

A delegation of Chinese researchers also participated in the event, extending their support for the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that this joint venture marks a key milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to ensure food security and strengthen national research institutions.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to transforming Pakistan’s scientific landscape. By developing indigenous genomic capabilities, we are empowering our researchers, farmers, and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for innovation. This venture will not only help us become self-reliant in advanced research and diagnostics but will also contribute to the country’s economic growth by reducing dependence on foreign genomic services,” said Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain.

The venture will provide local DNA sequencing services for both agricultural research and clinical diagnostics, significantly reducing Pakistan’s reliance on foreign services. It is expected to play a critical role in saving foreign exchange while fostering innovation and scientific advancement. This move aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the government’s broader goal of utilizing advanced technologies to improve the lives of citizens and ensure long-term food security.

Minister Hussain further stressed that the success of this initiative would bolster Pakistan’s national research capacity, foster commercialization of modern genomic technologies, and lead to new avenues for biotechnology-driven development. By enabling researchers to conduct groundbreaking studies locally, this collaboration will put Pakistan on the map as a leader in genomic research and biotechnology in the region.

In his remarks, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman of PARC, also praised the initiative, highlighting the role of NIGAB and PATCO in turning this vision into a reality.

He noted that the project would lay the foundation for a new era in Pakistan’s biotechnology sector, benefiting not only agricultural productivity but also public health.

This venture, under the leadership of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, marks a decisive step toward advancing Pakistan’s technological and scientific capabilities. It opens up exciting possibilities for agricultural research, clinical diagnostics, and economic self-sufficiency through the adoption of state-of-the-art genomic technologies.

The launch of this public-private collaboration is a major leap forward for Pakistan’s biotechnology sector, positioning the country to meet future challenges and contribute to the global scientific community with innovative, homegrown solutions.

Commissioner reviews PULSE Project, Dispute Resolution Committees

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:33 PM

SARGODHA, Nov 26 (APP):Commissioner Sargodha Jehanzeb Awan on Wednesday presided over a meeting on the Punjab Urban Land System Enhancement (PULSE) Project and Dispute Resolution Committees.

According to the spokesperson for the Commissioner’s office here, Deputy Commissioners, ADC(R)s, Assistant Commissioners, focal persons of the PLUS Project, and other relevant officers from all four districts of the division attended the session.

The meeting was informed that under the PULSE Project, the targets for scanning and uploading land record files have been fully achieved in Bhakkar, Khushab, and Sargodha.

During the briefing on village digitalization, it was reported that out of a total of 136 villages, 98 have been notified and work on the remaining villages is progressing rapidly.

Officials further briefed that Sargodha Division ranks first across Punjab in performance based on three key parameters.

The Commissioner directed all districts to ensure that their daily targets are strictly met and that field progress remains efficient and timely.

A detailed briefing was also given on proceedings being conducted under the new law governing the Dispute Resolution Committees.

The Commissioner was updated on the number of cases received, hearings held, resolved applications, and adherence to timelines across all four districts.

Commissioner Awan instructed that Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers personally oversee the functioning of these committees and ensure that decisions are made transparently in their presence.

He further directed that each district must hold at least one or two meetings weekly to accelerate action against land grabbers.

Concluding the meeting, the Commissioner emphasized that all targets related to the PULSE Project and Dispute Resolution Committees must be completed on time and with high standards of quality.

Pak–Turk cultural bond celebrated by establishing Yunus Emre Cultural Institute

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:33 PM

FAISALABAD, Nov 26 (APP):An international seminar titled “Academic, Cultural, and Literary Ties between Türkiye and Pakistan,” and the “Wonders of Türkiye” Exhibition, paying tribute to the Pak–Turk Women Freedom Icons who shaped the independence narratives of both nations, and opening Yunus Emre Cultural Institute at Government College Women University, Faisalabad (GCWUF) here on Wednesday.

The Women Development & Mentoring Centre celebrated the enduring cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Türkiye in the seminar.

Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Country Director of Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centres in Pakistan, graced the occasion as chief guest.

In his address, he maintained that the bond between Pakistan and Türkiye is not merely diplomatic but rooted in centuries of shared faith, affection, and sacrifice.

He emphasized on carrying this legacy forward by strengthening cultural harmony, mutual cooperation, and a shared vision for the future.

Speaking at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ameen expressed that the establishment of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre at GCWUF has opened new avenues for academic collaboration, language learning, and intercultural exposure for female students and the faculty.

Talking about women empowerment, she emphasized on creating equal grounds of respect, privilege, and participation, where both women and men contribute meaningfully to national development.

The program featured inauguration of the “Wonders of Türkiye” exhibition, the screening of a documentary on Pak–Turk Women Freedom Icons, cultural performance on sufi poetry, and scholarly context shared by the other guests of honour who drew compelling literary parallels between the women-led independence struggles of both nations. Cultural elements, including the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye and a musical performance by Hafiz Abdullah, added vibrancy to the ceremony.

The event was attended by Dr. Rabia Sarfraz, Dr. Hafiz Aamir Ali, Mr. Semih Duran, and Mr. Eren Miyasoglu as guests of honour and it concluded with a souvenir distribution ceremony.

PBC marks 20 years at 4th edition of dialogue on economy

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:31 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) opened the 4th edition of its two-day ‘Dialogue on the Economy 2025’ at a local hotel in Islamabad.

The event also marks the PBC’s 20th year of impact, a milestone in shaping Pakistan’s business ecosystem and bringing together senior ministers, policymakers, economists, global partners and leading corporate leaders to reflect on the country’s economic direction, said a news release issued here on Wednesday. Pakistan’s economy is at a point where clarity, predictable reforms and stronger institutional collaboration are essential.

Set against this backdrop, the PBC’s two-decade legacy of evidence-based advocacy framed the discussions on competitiveness, investment, policy alignment and the role of responsible business in national progress.

In her keynote address, Dr Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of PBC, underscored the role of productive businesses in driving national progress, while stating, “Pakistan’s economic strength depends on evidence-based policy, stability and long-term reform.” Pakistan’s growth requires predictability, fairness and confidence for business. These principles form the basis of a competitive economy. Sustainable growth needs partnership. Government, business, academia and civil society must work together to achieve shared outcomes, she added.

Along with the notable keynotes of Jameel Ahmad Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ahmed, National Coordinator – SIFC and other notable industry experts, the two-day conference hosted discussions on a variety of essential topics.

The conference covered monetary policy, Pakistan’s geopolitical opening, the fiscal architecture, climate resilience and structural barriers to competitiveness.

Speakers emphasized that Pakistan’s economic future hinges on empowering businesses that can scale, innovate and contribute to job creation and exports.

This aligns with the Council’s wider message to believe in business and to support an environment where responsible companies can grow, compete and help build a more prosperous nation.

Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, noted that Pakistan is standing at a moment where the economic model must be reimagined.

He said the country has real opportunities in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, mining and energy and that stronger engagement with global partners can accelerate the pace of progress. He added that confidence will follow when policy direction is clear and aligned with long term national priorities.

The Dialogue will continue with discussions on taxation, investment, energy transition, trade, mining, privatization, institutional reform and the country’s evolving digital economy. The conversations aim to build alignment across institutions so that Pakistan can unlock its economic potential with clarity and consistency.

As the forum progresses, the PBC reaffirmed its commitment to working with policymakers, businesses and international partners to strengthen economic governance. The Council noted that the principles of clarity, predictability and responsible partnership have shaped its advocacy for the past two decades and will remain central to its work in the years ahead.

As Pakistan enters a new economic cycle, PBC will continue championing dialogue on reforms that strengthen competitiveness and long-term growth.

Iqbal Academy hosts seminar on Tunisian Iqbal studies, launches Dr. Mohamed Al-Arabi Bouazizi’s book

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:31 PM

LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP): The Iqbal Academy Pakistan organised a special seminar titled “Lights of Iqbal Studies in Tunisia” along with the launch of Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Arabi Bouazizi’s book, “Muhammad Iqbal: Fikra al-Dini wal-Falsafi” at the Academy library Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Wednesday.

The event was presided over by Chairman Tameer-i-Nau Trust Balochistan, Brigadier (retd) Abdul Jalil. The guest of honor was Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Arabi Bouazizi, a translator of Iqbal’s Persian poetry from Zaytuna University, Tunisia. Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafique, Director Iqbal Academy Pakistan, delivered the vote of thanks. Other speakers included Professor Dr. Shah Ma’inuddin Hashmi, Chairman of Seerat Studies at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, and Dr. Tahir Hameed Tanoli, Head of the Literature Department. The proceedings were translated by Professor Dr. Shah Junaid Ahmed Hashmi from International Islamic University, Islamabad.

In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Arabi Bouazizi introduced his book and highlighted that Iqbal’s works remain an integral part of the Tunisian curriculum. Students in Tunisia continue to study Asrar-e-Khudi and Javid Nama as academic texts. He described Iqbal as a symbol of self-realization and Islamic revival for the youth of Tunisia.

Professor Dr. Shah Ma’inuddin Hashmi stated that the reception of Iqbal’s thought in Tunisia demonstrates its universal appeal, and his philosophy represents a true reflection of the Prophetic Sunnah.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafique noted that the light of Iqbal studies in Tunisia has been shining since the 1930s, with Zaytuna University playing a key role in introducing Iqbal to the Arab world. The university organises annual conferences to promote Iqbal’s thought, and the papers presented are published and sent to the Iqbal Academy. The Academy has translated these papers into Urdu under the book “Muhammad Iqbal: Al-Istishraq wal-Mustashriqoon”, which will be published soon. An excerpt from the book has already appeared in both Urdu and English in the Academy’s research journal, Iqbal Review.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafique presented honorary shields to all distinguished guests. Following the event, Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Arabi Bouazizi and Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafique visited Iqbal’s Mausoleum, laid a wreath, recited Fatiha, and paid tribute to the Poet of the East.

MMDR highlights role of Advanced Technologies in tackling multiple diseases

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:28 PM

KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):National and international researchers at an international symposium on Wednesday emphasized the growing role of advanced technologies in understanding and treating various diseases.

They noted that modern technological tools have shown remarkable promise in cancer therapy, neurological and ocular treatments, as well as in improving oral drug delivery.

The third day of the 9th International Symposium-cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (MMDR-9) began with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium.

Around 600 scientists, including 42 international participants, are attending the global conference organized by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

In his lecture, Prof. Raza Shah stated that advancements in nanotechnology, polymer engineering, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence now allow researchers to design intelligent drug carriers capable of targeted, controlled, and sustained release.

He highlighted that the shift toward custom-designed drug delivery systems represents a major leap from conventional dosage forms to personalized therapeutic approaches.

Traditional methods, he noted, often face limitations such as low bioavailability and non-specific drug distribution. Modern systems, on the other hand, enhance therapeutic effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve patient compliance. To address ongoing challenges, current research is focused on developing delivery systems tailored to a drug’s properties, the nature of the disease, and individual patient needs.

Dr. G. Rasul Choudhary from the USA stated that the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases poses a major challenge to modern medicine. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease involve the progressive and irreversible loss of nerve cells, chronic inflammation, and deterioration of motor functions. He noted that there is currently no cure for these disorders.

Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen from ICCBS said that her team is exploring the structural diversity and biological activity of natural product peptides to identify potential therapeutic leads. She added that proline-rich cyclic peptides, found in various natural sources, possess unique structural features and diverse biological activities, making them strong candidates for drug development.

Meanwhile, lectures by Andrew M. Hemmings from China, Canadian scientist Walid A. Houry, and several other experts, were also delivered on the third day of MMDR-9.

IHC reserves verdict on petition against Judge Nasir Javed Rana

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:22 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition seeking to stop Judge Nasir Javed Rana from performing judicial duties.

The petitioner’s arguments are complete in light of the Supreme Court’s 2004 observation regarding the sessions judge.

Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar said that “you have been heard, and an order will be passed.”

During hearing the chief justice asked that “why not send the matter to the High Court’s inspection team. Because the matter of the judges of the sessions court is sent to the inspection team, he said.

He remarked that the Supreme Court had given observations in 2004. There is apparently nothing illegal in the notification, which the petitioner has challenged, he added.

The IHC’s CJ said that after what you are saying, the administrative committee of the Lahore High Court had reinstated the judge.

The court asked that petitioner’s lawyer that you have been explained with great courtesy, but if you still have a problem, go to the Lahore High Court.

It may be mentioned here Judge Nasir Javed Rana was the one who decided the case regarding the 190 million pounds against PTI founder.

Pak Qari Rasheed confident to win int’l Qirat competition

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:20 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Pakistani Qari Abdul Rasheed, representing the country in the ongoing International Qirat Competition, has expressed strong confidence in his performance, saying his international experience will play a key role in helping him secure the title.

“I have represented Pakistan and won a number of titles in different countries, which has given me enough confidence to win this competition,” he told APP on Wednesday.

Qari Rasheed said he was selected after a tough internal competition in Pakistan among the country’s top 20 reciters, adding that he is determined to deliver his best performance in the international contest.

Admiring the arrangements, the Pakistani contestant said the event had been organized professionally, with all facilities up to the mark, making participants feel comfortable and well accommodated.

Qirat competition continues on third day

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:16 PM