LARKANA: December 31 –
A street vendor displaying Sweet potatoes to attract the customers at Sachal Colony Road.
LARKANA: December 31 –
Agricultural breakthrough: SAU establishes berry block on salt-affected land
HYDERABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has marked a major advancement in agricultural research by successfully establishing a 15-acre experimental berry cultivation block on salt-affected and saline land, an area previously considered unsuitable for farming.
Simultaneously, experimental cultivation of modern mustard and wheat varieties has also been initiated at the university’s Latif Farm.
The SAU spokesperson Gul Sher Lochi told on Wednesday that the vice chancellor of SAU Engineer Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal visited Latif Farm and formally inaugurated the newly developed experimental berry block. During the visit, Director Farms Dr. Muhammad Mithal Lund briefed him about ongoing research activities, experimental trials and encouraging initial results achieved across various crops.
The Vice Chancellor was informed that the berry cultivation initiative specifically targets degraded and salt-affected soils, offering a sustainable solution for bringing barren land back into productive use. Additionally, 10 to 11 different “pre-basic” wheat varieties have been planted, and the high-quality seed produced through these trials will be distributed among progressive farmers and local growers in the upcoming wheat season to enhance crop productivity.
Moreover, two advanced mustard varieties, “Cazola” and “Mazola” have been cultivated on raised beds. It was highlighted that the “Mazola” variety contains zero erucic acid, making it highly beneficial for human health, while the “Cazola” variety is known for its higher yield potential, offering greater economic returns for farmers.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal also inspected the onion research project being conducted by university researcher Professor Dr. Muhammad Aslam Bukero, along with banana and mango orchards, and commended the research team for their dedication and scientific contributions.
Addressing the occasion, the vice chancellor stated that the core mission of the University was to promote research that directly benefits farmers, growers and the agricultural economy of the province. He added salt-affected and saline land was one of Sindh’s most serious challenges, and If such land can be made productive through crops like berries, it would be nothing short of an agricultural revolution.
The Vice Chancellor further assured that a PC-I will soon be prepared for the renovation, painting and improvement of offices and other infrastructure at Latif Farm to provide a more enabling and research-friendly environment.
Hajj training for pilgrims commences on Jan 1
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): The compulsory one-day training program for intending Hajj pilgrims for Hajj 2026 will commence on January 1, aiming to educate pilgrims about Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, intending pilgrims have been informed about the training sessions through SMS and the mobile application Pak Hajj 2026.
Moreover, the training schedule has also been uploaded to the ministry’s website.
Training programs will be held in Abbottabad on January 2, and in Ghotki, Thatta, and Kotli (Azad Kashmir) on January 3. Similarly, on January 4, Hajj pilgrims will receive training in Mirpur (Azad Kashmir), Tando Muhammad Khan, and Khairpur (Sindh).
On January 5, Hajj training camps will be held in Rawalakot, Badin, and Naushahro Feroze. On January 6, pilgrims from Fateh Jang, Dadu, and Tharparkar (Mithi) and surrounding areas will be provided training.
On January 7, Hajj training programs will be held in Umerkot, Larkana, and Haripur, while on January 8 they will take place in Mirpur Khas, Shahdadkot, and Mansehra.
The one-day training program will continue in stages across the country throughout February.
The ministry has urged intending pilgrims to bring their national identity cards and computerized Hajj application forms to the training sessions.
Pakistan expresses concern over resurgence of violence in Yemen
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Pakistan on Wednesday expressed deep concern over resurgence of violence in Yemen and reiterated its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the country.
In this regard, Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said.
However, Pakistan welcomes regional efforts for de-escalating the situation and maintaining peace and stability in Yemen.
Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its commitment to security of the Kingdom. Pakistan maintains its firm support for the resolution of Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy and hopes that Yemen’s people and regional powers work together towards inclusive and enduring settlement of the issue, safeguarding regional stability.
National Calligraphy exhibition concludes with awards for traditional & modern artists
RAWALPINDI, Dec 31 (APP): The National Calligraphy Exhibition and Traditional and Modern Calligraphy Competition 2025 concluded in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, showcasing the works of internationally acclaimed and nationally award-winning calligraphers.
The event was organised by the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Rawalpindi, Department of Information and Culture, Government of Punjab, Mehr Qalam, Ashraf-ul-Qalam, and the Musawir Welfare Council, in connection with the 1500th birth anniversary celebrations of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him).
Iran’s Cultural Consul in Islamabad, Agha Majid Mashki, who was the chief guest, said Pakistan’s culture “closely resembles Iranian culture, and both countries share an ancient cultural history that is held in high esteem”.
He added that artists, through their creative abilities, brought honour to themselves and their country, and no encouragement for them was ever enough.
PAC Director Muhammad Shakoor thanked the guests and said the Council, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Minister for Information and Culture, was organising programmes to promote the arts and highlight the creative talents of youth.
The exhibition featured participation from internationally renowned and nationally award-winning calligraphers, including Nasir Khan Seemab, Shabbir Ahmed Zia, Arif Khan, Manzar Altaf, Muhammad Ashraf Hira, and APNAC Chairman Siddiq Anzar, along with young calligraphers.
In traditional calligraphy, the first prize was awarded to Shafi bin Saeed (Rawalpindi), the second to Mah-Jabeen Gul (Lahore), and the third to Ayesha Maheen (Sialkot). In modern calligraphy, Tooba Waqar (Rawalpindi) won first prize, Saima Imran (Rawalpindi) second, and Muhammad Zeeshan (Islamabad) third. Eighteen other calligraphers received encouragement awards, while all remaining participants were presented with certificates.
Awards for Excellence in Performance were presented to known artist Ustad Najam Kazmi, internationally award-winning calligraphers Muhammad Ashraf Hira and Ustad Arif Khan, and artist Shabbir Ahmed Zia.
Trainee civil servants visit SDPI for policy orientation on governance challenges
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Probationers of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) of the Civil Services Academy on Wednesday visited the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) as part of their orientation to independent policy research institutions, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on governance, sustainable development, economy, technology, and demography.
Welcoming the participants, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, SDPI Executive Director, underlined the role of think tanks as independent policy critique bodies that work with governments but not for them. He described SDPI as a shadow government that provides objective analysis and evidence-based solutions, stressing that the appetite for independent governance and informed policy advice is increasing within the public sector, said a press release.
“SDPI does not accept government endowment or funding, a distinction that is essential to maintain credibility and independence,” he said, adding that policies are neither inherently good nor bad, but their success depends on how widely they benefit stakeholders. He called upon the young civil servants to expand the circle of beneficiaries through their expanded services and inclusive policymaking.
Addressing demography and governance, Dr Shafqat Munir, SDPI Deputy Executive Director, emphasized that demographic trends underpin governance, policy choices and service delivery. He cautioned that Pakistan’s demographic transition could yield a dividend or a disaster depending on policy responses. He also called for accelerated fertility decline through family planning and women’s education, investing in quality human capital, enabling women’s economic participation, creating productive jobs in SMEs, agribusiness and the green economy, and strengthening institutions through data-driven planning and inter-sectoral coordination.
“Demographic change is neither destiny nor doom but a force multiplier shaped by policy and institutional capacity. If systems perform, productivity and growth accelerate; if they fail, frustration accumulates and history shows demography does not forgive policy failure rather it amplifies it,” he warned.
On agriculture and land use, Dr Kashif Majeed Salik, Research Fellow and Climate Change Expert at SDPI, highlighted challenges of land fragmentation, climate stress and low productivity. He stressed the need for precision and climate-smart agriculture, market-oriented farming models and land reforms to protect farmers, who what he said are the most vulnerable actors in the value chain.
Dr Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow and energy economy expert at SDPI, traced the global evolution of sustainable development from the 1972 Limits to Growth report to the 1987 Brundtland Report, which defines development that meets present needs without compromising future generations, a guiding principle of SDPI since its establishment in 1992.
He also shared a critical assessment of Pakistan’s energy sector, pointing to fragmented planning and the need for reforms, including tariff rationalization, market competition and early retirement of inefficient coal plants.
Engineer Ahad Nazir, Head of Center for Private Sector Engagement at SDPI, discussed artificial intelligence and governance, warning that AI has emerged as a strategic state capability with implications for energy demand, infrastructure, data protection and accountability. He called for integrated and agile policymaking, noting that technology is advancing faster than law in Pakistan.
Zainab Naeem, Associate Research Fellow and Head of Circularity at SDPI, spoke on the circular economy, noting that many circular practices are already embedded in Pakistan’s economy, particularly in textiles. She discussed emerging challenges such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and SDPI’s work on Pakistan’s National Circular Economy Policy and locally developed climate solutions.
Other speakers included: Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, who spoke on smart cities and urban governance; Dr Fareeha Armughan, who moderated interactive sessions and facilitated dialogue; Dr Irfan Ahmad Chatha on competition and anti-competitive practices; Qasim Shah on trade and WTO regimes; and Dr Razia Safdar on family planning and healthcare governance.
The visit concluded with an interactive question-answer session and a vote of thanks by Haya Qadri, a probationer of the 53rd CTP, who appreciated SDPI’s role in exposing young civil servants to independent, evidence-based policy discourse critical for effective public service.
Minister chairs meeting to address issues of allied health sciences degree programs
PESHAWAR, Dec 31 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Meena Khan Afridi, here on Wednesday, chaired a meeting to review issues related to allied health sciences degree programs, ongoing challenges and future policy directions.
Addressing the meeting, the minister stated that students enrolled in Allied Health Sciences programs in several universities are facing technical and professional capacity–related challenges that need to be resolved on a priority basis.
He made it clear that no public or private university would be allowed to arbitrarily allocate seats in Allied Health Sciences programs. Instead, seat allocation would strictly be based on quality standards and institutional capacity, he said.
He assured students that those currently enrolled in Allied Health Sciences programs face no threat to their degrees and would continue their studies according to the approved procedures of their respective universities. He emphasized that the provincial government would not allow anyone to jeopardize the future of students under any circumstances.
The meeting decided that students enrolled in Allied Health Sciences programs would be provided internship opportunities to enhance their professional skills and practical exposure. It was decided to constitute a task force comprising all relevant stakeholders to address technical challenges and to immediately develop a standardized and comprehensive mechanism under the supervision of the higher education department.
The meeting was attended by the Vice Chancellor of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Dr Zafar, officials from Khyber Medical University, and senior officers from the Higher Education Department.
Any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity to be met with decisive response: COAS
RAWALPINDI, Dec 31 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, has warned that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect will be met with a firm and decisive response.
Interacting with the participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan here at General Headquarters (GHQ), the COAS said that Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to protect the lives and well-being of its citizens, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Highlighting the security challenges, the COAS remarked that Indian-sponsored proxies continue to propagate violence and disrupt development in Balochistan.
He reaffirmed that such inimical designs will be thwarted through stern actions by Security Forces to rid the province of terrorism and unrest.
The workshop focused on exploring Balochistan’s socio-economic development and its strategic importance for Pakistan.
The COAS appreciated the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan while highlighting Balochistan’s pivotal importance for Pakistan’s prosperity and development. He lauded the wide ranging initiatives being undertaken by the federal and provincial governments, underscoring a people-centric approach that aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the province and unlock its vast economic potential for the benefit of its people, it further said.
The CDF acknowledged the constructive role of civil society, particularly in debunking propaganda, and highlighted their crucial part in driving sustainable development.
He stressed the importance of rejecting vested political agendas to ensure that Balochistan’s future is shaped by long-term prosperity for all its residents.
The session concluded with a candid interactive questions and answer, where the COAS answered questions and provided further insights into ongoing efforts for Balochistan’s development and security.
Governor Balochistan extends New Year 2026 greetings, reaffirms commitment to development
QUETTA, Dec 31 (APP): Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhail extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of New Year 2026, describing it as a time of renewed hope and an opportunity to shape a brighter future.
In his New Year message, the governor reflected on his nearly 40-year-long political career, recalling challenges and turning points across different phases of public life. He noted that 2025 proved to be the most impactful year of his career in terms of media coverage and public outreach.
Governor Mandokhail highlighted his meetings with ambassadors and international delegations, aimed at promoting national and regional development. He said his official visits abroad, particularly to Russia and China, would remain cherished memories.
Expressing gratitude, he said he felt fortunate to have received respect and support from both the government and the people, terming this trust a source of strength and motivation.
He pointed to a major achievement in 2025 as public sector universities in Balochistan were steered out of crisis and placed on a path of progress. Through strict monitoring and prudent decision-making, he said, the rankings and performance scores of nearly all government universities doubled, reflecting strong determination and collective vision.
Looking ahead, Governor Mandokhail emphasized the need to promote economic growth, ensure peace and security.
Provide equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment without discrimination.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building a future where every citizen has access to quality services and opportunities.
Expressing optimism, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail said that through collective efforts, the dream of a developed and educated Balochistan could be realized.
He concluded by praying for divine guidance and strength to continue serving the people and contributing to the prosperity of the province and the nation.