ABU DHABI
ABU DHABI
First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari , at Abu Dhabi Art 2025 at Manarat AI Saadiyat, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI
ABU DHABI
First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari , at Abu Dhabi Art 2025 at Manarat AI Saadiyat, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI
First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visits Abu Dhabi Art 2025
ABU DHABI, Nov 18 (APP): First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, visited Abu Dhabi Art 2025 on Tuesday, at Manarat Al Saadiyat, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Senior representatives of the Department of Culture and Tourism received the First Lady on her arrival, a Presidency’s news release said.
The First Lady toured a wide range of galleries and pavilions from different parts of the world. She met artists, curators and exhibitors and appreciated the creative work on display as well as the conversations it encouraged. She said that artistic exchange supports understanding between societies and helps deepen cultural ties.
Abu Dhabi Art is the annual culmination of a year-round visual arts programme and brings together local and international galleries presenting modern and contemporary works. The fair also hosts exhibitions, commissions and installations that highlight diverse perspectives in global art.
PO status cant stop a citizen to pursuing civil or service appeals, clarifys SC
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that being declared a proclaimed offender or absconder in a criminal case does not, by itself, deprive any citizen of the right to pursue legal remedies in civil or service matters, as the criminal and civil jurisdictions are separate and independent.
According to a written judgment approved for reporting on Tuesday, a three-member bench headed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah set aside the October 24 decision of the Punjab Service Tribunal in Civil Petitions No. 41-Q and 42-Q of 2022. The tribunal had dismissed the appeals of the petitioner teachers solely on the ground that they had been declared proclaimed offenders in a criminal case.
The Supreme Court held that the principle of “fugitive disentitlement” is strictly confined to the criminal domain and cannot be extended to civil or service-related proceedings. The judgment stated that Articles 4, 9, 10-A and 25 of the Constitution guarantee every citizen the right to a fair hearing and access to justice—rights that cannot be denied merely because a person is wanted in another case.
The Court further observed that the legal consequences of being declared a proclaimed offender apply only to the specific criminal case in which such a declaration is made. Unless expressly prohibited by law, this status cannot be used to extinguish or curtail an individual’s service-related or employment rights.
The bench noted that the teachers’ appeals concerned purely service-related questions—such as the legality of their appointments, the validity of disciplinary proceedings, and the issue of non-payment of salaries—which have no connection with the criminal proceedings.
Setting aside the tribunal’s order, the Supreme Court remanded the matter back to the Punjab Service Tribunal with directions to treat the appeals as pending and decide them on merit within three months, noting that the case has remained unresolved since 2015.
ICT Household Survey teams begin field visits; residents asked to register data through app
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Teams working on the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Household Survey began their visits across various parts of the federal capital early in the morning on Tuesday.
The field activity started after assistant commissioners briefed survey teams on the process, data requirements and the guidelines to be followed during the survey, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.
According to the district administration, the ICT Household Survey aims to compile updated household information from all sectors, rural areas and suburban localities. The survey will help the administration plan services and ensure that government records reflect accurate household details.
Assistant commissioners instructed the visiting teams to reach assigned areas on time, follow the designated routes and engage with households in a clear and transparent manner. They also directed teams to guide residents on the importance of providing correct information for future planning and resource management.
Officials said teams are covering homes throughout the day and approaching residents for basic data related to their family, residence and contact information. To make the process easier, the administration has introduced a mobile application that allows residents to enter their details themselves without waiting for survey staff to arrive at their doorstep.
Residents have been asked to download the ICT Household Survey app from the provided link and complete their household data entry. According to the administration, self-registration will speed up the process, reduce the workload of field teams and help avoid repeated visits to the same households.
The district administration said the app has been designed for simple use, allowing residents to enter household information in a few steps. After entering the data, the system verifies the information and adds it to the central database. Officials noted that the digital system aims to make the survey more efficient and minimise delays that often occur in manual data collection.
Teams in the field are also informing residents about the option of using the app and encouraging those with smartphones and internet access to register their details immediately. For households unable to use the app, field teams will continue collecting information in person and guide residents through the process.
Assistant commissioners have appealed to residents to cooperate with survey teams during visits. They said the field staff is working under a set schedule and needs timely support from households to complete the exercise within the planned timeframe.
Officials emphasised that the ICT Household Survey is an important initiative for improving city planning, public services and data accuracy. The administration aims to complete the survey as soon as possible with the support of residents.
Protection of every child in Punjab is top priority: CM Maryam
LAHORE, Nov 18 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the Punjab government has established a secure and integrated protection system for children and citizens through digital innovation and effective governance.
She said that sexual abuse, mistreatment, and violence against children are not only heinous crimes but a revolt against humanity.
In her message on the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, the CM said, “Children are my red line. Every child is dear to me, and ensuring their safety is our collective responsibility.” She said that those involved in crimes against children represent the darkest elements of society and will be completely rooted out from Punjab.
Highlighting a major milestone in child protection, the CM said that Pakistan’s first Virtual Child Safety Centre has been established in Punjab. The pioneering facility has already reunited thousands of missing children and elderly citizens with their families. She said that in any case of a missing child, the Virtual Child Safety Centre enables immediate response and swift inter-agency coordination to ensure prompt recovery.
CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children, adding that the protection and wellbeing of every child in Punjab remains the government’s foremost priority.
IGP approves Rs 2.85m for treatment of cops, families
LAHORE, Nov 18 (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar on Tuesday approved the release of Rs 2.85 million for the medical treatment of police personnel and their families.
Punjab Police spokesperson while sharing the details, said Sub-Inspector Muhammad Razzaq was provided Rs 500,000 for hip bone surgery and Constable Anwar-ul-Hassan was given Rs 400,000 for medical treatment. Driver Constable Tanveer Hussain was issued Rs 250,000 for cancer treatment and Head Constable Muhammad Nazir was also issued Rs 200,000 for cancer treatment. Furthermore, DSP Aamir Khan was provided Rs 200,000 for kidney treatment. ASI Yasir Touseef, ASI Tahir Nadeem, Constable Muhammad Naeem, Constable Muhammad Ejaz, Usama Ali, Tariq Mahmood, Sada Gulab, Security Constable Ghulam Hussain, Officer Atif Shahzad, and a retired Traffic Warden were also provided Rs 100,000 each for medical treatment.
The spokesperson further said that Khansama (Cook) Muhammad Munir, Constable Khawar Iqbal, and the wife of martyred Constable Aamir Alam were collectively issued Rs 300,000 for medical treatment.
IGP Dr. Usman approved the disbursement of these funds following scrutiny by the Medical Financial Assistance Committee. He emphasised that Punjab Police, under MOUs with various institutions, continue to provide the best possible medical facilities for its personnel and their families.
PM&DC holds meeting to address admission concerns
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the admission policy for the 2025–26 academic session, following growing concerns and confusion among students highlighted in recent media reports.
The meeting, held at PM&DC headquarters, brought together all key stakeholders, including Council members, Vice Chancellors, representatives of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), and legal experts.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, also attended as a special invitee.
PM&DC officials said the primary objective of the meeting was to explore every possible solution to ensure maximum relief, clarity, and facilitation for students during the admission process.
The Council reiterated that it considers every student “part of its own family” and remains committed to supporting them during this critical stage of their academic journey.
Council members underscored that the three-year validity of the MDCAT result is clearly defined by law, which falls under the domain of Parliament.
However, they assured that PM&DC will continue to safeguard the interests of students and will not compromise on their future.
Officials further confirmed that all concerns and proposals submitted by student groups have been reviewed thoroughly.
PM&DC will extend full cooperation in ongoing court proceedings and will present all viable options transparently to ensure maximum facilitation for candidates.
The Council emphasized that the court’s decision will be final and binding on all institutions, and PM&DC will implement it in letter and spirit.
With these assurances, PM&DC expressed hope that students will be able to proceed with greater confidence and certainty as the admission process moves forward.
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits PIMS hospital
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): A Wafaqi Mohtasib Inspection Team, led by its Director General, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad, visited the PIMS Hospital on Tuesday. The 5-member team, under the directions of Wafaqi Mohtasib Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, inspected various wards.
The Inspection Team instructed that a token system may be introduced in the hospital’s lab in view of the rapidly growing number of patients. It also instructed that the number of ECG rooms may be increased from 3 to 5, providing a separate facility for the ladies.
The Team further asked the administration to hand over the swindlers and beggars sneaking into the hospital to police and also to take immediate steps for dealing with the menace of stray dogs roaming around.
Earlier, the Team was informed in a briefing that two MRI machines and 28 machines for ultrasound are functional in the Hospital. The administration further stated that 93 vacancies of the doctors have been filled through the FPSC.
Similarly, appointments have been made to fill 113 non-gazetted posts while some posts are still lying vacant. The Team was informed that nearly 10,000 patients visit the hospital daily, putting great stress on its meagre resources. It said that the gynae ward alone has to conduct ultrasound of more than 3,000 patients daily.
The Inspection Team directed that the process of recruitment may be expedited for filling the remaining vacancies with highest consideration for merit and transparency in the entire exercise.
Rs 23.40b assets belonging to banned TLP frozen: Minister Azma
LAHORE, Nov 18 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has announced that assets worth Rs 23.40 billion belonging to the banned TLP have been frozen, along with 92 bank accounts linked to the organisation.
She said that 90 financiers involved in funding the banned group have been booked, while 31 additional FIRs have been registered for spreading hate speech and incitement on social media platforms.
While addressing a press conference at DGPR, Azma Bokhari said that a significant quantity of modern weapons, bulletproof jackets, and ammunition shells has also been recovered during operations against the organisation.
She further stated that 84% A’immas across Punjab have been registered, and the process will reach 100% completion within the next few days. She added that the Chief Minister of Punjab continues to appreciate the crucial role of A’imma, who were not given due respect by previous governments.
Azma Bokhari said that the Punjab Home Department has successfully brought five Wafaq-ul-Madaris bodies on board, and the formal registration of madrasas across the province will commence soon.
She highlighted that wall chalking is strictly banned in Punjab and no one will be permitted to violate this restriction.
The Minister informed that 6,220 Afghan nationals have been repatriated in just three weeks. She asserted that Illegal Afghans try to flee from Punjab and seek refuge in other provinces; therefore, the issue is being raised with the federal government and the Apex Committee. She added that a few number of Afghan citizens now remain in Punjab, and cases have been lodged against individuals who provided them shelter.
Azma Bokhari also said that several districts—Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Pakpattan, Khushab, and Bahawalpur—have witnessed a 70% to 90% reduction in incidents of robbery, theft, and street crime.
She further stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the use of drone surveillance in cases involving crimes or violence against women.