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SAPM Haroon calls for fast-tracking MoUs with Uzbekistan

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday called for fast-tracking the implementation of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements reached between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
He said while chairing a high-level meeting attended by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, Pakistan’s Commercial Attaché in Tashkent Zaheer Abbas, and the President and delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), said a news release.
SAPM Haroon said that Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations are growing rapidly across multiple sectors. He said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Pakistan is strengthening ties with Central Asian states.
He added that the new National Industrial Policy and regulatory reforms aim to restore investor confidence. “Tourism holds tremendous potential, and Pakistan intends to deepen collaboration with Uzbekistan in this sector,” he said.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan also appreciated the RCCI for effectively leading delegations from various sectors.
He instructed all stakeholders to ensure prompt follow-up on MoUs and agreements reached during the visit.
“These agreements and joint initiatives must be operationalized to further strengthen bilateral cooperation,” he emphasized.
Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev appreciated the delegation’s visit and the growing interest in expanding economic ties.
The RCCI delegation briefed SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan on its recent 150-member business visit to Uzbekistan. The delegation included representatives from health, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and the construction sector.
RCCI President said that the key objective of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He shared that the delegation visited the Uzbek Pharma Park, Excellence Center, ICT Center, Technical University, and Business Center, expressing satisfaction over the facilities provided there.
The RCCI delegation noted that the Uzbek Pharma Park offers exemptions on land, property, and water taxes, in addition to zero customs duty on construction materials. “Pakistan should also establish similar pharma parks,” the RCCI President emphasized.
RCCI also highlighted the need to expand preferential trade agreements between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, terming it essential for deepened economic engagement.
Multiple opportunities exist for cooperation in sectors including tourism and defence, the RCCI observed. The Chamber appreciated SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan’s interest and support for the delegation’s Uzbekistan visit.

ANF seizes over 655 kg of narcotics worth Rs 68.6 mln in nationwide operations

By
Samina Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 27 (APP):The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has seized more than 655 kilograms of drugs valued at Rs 68.6 million and arrested seven suspected traffickers in nine operations carried out across the country, an ANF Headquarters spokesman said on Thursday.
He said 7 kg of hashish was recovered from a motorcyclist near Yaro Railway Crossing in Pishin, adding that the suspect confessed to supplying narcotics to students of educational institutions.
In another action, 6 grams of cocaine were recovered from a parcel sent from the Netherlands at a courier office in Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi.
The spokesman said ANF teams also seized 14 kg of hashish from a motorcyclist near a hotel in Yaro Sector, Pishin, and another 14 kg from a rider near the Eastern Bypass in Quetta.
In Hyderabad, 12 kg of hashish was recovered from a vehicle on the National Highway, and the accused was taken into custody.
He added that 1.8 kg of ice and 800 grams of opium were found in possession of a man and a woman travelling in a vehicle near Bella Road in Sector G-10, Islamabad, while 7.2 kg of hashish was seized from an accused near Mandi Mor in Islamabad.
In Karaiz, District Chaman, ANF recovered 100 kg of ice, and in a major raid in Khalilabad, Satellite Town, Turbat (District Kech), the force seized 499 kg of hashish.
Cases have been registered against all arrested suspects under the Narcotics Control Act, and further investigations are underway, the spokesman said.

KP CM strongly condemns Hangu terrorists attack

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Nov 27 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack on a police checkpoint in Hangu where three policemen were martyred.
The Chief Minister said that terrorists have no religion, and such cowardly attacks can never weaken our resolve and determination in fight against terrorism.
Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, the Chief Minister said that the martyrs are the pride of the nation, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience for their families, saying that the provincial government stands firmly with the families of the martyrs in every difficult moment.
Sohail Afridi reaffirmed his commitment that the war against terrorism will continue with even stronger resolve, and all resources will be utilized to establish peace.
 He said that the attack by the enemies of peace is highly condemnable, and terrorists are the common enemy of both Pakistan and its people.
CM added that terrorists want to disrupt the peace of the province, but their designs will never be allowed to succeed.
Chief Minister said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police is bravely confronting terrorists, and the sacrifices of the police martyrs will not go in vain.

CCP, DRAP sign MoU to strengthen cooperation

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to enhance cooperation and strengthen oversight of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods market through improved data and information sharing.
The MoU was inked by Salman Amin, Member CCP, and Dr. Obaidullah, Chief Executive Officer DRAP. The ceremony held at CCP’s head office was witnessed by Member CCP Saeed Ahmed Nawaz, Aamar Latif, Director Legal Affairs DRAP, and senior officials from both organizations,said a release issued here on Thursday.
The MoU establishes a framework for closer coordination. Both institutions will share information, support joint enforcement, and strengthen monitoring of deceptive marketing practices, unfair competition, and misleading claims in the therapeutic goods and Over-the-Counter (OTC) categories.
The agreement also covers digital data exchange, capacity building, and collaboration in research and policy analysis.
Speaking at the ceremony, Member CCP Salman Amin said the partnership will ensure fair market practices which help economy and protect consumers.
This collaboration is more imminent when online advertising and e-commerce have increased the risk of deceptive practices.
He said that the pharmaceutical sector has a direct impact on public at large and both institutions have to work together to ensure transparency and fair competition.
DRAP CEO Dr. Obaidullah said federal regulatory bodies operate under defined mandates but share common goals in certain domains. He noted that price deregulation and supply challenges require coordinated oversight.
 He added that harmonization and collaboration between institutions improve regulatory outcomes and help maintain availability and fair pricing of essential medicines.
The CCP and DRAP affirmed their commitment to implement the MoU through practical, joint actions that support consumer welfare and strengthen Pakistan’s health-related markets.

Arab information ministers endorse Sheikha Fatima’s initiative to expand ‘Arab Child Media Award’

By
NNPS Desk
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CAIRO, Nov 27 (WAM/APP): Arab Information Ministers have endorsed the initiative of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak- the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF)- to expand the regional scope of the ‘Arab Child Media Award’. This endorsement highlights the award’s profound social, educational, and developmental significance.

Led by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the UAE Media Council, the initiative aims to foster the production of creative media content that addresses the needs and issues of Arab children.

This was outlined in the resolutions and recommendations adopted at the conclusion of the 55th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States, with the participation of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. The meeting was chaired by the Syrian Arab Republic and attended by ministers, heads of delegations from Arab states, as well as media organisations and bodies with observer status at the Council.

Consistent with the Council’s commitment to addressing key media themes—particularly the welfare of children in the region—the ministers approved the adoption of the Arab Child Media Award. Based on an initiative by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, this effort will be coordinated with the League of Arab States (Media and Communication & Social Affairs Sectors) to expand the award’s reach across the Arab world.

In a statement following the meeting, the Council welcomed the UAE’s initiative to launch the ‘Media Engineering in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ programme. Additionally, the Arab Electronic Media Committee was tasked with drafting a model law to regulate digital media.

The Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause across all political, humanitarian, and legal dimensions, placing special emphasis on the issue of occupied Jerusalem.

They urged Arab media outlets to maintain coverage of current developments amid ongoing Israeli breaches of the truce in the Gaza Strip and serious violations in the West Bank, condemning the targeting of Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces, in clear violation of international and humanitarian law.

Speech competition on ‘Anti-Narcotics, Social Media’ impacts held at UoS

By
Samina Ch
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0
SARGODHA, Nov 27 (APP):A speech competition on anti-narcotics awareness and the negative impacts of social media was organized by The Educators Police Public High School on Thursday at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Sargodha (UoS).
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sargodha, Muhammad Shehzad Asif Khan, and Vice Chancellor UoS, Dr. Qaisar Abbas, graced the event as chief guests. Other distinguished attendees included SP RIB Azhar Yaqoob, SP Investigation Javed Akhtar Jatoi, ADIG Muhammad Tariq Malik, and DSP Special Branch Javed Iqbal.
The competition aimed to promote co-curricular engagement and bring forward the hidden talents of students. Thirty students from various schools participated, and the panel of judges comprised Dr. Rabia Faiz, Dr. Sumaira Ijaz, Muhammad Muneer, and Ilyas Gondal.
Participants competed under two themes: “Say No to Drugs, Love Life” and “Running after Likes, Turning away from Books.”
In the anti-narcotics category, Umm-e-Ammara of The Educators Police Public High School secured first place, followed by Zarmina Nisar of Muslim Hands School of Excellence in second, and Fajar Hassan in third.
In the category focused on social media usage, Hajra Mukhtar from Beaconhouse School System clinched first place. Muhammad Arslan of The Educators Police Public High School earned second place, while Eshal Hoorain from Reader Cambridge School secured third.
Cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000, and Rs 15,000 were awarded to the first, second, and third position holders, respectively, along with shields. Later, honorary shields were also presented to teachers and school administration for their exemplary arrangements.

Commissioner inaugurates ‘Deewar-e-Khair’ project

By
Samina Ch
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0
MULTAN, Nov 27 (APP):Commissioner Amir Karim Khan on Thursday inaugurated Deewar-e-Khair (Welfare Wall), a project aimed at providing free warm clothes, blankets, and shoes to destitute individuals. The initiative, launched as a joint venture between the Bait-ul-Maal and Social Welfare Departments, commenced at Sanat Zar.
On the opening day, Commissioner Amir Karim Khan distributed warm clothes, jackets, and shoes among the deserving members of society. Director of the Social Welfare Department, Um-e-Farwa, was also present on the occasion.
The Commissioner stated that the distribution of warm outfits would continue throughout the winter season. He noted that the initiative would particularly benefit daily-wage labourers, enabling them to save their hard-earned money by obtaining essential items free of cost.
He also praised philanthropists for their valuable support in sustaining the project, adding that the effort has not only been appreciated by its beneficiaries but has also received widespread acclaim across the city.

China train collision leaves 11 dead, two injured

By
NNPS Desk
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0

BEIJING, Nov 27 (WAM/APP): Eleven people died in a train crash in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan on Thursday,

According to Kunming Railway Station, the collision, which involved a group of railway workers, also injured two others.

The incident occurred when the train, which was testing seismic equipment, struck the workers, who had entered the track at a curved section inside the Luoyang Town Railway Station in the city of Kunming.

NASA rover detects electrical discharges ‘mini-lightning’ on Mars

By
NNPS Desk
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0

WASHINGTON, Nov 27 (WAM/APP): NASA’s Perseverance rover has obtained evidence that the atmosphere of Mars is electrically active, detecting electrical discharges – what one scientist called “mini-lightning” – often associated with whirlwinds called dust devils that regularly saunter over the planet’s surface.

The six-wheeled rover, exploring Mars since 2021 at a locale called Jezero Crater in its northern hemisphere, picked up these electrical discharges in audio and electromagnetic recordings made by its SuperCam remote-sensing instrument, researchers said.

It is the first documentation of electrical activity in the thin Martian atmosphere.

“These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration,” said planetary scientist Baptiste Chide of the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology in France, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

“The electrical charges required for these discharges are likely to influence dust transport on Mars, a process fundamental to the planet’s climate and one that remains poorly understood. What’s more, these electrostatic discharges could pose a risk to the electronic equipment of current robotic missions – and even a hazard for astronauts who one day will explore the Red Planet,” Chide said.

Mars joins Earth, Saturn and Jupiter as planets known to have atmospheric electrical activity. Though not yet documented, other worlds in our solar system also may have this feature including the planets Venus and Uranus and Saturn’s moon Titan, according to the researchers.

UAE announces approval of National Encryption Policy, issuance of executive regulation

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ABU DHABI, Nov 27 (WAM/APP): The United Arab Emirates announced the approval of the National Encryption Policy and the issuance of its executive regulation, which calls on government entities to develop clear, well-defined, and officially approved transition plans from traditional encryption methods to post-quantum cryptography.

The step aims to support a safer and more technologically prepared future amid the rapid advancements in quantum computing.

This milestone reflects the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to build a secure and modern digital infrastructure, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to keeping pace with major technological transformations and anticipating future developments. It also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

According to this policy, the UAE Cybersecurity Council will continue to oversee the national migration efforts, working closely with government bodies to ensure the successful implementation of post-quantum encryption standards.

The council aims to reinforce data protection and safeguard digital assets in accordance with the highest international best practices.

Under its forward-looking leadership, the UAE, through the Cybersecurity Council, is formulating comprehensive national strategies for post-quantum encryption, enhancing the country’s readiness to confront emerging challenges and align with global advancements in this field.

The UAE is now considered one of the leading nations worldwide in adopting and transitioning toward post-quantum encryption, driven by its proactive approach, sustained investment in advanced technologies, and commitment to building a secure and sustainable digital ecosystem.

The UAE Cybersecurity Council is responsible for strengthening national information security, protecting data from unauthorised access, and proposing legislation, policies, and regulations related to encryption. It also sets forth procedures and standards to ensure proper implementation, with recommendations submitted to the National Security Advisor for approval.

Furthermore, the council proposes mechanisms to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computing to sensitive systems with weak cryptographic components and prepares plans for the migration of these systems. It will conduct technical and analytical assessments to support government and private entities in evaluating the readiness and integrity of digital systems prior to wide-scale adoption and deployment.

These assessments also include evaluating the efficiency, quality, and preparedness of AI systems, applications, software, hardware, and technical components to ensure compliance with national and international standards. This enables both government and private institutions to obtain technical accreditation and validate their solutions with confidence.

The council’s services are structured around four main testing and verification pillars: AI reliability testing, software reliability testing, hardware reliability testing, and signal reliability testing.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE government, stated that the approval of the National Encryption Policy and its executive regulation represents a major advancement in the national cybersecurity framework. He emphasised that this achievement reflects the leadership’s commitment to strengthening the UAE’s status as a trusted global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

He added that encryption and information security have become critical challenges for countries, institutions, and communities in the era of comprehensive digital transformation, highlighting the increasing reliance on secure and resilient digital infrastructure.

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