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Security beefed up at tri-junction of Punjab, PK, Balochistan

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DERA GHAZI KHAN, Nov 18 (APP): Security has been significantly strengthened across the border regions adjoining Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, Muhammad Usman Khalid.
The Border Military Police (BMP), led by Commandant Amir Taimoor Khan, has intensified monitoring and deployed additional personnel to ensure foolproof security in these sensitive zones.
Commandant Amir Taimoor Khan conducted an extensive visit to various strategic locations across the Koh-e-Sulaiman range. He inspected key entry and exit points situated at the tri-junction of Punjab, KP, and Balochistan, reviewing security checks, personnel deployment, and overall operational preparedness.
He directed officers to further tighten inspections of all individuals and vehicles entering or exiting the border areas, stressing the need for heightened vigilance at all sensitive locations. He stated that security measures along the provincial borders have been considerably reinforced and that high-alert deployment remains in place across major access routes throughout Koh-e-Sulaiman.
During the visit, the Commandant also paid respects at the shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Sarwar, where he was warmly welcomed by the custodians and presented with a traditional Balochi turban and shawl. He later reviewed security arrangements at Mazar Chahar Yaar and surrounding areas.
The enhanced security measures by the Border Military Police aim to improve surveillance across provincial boundaries, enhance public safety, and further stabilize the overall law and order situation in the region.

CCP clears acquisition of Total System Services LLC by Fidelity Information Services Inc.

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Tuesday approved the acquisition of Total System Services LLC (TSYS) by Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (FIS) from Global Payments Inc.
The CCP noted that FIS currently provides core banking software solutions in Pakistan, supporting the digital infrastructure of financial institutions. TSYS, meanwhile, offers card-processing systems and is engaged with only two banks in the local market.
Since both entities operate in separate segments of the financial technology services sector and do not directly compete, the Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition does not raise any competition concerns, said a press release.
The transaction is not expected to create or strengthen a dominant position, nor is it likely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets.
Accordingly, the CCP has cleared the merger under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010, which permits approval where no competition issues arise.
The approval facilitates continued growth and innovation in Pakistan’s digital payments and banking technology ecosystem, while ensuring compliance with national competition laws.

Commissioner, RPO reviews by-elections administrative, security measures

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SARGODHA, Nov 18 (APP): A joint meeting chaired by Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Shahzad Asif Khan was held to review administrative and security arrangements for the by-elections scheduled for November 23 in PP-73 Sargodha and PP-87 Mianwali.
According to an official spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Muhammad Waseem, DPO Sargodha Sohaib Ashraf, DC Mianwali Asad Abbas, DPO Mianwali Muhammad Ajmal, Assistant Commissioners, and other officers attended the meeting.
The participants were briefed that 163 polling stations have been established in PP-73 Sargodha, 55 of which have been declared sensitive, while 193 polling stations have been set up in PP-87 Mianwali, with 62 declared sensitive.
DPOs of both districts informed the meeting that CCTV cameras would be installed at all sensitive locations and shared detailed security plans. Assistant Commissioners reported that polling material has reached the Returning Officers’ offices and will be dispatched to the respective polling locations on Saturday. Arrangements regarding transportation, logistics, and the secure movement of polling material were also discussed.
RPO Shahzad Asif Khan emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe transmission and return of polling material without any disruption.
Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan directed all departments to ensure transparent, peaceful, and well-organized polling in line with Election Commission SOPs, with special focus on robust security and CCTV coverage at sensitive polling stations.

34 gangs busted, looted valuables recovered

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MULTAN, Nov 18 (APP): Multan Police have intensified operations across the city in a sweeping crackdown against criminal networks, resulting in the arrest of 88 suspects linked to 34 gangs involved in armed robbery, street crime, and vehicle theft.
Leading the operation, the Cantonment Division recovered stolen property worth over Rs 702 million, including 10 cars, 139 motorcycles, 36 mobile phones and more than Rs 3.3 million in cash.
In addition to the recovered valuables, police seized a substantial quantity of narcotics—345 kg of hashish, 16 kg of heroin, 12 kg of ice, and 3,308 liters of liquor. Law enforcement also confiscated weapons used in various crimes, including 42 pistols, two revolvers, three guns, and four rifles.
During the campaign, police teams arrested 408 proclaimed offenders and 138 court absconders. A total of 528 cases were traced through the operation.
The details were shared by City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar during a press conference at the Police Lines on Tuesday. He said the crackdown was supervised by SSP Operations Haider Ali and SP Cantt Kainat Azhar. Special teams were constituted under SDPO Cantt Hilar Khan Chandio, DSP Muzaffarabad Basheer Ahmad Harraj, and DSP Mumtazabad Azhar Sangi. SHOs from various stations, utilizing police databases and modern technology, played a key role in tracking suspects and recovering stolen assets.
CPO Dogar praised the dedication of the police personnel, noting that the teams worked tirelessly to trace major cases. He added that further operations were ongoing and more arrests were expected.
Recovered items were returned to their rightful owners, who expressed gratitude and commended the performance of Multan Police.

LLI Team Visits Aror University Sukkur to Strengthen Partnership

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SUKKUR, Nov 18 (APP): The LUMS Learning Institute (LLI) team, led by Dr. Hammad on Tuesday visited Aror University Sukkur to strengthen the partnership with Aror Learning Institute (ALI).
The team conducted a Pulse Check Activity with university leadership and ALI staff, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in teaching and learning. A Values Workshop followed, defining core values for ALI’s growth and development.
The visit aims to enhance academic excellence and institutional development, reinforcing the collaboration between ALI and LLI.

Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad.

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APP15-181125 FAISALABAD: November 18 – Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad. APP/TWR/MAF/TZD/SSH
Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad.
APP15-181125
FAISALABAD: November 18 – 
Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad.
APP16-181125
FAISALABAD: November 18 – Students take part in different sports events during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad. APP/TWR/MAF/TZD/SSH
Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad.
APP17-181125
FAISALABAD: November 18 – An athlete takes a running start before launching the javelin during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad. APP/TWR/MAF/TZD/SSH
Students participate in the marathon race during the Annual Inter-School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk Al-Fatah Sports Complex, organized by the District Education Authority in collaboration with the Sports Department Faisalabad.
FSD-T-02
FAISALABAD, Nov 18:Player’s action in different games during Annual Inter School Sports Gala 2025 at Saleemi Chowk al Fatah Sports Complex orgnized by District Eduction Authority in Collaboration with Sports Department Faisalabad– APP photo by TWR

Pak-Thailand BPC review entire gamut of bilateral relationship

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ISLAMABAD, 18 Nov (APP): The 3rd Round of Pakistan-Thailand Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) held here, Tuesday reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Thailand bilateral relationship.

The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to further enhancing cooperation, inter alia, in the areas of trade and investment, development, education and people to people exchanges.

Pakistan side was led by Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia & Pacific) Imran Ahmed Siddique while Sirilak Niyom Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs led the Thailand side, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Both sides resolved to strengthen ties between two countries and upgrade this enduring partnership.

The consultations were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Thailand.

Both sides also agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Bangkok on mutually agreed dates.

180 Tons of dates distributed among Flood-Affected families in KP, GB, AJK

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PESHAWAR, Nov 18 (APP): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and its implementing partner Ehsar Foundation, successfully distributed 180 tons of dates among families affected by recent floods across various regions of the country.
According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, the initiative was designed to support vulnerable and disaster-affected households by providing them with nutritious food assistance.
Dates, being rich in essential nutrients, are an excellent source of natural energy and play a vital role in improving food security and overall well-being.
Under this project, distributions were carried out in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peshawar and Shangla, three districts of Gilgit-Baltistan  Ghizer, Gilgit, and three districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir  Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhnoti.
The initiative benefited 22500 families who were severely affected by flooding and displacement.
The project highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment, through KSrelief, to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during times of crisis and to promote food security, humanitarian assistance, and dignity among affected populations.
KSrelief remains dedicated to implementing diverse humanitarian and development projects across Pakistan, in close coordination with NDMA and other partners, focusing on food security, health, education, and livelihood support to enhance the resilience and well-being of vulnerable communities.

Rupee gains 04 paisa against US Dollar

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The Rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 04 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 280.67 compared to the previous day’s closing of Rs 280.71.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.55 and Rs 281.80, respectively.
The price of the Euro decreased by Rs0.47 to close at Rs 325.49, up from the previous day’s close of Rs 325.96, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen remained unchanged to close at Rs 1.81, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed a decrease of Rs 0.50 and closed at Rs 369.33 compared to the previous day’s Rs 369.83.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal  came down by 01 paisa each to close at Rs 76.41 and Rs 74.84, respectively.

Encroachments on watercourses to be removed: DC Abbottabad

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ABBOTTABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram chaired an important meeting to review the identification and removal of encroachments built over watercourses and drainage channels in the city.
The meeting discussed in detail the shrinking width of natural water streams, the presence of illegal structures, and sanitation issues affecting the flow of water. Officials briefed the DC on the current status of encroachment surveys and the progress made so far.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to complete the identification of encroachments at the earliest and initiate strict legal action to ensure their removal. He emphasized that timely action is crucial to prevent drainage problems and urban flooding during the rainy season.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad, Tehsildar Abbottabad, and officers of relevant departments, who also shared the future strategy for clearing watercourses and improving water flow management.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding natural water pathways and ensuring efficient drainage across the city.