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AST surgeons restore sight of 101-year-old man after high-risk cataract surgery

By
Samina Ch
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RAWALPINDI, Dec 23 (APP):Surgeons at Al-Shifa Trust(AST) Eye Hospital have restored the vision of a 101-year-old man after a complex cataract operation that several specialists had declined because of the patient’s age and underlying retinal disease, the hospital said on Tuesday.
Raza Khan, a resident of Islamabad, underwent the procedure at the Rawalpindi-based facility despite dense cataracts complicated by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that typically lowers the chances of success in very elderly patients.
The surgical team was led by Dr Sabeehuddin, who said advanced instruments and protective viscoelastic gels were used to minimise trauma to fragile eye tissues. “The operation involved more than removing a cloudy lens,” said the head of the cataract department. “We also had to manage retinal problems that usually limit visual recovery in patients of this age.”
Khan’s family said they had earlier been turned away by ophthalmologists in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, who cited high medical risks associated with the case.
Post-operative assessments showed a marked improvement, with the patient now able to recognise family members and move independently. Hospital officials described the outcome as among the oldest successful cataract interventions recorded in the region.
The case also carried personal significance for the institution.
Al-Shifa Trust operates six specialised eye hospitals across Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Kohat, Sukkur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit and is building a seventh facility in Lahore, scheduled to open in 2027. About 80 percent of its patients receive treatment free of charge or at heavily subsidised rates, according to the trust.
The success comes amid persistent challenges in eye care nationwide. Survey data show Pakistan has an estimated 2.7 million blind people, with cataracts accounting for about 51 percent of cases. Surgical coverage remains below 65 percent in many rural districts, leaving large numbers of elderly patients without access to treatment.
Hospital officials said the outcome highlighted advances in geriatric eye surgery and the growing role of philanthropic healthcare providers in addressing gaps left by an overstretched public health system.

Wall chalking ban enforced as posters removed from Islamabad Express Highway

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):The drive to remove wall chalking and posters from Islamabad Express Highway and other major roads is continuing, as Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration seeks public cooperation to keep the city orderly.
Officials have asked residents, political groups, traders, and advertisers to follow the ban on wall chalking and avoid placing posters on public property, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.
He said that the operation is being carried out on Islamabad Express Highway, service roads, underpasses, bridges, and other key routes across the capital.
Teams are removing painted slogans, handwritten messages, banners, and pasted material from boundary walls, flyovers, traffic signs, and public buildings. The effort is part of an ongoing plan to ensure that public spaces remain clear and usable for all citizens.
According to officials, wall chalking and posters damage public property and create visual clutter. Such practices also increase maintenance costs for civic bodies, which must spend time and public funds to clean walls and structures.
Authorities said that the ban on wall chalking is already in place and warned that violations will lead to action under existing rules.
The administration has stated that the removal work will continue in phases and will be expanded to more sectors and roads.
Authorities also appealed to residents to report wall chalking and illegal posters in their areas. Complaints can help teams respond quickly and take corrective steps. Officials believe that community support is necessary to make the campaign effective and lasting.
The administration reiterated that clean roads and clear walls contribute to better movement, safer driving conditions, and improved use of public spaces.

KP CM heads to Karak to attend funerals of five police martyrs

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 23 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday departed for Karak district to attend the funeral prayers of five police personnel martyred in a terrorist ambush.
He was accompanied by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed.
The attack occurred on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen ambushed a police patrol vehicle in the Gurguri/Garagri area under Ghargari Police Station, killing all five officers on the spot. Some reports indicate the attackers set the vehicle on fire after the shooting.
District Police Officer Saud Khan confirmed the incident, identifying the martyred officials as constables Shahid Iqbal, Safdar, Arif, Samiullah, and Muhammad Abrar.
A large police contingent has cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the fleeing assailants.
Authorities have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice amid a recent surge in militant activities in the province.

PM Shehbaz stresses transparency in PIA privatisation, reiterates offer of dialogue

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored the government’s commitment to transparency in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it one of the largest financial transactions in the country’s history, while reiterating his offer of dialogue to political parties in the interest of national stability and progress.
Speaking before the meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said the bidding process for PIA would be conducted through sealed bids placed in see-through boxes, with live television coverage to ensure complete transparency.
He said envelopes would only be opened after the price determination, and the award would be given through a competitive bidding process to the highest bidder.
“This entire process had to be made transparent and credible because Pakistan is moving towards one of its biggest transactions,” the prime minister said, adding that once the bidding is completed successfully, private sector participation would gain momentum. He stressed that the outcome of the bidding process would be brought back to the cabinet for final approval, and urged cabinet members to participate actively so that decisions could be taken with collective wisdom.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of the relevant ministries and cabinet members for advancing the privatisation process, particularly commending the contributions of the deputy prime minister, the defence minister and the finance minister. He described the day as significant for PIA’s privatisation and expressed confidence that a transparent process would help improve economic management.
During the meeting, the prime minister also congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup, calling it a moment of pride for the country.
He further referred to the recent conferment of the King Abdulaziz Award on Pakistan’s field marshal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stating that the honour belonged not to an individual but to the entire nation, and reflected Pakistan’s collective dignity and standing.
On the political situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had consistently invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political stakeholders to dialogue. He reiterated that if PTI was serious about talks, the government of Pakistan was fully prepared to engage.
However, he made it clear that dialogue could not proceed under the shadow of illegality or blackmail. “Talks can move forward in the light of legitimate demands and constitutional principles,” he said, adding that harmony among political parties was essential for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
The prime minister concluded by reaffirming that national interest would remain the guiding principle of the government’s decisions, particularly in matters affecting economic reform, political stability and public confidence.

ICT Police put two behind bars, seize Kalashnikov, other illegal arms

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police arrested two suspects and recovered a cache of illegal weapons, including a Kalashnikov, during an operation carried out under the ongoing Arms-Free Islamabad campaign.
An official told APP on Tuesday that a police team of Phulgran Police Station, working under the supervision of SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza, conducted a targeted operation and apprehended two individuals involved in possessing illegal arms.
During the operation, police recovered one Kalashnikov, one G-3 rifle, two .223 bore guns, two pistols of different bores, three daggers and a large quantity of ammunition from the arrested suspects.
The official said cases have been registered against the suspects, while further investigation is underway to determine the source of the weapons and any possible links to criminal activities.
DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq said that Islamabad Capital Territory Police are strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal weapons and the public display of arms, adding that such elements pose a serious threat to public safety.
He further said that, on the directions of the Inspector General of Police Islamabad, operations under the Arms-Free Islamabad campaign would continue across the federal capital to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

KSrelief concludes 20 Free Eye Treatment Camps across Pakistan under Noor Saudi Volunteer Initiative 2025

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has successfully concluded a series of 20 comprehensive free eye treatment camps across Pakistan under the Noor Saudi Volunteer Initiative 2025. Implemented in collaboration with Al-Basar International Foundation and Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, the initiative aimed to deliver essential ophthalmic services to underserved and vulnerable communities, particularly those facing financial constraints or limited access to specialized eye care.

The eye camps were strategically organized across urban and remote areas of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring broad geographic coverage and equitable access.
The initiative focused on early screening, diagnosis, surgical intervention, and vision correction to address preventable and treatable eye conditions and to enhance overall quality of life.

During the course of implementation, a total of 79,161 patients benefited from outpatient consultations and eye screenings. Of these, 8,085 sight-restoring surgeries, including cataract and other vision-impairing procedures, were successfully performed by qualified ophthalmic specialists.
In addition, 20,096 corrective eyeglasses were distributed free of cost, along with essential prescribed medications provided on-site.

The camps reached thousands of beneficiaries across multiple districts, prioritizing areas with limited ophthalmologic services and high unmet needs. Through these targeted interventions, KSrelief ensured timely and life-changing eye care for individuals who otherwise would not have been able to afford or access such services.

This humanitarian initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to global health and humanitarian solidarity, particularly in combating preventable blindness. By restoring sight and improving vision for tens of thousands of people, KSrelief continues to deliver hope, dignity, and improved well-being to communities in need across Pakistan.

PM invites UAE investments in Pakistan’s key sectors for economic growth

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, emphasized Pakistan’s strong and abiding commitment to further strengthening its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and invited increased UAE investments in key sectors to support Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The prime minister expressed these views during  a meeting with Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi who paid a courtesy call him at the PM House.
The prime minister was assisted by SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and close cooperation that have defined Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties for the past many decades.
Expressing his satisfaction at the volume of bilateral trade between the two sides, he further highlighted the need for both sides to focus on enhancing economic ties, trade, investment opportunities, and collaboration in areas such as energy, minerals, IT, railways and aviation.
He also acknowledged the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan in times of need, including humanitarian assistance and developmental projects.
While conveying his warm regards and best wishes for the UAE leadership, the prime minister said that he looked forward to the upcoming visit of President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan.
The prime minister extended a warm welcome to Amb. Al Zaabi and congratulated him on his recent appointment.
Ambassador Al Zaabi thanked the prime minister for receiving him and conveyed the greetings and best wishes from President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s firm resolve and keen interest to deepen its partnership with Pakistan across all spheres and assured the prime minister that he would work hard to explore new avenues for cooperation that would benefit both nations.

PM Shehbaz meets UAE Ambassador, reaffirms commitment to stronger bilateral ties

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, who paid a courtesy call on him here at the Prime Minister’s House.
The prime minister welcomed Ambassador Al Zaabi and congratulated him on his recent appointment, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
 He underscored the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, noting that bilateral ties have been built on mutual respect, close cooperation and enduring friendship over several decades. SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present during the meeting.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his warm regards to the UAE leadership and said he looked forward to the forthcoming visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to Pakistan.
Expressing satisfaction over the volume of bilateral trade, the prime minister emphasized the need to further strengthen economic cooperation, including trade and investment. He identified energy, minerals, information technology, railways and aviation as key areas for enhanced collaboration and invited increased UAE investment to support Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The prime minister also acknowledged the UAE’s continued support for Pakistan, particularly its assistance during times of need and its contribution to humanitarian and development initiatives.
Ambassador Al Zaabi thanked the prime minister for the meeting and conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Pakistan and expressed readiness to explore new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Governor condemns attack on police mobile in Karak

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 23 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on a police mobile in the Guragri area of district Karak, which resulted in the martyrdom of five police personnel.
The Governor expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives and paid rich tribute to the martyred police officials, acknowledging their sacrifices for the protection of public life and property.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi termed the attack as a highly condemnable, inhuman and cowardly act, saying that those who target law enforcement personnel performing their duty deserve no leniency.
He emphasized that police personnel are on the frontline in maintaining peace and security, and attacks on them are attacks on peace itself.
The Governor further stated that the sacrifices rendered by police martyrs for the establishment of law and order would not go in vain. He reiterated the resolve to eliminate elements involved in terrorism and violence.
Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences, the Governor conveyed his prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls and patience for the bereaved families. He assured that the entire nation stands united with the families of police martyrs in this hour of grief.

311th Birth Anniversary of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Marked

By
Samina Ch
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0
SUKKUR, Dec 23 (APP):A ceremony was held at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA) to commemorate his 311th birth anniversary. Scholars, intellectuals, and devotees attended the event.
SALU Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk emphasized the poet’s message of love, justice, and truth, saying it offers guidance in today’s troubled world. Shah Saeen was an institution of thought, pain, and love, he added.
The event featured addresses by prominent intellectuals, including Ms. Amar Sindhu and Dr. Ali Murad Lanjwani. The gathering concluded with a pledge to honor the poet’s vision of peace, tolerance, and humanism.
The ceremony was presided over by Syed Mustafa Shah, officiating Gaddi Nashin of Shah Bhittai.
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