Punjab Cabinet approves recruitment of 5,960 constables

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation is set to host the Combaxx 7th Asian Taekwondo Open Championships 2025 from February 14 to 20 at the Liaquat Gymnasium of Pakistan Sports Complex.

Speaking at a press conference here at a local hotel, President Pakistan Teakwondo Federation Col (R) Raja Waseem Ahmed said the international event will feature 113 Poomsae athletes from 22 countries, along with 200 international delegates, including athletes, officials, and referees.

Additionally, the championship will witness fierce competitions in the Kyorugi category, comprising Junior Division 110 participants and Senior Division 302 participants.

The championship promises to be one of the largest Taekwondo events in the region, with over 400 Kyorugi participants, further highlighting Pakistan’s growing prominence in the global Taekwondo arena, he said.

The confirmed countries and their respective athlete strengths include Oman 2 athletes, Iran 15 athletes, Palestine 7 athletes, Afghanistan 31 athletes, Saudi Arabia 29 athletes, Kazakhstan 6 athletes, Egypt 11 athletes, France 5 athletes,
Great Britain (GBR) 1 athlete, Morocco 2 athletes, Kenya 3 athletes, Mali 2 athletes, Portugal 1 athlete, UAE 3 athletes, Greece 1 athlete, Jordan 1 athlete, Andorra 2 athletes, Canada 1 athlete, Iraq 1 athlete, Uzbekistan 5 athletes, Tajikistan 4 athletes, Germany 3 athletes.

“This championship is a remarkable opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s hosting capabilities while promoting Taekwondo at both junior and senior levels. With over 400 Kyorugi participants and 113 Poomsae athletes, the event will be a spectacular display of talent and sportsmanship,” he said.

Spectators and sports enthusiasts can expect electrifying performances as athletes compete for glory, fostering
camaraderie and cultural exchange.

IG Punjab approves additional funds of Rs 3.27m for treatment of police employees

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has approved additional funds amounting to 3.27 million rupees for the treatment of employees and their families suffering from serious illnesses.

Punjab Police Spokesperson provided details, that funds of 500,000 rupees each were released for ASI Ghulam Shabbir Abbas, Head Constable Fakhar Abbas, and Constable Munawar Hussain for medical treatment.

Similarly, Constables Rashid Farooq and Tariq Mehmood were provided a total of 620,000 rupees for their treatment. Additionally, Sub-Inspector Rais Shehzad and Constable Ubaidullah were granted 250,000 rupees each for medical care.

The spokesperson further mentioned that Sub-Inspectors Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Ashraf, retired ASI Masood Khan, and Driver Constable Muhammad Ramzan were given 100,000 rupees each for medical treatment. Moreover, retired Sub-Inspector Muhammad Ali, ASI Amjad Ali, and the widow of late ASI Muhammad Khalid were granted a total of 200,000 rupees for treatment.

The funds were provided for the treatment and surgeries of police personnel suffering from various diseases, including cancer, heart conditions, brain, eye, and kidney ailments.

The IG Punjab, while approving the fund release after scrutiny by the Medical Financial Assistance Committee, instructed that modern medical facilities are being provided to employees through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various institutions for their treatments.

Punjab Police complete security arrangements for ICC Champion Trophy

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):Under the guidance of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, Punjab Police has completed its security arrangements for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Dr. Usman Anwar said that the police force is committed to providing full security to both national and international players, officials, and cricket fans, ensuring that the matches are held in a peaceful and secure environment.

He also mentioned that coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board, district administration, and other security agencies has been finalized. Search operations, sweeps, combing operations, and intelligence-based operations are currently ongoing around players’ accommodations, routes, and stadiums.

The IG Punjab instructed officers and personnel to maintain tightened security during the matches and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. He emphasized that the Safe Cities Authority will monitor stadiums, hotels and team routes using surveillance cameras. Additional traffic wardens will be deployed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and facilitate proper parking arrangements. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, and Elite Force teams will conduct effective patrolling during the matches. Police snipers will be positioned on tall buildings around the stadiums, he added.

He also directed the staff at the stadium’s entry and exit points to engage with the public courteously and relevant districts will issue traffic advisories ahead of the matches to maintain traffic flow.

The IG Punjab urged cricket fans to follow the instructions of Punjab Police to ensure they can enjoy the matches in a safe environment.

Over 12,000 police officers and personnel will be on duty for security during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. This will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, and 1,200 upper subordinates. Additionally, 10,556 constables and over 200 female police officers will be responsible for security and checking. During the matches in Lahore, 8,000 officers and personnel will be on duty, including 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, and 700 upper subordinates. Furthermore, 6,673 constables and 129 lady constables will handle security and checking duties. In Rawalpindi, over 5,000 officers and personnel will be assigned security duties, including 6 senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, and 500 upper subordinates.

Additionally, 4,000 constables and over 100 female personnel will carry out security and checking duties. Three matches will be held in Lahore on the 22nd, 26th February, and 5th March, while three matches will take place in Rawalpindi on the 24th, 25th, and 27th February.

Govt directs teaching hospitals to submit auction, outsourcing details

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):The Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education has directed the heads of all teaching hospitals and affiliated institutions to provide details regarding the annual auction of parking, canteen/cafeteria/tuck shops, and outsourcing of janitorial and security services.

A notification was issued in this regard on Wednesday.

According to the notification, audit irregularities have been identified in the annual auction processes and outsourcing of services in government teaching hospitals and affiliated institutions. In response, the department has asked for a complete record within three days.

To ensure transparency, all contracts will now be approved strictly through e-tendering. The move aims to prevent financial discrepancies and improve governance in public healthcare facilities.

Recruitment process initiated for Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):The Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SHC&ME) Department has been directed to commence the recruitment process for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and HR staff of the OPD at Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha.

This directive was issued by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique while presiding over a meeting on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the recruitment process, selection committee formation, and the establishment of a pediatric emergency department at the institute.

The selection committee for the appointment of the Board of Governors will be approved by Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique will head the committee. The minister announced that the OPD of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha will be operational by June 30, 2025.

He further stated that the Punjab government is committed to completing historic healthcare projects at an accelerated pace. The establishment of Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology in Lahore and Sargodha aims to provide top-quality treatment to heart patients and enhance medical facilities across the province, he added.

Additionally, a Pediatric Emergency Department will be established at the Sargodha institute. The recruitment process will adhere strictly to the government’s hiring policy, and the appointed CEO, professors, and other staff will be selected based on merit, the minister said and also emphasized that the CEO will not be permitted to engage in private practice.

He said that as part of the initial staffing, two professors of cardiology, two professors of surgery, and one professor of medicine will be appointed at the institute.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mahmood, Dr. Muhammad Adnan Khan, Dr. Farqad Alamgir, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Professor Masood Sadiq, Special Secretary Operations Tariq Mahmood Rehmani, Special Secretary Development Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, and Additional Secretary Development Dr. Waheed Asghar. Health Advisor Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kiani participated via video link.

Nawaz, Maryam meet MPAs from Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met MPAs belonging to Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara and Pakpattan districts, here on Wednesday.

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, speaking to the assembly members, stated, “The economic decline has now turned into progress. Improvements in economic indicators are a reflection of Pakistan’s growth. We are once again steering Pakistan towards progress and prosperity by strengthening its economy.”

Nawaz Sharif said, “Economic activities are on the rise with the reduction of the policy rate from 22 percent to 12 percent, benefiting the economy. The rupee has stabilized, growth is increasing, the stock exchange is at its highest, and inflation is decreasing. A person who came to power through fraudulent means has shaken the country’s foundations. We have made heartfelt sacrifices for Pakistan’s sake, and we will not hesitate to do so again in the future.”

The PML-N President expressed that Shehbaz Sharif’s hard work is yielding results, with the IMF recognizing Pakistan’s economic turnaround and progress. He noted that the joy and prosperity of Punjab are being restored and thanked Allah Almighty for helping Pakistan emerge from economic difficulties and other challenges. He emphasized that PML-N has once again demonstrated its commitment to serving the country and providing significant relief to the people.

The chief minister, sharing her views, said, “Improving the lives of the people is the reward of our hard work. Nawaz Sharif is the symbol of Pakistan’s development and our identity.” The meeting also addressed matters related to public welfare projects and the party’s future political strategy.

The assembly members expressed pride in Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, praising their leadership and unwavering commitment to the state’s interests despite political challenges. They described Nawaz Sharif as a symbol of Pakistan’s development, emphasizing that his name comes to mind when thinking of the country’s prosperity. They also commended CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her hardworking leadership, which has revitalized inactive departments and continued the development legacy of her father and uncle.

The assembly members highlighted the visible progress in Pakistan and Punjab, noting the success of the Suthra Punjab program and the positive change in cleanliness across districts. They praised the pace and quality of development, including the promotion of forestry, livestock, and environmental protection. Key initiatives such as the Kisan Card, Green Tractor, modern agricultural machinery, Honhaar scholarship program, road construction, and health system upgrades were also acknowledged as transformative under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

Senior party leaders Senator Pervez Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Rashid Nasrullah were also present in the meeting. Sultan Bajwa, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Kashif Padhiyar, Agha Ali Haider, Muhammad Hassan Riaz, Pir Ashraf Rasool, Rana Tahir Iqbal, Chaudhry Ilyas, Naeem Safdar Ansari, Malik Ahmed Saeed, Chaudhry Ahsan Raza Khan, Mahmood Anwar, Rana Sikandar Hayat and Rana Iqbal Khan attended the meeting.

Javed Alauddin Sajid, Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chachar, Noorul Amin Wattoo, Ali Abbas, Yawar Zaman, Mian Muhammad Munir, Chaudhry Ghulam Raza Rabira, Farooq Ahmed Khan Maneka, Chaudhry Javed Ahmed, Imran Akram, Dr. Farrukh Javed and Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar also participated in the meeting.

DPM Dar chairs first meeting of committee on improving government efficiency

By

NNPS Desk

-

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of the Committee on Improving Government Efficiency, constituted by the Prime Minister.

The committee, after detailed deliberations, established sub-groups on digitization, global best practices, performance appraisal, rewards & MIS.

The deputy PM directed the sub-groups to proceed swiftly in collaboration with all the stakeholders and recommend practical steps for the Government to improve efficacy, effectiveness and outcomes for the people of Pakistan.

Sheikh Hasina’s crackdown on protesters may be crime against humanity, UN says

By

NNPS Desk

-

UN rights chief calls for respect as Human Rights Council debates Quran burnings

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 12 (APP): The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days – the vast majority shot by security forces, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said Wednesday.

In addition to those killed by the former government’s security and intelligence services alongside Awami League party associates, the UN human right office, OHCHR, report into the alleged crimes indicated that thousands were injured, including one youngster who was shot in the hand at point-blank range for throwing stones.

“There are reasonable grounds to believe that officials of the former government, its security and intelligence apparatus, together with violent elements associated with the former ruling party, committed serious and systematic human rights violations,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

Speaking in Geneva, Turk highlighted that some of the gravest violations detailed in the report may constitute international crimes that could be heard by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as Bangladesh is a State party to the Rome Statute which created the tribunal in The Hague. The ICC’s foundational Statute gives it jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression (following an amendment in 2010).

Alleged crimes in Bangladesh against the student-led protest included “hundreds of extrajudicial killings, extensive arbitrary arrest and detention and torture, and ill treatment, including of children, as well as gender based violence”, the UN rights chief said.

Furthermore, these violations “were carried out with the knowledge, coordination and direction of the former political leadership and senior security officials, with a specific goal of suppressing the protests and keep the former government’s grip on power”.

According to the OHCHR report, as many as 12 to 13 per cent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police also reported that 44 of its officers were killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.

Last summer’s protests that led prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down after 15 years in power were triggered by the High Court’s decision to reinstate a deeply unpopular quota system in public service jobs. But broader grievances were already entrenched, arising from “destructive and corrupt politics and governance” that had entrenched inequalities, the UN human rights office report maintained.

“I went to one of the hospitals in Bangladesh when I visited, and I could talk to some of the survivors and some of them will be disabled for their lives. Especially young people…some of them were children,” Turk told journalists in Geneva, recounting his visit to Dhaka in September.

“The brutal response was a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by the former Government to hold onto power in the face of mass opposition,” Turk said.

“The testimonies and evidence we gathered paint a disturbing picture of rampant State violence and targeted killings, that are amongst the most serious violations of human rights, and which may also constitute international crimes. Accountability and justice are essential for national healing and for the future of Bangladesh,” he added.

The UN human rights office probe mission started work in Bangladesh on 16 of September 2024 with a team that included a forensic physician, a weapons expert, a gender expert and an open-source analyst, according to a press release. The investigators visited protest hotspots including universities and hospitals. Their work was complemented by more than 900 witness testimonies.

APP/ift

Shift in strategic culture emphasizes Pakistan’s security concerns: Kidwai

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Adviser to National Command Authority (NCA), Lt. Gen (Retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai on Wednesday highlighted that a shift in strategic culture emphasizes Pakistan’s security concerns and economic interests in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean Region.

Addressing at the seminar organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), he urged a reevaluation of ‘Continental Pakistan’ within a broader strategic framework, viewing the land mass (75 percent) and Oceanic Pakistan (25 percent) as a cohesive whole rather than two separate entities.

“We cannot afford to continue to ignore 25 percent of Pakistan especially when there are mounting security and economic challenges in the Indian Ocean Region,” he remarked.

He noted the rising global demand for Pakistani troops in peacekeeping roles as a testament to Pakistan’s role as a peace-loving and promoting nation.

Former Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s effective management of eastern border security but urged the integration of western border security into the national strategy.

President of IRS Jauhar Saleem warned that ‘India’s pursuit of advanced weaponry is instigating an arms race and undermining strategic stability in South Asia, while its ultra-nationalism breeds mistrust among nuclear states, further destabilizing the region’.

Executive Director of the Sanober Institute, Dr. Qamar Cheema expressed concern over India’s establishment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), suggesting that similar formations could emerge along the Line of Control (LoC), necessitating vigilance and preparedness from Pakistan.

The event was well attended by diplomats, researchers, students, journalists, and governmental officials.

Spring tree plantation campaign launched in under BTPP

By

-

NOWSHERA, Feb 12 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nowshera, Irfanullah Mehsud, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bashir Ahmed on Wednesday officially launched the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign under the Billion Tree Plus Program (BTPP) by planting a sapling at his office.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Nowshera emphasized that the district administration, in collaboration with the Forest Department, has devised a comprehensive plan to plant 178,000 trees during this spring season.

He assured that not only will this target be met, but a well-structured strategy is also in place to ensure the campaign’s success.

He urged civil society, students, traders, and both public and private institutions to actively participate in the plantation drive and contribute towards making it a success.

Incentivizing local industries is critical for economic growth: SCCI

By

-

PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (APP):Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fazal Moqeem Khan highlighted KP’ important potential sectors for attracting local as well as foreign investment and called for incentivizing and providing facilities to industry and businesses for sustainable economic growth.

He was speaking to members during a visit of a five members delegation of Board of Investment of Gilgit Baltistan here at the chamber house on Wednesday.

The BoI Gilgit Baltistan delegation was headed by its Chairman Fatehullah, while member Gilgit Balistan Assembly Javed Ali Manwa, Director General BoI GB Shahid Ali, President Khosh Noor, accompanied him on the occasion.

The meeting also attended by SCCI senior vice president Abdul Jali Jan, vice president Shehyar Khan, former presidents Haji Muhammad Asif, Fuad Ishaq and Zahidullah Shinwari, member of the chamber’ executive committee Aftab Iqbal, Ashfaq Ahmad, Mujeebur Rehman and Ihsanullah, Rashid Iqbal Siddiqui, Ishtiaq Muhammad, Faiz Rasool, Saddar Gul, Fazal e Wahid, Ismail Safi, Khalid Gul Pakhtunyar, SCCI Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, KPBOIT officials Iqbal Sarwar and Raess Anjum and others.

On the occasion, a detailed multimedia presentation was run, highlighting the role of the chamber, its origin, main function, features, future plan and initiatives for welfare and addressing of the business community.

Similarly, another multimedia presentation was given by officials from BoI GB, in which four key sectors including tourism, agriculture, minerals and hydropower generation were identified for investment.

Fazal Moqeem stressed investment from other regions and abroad can only woo when local investors and industries would have provided facilities and incentives.

Chairman BoI invited KP investors to make investment in the afore-stated four key sectors of Gilgit Baltistan while a member of GB Assembly also underscored the need of further establishing close contacts between the business community of GB and SCCI to strengthen bilateral trade and commerce relations.

SCCI chief stated KP is the lucrative destination for local as well as foreign investment wherein ample opportunities existed to make investment in various potential sectors, notably oil, gas, hydropower generation, match, marble and others.

Moqeem assured on the occasion that joint initiatives would be made to strengthen business to business contacts and promote mutual economic and trade ties between SCCI and BoI of Gilgit Baltistan.

FAO delegation discusses food security initiatives with KP Food Minister

By

-

PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (APP):A delegation from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Food, Zahir Shah Toru here on Wednesday and discussed food security and other mutual cooperation projects in the province.

The FAO delegation was led by its head, Farrukh Tuyirov.

During the meeting, Farrukh Tuyirov assured FAO’s support for food security and related projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that FAO is keen to collaborate with the provincial government in ensuring food security and contributing to various sectors.

Minister Zahir Shah Toru emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is taking effective measures to modernize food security systems and enhance the administration of the food department. He further added that reforms in the food sector are improving transparency and efficiency to ensure the availability of safe and quality food for the public.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary of Food Saqib Raza Aslam and other senior officials of the food department. They provided a detailed briefing on ongoing and future projects aimed at strengthening food security in the province.

Discussions focused on potential collaboration between FAO and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for sustainable food and agriculture initiatives.

CM’s welfare projects to be remembered; Minister

By

-

RAWALPINDI, Feb 12 (APP):Provincial Minister for Transport and Local Government, Bilal Akbar Wednesday said that for the first time in the history of the country, the welfare projects have been launched under the leadership of Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif which would always be remembered. Under the “Dhi Rani Program”, the daughters and children of Punjab’s laborers are being settled in their homes.

The provincial minister expressed these views while addressing the ceremony of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Dhi Rani Program” in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, in which 36 couples under the collective marriage program were tied in marriage. During the ceremony, a 100,000 rupees each, along with dowry were distributed to 36 newly married couples.

“Indiscriminate operation against encroachments, projects like Suthra Punjab, Kisan Card and Ramzan Package will make the people of Punjab prosperous”, Bilal said adding that the strategy under which Maryam Nawaz Sharif is working to improve Punjab is ‘unparalleled in the entire country’.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt, members of the National Assembly Malik Abrar Ahmed, Engineer Qamar ul Islam Raja, Tahira Aurangzeb were also present in the ceremony .

MPAs including Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, Chaudhry Naeem Ijaz, Raja Hanif, Ziaullah Shah, Malik Mansoor Afsar, Raja Sagheer Ahmed, Tahseen Fawad, Shazia Rizwan, former MPA Raja Javed Ikhlas and other senior officials and social figures participated in large numbers.

Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Shaukat Sohail Butt said that those raising slogans only of the State of Madinah should see today that CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is building the State of Madinah by doing practical work and getting the sons and daughters of the poor married is the biggest task that no one has ever done before. He said that the “Dhi Rani Program” is a project through which the dream of the parents of the daughters has been fulfilled.

“Today a grand ceremony was organized for couples coming from all the districts of Rawalpindi division, which is the responsibility of the state and the state that completes public welfare projects is the one that moves towards success”, he said.

ATC extends interim bail of Omar Ayub, others until April 8 in May 9 riots cases

By

-

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday extended the interim bail of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and others until April 8 in six cases related to the May 9 riots.

ATC Judge Arshad Javed presided over the proceedings on the pre-arrest bail applications of Omar Ayub, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry and others.

During the proceedings, Uzma Khan, Aleema Khan, and other accused appeared before the court as their interim bail expired. However, exemption applications were submitted on behalf of Omar Ayub, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry, which the court accepted.

The court subsequently extended the interim bail of all accused until April 8 and adjourned the hearing, directing the parties to present arguments at the next session.

The cases include charges of torching a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) office and a container at Kalma Chowk.

AJK Supreme Court quashes ex-PM Tanveer Ilyas’ disqualification

By

-

MIRPUR, Feb 12 (APP):The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday overturned the disqualification of former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, allowing him to contest elections to any public office.

The court accepted Ilyas’ appeal against his disqualification, which was awarded by the AJK High Court in a contempt of court case.

Ilyas had sought forgiveness from the court and was granted relief after a full bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan terminated the sentence. The verdict makes Ilyas eligible to participate in elections after a month.

Health advisor takes notice of outdated vehicles

By

-

PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (APP):Provincial Advisor Health Ihtesham Ali on Wednesday taken serious notice of outdated vehicles and unusable equipment within the health department directing concerned authorities to provide detailed reports of non-functional vehicles.

Health department has also been asked to submit details of unusable medical equipment and other obsolete items.

Expressing strong displeasure over unused equipment, the health advisor has sought complete reports within two weeks.

He said that outdated and unusable items would be auctioned timely and in accordance with approved procedure.

Judge threat case: Court awaits High Court’s decision

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The District & Sessions Court of Islamabad on Wednesday requested the High Court to allow a jail trial for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder in a case involving allegations of threatening a female judge.

The proceedings, led by Civil Judge Muhammad Mureed Abbas, have been adjourned pending a response from the High Court.

During the hearing at the District and Sessions Court, PTI founder lawyer, Sardar Masroof, appeared on his behalf.

Judge Abbas reviewed the case against PTI founder, who is accused of threatening a female judge.

The judge remarked that a request for a jail trial had been sent to the High Court two to three dates prior, but no response has been received yet. He that once the report is submitted, the case will be adjourned without setting a new date.

The defence lawyer informed the court that the case was listed for the day. Following the discussion, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until further notice, awaiting the High Court’s decision on the jail trial request.

NADRA hosts first meeting of NR&BP Implementation Committee to modernize national registration, biometric ecosystem

By

-

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The first meeting of the National Implementation Committee under the National Registration and Biometric Policy (NR&BP) Framework was convened by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) at its headquarters on Wednesday.

The meeting marks a significant step in actualizing the NR&BP Framework, designed to improve Pakistan’s national registration and biometric ecosystem.

The NR&BP Framework was officially notified by the Federal Government on January 1, 2025. It is a trans-formative initiative aimed at addressing critical gaps in the country’s current registration and biometric systems. This policy will also contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 which aims to provide legal identity for all.

The Framework has identified several key challenges in the existing registration ecosystem. Key ones are systematic disintegration, inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks, limited accessibility and absence of national level registration and biometric policies. These issues have led to low registration rates, data discrepancies, identity theft, fraudulent registrations and issues of access to registration services.

The NR&BP Framework aims to create a unified, secure and efficient registration system. One of its key features is the integration of NADRA’s infrastructure with all feeder agencies, including Provincial Civil Registration Management System (CRMS).

The framework will also introduce biometric acquisition and verification at the union council level to tackle identity theft, establish Digital ID to foster multi-dimensional integration and seamless collaboration across various government agencies and private sector. Additionally, the Biometric Policy under the framework will introduce standardized protocols for collection, storage and usage of biometric data across government agencies and private sector while ensuring robust data security and privacy measures.

The National Steering Committee, led by the Minister for Interior, is providing strategic direction for the policy’s implementation. The National Implementation Committee (NIC), chaired by NADRA’s Chairman focuses on the development and execution of the strategic guidelines.

Speaking at the first NIC meeting, Chairman NADRA emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening Pakistan’s identity management systems. He highlighted that this effort will aid in governance delivery and enhance national security by providing citizens with a secure and accessible means of legal identity verification.

The meeting was attended by the leadership and key representatives from various ministries and organizations, including Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (MoPDSI); Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA); Ministry of Interior (MoI); Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (MoIPC); Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoIT&T); Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T); Ministry of Law & Justice; Local Government Departments from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK); Provincial IT Boards from Punjab, KP and AJK; Federal Investigation Agency (FIA); Immigration and Passports (IMPASS); Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS); and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The meeting also saw online participation from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Provincial IT Boards of Balochistan, Sindh and GB.

NADRA has also requested the general public to submit their feedback on the NR&BP Framework which is available on its website at: www.nadra.gov.pk/downloads. Implementation Committee aims to proffer finalized National Registration & Biometric Policies by 30 May 2025 to the Federal Government.

Pakistan hosts International Conference on Opportunities for Women in Nuclear Science & Emerging Technologies

By

Najam ul Hassan

-