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Qasim Naveed discusses investment matters with Turkish CG

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KARACHI, Nov 19 (APP):The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh (SACM) on Investment and Public-Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar discussed matters related to bilateral investment with the Consul General of Republic of Turkiye in Karachi Ergul Kadak who called on the SACM at his office on Wednesday.
Turkish Commercial Attaché Murat Ozmen was also present on the occasion.
The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh briefed the Turkish Consul General about Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, Karachi Education City, Marble City Karachi, Khairpur Special Economic Zone, and other investment sectors in Sindh.
Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar also informed the distinguished guests about the vibrant Public Private Partnership Unit of Sindh and said that there are vast investment opportunities in the province even under the Public Private Partnership model.
The Turkish Consul General expressed deep interest in investment in Sindh, especially in the Karachi Education City.
Syed Qasim Naveed, apprised the distinguished guest about investment opportunities in education, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, information technology, water recycling, environment, industry and trade and other sectors in the province and informed that the Sindh government has also established the Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company, which is providing facilities to power generation companies.
Qasim Naveed Qamar also informed about the production of dates in Khairpur district of Sindh and highlighted the possibilities of investment in the date sector.
He said that the Sindh government is also committed to creating a Special Economic Zone in Hyderabad, where companies manufacturing motorcycles and electric appliances have shown keen interest in the beginning.
Secretary Investment Sindh Raja Khurram Shahzad, Additional Secretary Investment Department Behzad Memon and other officers were also present in the meeting.

NMU marks Thalassemia prevention day, new Thalassemia Centre Inaugurated

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MULTAN, Nov 19 (APP):Nishtar Medical University (NMU) on Wednesday observed Pakistan’s National Thalassemia Prevention Day, alongside the inauguration of a new Thalassemia Centre at the outpatient department of Nishtar Hospital.
The event was organised by the Punjab Thalassemia and Genetic Disorders (PTGD) programme.
Director General PTGD Dr Yasmin Ehsan and NMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mehnaz Khakwani led the ceremony, which was attended by senior medical experts including Prof Dr Ahmed Hussain, Prof Dr Azam Khan, Dr Asghar Javed, Dr Kamran Ashfaq, Dr Rana Zulfiqar, Dr Shahida Parveen, Dr Nabila Tariq, Dr Sabeen Fatima, Dr Aslam Shaikh and Dr Yasmin Batool.
Speaking at a seminar held to mark the day, experts highlighted that early screening and timely diagnosis were essential to preventing the hereditary blood disorder from being passed on to future generations. PTGD Multan Office In-charge Ahmed Nadeem stressed the importance of mandatory thalassemia testing before marriage to curb new cases.
Vice Chancellor Prof Khakwani praised PTGD’s ongoing efforts, emphasising the need for stronger institutional collaboration to halt the spread of thalassemia. She called for regular awareness programmes to educate the public on prevention strategies.
DG PTGD Dr Yasmin Ehsan thanked Prof Khakwani for her support and NMU’s cooperation, noting that the establishment of the new Thalassemia Centre would significantly enhance patient care and preventive services in the region.

Sindh CM calls on PM

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Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Wednesday, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

During the meeting, overall political situation and provincial affairs were discussed, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH): practical model for humanity: Muhammad Yousuf

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said that the blessed life (Seerah) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a comprehensive, illuminating and practical model for all humanity.
He said this while addressing the inaugural session of a two-day International Seerah Conference held o at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), issued a press release on Wednesday.
The Minister further said that every aspect of the Prophet’s PBUH life morality, justice, tolerance, compassion and wisdom—provides the best solutions to the challenges of the modern age.
The Federal Minister added that the Sufi saints not only described the Seerah of the Holy Prophet PBUH but also presented a living model of it through their conduct and actions, guiding us in the process. During the current time, various institutions were continuing this mission within their respective domains.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs organizes a Seerah Conference every year, grants awards to authors writing on the Seerah and works to widely convey this message effectively,” The Minister said.
He stated that the successful arrangement of the Seerah Conference at AIOU was an important link in that chain, and that university administration, the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies and the Vice Chancellor truly deserve congratulations.
Vice-Chancellor AIOU, Prof.  Dr Nasir Mahmood said, “No human better than the Prophet PBUH has ever come, nor will ever come and his Seerah is a light for every era,” adding, “The Sufis of the subcontinent did not merely learn this Seerah from books; they enlivened it through their actions.”
The Vice Chancellor said that equality, compassion, simplicity, self-purification and distance from worldly power were the practical teachings of the Sufis of the Indian subcontinent.
Dr Nasir Mahmood further stated that the Sufis infused their deep love for the Holy Prophet PBUH into every aspect of life in such a way that society continued to learn from their character.
He expressed hope that day’s discussion would also help us understand this heritage and use it as a means to improve our lives.
Prof.  Dr Muhammad Al-Arabi Bouazizi from Jamiat Ez-Zaytouna, Tunisia delivered his keynote address on the services of the Sufis of the Indian subcontinent in promoting the Seerah.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Professor Dr Shah Mohyuddin Hashmi, also shed light on various aspects of the Seerah and the contributions of the Sufis in this regard.

NUML MPhil, PhD scholars visit Parliament House for study tour

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):A delegation of MPhil and PhD scholars from the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) visited Parliament House on Wednesday as part of an educational study tour.
Officials of the Senate Secretariat warmly received the students upon arrival.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Senate Museum, where they received a briefing on Pakistan’s parliamentary history, the framing of the Constitution, and the various stages of the legislative process.
They also visited Gali-e-Dastoor, a dedicated corridor showcasing the country’s constitutional evolution.
The group later proceeded to the Senate Hall, where they received a detailed briefing on the functioning of Parliament, the role and mandate of the Senate, legislative procedures, and the workings of standing committees.
The scholars expressed keen interest in parliamentary affairs and democratic processes.
They described the visit as highly informative and commended the Senate Secretariat for the well-organised arrangements.

Punjab Ombudsman secures Rs.8.512m relief for citizens in complaints against WASA

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LAHORE, Nov 19 (APP):The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab has secured financial relief amounting to Rs.8.512 million for citizens after adjudicating a series of public complaints filed against the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), a spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Acting on 20 complaints of varied nature, the Ombudsman’s Office initiated inquiries into issues relating to inflated bills, unwarranted charges, tariff adjustments, and delays in installing or restoring water connections and meters. Following detailed investigations, orders were issued directing WASA authorities to rectify the identified discrepancies and provide due relief to the affected consumers.
The spokesperson added that the interventions ensured corrections in billing, withdrawal of undue charges, and resolution of long-pending operational matters, collectively resulting in monetary relief exceeding Rs.8.512 million.
The complainants, expressing satisfaction over the outcome, thanked the Ombudsman Punjab for addressing their grievances promptly and ensuring accountability within the relevant departments. They said the timely action had provided significant relief and restored their confidence in the grievance redressal mechanism.

CM’s meal program launched at Special Education Centre Sialkot

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SIALKOT, Nov 19 (APP):The Chief Minister Punjab’s Meal Program was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Special Education Centre Neika Pura in Sialkot, aimed at providing nutritious meals to special children to support their health and overall development.
According to a spokesperson for the District Education Authority (DEA) Sialkot, CEO Mujahid Hussain Alvi expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for launching the initiative.
He said the program marks a significant step toward ensuring the well-being of special children and reflects the provincial government’s commitment to creating inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Shaza arrives in Bishkek to witness B2B MoU signings

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on a two-day official visit to attend the signing ceremony of B2B MoUs between Pakistani companies and firms from CAREC member countries.
She is also scheduled to meet the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to explore new avenues of digital connectivity, investment, and regional cooperation.
The discussions will focus on expanding Pakistan–ADB collaboration in technology-led development.
During the visit, the minister will participate in the opening session of the CAREC Ministerial Conference in Bishkek.
She will also present Pakistan’s position in a high-level session titled “Soft Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity.”
Shaza Fatima will highlight the importance of regional digital cooperation, smart connectivity, and deeper digital integration to accelerate shared economic progress across the region.

Ali Pervaiz, Jiang Zaidong discuss enhancing cooperation in energy, mineral sectors

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday reaffirmed the unwavering strength of the Pakistan-China partnership and discussed avenues to enhance cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors.
During their meeting at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, the two sides focused on mutual support, economic collaboration and a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity, said a new release.
Ali Pervaiz Malik extended a formal invitation for the upcoming Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026.
He emphasised that the mining sector is a priority area for Pakistan and represents a significant opportunity for deepening bilateral cooperation.
In response, the Chinese Ambassador warmly welcomed the invitation and gave his assurance, “We will encourage the heads of our relevant institutions to participate in the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum,” the Ambassador said.
He highlighted that mining is a key area for China-Pakistan collaboration and noted the strong existing presence of Chinese companies in Pakistan’s petroleum and mineral sectors.
Chinese companies MCC, CNOC are working in this sector in Pakistan, and China hopes to expand this partnership. Saindak and Siadak Mining projects are key Chinese projects in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
The Minister expressed Pakistan’s profound appreciation for China’s steadfast support during a difficult economic phase.
He reiterated Pakistan’s firm and principled stance alongside its Chinese brothers, affirming Pakistan’s full support for China’s sovereignty and regional stability.
The Chinese Ambassador commended Pakistan’s ongoing reform agenda, describing it as a welcome step towards sustainable development. “We are committed to supporting Pakistan’s development and will continue to facilitate the economic development of the people of Pakistan through our cooperation,” the Ambassador said.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to transforming the all-weather strategic partnership into greater investment and shared prosperity, with a particular focus on the promising mining and energy sectors.

Algeria to host International Conference on ‘Crimes of Colonialism in Africa from 30th November

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Algeria will host the International Conference on the Crimes of Colonialism in Africa on 30 November and 1 December 2025, a major continental gathering organized in line with the African Union (AU) Assembly Decision 903(XXXVIII), adopted in February 2025.
The decision endorsed the offer made by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to convene in Algeria a conference dedicated to the celebration and implementation of the AU Theme of the Year 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” Information shared by the Algerian embassy in Islamabad.
This initiative, according to officials, stems from Algeria’s historic experience as a nation that endured the profound human and material costs of colonialism and continues to champion the dignity, memory, and rights of African peoples.
“Under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria is working to strengthen collective reflection and action aimed at criminalizing colonialism, slavery, racial segregation and apartheid as crimes against humanity, in line with the relevant recommendations of the African Union.”
The upcoming conference is expected to gather ministers, jurists, historians, academics, and experts from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. Its core objective is to help consolidate a unified African position on historical justice, reparations, restitution of cultural heritage, and the preservation of collective memory.
Discussions will span a wide range of themes, covering the human, cultural, economic, environmental and legal consequences of colonial crimes. Particular emphasis will be placed on intergenerational trauma, the destruction and looting of African cultural heritage, exploitation of natural resources, and the inequitable economic systems that persist from the colonial era.
Delegates will also examine environmental impacts, including the legacy of nuclear testing carried out on African populations, and explore legal pathways for strengthening the criminalization of colonialism.
The agenda further includes consideration of a permanent African mechanism dedicated to reparations and restitution.
“As host and initiator, Algeria aims to contribute to strengthening Africa’s architecture for historical justice, by providing a high-level platform to advance international recognition of colonial crimes and promote concrete mechanisms for reparative action.”
A key outcome of the meeting is expected to be the adoption of the Algiers Declaration, envisioned as a continental reference for codifying colonial crimes, recognizing their impacts, and formulating an African strategy for justice and reparations.
The declaration will be submitted to the AU Summit in February 2026 for consideration and potential endorsement.
“Through this initiative, Algeria reaffirms its driving role and decisive contribution within the continent, by supporting African aspirations for justice, reparations, the preservation of historical memory, and the consolidation of a shared identity founded on dignity and the values of justice.”