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Pakistan to launch first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy: SAPM

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Nov 19 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Industries & Production (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan has announced that Pakistan will soon introduce its first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy to empower them further in reshaping the economic landscape.
He was speaking at an event jointly organized by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, according to SMEDA spokesman here Wednesday. More than 21 Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry from across Pakistan attended the event that highlighted the expanding role of women entrepreneurs in driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
SMEDA played a crucial role in empowering women-led enterprises and presenting their contributions at the national level, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and enabling local businesses to grow into industries.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan commended the determination and innovation of Pakistani women. He stated that women in Pakistan did not wait for opportunities but created them, turning constraints into catalysts. He emphasized that today’s women are not asking for assistance but for fair opportunities, adding that women are not only part of the economy but already driving it forward. He announced that Pakistan will soon introduce its first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy to further support this transition, noting that under the leadership of Prime Minister, women have been placed at the heart of economic development.
Haroon Akhtar Khan further said that from homes to the global market, Pakistani women are emerging as business leaders and that the time has come to move beyond facilitation and provide them with leadership roles.
Reflecting on the broader economic outlook, he mentioned that many small businesses in Pakistan have transformed into industries without receiving formal financial support. He projected that this year alone, economic facilitation measures are expected to exceed USD 40 billion. He added that with enhanced access to new markets, especially if Pakistan gains trade openings in an additional 25 countries, these figures could significantly improve.
He highlighted that the government has introduced an Export Facilitation Policy to support entrepreneurs in expanding globally and that increased access to digital platforms and mobile connectivity now allows Pakistan to shape a new economic model aligned with modern-day needs.
Sharing an anecdote from internal discussions, he noted that when the Prime Minister asked who crafted the plan, he responded that it was developed through the Economic Implementation Cell (EIC), demonstrating the government’s openness to innovative planning. The SAPM stressed that entrepreneurship among women stands at the frontline of industrial transformation and that if Pakistan aspires to compete internationally, women’s economic leadership is indispensable.
He concluded by saying that no nation can achieve its full potential unless women progress alongside it and expressed confidence that Pakistan is becoming a country where every woman will be able to transform her ideas into reality.
The event reinforced the government’s commitment to advancing women-led businesses through targeted policy support, expanded market access, digital acceleration and collaborative initiatives. SMEDA and FPCCI pledged continued partnership to drive economic transformation and position Pakistani women at the forefront of entrepreneurship and industrial development.
SMEDA CEO Nadia stated that government is committed to economically empowering women through SMEs, providing loans, and developing skills.
The ceremony was attended by notable business leaders, including Vice President FPCCI Qurat-ul-Ain, Tariq Jadoon, Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, and Chairman Coordination and President Hafizabad Chamber Malik Sohail Hussain.

Talal rejects allegation PTI founder’s sisters disrespected outside Adiala jail

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Nov 19 (APP):State Minister Interior and Anti-Narcotics Senator Talal Chaudhry categorically said on Wednesday that sisters of the PTI founder were not disrespected outside the jail and such claims were a fabricated political narrative designed for point scoring.
Addressing a press conference in Jaranwala alongside Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith scholars, he said that the government holds the PTI founder’s sisters in high regard and ensured their full security and dignity during the incident.
He said that despite political differences, the PTI founder’s sisters remain respectable and female security officials repeatedly attempted for several hours to guide them off the main road where their protest was causing public inconvenience.
He said that the women security personnel formed a protective cordon and shifted them respectfully to a safe area. The allegations of mistreatment are baseless, he added. Talal Chaudhry criticised what he described as a recurring tactic of leveling accusations such as harassment or egg-throwing for political mileage.
He said that PTI founder enjoys unprecedented facilities in the jail including extensive visitation rights, meetings with political leaders, lawyers, doctors and family as well as a large exercise area and full kitchen amenities including Desi chicken.
Speaking on judicial resignations, Talal Chaudhry said that the resignations have helped cleanse the judiciary of political influence. He said that after 19th Amendment, several appointments were made on the basis of personal liking and long-term planning rather than merit. The judges must function strictly in accordance with the constitution and avoid decisions influenced by alliances, personal ego or household pressure; he said and added that more resignations would however strengthen the justice system.
He highlighted the crucial role of religious scholars in maintaining national stability and said that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Ulema are vital in countering sectarianism, terrorism and destabilising forces. He also appreciated Ulema cooperation with the government.
Discussing the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, he said that the reforms represent long-overdue implementation of the Charter of Democracy signed in 2004. These amendments are originally intended to be included in the 18th Amendment but could not be incorporated at the time, he added.
He said that new amendments have restored parliament’s rightful authority, which had been reduced to the level of a “municipal corporation” under 19th Amendment. Only a fully empowered parliament can ensure national progress, he added.
He said that constitutional amendments are parliament’s exclusive mandate and those satisfied with the 17th and 18th Amendments should equally acknowledge the legitimacy of the 26th and 27th Amendments. He pointed out that the PTI did not oppose the amendments and its proposed changes to the 26th Amendment were included with consensus.
He said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman voted for 26th Amendment after consulting the PTI while the 27th Amendment also passed without obstruction. He said that political stability is core priority of the government as economic stability and national survival depend directly on it.
The government would continue taking responsible steps for national improvement through governance reforms, financial balancing and broad political consultation to move the country forward with consensus, he added.

Minister for investment inaugurates Pakistan energy,exhibition Conference (PEEC-2025)

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, inaugurated the Pakistan Energy and Exhibition Conference 2025 (PEEC-2025) on Wednesday, formally opening the exhibition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
During the event, the Minister addressed the media and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s energy sector and promoting investment, said a release issued here.
In his address, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted that modern technology and strategic investment are key to ensuring energy security in Pakistan.
He stated that Pakistan is entering a new era in energy policy, refining, and exploration, which positions the country as an attractive destination for national and international investors.
The Minister underscored that strong partnerships with global energy companies are central to the government’s strategy and that Pakistan possesses immense potential in the energy sector, including opportunities in exploration, refining, and downstream industries.
He described PEEC-2025 as an ideal platform for fostering new partnerships, innovative solutions, and actionable strategies for sustainable energy development.
Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also highlighted the broader economic vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, stating that the government is taking proactive measures to enhance industrial competitiveness, upgrade refining capacity, improve energy infrastructure, and create a more conducive environment for investors.
The minister noted that Pakistan offers investment opportunities in the minerals sector, is strengthening the foundations for export growth, addressing investor security concerns, and offering tax-free Special Economic Zones.
The Board of Investment, under the leadership of Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, remains fully committed to promoting investment and supporting both domestic and foreign investors for a prosperous and energy-secure Pakistan.

Uzbekistan, China strengthen expert dialogue on global governance

By
NNPS Desk
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TASHKENT, Nov 10 (UzA/APP) : A roundtable discussion on “Global Governance Initiative: Practical Perspectives for Central Asia” was held in Tashkent, organized by the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The event brought together leading experts from research institutions, analytical centers, and academic circles of Uzbekistan and China. Participants focused on current issues related to improving mechanisms of global governance amid profound transformations in the international political and economic system.
A key aspect of the discussion was the Global Governance Initiative put forward by President of China Xi Jinping at the SCO Plus meeting in September 2025, as well as its significance for the international system and regional dynamics in Central Asia.
Director of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives Sanjar Valiyev noted in his remarks that the initiative proposed by China responds to the key challenges that hinder improving the effectiveness of the existing system of global governance.
In his speech, Yu Jun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of the ongoing dialogue ahead of the upcoming meeting of the foreign ministers of the two countries. The roundtable was organized in the format of three thematic sessions.
Within the first session, participants examined the conceptual foundations of the Global Governance Initiative and the reasons for its emergence. The second session focused on the international dimension of the initiative and its role amid the transformation of global diplomacy’s architecture. The third session was dedicated to exploring practical opportunities for implementing the initiative in Central Asia.
Following the roundtable, the parties agreed on directions for deepening expert cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, outlined steps to develop practical mechanisms of interaction, and formulated recommendations for implementing the initiative at the regional level.

ICT Police put three illegal-arms suspects behind bars

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police’s Khanna Police team have accelerated their ongoing Arms-Free City campaign, arresting three suspects in Khanna area and recovering a significant quantity of illegal weapons and ammunition.
An official told APP on Wednesday that a police team from Khanna Police Station conducted the operation and seized a large cache of arms from the suspects’ possession. Cases have been registered, and further investigation is underway.
He said the campaign is being carried out on the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP)  Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, who has ordered strict enforcement across the federal capital to eliminate illegal weapons.
SSP Operations  Qazi Ali Raza stated that a zero-tolerance policy against illegal firearms is being implemented, and no leniency will be shown to those carrying unlicensed weapons. He urged citizens to immediately register their licensed arms with the concerned police stations.
The official added that protecting citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority of ICT Police.

PCCR calls for strong legislative action to achieve a Polio-Free Pakistan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) of the National Assembly convened a meeting titled “Polio-Free Pakistan: A Legislative Priority” at the Parliament House, Islamabad.
The meeting was chaired by the Convenor of PCCR, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, and attended by Parliamentary Secretaries Rana Ansar, Farah Naz Akbar, and Saba Sadiq; Member PCCR, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA; Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Government of Sindh, Mr. Muhammad Qasim Soomro, MPA; Draftsman, National Assembly, Tahir Farooq; officers from the Health and Finance Divisions and representatives of civil society organizations.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan underscored the urgent need for robust legislative measures to eradicate Wild Polio Virus (WPV1) from Pakistan.
She emphasized that eliminating polio is both a constitutional and moral obligation, highlighting priority areas including mandatory vaccination, deterrence against vaccine refusal, state support for polio-affected children, and the formulation of a comprehensive Polio Eradication Act.
She also reaffirmed the PCCR’s commitment to unified action, strengthened oversight, harmonized provincial legislation, and nationwide awareness initiatives.
The National Coordinator of the Polio Program, Ministry of Health, Capt. (R) Anwar-ul-Haq, presented an overview of the current epidemiological situation. He noted an overall decline in Wild Polio Virus (WPV1) cases nationwide, with no cases reported since September 2025.
However, he highlighted rising cases in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which accounts for over 50% of recent detections. He also shared year-wise data from 2021–2025, identified five priority zones across Pakistan, and outlined provincial challenges and progress in the ongoing vaccination drive.
Responding to the queries, Capt. (R) Anwar-ul-Haq emphasized the need to focus on South KP, Karachi, and Hyderabad—areas with the highest refusal rates. He stressed that routine immunization, nationwide campaigns, and sustained community engagement are essential to building public trust.
In the concluding session, participants recommended a child-centred, community-driven approach to polio eradication.
It was noted that underweight and medically vulnerable children require additional attention to ensure successful immunization. The establishment of mothers’ committees at the grassroots level was proposed to counter misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.
Further recommendations included strengthening the cold-chain system, ensuring effective monitoring mechanisms for polio workers, administering vaccines to young adults who may act as carriers, and enhancing public awareness through media and storytelling-based campaigns.
Participants also emphasized the importance of visible political ownership to counter vaccine hesitancy.
The meeting concluded with a strong call to introduce legislative incentives to promote vaccination—focusing on encouragement rather than penalization—to build parental confidence and reinforce trust in the immunization process.

20 cabinet members of Azad Kashmir administered their office:SZS

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 19 (APP):A 20 member cabinet of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), comprising 18 ministers and 2 advisors, took the oath of the office here on Wednesday.
The Acting AJK President Chaudhry Latif Akbar administered the oath to the ministers, while Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore administered the oath to the advisors, however their portfolios would be allocate d later.
The swearing  ceremony was attended by former President and Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, senior government officials, and a large number of Pakistan Peoples Party workers.
Those sworn in as ministers included Mian Abdul Waheed, Sardar Javed Ayub, Javed Iqbal Badhanvi, Chaudhry Arshad Hussain, Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid, Ali Shan Soni, Syed Bazal Ali Naqvi, Sardar Muhammad Hussain Khan, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Chaudhry Akhlaq Ahmed, Chaudhry Aamir Yasin, Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, Zafar Iqbal Malik, Diwan Ali Khan Chughtai, Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq Nayyar, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Sardar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani and Nabila Ayyub.Whereas Sardar Ahmed Saghir and Sardar Fahad Yaqoob were sworn in as advisors.
Earlier The Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Maulana Lal Muhammad Banian, a founding leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former Member of the Legislative Assembly.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Rathore extended condolences to the bereaved family, and prayed to Allah the almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace.Recalling his family ties with Maulana Banian, he said that the deceased was a close associate of his late father, Mumtaz Hussain Rathore.

Islamabad to get new footpaths, improved streetlights under citywide upgrade

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Islamabad’s aging footpaths and streetlight network are set for a major overhaul as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moves ahead with a comprehensive restoration and upgradation plan for all sectors of the capital.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Wednesday.Senior officials including Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza and DG Works were also present.
Under the plan, existing footpaths across sectors will be repaired, while new pedestrian routes will be constructed where needed.
Faulty streetlights and damaged poles will be replaced, and additional lighting infrastructure will be installed to enhance visibility and safety in residential and commercial areas.
Alongside the pedestrian and lighting improvements, the wider project includes road construction and repair, re-carpeting, patchwork, installation of signage, lane marking and rubber speed breakers.
Sewerage and drainage systems—along with manholes and kerb stones—are also set for rehabilitation.
Officials briefed the meeting that surveys of all sectors and marakiz have been completed, and the Engineering Wing has finalised initial cost estimates after reviewing older neighbourhoods.
Chairman Randhawa directed that work begin simultaneously in key commercial zones including Super Market, Jinnah Super, Aabpara, Karachi Company and Blue Area.
He also instructed that traders and the business community be kept fully engaged during the repair phase to minimise inconvenience.
He further called for improved cleanliness measures in older sectors, emphasising high-quality and cost-effective execution.
The CDA chief also ordered the engagement of architects for beautification and the procurement of modern machinery to support the restoration drive.
Randhawa said the initiative aims to provide residents with upgraded civic facilities while enhancing the overall appearance and functioning of Islamabad.

Pakistan Navy scores massive drug bust worth $130mln in Arabian Sea

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Pakistan Navy Ship TABUK, while operating on Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and in support of Saudi-led CTF-150 under HQ Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), intercepted a suspicious dhow operating in the Arabian Sea.
Subsequently, the ship successfully conducted a major counter-narcotics operation on-board a stateless dhow, resulting in the seizure of over 2000 Kg of methamphetamine (ICE).
Pakistan Navy scores massive drug bust worth $130mln in Arabian Sea
The estimated regional wholesale value of apprehended narcotics is 130 million US dollars, said a news release of the Director General of Public Relations (Navy).
The current apprehension of narcotics by PNS TABUK is the third consecutive successful interdiction conducted in the last 2 months by PN ships.
These successful operations demonstrate PN’s enduring resolve and unwavering commitment against illicit trafficking at sea.
Pakistan Navy scores massive drug bust worth $130mln in Arabian Sea
The scale of the operation, coupled with its flawless execution, underscores not only the Pakistan Navy’s professionalism but also the effectiveness of multinational coordination under CMF.
Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard national maritime interests and uphold principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) while contributing to the global commons through maritime security efforts.
Pakistan Navy scores massive drug bust worth $130mln in Arabian Sea

3 more witnesses testify in TikToker Sana Yousaf murder case, hearing adjourned to Nov 26

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Statements of three additional witnesses were recorded in the TikToker Sana Yousaf murder case, bringing the total number of testimonies to 11 as the court moved the proceedings to November 26 for cross-examination.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the case and recorded the statements of three more prosecution witnesses. During the hearing, state counsel Raja Naveed Hussain appeared on behalf of the prosecution.
While the prosecution completed the witness statements, the defence lawyers did not cross-examine the witnesses. The court was informed that a total of 11 witnesses have recorded their statements so far, with more witnesses scheduled to appear in the upcoming hearings.
The remaining testimonies will continue at the next hearing, where the judge has directed that cross-examination must be ensured.
After completing the day’s proceedings, the court adjourned the case until November 26.
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