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KP Cabinet takes 50 decisions in diverse sectors, announces commission to probe PBC attack case

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Nov 14 (APP): A meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Muhammad Sohail Afridi, was held here on Friday.
In the meeting, important decisions were made regarding the future direction of the provincial government, policy guidelines, law and order, legislation and governance reforms.
Speaking at a press conference regarding the cabinet decisions, Shafi Jan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial cabinet had made numerous decisions concerning governance reforms, development and welfare initiatives, financial matters and legislation.
He said the CM thanked all political parties who participated in the peace jirga the previous day, saying that political differences aside, peace is a shared goal for everyone.
Directing practical progress on all resolutions passed by the provincial assembly, he termed the abolition of “Action in Aid of Civil Powers” an essential requirement of fundamental human rights.
A commission was also announced to investigate the Radio Pakistan attack case. The commission will gather all evidence, including CCTV footage, and submit its report to the cabinet.
The CM declared the establishment of an interest-free Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the introduction of Islamic investment models, a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, a ban on personal publicity using government funds, and transparency and merit-based decision-making as key priorities of his government.
He made it clear that all government actions would be taken in consultation with elected representatives and based on public interest. All laws would be reviewed to identify shortcomings and propose necessary amendments.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, administrative secretaries, and the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Shafi Jan said the province’s affairs would be run on merit, with transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, and in consultation with elected public representatives. He added that public tax money would be spent solely for public welfare, not personal publicity.
In the first and overall 40th provincial cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Sohail Afridi, which lasted six hours, more than 50 important decisions were made.
Shafi Jan said the cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Witness Protection Rules 2025 to ensure the protection of witnesses and strengthen related measures.
These rules are being introduced under the Witness Protection Act 2021 for witnesses involved in sensitive cases, investigations, prosecutions, or judicial proceedings.
Additionally, amendments to the Arms Rules 2014 were approved, as well as the recruitment of family members of martyred personnel under the Shuhada Policy.
In the energy and hydropower sector, the cabinet approved the release of 500 million rupees for the KP Transmission and Grid System Company.
Approval was also granted for land acquisition for the Madain Hydropower Project, an important part of the provincial government’s vision to expand energy production and transmission infrastructure.
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for the expensive medical treatment of three poor patients, including one requiring a transplant.
It approved the installation of an HVAC system at the Peshawar Museum and a scheme for sewage infrastructure at tourist sites.
In the sports sector, the cabinet approved a special grant of 27.7 million rupees for the winners of the Shandur Polo Festival and financial assistance of 2 million rupees for boxer Khan Saeed Afridi.
The cabinet also approved the Child Labour Action Plan (2025–29), under which approximately 745,000 working children in the province would be brought into schools over five years. He noted that child labour rates are highest in the Bannu Division and Upper Dir District.
The cabinet also approved a Relief Support Fund for displaced families of North Waziristan, allocating 4 billion rupees for their assistance.
The provincial government, however, was allocating its own funds because “they are our people, and taking care of them is our responsibility,” though the province would continue reminding the federation of its duty.
Funds were also approved for road improvements in South Waziristan and Swat.
Special Assistant Shafi Jan said the cabinet approved a historic fund of 6.185 billion rupees to address missing facilities in schools, of which 1.2 billion rupees would be released immediately.

Late Dr Muhammad Afzal Babar honoured in condolence reference at NPC

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): The Private Schools Network (PSN) Islamabad organized a condolence reference to pay homage to renowned educationist, writer, and its founding president, late Dr Muhammad Afzal Babar, in recognition of his lifelong services to the education sector.
The session, held on Friday at National Press Club (NPC), brought together representatives from various education departments, presidents and office-bearers of school associations, leaders of educational foundations, intellectuals, teachers, and a large number of journalists. Zonal presidents, members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), and general members of PSN were also in attendance, offering heartfelt tributes to their founding leader.
Speakers highlighted the late Dr Babar’s distinguished contributions as an educationist and visionary leader who dedicated more than three decades to serving teachers, students, and private educational institutions.
They noted that through his efforts, late Dr Babar created platforms that strengthened the bond between education and service, promoting unity and stability within the private education sector.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat Rasool Maqbool (PBUH). Presidents and senior educationists from various organizations shared their reflections, praising late Dr Babar’s mission, character, and unwavering commitment to the cause of education.
Newly elected Central President, Maqbool Hussain Dar, expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed his commitment to carrying forward late Dr Babar’s mission with sincerity, unity, and determination.
He vowed to further strengthen PSN’s role in advancing education and service to humanity.
The event concluded with prayers for the departed soul and a collective pledge to continue the legacy of late Dr Muhammad Afzal Babar.

Diabetes is one of fastest-growing diseases worldwide, timely awareness, early diagnosis vital: Rubaba

By
Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Nov 14 (APP): Advisor to Chief Minister of Balochistan for Women Development Department, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, has remarked that diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases worldwide, and timely awareness and early diagnosis are extremely important.
In her message on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, she emphasized that the primary purpose of this day is to raise public awareness about the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures of diabetes.
She stated that adopting a healthy lifestyle, consuming a balanced diet, and engaging in light daily physical activity significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi urged citizens to regularly undergo sugar tests and stay informed about their overall health so that early detection and better treatment become possible.
She said that the support of family and society plays a crucial role for individuals affected by diabetes, while ensuring easy access to modern treatments and medicines is a shared responsibility of both the government and the community.
She added that this day reminds us that by taking timely preventive measures and increasing awareness about this disease, thousands of lives could be saved.

CM Flood Rehabilitation Programme launched in Gujrat

By
Kamran Muraad
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GUJRAT, Nov 14 (APP):The district administration has launched the formal distribution of financial assistance and Bank of Punjab (BOP) cards to flood-affected men and women under the Chief Minister Punjab Flood Rehabilitation Programme 2025, following the completion of a detailed survey of affected households.
A central distribution ceremony was held at the University of Gujrat, where 595 eligible flood victims received financial support.Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning) Zulfiqar Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Gujrat Abdul Qadeer Zarkoon, and other officials distributed the cards among beneficiaries.
Flood-affected residents thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, saying the assistance would help them recover from their losses and provide practical support.The district administration also arranged pick-and-drop facilities, refreshments, meals, and other essential services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free distribution process.

World Diabetes Day marked with awareness walk, seminar

By
Kamran Muraad
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DERA GHAZI KHAN, Nov 14 (APP):In connection with World Diabetes Day, DG Khan Medical College organised an awareness walk and a special seminar to highlight the growing threat of diabetes and the importance of preventive healthcare. A large number of citizens, students, and health professionals participated in the event.
Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Principal DG Khan Medical College, Prof. Dr. Bilal Saeed, Medical Superintendent Teaching Hospital, Dr. Shahid Hussain Magsi, faculty members, students, doctors, and other distinguished guests were also present.
Speakers emphasized the alarming rise of diabetes in Pakistan, underscoring the need for public awareness, early diagnosis, precautionary measures, and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle to combat the disease.
Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry noted that diabetes is rapidly increasing across the country and stressed that raising public awareness and promoting healthy living are essential to controlling the disease. He appreciated the medical college for its efforts to educate the public about diabetes prevention.
Following the ceremony, participants joined an awareness walk. Holding banners and health messages, students, teachers, and doctors highlighted the importance of healthy habits to prevent diabetes.
The college administration thanked all guests for their participation and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing public health awareness campaigns in the future.

Murtaza Abbasi urges voters to reject imposed family in NA-18 Haripur by-election

By
Kamran Muraad
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HARIPUR, Nov 14 (APP): Former Federal Minister and Provincial General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), Murtaza Javed Abbasi, has urged the people of Haripur to free themselves from the “imposed family” in the upcoming NA-18 by-election on November 23. Abbasi criticized the family for changing its political stance over different eras and emphasized the need for a decisive mandate.
Addressing a corner meeting organized by PML-N Hattar as part of the NA-18 campaign here Friday, Abbasi highlighted the importance of supporting PML-N candidate Babar Nawaz Khan to secure a majority victory.
The meeting was attended by prominent leaders including central PML-N leader and former National Assembly member Captain Safdar, former Chief Minister Pir Sabir Shah, former National Assembly member Sardar Mushtaq, District President Hamid Shah, Chairman Tehsil Khanpur Raja Haroon Sikandar, former Tehsil Chairman Havelian Malik Talha Asif, and other party leaders.
The leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the campaign, intensify outreach efforts, and mobilize local support. Residents of Hattar gave a warm reception to the visiting PML-N leaders. “God willing, Pakistan Muslim League (N) will achieve a majority victory,” they said.

Diabetes silent enemy, says health minister on World Diabetes Day

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Nov 14 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, in his message on World Diabetes Day, warned that diabetes is a “dangerous and silent enemy” that can be controlled only through vigilance, awareness, and disciplined living.
He said the rapidly rising rate of diabetes in Pakistan demands a stronger and more effective response. “Health is the basic right of every citizen, and the Punjab government is fully committed to ensuring this right,” he added.
Highlighting a major initiative, the minister noted that for the first time in history, insulin kits are being delivered directly to the homes of children suffering from type-one diabetes under a government program. He said free medicines are also being ensured across all government hospitals to facilitate patients.
Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to preventing and managing diabetes. “A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels are the only sustainable ways to protect oneself from diabetes,” he said.

PHC verdict barring PTI from using KP Govt machinery hailed as key step to protect democratic fairness

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Nov 14 (APP):Political parties, legal experts, and civil society organisations on Friday welcomed the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) landmark verdict barring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from using Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government machinery for political activities.
The division bench ruling was widely described as a significant move to safeguard democratic fairness, uphold rule of law, and prevent the misuse of taxpayer-funded resources by the ruling party for political gains.
People from diverse walks of life, including members of opposition parties, lawyers, media professionals, local government representatives, and ordinary citizens, praised the judgment, saying it strengthens the principles of transparency, accountability, and neutral governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PHC bench comprising Justice Shahibzada Asadullah Khan and Justice Khurshid Iqbal on Friday imposed a categorical ban on the use of provincial government resources, including official vehicles and machinery, for any personal or political purpose.
The judges ruled that such actions constituted “misconduct and abuse of authority,” and reiterated that the state’s administrative apparatus must remain insulated from partisan activities.
“This court is of the view that the use of official vehicles, machinery, or any other government resources for participation in, or facilitation of, political gatherings, protest rallies, or long marches constitutes a blatant misuse of public property and authority,” the judgment stated.
Opposition leader in the KP Assembly, Dr Ebad Khan, praised the ruling, calling it “a victory for democracy and the rule of law.”
“No party, whether in power or not, should have access to government or state facilities for political gains,” he remarked, urging all political actors to respect the separation between governance and electoral mobilisation.
Legal expert Malik Ashfaq Advocate also lauded the historic decision, arguing that it clearly defines the boundaries between government obligations and party activities.
He alleged that previous PTI-led administrations had relied on KP Govt machinery during public gatherings and long marches, and urged PTI leadership to apologise to the public for what he termed misuse of government assets in the past.
He further called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure full and strict implementation of the PHC’s directives in upcoming political campaigns, saying such oversight is essential to ensuring a level playing field for all parties.
The division bench emphasised that misuse of public resources not only violates public trust but also weakens the foundation of neutral and impartial governance.
“Public resources, including official vehicles and heavy machinery, are procured and maintained from the public exchequer for the sole purpose of performing official duties and providing services to citizens in accordance with law,” the order said.
It added that diverting these resources for political or extraneous purposes “undermines the sanctity of public office and shakes public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the administration.”
The court made it clear that no public officeholder is permitted to deploy government assets for partisan or personal activities.
Citing Articles 4, 5, and 25 of the Constitution about the lawful treatment of individuals, loyalty to the state, and equality of citizens. The verdict stressed that the use of public resources by any single party or individual inherently disadvantages others and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.
“In a democratic system governed by the rule of law, the state must maintain strict separation between official functions and political activities,” the order read.
“The use of government vehicles or personnel in political events conveys an impression of state endorsement or complicity in partisan matters, which is impermissible.”
The court directed the KP government to ensure that no official vehicle, machinery, or manpower under its control is deployed, used, or permitted to be used for any protest, long march, rally, or political activity of any nature.
The case originated from a petition filed last November, challenging the KP government, then led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, for allegedly deploying government vehicles, including fire engines and heavy machinery, during the PTI’s long march to Islamabad.
The petition claimed that KP government officials and resources from the local government department were mobilised to support the march, during which protesters gathered at D-Chowk demanding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, among other demands.
The PHC’s ruling, observers say, sets an important precedent reinforcing the constitutional boundary between political mobilisation and state authority.

Ansari welcomes establishment of Commission for protection of Journalists

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP):The spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan for Sindh Affairs, Barrister Raja Khaleeq-uz-Zaman Ansari, has welcomed the federal government’s decision to formally notify the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals.
In a statement, he termed the establishment of the commission a “positive and encouraging step,” adding that today’s official notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists. He said the commission will help provide a safer working environment for media professionals across the country.
Barrister Raja Ansari noted that journalistic bodies had long been demanding such a mechanism, and the formation of the commission, under the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the efforts of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and consultations with the journalist community, demonstrate that the federal government values freedom of expression.
He added that the government would continue taking concrete measures for the freedom of press and the financial security of journalists. The health insurance system for journalists has also been expanded and strengthened, he said, reaffirming that resolving journalists’ issues remains a top priority of the government.
The spokesperson said journalists are an active pillar of Pakistani society, and ensuring their safety while performing professional duties is the responsibility of the state.

Waqar Mehdi grieved over passing of Prof. Shahid Rasool

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh Secretary General Senator Waqar Mehdi has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Prof. Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi.
Senator Mehdi extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, stating that the sudden passing of Prof. Shahid Rasool is a great loss to the healthcare sector.
He said the late professor’s remarkable services to the field of health would always be remembered.
Senator Mehdi added that Prof. Shahid Rasool’s tireless efforts transformed Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, into one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country.
He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
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