MULTAN
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, inaugurates the Roots Millennium Education Group Multan Campus
MULTAN
CEO of Roots Millennium Multan Campus, Dr. Faisal Mushtaq, presents a commemorative shield to Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani
MULTAN
MULTAN
CDA seals 28 buildings for violating bylaws
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions in Islamabad, sealing 28 buildings across the city on Wednesday for violating building bylaws.
The Building Control Section, working alongside the Enforcement Wing, district administration, and Islamabad Police, targeted properties in various areas, including eight buildings on Kuri Road in Zone-IV that were found to be non-compliant with land-use regulations.
An additional 20 buildings in the same zone were sealed for violations of the Building Control Regulations 2020. Notices were issued to the owners of all offending properties.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa reiterated that enforcement of building bylaws will continue citywide, urging residents to obtain proper approvals before undertaking any construction.
The authority stressed that consistent operations against illegal structures are planned in the coming days.
CM Maryam announces signal-free corridor, expansion of electric bus fleet to 80 in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI, Nov 19 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced major development initiatives for the garrison city, including a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor and the expansion of electric bus fleet from 45 to 80 vehicles, alongside a range of transport, infrastructure and welfare projects.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Electro Bus Phase-II project, the chief minister said work on the 25-kilometre signal-free corridor – featuring nine underpasses and three flyovers- had commenced and would be completed next year, providing relief to an estimated 200,000 daily commuters.
Maryam said besides 80 buses for the Rawalpindi city, their overall number for the division would be increased up to 145, including 15 each for Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock, ensuring modern and environmentally-friendly transport system in the entire region.
The increase in electric buses, she added, formed part of the government’s wider plan to introduce 1,100 green buses across Punjab by December. The service, she said, offered Rs20 fare, with women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students travelling free of cost. She said the buses were equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, CCTV monitoring, wheelchair space and separate compartments for women.
The chief minister also announced a Rs100 billion programme to overhaul rural drainage and sewerage systems, a new provincial anti-harassment law, and the construction of the Thal Expressway from Rajanpur to Bhakkar.
She added that after the completion of the Lahore Cancer Hospital, new cancer hospitals would be established in Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Maryam said road development had accelerated across the province, with thousands of kilometres of roads completed over the past year and 1,000 inter-village roads planned for this year. She added that the Wagah–Lahore stretch had been transformed into a 14-kilometre Green Heritage Corridor.
The chief minister said over 100,000 houses were under construction under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme, with 350 to 400 units being completed daily. She said medicines for cancer, hepatitis and diabetes were now being delivered at patients’ doorsteps, while cardiology centres were being established in 20 cities.
Maryam said 1.5 million families were receiving ration cards, and 80,000 students were benefitting from scholarships. Missing facilities in public schools were being addressed, teachers’ shortages were being filled, and the school meal programme had boosted enrolment, she added.
The chief minister said smog-control measures had reduced seasonal smog by up to 70 per cent, and clean drinking water would be provided to every household in the Potohar region this year. Rural areas, she added, were being developed as model villages with improved amenities.
She said the crackdown on illegal weapons and drug peddling near educational institutions had been intensified, while police reforms had led to significant reductions in crime. She said Rs85 billion in loans had been issued under the Easy Business Scheme, and that the “Suthra Punjab” initiative and plantation drives were improving sanitation and greenery across the province.
Maryam said the government’s priorities were public safety, service delivery and sustained progress, stressing that development “comes through hard work, not shortcuts.”
NA issues written response to Amir Dogar regarding procedure for appointment of leader of opposition
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The National Assembly Secretariat has formally issued a written response to MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar (NA-149) regarding his letter dated October 6, 2025, regarding the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.
According to the spokesperson, the response letter draws attention to Rules 39 and 39-B of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, which outline the procedure for the submission of names and the declaration of the Leader of the Opposition.
As stipulated under Rule 39(2), the Speaker announced the date, time, and place for Members of the National Assembly to submit their duly signed proposals for the appointment of Leader of Opposition.
The response further conveys that, in line with parliamentary practice, such announcements are made on the floor of the House, allowing all Members an equal opportunity to propose a candidate for the position.
The spokesperson added that the letter clearly states that since the Speaker has not yet made any announcement regarding the schedule for submitting proposals for the Leader of the Opposition, no request or proposal can be entertained at this stage.
The Secretariat will proceed only once the requisite announcement is made by the Speaker in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business 2007.
In the issued response, the Secretariat has also referenced the recent order of the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 29th October 2025, in CPLA No. 4446 to 4449 of 2025 (Omer Ayub Khan and others vs. FOP & Syed Shibli Faraz vs. FOP).
Through this order, the Supreme Court set aside the earlier decision of the Peshawar High Court that had adjourned writ petitions sine die and directed the High Court to determine the maintainability of those petitions and dispose of them accordingly.
The spokesperson confirmed that, as highlighted in the response letter, the matter concerning the disqualification of Omar Ayub Khan, former Leader of the Opposition, is presently sub-judice before the Peshawar High Court.
Govt determined for extending outreach of economic dividends to common man
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday reiterated the government’s firm resolve to extend the outreach of economic dividends to the common man to ensure shared social prosperity and development in the country.
Addressing the launch and award ceremony of the Corporate Philanthropy Report 2024, organized by the Pakistan Center for Philanthropy (PCP), the minister said that despite fluctuations on the economic front, corporate philanthropy in Pakistan had always remained on an upward trajectory.
Quoting findings from the report, he said that out of nearly 400 listed companies, around 300 were actively participating in corporate social responsibility initiatives, contributing to various sectors linked with social development.
He urged organizations not currently disclosing their philanthropic activities to do so, saying that greater transparency would set a positive precedent and encourage more institutions to contribute towards social welfare and development.
Pakistan is regarded globally as a remarkably giving nation, with the World Giving Index placing it 17th among 101 countries which is an acknowledgment of the country’s deeply ingrained culture of generosity, especially in the health and education sectors, he remarked.
The Minister observed that the Karachi city has long led the country in philanthropic activity and corporate giving, adding that the Karachi would rank among the top globally if international city-wise comparisons of philanthropy were conducted.
He appreciated that while other regions of the country are increasingly contributing, Karachi’s leadership remains noteworthy and exemplary.
Drawing from his own private-sector experience, the minister recalled leading an organization where 1% of annual profitability was consistently directed toward a corporate foundation, later increased to 1.5% by the board.
Congratulating the award recipients, Senator Aurangzeb termed them role models and emphasized the need to further strengthen efforts to promote corporate giving, describing it as a national identity and a cornerstone of social progress.
The minister also acknowledged PCP’s dedicated efforts in advancing and institutionalizing a culture of corporate giving through evidence-based research and data that promote efficiency and transparency.
He said that under the special directives of the Prime Minister, the government had designed a social impact financing framework ensuring that outcomes would be result-based, impact-linked, and reflective of cohesive collaboration among the public sector, private sector, and capital philanthropy.
Senator Aurangzeb appreciated PCP’s input in shaping the framework and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending all possible support to the center in guiding, connecting, and recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to society’s betterment.
CM Maryam lauds security forces for eliminating 39 terrorists
LAHORE, Nov 19 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to the security forces for eliminating 39 khawarij in successful intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In her statement, she said the armed forces had once again demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in defending the nation.
The chief minister said that terrorism would be rooted out completely, adding that the flag of Pakistan would always fly high through the sacrifices and commitment of its defenders. She described the security forces as the pride of the nation and a protective shield against the nefarious designs of the enemy. She said the successful operations had sent a clear message that Pakistan remains strong, resolute and invincible in the face of all threats.
Nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign launched
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The government has started a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect 34.6 million children against measles and rubella.
The drive was launched by Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI) in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) in federal capital to protect children.
The campaign runs from 17 to 29 November 2025 across all provinces and territories and aims to vaccinate children aged six months to 59 months against these deadly, preventable diseases.
Vaccination will be provided at fixed centers, outreach sites, schools, and seminaries, and is available free of cost to all eligible children.
The oral polio vaccine will also be provided to children under five in partnership with Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), whose teams will help carry out the measles and rubella campaign in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
“Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for our children, ensuring that no child is left behind in our pursuit of universal health coverage,” said Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
He added this campaign is a testament to the strength of our national resolve and the invaluable partnerships we hold with WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and all our collaborators. “I urge all parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure every child of our country aged 6 to 59 months receives this vaccine.“
“Protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and rubella is a national priority. This campaign is a massive undertaking to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for our nation. The Government of Pakistan is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths caused by measles complications,” said Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General of the Federal Directorate for Immunization.
“The scientific evidence is clear as vaccines save lives and protect our children from deadly diseases like measles and rubella,” said Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan.
“WHO is proud to stand with Pakistan and the Federal Directorate of Immunization and support more than 140,000 health workers on the ground to leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are.”
Pakistan has registered over 17,000 measles cases this year across 475 union councils with an incidence rate of 66.65 measles cases per million – three times higher than the WHO threshold for measles outbreaks to be classified as large and disruptive.
Measles poses life-threatening risks, especially for children under five. More than half of these cases were among zero-dose children — those who have not received any routine measles vaccine — underscoring the urgent need for this supplementary MR campaign.
Measles is highly contagious requiring at least 95% vaccine coverage with two doses of measles and rubella vaccine to prevent outbreaks.
“UNICEF is proud to partner with the Government of Pakistan, WHO, and Gavi to ensure every child has the opportunity for a healthy future,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
“Today marks an important milestone for children across Pakistan. The measles-rubella vaccine can protect millions of children from preventable and life-threatening diseases, giving children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.”
Since 2000, measles vaccination has saved an estimated 60 million lives worldwide. Pakistan’s national measles and rubella vaccination campaign is an important step toward the global goal of eliminating measles and controlling rubella in lower-income countries by 2030.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have been asked to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated during the campaign to protect them from measles and rubella and secure a healthier future.
“Through our long-standing partnerships with Pakistan and other countries around the world, Gavi is working to strengthen immunization systems so that life-saving vaccines, including the measles and rubella vaccine, reach every child. This campaign is an important step toward closing immunity gaps nationwide,” said Carrie Gheen, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Pakistan.
Two-day seminar on Plant-based Diabetes Management concludes at COMSTECH
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The two-day regional seminar on “Plant Materials and their Clinical Validation in the Management of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders: Challenges and Scope,” jointly organised by OIC-COMSTECH and the Asian Network of Research on Antidiabetic Plants (ANRAP), concluded on Wednesday, reinforcing the need for scientific validation, regulatory harmonisation and enhanced regional collaboration in plant-based therapeutic research.
The speakers, while addressing the inaugural session, had emphasised that diabetes poses one of the most serious health and development challenges for Pakistan and many developing countries.
They highlighted the growing global interest in traditional and plant-based medicine and underscored the need for evidence-based approaches to ensure safety, quality and clinical efficacy.
The commitment announced by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal to establish dedicated traditional medicine desks in major public hospitals was widely welcomed by participants as an important step toward integrating natural therapeutics into mainstream healthcare.
Over the two days, more than 150 experts from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Egypt and other OIC member states took part in technical sessions covering medicinal plant research, metabolic disorders, pharmacological screening, molecular mechanisms, clinical validation and regulatory challenges.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, said the seminar reaffirmed the “major scientific gap” in developing countries regarding molecular and genetic understanding of diseases.
He said the discussions strongly pointed toward the need for shifting from treatment-focused systems to prevention-driven healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Prof. Choudhary reiterated COMSTECH’s commitment to expanding its health initiatives, including biomedical training, virology fellowships, the Africa health programme and humanitarian medical outreach, and noted that validated medicinal plants, coupled with lifestyle improvements, can play a significant role in addressing diabetes across OIC countries.
Prof. Dr. Begum Rokeya, Network Leader and Secretary General of ANRAP, said the seminar strengthened regional momentum for systematic scientific validation of widely used traditional medicinal plants.
She stressed the importance of shared laboratory resources, harmonised protocols and cross-border clinical evaluation.
Participants appreciated Pakistan’s renewed policy direction in favour of traditional and plant-based medicine and expressed interest in deepening collaboration under the COMSTECH–ANRAP partnership.
The seminar concluded with agreement to form a regional working group to advance validation frameworks, standardisation efforts and joint research opportunities.
Nationwide rollout of free SIMs for BISP’s social protection wallet to transform financial access for millions
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah has said that the government’s landmark initiative of distributing free SIMs to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries will transform the system of social protection by ensuring transparency, digital access, and financial inclusion for millions of women across Pakistan.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the BISP Headquarters on Wednesday, alongside Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, the minister said the nationwide rollout of the Social Protection Wallet will create a more secure and efficient payment ecosystem for beneficiaries.
He emphasized that the initiative marks “a major step toward empowering the most vulnerable women of Pakistan by giving them safe, independent, and direct access to their financial entitlements.”
During the briefing, officials informed the minister that the pilot phase, launched on November 17 across 41 districts, has recorded an overwhelming response, with 22,000 free SIMs distributed in just two days.
The overall nationwide target is 10.6 million beneficiaries, making it the largest SIM-based financial access drive in Pakistan’s history and one of the largest global exercises in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
It was highlighted that, with support from the State Bank of Pakistan, every BISP beneficiary will now have an individual, interoperable bank account, enabling them to withdraw funds from any partner bank’s channel-a major shift aimed at enhancing convenience, reducing dependency, and strengthening financial transparency.
All eligible women have been advised to collect their free SIMs from the nearest BISP office or designated campsite by December 31.
The officials reaffirmed that this beneficiary-centric effort will improve transparency, reduce fraud, and expand formal financial inclusion for millions of low-income women.
Directors General from regional offices also briefed the Minister on district-wise caseloads and implementation progress.
Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah appreciated the strong pace of work and directed teams to ensure timely facilitation of all beneficiaries across the country.