Azma alleges record-breaking corruption in KPK

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:57 PM

LAHORE, Aug 08 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, on Friday expressed serious concern over what she termed a surge in corruption cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), claiming that new scandals are emerging almost daily.

In a statement, she said a massive Rs. 40 billion scam in the development sector was recently followed by a Rs. 16 billion corruption case in the Education department. She further alleged that a fresh scandal in the Mineral department has surfaced, involving the awarding of gold mining contracts in five KP districts to favoured individuals at throwaway prices.

“These so-called honest leaders have a track record of corruption that starts in the billions. Their entire legacy revolves around personal gain and plunder,” she remarked, accusing PTI loyalists of treating the KP treasury as personal property.

Azma Bokhari claimed that not a single new development project has been launched in KP over the past one and a half years, while corruption “continues to break records.”

In contrast, she praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying the province has completed a century of development projects under her leadership without a single corruption allegation. “Punjab’s projects are being executed to international standards,” she asserted, adding that corruption, nepotism, and incompetence do not exist in Maryam Nawaz’s dictionary.

Government buildings, public squares, and private premises illuminated with vibrant decorative lights in connection with Independence Day celebrations

Khuram Maryam

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:56 PM

Government buildings, public squares, and private premises illuminated with vibrant decorative lights in connection with Independence Day celebrations

Khuram Maryam

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:54 PM

Banks to open on Saturday for collecting Hajj applications: SBP

NNPS Desk

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:51 PM

KARACHI, Aug 08 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan Friday, announced that branches of designated banks will remain open on Saturday for the collection of Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026.
The central bank has taken the initiative on the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony as August 9, 2025 is the last date for submission of Hajj applications by registered applicants of Hajj 2026, said a statement issued here by SBP.
In order to facilitate the collection of Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026, the SBP has directed 14 designated banks to keep their concerned branches open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 throughout the country.
Earlier, in terms of Hajj Policy, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has designated 14 banks (viz. National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Soneri Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank Islami) to collect Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026 w.e.f. August 4, 2025 till August 9, 2025 throughout the country.

PRCS marks International Youth Day

Asif Jalal

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:48 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Friday marked the International Youth Day 2025 with a vibrant and engaging celebration here under the year’s global theme, “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond”.

The event brought together representatives of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), German Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent, volunteers, youth leaders, and PRCS staff to recognise and amplify the voices, actions, and contributions of youth in advancing humanitarian values and sustainable development goals across Pakistan, a PRCS news release said.

PRCS Secretary General Abaid Ullah Khan welcomed the participants and staff for joining the International Youth Day celebrations at the PRCS.

He said the day was a powerful reminder of the remarkable role young people play in shaping a more compassionate and resilient society.

PRCS Chairperson Mrs Farzhana Naek lauded the energy, innovation and resilience of the Red Crescent youth, stating: “Our young volunteers are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading today. Their commitment to serving communities, especially in times of crisis, continues to inspire us all.”

The event also featured a series of dynamic short video stories on climate action, mental health, usage of solar energy and a plantation drive where youth presented locally led solutions to community challenges.

ECP sets Aug 29 deadline for political parties’ financial statements

NNPS Desk

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:33 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday reminded all political parties to submit their consolidated statements of accounts for the financial year 2024–25 by August 29, 2025, in line with the requirements of the Elections Act, 2017.
In a press release issued here, the Commission stated that under Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017, read with Section 204 and Rules 159 and 160 of the Election Rules, 2017, every political party is required to file Form-D containing audited financial details for the year ending June 30, 2025.
The statement must reflect the party’s annual income and expenditure, sources of funds, assets and liabilities, and must be accompanied by an audit report prepared by a Chartered Accountant.
Additionally, the submission must include a certificate signed by an authorized office-bearer confirming that no funds were received from any source prohibited under the Elections Act, and that the financial information provided is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. The statement must be submitted in person by an office-bearer duly authorized by the party head, as per Rule 156 of the Election Rules. The Commission clarified that statements sent via post, fax, courier or any other mode will not be accepted.
Printed copies of Form-D are available free of cost at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad and at the offices of the Provincial Election Commissioners in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The form and the proforma for source of funds can also be downloaded from the ECP’s official website.
The required documentation must also include legible copies of the party’s bank statements for the period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, along with a bank reconciliation statement. An attested copy of the auditor’s membership certificate issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), along with the latest renewal, must also be annexed.
The Commission urged all parties to ensure that their submissions are complete, legible and free from overwriting, as incomplete or improperly filed statements may not be accepted.

95 sub-inspectors of motorway police promoted

Asif Jalal

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:22 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) has promoted 95 Sub-Inspectors (BS-14), including nine women officers, to the rank of Inspector (BS-16) in recognition of their performance and service.

The promotions were approved by Inspector General Motorway Police B.A. Nasir following a meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee, chaired by Deputy Inspector General (Human Resource Management) Shahid Javed, at the Central Police Office, Islamabad, said a press release issued on Friday.

According to the NH&MP, the promotions were granted strictly on the basis of seniority and merit in accordance with departmental rules. Congratulating the newly promoted officers, IG B.A. Nasir said the decision reflects the organization’s recognition of their dedication and professionalism. He expressed hope that the officers would continue to serve the public with honesty, commitment, and competence, further enhancing the reputation of the Motorway Police.

He added that the NH&MP is proud to have highly educated and capable officers, and urged the promoted officials to uphold the institution’s standards through diligence and exemplary conduct.

Pakistan condemns Israeli plan to take control of Gaza city: PM

NNPS Desk

Fri, 8 Aug 2025, 7:20 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli cabinet’s recent approval of a plan to assume control of Gaza City, calling it illegal and illegitimate and warning that the move represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

In a statement posted on his official X account, PM Sharif said the latest development would only deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and derail all prospects for peace in the region.

“We strongly condemn the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to take illegal and illegitimate control of Gaza City. This tantamounts to a dangerous escalation in an already catastrophic war against the people of Palestine,” the prime minister said.

He emphasized that the root cause of the ongoing tragedy is Israel’s “prolonged, illegal occupation of Palestinian territory,” which he said continues to block any meaningful path to lasting peace. “As long as this occupation endures, peace will remain elusive,” PM Sharif warned.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, reaffirming their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolutions.

Calling on the international community, PM Sharif urged urgent intervention to stop what he described as Israel’s “unwarranted aggression,” to protect innocent civilians, and to ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.