ISLAMABAD: November 27 –
ISLAMABAD: November 27 – Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon exchanging views with Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan H.E. Abdulaziz Issa at Prime Minister’s Office. APP/SAK/MAF/TZD
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon shakes hand with Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan H.E. Abdulaziz Issa at Prime Minister’s Office.
ISLAMABAD: November 27 –
ISLAMABAD: November 27 – Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon exchanging views with Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan H.E. Abdulaziz Issa at Prime Minister’s Office. APP/SAK/MAF/TZD
Mother of PM’s coordinator Ikhtair Wali passes away
PESHAWAR, Nov 27 (APP):The mother of Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs, Ikhtair Wali Khan was passed away on Thursday, family sources said.
The funeral prayer of the deceased will be offered at 8:00p.m. today at Nokhar House, Kabul River, Nowshera.
Wajid Ali Khan, PMLN Swat leader and former Minister for Environment and Forest expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise and expressed sympathy with members of the bereaved family.
He prayed for eternal peace of the deceased and highest ranks in Janatul Firdus.
Pakistan ranks high in diabetes prevalence, urgent action needed: Experts
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), in collaboration with the Islamabad Founder Lions Club on Thursday organized an impactful awareness session in connection with World Diabetes.
The session drew significant participation from members of the business community, educationists, medical professionals, and universities students, reflecting the importance of addressing diabetes as a growing national health concern.
A distinguished panel comprising Dr. Shagufta Feroz, Dr. Arif Masood, District Governor, Lions Club International, Dr. Zubair Hassan, Dr. Munira Abbasi, Professor Dr. Tahira Sadiq, and Yasir Akbar Niazi briefed the audience on the alarming rise of diabetes in Pakistan.
They highlighted that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), nearly one in three adults in Pakistan is currently affected by diabetes, making the country the world’s highest in adult prevalence of the disease.
The experts emphasized the need for preventive measures, stressing reduced intake of junk food and sugary drinks, timely screening, and the adoption of a balanced and active lifestyle as key steps to combating the silent killer.
Addressing the gathering, Acting President ICCI Tahir Ayub lauded the session as one of the most informative and meaningful events conducted at ICCI.
He praised the panelists for their valuable insights and announced that ICCI plans to organize a full-day session on the subject due to its immense relevance in daily life.
He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to continuing such awareness initiatives for the betterment of the community.
District Governor Dr. Arif Masood highlighted the Lions Club’s ongoing efforts, initiatives, and achievements in creating diabetes awareness and supporting related healthcare activities.
Professor Dr. Tahira Sadiq skillfully moderated the panel discussion, ensuring an engaging flow of dialogue through well-timed questions and insights.
Naveed Malik, former Senior Vice President ICCI, effectively conducted the proceedings as the master of ceremony.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the attendees and stated that ICCI takes pride in hosting sessions that contribute to public welfare and awareness.
UoS delegation participates in HEC distance learning capacity-building workshop
SARGODHA, Nov 27 (APP):A delegation from the University of Sargodha (UoS) participated in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Capacity-Building Workshop organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan
in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
According to the spokesperson for UoS here on Thursday, he five-day training workshop brought together representatives from universities across Pakistan to build institutional capacity
for modern distance education.
The UoS was represented by Muhammad Aamir Khan (Deputy Director IT), Dr Muhammad Sameer Raza (Associate Professor), Dr Sultan Shuja (Assistant Professor), and Rehmatullah (Deputy Director QEC).
The core objective of the workshop was to equip higher education institutions with the skills required for the effective implementation of HEC’s ODL Policy 2024.
Key training components included e-learning frameworks, instructional design, digital course development, preparation of modern teaching materials, online assessments, quality assurance mechanisms, and ICT integration. .
Participants were also briefed on international standards of ODL models, monitoring mechanisms, and best practices adopted globally.
The training will significantly enhance the institution’s technical and administrative capacity and support the effective launch of the forthcoming Open and Distance Learning Model at University of Sargodha.
Representatives from participating universities termed the HEC initiative an important step toward strengthening digital learning and advancing distance education across the country.
Experts urge Pakistan to declare climate change a National Health Emergency, call for SRM integration to protect million
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Climate and public health experts on Thursday urged the government to immediately declare climate change a national health emergency, warning that Pakistan’s escalating vulnerability demands bold, science-backed responses—including exploring Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) as a potential tool to safeguard lives, biodiversity and future generations.
A cohort of researchers, health officials and policy specialists at a two-day national consultation hosted by COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) has called for urgent recognition of climate change as a full-blown public health emergency, citing surging climate-linked diseases and the country’s exposure to extreme weather. The workshop, held on November 26–27, examined how Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) could complement adaptation strategies in a region facing “galloping climate vulnerability.”
Organized in collaboration with the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering (DSG) and the Directorate of Malaria Control, and supported by the UK-based Degrees Initiative, the forum brought together policymakers, climatologists, malaria specialists and governance experts to assess Pakistan’s readiness to confront the health fallout of climate disruption.
Speakers warned that Pakistan’s public health systems remain dangerously unprepared for the accelerating impacts of climate change—including spikes in malaria transmission, heat stress, and emerging vector-borne diseases. They argued that the country can no longer afford to treat climate and health as separate policy spheres.
Participants stressed that Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-exposed nations, must expand its scientific and regulatory capacity before considering SRM at any operational scale.
However, they agreed that responsible research, public deliberation and policy preparedness on SRM are essential, given its potential to reduce extreme temperatures and lessen health risks for millions.
Experts also flagged critical gaps in Pakistan’s climate governance architecture, noting that current policies overlook SRM’s scientific, ethical and social dimensions.
They called for broader cross-sector engagement, transparent public communication, and inclusive deliberations to ensure that any future climate intervention does not deepen inequalities or trigger unintended consequences.
CUI’s research team—already recognized for its work on SRM modelling in the Global South—highlighted the need for coherent policy frameworks that integrate climate science, public health priorities and socio-political considerations.
Stakeholders agreed that strengthened institutional capacity, updated risk assessments, and sustained collaboration are vital for crafting socially just and ethically grounded climate policies.
The consultation concluded with a strong consensus: Pakistan must rethink its climate-health governance urgently, invest in research and preparedness on emerging tools like SRM, and anchor all interventions in justice-based, community-driven approaches to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems under growing climate stress.
Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The Rupee on Thursday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 281.55 compared to the previous day’s closing of Rs 280.56.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.5 and Rs 281.6, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by 31 paisa to close at Rs 325.11, from the previous day’s close of Rs 324.80, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen remained unchanged and closed at Rs 1.79, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs1.25 and closed at Rs 371.14 compared to the previous day’s Rs 369.89.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 01 paisa each to close at Rs 76.38 and Rs 74.79, respectively.
SSP Operations Qazi inspects security at multiple checkpoints in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Qazi Ali Raza, inspected several police checkpoints across the federal capital to review security arrangements and evaluate the performance of duty officers.
An official told APP on Thursday that SSP Qazi Ali Raza visited various nakas, met officers and personnel deployed on duty, and assessed the measures taken to monitor criminal activity and maintain public safety.
SSP Qazi directed all officers to remain fully alert at all times and keep strict surveillance on suspects and criminal elements.
He instructed staff to further tighten security, ensure effective checking of suspicious vehicles and motorcycles, and take legal action against unregistered ones.
He added that additional police personnel and mobile units have been deployed to strengthen patrolling and enhance response capability.
Thorough checking of suspicious persons and vehicles has also been ordered, and any illegal activity will trigger immediate legal action, he said.
SSP Qazi as saying that strict measures will be taken against those attempting to disturb peace and security in the city. He further directed officers to deal politely with citizens during checking and prioritise public convenience.
He said protecting the lives and property of citizens is the foremost priority of Islamabad Police, urging the public to cooperate with police at checkpoints to help maintain peace and security in the federal capital.
Wafaqi Mohtasib takes notice of a large number of complaints against FGEHA
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Taking notice of a large number of complaints of the allotees, Wafaqi Mohtasib, Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi deputed an inspection team to ascertain public grievances against the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). Headed by the Senior Advisor, WMS, Ahmad Farooq, the inspection team interacted with the complainants to obtain firsthand knowledge of their problems.
People visiting the Authority’s office complained of inordinate delays in completion of the various residential projects, mismanagement and costs run over.
They complained that even after depositing millions of rupees, people have to wait for decades to get allotment of plots.
The Inspection Team directed that immediate measures be undertaken to address the persistent issue of delays, said a press release.
The team instructed the Authority to give timeline of completion of all residential projects being executed by it and to upload the progress report on its website every month. It further instructed the Authority that the survivors of the deceased allottees of Sectors F-14 and F-15 be given a grace period of 03 months to deposit the next installment of dues.
Later, the Director General, FGEHA, in a briefing assured the team that the unsuccessful allottees of Sectors F-14 and F-15 would be accommodated in other sectors. The Inspection Team was further informed that work will commence on all residential projects from March 2026 and the allottees of Green Enclave-II would be given possession of their plots latest by December 2027. It was also informed that 70 percent work on the Lifestyle Apartments in Sector G-13 has been completed and the Authority’s Board has approved the proposal to give relaxation in the price after selling the commercial plots and efforts are underway to complete the remaining work on the apartments by March 2026.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan collaborate on MoU for formalizing regional maritime cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Pakistan and Saudi Arabia explored renewed efforts to deepen maritime cooperation and enhance regional connectivity during a meeting at the International Maritime Organization Assembly in London.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Saudi Minister of Transport Saleh Al Jasser led the discussions, focusing on strengthening collaboration in shipping, port development, and maritime training.
The two sides reviewed current partnerships and identified new opportunities for private sector involvement, especially aligned with Pakistan’s Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to modernize ports, increase shipping capacity, and attract foreign investment.
Junaid Chaudhry proposed three key investments including a partnership between Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Saudi Arabia’s Albehri shipping line, enhanced business-to-business cooperation between maritime companies from both countries, and a potential sister-port agreement linking Karachi Port Trust with Jeddah Islamic Port to boost trade and technical exchange.
The Saudi delegation offered to share a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize their long-term maritime cooperation and establish a structured framework for regional collaboration.
They also highlighted interest from the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, a leading Saudi port operator, in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s port infrastructure, reflecting rising commercial interest in the Kingdom’s maritime sector.
Training and capacity building for Pakistani seafarers was another key topic, with discussions on providing onboard training placements on Saudi vessels to improve skills and expand employment opportunities in the maritime industry.
Pakistan, Lebanon pledge a strategic digital media partnership
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon today met the Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan, Mr. Abdulaziz Issa, in Islamabad on Thursday, November 27 to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in digital media and modern communication strategies.
The high-level meeting also focused on sharing technical expertise and promoting regional media development.
The engagement reflects Pakistan’s broader initiative to cultivate international partnerships in digital governance, media capacity-building, and information exchange.
In recent months, Pakistan has actively collaborated with countries across the Middle East to advance tech-driven communication, counter misinformation, and promote youth-focused digital initiatives.
Fahd Haroon briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation.
He highlighted the government’s focus on innovation, responsible online engagement, and modern media governance.
He noted that Pakistan is rapidly adapting to global media trends and implementing reforms to ensure information flows efficiently, transparently, and in a citizen-centric manner.
He further emphasized the modernization of Pakistan’s communication infrastructure, with priorities including digital literacy, online safety, fact-based information access, and enhanced government-citizen connectivity.
Recent initiatives have also promoted secure digital platforms and training programs to empower young media professionals.
The Lebanese Ambassador commended Pakistan’s proactive approach and shared that Lebanon is undertaking similar reforms to strengthen its communication systems amid regional challenges. He expressed interest in expanding cooperation in digital media, newsroom capacity-building, and content exchange, welcoming deeper bilateral technical engagement.
Both sides stressed the importance of sustained dialogue in areas such as capacity-building, regulatory coordination, crisis communication, and digital diplomacy.
They agreed to share best practices, explore joint workshops, and strengthen regional communication networks to address shared challenges effectively.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen collaboration.
Pakistan and Lebanon aim to work together to support modern, effective, and secure digital media development across the region, emphasizing long-term institutional cooperation and people-to-people engagements.