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KP youth directorate unveils monthly progress report of youth empowerment initiatives

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PESHAWAR, Jul 18 (APP):The Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released its monthly performance report for June 2025, highlighting significant progress in three major youth-focused initiatives, including the Ehsaas Nojawan Program, establishment of Jawan Markaz and the Youth Development Package.
According to the report, the provincial government is actively implementing projects aimed at the skill development, economic uplift and social empowerment of youth across both settled and merged districts of the province.
Under the Ehsaas Nojawan Program, launched to enhance employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young individuals, the government has disbursed huge amount in interest-free loans during the fiscal year 2024–25 through two implementing partners; Bank of Khyber and Akhuwat Foundation
For large-scale interest-free loans, through Bank of Khyber, Rs500 million were allocated for the fiscal year.
A total of 12,739 applications were received, of which 191 were approved after scrutiny. These loans amounted to Rs524 million, with Rs401 million already disbursed among eligible applicants.
The small-scale loan scheme under Akhuwat Foundation had a budget of Rs600 million, targeting 4,427 loans during the financial year.
By the end of June, 5,931 applications had been received, resulting in the approval of 3,585 loans and Rs.602.65 millions disbursed. The report also notes a recovery of Rs42.88 million from beneficiaries during the period.
Similarly, the government  through the  Directorate of Youth Affairs, is moving forward with the establishment of Jawan Markaz (Youth Centers) across various districts.
These centers are envisioned as resource hubs, offering youth access to training, mentorship and networking platforms under one roof.
The Youth Development Package is an another flagship initiative, aims to equip young people with market-relevant skills, technical training and exposure to modern economic opportunities.
The initiative focuses on both mainstream and merged districts to ensure inclusive growth and capacity-building.

Govt focused on consolidating macroeconomic stability: Bilal

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani Friday said that the government was focused on consolidating the macroeconomic stability gains achieved during fiscal year 2025, and driving the economy towards export-led, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during fiscal year (FY) 2025, Pakistan has posted its first annual current account surplus in 14 years, he said in Tweet.
The last annual current account surplus was recorded in the fiscal year 2011, he added.
Pakistan has posted a current account surplus of $2.1 billion in FY 2025 compared to a deficit of $2.1 billion in FY 2024, a $4.2 billion positive swing in one year, he remarked.
He further said that this was the largest current account surplus in 22 years (since FY ‘03), adding that this major improvement in the current account balance is part of the larger macroeconomic stability and turnaround that the government has achieved during the last fiscal year.
Workers’ remittances increased by 26.6% to $38.3 billion (increase of $8 billion), during FY 2025 reflecting the confidence of Overseas’ Pakistanis in the government’s economic policies, he said adding that the exports of goods witnessed a growth of 4.2% to $32.3 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion compared to last year.
He said adding that exports of services grew by 9.1% to $8.4 billion, an increase of $703 million during FY 2025.
Meanwhile, IT & Telecom Services exports grew by 18.1% to $3.8 billion, an increase of $586 million during last year and the government is focused on consolidating the macroeconomic stability gains achieved during FY 2025, and driving the economy towards export-led, inclusive growth.

Qalam Karwan hosts online session on Sufism

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Qalam Karwan, a literary organization, hosted a virtual session on Sufism titled “Lehron Ki Dosh Par” under the banner of Halaqa Zikr-o-Fikr.
The session was presided over by renowned teacher, researcher, and poet from Toba Tek Singh, Tahira Iqbal, according to a press release issued here on Friday.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Sabiha Ikhlaq from Karachi, a distinguished author of several books. She delivered an insightful address on the topic: “The Spiritual Role of Women in the Tragedy of Karbala.”
The speaker shared several accounts highlighting the perseverance and patience of women during the Karbala tragedy.
From the elderly noblewoman Hazrat Fizza (RA) to the innocent young girl Hazrat Sakina bint e Hussain (RA), all endured immense suffering without uttering a word of complaint.
In her address, she stated that true love for Imam Hussain (RA) and the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet) requires not only commemorating their memory through gatherings but also upholding the very purpose of their sacrifice.
Participants from across the country and around the world, both men and women, joined the session.
A round of questions and comments followed, and the gathering

Pakistan finance minister has ‘productive’ talks with top US trade officials

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WASHINGTON, Jul 18 (APP): A Pakistani delegation, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a “productive” meeting with U.S Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, in Washington, D.C, on Friday, according to a press release of the Pakistan embassy.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in enhancing trade and economic ties, a cornerstone of Pakistan-U.S bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to exploring opportunities to strengthen these ties in all possible areas of mutual benefit.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that the U.S remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and underscored his interest in expanding cooperation in both traditional and non-traditional sectors, including IT & tech sector, minerals and agriculture, to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Both parties expressed optimism that ongoing trade talks would yield positive outcomes, benefiting the economies of both countries.

Rubina Khalid pays tribute to Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto on his 40th death anniversary

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Senator Rubina Khalid has paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto, the brave son of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Madar-e-Jamhuriyat Begum Nusrat Bhutto, on his 40th death anniversary.
In her message, Senator Rubina Khalid said Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto raised his voice for democracy and human rights in Pakistan and remained steadfast even during his exile.
“Despite facing brutal oppression during the darkest days of dictatorship, Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto demonstrated remarkable patience and courage,” she said.
She added that by raising his voice against tyranny at a young age, Shahnawaz Bhutto inspired not only the youth of Pakistan but also of the world.
“During the imprisonment of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, young Shahnawaz showed exceptional bravery and resilience,” Senator Rubina Khalid remarked.
She said the martyrdom of Shahnawaz Bhutto at a young age was a deep national tragedy and underscored that the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for the country will always be remembered.

Plantation drive starts at Shalimar Garden Peshawar

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PESHAWAR, Jul 18 (APP):Assistant Commissioner, Salim Ayubi on Friday inaugurated tree plantation drive and planted a sapling in Shalimar Garden.
Speaking on the occasion, he stressed for participation of masses in tree plantation drive and said that each and every citizen should play its role in making the country green.
He said that tree plantation is necessary to maintain balance in ecosystem and reduce pollution level. He said that we must plant maximum of trees and make environment better and clear for coming generations.
He also visited sections of the gardens and urged workers to further improve the beauty of the garden by planting colorful plants.

Ikhtiar Wali exposes Kohistan mega corruption, pointing to embezzlement of Rs. 200 billion in single district

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information Broadcasting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Affairs, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, on Friday exposed massive financial embezzlement and irregularities of 200 billion rupees in the Kohistan mega corruption scandal, terming it as the largest financial scandal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s history.
At an emergency press conference held here, he said that this “shocking tale of corruption” began when a government account in Kohistan was illegally siphoned off Rs 200 billion through fraudulent means.
Wali Khan further revealed that the main accused, contractor Muhammad Ayub, was acting as a front man for a well-organized network, which allegedly included senior government officials.
He also claimed that this financial misappropriation began back in 2019 during the PTI government and continued for several years unchecked.
“Those who claimed to be the champions of transparency, in fact, deceived the nation,” Wali Khan said.
According to him, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had already carried out several operations in connection with this case, recovering luxury vehicles, gold, valuable properties and Rs. 5 billion cash, including foreign and local currency.
He further revealed that authorities have so far traced 30 houses, 25 luxury flats, 12 commercial shops, 4 farmhouses and 175 kanals of land acquired through illegal means.
Furthermore, under the guise of a solarization project aimed at providing free solar panels to 32,000 households, a bribe of Rs. 1.25 billion was reportedly paid, he added.
“If Rs. 200 billion can be looted from a single district, what could be the scale of corruption in the remaining districts”, he questioned.
He declared the Kohistan scandal a “test case” for the government and pledged that it would be taken to its logical conclusion.
He also criticized NAB KP for low recovery, assuring that the federal government would extend full support and security would be provided to the bureau’s officers.
“This case has shaken the conscience of the nation,” he emphasized, stating, “We will not leave it unfinished. NAB officers must be given protection so they can conduct a fearless and impartial inquiry.”
He called upon the prime minister to ensure security for NAB’s KP investigators, focusing that only then the accountability process could be move forward.
“The real face of the ‘captain’ and his team has now been exposed. Their corruption reached from personal drivers and cooks to contractors and public officials,” Wali Khan said.
He appealed to the public to use their vote in the upcoming elections to reject the so-called leaders of thieves and looters and support the government’s efforts to deliver real and uncompromising accountability.

DC Kohat imposes ban on sale of petroleum products in open containers

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KOHAT, Jul 18 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohat Abdul Akram Chitrali on Friday imposed a 30-day ban on the purchase, sale and delivery of petroleum products in open containers, bottles and gallons in Chorlakki and Shakardara areas.
This decision has been taken under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, citing public safety and the need to prevent misuse of petroleum products. The ban aims to curb unauthorized sales and ensure that petroleum products are supplied only through authorized filling stations.
According to DC Abdul Akram Chitrali, this step has been taken to prevent profiteering and potential illegal activities, including illegal mining. The district administration had received information about unauthorized sales of petroleum products in open containers, prompting immediate action.
According to the details, the ban, which has come into effect immediately, will remain in force for 30 days unless withdrawn prematurely.
Violators will face prosecution under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Copies of the order have been sent to relevant authorities, including police, tehsil, and municipal officials, as well as petrol pump owners, to ensure effective implementation and compliance.

Information Minister assures IHC for revival of SRBC

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday assured the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) would be reactivated, and its employees would be paid two months salary.
In the case related to the affairs of Shalimar Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the case regarding the matter.
During the hearing , Ali Nawaz Kharal, Saad Khan Mayar and others appeared in court on behalf of the company employees, while Federal Minister Atta Tarar and others also appeared on behalf of the federation.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar, while submitting a business plan for the revival of SRBC, said that instead of closing down the company, it can be made a functioning institution through an effective business strategy. This company continued to operate from 2005 to 2018.
He said that after 2018, the company fell into financial crisis. The only way to revive the company is through public-private partnership. The government is serious about reviving the Shalimar Recording Company, he said.
He told the court thst SRBC has liabilities of Rs 2 billion, adding that the government wanted to protect the jobs of its 300 employees.
The minister said that there is need of court’s permission for the revival of SRBC.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan said that the shareholders of SRBC must submit resolutions and collateral documents. The complete revival package should be submitted to the liquidator. Due to the liquidation of the company, the board cannot sign the documents, he said.
The court said that the case will be reviewed under Section 313 of the Companies Act 2017. If the legal requirements are met, the revival can be approved.
The federal minister said that the business plan will make the company financially independent. The court is requested to allow the implementation of the business plan. The previous court orders regarding the liquidation of SRBC should be withdrawn.
Shalimar will be reactivated and all possible assistance will be provided for this. A regulator has already been appointed for the company’s arrangements. Some funds have also been transferred to the company. If the court issues instructions to the regulator, two months’ salary to the employees will be released from these funds, he said.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case, directing the employees to pay two months’ salary and submit the plan documents to the court.

Kohat Police rescue kidnapped transgender, arrest two suspects

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KOHAT, Jul 18 (APP):Kohat Police on Friday rescued a kidnapped transgender individual and arrested two suspects.
The police recovered weapons and a motorcycle used in the incident from the possession of the suspects. According to the police, Areeqah, a transgender person, was kidnapped from the Shinokhel area on July 15 and shifted to an unknown location.
The police took immediate action under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) City Hafeez Yousafzai and Station House Officer (SHO) City Police Station Fayyaz Khan.
During a successful raid, the police safely rescued the kidnapped transgender and arrested two suspects belonging to Togh Bala.
A case has been registered against the suspects in the City Police Station, and further investigation is underway. SHO Fayyaz Khan confirmed while exclusively talking to APP that the police will continue to pursue justice in this case.