NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 –
NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 – Dr. Hussein al-Issawi, Chairman of the Najaf Provincial Council, seeing off President Asif Ali Zardari at the airport after conclusion of his official visit to Iraq. APP/ABB
Dr. Hussein al-Issawi, Chairman of the Najaf Provincial Council, seeing off President Asif Ali Zardari at the airport after conclusion of his official visit to Iraq.
NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 –
NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 – Dr. Hussein al-Issawi, Chairman of the Najaf Provincial Council, seeing off President Asif Ali Zardari at the airport after conclusion of his official visit to Iraq. APP/ABB
Dr. Hussein al-Issawi, Chairman of the Najaf Provincial Council, seeing off President Asif Ali Zardari at the airport after conclusion of his official visit to Iraq.
NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 –
NAJAF/IRAQ: December 24 – Dr. Hussein al-Issawi, Chairman of the Najaf Provincial Council, seeing off President Asif Ali Zardari at the airport after conclusion of his official visit to Iraq. APP/ABB
LHC seeks further arguments on petitions challenging Local Government Act 2025
LAHORE, Dec 24 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday adjourned proceedings on petitions challenging the Local Government Act 2025, seeking further arguments from the parties.
Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmad heard the petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami and others against the Local Government Act 2025.
During the hearing, the Advocate General’s Office submitted its response to the special notice issued by the court.
Assistant Advocate General Barrister Saad Ghazi informed the court that the Local Government Act 2025 does not contain any restriction preventing candidates from contesting local government elections on party tickets.
The court observed that the time had come for all institutions to show mutual respect, adding that Pakistan must move forward on the basis of institutional harmony.
The court clarified that legislation falls within the domain of Parliament and that the judiciary would decide the matter strictly within the constitutional framework. The court also expressed its intent to decide the case before the upcoming local government elections and adjourned the hearing.
CPO Rawalpindi confers commendation certificates to officers for exemplary security arrangements during cricket series
RAWALPINDI, Dec 24 (APP): City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani on the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, distributed commendation letters to outstanding police officers in recognition of their exemplary security arrangements during recent international cricket events, including the South Africa, Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation Cricket Series.
The commendation letters were presented to SSP Investigation Nasir Ali Khan, SP CIA Taimoor Khan, SP Rawal Saad Arshad, and SP Potohar Talha Wali.
Additionally, DSP Security Sohail Zafar, DSP Headquarters Imtiaz Ahmed, ASP New Town Daniyal Khan, ASP Gujar Khan Daniyal Hassan, DSP Taxila Arshad Mahmood, DSP City Azhar Hassan Shah, and DSP Waris Khan Rana Naeem Yasin received commendation letters for their exceptional performance.
While distributing the letters, CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani praised the officers for their dedication and professionalism, stating that Rawalpindi Police exhibited outstanding discipline and a well-coordinated strategy throughout the cricket series.
IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar commended the Rawalpindi Police officers and personnel for working tirelessly day and night for nearly one and a half months to ensure foolproof security during the matches.
Despite challenging and sensitive circumstances, a safe and facilitative environment was provided for the visiting cricket teams and fans.
The IGP further appreciated the force’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the city.
CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani reaffirmed that Rawalpindi Police are actively engaged round the clock in ensuring peace, providing the best facilities to citizens, and preventing crime across the district.
Arif Habib consortium wins PIA’s bidding for Rs135 bln: NA body told
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence on Wednesday informed that Arif Habib consortium had successfully won the bidding of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for Rs. 135 billion
The Committee which met with Fateh Ullah Khan Miankhel in the Chair acknowledged the Ministry of Defence’s efforts for transparent bidding process of PIA. The NA panel also appreciated the statement of new owner for taking care of employees as well as enhancement in flight operation in near future.
The Committee while reviewing the implementation status of previous recommendations concerning private airlines and key operational issues in the aviation sector, discussed matters relating to flight regularity, cancellations and delays, fare structures, and fleet resilience, with particular concern expressed over high domestic airfares and their impact on passengers.
The role of the Civil Aviation Authority and airline operators in ensuring service quality, consumer protection, and continuity of domestic operations alongside international expansion was emphasized. The committee also deliberated on public grievances and underscored the need for improved monitoring and regulatory oversight.
The meeting further examined the financial challenges faced by the airline industry, including PIA, with special focus on the existing taxation regime. Members noted that while ticket prices have not significantly increased in dollar terms, the imposition of taxes, including sales tax, has placed a substantial burden on airlines.
It was agreed that a comprehensive study on the taxation regime and its impact on the aviation sector would be prepared and presented to the Minister for Defence and subsequently to the Prime Minister.
The Chairman was also tasked with arranging a meeting with the Finance Minister and relevant authorities to discuss possible rationalization of taxes and to apprise the committee of the outcomes.
Issues relating to the broader aviation sector were also discussed, including medical facilities at aviation installations, radiation-related concerns, and the need to address shortages of trained and skilled staff.
The committee decided to undertake visits to relevant ground facilities as part of its oversight role to assess conditions firsthand and recommend corrective measures. The handling of previous parliamentary forums and their recommendations was appreciated by the members.
The committee also deliberated on the privatization of PIA, including the treatment of liabilities and the proposed utilization of proceeds for debt servicing and social sector development.
Project implementation challenges were reviewed, with emphasis on prioritizing ECNEC-approved projects in the defence and aviation sectors. The Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Defence were directed to review ongoing projects, including strategic airports and the National Aviation Security Academy, provide updates on fund utilization, and seek timely release of required allocations.
The committee further decided to review and approve pending subcommittee reports in the next meeting and to follow up with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance regarding relaxation of recruitment rules for the armed forces and police, with outcomes to be shared with concerned ministries.
Bilawal greets Christian community on Christmas
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Wednesday extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to religious harmony, equality and the protection of minority rights.
According to the press release issued here, he said in his message that Christmas embodies the universal values of love, compassion, sacrifice and forgiveness—principles that transcend faiths and borders and bind humanity together.
He said that Pakistan was founded on the principle of equal citizenship, where people of all religions are entitled to live with dignity, security and freedom, a promise enshrined in the 1973 Constitution.
Paying rich tribute to the Christian community, he acknowledged their invaluable contributions to Pakistan’s progress, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, public service and national development.
“On this sacred occasion, we renew our pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Christian brothers and sisters and to work for a Pakistan where every citizen feels safe, respected and valued,” he added.
SSP Shaheed Benazirabad appeals general public to strictly avoid aerial firing
NAWABSHAH, Dec 24 (APP): SSP Shaheed Benazirabad Shabbir Ahmed Sethar has warned that aerial firing on the occasion of New Year is a serious crime and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
SSP appealed general public to strictly avoid aerial firing while celebrating New Year, stating that such acts pose a grave threat to human lives and can result in tragic and irreversible consequences. He emphasized that celebrations should be marked responsibly to ensure public safety and peace.
SSP made it clear that anyone found involved in aerial firing would face strict and indiscriminate legal action under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to attempted murder. He reiterated that no leniency would be shown to violators of the law. He directed all SHOs, head moharrars, and police post in-charges to remain vigilant within their respective jurisdictions during New Year celebrations and to immediately arrest individuals involved in aerial firing, ensuring that legal proceedings are initiated without delay.
SSP also urged citizens to demonstrate responsible civic behavior and to promptly report any illegal activity to the police helpline 15, so that the New Year can be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and law and order across the district.
Ex-NCCIA additional director’s bail rejected in Ducky Bhai bribery case
LAHORE, Dec 24 (APP): A Special Central Court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of former Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a case involving the alleged acceptance of a bribe from the family of YouTuber Saad Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai.
Special Central Court Judge Naveed Ahmed heard bail pleas filed by Sarfraz Chaudhry along with Deputy Directors Zawar and Usman of the NCCIA. During the hearing, defence counsel argued that the bribery allegations were baseless and that no concrete evidence existed against the accused, requesting the court to grant bail.
After hearing arguments, the court dismissed the bail plea of former Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry, while allowing the bail applications of Deputy Directors Zawar and Usman.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered the case on the complaint of Aroob Jatoi, who alleged that the officers accepted bribes in exchange for providing relief to her husband, YouTuber Saad Rehman alias Ducky Bhai, who had been arrested in a case related to the promotion of gambling applications on social media.