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SP Dolphin reviews security at duty points; urges officers to remain vigilant

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Dolphin/Industrial Area Zone Khalid Mehmood Awan on Sunday reviewed security arrangements at multiple duty points as Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police intensified on-ground security checks in view of the current situation.
An official told APP that SP  Khalid visited various security posts across the zone to inspect deployments and assess the performance of officers on duty.
SP Dolphin reviews security at duty points; urges officers to remain vigilant
During the visit, SP Khalid directed police personnel to remain fully alert, perform their duties with dedication, and strictly follow the security guidelines issued by the department. He emphasized that officers must maintain visible presence on roads, markets, and public areas to deter any unlawful activity.
SP Dolphin reviews security at duty points; urges officers to remain vigilant
He further instructed the staff to remain attentive during patrols, monitor suspicious individuals and vehicles, and immediately report any unusual activity to the control room.
The SP also reminded officers that citizens’ safety is the top priority of Islamabad Police and that professional conduct, courtesy, and timely response must be ensured at all times.

ICT admin announces key transfers, new appointments

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): The Islamabad district administration has issued a new notification announcing several administrative transfers and appointments, including the posting of new assistant commissioners in Nilor, Shalimar, Potohar, and the Industrial Area.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has reshuffled several officials as part of its latest administrative changes.
According to a notification issued by Director Administration Usman Ashraf, multiple officers have been reassigned to new positions across the district.
Under the new postings, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Nilore, Muhammad Ali, has been transferred and posted as AC Shalimar. The notification states that he will take charge of the new assignment immediately.
The administration has also appointed Ali Naeem as AC Potohar. He had been awaiting a posting, and his new assignment places him in charge of one of the district’s key subdivisions.
In another posting, Grade-17 officer Muhammad Haroon has been appointed as AC Industrial Area. His new role includes oversight of administrative matters in the city’s main commercial and industrial zone.
Meanwhile, a notification has been issued confirming the appointment of Saif-ul-Islam as the new AC Nilore. He will assume the position following Muhammad Ali’s transfer to Shalimar.
Officials said the transfers and new appointments aim to streamline administrative functions across Islamabad’s subdivisions and ensure continuity in field operations.

ICT reports only 6 new dengue cases in 24 hours as 28,001 spots inspected

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Only 6 dengue cases were reported in Islamabad during the past 24 hours, reflecting a steady decline after the district administration carried out inspections at 28,001 locations and continued anti-dengue operations across the city.
The Islamabad district administration has reported a significant drop in dengue cases as field teams continue citywide operations under the ongoing anti-dengue campaign.
According to officials, consistent field activity, rapid response, and public cooperation have helped bring the situation under control across both rural and urban areas.
Under the latest operational update, teams carried out fogging in 813 high-risk zones and conducted spray activity inside 308 houses identified during routine surveillance. These actions were part of a coordinated plan to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent further spread of the virus.
District teams also completed inspections at 28,001 locations within a single day. These checks included residential areas, open plots, commercial sites, under-construction buildings and other spots where larvae are often found during the peak transmission season.
Health officials confirmed that only 6 new dengue cases emerged in the last 24 hours. Out of these, 5 cases were reported from rural localities and 1 case from an urban sector. The administration said the trend suggests that the virus is slowing down across the capital.
Hospitals across Islamabad are currently treating 17 dengue patients, while the majority have already recovered and been discharged. Medical facilities continue to offer treatment and medication in dengue wards, ensuring uninterrupted support for those under care.
During the latest round of larva-checking activity, teams identified positive dengue larvae at 113 open sites. These spots were immediately targeted with treatment to stop further mosquito breeding. Commercial hotspots, however, were declared clear after thorough inspection. Teams also found one instance of negative larvae, which was addressed on the spot.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said the decline in new cases reflects the impact of timely field operations. He noted that the administration is working round the clock to ensure dengue remains under control and does not resurface in any part of the city.
DC Memon said strict action is being taken against those violating dengue SOPs. Several individuals and establishments were taken into custody for negligence, and legal action was initiated as per the district guidelines. He said such enforcement measures are necessary to ensure community safety.
The Deputy Commissioner also reaffirmed that anti-dengue operations in Islamabad will continue until the virus is eliminated. Field teams will keep conducting inspections, fogging and source reduction in all affected sectors and rural areas.

ITP issues traffic advisory for Tri-Nations series until 29 Nov; 300 officers deployed

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued an updated traffic advisory for the ongoing Tri-Nations Cricket Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which will continue until 29 November, urging citizens to plan additional travel time due to team movements between Islamabad and the stadium.
An ITP official told APP on Sunday that over 300 traffic officers have been deployed to manage traffic flow during match days, team departures, and return movements. The advisory will remain in place until 29 November.
According to the plan, traffic on Expressway and Srinagar Highway may experience delays, especially during peak hours. Citizens are advised to add 15–20 minutes of additional time to their travel schedule.
Drone surveillance and digital monitoring are also being used to track congestion points in real time, enabling quick adjustments in deployment where required.
Alternative Routes
To avoid delays during team movement, ITP has advised motorists to use:
IJP Road
9th Avenue
Margalla Road
Service roads parallel to Expressway and Srinagar Highway (where applicable)
Public transport may be temporarily diverted during movement, depending on security requirements.
The ITP spokesperson said that the department is utilizing all available resources to ensure minimum inconvenience to commuters. Continuous traffic updates will be provided through Islamabad Police’s official social media platforms and FM 92.4.
Citizens have been requested to follow lane discipline, cooperate with traffic staff, and remain patient during temporary closures.
For emergencies, citizens may contact Pukar-15, while traffic-related assistance is available on the ITP helpline 1915.

Distt admin introduces ICT Household Survey for city’s overall safety

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has announced the ICT Household Survey, a citywide initiative aimed at compiling digital information about households, family members, and domestic staff.
The district administration said the survey plays an important role in organising and updating Islamabad’s household records. Authorities noted that the effort will help improve city planning, resource allocation, and overall safety.
Officials said residents of the federal capital are showing strong participation by entering their details through the newly launched mobile application.
According to the administration, 885 people completed their data entry on the first day of the app’s release, while another 2,039 users are currently completing the registration process. Officials have encouraged all citizens to register without delay so teams can verify the information during the field survey.
Authorities said the survey is designed to allow residents to register from their homes, making the process simple and accessible. The administration has appealed to citizens to participate fully so the capital’s population record can be updated in one integrated system.
Survey teams will begin visiting all neighbourhoods from Monday, 17 November. Equipped with tablets, these teams will reach every home to collect information from residents who are unable to complete the process on their own.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, has appealed to the public to cooperate with these teams and support the district administration in strengthening safety across the city.
Speaking to the media, DC Memon explained the purpose and process of the ICT Household Survey app. He said the app is available on both Android’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Any resident of Islamabad can download the app and enter details about their home and those living in it.
He noted that the survey requires complete information about all residents of each household, including domestic staff such as drivers, cooks, helpers, or security guards. Users must indicate whether the home is owned, rented, or a shared family property. DC Memon stressed that providing accurate information will assist the administration in building a verified digital database.
He added that beginning 17 November, teams will conduct door-to-door visits for households that cannot or do not upload their data.
Each team will carry a tablet preloaded with the application. If someone does not register through the app, the survey team will visit their home and enter the data based on the details provided. This procedure ensures that every house is included in the survey.
The Deputy Commissioner said the data platform has been developed to display every household in Islamabad on a digital map.
The system will clearly show which homes have completed their entries and which remain pending. Officials will then follow up with households that have not registered. He emphasised that collecting this information is essential for improving city management and ensuring better security planning.
The administration has also encouraged residents to use the app to avoid inconvenience during door-to-door visits.
DC Memon has called on citizens to support the initiative by cooperating with survey teams and ensuring that their data is entered accurately and on time. He said collective participation from all residents will help the administration make Islamabad a well-managed and secure city.

Nation remembers Rahmat Ali: visionary behind the name ‘Pakistan’

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): The 129th birth anniversary of Chaudhry Rahmat Ali, the political thinker credited with coining the name “Pakistan” was observed on Sunday.
Commemorative events were held across the country, honouring his intellectual legacy and contributions to the subcontinent’s Muslim identity.
Talking to APP, Pakistan National Movement President Yousaf Aziz said Rahmat Ali had introduced the name “Pakistan” on 28 January 1933 in his pamphlet Now or Never, nearly fourteen years before the country’s creation.
He described the name as inspired by the Quranic verse 15 “baldatun tayyibatun” from Surah Saba, symbolising a pure and ideal homeland.
Nation remembers Rahmat Ali: visionary behind the name ‘Pakistan’
Aziz added that the concept carried religious, historical, political and cultural resonance that later found formal expression in the Lahore Resolution seven years after the pamphlet’s publication.
He said Rahmat Ali’s vision represents “a national rediscovery” that will continue to guide future generations in understanding Pakistan’s historical roots and evolving identity.
State broadcaster PTV aired a documentary highlighting his life and national services, while scholar Prof. Zaid bin Umar released his new book Chaudhry Rahmat Ali: A Critical Review of Objections.
Contemporary news platforms also carried features reflecting on his role in shaping the country’s ideological foundations.

Digital sector key to Pakistan’s economic security: Shaza

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja Sunday said that Pakistan is working to strengthen its IT industry, expand exports, and build a “Digital Nation” based on a digital economy, digital society and digital governance.
She was speaking at the 27th National Security Workshop at the National Defence University (NDU) on the topic “Pakistan’s IT Potential: Opportunities and Challenges.”  She said the country’s digital progress is supported by three key areas: telecom, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The minister was invited by the Director General of ISSRA to address participants at the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA). The session was attended by members of national and provincial assemblies, entrepreneurs, journalists and civil society representatives.
Shaza said Pakistan’s digital sector has become a core asset for economic security, strategic stability and global competitiveness.  She added that the Prime Minister, the Federal Cabinet, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and senior leadership are fully backing the digital transformation agenda.
She said federal and provincial governments, industry, universities and international partners are working together to build an inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystem.
The minister highlighted the strengthening of the digital infrastructure, including 43 Software Technology Parks, repurposed malls hosting over 400 tech companies, and a nationwide network of 85 incubators. Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has also grown rapidly, with more than 4,100 startups supported, eight National Incubation Centres, two CEGA centres, and strong international participation from the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Germany and Jordan.
She pointed to recent achievements such as the Pakistan Startup Fund, which offers equity-free grants with the Ministry contributing up to 30 per cent of each round. Under the BridgeStart programme, 13 startups have been sent to international accelerators.
Other major initiatives include the Prime Minister’s Cloud Programme, DigiSkills 3.0, aimed at training 4.3 million Pakistanis, and the Prime Minister’s SkillTech Initiative.
She also outlined national reforms, including updated HEC curricula for IT and AI, a semiconductor programme to train 7,200 chip design professionals, TikTok’s STEM Feed, and Meta’s AI-in-Urdu project.
She announced that Google has completed all formal requirements to open its office in Pakistan, calling it a major milestone for the IT sector. The Ministry of IT and Google have also signed an MoU for advanced digital skills and training to enhance the capabilities of Pakistani talent.
The minister underscored recent innovation-focused events such as the AI Wrapper Competition, Cybersecurity Hackathon, and Ignite-funded projects, including WISE Lab, Code4AI and SAP-based training.
Internationally, Pakistan presented its digital vision at major global forums, including WAIC Shanghai, LEAP Riyadh, the DCO General Assembly in Amman, the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, and GITEX Global 2025, securing over US$700 million in digital investments.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, she said the country’s victory reflected national unity and technological strength. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces, government institutions, and the private sector worked together to strengthen cyber defences.
She said Pakistani cybersecurity experts performed exceptionally and demonstrated the country’s capability on the global stage. Shaza Fatima reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to become a modern, secure and globally competitive digital nation.

Roundtable on Pak-Afghan suggests all-encompassing diplomacy to reduce frictions

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Nov 16 (APP): A roundtable discussion on Pakistan and Afghanistan has suggested for giving a chance to an all-encompassing diplomacy where all segments of society including intelligentsia, religious leaders, media, academia and traders play their positive role for reducing frictions and creating an atmosphere conducive for peace and tranquillity.
“It’s time to make use of `Citizen Diplomacy’ through meaningful people-to-people contact for improving relations between the two neighbouring countries,” it added.
Relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is complex and this complexity has immediate, as well as far reaching implications not only for both countries but the region as well, observed participants of the roundtable.
According to a press release issued here on Sunday, the roundtable titled as “Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions and Their Regional Implications” was organized by Advocacy for Sustainable Policy and Implementation Reforms (Aspire-KP), a not-for-profit and registered platform of public service professionals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Former Chief Secretary KP and Chairman Aspire, Muhammad Shehzad Arbab opened the deliberations with a brief introduction of Aspire-KP and objectives of the roundtable.
The participants of the roundtable made several recommendations and observed that being neighbours, Pakistan and Afghanistan are dependent on each other in so many ways and it is almost impossible for both to find alternatives for substituting this dependency.
It was also suggested that government may press into service the intellect and experience of those who understand Afghanistan and Afghans. It will lead to reinforcement of our approach to the subject.
“Conflict, friction and tension do not resolve differences and will create more problems miseries for both countries especially the Pashtuns,” it added.
The loss for Afghanistan will be catastrophic in view of its current situation of economic and social instability, the roundtable warned.
The roundtable observed that separating trade from politics is in the interest of people in both the countries as Pakistan and Afghanistan are centuries old trading partners.
Chambers of Commerce and Industry, traders, exporters, importers, and clearing agents are major stakeholders in Pak-Afghan trade and marginalizing of these stakeholders will have devastating effect on the trade which will lead to unemployment and resultant militancy in the region.
Likewise, students seeking admissions in different universities in Pakistan may be allowed to carry on their education and complete their higher studies.
Regarding repatriation of Afghan refugees, the roundtable recommends a high degree of care and stringent oversight to eliminate the impression of maltreatment and excesses.
Those who attended the roundtable included Habibullah Khan Khattak, Former ACS FATA and Federal Secretary, Arbab Muhammad Arif, Former Home Secretary and ACS FATA, Himayatullah Khan, Former Federal Secretary, Zaffar Iqbal, Zia ul Haq Sarhadi Senior Vice President PAJCCI, Former Senior Member Board of Revenue, Rukhshanda Naz, Former Ombudsperson KP, Dr Muhammad Rasul Jan, Former VC, Dr Qibla Ayaz, Former Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology, Dr Azmat Hayat, former VC Peshawar, Senator Nur ul-Haq Qadri and others.

Gomal Medical College holds Convocation 2025 with dignity and academic pride

By
Asif Jalal
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0
Dera Ismail Khan , Nov 16 (APP): Gomal Medical College (GMC)  held its annual Convocation 2025 in a dignified ceremony attended by graduating students, faculty members, parents, local representatives, and senior officials of the divisional and district administrations.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the formal arrival of the Chief Guest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s former Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. He was warmly welcomed by Dean and Chief Executive Professor Dr. Naseem Saba, faculty members, and students.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, during which the Chief Guest, Dean/CEO GMC, Chairman Board of Governors Medical Teachng Institute (MTI) , faculty members, and graduates stood in respect and solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Robina Nazli congratulated the graduating class and emphasized their professional responsibilities. She remarked, “With great privilege comes great responsibility. Now it is time for you to shine and make a meaningful difference.”
In her welcome address, Dean and Chief Executive Professor Dr Naseem Saba highlighted the achievements of Gomal Medical College during 2025, terming it a year of academic excellence, research progress, and significant institutional growth. She said the graduating batch stood out for their dedication, hard work, and professional competence.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Ali Amin Khan Gandapur congratulated the new doctors and reminded them of the sanctity of the medical profession. “The field of medicine is a sacred duty. Patients come to you with hope and consider the doctor a healer. You must uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in your service,” he said.
He elaborated on the difference between justice and equity, urging the graduates to support those who cannot afford treatment. “Charging equal fees is justice, but true equity is helping the poor and the underprivileged who have no means. Supporting such individuals is equivalent to placing food in the mouths of their children, and its reward is granted both in this world and the hereafter,” he added. Gandapur reaffirmed that the government and administration would continue extending full cooperation to improve the health sector.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the professional oath by Prof Dr Naseem Saba, during which the graduating doctors pledged to uphold medical ethics, patient welfare, and professional integrity.
The convocation also featured the distribution of gold medals, shields, and degrees to students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance. The joy of graduates and their parents added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The ceremony concluded with group photographs featuring the Chief Guest, faculty members, and the graduating students.
Gomal Medical College’s Convocation 2025 came to an end with a renewed commitment that the newly qualified doctors would apply their knowledge, skills, and professionalism in the service of the nation and the welfare of humanity.

Pakistan’s first female selected as `Rising Star Finalist’ for 2025 WIN DRR Leadership Awards

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Nov 16 (APP): Sana Siddique Rahimoo, a Social Safeguard and Resettlement Specialist with additional charge as Livelihood Specialist from Pakistan, has been selected as a Rising Star finalist for the 2025 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards.
“She is the first female from Pakistan to be recognized for this prestigious global platform,” reads a press release issued here on Sunday.
The WIN DRR Leadership Awards, organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), celebrate women leaders driving innovative solutions in disaster risk reduction, resilience, and gender-inclusive development. The awards ceremony will be held in Bangkok on 25 November 2025.
Sana Siddique has contributed significantly to flood-affected communities in Sindh through inclusive Cash for Work programmes, gender-sensitive infrastructure rehabilitation, and establishing Pakistan’s first Gender Desk at Rescue 1122.
She is also a passionate writer, raising awareness on gender equality, climate change, water governance, and women’s economic participation.
This recognition is a proud moment for Pakistan, particularly for the Sindh province, highlighting the achievements of women leaders driving meaningful change in disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
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