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UMT students visit PSCA to learn modern policing systems

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LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): A delegation of male and female students from the University of Management and Technology (UMT) visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) on Tuesday as part of their study tour aimed at enhancing understanding of modern, technology-driven policing systems.
According to a PSCA spokesperson, the students were briefed on the working mechanisms of the Punjab Emergency Helpline 15, including its special features for ensuring security at educational institutions. The delegation also visited the Virtual Blood Bank, Virtual Center for Child Safety (‘Mera Pyara’) and Virtual Women Police Station, showing keen interest in the various sections and interacting with sectional heads who addressed their questions.
The students were apprised of PSCA’s advanced AI-based systems and their role in public safety and law enforcement. They also visited the Electronic Data Analysis Center and E-Ticketing Center, where they learned about modern digital surveillance, data processing, and integrated traffic management systems. The delegation was given a comprehensive overview of the Operations Monitoring Center and its role in citywide security monitoring. They were further briefed on the “Meri Pehchan” initiative, a project facilitating identification of lost and deceased citizens and improving public service delivery.
The spokesperson added that students were informed about the new version of the Women Safety App and the Panic Buttons installed in female educational institutions, commercial areas, and main roads of Lahore. The system allows citizens to immediately alert Punjab Emergency Helpline 15 in case of emergencies, ensuring prompt police assistance at the site.
The main objective of the study tour, the spokesperson said, was to familiarise UMT students with modern, efficient, and technology-integrated policing systems, highlighting PSCA’s role in maintaining law and order and ensuring a safer environment for citizens. The visit concluded with a group photo of UMT students with PSCA officials.

Wild pig attacks Child in Dhalha Village, Rawalpindi

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 23 (APP): A 10-year-old boy was seriously injured after a wild boar attacked him in Dhalha Village on Adyala Road, Rawalpindi. Rescue 1122 teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, said Media Coordinator, Rescue 1122 Muhammad Usman Gujar.
The boy, identified as Hasnain, sustained deep wounds on his abdomen and legs.
Rescue personnel provided on-site medical assistance and shifted him to a nearby hospital. The Rescue medical team successfully controlled the bleeding before hospital admission.
According to family members, Hasnain was playing outside his home when the wild animal suddenly attacked him.

BoI minister discusses investment opportunities with Honorary Consul General of Lithuania

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Tuesday held a meeting with Lithuania’s Honorary Consul General Masud Khan to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook and explore investment opportunities.
According to BoI press release, the meeting was also attended by former Director of Pakistan Television (PTV), Rasheed Khan Niazi. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted Lithuania’s export-led growth model as a successful example and emphasized that Pakistan must also adopt an export-driven economic strategy to achieve sustainable growth.
He stressed the importance of active private sector participation in enhancing investment, industrial development, and job creation. The Minister briefed the participants on key government initiatives, including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), and the Asaan Karobar Act, aimed at improving ease of doing business.
Emphasizing the need for long-term policy planning, the Federal Minister stated that policy continuity is essential for economic stability and investor confidence. Facilities and incentives for Overseas Pakistanis were also discussed to encourage greater investment inflows.
The Minister reaffirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government continued to implement investment-friendly reforms to strengthen the national economy.
The Board of Investment remains fully committed to facilitating investors and positioning Pakistan as a preferred investment destination, he said. According to the press release, the guests appreciated the minister’s efforts to promote investment and improve Pakistan’s investment climate.

Muhammad Ahmed Shah inaugurates exhibition of Painter G.N Qazi’s Artwork

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KARACHI, Dec 23 (APP): President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, inaugurated an exhibition of renowned painter G.N. Qazi’s artworks at the Art Citi Gallery Karachi on Tuesday.
The artist G.N. Qazi was also present on the occasion. The exhibition has been titled “Mohabbat Ki Sada” (The Call of Love).
The opening ceremony was attended by Chairperson Arts Council Women Empowerment Committee Chand Gul Shah, prominent painter Shahid Rassam, Tanweer Farooqi, along with a large number of artists and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition features 21 artworks, curated by F.S. Karachi Wala, and is inspired by the theme of Sufism. The artist has artistically portrayed the shrine of the renowned Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, reflecting spiritual depth and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that Art Citi is a magnificent gallery where he frequently visits, as it is not merely a commercial space but one that truly supports art and artists.
He praised G.N. Qazi for beautifully capturing the spiritual essence of Sindh’s historic architecture in his artworks. He noted that the use of blue tones over red flowers brings the compositions closer to nature. He also announced that the 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference, beginning on December 25, will feature two art exhibitions as well.

BISP marks Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday with message of unity, tolerance

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on Wednesday organized a grand ceremony at its headquarters to jointly commemorate Christmas and the birth anniversary of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, underscoring the values of unity, religious harmony, and inclusive nation-building.
The event was attended by BISP employees from the Christian community, beneficiary women and their families, media representatives, and senior officers and staff of the programme.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community and said that December 25 is a day of joy for all Pakistanis as it marks both the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas.
She stressed that there is an urgent need to practically implement Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of an independent, strong, and prosperous Pakistan.
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that national development requires collective thinking and unity, a principle also upheld by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who believed in a strong federation supported by strong federating units. “Pakistan is our first priority and a matter of pride for all of us. My Pakistan is my identity,” she said, adding that discrimination on the basis of color, race, language, or religion leads to destruction, while unity paves the way for progress and success.
Addressing BISP officers and staff, the Chairperson urged them to perform their duties with honesty and dedication.
She said that true success in the hereafter lies in serving the creation of Allah Almighty and resolving the problems of the people.
She described the Benazir Income Support Programme as a great responsibility entrusted to her and said that BISP is taking practical steps, in line with the vision and teachings of the Founder of Pakistan, to promote social justice and protect the most vulnerable segments of society.
Speaking specifically at the Christmas celebration, Senator Rubina Khalid said that BISP was celebrating Christmas with its Christian beneficiary mothers, sisters, and their children, reflecting the true spirit of love, solidarity, and national unity in Pakistan.
She prayed that the coming year would bring peace, stability, and progress for Pakistan and its people, emphasizing that “we are Pakistanis first.”
She recalled that both Hazrat Isa (A.S.) and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached messages of love, peace, tolerance, and respect for humanity, and stressed the need to uproot the seeds of hatred from society. Expressing hope for the future, she said that the year 2026 should become a year of peace, love, brotherhood, and tolerance for the country.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Asmat Nawaz said that even Quaid-e-Azam’s opponents acknowledged his honesty, integrity, and principled character.
He noted that Quaid-e-Azam is remembered not only as the Founder of Pakistan but also as a global statesman whose guidance continues to serve as a beacon for the nation.
He added that despite limited resources, BISP is striving to support marginalized communities and bring them into the national mainstream.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid cut the Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah birthday cake along with members of the Christian community and distributed gifts among children of Christian families on behalf of the Benazir Income Support Programme, marking the occasion with a message of inclusion, harmony, and shared national pride.

Court extends interim bails of PTI founder, Bushra Bibi

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The lower court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of the founder of PTI and Bushra Bibi in May 9, riots and five other cases and ordered the founder of PTI to be presented in person or via video link at the next hearing.
During the hearing on the pre-arrest bail applications, Shamsa Kayani Advocate appeared on behalf of the founder of PTI and Bushra Bibi. Due to the unavailability of the founder of PTI, arguments could not be made on the bail applications.
The court extended the interim bail and ordered that the founder of PTI be presented in person or via video link at the next hearing. The court adjourned the hearing on the bail applications until January 27.
Other cases including attempted murder, forgery and fake receipts have been registered against the founder of PTI, while a case has been registered against Bushra Bibi for allegedly submitting fake receipts.

IGP cuts Christmas cake at CPO

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LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): Punjab Police celebrated Christmas with a special ceremony honouring Christian officers and employees at the Central Police Office (CPO), Lahore on Tuesday.
According to Punjab Police spokesperson, the IGP, cut the Christmas cake alongside Christian personnel and extended heartfelt Christmas greetings. He announced a Christmas bonus of Rs 5,000 per employee and granted an additional holiday for Christian staff.
Addressing the ceremony, the IGP Punjab said that Punjab Police equally share in the joy of its Christian brothers and sisters and emphasised that minority communities should benefit from employment opportunities within the police force. He highlighted that Punjab Police’s Meesaq Centres promote interfaith harmony and play a key role in addressing the concerns of Christians and other minorities.
Dr Usman also announced monthly rewards for Christian officers demonstrating outstanding performance at Meesaq Centres and assured that comprehensive security arrangements would be provided for churches, Christian localities, and communities during Christmas to safeguard lives and property.
He said that over 3,900 minority officers and personnel, including Christians, are serving in Punjab Police, with around 450 female minority personnel forming an important part of the force. He also lauded the sacrifices of minority officers, including those who laid down their lives during operations against terrorists and criminals.
The ceremony was attended by Additional IG Punjab Imran Arshad, DIG Headquarters Dr Muhammad Abid Khan, AIG Admin and Security Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi, AIG Welfare Nasir Mahmood Bajwa, and other senior officers. Christian officers and employees expressed gratitude to the IG Punjab for participating in the celebrations.

Nawaz Sharif’s contributions to Pakistan historic, unforgettable: Mujtaba

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LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Nawaz Sharif’s contributions to Pakistan are historic and unforgettable.
He stated this, while addressing the birthday cake cutting ceremony of former prime Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif organised by trader community of Gulberg at a local hotel on Tuesday.
The Finance Minister prayed for good health, well-being and long life of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He recalled that under his leadership Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power, landmark projects such as the motorways network were launched, concrete steps were taken to overcome the energy crisis, and the country was steered towards economic stability.
Mian Mujtaba stated that mega development projects witnessed across Pakistan today are a reflection of the vision, foresightedness and leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
He said that now Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is also actively implementing his elder brother’s vision, while Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is successfully carrying forward her father’s people-centric development agenda in the province.
The Finance Minister added that present leadership is fully committed to the agenda of national service, sustainable development and economic prosperity, besides taking all segments of society including business and trader community on borad in the journey to achieve new milestones of progress for Pakistan.

Chinese citizen injured in Cambodia-Thailand conflict; China reminds its citizens to refrain from traveling in conflict hit area

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BEIJING, Dec 23 (APP): A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday a Chinese citizen sustained minor abrasions in a clash along the Thailand-Cambodia border yesterday and reminded the Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling in the conflict-hit area.

The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has contacted the individual concerned and will provide consular protection and assistance within its scope of responsibilities.

Lin Jian made these remarks during his regular briefing in response to a question regarding a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia on Monday, which said that a Chinese citizen was slightly injured during the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, and seeking the latest information on the injured person.

Given the severe security situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border recently, we once again remind Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to the above-mentioned areas for the time being, he said.

The spokesperson urged both sides involved in the conflict to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises.

 

Court extends interim bail of Bushra Bibi in November 26 protest case

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Bushra Bibi, wife of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in a case related to the protest held on November 26.
The case is being heard by the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Aamir Zia.
The order was passed on Tuesday during the hearing of Bushra Bibi’s pre-arrest bail application. The court extended her interim bail and adjourned the proceedings until January 27.
Bushra Bibi is nominated in a case registered at Ramna Police Station. The case has been lodged under provisions of the PPO Act along with other sections of the law in connection with the November 26 protest.
During the hearing, the court reviewed the request for continued protection from arrest. After hearing the arguments, the judge decided to grant an extension in the interim bail to maintain the status of the case until the next date of hearing.
The court directed that the matter would be taken up again on January 27, when further arguments are expected to be heard on the pre-arrest bail plea.
The case relates to law and order arrangements during the November 26 protest in the federal capital.