ISLAMABAD: July 16 –
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: July 16 –
Federal Minister for Defence Khwaja Muhammad Asif calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: July 16 –
A vendor sells Dried Plums (Alu Bukhara) mostly uses in summer drinks in hot weather.
QUETTA: July 16 –
WCCIS leaders attend launch of ‘Women First Vision 2030’ in Lahore
SIALKOT, Jul 16 (APP):President Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot (WCCIS) Dr Mariam Siddiqa and Senior Vice President (SVP) WCCIS Gulzaib Waqas Awan attended the official launch of “Chief Minister’s Vision 2030: Women First!” in Lahore.
This strategic roadmap, unveiled by the Women Development Department Punjab, introduced key initiatives to elevate women’s empowerment across the province — with a special focus on youth incubation centers and collaborative growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
WCCI Sialkot had the privilege to engage with Parliamentary Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of the Punjab Salma Saadia Taimoor, Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Qurratul Ain, Founding President, Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FWCCI) Rubina Amjad, President Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FWCCI) Shahida Aftab.
ITP CTO Zeeshan pays tribute to shaheed Qasim
ISLAMABAD, Jul 16 (APP):Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider on Wednesday visited the residence of martyred Head Constable Muhammad Qasim and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
An official told APP that the visit was conducted under the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, as part of the ongoing initiative to honor the sacrifices of police martyrs.
He said that CTO Zeeshan offered Fateha for the elevation of the martyr’s rank and inquired about the well-being of the family members.
CTO said that Shaheed Muhammad Qasim’s dedication, bravery, and sense of duty serve as an inspiration for the entire force, adding that the martyrs of Islamabad Police are the pride of the nation and their sacrifices are unforgettable.
He said that supporting the families of martyrs is among the top priorities of Islamabad Police. “We will not leave the families of our martyrs alone,” he stated, assuring that all available resources would be utilized for their welfare.
CTO Zeeshan said that Islamabad Police stands firmly with the families of its fallen heroes in all circumstances and will continue to provide them with every possible assistance.
CTO said that the services of Shaheed Muhammad Qasim will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will remain a guiding light for future generations.
IHC directs FIA to complete inquiry against Farhatullah Babar
ISLAMABAD, Jul 16 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the FIA to complete the inquiry in the case against Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former senator Farhatullah Babar and sought a report.
IHC’s Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the case against FIA inquiry.During the hearing yesterday, Farhatullah Babar appeared in the court along with his lawyer Iman Mazari and took the stand that they are conducting an inquiry but are not telling what the inquiry is about. We do not know what the allegations are against us.
The court asked the FIA investigator to tell us what the inquiry is and what the allegations are. Where is the complaint? Tax-related matters older than five years cannot be investigated, it said.
During the hearing, on the court’s instructions, the investigating officer showed the record to the petitioner’s lawyer. Farhatullah Babar came to the rostrum and said that he is asking me to tell the money trail of the house he bought in 1980.
He said that he bought a Corolla car in 1985.
Justice Inaam noted that how can anyone tell such old matters, Farhatullah Babar said I have told all this.
The court directed the FIA investigation officer to complete all the inquiries and submit the report to the court,. It said that this case is not being disposed of, it is being kept pending. The court then adjourned the hearing of the case.
Crackdown against professional beggars underway, 33 booked
RAWALPINDI, Jul 16 (APP):Rawalpindi Police have launched a crackdown against professional beggars here on Wednesday.
According to police, as many as 33 professional beggars have been detained over the past three days.
Special squads have been formed to take strict action against such individuals, who are often found involved in theft, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani said strict monitoring is being carried out on busy roads and highways to stop the increasing trend of begging.
He added that the crackdown will be continued without any discrimination.
PIC issues show-cause notice to Chairman NHA over non-compliance
ISLAMABAD, Jul 16 (APP):The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has issued show cause notice to the Chairman of the National Highways Authority (NHA) for repeated non-compliance and failure to appear before the Commission, despite the issuance of multiple notices regarding an appeal filed under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The Commission was hearing an appeal filed by a citizen who alleged that the NHA failed to provide requested information under the provisions of the Right of Access to Information Act. In response to this appeal, the Commission issued three separate notices—dated March 18, April 14, and May 21, 2025—directing the NHA Chairman to submit written reply and ensure the attendance of a responsible officer.
Despite confirmed delivery of the latest notice (verified via Pakistan Post’s tracking system), no representative from NHA appeared before the Commission. In its order dated July 16, 2025, the Commission stated that the continuous non-appearance by the NHA demonstrates a willful disregard for the Commission’s directives.
In view of this, the Commission has issued show cause notice to the Chairman, NHA under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017. The notice requires the Chairman to explain why proceedings should not be initiated against him for non-compliance.
Additionally, the Commission has directed the NHA to submit written reply to the pending appeal and ensure the appearance of the designated Public Information Officer at the next hearing, scheduled for August 20, 2025.
Kidnapping for ransom eliminated in Larkana Division, says Sindh Home Minister
KARACHI, Jul 16 (APP):Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday praised the efforts of the Inspector General of Police Sindh, DIGP Larkana, and the SSPs of the Larkana Range for their dedication and outstanding performance in combating crime. Most notably, he highlighted their success in bringing kidnapping for ransom cases down to zero across the Larkana Division.
According to a news release, Lanjar stated that the relentless work of the police has not only improved the department’s reputation but also restored and strengthened public trust in law enforcement. He warned criminal elements that the police are fully prepared to take firm action against them, vowing that hideouts of bandits and their facilitators would be eliminated. He further stressed that strong preventive measures will be taken to deter future crimes.
According to official data, from January 2024 to July 15, 2025, a total of 81 kidnapping for ransom cases were registered in the Larkana Division, involving 141 reported victims. In addition, 151 unreported cases were also identified by the authorities. Through continued police operations against kidnappers and bandits, a total of 292 victims were successfully recovered during this period. As of now, there are no outstanding kidnapping victims in the entire Larkana Range.
Breaking down the figures, Larkana district reported 4 kidnapping cases, Shikarpur 29, Jacobabad 8, and Kashmore 40. The 141 reported victims included 7 from Larkana, 48 from Shikarpur, 11 from Jacobabad, and 75 from Kashmore. Unreported cases were also found: 1 in Larkana, 68 in Shikarpur, 13 in Jacobabad, 68 in Kashmore, and 1 in Qambar.
The recovered victims include 8 from Larkana, 116 from Shikarpur, 24 from Jacobabad, 143 from Kashmore, and 1 from Qambar. A recent success came on July 15, 2025, when Shikarpur police recovered a person abducted from Rahimabad on June 21, demonstrating the continued vigilance and effectiveness of law enforcement in the region.
Pakistan, Azerbaijan vow to boost connectivity & trade ties
ISLAMABAD, Jul 16 (APP):Pakistan and Azerbaijan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with a focus on expanding connectivity, trade, and investment, as Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli began his official visit to Islamabad.
On the first day of his visit, Bashirli called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, conveyed warm sentiments from the Azerbaijani leadership and a pledge to extend all possible cooperation in future, as well, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan’s close and friendly relations with Azerbaijan are a valuable asset. He recalled Azerbaijan’s unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent war with India, saying that Azerbaijan has always stood by Pakistan through all circumstances.
The minister emphasized the importance of deepening ties between Baku and Islamabad, especially in the economic domain. He underscored that enhanced business-to-business and trade connectivity would pave the way for long-term collaboration.
“Pakistan offers a vast market of over 250 million people, and there is tremendous scope for bilateral economic engagement,” the minister said. Reflecting about his own visit to Azerbaijan, he shared this pleasant surprise at seeing National Flags of Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan being presented as souvenirs in Baku’s gift shops.
“The people of Pakistan have great affection for Azerbaijan,” Abdul Aleem Khan noted, adding that it is common to see citizens waving Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Chinese flags during public events—a reflection of the deep-rooted goodwill.
Deputy Minister Samad Bashirli thanked Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan for his warm reception and reiterated Azerbaijan’s interest in expanding bilateral investment and trade.
Both sides agreed on the need to enhance economic cooperation, noting that the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce is already playing an active role in this regard from Islamabad.