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Customs tribunal delivers verdicts in 85 petitions related to GB within two weeks

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):The Customs Appellate Tribunal, Islamabad, has delivered its verdicts on 85 petitions related to Gilgit-Baltistan within two weeks, demonstrating lightning speed.
A two-member bench comprising Chairman Hafiz Ansar-ul-Haq and Member Technical Abdul Waheed Marwat completed the hearing on these appeals related to customs.
In its decision, the tribunal directed the customs authorities to re-inspect the relevant goods in the presence of the applicant’s representative and ensure fair assessment.
According to the decision, the goods can be released after payment of duty and tax, however, the goods violating the existing import policy will remain confiscated. The decision further said that all fines and penalties imposed on the appellants are cancelled. The appellants were accused of misrepresentation and evasion of duty and tax in imported goods, the value of which was stated to be more than Rs 19.2 million.
On this basis, the Customs Collector had ordered to confiscate the goods and impose a fine of 20 percent, which the appellants had challenged in the tribunal.
The tribunal ruled that since the goods are still at the sluggish dry port of Gilgit-Baltistan and duty and tax evasion have not been proven, they should be re-inspected at the request of the petitioners.
According to the decision, all consignments are under 100 percent customs inspection. The total value of these petitions under hearing in the Customs Appellate Tribunal was more than Rs 13 billion, while the tribunal has pronounced decisions on petitions worth more than Rs 109 billion in the last 14 months.

Governor condemns killing of polio duty officer in Swat

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Oct 14 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of an officer on duty during the polio vaccination campaign in Swat.
The Governor said that polio workers and supporting officials are sacrificing their lives to secure a healthy future for the nation’s children. “An attack on them is, in fact, an attack on the future of the country,” he remarked.
Governor Kundi expressed deep sympathy with the family of the martyred officer and assured that the government and law enforcement agencies will bring the perpetrators of this cowardly act to justice.
He emphasized that the fight against polio is a national duty and that such acts of terrorism cannot weaken the nation’s resolve. The Governor also directed the concerned authorities to take more effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all personnel engaged in the polio eradication campaign.

PM expresses delight over Pakistan’s election as UNHRC member

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed the delight over Pakistan’s election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term.

Pakistan’s election to the UN Human Rights Council reflects its effective and active role at the United Nations, the prime minister said in a statement.

“We reaffirm Pakistan’s strong commitment to play an active role in the Council for the promotion and protection of human rights across the globe”, the prime minister added.

Bilawal hopes for lasting Gaza ceasefire

By
Asif Jalal
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KARACHI, Oct 14 (APP): Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has lauded senior party leader Mian Raza Rabbani for his contributions to literature, democracy, and the Constitution, and commended his noble gesture of dedicating his novel “The Smile Snatchers” to the children of Gaza.
He hoped that the Gaza ceasefire will continue. The Chairman of PPP attended the dedication ceremony of Senator Mian Raza Rabbani’s award-winning short novel, honored by the Pakistan Academy of Letters, which highlights the suffering of children in war-torn regions.
The event, held at the Arts Council of Karachi, was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, provincial ministers, members of the national and provincial assemblies, party leaders, and other prominent social figures.
Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, saying that, like the majority of the world, the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinians.
He said that over the past two years, the world has, for the first time in history, witnessed genocide being live-streamed before its eyes. He added that the Gaza war was not only the largest genocide of children in modern history but also a genocide of doctors, nurses, and journalists.
The PPP Chairman pointed out that Israel has been the most frequent violator of ceasefire agreements globally. Reiterating his welcome of the Gaza ceasefire, he expressed hope that the famine imposed upon the people of Gaza would also be addressed.
Bilawal while highlighting the achievements of his party’s provincial government in Sindh, said that “our competition is not with any city or province — it is with other developed countries.”
He said that during the tenure of former Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the Special Economic Zone established in Khairpur District has been prominently featured in the recent list published by the Financial Times, which ranks it among the world’s best economic zones for foreign investment.
He further added that the Financial Times not only included the Khairpur Economic Zone in this list but also ranked it second in the Asia-Pacific category of similar zones.
Bilawal said that it was Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who, through her party’s 1993 election manifesto, first introduced the concept of Public-Private Partnership (PPP-mode) in Pakistan, and the very first institutions under this initiative were established in Sindh. Continuing his remarks, he said that the Sindh government’s Public-Private Partnership initiative has also been recognized globally. “A few years ago,” he said, “an international economic magazine ranked Sindh’s Public-Private Partnership program as the sixth-best initiative in the world. Even in that case, our competition was not with any Pakistani city or province, but with the (Indian state) Gujarat.”
“This is your success — this is Pakistan’s success,” the PPP Chairman emphasized. “We believe that the entire nation should stand united to compete with the world, not divided among ourselves. Wherever good work is being done in the country, we should take pride in it.”
Bilawal, while highlighting the remarkable performance of Sindh’s public health sector, said that the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) is the only public hospital in the world where citizens receive completely free medical treatment, and where the highest number of heart surgeries are performed annually. Referring to the CyberKnife technology for cancer treatment at Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital, he said that this advanced and highly expensive technology was introduced in Pakistan for the first time by the PPP’s Sindh government. “If there is any place in the world where CyberKnife treatment is provided free of cost, it is right here in Karachi,” he added.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further said that during his tenure as Foreign Minister, representatives of other nations often praised Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). “Foreign ministers from countries like Egypt and others told me that they are replicating our BISP model to support their underprivileged populations,” he shared. He said that the BISP remains the country’s only transparent and reliable mechanism for providing immediate financial relief to vulnerable communities in times of crisis.
He pointed out that although PTI’s government tried to change the programme’s name during its tenure, it was, in fact, the same BISP that was used to deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chairman Bilawal said that following the devastating floods of 2022, the Sindh government effectively utilized the BISP to provide financial assistance to flood-affected families.
He said that over two million houses were destroyed during the unprecedented floods in Sindh, and it is a matter of great pride for the provincial government that it is implementing a housing initiative that is the largest of its kind in the world. He said that under the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF), ownership rights of the newly constructed houses will be transferred to women members of the affected families, a historic step in asset transfer by the government.
He also pointed out that this initiative follows in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who had previously made the poor owners of land through his landmark land reforms, the largest asset transfer of its time.
He also appreciated the efforts of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his strong support to Pakistan during the 2022 floods.

NA sub-committee reviews SOPs for parliamentary delegation’s annual visit to Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH)

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, October 14 (APP):The sub-committee of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday reviewed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the annual parliamentary delegation’s visit to the Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.
The meeting, chaired by Convener Shagufta Jumani, focused on identifying shortcomings in the existing SOPs and proposed amendments to make them more effective and well-structured. The members unanimously agreed on the need to update the procedures first formulated in 2020 to ensure smoother coordination and better facilitation for the sacred visit.
Several members shared their inputs on the proposed revisions, which the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was directed to incorporate into the SOPs and present in the next meeting for approval.
The sub-committee also decided to invite the Additional Secretary for the Middle East from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the upcoming session to discuss logistical and diplomatic arrangements related to the visit.
Convener Shagufta Jumani emphasized that the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal visit represents a profound expression of devotion to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
She urged that the delegation’s access to other holy sites during the visit also be ensured and announced that the sub-committee would formally request the Speaker of the National Assembly to personally lead the delegation next year.

Pakistan elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028 term

By
Najam ul Hassan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday elected Pakistan along with 13 other members to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028 term.

According to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the UN Human Rights Council, the newly elected members include: Angola, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, India, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.

“With the Grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2026-28 with an overwhelming majority,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar wrote on his X handle.

Ishaq Dar, extending his profound gratitude to all UN Member States for their support said that Pakistan’s election is a recognition of its strong credentials and contributions in strengthening the global human rights framework.

“Pakistan reiterates its commitment to work with the international community on the basis of TRUCE: tolerance, respect, universality, consensus-building, and engagement,” he added.

Pakistan embassy in Budapest holds art exhibition showcasing colours of tradition & modernity 

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0

BUDAPEST, Oct 14 (APP): The embassy of Pakistan in Hungary in collaboration with the National Library of Foreign Literature organised an art exhibition titled ‘Allure of the East: Interpreting Tradition’.

The exhibition showcased the work of 20 Pakistan visual artists, depicting the dialogue between the traditions and modernity in Pakistani art.

Dr. Sándor Fazekas, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly was the chief guest of the exhibition. A number of diplomats and Hungarian officials and art lovers attended the opening ceremony.

Pakistan’s Ambassador Asif Hussain Memon thanked National Library of Foreign Literature for hosting the event.

He said that the exhibition is significant that Pakistan and Hungary are celebrating 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.

However, cultural ties between the two countries go beyond 60 years. He mentioned Allama Iqbal’s poem on Hungarian national poet as an example of cultural links.

The Director General of the National Library of Foreign Literature said that the exhibition is a continuation of the spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding between the two countries. She quoted Faiz Ahmed Faiz that “The language of beauty is understood by every heart”.

Curator of the art exhibition Sundas Azfer in her remarks said the exhibition showcases the works of 20 artists who explore how tradition shapes the national identity. She thanked the Hungarian side to provide the opportunity to present Pakistani art in Budapest.

The Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly in his speech appreciated the exhibition and said that diplomatic relations between Hungary and Pakistan were formally established in 1965, and since then both countries have been able to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including, political, economy, trade, education and culture. He highlighted Hungarian oil and gas company MOL’s role in Pakistan’s hydrocarbon sector and the scholarship program as important element of cooperation.

This is the second exhibition that the Embassy has organized in Budapest. The first exhibition was organized in September 2023.

The exhibition will continue till 22 October 2025.

Islamabad Declaration: Pakistani Ulema Forum calls for Islamic solidarity, dialogue & moderation to strengthen Ummah

By
Asif Jalal
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0
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, October 14 (APP): The second session of the Pakistani Ulema Forum was held in Islamabad under the auspices of the Muslim World League (MWL) on Tuesday, focusing on the theme ‘Coordination of Positions and Unity of Stance.
The high-level religious forum brought together prominent Pakistani scholars, clerics, and intellectuals to deliberate on the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and the need for greater unity, wisdom, and cooperation.
In a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Islamic brotherhood and fostering harmony among different schools of thought. They underscored that religious scholars play a vital role in guiding the Ummah with wisdom, promoting correct understanding, and disseminating Islam’s true message of mercy and peace.
The forum emphasized that the Muslim world must rise above division and discord, resolving differences through constructive dialogue and mutual respect. It called for the promotion of tolerance, moderation, and harmony, while discouraging extremism and sectarian strife.
The scholars highlighted the importance of the ‘Charter for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ issued in Makkah under the MWL, describing it as a landmark document that reflects the noble values of Islam and an unprecedented consensus among Muslim scholars in the modern era.
Participants warmly welcomed the recent signing of the strategic defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, reached in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The declaration described the accord as a milestone in strengthening Islamic solidarity and enhancing collective efforts to address shared challenges.
Reaffirming core principles of Islamic unity, the scholars said all Muslims belong to one Ummah united by one faith, one Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), one Book, and one Qibla. They stressed that unity and cohesion within the Muslim ranks can only be achieved by adhering to moderation, avoiding sectarianism, and upholding mutual respect.
The declaration further recognized that the Muslim world possesses immense creative and intellectual potential capable of ushering in a civilizational revival, provided it embraces dialogue over confrontation, consultation over authoritarianism, self-reliance over dependency, and above all, faith in Allah Almighty.
Acknowledging the responsibility of scholars and thinkers to safeguard Islamic principles, dispel misconceptions, and promote the values of justice, compassion, and wisdom, the participants reiterated the importance of the MWL’s ongoing efforts to unify the Ummah and present Islam’s true image to the world.
The declaration included several key recommendations; strengthening a unified Islamic voice on global issues to defend shared values, sanctities, and rights; promoting intellectual reform by dispelling misconceptions and fostering a culture of balanced discourse and optimism; expanding scholarly dialogue across different schools of thought to enhance unity, tolerance, and constructive engagement; encouraging practical initiatives and programs that preserve Islamic identity, promote sectarian harmony, and elevate the Ummah’s global role, and consolidating public and institutional efforts to uphold the Ummah’s shared identity and its balanced civilizational character based on justice, virtue, and benevolence.
The forum welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as a positive step toward ending human suffering. It called for immediate humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in the region, endorsing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace based on the two-state solution and ensuring the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
The participants also paid tribute to the wise leadership of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for their visionary approach and the conclusion of a historic defense pact that reflects the depth of bilateral relations and thwarts the designs of hostile elements.
Concluding the session, the scholars extended heartfelt gratitude to the MWL for organizing this significant intellectual and religious forum and urged the organization to continue holding such purposeful gatherings to further strengthen the Ummah’s global leadership role.

Court initiates proceeding to declare absent accused absconder

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday initiated a proceeding to declare absconder on continuous absence in cases registered related to protests of October 4, and November 26.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra heard the case. During the hearing of the cases registered in different police stations, Murtaza Tori, Zahid Bashir Dar and Amna Ali Advocate appeared in the court on behalf of the PTI workers.
The court started the process of declaring the workers who were continuously absent in the Noon police station case and adjourned the hearing of the case until November 14.
The court adjourned the hearing of the Tarnol police station case until November 5. While all the accused named in the Kohsar police station case did not appear in the court, the court expressed its strong anger over the non-appearance of the accused.
The PTI lawyer said that all the roads were blocked and the workers had to come from far away. The court should give a chance and all the accused will appear in the next hearing, on which the court adjourned the hearing of the case until October 16.
The court also adjourned the hearing of the weapons recovery cases filed at Noon Police Station until October 16. Cases under terrorism provisions have been registered against PTI workers in various police stations.

Dry weather likely to prevail across most parts of country: PMD

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly dry weather over most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.
While cold conditions are likely to prevail in northern areas during night and morning hours.
According to the weather forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday evening, dry weather is expected in the federal capital and its adjoining areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most plain districts are likely to remain dry, while cold weather is expected in hilly areas during night and morning.
In Punjab, dry weather is expected across most districts, including Murree and Galiyat, where the nights and early mornings are likely to remain cold.
Sindh is expected to experience hot and dry weather in most parts, while Balochistan will remain dry with colder conditions in its northern districts during night and morning hours.
For Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the PMD predicted dry weather with cold conditions during morning and night hours, while partly cloudy conditions are expected in some areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
During the past 24 hours, dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while northern regions experienced cold conditions.
The highest maximum temperature recorded today was 38 C in Sibbi, Tando Jam, and Chhor.
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