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Cabinet committee meets, reviews CNSA 2025

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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PESHAWAR, Aug 21 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law, Advocate Aftab Alam here Thursday chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Legislation and reviews Control of Narcotics Substance Act (CNSA) 2025.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Sajjad Barkwal, Minister for Excise and Narcotics Control Mian Khaliq-ur-Rehman, Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal Utman Khel, Secretary Law Department Akhtar Saeed Turk, Director General Excise and Narcotics Control besides officials from the Board of Revenue, Finance, and other relevant departments.
During the meeting, officials from the Excise and Narcotics Control Department gave a detailed briefing regarding the proposed amendments to CNSA 2025.
On the occasion, the law minister said that the primary objective of the amendments in CNSA 2025 is to harmonize the law with the amendments made at the federal level and in other provinces to ensure uniformity.
He added that while concerns about human rights and judicial complications exist regarding the enforcement of the death penalty, the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics would remain intact. He clarified that the purpose of reducing the punishment is not to encourage crime but to make the law more just and implementable.
AG KP, Shah Faisal Utman Khel informed the meeting that under Article 9, the punishment for narcotics cannot be declared unconstitutional. He emphasized that the Excise Department and Police should compile comprehensive data regarding the sensitivity of the matter and its impacts and recommendations from medical experts and the Department of Religious Affairs should also be incorporated.
The minister said that it is essential to thoroughly examine the possible impacts of altering the punishment for narcotics so that the drug mafia is not given any leeway. Highlighting the importance of research-based analysis on the pattern of Sindh’s CNSA, he directed the formation of a sub-committee of the Cabinet Committee which would present its recommendations in the next meeting within one month.
The meeting also reviewed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis’ Property) Bill 2025. Officials of the Board of Revenue gave a detailed briefing on the 23 sections of the draft bill and informed that a special facilitation cell had been established to address the concerns and issues of overseas Pakistanis regarding their immovable properties. However, the establishment of special courts requires the recommendations of the committee.

Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, presenting a souvenir to Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Charles Idesbald, in Rawalpindi

By
Khuram Maryam
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Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, presenting a souvenir to Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Charles Idesbald, in Rawalpindi
APP65-210825 RAWALPINDI: August 21 – Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, presenting a souvenir to Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Charles Idesbald, in Rawalpindi. APP/MAF/TZD/SSH
Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, presenting a souvenir to Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Charles Idesbald, in Rawalpindi
APP65-210825
RAWALPINDI
Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, presenting a souvenir to Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Charles Idesbald, in Rawalpindi
APP66-210825 RAWALPINDI

 

PM lauds Jhal Magsi Gas Project for reducing import dependence, accepts inauguration invitation

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Nawabzada Khalid Hussain Magsi, here at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was briefed on the progress and significance of the Jhal Magsi Gas Field Project.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister informed the Prime Minister that the inclusion of gas from the Jhal Magsi field into the national distribution network is expected to significantly reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported gas. According to the minister, this shift could result in annual savings of approximately $298 million in foreign exchange, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the project’s potential to support Pakistan’s economy by leveraging domestic natural resources. “Pakistan’s valuable natural reserves can play a key role in resolving our economic challenges,” he stated. He added that reducing reliance on imported gas through indigenous supplies was a commendable achievement.
The Prime Minister also accepted the minister’s invitation to inaugurate the Jhal Magsi Gas Field Project.
He emphasized that integrating the gas from the Jhal Magsi field into the national grid is a significant step forward, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to promote energy self-sufficiency and economic sustainability.

Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House in the federal capital

By
Khuram Maryam
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Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House in the federal capital
APP64-210825 ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House in the federal capital. APP/MAF/TZD/SSH
Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House in the federal capital
APP64-210825
ISLAMABAD

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, pays a farewell call on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in the federal capital

By
Khuram Maryam
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Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, pays a farewell call on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in the federal capital
APP63-210825 ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, pays a farewell call on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in the federal capital. APP/MAF/TZD/SSH
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, pays a farewell call on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in the federal capital
APP63-210825
ISLAMABAD

Preparations underway to introduce electric buses in Sargodha

By
Asif Jalal
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Sargodha, Aug 21 (APP): Following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, preparations are underway to introduce electric buses in Sargodha.
A team from Nespak and Punjab Transport Company (PTC) visited the city on Thursday to oversee the installation of electric chargers, says a press release issued here.
On the occasion, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Malik Muhammad Tahir said that in the first phase, 48 electric buses will operate from Sargodha city to all six tehsils, providing an affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly transportation to people.
He said that the bus service will be available from 6 AM to 10 PM, with fares set at half the current rates to benefit citizens.
He mentioned that a temporary electric charger will be installed at the General Bus Stand, while a permanent site on Lahore Road will feature a modern 4,000 KV power system to support the electric bus fleet.”Modern bus stops will be constructed on each route to enhance the overall travel experience”, the Secretary added.
He said that the project aims to provide Sargodha’s residents with modern, eco-friendly, and high-quality transportation services, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure.

Laborers load plant pots onto a delivery truck for sale in the Musazai area

By
Khuram Maryam
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Laborers load plant pots onto a delivery truck for sale in the Musazai area
APP57-210825 PESHAWAR: August 21 – Laborers load plant pots onto a delivery truck for sale in the Musazai area. APP/SYR/MAF/TZD/SSH
Laborers load plant pots onto a delivery truck for sale in the Musazai area
APP57-210825
PESHAWAR

Chief Secretary reviews flood relief & rehabilitation efforts

By
Asif Jalal
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PESHAWAR, Aug 21 (APP): A high-level meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities in the districts affected by recent floods.
The meeting focused on coordinating efforts and addressing the immediate needs of the affected communities.
The Chief Secretary directed all deputy commissioners to submit comprehensive reports from their respective districts which should include detailed accounts of relief measures, damage assessments, and plans for rehabilitation.
The Deputy Commissioners provided briefings on current initiatives and future strategies, with particular emphasis on the rapid evaluation of losses incurred due to the floods.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of providing maximum relief to the affected populations and instructed that the registration process for government financial aid packages be expedited.
He highlighted that the provincial cabinet has already approved a food stamp package worth Rs. 15,000 per family, which must be distributed in a transparent and timely manner. To facilitate this, he emphasized the need for priority completion of the verification process in coordination with NADRA.
Addressing the urgent need for reconstruction, the Chief Secretary directed that assessments of damaged houses be completed swiftly to ensure that housing packages approved by the provincial government are delivered without delay.
He said that the compensation package has been significantly enhanced, with fully destroyed houses now eligible for Rs. 1 million and partially damaged houses for Rs. 300,000.
Further instructions were issued for the prompt assessment of losses related to livestock, shops, vehicles, and other assets. District administrations were tasked with guiding and assisting affected residents in reconstructing homes in safe locations to minimize future risks.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the specific situation in Bajaur, directing the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that compensation for families displaced by militancy, as well as their host families, is disbursed in accordance with existing regulations and without delay, alongside ongoing flood relief efforts.

NAB starts payment to 17,500 B4U affectees

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): A special ceremony was organized by National Accountability Bureau (Rawalpindi/Islamabad) at NAB headquarters, Islamabad on Thursday to distribute cheques of recovered funds to the victims of the B4U fraud.
The ceremony was presided over by Chairman NAB Lt. Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed and attended by Prosecutor General Accountability Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah, Director Generals, senior NAB officers and a large number of general public/scam affectees.
The B4U fraud is one of Pakistan’s largest financial scams, operated as an online Ponzi scheme through shell companies by Saif-ur-Rehman and his associates. Billions of rupees were collected from the public by promising a 7% monthly return.
NAB initiated an inquiry into the matter on February 5, 2021, after receiving hundreds of complaints from victims and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). During the investigation, NAB traced and froze 56 bank accounts, properties, and other assets belonging to the accused persons, while online data was downloaded and used to verify victims’ claims.
As a result of NAB’s persistent efforts and legal action, a recovery process for Rs 7.3 billion was initiated. At the initial phase, Rs 3.7 billion  is being distributed among 17500 affectees with 10000 affectees getting their whole amount and remaining 7500 will get 40 percent of their amount now while remaining 60 percent will be paid within six months after disposing of the properties of the accused.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chairman NAB reiterated NAB’s priorities which included focus on the public at large cases and to recover 100 per cent looted amount from the accused persons and return the same to the victims in the shortest possible time.
He further emphasized the public to take utmost care in investing their hard-earned money in various schemes and make thorough inquiry before investments.
The Chairman NAB appreciated the efforts and hardwork of NAB (Rawalpindi/Islamabad) team who made recoveries and disbursement of recovered amounts possible in the face of various challenges in the B4U scam. The Chairman NAB also announced Ummrah package as incentive for the whole team of NAB Rawalpindi.
It was announced that in future victims will no longer need to visit NAB offices to claim their compensation. Funds will be directly transferred into their bank accounts. This milestone reflects NAB’s commitment to protecting public interests, recovering looted funds, and restoring public trust.
Earlier, DG NAB (Rawalpindi/Islamabad) Waqar Ahmed Chohan highlighted efforts of concerned case officers and briefed the audience on the difficulties they faced in the recovery of looted amount from the accused persons in B4U scam.
The beneficiaries expressed their deep satisfaction and gratitude on NAB’s efforts, stating that they had lost all hope of recovering their savings. They praised the relentless efforts of NAB Chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed and NAB officials, whose hard work made this recovery and distribution possible.

Senator Rubina Khalid visits flood-hit areas of Buner and Swat, assures full support to victims

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid visited flood-ravaged areas of District Buner and Swat to express solidarity with the affected families, monitor relief operations, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to stand by the victims in their time of need.
During her three-day visit, the BISP chief toured severely hit localities including Pattedara and Qadir Nagar, where 26 members of a family lost their lives during a wedding ceremony due to the devastating floods.
She met survivors, including Junaid, who lost seven close relatives, and directed the Director General BISP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately collect data of all such families so that they could be provided relief under a special support package.
In Gokund, Senator Rubina Khalid met a blind elder who lost nearly nine family members and is now left with two children.
She personally offered financial assistance to the family. Offering fateha at multiple sites, she extended her condolences to the bereaved and assured them of continued support.
The Chairperson also visited Pir Baba shrine, which had been completely submerged, and a local Gurdwara where she met members of the Sikh community and expressed solidarity with them.
Emphasizing dignity in relief operations, Senator Rubina Khalid urged rescue teams and NGOs to avoid showmanship while helping victims. Locals also presented her with a list of nearly 100 deceased persons, which she directed officials to verify and include in future relief packages.
Highlighting environmental concerns, she cautioned residents about the dangers of plastic pollution, noting its role in climate change. She personally joined a cleanliness drive alongside locals and BISP staff to collect plastic waste.
At the Swat Press Club, where a BISP Mobile Registration Vehicle (MRV) had been deployed, Senator Rubina Khalid monitored ongoing surveys and registration of new beneficiaries. She personally observed women’s registration and recertification processes.
She also visited a medical camp, handed over medicines, and met doctors and volunteers, appreciating their dedicated services. Speaking to the media, she appealed to philanthropists and well-off citizens to extend maximum cooperation in relief efforts while preserving the self-respect of affected families.
“BISP stands firmly with the victims in every difficult time,” Senator Rubina Khalid reaffirmed, assuring flood-hit communities that they will not be left alone in their suffering.
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