KMC hands over land to TCF Foundation for construction of a new school in Baldia Town

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:16 PM

KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has handed over a 3,125-square-yard plot to The Citizens Foundation (TCF) for the establishment of a new school in Baldia Town.

A formal MoU signing and handover ceremony was held at the KMC Head Office. Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, along with TCF Chairman Mushtaq Chhapra attended the ceremony, said a statement on Wednesday.

Municipal Commissioner KMC, S.M. Afzal Zaidi (PAS), Financial Advisor KMC Gulzar Abro, Director Land Adnan Zaidi, and other senior officers were also present.

This initiative aims to enhance local infrastructure, promote quality education, and transform previously abandoned public spaces into productive community assets.

The land transfer is part of KMC’s broader commitment to improving Karachi’s social landscape by supporting reputable welfare organizations and enabling them to serve underserved communities.

The establishment of a TCF school in Baldia Town is expected to significantly benefit local families by providing affordable, high-quality education to children who have long lacked access to proper schooling.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab stated that the initiative reflects KMC’s resolve to utilize municipal land for the welfare of citizens, especially in sectors like education that have a lasting impact on society.

“We are committed to the responsible use of Karachi’s resources. Transforming abandoned spaces into centers of learning is an investment in the future of our children and our city,” the Mayor said.

TCF Chairman Mushtaq Chhapra expressed his gratitude to KMC for its trust and partnership, noting that the new school will contribute significantly to the educational uplift of Baldia Town. He reaffirmed TCF’s dedication to providing quality education to underserved communities across the country.

The ceremony concluded with both sides expressing optimism that the project would set a positive precedent for future collaborations aimed at community development.

Measures underway to prevent counterfeit cigarettes: commissioner

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Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:15 PM

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FAISALABAD, Nov 26 (APP):As per the instructions of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the divisional administration has decided to take practical measures to prevent counterfeit cigarettes in the division.

In this regard, the cigarette manufacturers, warehouses’ owners, distributors, and retailers will be brought to book.

The details were discussed in a meeting held by the Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar here on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of all the four districts, officers of FBR and Excise and Taxation Department.

The commissioner stressed the need to appoint focal persons in all four districts and prepare a schedule for training of revenue and excise inspectors regarding the application.

The Commissioner instructed the Deputy Commissioners to compile lists of Patwaris and Inspectors of Excise Department in their districts for launching a crackdown.

He said that after identification, the FBR will take legal action against such elements.

LHC disposes of petitions against Punjab Local Government Act 2022

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Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:14 PM

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LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday disposed of multiple petitions challenging the Punjab Local Government Act 2022, ruling that the pleas have become ineffective following the enforcement of a new local government law in the province.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan heard the petitions filed by Colonel (R) Mubasher Javed and Samiullah.

During proceedings, counsels representing all parties presented their arguments. Dr. Khalid Ranjha appeared on behalf of petitioner Colonel (retd) Mubasher Javed, while Additional Advocate General Rana Shamshad Ahmed represented the Punjab government. Imran Arif Ranjha appeared on behalf of the Election Commission.

The Additional Advocate General informed the court that Punjab has already implemented a new Local Government Act, under which future local body elections will be conducted. He argued that the previous legal framework no longer exists, rendering the petitions irrelevant.

Accepting the government’s position, the court declared that the petitions against the repealed 2022 Act have lost efficacy and subsequently disposed of them.

MNA Sehar emphasizes Pak-UK exchanges, dialogue to strengthen ties, cooperation

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:13 PM

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LONDON, Nov 26 (APP): Member of the National Assembly Sehar Kamran on Wednesday emphasized that the parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and the United Kingdom were vital to reinforce the historic and enduring ties between the two countries.

The parliamentarian, who visited the Palace of Westminster and observed live proceedings of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, viewed that such exchanges also reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

During the visit, Senator Sehar also met Lord Shafiq Mohammed, newly appointed Liberal Democrat Frontbench Spokesperson for Education (UK and International), and Lord Qurban Hussain of Luton and thanked them for their warm hospitality and engaging discussions on educational opportunities for young people, the impactful work of the UK Youth Parliament, and pressing global issues such as water security.

She also interacted with Lord Collins of Highbury, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and witnessed the outstanding contribution of British-Pakistani parliamentarians at the highest levels of UK governance.

“I look forward to building on these meaningful conversations to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people linkages between our two nations,” she remarked.

Sehar Kamran, also the Patron-in-Chief of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), also held a detailed discussion at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London with Senior Fellow for South Asia Antoine Levesques and his team.

The discussion covered key aspects of Pakistan’s strategic outlook, including Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence cooperation and the recently concluded Strategic Military Defence Agreement, security challenges along Pakistan’s western border and the all-weather strategic partnership with China.

She also deliberated on the May 2025 Pakistan-India conflict, escalation dynamics, and implications for regional stability, besides the broader foreign and security policy priorities of Pakistan.

Senator Sehar Kamran thanked Levesques and the IISS for the insightful engagement and warm hospitality, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue between Pakistani policymakers and leading global think tanks.

573 Punjab Police athletes to compete in 35th National Games 2025

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Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:12 PM

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LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP):A contingent of 573 Punjab Police athletes has been finalised to participate in the 35th National Games 2025, with comprehensive arrangements for training, lodging, security, and medical facilities reviewed at a meeting chaired by Director General (DG) Police Sports Board (PSB) Additional IG Imran Arshad at the Central Police Office Lahore.

The meeting was attended by Chief Sports Officer (CSO) Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sheikhupura Athar Ismail Amjad, Superintendent of Police Headquarters Lahore Munazza Karamat, coaches, and other concerned officers.

The DG PSB directed that top-class arrangements be ensured for discipline, code of conduct, travel, food, lodging, and medical support. He added that on the special instructions of IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, all resources are being provided to enhance the performance of police athletes.

CSO RPO Sheikhupura Athar Ismail Amjad said Punjab Police athletes are determined and confident of performing better than last year in the National Games.

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Salem Mohammed Salem Al-Zaabi called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House.

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Wajid

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:11 PM

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APP01-261125Islamabad — APP01-261125 ISLAMABAD: November 26 - Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Salem Mohammed Salem Al-Zaabi called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House. APP/TZD

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Salem Mohammed Salem Al-Zaabi called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House. — APP01-261125
ISLAMABAD: November 26 –

Irrigation Minister orders expediting development work at Budhni Nullah

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Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 6:11 PM

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PESHAWAR, Nov 26 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Irrigation, Riaz Khan, on Wednesday visited the Budhni area here to review ongoing development activities along both sides of the canal, including construction of protective embankments, cleanliness operations, and drainage improvements.

He was accompanied by Secretary Irrigation Muhammad Ayaz, the Chief Engineer, and other senior officials.

During the briefing, officials updated the Minister on the progress of the development works.

Riaz Khan directed the authorities to expedite the strengthening and construction of protective embankments around Budhni Nullah and nearby canal routes to safeguard residents, public property, and essential infrastructure in the event of potential flooding.

He noted that Budhni Nullah passes through one of the busiest and most sensitive areas of Peshawar, where any delay can create serious difficulties for the public.

The Minister stressed that no compromise would be made on timely cleanliness operations, debris removal, enhancement of drainage systems, and reinforcement of protective structures.

Riaz Khan added that, under the special directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, the provincial government is prioritizing public safety, effective drainage, flood mitigation, and the strengthening of critical infrastructure.

He said ensuring transparency, quality, and speed in all development projects remains central to the Chief Minister’s vision.

He instructed the concerned authorities to complete all assigned tasks on a priority basis and in line with the highest standards.

The Minister reaffirmed that citizen safety and public relief are core responsibilities of the government, and all departments under the Chief Minister’s leadership are working through a coordinated strategy.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing projects around Budhni Nullah will be completed soon, providing a safer and improved environment for the public.