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CCC vows zero tolerance for malicious efforts against national unity, security

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 24 (APP): Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) while categorically rejecting the nexus between terrorism, crime, and vested political interests on Wednesday vowed that no malicious interest, political or otherwise, aimed at undermining national unity, security and stability would be tolerated, nor would anyone be allowed to create divisions between the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan.
The 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held here at General Headquarters (GHQ) with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in the Chair, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Forum undertook a comprehensive review of prevailing internal and external security environment, with particular emphasis on evolving threats and operational preparedness, it further said.
The participants reaffirmed that all terrorists under the tutelage of Indian sponsors, along with their facilitators and abettors, would be dealt with decisively and without exception.
The Forum appreciated Balochistan Special Development Initiatives, directed towards local empowerment and social engagements to address challenges of terrorism related to governance. The participants noted the need for similar public-centric initiatives elsewhere also in line with National Action Plan to ensure enduring peace and stability.
The Forum underscored Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, and a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood.
The Forum offered Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and innocent civilians who laid down their lives in recent terrorist incidents, while defending the motherland against foreign-sponsored terrorism.
The COAS paid rich tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces, and appreciated their resolute conduct in sustained, intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations across the country in recent months. He highlighted that owing to combined efforts of the Government, military and steadfast support of the people of Pakistan, our country is steadily and surely leaping towards stability, greater opportunities and respect.
In his concluding remarks, the COAS & CDF directed Commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovations and battlefield adaptability. He expressed full confidence in Pakistan Army’s capability to effectively counter complete spectrum of threats, ranging from conventional and sub-conventional to hybrid and asymmetric challenges, while steadfastly safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Killer sentenced to life imprisonment

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MUZAFFARGARH, Dec 24 (APP): An Additional District and Sessions Court sentenced a killer to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 500,000 in a case registered in 2021.
According to the prosecution, Additional District and Sessions Judge Hammad Ahmed Qureshi announced the verdict in the murder case of Zahid Bakhsh, convicting accused Muhammad Abdullah after the charges were proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The case was registered at Police Station Peer Jaggi under FIR No. 143/21 dated August 18, 2021. The Punjab Prosecution Department, District Layyah, effectively pursued the case, with Senior Public Prosecutor Malik Anwar Iqbal representing the state.
During the trial, the prosecution presented solid evidence and cogent arguments linking the accused to the crime. Relying on the strength of the prosecution’s case, the court awarded life imprisonment to Muhammad Abdullah and also directed him to pay Rs. 500,000 as compensation to the legal heirs of the deceased.

PIDE examines Pakistan’s shift to outcome-based education

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Wednesday convened a policy seminar to review Pakistan’s transition to a Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)-based curriculum and assessment system, focusing on the implementation of national policy frameworks in classrooms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The seminar explored why outcome-based reforms, despite being fully operational in examinations, continue to face significant challenges at the teaching and learning level.
The seminar was moderated by Dr. Faheem Jehangir, Dean (Policy), PIDE/PD, and RASTA, who steered the discussion toward the broader policy relevance of education reforms and their implications for human capital development and long-term economic outcomes.
Dr. Aliya Khalid of the University of Oxford said SLO-based reforms aim to move education from rote learning to conceptual understanding and skills, but stressed they succeed only when curriculum, teaching, assessment, and teacher support are properly aligned.
She traced Pakistan’s reforms from the introduction of SLOs in the 2006 National Curriculum and their inclusion in textbooks under the 2009 policy, through provincial adoption after the 18th Amendment, noting KP’s early leadership in outcome-based teacher training and the nationwide expansion under the Single National Curriculum, culminating in the 2023–2025 shift to fully SLO-based, textbook-independent examinations. She highlighted a persistent policy-to-practice gap.
Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor PIDE stressed that education reforms must be firmly rooted in Pakistan’s contextual realities rather than relying on imported frameworks. He noted that teaching culture, parental expectations, language policy, and entrenched power dynamics significantly influence classroom practices, often shaping how reforms are absorbed or resisted.
Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq Satti, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Economic Modeling and Data Analytics (CEMDA) at PIDE commended the study for shifting the reform debate from policy intent to policy experience.
He noted that SLOs are now fully embedded in board examinations, making it imperative to identify the most binding constraints in pedagogy, sequencing, and institutional support.

PBM chief joins Christmas celebrations, grants Rs3m aid to disabled persons

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt, attended Christmas celebrations on Wednesday and distributed Rs 3 million in financial assistance among persons with disabilities from the Christian community.
The celebrations took place at Saint Andrew’s Church in Lahore, where Managing Director Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt reaffirmed Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and deserving segments of society, with particular emphasis on persons with disabilities
He stressed that PBM’s welfare initiatives are guided by the principle of equality and are carried out without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or ethnicity.
Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt added that such initiatives reflect the government’s broader vision of inclusive social welfare and social protection, ensuring that marginalized communities are supported with dignity and respect.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Christian community, church representatives, and beneficiaries, who appreciated Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s continued support and engagement.

Governor Kundi hosts first-ever Governor Kisan Award ceremony

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 24 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday hold Governor Kisan Award for the first time in the history of Governor House Peshawar to honor the services of farmers across the province.
Governor Kundi awarded Governor Kisan Awards to 150 hardworking and distinguished farmers from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recognition of their contributions to agriculture and rural development.
Through a lucky draw, the Governor also presented Umrah tickets to two farmers, Ghafoor Damani and Zohaib Khan, while sports sponsorship cheques were awarded to two athletes, Abdullah Nawaz and Mahwish Ali, as a gesture to promote sports alongside agriculture.
Addressing the gathering, farmers and growers expressed gratitude to the Governor for acknowledging their efforts for the first time at the provincial level and termed the initiative a historic step towards empowering the farming community.
Various speakers highlighted issues related to agriculture, protection of agricultural produce, and the need to bring barren land under cultivation to ensure food security and economic growth in the province.
The ceremony was attended by Members of the Provincial Assembly including Kiramatullah Khan Chaghramatti, Arbab Zarak, Shazia Jadun, Faiza Malik, Arifa Bibi, Aiman Jalil, Behari Lal, Ashbar Jadun, Mehr Sultana, Shazia Tahmas, and Farzana Shireen, former provincial minister Sardar Abdul Haleem Qasuria, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junaid Altaf, professors from Agriculture University including Dr. Amanullah and Dr. Muhammad Sajid, PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent KP Farzand Wazir, representatives of sponsoring organizations, and a large number of farmers from across the province.
Congratulating the award recipients, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the Governor Kisan Award aims to make farmers self-reliant and transform agriculture into a profitable sector. He emphasized that farmers and landowners are the backbone of the provincial and national economy, adding that “if agriculture thrives, the country’s economy will also prosper.”
The Governor regretted that despite the 1991 water share agreement, no major projects have yet been initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that bringing land under cultivation and ensuring farmers’ prosperity would also help curb terrorism.
He stressed the need for federal and provincial governments to provide subsidies to both small and large farmers, adding that he would forward his recommendations to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Governor Kundi reiterated that Pakistan is an agricultural country and that agriculture plays a pivotal role in the national economy.
He underscored the vast potential for agricultural development in the province, particularly by making millions of acres of barren land cultivable through adequate water supply, modern irrigation systems, and government support, especially in southern districts.
At the conclusion of his address, the Governor thanked all partner institutions and stakeholders for their support in making the Governor Kisan Award a success.

IHC serves notices on plea against re-appointment in PTV

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the parties to respond to the petition against the reappointment of PTV’s Controller and In-charge Current Affairs.
Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the case. During the hearing on the petition of producer Talib Hussain, it was taken as a stand that the reappointment of the Controller and In-charge Current Affairs is a violation of the rules and regulations. It is requested that the court stop this reappointment process. The court issued notices to the parties and sought their responses and the hearing was adjourned until next week.

FCCP stays Quetta’s LG elections

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has issued a stay order on the conduct of Local Government (LG) elections in Quetta.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Ameen-ud-Din heard the case on Wednesday. The bench also comprised Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Ali Baqar.
During the hearing, petitioner Abdul Qadir was represented by his counsel, Kamran Murtaza.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that delimitation for the local government elections in Quetta were carried out on the basis of the 2017 census, whereas the new 2023 census has now been formally notified.
Kamran Murtaza told the court that, in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements, elections should be held on the basis of delimitation carried out under the latest census to ensure accurate and fair public representation.
After hearing the arguments, the Federal Constitutional Court issued a stay order on the holding of the LG elections, issued notices to all parties concerned, and adjourned the case to a later date for further hearing.

IHC issues judges duty roster for winter vacations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a duty roster of judges for the winter vacations.
With the approval of the Chief Justice, the Registrar’s Office issued a roster until December 31, according to which three divisions and six single benches will be available until said date.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Asif will not be available.
The first division bench will consist of the Chief Justice and Justice Azam Khan, the second division bench will consist of Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz. The second division bench is available until December 26 and will hear only tax cases, while the third division bench includes Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Inam Amin Minhas. The third division bench will be available from today until December 26. According to the roster, the single bench of Justice Babar Sattar will be available from December 29 to 31, and the single bench of Justice Inam Amin Minhas will be available until December 26.

SC cases’ pendency drops sharply after its transfer to FCCP

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Following the transfer of cases to the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), fresh statistics regarding pending cases in the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan were released on Wednesday.
According to the newly issued data, the total number of pending cases in the Supreme Court has decreased to 33,796. As of November 13, the apex court had 56,608 cases under hearing.
The statistics reveal that a total of 22,910 cases were transferred from the Supreme Court to the Federal Constitutional Court, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of pending cases before the apex court.
It was further reported that during the past week, 333 new cases were filed in the Supreme Court, while 304 cases were disposed of during the same period.
Judicial circles say that the transfer of cases along with timely disposal was easing the burden on the Supreme Court, which was expected to help make the justice system more efficient and effective.

Christmas cake-cutting ceremony held at PHA office

By
Asif Jalal
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0
SARGODHGA, Dec 24 (APP): A Christmas cake-cutting ceremony was held at Park & Horticulture Agency Sargodha here on Thursday. Managing Director PHA Sargodha Arshad Chaudhry participated in the ceremony and cut the cake along with Christian employees. They also distributed food hampers among the Christian officials.
Addressing the cake-cutting ceremony, the MD, congratulated the Christian officials on their religious festivity and said that millions of Christians worldwide, including Pakistan, were preparing to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. He said the Christian community was an essential part of society and extended significant services in education, health and other fields of life.
Later, Focal Person on Winter Festival PHA and Media Consultant Shafqat Awan said that Christian community was participating in nation building and and congratulated Christian officials on Christmas.
He also briefed regarding recently started winter festival to be continued till 6th of January 2026 saying that the festival would bring and provide recreation for the citizens.
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