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Safety First: Go-Arounds Are Standard, Not Alarming: PAA

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has urged media organizations to avoid sensationalizing routine aviation procedures, following a recent go-around maneuver performed by flight SV728 at Islamabad International Airport.
According to the PAA, the go-around , in which an aircraft discontinues its landing approach and circles for another attempt,  was carried out in full accordance with established international aviation protocols. Officials emphasized that the maneuver is a standard, non-emergency procedure performed worldwide to ensure maximum safety during landing.
“Go-arounds are common and executed strictly as a precautionary measure,” the authority stated, noting that misreporting such events can create unwarranted anxiety among passengers and the general public.
The PAA highlighted the crucial role of responsible journalism in shaping public understanding of aviation safety and encouraged media outlets to verify information before reporting.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the authority noted that safety remains its top priority across all airports in Pakistan.

CM, China-Africa & Asia Economic Trade team agree on strategic biotechnology

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah hosted a high-stakes meeting with the China-Africa & Asia Economic Trade Cooperation delegation and representatives from Louyang Modern Biology, proposing extensive bilateral and triangular collaboration in biotechnology, agriculture modernization, and livestock development.
The Chief Minister highlighted Sindh as a “growth-ready province” with vast potential, particularly in its 14 million acres of fertile land and expanding industrial zones.
The meeting held at CM House was attended by Minister of Transport Sharjeel memon, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Minister of Fisheries & Livestock Mohammad Ali Malkani, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Fisheries & Livestock Kazim Jatoi and others.
The Chinese delegation, led by Hao Yuejiao, included senior officials from Louyang Modern Biology – Wang Shanpu, Wang Chuangye, Bai Xue, Yao Shunli, and Zhang Xingwei. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the visitors and reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
Positioned as a growth-ready province: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted Sindh’s vision for industrial modernization, biotechnology development, and agri-value chain expansion. “Sindh today is a growth-ready province, supported by strong institutions, enabling policies, and major infrastructure development,” he told the delegation.
Shah invited Chinese firms to explore high-value investment opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, smart agriculture, and livestock innovation.
The meeting discussed several potential areas of cooperation, including the establishment of biotechnology R&D laboratories in Karachi or Hyderabad. Joint ventures in medicinal plants, organic fertilizers, bio-agriculture, and veterinary health. Transfer of climate-resilient, high-yield crop technologies.
Development of smart farming systems and modern seed research centres. Setting up bio-fertilizer production units across Sindh. The Chief Minister said Sindh’s 14 million acres of fertile agricultural land and expanding industrial zones provide an ideal environment for large-scale Chinese investment.
The China-Africa & Asia Economic Trade Promotion organisation was urged to facilitate export linkages for Sindh’s textile, leather, seafood, rice, and agri-products.
Highlighting investment-ready industrial zones, Chief Minister Murad Shah invited the delegation to explore the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, Khairpur SEZ and Nooriabad industrial area.
The CM assured investors of fast-track facilitation under Sindh’s new One-Stop Investment Desk, along with land allocation, regulatory approvals, and incentives available under federal and provincial SEZ laws.
A major portion of the discussion focused on livestock biotechnology, vaccine production, disease diagnostics, and traceability systems.
The delegation was briefed on the potential of Pakistan’s livestock sector, which contributes 14.97 per cent to national GDP, holds 237 million livestock heads, and produces 72 million tons of milk, with Sindh contributing 23–27 per cent to the national share.
Areas identified for cooperation included livestock tagging and traceability systems under a public-private partnership. Vaccine production and bulk packaging through a joint venture with the Sindh Institute of Animal Health. Advanced disease diagnostic platforms with technology transfer and operationalization of the Sindh Livestock Registration and Trading Authority.
It was agreed that Sindh will form a task group under the provincial Minister for Livestock & Fisheries, Mohammad Ali Malkani, to implement the MoUs signed between Pakistan and China regarding livestock cooperation.
The Chief Minister and visiting delegation agreed signing of the MoU and Joint Venture (JV) agreements with Louyang Modern Biology and the Sindh Institute of Animal Health.
Resolution of operational, logistical, and financial aspects for vaccine manufacturing partnerships, launch of Phase-III investor solicitation for livestock tagging and traceability and formation of a follow-up working group meeting next week to finalize actionable plans were also decided.

DC chairs meeting of District Coordination Committee

By
Asif Jalal
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0
HYDERABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Samad Nizamani, chaired a meeting of District Coordination Committee on the National Action Plan/Apex Committee at Darbar Hall on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed about security of foreign nationals residing in the district, security arrangements for the upcoming Lahooti Mela, measures to curb diesel and petrol smuggling and steps to eliminate encroachments.
Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to accelerate actions and initiatives being carried out under the National Action Plan and Apex Committee directives.
Committee decided that action would be expedited against fuel stations operating without a K-form or lacking proper registration.
The committee also resolved to intensify the ongoing campaign against illegal encroachments across the district. Officials from Customs, Police, Rescue 1122, Anti-Encroachment Force, Special Branch, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant departments attended the meeting.

Two killed, 15 injured in Swabi vehicles’ collision

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Nov 26 (APP): A collision between a passenger bus and coach at Shewa Adda Chowk in SwabiI district on Wednesday resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy and the coach driver on the spot.
Fifteen passengers inside the coach also sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Police said, the coach was traveling from Batkhela to Islamabad. All passengers aboard the coach belonged to the same family.
The injured were given first aid before being shifted to Bacha Khan Medical Complex and Pura Kalu Khan Hospital for further treatment.

Police welfare cheque distribution ceremony held at DIG Shaheed Benazirabad office

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
HYDERABAD, Nov 26 (APP):A police welfare cheque distribution ceremony was held at the office of Deputy Inspector General Police, Shaheed Benazirabad Range.
The event was organized under the directives of DIGP Faisal Bashir Memon.
During the ceremony, SSPs of all three districts under the Shaheed Benazirabad Range distributed police welfare cheques among 102 police personnel.
The distribution included marriage grants for 50 cases, retirement grants for 35 cases, and immediate relief cheques for 17 cases. Accountant Muhammad Bakhsh Rind of SBA Range Office was also present on the occasion.

Jinnah International Airport holds FOD awareness walk to reinforce air-side safety

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Reaffirming its commitment to global aviation safety protocols, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Wednesday led a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness walk, uniting key aviation stakeholders in a proactive effort to maintain a hazard-free air-side environment.
As part of its ongoing drive to promote safe, clean and compliant air-side operations, the initiative aligns with international aviation safety standards and aims to minimize risks posed by foreign objects on runways, taxiways and apron areas.
The Airport Manager, accompanied by senior officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), led the walk from Domestic Arrivals through to International Arrivals.
Representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), multiple airlines, and ground handling service providers also joined the activity.
Participants inspected key movement areas, removing small debris items to demonstrate the shared responsibility required to safeguard aircraft operations.
FOD is a recognized global risk factor, capable of causing serious damage to aircraft engines and systems, making such awareness efforts pivotal for operational reliability.
Commending the collective participation, the Airport Manager reiterated PAA’s commitment to upholding world-class aviation safety standards across Pakistan’s airports. He emphasized that regular awareness activities help cultivate a safety-first culture and ensure continuous compliance with international best practices.

Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):A high-level policy dialogue in Islamabad has outlined an ambitious roadmap for CPEC 2.0 and a stronger Pakistan-China partnership in a rapidly evolving geo-economic landscape.
Hosted by Beaconhouse National University’s Center for Policy Research (BCPR) in collaboration with the Understanding China Forum (UCF), the event brought together senior diplomats, scholars, security experts and policymakers to examine how Pakistan can leverage regional connectivity amid shifting global power dynamics.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
 Dr. Moeed Yusuf, former National Security Advisor and currently Vice Chancellor of BNU, proposed a “China–South Asia + Central Asia” economic framework.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, delivered the keynote, marking the formal launch of “CPEC 2.0.”
Citing completed investments worth US $25.93 billion, over 8,000 MW of power generation and 261,000 jobs, he announced major new industrial ventures, including a US $400 million Haier appliance park and a US $150 million textile park by Challenge Group.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to fast-tracking the Karakoram Highway realignment, developing Gwadar as a connectivity hub, and expanding CPEC cooperation toward Central Asia and the Middle East.
Experts emphasized the need for predictable regulatory frameworks, inclusive economic opportunities, improved productivity, and a shift toward private-sector–driven growth.
Speakers also highlighted challenges ranging from information warfare to modernization and regional security.
Policy dialogue maps vision for CPEC 2.0
Maritime connectivity, the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and community engagement in CPEC projects were identified as critical to future success.
Participants collectively agreed that as Pakistan and China approach 75 years of diplomatic relations, CPEC 2.0 represents a vital opportunity to redefine Pakistan’s role in an emerging multipolar order.

Woman among three people killed in two incidents

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MUZAFFARGARH, Nov 26 (APP):Three people were killed in two separate incidents on Wednesday.
According to a spokesperson,a passenger bus going from Rawalpindi to Kot Addu crashed into a truck on MM Road near Sarai Mohajir.Two people identified as Yasra Bibi and Mohammad Ramzan died on the spot,while several others were injured.
Rescue teams took the bodies and injured passengers to the District Headquarters Hospital(DHQ).
Police said the accident happened because of the over-speeding.
The drivers have been arrested for investigation.
In other incident,Muhammad Faiz(60) died after a fight with two contractors at a cattle market over a token fee.
The contractors allegedly beat him,after which he collapsed and died,reportedly from cardiac arrest.
The suspects fled and Chowk Azam police have registered a case and started searching for them.

KP Govt notifies creation of new District Paharpur

By
Asif Jalal
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0
Dera Ismail Khan , Nov 26 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally established District Paharpur, creating a new administrative unit in the province through the bifurcation of Dera Ismail Khan, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the official notification, the new district consists of Tehsil Paharpur and Tehsil Paniyala, which previously operated as a sub-division of Dera Ismail Khan.
The elevation of the area to district status was approved during the 39th meeting of the provincial cabinet held on October 2, 2025, chaired by then chief minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, and has now been implemented.
The notification also designates Paharpur town as the district headquarters.
Following the announcement, the provincial administration has begun reorganizing the local governance structure. Officials say the creation of District Paharpur is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency, improve public service delivery, and enhance coordination at the grassroots level.
Residents have welcomed the move, noting that the new district will significantly reduce the need for long-distance travel to Dera Ismail Khan city for official matters. They said the previous arrangement imposed financial burdens and time challenges, particularly on low-income and marginalized communities.
The establishment of District Paharpur marks a major administrative development aimed at bringing governance and services closer to local communities.

Lahore records 189 average AQI

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP): The provincial capital recorded an average AQI of 189 on Wednesday evening, after levels surged to around 450 in the early hours.
According to IQAir data, the city’s air quality remained in the “very unhealthy” range, with PM2.5 concentrations measuring 21.7 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline.
The most polluted areas included Allama Iqbal Town, Bedian Road, DHA, Civil Secretariat, Barki Road, Johar Town, AC Office Shalimar Complex, Wagah, AC Saddar/Cantt and Askari 10.
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