Relaunch of smog mitigation projects reviewed
LAHORE, Nov 14 (APP):The review meeting on Sectoral/Departmental Smog Mitigation Action Plans 2025–26 and Relaunch ceremony of (SMPT 2.0) was held at AKS Auditorium, P& D Board, here on Friday.
Secretary P&D Board Rafaqat Ali chaired the 2nd review meeting and inaugurated the Smog Mitigation Projects Tracking Dashboard (SMPT 2.0), with improved real-time monitoring mechanism, enhanced data integration and inter-departmental coordination for anti-smog measures across the province.
The representatives of concerned/respective departments briefed the chair about the progress of their Smog mitigation action plan 2025-26.
The representative of the Transport Department highlighted important reforms in the transport sector, one of which is the Punjab Digital Transport Governance System, which is helpful in preventing smog by conducting real-time monitoring, while the Private Vehicle Inspection System will control vehicle pollution.
Moreover, he also informed that thousands of e-bikes have already been distributed by the Punjab government to promote eco-friendly mobility, and hundreds of electric buses are being inducted into the transport sector in Punjab.
The agriculture representative informed that due to unanimous efforts of the agriculture department, this year 25% reduction in stable burning achieved. Under the CM initiative,4703 out of 5000 supper seeders delivered across the Punjab and under the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP), farmers will get financial assistance for 3000 super seeders.
Furthermore, the representative of the Environment Department told that AQI (Air Quality Index) display screens in Lahore are proving helpful in creating awareness about smog among the public.
Similarly, the Health Department has ensured the establishment of smog centers in hospitals, awareness campaigns at the district level, and provision of specific facilities to deal with smog-related diseases.
The Secretary, P&D Board Rafaqat Ali said that this upgraded dashboard will be helpful in real time monitoring mechanism of the Smog Mitigation activities of the different departments. He emphasized on the public awareness and directed all departments to intensify messaging through print, electric and social media platforms.
He stressed that continuous and targeted communication is essential for encouraging responsible public behavior and ensuring collective action against smog.
Furthermore, the chair raised some observations about the performance of some departments and instructed them to improve their working and upload their Smog related activities on the established Dashboard, for the information of all concerned authorities.
10th Pakistan Banking Awards: SBP Governor offers futuristic transformation blueprint to banking system
KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP):The Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad, offering a blueprint for futuristic transformation of the banking system driven by innovation, inclusion and responsibility on Friday, stressed on banks to reorient business models to serve the needs of the private sector, especially SMEs and small depositors.
He was addressing the 10th Pakistan Banking Awards ceremony, organized by the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan in collaboration with DAWN Media and A.F. Ferguson & Co for promoting excellence, innovation, and integrity in the banking sector, said a statement issued here.
The SBP Governor presented the prestigious Best Bank Award to Meezan Bank, recognizing their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence. Bank of Punjab grabbed three Best Bank awards for Women Inclusion, SMEs and Agriculture Inclusion; Bank Alfalah topped in Digital Excellence and Customer Engagement while HBL, Faysal Bank and Kashf Foundation were declared as best among the banks for ESG, Mid-sized Banks and Microfinance Institution respectively.
The governor SBP, in his address, observed the important role of these awards in helping raise the standard of banking in the country and in this context, offered a blueprint for the needed transformation of the banking system for the next decade, driven by innovation, inclusion and responsibility.
This transformation would not be possible unless banks reorient their business models towards serving the financial needs of the private sector, especially SMEs and small depositors, he observed, adding “Banks that continue to rely on easy returns from lending to the government will eventually be left behind by institutions that are mobilizing deposits and meeting the growing credit needs of the underserved segments.”
Elaborating on the way forward, Governor SBP encouraged banks to focus on four main areas- digitalization, utilization of AI and tailor-made easy financial products, integration of climate risk, and realignment of business models.
He asked the banks to embed digitalization into everyday digital experiences of their customers and their own business operations, including mobile commerce, agriculture supply chains, credit scoring, and risk management. Second, banks should put in place artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to build smarter risk models incorporating alternative information furnished by AI; and design tailor-made financial products for small firms, start-ups, and entrepreneurs who may lack conventional documentation, he added.
Jameel Ahmad also underscored the need to integrate climate risk into banks’ credit decisions, set clear sustainability targets, and develop green bonds and sustainability-linked loans for climate financing. And finally, banks should reassess their priorities and strategically realign their business model to better facilitate and strengthen Pakistan’s exporters, he urged.
Governor Kundi encourages investors to explore KP’s untapped economic potential
PESHAWAR, Nov 14 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the need for joint efforts to address the challenges facing the province and to project a positive and soft image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the national and international levels.
He said the people of the province are highly talented and must be provided with greater opportunities to contribute to development and progress.
The Governor expressed these views while addressing the CEOs Summit organized by CEO Club Pakistan at the Governor House Peshawar, where he joined as the chief guest on Friday.
The event brought together leading business personalities, policymakers, diplomats and CEOs from across the country, including CEO Club Pakistan Founder and President Ijaz Nisar, U.S. Consul General in Peshawar Thomas Eckert, KP Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam, Industrialists Association President Ayub Zakori, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, President CEO Islamabad Zahid Latif Khan, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junaid Altaf, and notable industrialist Adnan Afridi, among others.
The summit featured panel discussions and exchanges on business opportunities in various sectors in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speakers including U.S. Consul General Thomas Eckert, KP Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam, Bank of Khyber Managing Director Hassan Raza, and Al-Baraka Bank Pakistan CEO Muhammad Atif Hanif also addressed the gathering and praised Governor Kundi for his support to the business community.
During the ceremony, CEO Club Pakistan launched the book “100 CEOs & Diplomats of Pakistan”, as well as the Women CEO Club Peshawar Chapter and the CEO Club Peshawar Chapter.
Governor Kundi hailed these initiatives as historic and encouraging steps toward promoting entrepreneurship in the province.
Congratulating the organizers for holding the summit in Peshawar, the Governor said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers tremendous investment potential in tourism, energy, technology, minerals, agriculture and infrastructure.
He reaffirmed that the Governor House is fully committed to facilitating private-sector engagement and providing all possible support.
He said that national and international delegates who previously attended conferences at the Governor House gained a firsthand understanding of the province’s culture and historic sites, which helped reshape perceptions.
“Those who continue doing business here despite challenges deserve our appreciation,” he added.
The Governor highlighted that KP leads the country in tourism potential, natural minerals, oil and gas reserves, and low-cost power generation. “In reality, the province is not behind in any sector,” he said.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Governor Kundi presented shields to participating CEOs from various companies.
RDA seeks ECL placement of University Town owners; two officials suspended
RAWALPINDI, Nov 14 (APP):The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Friday requested the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to place the names of the owners of University Town on the Exit Control List (ECL) amid allegations of large-scale fraud and illegal activities.
Acting on the directions of the Secretary, Housing Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&PHED), Captain (Retired) Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, and under the supervision of RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, the Authority initiated strict enforcement measures against the management of the housing scheme.
According to an RDA spokesperson, Director General Kinza Murtaza had formally written to the NAB Chairman and the FIA Director General, seeking ECL placement of Aziz Khan and Jameel Khan, owners of University Town (Pvt) Ltd. The move followed accusations of fraudulent practices, unauthorised sale and purchase of plots, cheating the public and non-payment of mandatory government dues.
“These violations not only inflict financial losses on citizens but also undermine the regulatory regime meant to ensure lawful urban development,” the Director General said.
In a parallel action, Director Town Planning Samiullah Niazi and Assistant Director Town Planning Shiza Tanveer were suspended for failing to curb unlawful activities associated with the scheme and for ineffective enforcement of the RDA’s regulations.
To ensure transparency in the process, the Director General also asked the Commissioner Rawalpindi to nominate an inquiry officer to examine the conduct and negligence of officials responsible for overseeing University Town.
The RDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public interest, strengthening internal accountability and ensuring strict compliance with urban development laws, the spokesperson added.
WCLA hosts Sufi Night
LAHORE, Nov 14 (APP):The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) on Friday hosted a soulful musical evening titled “Sufi Night” featuring the renowned Sufi vocalist Tahseen Sakina.
According to a press release issued here, the event was held at the magnificent Shalimar Gardens in line with the directions of the Punjab government for the promotion of Tourism and Culture. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the spirit of Sufi music and its timeless connection to Lahore’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
Tahseen Sakina’s melodious performance offered the audience a deeply captivating experience amidst the serene and historic ambiance of Shalimar Gardens.
Speaking on the occasion, Walled City of Lahore Authority Director General Najmus Saqib said, “Under the vision of the Government of Punjab, the WCLA remains committed to preserving and promoting Lahore’s living heritage. Events like ‘Sufi Night’ allow people to experience the beauty of our historic monuments while connecting with the soulful traditions of Sufi music that form a significant part of our cultural identity.”
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.


RAWALPINDI: November 14 –

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Saim Ayub plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Sri Lankan players celebrates wicket of Pakistani batter Saim Ayub during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA

RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman raises his bat after completing his half-century during the second One Day International cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.. APP/ADZ/FHA
TDAP organises National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue
KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP):The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) successfully convened the first National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue at its headquarters on Friday.
The landmark event brought together major pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and investors to forge a unified strategy for enhancing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical export ecosystem.
In his opening address, Secretary TDAP, Sheryar Taj, emphasized the dialogue’s objective to create a collaborative platform focused on export strategy, access to finance, and industry modernization. Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General TDAP, outlined the authority’s ongoing initiatives for the sector, while a comprehensive roadmap presentation was delivered by Arshad Raheem, Consultant Pharmaceutical.
The dialogue featured robust discussions on critical areas for growth. Shahbaz H. Syed, President of EXIM Bank, assured the industry of the bank’s full backing through tailored export credit insurance and guarantee schemes. Likewise, Joint Director SBP, Raheel Soomro has briefed about Export Finance Scheme for SMEs.
Dr. Obaidullah, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), underscored the necessity for international accreditations and WHO-PIC/S compliant systems to build global market trust and facilitate market access.
Senior industry leaders, including Haroon Qasim of PharmEvo, called for increased investment in Research & Development (R&D), better utilization of Clinical Research Organization (CRO) funds, and the establishment of WHO-accredited Bioequivalence Labs. The Executive Director of the Engineering Development Fund (EDF) committed to supporting this critical infrastructure development.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA), Kamran Nasir, commended TDAP’s initiative and highlighted the vital importance of policy consistency in this highly regulated sector. Representatives from leading firms including Himmah Capital, Martin Dow, Bio-Ferozsons, and Curexa/Highnoon contributed sector-specific insights, identifying policy gaps such as duty disparities affecting the import of oncology Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Concluding the event, Chief Executive TDAP, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical industry. “The longstanding gaps between government institutions and the industry have significantly narrowed,” stated Chadhar.
“We urge manufacturers to enhance compliance standards and diversify into new, high-potential markets. TDAP stands fully committed to supporting the sector in every possible way to unlock its export potential and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global healthcare economy.”
Court awards death sentence to murder of ex-attorney general
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP):An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday awarded death sentence to an accused convicted in murder case of former Attorney General Sardar Muhammad Khan.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra announced the verdict in the case. Prosecutor Raja Naveed followed the case on behalf of the federal government.
The court acquitted co-accused Waqif Khan due to lack of evidence while announcing death sentence twice to accused Rohullah after being found guilty in the case.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed said that accused Rohullah had escaped from police custody in 2013. He was accused of killing former Attorney General Sardar Muhammad Khan in the F-10 area of Shalimar police station.
The prosecutor said that the police also recovered the murder weapon from accused Rohullah. He was also sentenced to a fine of Rs. 500,000 and a compensation of Rs. 500,000.
Milestone crossed in higher education sector of Balochistan as one year: Governor
QUETTA, Nov 14 (APP):Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday said that a milestone has been crossed in the higher education sector of Balochistan province under one year of close supervision.
He said that the ranking of almost all public sector universities of the province has doubled saying that the score of BUITMS University has increased from 80 percent that of Women’s University from 37 percent to 67percent, while the score of University of Balochistan has enhanced from 44 percent to 76 percent.
The Governor said that it is a matter of pride that for the first time after 25 years, the University of Balochistan has been completely freed from the clutches of all crises, in this regard, Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoor Bazai and his entire team deserved tribute.
The Government of Balochistan, Education Department, Higher Education Commission Islamabad and the Vice Chancellors of the universities have received special support in improving the overall performance, he said.
Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that the University of Balochistan has managed to save about Rs 25 million by switching from traditional power generation to solar energy.
He said that a bold step towards reforms has been taken with the closure of seven unnecessary departments that were hindering the progress of education.
During this current year alone, two international seminars were organized on the premises of the university. This strategic move has paved the way for a more efficient and credible university, he said.
He said that moreover, all faculty members are now receiving their salaries on time, ensuring stability and security for the academic community.
“Another important achievement is the abolition of all contract and illegal jobs, male and female hostels have been completely allocated to outsiders”, he said.
He said that fiscal responsibility has also been maintained while promoting the trend of transparency and meritocracy, all self-finance accounts have been centralized for the first time in the history of the university.
Thus, for the first time, we have achieved a remarkable success in reducing the annual operation cost by Rs150 million. Petrol expenses have been significantly reduced from Rs. 3.8 million to Rs3.5 million.
In addition, the governance of the University of Balochistan has been strengthened, and the meetings of the Senate and Syndicate are convened at the appointed time, he said and added that our computer science experts have developed DMIS software under which students have been digitized from admission to obtaining the final degree.
He said that as we are entering the final phase of our goals and objectives, we are ready to launch a strong public awareness campaign adding that the aim of this initiative is to revolutionize the perceptions of all relevant institutions, authorities and the public regarding the University of Balochistan, to highlight our fundamental revolutionary reforms and extraordinary performance.
The Governor said that through this effort, we wanted to consolidate the position of the university as a beacon of academic excellence and a symbol of hope for the emerging youth of Balochistan. He said that however, even minor issues of pension, medical bills, and stationery would be overcome soon.








