Monday, December 22, 2025
Home Blog Page 659

Dar, Overchuk hold wide-ranging talks in Moscow to deepen Pakistan–Russia partnership

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
MOSCOW, Nov 18 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Tuesday met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow following the conclusion of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meetings, with both sides undertaking a comprehensive review of bilateral ties.
The discussions covered political, economic, energy, connectivity, agricultural, industrial, educational and people-to-people cooperation, with both leaders noting the importance of strengthening collaboration through institutionalised mechanisms, a DPM’s Office news release said.
DPM Overchuk, recalling his recent visits to Pakistan, acknowledged the country’s growing potential as a regional hub for transit and connectivity. He emphasised Russia’s interest in expanding joint initiatives that support regional trade flows and infrastructure development.
Dar and Overchuk also exchanged views on major regional and global developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination at bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Both sides expressed confidence that sustained high-level engagement would further consolidate Pakistan–Russia relations and open new avenues of cooperation in shared priority sectors.

After UN Security Council’s Gaza breakthrough, agencies highlight youngsters’ plight

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 18 (APP): As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Monday’s Security Council resolution paving the way for a consolidated ceasefire via a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza, UN aid teams warned that many Palestinian children in the enclave are in no shape to endure another harsh winter.

“We’re very optimistic that the peace plans will improve the situation,” UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson Ricardo Pires said, briefing reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. “But again, the reality for children on the ground continues to be very tragic.”

“We’re still in the hypotheticals,” UN aid coordination office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke said, regarding the Security Council resolution on the US peace plan, stressing that it “needs some meat on the bones”, but recalling the UN chief’s backing for the development.

The resolution endorsing the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” announced by US President Trump on 29 September received backing from 13 countries on the Security Council. China and Russia abstained from the vote.

The resolution welcomes the transitional administration known as the “Board of Peace” – which President Donald Trump will reportedly chair – to establish a temporary international force in Gaza and coordinate reconstruction efforts including the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson overnight, the UN Secretary-General encouraged respect for the fragile ceasefire by all parties to the conflict, which was sparked by Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023.

Guterres acknowledged the “continued diplomatic efforts” of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States and regional neighbours regarding the Gaza crisis, before stressing the importance of “moving towards” the second phase of the U.S. Plan, “leading to a political process for the achievement of the two-State solution, in line with previous United Nations resolutions”.

Meanwhile in Gaza, aid agencies stressed on Tuesday that more than two years of destructive war between Hamas fighters and Israel and a chronic lack of all forms of assistance have left the enclave’s people exhausted.

In recent days, heavy rains have inundated worn-out tents that are sheltering people displaced multiple times because of the war, said Ricardo Pires, from the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

“We are seeing heartbreaking stories of desperate families feeling completely lost and exhausted after their tents got flooded,” he told journalists in Geneva. “When children are sleeping in flooded tents without warm clothing or dry bedding, many lacking the required nutrition, with very low immunity and already traumatized by conflict, winter becomes extremely dangerous.”

Pires noted that the recent bad weather in Gaza has sparked an increase in people seeking medical help – particularly among children weakened by “years of malnutrition, starvation, trauma (and) multiple displacements”.

The UNICEF officer also explained that because Israeli forces occupy more than 50 per cent of the enclave, many of the areas where Palestinians have been forced to seek shelter are coastal and the most prone to flooding.

In a call for greater aid access, he stressed this was “part of the [peace] deal and we need to see more humanitarian corridors open”.

According to OCHA, more than 5,400 metric tonnes of aid were collected between Thursday and Sunday, including shelter, medical and food items. The Zikim border crossing has reopened after staying shut for two months, bringing the number of available crossings to three.

Pires highlighted the importance of Zikim opening and said that recently UNICEF managed to bring in 96 pallets of high energy biscuits destined for the famine-stricken north of Gaza.

“We need more, a lot more,” he said. “Hopefully with the new plan, that will become a reality for children and families.”

APP/ift

Fakhar’s innings made the difference in Zimbabwe’s loss: Brad Evans

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans believes Fakhar Zaman’s innings made the difference in Zimbabwe’s close loss to Pakistan in the Tri-Nation Series opener.

Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s batting performance after the end of the game, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Evans said the team initially assessed 175 as a par score on the surface.

“If we had managed to get to 160 or 165, I think that could have been enough tonight because I thought we bowled well,” he said. “That being said, we were close. We took it to the last over. That often seems to be the case when Pakistan and Zimbabwe play.”

Evans praised Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman for his match-defining contribution. “I think Fakhar batted really well and became the backbone of their innings. Once he got out, the game opened up again for us,” he said.

“Zaman rotated the strike, ran hard, and punished the bad balls for fours and sixes. He kept their chase alive by maintaining the run rate, and the players around him chipped in with important cameos. Credit goes to Fakhar for the innings he played in the middle.”

Speaking about conditions, Evans said the team had prepared for significant dew but were surprised to find it manageable. “At the ground we trained at, Islamabad Cricket Club, there was a lot of dew, and we were shocked. But when we trained here last night, we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t as much. There was some dew during the match, but it didn’t have a major impact.”

Evans added that Zimbabwe’s young squad is steadily growing in confidence. “Taking big teams to the end of games is an achievement. Many of our players are young or haven’t played international cricket consistently. I think once we win a couple of matches and get a taste of victory, things will change. Winning is a habit, and once we get a few big wins, it will ease the pressure and help us finish games.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan said following the coaches’ instructions to spend time at the crease helped him finish the match successfully, adding that he is determined to deliver consistent performances and play a key role in the team’s victories.

He said he has been placing special emphasis on his fitness. As part of this focus, he also participated in domestic cricket.
Usman said that alongside batting, he is rigorously working on his wicketkeeping to further improve his overall game. Usman said his experience of playing several Pakistan Super League matches in Rawalpindi proved valuable and helped refine his performance.

Reflecting on his evolving batting approach, he admitted that in the past he often got out early while trying to score too quickly. “Now I have changed my strategy and prefer spending more time at the crease, and the results have been positive,” he said.

He said representing Pakistan is every cricketer’s dream and he has no regrets about giving up cricket in the UAE. “Playing for Pakistan is an honour for me. If I get the opportunity in the World Cup, I will try my best to contribute to the team’s success by playing my natural game,” he said.

Inaugural session of Naval Medicine Seminar 2025 held in Karachi

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The two-day maiden Naval Medicine Seminar 2025 commenced in Karachi, marking a significant milestone in advancing regional collaboration in naval healthcare and maritime medical support.
The event is being hosted by Pakistan Navy under the auspices of Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and is attended by a large number of foreign delegates from 28 WPNS countries, said a press release.
While addressing the seminar, Director General Medical Services (Navy), Surgeon Rear Admiral Rizwan Sadiq, highlighted Pakistan Navy’s continued commitment to medical excellence, humanitarian assistance, and the enhancement of international partnerships through knowledge sharing.
Later, Commandant PNS SHIFA introduced the seminar’s theme while emphasising the importance of innovation, leadership, and resilience in shaping modern naval medical practices.
The scientific proceedings of the day featured a diverse range of professional presentations and discussions.
The first day’s activities reflected active participation, constructive dialogue, and professional engagement among all delegates, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing contemporary challenges in naval healthcare and operational medical support.
The seminar serves as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices in naval medicine, preventive healthcare, and medical readiness at sea, thereby promoting mutual understanding and strengthening professional cooperation among regional navies.

Pakistan outplay Zimbabwe by five wickets

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Pakistan began their Tri-Nation Series campaign with a commanding five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 147, Pakistan encountered early setbacks as Sahibzada Farhan (16), Saim Ayub (22), Babar Azam (0), and captain Salman Ali Agha (1) fell inside the first half of the innings.
Fakhar Zaman steadied the chase with a fluent 44 runs off 32 balls, combining with Usman Khan for a crucial 61-run stand for the fifth wicket before being removed by Richard Ngarava.
Usman Khan (37 off 28) continued to anchor the innings, while Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 12) provided the finishing touches. The pair guided (36-runs partnership) Pakistan to 151 for 5 in 19.2 overs, sealing the match with four balls to spare.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 26, while Tinotenda Maposa and Graeme Cremer claimed one wicket apiece. Mohammad Nawaz was declared Player of the match.
Earlier when put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 147 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Brian Bennett (49 runs off 36 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30 runs off 22 balls) laid a solid platform with a 72-run partnership for the first wicket.
Skipper Sikandar Raza added valuable runs in the middle order, making 34 off 24 deliveries, including three fours and a six. Brendan Taylor chipped in with 14, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to gain momentum.
For Pakistan, Muhammsad Nawaz led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 22. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed each picked up one wicket.
Fixtures: Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe on Thursday while Pakistan will play Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Hearing on cases of Nov 26, protest adjourned

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The hearing in the case filed against PTI leaders for the November 26, protest under trial in the Anti-Terrorism Court has been postponed due to the unavailability of the learned judge.
Judge Abua Hasanat Zulqarnain was to hear the pre-arrest bail applications. PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Shahram Tarkai, Rauf Hassan, Salman Akram Raja, and others appeared in the court. The court staff summoned the accused present.
Due to the unavailability of the learned judge, arguments could not be made. The hearing was adjourned till January 19, extending the interim bail of the PTI leaders.
A case has been registered against the PTI leaders in the Karachi Company Police Station under the provisions of terrorism.

DPM Dar calls on President Putin among other heads of govt delegations at SCO moot

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
MOSCOW, Nov 18 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Tuesday called on President Vladimir Putin along with other Heads of Government Delegations of SCO Member States.
President Putin welcomed the leaders and emphasized the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation under the SCO, highlighting its role as a key platform for connectivity, stability, and mutually beneficial development across the region, a DPM’s Office news release said.

Govt aims to promote eastern medicines alongside allopathic treatment: Mustafa Kamal

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, stated on Tuesday that the government aims to promote eastern medicine alongside allopathic treatment. He announced that a separate secretariat would be established in Islamabad for this purpose. The minister made these remarks during a visit to Hamdard University.

Mustafa Kamal held a meeting with Hamdard University’s Chancellor Sadia Rashid (Hilal-e-Imtiaz).

He said that importance of eastern medicine should not be denied; therefore, the discipline should no longer be ignored. Awareness should be raised among common people about the modern research taking place in the field.

The meeting was also attended by Hamdard University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Imran Amin, Registrar Kaleem Ahmed Ghias, former vice chancellor and PAEM president Hakim Abdul Hanan, Dean Faculty of Eastern Medicine Prof Dr Arshad Mahmood, President of the National Council of Medicine under the Ministry of Health Hakim Muhammad Ahmed Salimi, Ministry of Health official Saleem Cheema, members of the National Council for Medicine Hakim Naseem Qasmi and Hakim Mukhtar Barkati and senior officials of the Hamdard Group.

Sadia Rashid drew the federal minister’s attention to the lack of official support for eastern medicine. She said that modern research in the area has proven very useful for tackling diseases like thalassemia, stomach ulcers, and PCOS.

She added that Shaheed Hakim Muhammed Said did not just play a vital role in introducing eastern and Unani medicine at the global level but also built a unique knowledge city in Pakistan where opportunities for education range from basic to advanced international standards. Today, Hamdard University graduates are making the country proud in Pakistan and abroad.

Ms Rashid said that Hakim Said gave new vigour and vitality to the idea of developing eastern medicine on modern lines.

The minister appreciated the research work being undertaken at Hamdard University’s Faculty of Eastern Medicine and said the public should be made aware of modern research in medicine, for which media can play an important role.

Kamal offered his services to promote traditional forms of treatment and said all possible support will be provided. He appointed Senior Ministry of Health official Saleem Cheema as its coordinator, who will serve as the liaison between Hamdard University and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Mustafa Kamal also visited the Faculty of Eastern Medicine, where Acting Dean Prof Dr Arshad Mahmood briefed him on the modern research work.

Lucky Investments, 5th Pillar Takaful announce strategic partnership

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Lucky Investments Limited, a full-fledged Islamic Asset Management Company, and 5th Pillar Family Takaful, a leading provider of Shariah-compliant family protection, today announced a landmark partnership following a formal signing ceremony.
The agreement ensures that free-of-cost Takaful coverage will be extended to all participants of the recently launched Lucky Islamic Pension Fund (LIPF). This strategic move significantly enhances the overall value and financial security offered to individuals saving for their post-retirement years through the ethical and professionally managed pension fund.
The signing ceremony, attended by senior management from both institutions, marks a joint commitment to promoting financial inclusion and delivering comprehensive, Shariah-compliant solutions to the Pakistani market. Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Investments Limited, emphasised the importance of this value-added service.
“We launched the Lucky Islamic Pension Fund to create a pathway for dignity and independence in retirement,” said Mr Shoaib. “This partnership with 5th Pillar Family Takaful allows us to go a step further. By providing free-of-cost Takaful coverage, we are not only protecting our participants’ investments but also their families’ future, fully upholding our commitment to connecting capital with conscience and ethical stewardship.”
Nasar us Samad Qureshi, Chief Executive Officer of 5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited, commented on the collaboration: “Collaborating with Lucky Investments Limited reinforces our mission to expand the reach of ethical, faith-based financial protection across Pakistan. We are proud to secure the future of LIPF participants through this Takaful arrangement, ensuring comprehensive financial security in a manner that is fully Shariah-compliant and aligned with their values.”
The Lucky Islamic Pension Fund was recently introduced to the market as a Shariah-compliant, professionally managed savings solution designed to help individuals build long-term financial security.
The Fund offers four investment sub-funds—Equity, Debt, Money Market, and Gold—all managed under the strict supervision of a Shariah Advisor. The LIPF addresses a growing national need for structured retirement savings, particularly for individuals in the private and informal sectors, by offering disciplined savings with attractive tax incentives and faith-based investment integrity.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal inaugurates most powerful Computing Facility of Pakistan at PIEAS

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday inaugurated Center for Mathematical Sciences (CMS) along with a state-of-the-art High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) here on Tuesday.
Chairman PAEC, Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar accompanied the minister during the inauguration and showed him various CMS laboratories.
Talking to media persons on this occasion, Prof Ahsan Iqbal said, “I am very excited to inaugurate the Center for Mathematical Sciences and HPC facility at PIEAS and I would like to congratulate both PIEAS and PAEC for this achievement.
It is high time that we start initiatives which serve to improve the stature of our dear motherland rather than prioritising individual impact factors. Universities should focus on introducing such research programmes which help convert the country’s economy into a technology-based economy.”
The CMS and HPC facilities were approved in 2017 under the Vision 2025, he added. Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that successful nations are those that gain high levels of knowledge and technology and this advancement adds to the URAAN Pakistan initiative to have the best research and development facilities in Pakistan.
Chairman PAEC thanked the federal minister, Prof Ahsan Iqbal for his vision, support and patronage to help make this dream come true.
The Center for Mathematical Sciences (CMS) at PIEAS was approved through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) by the special interest of Prof Ahsan Iqbal back in 2017, during his previous tenure as Federal Minister for Planning and Development.
Major facilities developed under the project included the HPC facility and eight other high-tech specialized laboratories related to Applied Mathematical Sciences and Computational Mathematics.
A dedicated Academic Block and a Researchers Hostel have also been developed under this project. The HPC facility developed in the project would serve to bring Pakistan and its universities at par with the infrastructure required for High Performance Computing needed to carry out cutting-edge Mathematical and Applied Research.
The long-term benefit of the project is the production of highly trained personnel leading towards technological self-reliance.
With a consistent support from Prof Ahsan Iqbal, PIEAS has recently commissioned the Al-Khwarizmi HPC Cluster, the most powerful CPU-based computational facility in Pakistan to date.
With a peak performance of 350 TFLOPs, the system includes 58 compute nodes (48 standard and 10 large-memory), 5,104 CPU cores, 40 TB of RAM, and 2 petabyte (2048 TB) of storage, all interconnected via InfiniBand NDR at 200 Gbps. This infrastructure enables scientific modeling, data analytics, AI, simulations, and other compute-intensive research at national scale.
The cluster will serve universities, research institutions, and industry across Pakistan, reducing dependence on overseas facilities and empowering local researchers to address critical national challenges from climate science and energy to genomics and AI.
Access will be granted through a proposal-based system, with training and support offered to new users.This facility would run in integration with the HPCs being developed by HEC. The facility represents a game-changing resource for advancing Pakistan’s innovation and research ecosystem.
PIEAS is the leading Engineering University of the country working under the aegis of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. Established as a ‘Reactor School’ in 1967, PIEAS gained the status of degree awarding institute in 2000.
1...658659660...31,078Page 659 of 31,078

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan