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H-8 College holds Quran Khawani for late professor

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): Islamabad Model Postgraduate College (IMPC) H-8 held a Quran Khawani for the late Tariq Mahmood, former Associate Professor of Persian language subject.
Faculty members, retired professors, his two brothers-in-law, and his only son, Muhammad Asjad, attended and offered Dua for the departed soul.
Professor Dr Habibullah Chishti led the Dua, praying for eternal peace and high ranks in Jannah.
Professor Tariq Mahmood, who retired from IMPC H-8 in 2023, passed away in Lahore on November 4 after suffering from diabetes.
On belaf of the F.G colleges teaching community, Professor Akram Khan Khosa, FGCTA President, Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA) conveyed condolences to his son.

UoG committed to promote quality education, research excellence: Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir

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Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Nov 10 (APP):The 10th Academic Council meeting of the University of Gwadar (UoG) was held in the conference room of the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir.
The meeting was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Registrar Dr. Dolat Khan, Controller of Examinations Prof. Dr. Rahim Bakhsh Mehr, Dean of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Jan Muhammad, Dean of Sciences Dr. Mohibullah, Director Finance Rahmatullah, Director QEC Dr. Rabia Aslam, Dr. Abdullah (Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry), Mujahid Hussain (Lecturer, Department of Commerce), Sheikh Ali (Chairman, Department of Computer Science), Farooq Haider (Chairman, Department of English), Librarian Ghulam Sarwar, and Director ORIC Dr. Muhammad Irshad.
Additionally, the distinguished members who joined online included Irshad Ahmed, Under Secretary for Colleges, Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Balochistan, and Dr. Fareeda Anjum, Director of Curriculum, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, Islamabad.
The meeting began with the confirmation and approval of the proceedings of the 9th Academic Council meeting, followed by the presentation of the implementation report on previous decisions, said a news release.
 The Council discussed several major academic matters and approved key decisions, including the implementation of mandatory professional certifications and internship programs for undergraduate degrees as per HEC guidelines, approval of the minutes of the 4th Board of Studies of the Department of Education, implementation of the revised 2025 Anti-Harassment Policy issued by HEC, establishment of a Research Center on Coastal Affairs at the University of Gwadar, formulation of the admissions policy for HOPE certificates, approval of the fee structure for special examinations, repeat papers, and improvement of marks and endorsement of the recommendations of the 3rd Board of Studies of the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute.
Addressing the meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir stated, “The University of Gwadar, located in one of the country’s most strategic coastal cities, is rapidly emerging as a center of education and research.”
 He appreciated the proactive role of the Higher Education Commission, Government of Balochistan, and faculty members in the university’s development and institutional strengthening.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of aligning the university’s academic programs with national development goals and regional needs to ensure the promotion of quality education, research innovation, and social inclusion.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair, where members acknowledged the Vice Chancellor’s visionary leadership and his pivotal role in advancing the academic progress of the University of Gwadar.

Comprehensive policy measures to boost competitiveness and exports urged

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has underlined the urgent need for comprehensive measures, supported by a consultative approach and continuity of policy, to enhance Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, productivity, and exports.
Talking to various business delegations at the Chamber House on Monday, Sardar Tahir Mehmood stressed that reducing the cost of doing business and bringing down energy tariffs are essential steps toward meaningfully enhancing the country’s export potential and attracting investment.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s trade and industrial sectors are facing multiple challenges, including high production costs, excessive energy tariffs, complex taxation systems, and heavy duties on raw materials and intermediary goods.
These factors, he said, are adversely impacting the competitiveness of local industries in both domestic and global markets.
The ICCI President emphasized that revitalizing the industrial sector requires predictable, business-friendly, and long-term economic policies developed in close consultation with the private sector.
He called on the government to reduce tariffs on industrial inputs and raw materials, simplify tax procedures, and create a stable policy environment that encourages sustainable growth and industrial expansion.
He further remarked that the continuity of policies is crucial to maintaining investor confidence and ensuring consistent growth in exports. Frequent policy changes, he said, disrupt industrial planning and discourage both domestic and foreign investors.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood also highlighted the importance of energy sector reforms, urging the government to provide affordable and reliable energy to industries. “Without reducing energy costs, it will be difficult for our export-oriented sectors to compete internationally,” he added.
He reiterated that ICCI is committed to working closely with the government and all relevant stakeholders to develop actionable strategies that enhance competitiveness, strengthen the export base, and promote industrial revival.
The ICCI President concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan’s economic future lies in its ability to produce, innovate, and export competitively. For that, he said, there is a dire need for collaborative policymaking, consistent economic governance, and an enabling business environment that empowers the private sector to drive national growth.

Big relief for motorcyclists: CTP offer one-day licensing facility

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Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 10 (APP): The City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi have introduced a facility enabling motorcyclists to obtain both learner and regular driving licences in a single day.
“The initiative follows the instructions of Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam, as per the vision of Waqas Nazeer, Deputy Inspector General of Traffic, Punjab,” a CTP spokesman said on Monday.
“We no longer require applicants to wait 42 days after the learner licence,” CTO Farhan Aslam said, describing the reform as part of efforts to streamline services across 13 centres in the district. He added that the month-long relief resulted in the issuance of 20,500 motorcycle licences last month.
He stressed that driving a vehicle without a valid licence constituted a legal offence and urged citizens to apply immediately to avoid heavy fines and legal action.
The CTO noted that an awareness campaign highlighting the importance of carrying a valid licence was underway, adding: “A driver’s confidence is reflected in the possession of a lawful driving licence.”
The licensing process is overseen by the City Traffic Police Rawalpindi at multiple centres across the district and utilises the online licensing system of the Punjab Government.

HKH region ‘sitting on vast renewable energy potential’, report finds

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has significant untapped potential for renewable energy, yet clean energy accounts for only 6.1% of its total supply, a new report has revealed.
The study — “Together We Have More Power: Status, Challenges, and the Potential for Regional Renewable Energy Cooperation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya” — was released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and launched at an event hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad.
According to the report, fossil fuels continue to dominate the region’s energy mix, with Bangladesh generating 98% of its electricity from fossil fuels, followed by India (77%), Pakistan (76%), China (67%) and Myanmar (51%).
The authors said the HKH countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan — could become global leaders in clean energy if they strengthen cooperation on technology, infrastructure and cross-border energy trade. Greater collaboration, they said, could help lower costs, create jobs and boost regional stability.
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said the findings had major implications for Pakistan. “For Pakistan, this report is not just about energy — it’s about national security and economic stability,” he said. “With 76% of our electricity coming from fossil fuels, we are dangerously exposed to global price shocks. Harnessing our share of the region’s solar and wind potential through regional grids could reduce import bills and protect our people from the impacts of climate change.”
ICIMOD Deputy Director-General Izabella Koziell said the HKH — often called the “Third Pole” for its vast glaciers — plays a critical role in regulating the global climate but is also among the most climate-vulnerable regions. “Environmental degradation and pollution here demand urgent global attention,” she said, calling for deeper regional collaboration in research and innovation.
Dr Abid Hussain from ICIMOD noted that the HKH sustains nearly 3.4 billion people, with rivers that are vital to the region’s energy and livelihoods. “The region’s renewable energy potential is estimated at 3.5 terawatts, yet only 6% has been harnessed,” he said, pointing to social, technical and political challenges that have slowed progress.
Shubhuti Kiran Ghimire of ICIMOD Nepal added that the organisation is working on climate-resilient basin management projects across Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan to improve sustainable water and energy practices.
The report urges the eight HKH nations to adopt a collective strategy to expand renewable energy, meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and secure a sustainable energy future for one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.

PHA Rawalpindi enhancing parks, recreational facilities for citizens

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Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 10 (APP):The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi is undertaking a series of measures to beautify public parks and green belts across the city, with a view to providing improved recreational and security facilities to visitors.
PHA Rawalpindi enhancing parks, recreational facilities for citizens
A PHA spokesman said on Monday on the special instructions of PHA Director General Rawalpindi Ahmed Hassan Ranjha, the Authority had intensified horticultural work, including the plantation of seasonal flowers and the upkeep of green spaces.
“The addition of fresh blooms and landscaped lawns has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of public parks and is drawing favourable response from visitors,” he added.
The spokesman said that parks were witnessing increased footfall, particularly in the evenings, as “families make use of the improved recreational facilities”.
He said that comprehensive security arrangements had also been put in place in parks to ensure a safe environment for citizens. He added that the PHA staff was performing its duties diligently to maintain the beauty of green spaces.
The spokesman reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to making Rawalpindi greener and more attractive, saying that no negligence in horticulture or maintenance work would be tolerated.

Just 4 dengue cases reported in 24 hours as ICT nears complete control

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Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): The Islamabad District Administration’s ongoing efforts to eliminate dengue have shown strong results, with only four new cases recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the latest surveillance report.
All four cases were reported from the rural parts of the capital, while no new infections were detected in urban areas. The administration released its daily surveillance report, detailing the operations carried out across the city to contain the spread of the virus.
According to the report, anti-dengue teams conducted insecticide spraying at 50 houses and residential sites during the last 24 hours. In addition, fogging operations were completed at 1,067 high-risk locations identified by surveillance teams.
At present, 28 patients are under treatment in different hospitals across Islamabad. The report stated that most of the previously infected individuals have recovered and been discharged.
To date, the administration has completed inspections at 20,857 sites across the capital. During the larvae elimination campaign, surveillance teams found larvae at 36 sites, while only two locations tested negative, showing the focused efforts underway to stop breeding sources.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said the sharp decline in dengue cases is a direct outcome of the administration’s zero-tolerance policy and the tireless work of field teams. He credited the drop in urban cases to effective field coordination and constant monitoring by the district’s dengue control units.
He added that the absence of any new case in the urban sectors demonstrates the “efficient and sustained field operations” of the district teams. Many areas have now been declared dengue-free following focused anti-dengue operations.
Memon reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining strict enforcement of dengue standard operating procedures (SOPs). He warned that any negligence in following these protocols would result in immediate legal action and arrests of those responsible.
The DC further said that the anti-dengue campaign will intensify in the coming days, particularly in high-risk zones identified during recent surveillance drives. Special spraying operations are being scheduled to prevent any potential resurgence of dengue larvae during the post-monsoon season.
Memon urged residents to continue cooperating with district teams by keeping their surroundings clean, removing stagnant water, and allowing health workers access to inspect homes and water containers. He emphasized that community support remains crucial for achieving a dengue-free Islamabad.
“The combined efforts of citizens and the administration will soon make the capital completely free from dengue,” Memon stated.

Friendly women’s hockey opener ends in a draw

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Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Nov 10 (APP):The Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) Women’s Wing kicked off its series of friendly hockey matches with a spirited opener between Abdullah Government College for Women and the School of International Education, which ended in a goalless draw.
Both teams showcased strong defensive play and impressive skills throughout the match, setting an energetic tone for the series. The next game is scheduled for November 13 at 9:00 AM at the Olympian Hanif Khan and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah Sports Complex in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
KHA Women’s Wing President Asma Ali Shah praised the players’ performance and reiterated her commitment to promoting women’s hockey in Karachi.
She highlighted that grassroots initiatives in schools and colleges are beginning to bear fruit, with promising new talent emerging.
She also thanked KHA President Imtiaz Ali Shah, Olympian Hanif Khan, and Haider Hussain for their continuous efforts and vision in developing hockey at the grassroots level. Additionally, she acknowledged the Sindh government and MNA Shehla Raza for their consistent support of women’s sports.
KHA Women’s Wing Secretary Batool Kazim appreciated the valuable contributions of Saima Hussain, Coordinator Tehmina Fatima, and Ms. Kiran from the School of International Education. She also expressed gratitude to Professor Shams Malkani, Principal of Abdullah Government College, for his cooperation. Her acknowledgment extended to Syed Imtiazul Hasan, Rashid Ali, Muhammad Faizan, Irfan Tahir, Samina Tabassum, Syed Shahbaz Haider, and Ghaus from the ground staff for their dedication and teamwork, which helped lift the players’ morale.

E-FOAS introduced in Faisalabad Development Authority

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Kamran Muraad
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FAISALABAD, Nov 10 (APP):In line with the directives of the Punjab Government, the e-Filing Office Automation System (e-FOAS) has been successfully implemented at the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA). To enhance staff technical awareness regarding the new system, a training workshop was organized by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) on Monday.
The workshop was inaugurated by Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, with key participants including Chief Engineer Mehr Ayub, Director IT Yasir Ijaz Chatha, and Director Town Planning Asma Mohsin.
Joint Director Operations at PITB, Ashfaq Ali, and Program Manager Amar Iftikhar provided an in-depth briefing on the e-Filing Office Automation System and its implementation process.
In his address, Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry welcomed the PITB technical team and highlighted that the e-filing system is a crucial step forward, aligned with future requirements and essential for improving administrative efficiency.
The training session covered procedures for managing correspondence, summaries, required ports, and information exchange between various government offices. It also included the establishment of a file record room to streamline the implementation of the e-filing system across departments.

Five-member gang arrested

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Kamran Muraad
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arrested
GUJRAT, Nov 10 (APP):Police have arrested a five-member gang involved in multiple thefts and robberies, recovering stolen property valued at over Rs 15 million. The haul includes seven motorcycles, a rickshaw, mobile phones, Rs 320,000 in cash, and five 30-bore pistols.
According to a police spokesperson, the operation was led by SHO Lala Musa Fahd-ur-Rehman, under the supervision of DSP Lala Musa Ch. Ehsan Zafar Sandhu, and on the directives of DPO Gujrat Rana Umar Farooq.
The gang leader, Zigham Abbas, along with four other suspects, was apprehended from Chiranwali, Tarkha, Hunjaray, and Landa Pur. Investigations into their activities are ongoing.
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