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350 cadets rescued from Cadet College Wana, operation against terrorist continues

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):Security forces have successfully rescued 350 cadets from Cadet College Wana, while around 300 individuals are still inside the premises, according to sources.
The ongoing operation, being carried out under the supervision of Inspector General Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (South), is proceeding with utmost caution and strategic planning to ensure the safety of the remaining cadets.
Sources said that troops are advancing carefully against the Afghan Khawarij militants, prioritizing the protection of innocent lives trapped inside.
Security officials affirmed that the operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated, emphasizing the forces’ commitment to restoring peace and security in the area.

Balochistan expands free treatment plan for cancer, chronic diseases

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QUETTA, Nov 11 (APP):The Balochistan government has announced a major expansion of its Cancer and Deadly Diseases Treatment Plan, making it the first province to offer comprehensive, free-of-cost treatment for a wide range of life-threatening illnesses, including several major cancers.
This landmark initiative is part of a public-private partnership between the provincial government under the vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the global pharmaceutical leader Roche Pharma.
Under the expanded program, patients across Balochistan will now receive completely free treatment for several high-cost and debilitating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Hemophilia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Diabetic Macular Edema, Breast, Liver, and Lung Cancers.
This initiative marks a paradigm shift in the province’s healthcare system, ensuring that no citizen is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints.
The formal launch of the expanded project, titled the Chief Minister’s Initiative for Treatment of Cancer and Deadly Diseases Expansion Project, was finalized during a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The session was chaired by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, with participation from senior officials of the Health Department and representatives from Roche Pharma.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Secretary Health Balochistan Muhammad Dawood Khilji and Managing Director Roche Pakistan Hifza Shamsi, cementing the partnership.
Speaking at the occasion, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar praised the leadership of CM Bugti and described the initiative as a revolutionary milestone in public welfare.
“The project for free treatment of cancer and deadly diseases is an extraordinary milestone for public welfare,” Bakht Muhammad Kakar said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raising healthcare standards to international levels through strategic collaborations with global organizations, ensuring access to modern treatment and care facilities for all.

SC rejects Railway Audit Officer’s appeal for additional increments

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan has set aside a decision of the Federal Service Tribunal (FST) that had granted additional increments to an officer of the Pakistan Railways Audit Department on the basis of an LLB degree.
According to the written judgment approved for reporting, a two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi ruled that officers of the Audit Department do not fall within the scope of the “Incentive Scheme 1966,” and that the LLB degree cannot be treated as equivalent to a master’s degree under the “General Scheme 1996.”
The court observed that granting additional increments on the basis of an LLB degree is not permissible under either scheme; therefore, the decision of the Federal Service Tribunal could not be sustained. The judgment further noted that remanding a case should not be adopted as a routine practice and should only be exercised when required in the interest of justice. When the record is complete and facts are clear, the appellate court should decide the matter itself to avoid unnecessary delays, the court added.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked that courts should refrain from unnecessary interference in administrative matters, as every institution has the constitutional authority to formulate its own policies. The court also reaffirmed that an LLB degree cannot be considered equivalent to a master’s degree, as established in earlier Supreme Court rulings.
It was informed that the railway officer had already received Rs75,000 as additional increments following the tribunal’s order. The Railways Department indicated it would not seek recovery of the amount. However, the court clarified that this decision would not serve as a precedent for other cases.
The Supreme Court accepted both constitutional petitions filed by the federation and dismissed the case.

Dry weather persists in Lahore

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LAHORE, Nov 11 (APP):Lahore experienced dry weather on Tuesday, and similar conditions are expected to persist on Wednesday. According to MET officials, continental air is dominating most parts of the country, leading to dry conditions across the region.
The weather department forecast cold to very cold temperatures in the upper areas during the night and early morning hours. Additionally, smog and patches of shallow fog may form during the morning and night in certain plain areas of Punjab, further reducing visibility.
Residents are advised to stay cautious, particularly during the early hours, when fog could affect travel conditions.

Ambassador Hashmi pays courtesy call on Minister of IDCPC

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BEIJING, Nov 11 (APP): Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC).

The Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the leadership and people of Pakistan, and congratulated the Minister on assuming office.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and to advancing practical cooperation, communication and exchanges between political parties, and people-to-people connectivity.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the growing momentum of Pakistan-China relations, marked by high level visits, steady progress towards China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, industrial cooperation, agriculture, digital technology, and green development.

The Ambassador underlined the importance of expanding institutional linkages between policy institutions, launching structured youth exchanges, strengthening think-tank cooperation and collaboration to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The Ambassador also handed over congratulatory letter from Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister addressed to him.

The Minister welcomed the Ambassador’s visit and appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding and ironclad friendship with China.

Expressing willingness to further strengthen practical cooperation, he conveyed keenness to align CPEC 2.0 with 5E’s framework (Exports, e-Pakistan, Environment; Energy and Infrastructure; Equity & Empowerment) of Pakistan and contribute to the successful implementation of ‘Uraan Pakistan’.

The Minister affirmed that the IDCPC will continue to serve as a bridge for strengthening mutual trust and supporting the broader objectives of the China-Pakistan all-weather partnership.

The two sides also discussed further fortifying Pakistan-China ties in light of opportunities arising from implementation of 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) of China, recommendation for which were recently released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee in its Fourth Plenary Session

The International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) is the CPC’s principal organ for managing international political exchanges.

IHC suspends order to dissolve CDA

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP): A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday suspended the decision of single member bench in which it ordered to dissolve the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
A division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Arbab Tahir and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the intra-court appeal challenging the verdict of single member bench.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani had issued an order to dissolve the CDA, which was suspended as the CDA had filed an intra-court appeal against the court’s decision.
Kashif Ali Malik, advocate on behalf of the CDA, appeared in the court.
During hearing, the bench inquired that what was the plea in the case in which the order to dissolve the CDA was issued?
The petitioners’ lawyer argued that our petition sought to abolish right-of-way charges imposed by CDA. The court asked that will you defend the decision to dissolve the CDA? The lawyers said that neither was our request to dissolve the CDA, nor will we defend this decision.
The court suspended the decision of the single bench regarding the local body elections and the dissolution of the CDA.

Lahore air quality declines to unhealthy levels

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LAHORE, Nov 11 (APP):Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged to around 200, falling into the “unhealthy” category, as the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the city’s air was reported to be 24.2 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.
While the AQI varied across different parts of the city, many areas recorded levels significantly higher than the city’s average, indicating widespread air pollution.
In comparison, last year on November 11, Lahore’s AQI had spiked to a hazardous level of 2,545. This morning, at 5 a.m., the AQI stood at approximately 350, still a concerning level for residents’ health.
Experts have continued to raise alarms about the health risks associated with such pollution levels, advising vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions.

CCP engages youth at Pakistan Data Fest 2025 to promote fair competition

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Tuesday set up an interactive awareness stall at the Pakistan Data Fest 2025, organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The event brought together government institutions, academia, private sector representatives, and students to highlight the role of data and evidence-based policymaking in shaping Pakistan’s development agenda.
The CCP’s participation aimed at creating public awareness—particularly among the youth—about the importance of competition in markets and its direct impact on consumer welfare and economic growth.
Through a visually engaging display, the CCP showcased key statistics, graphs, and infographics derived from its research and market studies, illustrating how competitive markets drive innovation, lower prices, and enhance consumer choice.
Visitors to the CCP stall were briefed about the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits anti-competitive practices such as cartels, abuse of dominance, and deceptive marketing.
The CCP team also shared information on its enforcement and advocacy initiatives, including actions against major cartels in sectors such as fertilizer, poultry, telecom, and real estate.
A large number of participants, including students, researchers, and professionals, visited the CCP stall, interacted with officials, and appreciated the Commission’s role in ensuring a level playing field for businesses in Pakistan.
The CCP representatives also encouraged students to explore careers and research opportunities in the field of competition economics and law.
The Commission’s participation in the Data Fest aimed at fostering a culture of fair competition through public outreach, transparency, and data-driven regulation.

Ghufran Alam elected President of Karachi University Teachers’ Society

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KARACHI, Nov 11 (APP):Syed Ghufran Alam from the Karachi University Teachers’ Forum secured 272 votes and was elected as the President of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS), while Dr. Mohsin Ali of the Teachers’ Alliance for Good Governance received 229 votes for the same position.
Dr Nida Ali from TAGG was elected as the Vice President of KUTS by securing 281 votes and Dr Shumaila Samad Khan of KUTF received 212 votes whereas Dr Maroof Bin Rauf from TAGG bagged 268 votes and became a KUTS Secretary and his opponent Dr Farrukh Rafiq Ahmed of KUTF got 229 votes.
For the post of Treasurer, Dr Uzma Ashiq of KUTF managed 257 votes and TAGG’s candidate Dr Faisal Awan had 235 votes.
The candidates of KUTF’s Dr Taha Bin Niaz and Dr Zeeshan Iqbal won the positions of Joint Secretaries by getting 293 and 249 respectively while KUTF’s Dr Asif Raza Khan had 227 votes and another candidate of KUTF’s Dr Tehseen Ahmed received 199 votes for the same position.
The counting of votes for the election of the executive council was in progress at the time of filing this report. A total of 508 voters cast their votes during the annual election which was held in the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi congratulated the newly elected president and the office bearers of the KUTS.

CM strongly condemns suicide blast in Islamabad

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LAHORE, Nov 11 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the suicide blast in Islamabad and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The CM prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and said terrorists and enemies of humanity will be eliminated.