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Tree plantation begins around Multan’s disposal stations

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MULTAN, Nov 26 (APP): In a collaborative effort between the divisional administration, the Horticulture Agency, and the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA), a tree-plantation campaign was launched at WASA’s disposal stations to help reduce smog and promote a healthier environment.
The campaign was inaugurated by Commissioner Amir Karim Khan and Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmad Sindhu, who kicked off the initiative by planting saplings at the Qasimpur disposal station. Officials from the Horticulture Agency, including Managing Director Karim Bukhsh, were also present at the launch.
According to a spokesman for the administration, approximately 300 saplings were planted at the Qasimpur disposal station. Commissioner Amir Karim Khan emphasized the importance of plantation efforts in creating a sustainable and healthy environment for the community. He stressed the need for greater awareness and active participation in such initiatives, encouraging institutions not to rely solely on government directives but to take ownership in promoting tree-planting activities across the city.
“Tree planting is vital for improving air quality and curbing smog,” said the Commissioner. “We must expand these efforts, and it is essential for people from all walks of life to join hands in making this initiative a success.”
The Managing Director of the Horticulture Agency, Karim Bukhsh, shared that a detailed strategy had been devised for further plantation drives at other WASA disposal stations. He added that saplings of Jamun, Kachnar, Palak, and Mango would be regularly watered and maintained until they grow into full trees.
Looking ahead, Bukhsh expressed confidence that over 20,000 trees would be planted around various disposal stations in the coming weeks, contributing to the long-term greening of the region.

FBR hails SC’s decision on confiscation of vehicle for transporting smuggle goods

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The Federal Board of Revenue has hailed the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision on confiscation of a vehicle used for transporting smuggled goods.
The Federal Board of Revenue has welcomed the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision on the applicability of SRO 499(I)/2009, as amended through SRO 1619(I)/2024, in a landmark judgment in CPLA No. 3886/2025, Taj Muhammad vs. Collector Customs Enforcement, Peshawar, reaffirming the confiscation of a vehicle used for transporting smuggled goods, said a release issued here on Wednesday.
The ruling significantly strengthens the legal framework available to Pakistan Customs for curbing the misuse of vehicles in smuggling activities.
The judgment provides long-awaited clarity on the enforcement powers of Pakistan Customs and is expected to bolster anti-smuggling operations nationwide.
As a result of the Apex Court’s decision, Customs formations across the country have been cleared to dispose of more than 1,000 seized or confiscated vehicles through public auction.
The auction of these vehicles is projected to generate over Rs. 8 billion, contributing directly to the national exchequer.
This timely and judicious verdict will deter habitual smugglers and facilitate the expeditious disposal of stuck-up vehicles under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The strengthened enforcement mechanism will further ensure improved revenue generation and more effective anti-smuggling operation across the country.

Senior APP journalist Shahzad Saleemi retires

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FAISALABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter of APP Faisalabad Bureau Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi has retired from government service after attaining the age of superannuation.
In this connection, a grand and graceful farewell ceremony was organized in his honor at APP Faisalabad Bureau where the journalistic community paid glowing tribute to his outstanding services.
Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi began his professional journey at APP as a Sub-Editor/Reporter and through hard work, integrity and exceptional professional competence he soon earned a distinct recognition for himself within the organization.
Owing to his abilities, he was entrusted with the important responsibility of serving as Incharge of Urdu News Service at APP Lahore Bureau where he played a pivotal role in promoting quality Urdu journalism, strengthening editorial standards and enhancing the institutional image of APP.
Bureau Chief APP Faisalabad Rana Anjum Aala Rehman presided over the farewell ceremony while Chief Reporter Iftikhar Ahmad, Incharge Urdu News Service Rao Ali Aamir Sultan, Senior Sub-Editors/Reporters Muhammad Iqbal Awan, Abdul Rehman, Mirza Jabir Baig, Sub-Editors/Reporters Asif Ghaffar, Athar Rauf, Shafqat Rasool, Shehbaz Bhutta, Assistant Manager Tariq Mahmood Bandesha, Photographer Tasawar Abbas, Cameraman Muhammad Waseem and other staff members also attended it and bade an emotional farewell to their colleague.
Former Chief Reporter Advocate Syed Kaleem Hayder Saqlain Shah, retired Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter Muhammad Farooq Seemab and retired Computer Operator Rana Muhammad Azam also graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Bureau Chief Rana Anjum Aala Rehman paid tribute to journalistic services of Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi and said that responsible and hardworking journalists like Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi are a beacon of light for the younger generation of reporters and sub-editors and APP will always remember his services with respect and appreciation.
Other speakers also recalled their memorable professional association with Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi and highlighted his honesty, keen eye for news verification, editorial skills and selfless devotion to the institution.
Later, Shahzad Ahmad Saleemi was presented with bouquets and commemorative gifts as a token of love and appreciation.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the APP management, fellow journalists and staff members.

Overseas Pakistanis and Kashmiris’ forum slams Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s hostile statement regarding Sindh

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MIRPUR, Nov 26 (APP): United Kingdom based Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council, Kashmir Forum has strongly reacted to the provocative and irresponsible statement made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Sindh, calling it foolish and dangerous for regional peace.
In a statement reaching and released to the media here on Wednesday. President of the Forum Malik Aamir Kabul said that the Indian Defence Minister seems unfamiliar with history, and his statement about Sindh is diplomatically irresponsible. Expressing his views while speaking to the media yesterday, he said that such statements reflect an “expansionist Hindu nationalist mentality” that attempts to challenge established facts.
He added that this is a clear violation of international law, the sanctity of recognized borders, and the sovereignty of states. He stated that it would be far more constructive for the Indian government to focus on ensuring the safety of its own citizens, especially vulnerable minority communities. The Indian government must hold accountable those who incite or commit violence against minorities and must also eliminate discriminatory practices rooted in religious prejudice and historical distortion.
He urged the international community to take immediate notice of India’s aggressive behavior and its attempts to sabotage regional peace. He added that Pakistan is a responsible country, but India’s provocations could increase tensions in the region, and the consequences of this could be faced by the entire world.

Strong International Engagement Marks Day two of Pakistan’s Premier Agro-Food Exhibition

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KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP): The second day of the 3rd FoodAg 2025, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, maintained its strong momentum at the Expo Centre Karachi, attracting exceptional international attention in Pakistani agro and food products.
 This year, 372 Pakistani exporters are showcasing over 23 agro-food sectors, while more than 850 international buyers from 80 countries, including major global brands, are attending the exhibition. FoodAg 2025 continues to position Pakistan as a rapidly emerging hub for quality agro-based exports.
On the second day, Chief Executive TDAP Faiz Ahmad and Secretary TDAP Sheryar Taj held extensive meetings with delegations from Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, deepening trade collaboration and exploring new opportunities for sectoral cooperation.
In two days 4600 plus B2B meetings locking business deals worth USD 615 million have been held across key agro food sectors, including rice, processed food, seafood, confectionery, meat, cereals, and oil-seeds.
Pakistani and Chinese companies concluded substantial export contracts in the seafood sector, marking another milestone in bilateral trade.
The event also engaged agro-food experts in intellectual dialogue to find ways of Pakistani products in all countries achieving SPS requirements.
Regulatory authorities, including the Department of Plant Protection, Animal Quarantine Department, Ministry of National Food Security, Marine Fisheries Department, Pakistan Halal Authority, and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, conducted seven sessions addressing SPS and quarantine matters, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to global safety standards and enhancing buyer confidence.
TDAP organized four informative and interactive sessions that drew strong participation from exporters and industry professionals.
 The sessions covered a range of topics critical to enhancing Pakistan’s agro-food exports, including opportunities in the olive value chain, featuring experts from the International Olive Council and CIHEAM Bari, and optimizing the meat supply chain for Malaysia, addressed by JAKIM Malaysia.
Other sessions focused on addressing logistics challenges and exploring export credit facilities, led by NLC COO Brig. Nasir Zia and EXIM Bank President Shahbaz Syed, while a dedicated panel discussed improving export competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture by integrating logistics and export credit support, with insights from the Marine Fisheries Department and Pakistan Single Window.
In a significant boost to Pakistan’s export economy, a series of MOUs and export contracts have been successfully secured with international partners across the globe.
This wave of agreements encompasses a diverse range of products, including sesame, rice, meat, bakery items, salt, corn, and various other food and agricultural goods.
Key markets have been established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Iran, and South Korea, marking a strategic expansion into both traditional and new territories.
 A landmark MOU for the export of heat-treated meat to China represents a particularly substantial opportunity. Collectively, these deals underscore the growing international demand for Pakistani agricultural produce and food products, paving the way for enhanced trade relations and significant foreign exchange earnings for the country.
The FPCCI facilitated critical negotiations between Pakistani exporters and global partners, while trade associations engaged with delegations from Scotland, Vietnam, Italy, the UK, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, focusing on bilateral trade enhancement, barrier resolution, new market identification, and long-term commercial cooperation. Delegations from Mauritius, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, and Malaysia met with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and Malaysia also met with the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).
TDAP facilitated visits for international delegations, including a Turkish delegation to FPCCI House, an Australian delegation to Hilal Industries, an eight-member Mauritius delegation meeting TCP , and a 10-member Turkish delegation led by Ms. Aylin from the Consulate General of Türkiye visiting  Supermarket to assess opportunities for Pakistani products.
The Global Cuisine Show remained a highlight, showcasing how Pakistani ingredients integrate into international cuisines.
Renowned chefs, including Michelin-recognized professionals, conducted live demonstrations using Pakistani basmati rice, mangoes, Himalayan pink salt, spices, seafood, and premium meats, representing French, Italian, Turkish, Thai, Brazilian, Mexican, Azerbaijani, Georgian, and Southeast Asian culinary styles. International content creators amplified Pakistan’s culinary presence, projecting its agro-food strengths to global digital audiences.
With expanded international participation, dynamic B2B engagements, regulatory alignment, and world-class culinary showcases, FoodAg 2025 continues to strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global food value chain.
The three-day exhibition underscores Pakistan’s commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive agro-food sector, establishing the country as a credible partner in global food security and international trade.

Kundi hosts first-ever Governor KP Sports Awards

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PESHAWAR, Nov 26 (APP):The first-ever Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Awards, initiated by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, was held on Wednesday at the Governor House Peshawar.
The ceremony brought together outstanding athletes from across the province, their families, sponsors, and notable guests including Iranian Consul General Ali Banafsha Khwah and President of the Industrialists Association Ayub Zakori.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi distributed awards among young male and female athletes who excelled at local, national, and international levels in various sports. Sports journalists and coaches were also honored with awards and souvenirs for their contributions.
Renowned athletes such as Atlas Khan, Mohibullah Khan, Bilal Marwat, and Salma Faiz received Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their distinguished careers. Award recipients and their parents expressed gratitude to the Governor for encouraging youth and promoting sports culture across the province.
During the ceremony, Governor Kundi also inaugurated the Adopt A Player application aimed at supporting talented athletes facing financial challenges.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor congratulated athletes, coaches, and parents, saying that the province’s promising youth were showcasing a positive image of Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa worldwide.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully support emerging talent and revive sports activities across the province.
Kundi added that the Governor House would continue to guide and assist skilled athletes at every level and appreciated the business community for stepping forward to sponsor youth initiatives.
He emphasized that nurturing young talent was essential for the country’s bright future and pledged continued efforts to promote a vibrant sports culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

ACP Karachi and Film South Asia Sign MoU During World Culture Festival 2025

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KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):On the 27th day of the 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025” organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and the “Travelling Film Festival “on Wednesday.
The MoU was signed by Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah and Film South Asia Chairman Kanak Mani Dixit.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, said that through print, electronic, and digital media, the World Culture festival is reaching audiences across the world. “You are meeting artists from many countries; even the Nepali ambassador has visited. Nepal and Pakistan share a close friendship. Nepali films, singers, and artists have participated in this festival,” he said.
He added that “We received 3,350 film submissions for the World Culture Festival, from which we selected 100 award-winning international films. Now that we have signed the official MoU, the Travelling Film Festival which is held around the world, will also take place in Pakistan. Nepali artists come here, and our artists will also visit Nepal.”
Film South Asia Chairman Kanak Mani Dixit, while expressing his views, said: “Film South Asia organizes film festivals worldwide by bringing together films from across the globe. Documentary films play an essential role. I am very pleased to sign a MoU with the Arts Council.
This partnership aims to create new opportunities for young filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Pakistan, particularly students of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Dixit said.  Through this collaboration, students will gain access to international-standard film training, workshops, and programs. Various fellowships offered by Film South Asia will also be available to Arts Council students, enabling them to benefit from global film development initiatives, he added.

Federal Minister for Planning Development Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Visiting Gilgit Cardiac Hospital.

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APP49-261125 GILGIT: November 26 - Federal Minister for Planning Development Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Visiting Gilgit Cardiac Hospital. APP/IQJ/ABB
Federal Minister for Planning Development Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Visiting Gilgit Cardiac Hospital.
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GILGIT: November 26 –
Federal Minister for Planning Development Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Visiting Gilgit Cardiac Hospital.
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GILGIT: November 26 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurating the new Engineering Faculty at Karakoram International University. APP/IQJ/ABB

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

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APP46-261125 MANAMA-BAHRAIN: November 26 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa. APP/IQJ/ABB
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
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MANAMA-BAHRAIN: November 26 –

The King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa confers the Order of Bahrain (First Class) upon Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

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APP48-261125 MANAMA-BAHRAIN: November 26 - The King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa confers the Order of Bahrain (First Class) upon Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. APP/IQJ/ABB
The King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa confers the Order of Bahrain (First Class) upon Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
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MANAMA-BAHRAIN: November 26 –