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Joint security operation intensified in Peshawar

By
Asif Jalal
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PESHAWAR, Nov 27 (APP): A major joint search and strike operation was conducted by the Pakistan Army, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Capital City Police in several areas of Peshawar on Thursday.
The operation took place in Phandu, Akhunabad, Akhunabad Graveyard, Yakatoot, and surrounding localities.
The action was carried out under a special security plan supervised by the Commander of 102 Brigade and relevant Divisional Superintendents of Police. Multiple security forces participated in the operation including Pakistan Army units, CTD personnel, Police Commandos, Rapid Response Force, Elite Force, Bomb Disposal Unit, Jail Van Unit, sniffer dog squads, and ladies police teams.
During the operation, the security forces conducted thorough street-by-street searches in various sectors. The operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects including individuals possessing illegal weapons, unregistered tenants, illegally residing Afghan nationals, and anti-social elements. The security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the arrested suspects.
Comprehensive investigations are currently underway from the arrested individuals.
The police have confirmed that indiscriminate action against anti-social elements continues with full support from all security units.
According to police officials, daily search and strike operations are being conducted across different parts of the city under a special security plan. These measures aim to further improve the overall security situation in the provincial capital.
Additional security measures have been implemented across the district including enhanced patrolling, snap-checking at key locations, and special checkpoints at all entry and exit points of the city.
 Capital City Police officials stated that all available resources are being utilized to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

Chinese, foreign residents jointly create new international-style vision for Guangzhou neighborhoods

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
BEIJING, Nov 27 (APP):A public participation consultation meeting for the Guidelines for the Planning, Layout, and Construction of Internationalized Neighborhoods in Guangzhou was held in Guangzhou, China.
The event was guided by the Guangzhou Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and hosted by the Guangzhou Urban Planning and Design Survey Research Institute.
Foreign residents living in Guangzhou, industry professionals, international students, and volunteer foreign-language service providers were invited to attend.
Chinese and foreign participants offered suggestions and insights on improving the Guidelines for the Planning, Layout, and Construction of Internationalized Neighborhoods in Guangzhou and on supporting Guangzhou’s high-level opening-up and high-quality development.
It is reported that since 2022, the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office has taken the lead in establishing the first batch of 12 pilot internationalized neighborhoods.
Service platforms have been set up. Each community has developed its own unique brand based on local conditions.  Activities such as foreign volunteer services and Chinese-foreign cultural exchanges entering local communities have helped bring Chinese and international residents closer together.
At the consultation meeting, several representatives shared their practical experiences and personal suggestions.
Ali Imran, R&D Director at the Guangdong Nano-Manufacturing Innovation Center, proposed building a high-quality talent service system to form a closed loop that links Guangzhou’s “supply chain advantages” with its “talent attractiveness.”
Participants agreed that Guangzhou has created a unique international ecosystem through government support, community revitalization, and cultural integration. Moving forward, it will be essential to further strengthen service chains and cultivate “bridge groups” who can connect Chinese and international residents, ultimately transforming neighborhoods into vibrant spaces that tell Guangzhou’s stories and gather global wisdom.

SPARC holds dialogue on safeguarding youth from tobacco and emerging nicotine products

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) here on Thursday organized a stakeholder dialogue to address the escalating threats posed by tobacco and emerging nicotine products to Pakistani youth.
Speakers highlighted that in recent years, Pakistan had witnessed a concerning rise in the availability, marketing and use of new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco devices which were promoted as “safer alternatives” and strategically targeted at young people.
Speaking at the event, Syed Shariq Jamal, Member Sindh Assembly, reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to safeguard children and youth from harmful and addictive substances. He described emerging nicotine products as “silent killers” that are being aggressively pushed into the market without oversight and emphasized that legislation must evolve in response to the industry’s tactics. He stressed the need for comprehensive laws addressing the production, distribution, marketing, and sale of all nicotine and tobacco products and urged all political parties to work collectively to ensure a tobacco free future for Pakistan’s youth. He further noted that the Sindh Assembly is committed to exploring all necessary legislative measures, including regulating new nicotine products, closing loopholes, and strengthening penalties for violations related to underage access.
Representing the health department Sindh, Jamshed Alam Memon Special Secretary Health, highlighted that tobacco use remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing public health challenges, noting that approximately 166,000 people lose their lives every year due to tobacco related diseases. He stressed that youth are especially vulnerable due to aggressive industry marketing and widespread misconceptions surrounding products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to protecting young people and emphasized the need for strong laws, effective enforcement, taxation measures, public awareness campaigns, and vigilance against misleading promotions. He also called for closer coordination between the health department, education institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to curb the rising trend of nicotine addiction among adolescents.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Farah Iqbal, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at the University of Karachi, addressed the common misconception that tobacco can alleviate depression or other mental health issues. She emphasized that this belief is a harmful myth. In reality, nicotine negatively affects mood over time, impairs brain function, and fosters strong psychological dependence. Rather than providing relief, the use of tobacco and other nicotine products exacerbates emotional challenges and heightens the risk of long term mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Addressing the participants, Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, drew attention to the rapid growth of new tobacco and nicotine products in Pakistan. He noted that, due to the complete absence of regulations, the tobacco industry continues to introduce new products without disclosure, compliance checks, or proper health warnings. He stressed that young people are being exposed to products whose harms are deliberately disguised and underscored the urgent need for a regulatory framework that includes standardized packaging, taxation, display bans, ingredient disclosure, licensing laws, and restrictions on youth access and online sales.
The dialogue was attended by representatives from the Sindh government, policymakers, public health professionals, legal experts, journalists, academics, civil society organizations and youth groups.

New investment wave brings eight factories to Bahawalpur Industrial Zone

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):A new wave of investment has begun reshaping the Bahawalpur Industrial Zone, where eight new factories are currently under development, driven primarily by significantly lower land rates offered by the government.
The move is expected to create employment opportunities for residents across South Punjab and enhance the region’s industrial base, said a press release issued here on Thursday.
Muhammad Sami, an official of the Punjab Industrial Estate Development and Management Company responsible for managing the zone, told Wealth Pakistan that the government is providing land at considerably lower rates compared to other parts of the district.
He said this pricing strategy has made the area more appealing to investors, and the Punjab government is working tirelessly to extend maximum support to industrialists operating in Bahawalpur.
He noted that under the government’s business-friendly policies, around eight factories are in the process of being established in the industrial zone.
According to him, these projects will create new jobs, generate revenue, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening the national economy.
Sami added that the government has moved beyond making announcements and is now focused on ensuring the zone becomes fully functional and attractive for businesses. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, and essential facilities have been ensured to encourage investors.
“Our priority has been to remove obstacles that frustrate investors,” he said, emphasising that the ongoing investment reflects continuous efforts rather than one-time measures. “Our goal is long-term industrial growth, not temporary activity,” he added.
Industrialist Farhan Ahmed also confirmed that comparatively lower land rates in the Bahawalpur Industrial Zone, combined with stronger investor facilitation, have boosted confidence among the business community. However, he highlighted the importance of affordable electricity for industries to achieve sustainable expansion.
Ahmed appreciated the provincial government’s efforts, saying it is commendable that work is being done actively to promote industrialisation.
He noted that gas and electricity rates should be lowered so that local industries can compete effectively in international markets. He added that long-term policies developed by Punjab government aimed at strengthening South Punjab’s economic activity will ultimately produce positive results for the region.

Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

By
Wajid
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APP22-271125 LARKANA: November 27 – Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. APP/NAS/MAF/TZD/SSH
Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.
APP22-271125
LARKANA: November 27 –

– Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion at Beauty West Africa 2025, highlighting Pakistan’s growing beauty and personal care export potential.

By
Wajid
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0
APP20-271125 NIGERIA: November 27 – Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion at Beauty West Africa 2025, highlighting Pakistan's growing beauty and personal care export potential. APP/MAF/TZD/SSH
– Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion at Beauty West Africa 2025, highlighting Pakistan's growing beauty and personal care export potential.
APP20-271125
NIGERIA: November 27 

PSX stays bullish, gains 2,184 more points

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday continued its bullish momentum, surging by 2,184.78 points, a positive change of 1.34 percent, closing at 165,373.31 points compared to 163,188.53 points on the previous trading day.
A total of 498.36 million shares were traded in the ready market with a value of Rs30.59 billion, compared to 636.40 million shares worth Rs30.91 billion in the previous session. Market capitalization increased to Rs18.744 trillion from Rs18.512 trillion.
Out of 484 active companies, 289 closed higher, 152 declined, while 43 remained unchanged.
The leading companies in terms of ready-market turnover were Dost Steels Ltd. with 48.39 million shares, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 36.70 million shares, and Beco Steel Ltd. with 25.10 million shares.
The top gainers were PIA Holding Company Limited-B, which increased by Rs1,289.13 to close at Rs24,495.50, and Pakistan Services Limited, rising by Rs52.41 to close at Rs1,333.93.
Conversely, the major losers were Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which declined by Rs190.00 to close at Rs29,400.00, and Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited, decreasing by Rs29.99 to close at Rs9,370.00.
In the futures market, turnover stood at 595.96 million shares with a traded value of Rs27.19 billion, compared to 491.19 million shares valued at Rs31.01 billion on the previous day. Out of 318 futures-market companies, 256 recorded gains, 59 declined, while 3 remained unchanged.
The top volume contracts in the futures segment were KEL-Dec with 44.79 million shares, followed by KEL-Nov with 43.64 million shares, and Cnergy-Dec with 27.23 million shares.

Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

By
Wajid
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0
APP22-271125 LARKANA: November 27 – Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. APP/NAS/MAF/TZD/SSH
Students perform a tableau during the closing ceremony of the All Pakistan Inter Board Girls Badminton Championship 2025 at the Officers Club, organized by the Larkana Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.
APP22-271125
LARKANA: November 27 – 

Around 5 women face violence daily in KP, conviction rate remains percent

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) on Thursday has released its fact sheet on Violence Against Women (VAW) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for January–June 2025, reporting 916 cases of violence across the province during the six-month period. Despite the volume of cases, not a single conviction was recorded.
According to police data obtained under the KP Right to Information Act, an average of five women faced violence every day in the province. The highest number of cases were reported under kidnapping/abduction (466), followed by domestic violence (234), rape (112), honor killing (63) and Ghag Act–related offences (41).
Of the 916 registered cases, 801 were challaned, 86 remain under investigation and 770 are under trial. SSDO noted that the conviction rate stayed at 0 percent, with no acquittals and no withdrawals recorded during the reporting period.
The organization stated that the data points to persistent weaknesses in investigation and prosecution, alongside social pressures that continue to hinder justice for survivors. The report also highlights ongoing cases registered under the Ghag Act, which prohibits the custom of forcibly claiming a woman for marriage without her consent,said in a Press Release issued here on Thursday.
The SSDO added that district-level analysis identifies several hotspot districts where prevalence of violence remains consistently high, both in terms of total reported cases and rate per 100,000 women. The organization emphasized that the absence of convictions across all categories underscores urgent gaps in the province’s legal response.
The organization called for coordinated efforts between police, prosecution, social welfare departments and community-level stakeholders to address violence and improve reporting and case outcomes.

A skilled worker crafts export-quality surgical instruments at a private manufacturing unit, highlighting Sialkot’s global reputation in precision manufacturing.

By
Wajid
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0
APP16-271125 SIALKOT: November 27 – A skilled worker crafts export-quality surgical instruments at a private manufacturing unit, highlighting Sialkot’s global reputation in precision manufacturing. APP/MUT/MAF/TZD/SSH
A skilled worker crafts export-quality surgical instruments at a private manufacturing unit, highlighting Sialkot’s global reputation in precision manufacturing.
APP16-271125
SIALKOT: November 27 –
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