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Construction work is underway on the Rawalpindi Ring Road, also known as the Rawalpindi–Islamabad Ring Road—a 38.3-kilometer highway connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan. The project, which began in March 2022, is currently under construction and will feature six lanes upon completion. The ring road will start at the Channi Sher Alam Bridge near Rawat and terminate at the Thalian Interchange, linking to the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2)
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Kohat Chamber expresses concerns over FBR’s controversial tax laws
KOHAT, Jul 13 (APP):The Kohat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its concern over the recent implementation of various tax laws by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and their potential impact on the business community.
In statement on Sunday, President Rashid Paracha and other senior officials expressed deep reservations over laws, including Sections 37AA, 165, 21C, 236Y, and compulsory digital invoicing. They argue that these laws would increase unnecessary pressure on businesses, affecting the business environment, inflation, and unemployment.
The Chamber’s officials highlighted specific issues with each law, including harassment under Section 37AA, lack of transparency in Section 165, and practical problems with Section 21C’s ban on cash transactions. They also expressed concerns about the withholding tax on cash withdrawals under Section 236Y and the impracticality of mandatory digital invoicing for small and medium businesses.
The Kohat Chamber also demanded of the government to review these controversial provisions and consult with all stakeholders, particularly the business community, before implementing such laws. They further warned that if the government fails to do so, the business community will continue its protest within the legal and democratic framework for a long time.
CDA chief visits Saidpur Village, vows to boost tourism, preserve natural beauty
ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, visited the historic Saidpur Model Village on Sunday to inspect the ongoing upgradation and beautification works, expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of progress and reaffirming his commitment to making Islamabad a modern, tourist-friendly capital.
Accompanied by Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Director General (DG) Environment, Deputy DG Enforcement, Director DMA and other senior officials, the CDA chief received a detailed briefing on the enhancements underway at the centuries-old cultural site, which is being revamped with assistance from a team of architects and horticulture experts from Baku.
Randhawa appreciated the contributions of the Baku team, stating that their expertise would help transform Saidpur into a “state-of-the-art model village meeting international standards.” He added, “The uplift of Saidpur Village will not only beautify the city but also make it an attractive recreational destination for residents and tourists alike.”
The Chairman issued directives for the early completion of all enhancement works and emphasized the need to deploy all available resources to expedite the project. “We envision Islamabad as one of the most beautiful and modern capitals in the world, equipped with world-class tourist and leisure facilities,” he said.
In addition to the village’s makeover, the CDA officials briefed Randhawa on a successful enforcement operation in the Margalla Hills National Park area, where illegal encroachments were cleared.
The operation led to the demolition of 13 unauthorized structures and the recovery of approximately 23 kanals of government land.
The reclaimed land has been handed over to the Environment Wing to ensure its preservation and integration into the national park’s ecosystem.
Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal occupation and environmental degradation. “No encroachments or violations will be tolerated in Margalla Hills or any other part of Islamabad. We are fully committed to protecting the city’s natural heritage and scenic beauty,” he declared.
The Saidpur uplift project is part of broader initiatives by the CDA to enhance Islamabad’s urban environment and promote eco-tourism, signaling a renewed focus on sustainable development and citizen engagement.
PFC CEO seeks stronger Pak-UK trade ties to boost socio-economic development
LAHORE, Jul 13 (APP):Chairman Pak-UK Joint Business Council and CEO Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq has said that expanding trade ties with the United Kingdom could provide Pakistan and its industries with a valuable alternative market to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, qualitative industrialization, and export growth.
He emphasized that UK-based investors of Pakistani origin could play a crucial role in this process.
Talking to a delegation of UK-based Pakistani businessmen and investors led by Pak-British Friendship Council (North West Chapter, UK) President Muhammad Arbab Khan, here on Sunday, he noted that bilateral trade during FY24 stood at $2,014,768 in exports and $781,996 in imports.
He said enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors could bring mutual benefits to both nations. He proposed a multi-faceted approach to deepen bilateral trade, including the establishment of reciprocal trade houses, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) or Free Trade Agreements (FTA), regular exchange of business delegations, country-specific expos and product festivals, information sharing, and the formation of a Pak-UK Industries Corridor of Knowledge.
Mian Kashif also praised the commitment of British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, to strengthening strategic partnerships in vital sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, engineering, and energy. He called for a more coordinated and consultative approach involving policymakers, investors, economic strategists, and trade experts to reinforce Pakistan-UK economic ties. He also stressed the vital role of Pakistan’s trade and commercial attachés posted in the UK and European Union, urging them to actively promote Pakistani products and investment opportunities.
He concluded by encouraging Pakistani-origin politicians and decision-makers in the UK to contribute positively toward fostering stronger bilateral trade relations.
Kashmir, water issues must be resolved for regional stability: Iftikhar Malik
LAHORE, Jul 13 (APP):SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik has cautioned that lasting peace in South Asia will remain elusive unless the
long-standing Kashmir dispute and water-related issues between India and Pakistan are resolved through sincere and results-oriented dialogue.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, he stressed that both issues continue to pose significant obstacles to regional peace, stability, and economic progress.
He added that the unresolved Kashmir conflict remains a grave threat to regional security, and that peace cannot be achieved without addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He strongly condemned ongoing human rights violations and the suppression of Kashmiri population, noting that such actions only deepen the crisis and fuel unrest.
He also drew attention to the growing concerns over water security, citing India’s alleged
violations of Indus Waters Treaty and the construction of dams on western rivers.
These actions, he said, were causing severe water shortages in Pakistan, particularly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. He urged international mediators and the
United Nations to intervene and ensure strict adherence to existing treaties to prevent
further escalation.
Commenting on regional cooperation, he said the SAARC could not function as an effective platform unless political disputes among member states were resolved.
He lamented that ongoing hostilities had stifled trade, economic integration, and people-to-people contact across the region.
He urged the Indian leadership to demonstrate statesmanship and return to the negotiating table in the larger interest of regional development. “Peace and stability in South Asia are not possible without justice,” he said. “If we genuinely seek a united and economically strong South Asia, we must prioritize the peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir and water disputes,” he added.
Livestock deptt Lodhran receives over 6,000 imported semen
LODHRAN, Jul 13 (APP):Livestock department received over 6,000 imported semen doses
to boost domestic dairy and meat production, besides improving genetic stock and supporting farmers.
Talking to APP here on Sunday, Additional Director Livestock Dr Allah Bachaya, said that livestock department district Lodhran received imported semen included 6,349 Friesian cows. He said that imported semen would be available at veterinary hospitals where from livestock farmers could purchase.
The local semen included Nili Ravi, Cholistani, Sahiwal and others and its official rate was Rs 50 each.
Dr Allah Bachaya informed that Brahman semen was available for Punjab Livestock Card holders at reasonable price Rs 150 per doze.
He said that awareness sessions were being conducted at tehsil level veterinary hospitals.
The livestock official said the incumbent government imported semen after a long time to facilitate livestock farmers.
He hoped that the initiative would boost domestic dairy and meat production which would generate handsome revenue in the country.
East Asia-Pacific, Asia World Cup Qualifiers schedule announced
ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP):The second half of 2025 sees the EAP and Asia regions host two high stakes ICC men’s and women’s pathway events on the road to World Cup Qualification.
The action starts with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier, which will take place from September 9 to 15, staged in Suva, Fiji. The hosts will welcome Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Samoa, Cook Islands and the Philippines, said a press release issued here Sunday.
Teams will be split into two groups of four each before the semi-final and final, where the winning team will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The event will be the first time that the Philippines have played in an ICC Women’s Pathway Event.
Chief Executive of Cricket Fiji, Sitiveni Rokoro said, “We are proud to host our first ICC Women’s pathway event here in Suva, Fiji. This marks a major achievement for us, not only as our inaugural women’s event at this level, but also as the largest ICC Qualifier ever held in the East Asia-Pacific region, with the participation of eight nations.”
“We are especially excited to welcome all participating teams and extend a warm “Bula vinaka” to each one of them.
“A special acknowledgment goes to the Philippines women’s team, who will be making their debut in an ICC pathway event. This tournament stands as a testament to the growth, inclusivity and regional collaboration that continues to drive the advancement of women’s cricket across the East Asia-Pacific.
“We are deeply grateful to the ICC and the EAP Regional Team for their continued support and commitment in helping us bring this event to life.”
From October 8, Oman will stage the combined ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier with the ultimate goal of three World Cup spots up for grabs. Sub-regional qualifiers from 2024 Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan and Samoa will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the hosts, to do battle over the 10-day event.
The tournament will take place in two stages: a Group Stage from October 8 to 10, followed by a Super Six Stage from October 12 to 17. Teams are split into three groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. At the end of the Super Six, the top three teams will earn their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket competing in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Alkesh Joshi, Oman Cricket Treasurer said, “As a board, we are fully committed to providing our players with world-class preparation platforms. We also want this tournament to be a celebration for fans, that’s why entry to all matches at Amerat will be free. We invite the community to turn out in their numbers and cheer for the team.
“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their unwavering support in Oman’s cricketing journey. Hosting major ICC events elevates Oman’s status in the global sporting arena.
“This tournament is a celebration of associate cricket. Hosting it in Oman proves we are not just participants but contributors to the growth of global cricket.”
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up venues announced
ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP):Three elite cricket venues have been added to the list of grounds that will play their part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales next year.
Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, Derby County Ground and Loughborough University – home of the ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre – will play host to a range of warm-up matches before the tournament gets underway on June 12, 2026, said a press release.
All three venues share a rich cricketing pedigree and have played a part in propelling women’s cricket on to the global stage. They will play a prominent role in showcasing elite women’s cricket to local fans before the start of the tournament.
The warm-up matches, the full schedule of which will be revealed in due course, will see the best in the world go head-to-head as they prepare for next summer’s groundbreaking tournament.
The expanded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will see 12 teams compete for the prestigious trophy that is currently held by New Zealand. In all, 33 matches will be played at seven iconic venues across the 24-day competition, before the final takes place at Lord’s on July 5.
Eight countries are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through a Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.
England and Wales were awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in 2022, with the seven host venues selected subsequently following evaluation of various criteria.
Pakistan-UK trade ties set for new milestone
ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, has embarked on a pivotal official visit to the United Kingdom from July 14 to 20, 2025, accompanied by Secretary Commerce Mr. Jawad Paul.
This high-level engagement aims to deepen bilateral commercial ties, strengthen institutional frameworks, and open new avenues for trade and investment between Pakistan and the UK,said a release issued here on Sunday.
One of the central moments of the visit will be the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue. This formalization marks a significant step toward institutionalizing bilateral trade cooperation, injecting greater standardization, transparency, and predictability into the economic relationship between the two countries.
The Minister is also scheduled to meet with members of the All Parties Parliamentary Group (APPG), where he will advocate for stronger political support in enhancing trade and investment flows. These discussions will aim to align parliamentary efforts with Pakistan’s broader economic diplomacy goals and strengthen long-term partnerships.
During the visit, the Minister will hold engagements with major Chambers of Commerce in London and Birmingham, promoting the active role of private stakeholders in advancing bilateral trade.
These interactions will explore opportunities in emerging sectors, highlight Pakistan’s export potential, and foster greater business-to-business collaboration.
In addition, Mr. Khan will interact with leading UK-based multi-million-dollar companies from key sectors such as food processing, information technology, engineering, fintech, and capital investment.
These meetings aim to showcase Pakistan’s economic potential and attract targeted investments into high-growth industries.
The visit also includes important meetings with the UK Pakistan Business Council, Pakistan Britain Business Council, and UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
These discussions will focus on strengthening institutional trade linkages and leveraging diaspora-led initiatives to boost trade volumes and visibility in the UK market.
This visit marks a renewed thrust in Pakistan’s efforts to advance economic diplomacy, diversify export markets, and solidify its commercial footprint in global markets like the United Kingdom.
From Chapli Kebab to Matton Tikka: Exploring Peshawar through its mouthwatering food
PESHAWAR, Jul 13 (APP):Nestled in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition but for many, its most enduring legacy is its mouthwatering food.
From sizzling street grills to time-honored family kitchens, Peshawar offers a unique culinary journey unlike any other city in Pakistan.
Renowned for its varities of bold flavors, generous use of meat, and simple yet hearty recipes, Peshawari cuisines are a true reflection of the Pashtun spirit of unpretentious and warm hospitality.
One cannot speak of Peshawari food without mentioning the mouth watering Chappli Kabab along with Qehwa (green tea).
Crisp on the outside, juicy within, and seasoned with a blend of spices including dried pomegranate seeds and green chilies, these flat Chappli Kabab are a staple across the province, attracting foods.
In Namak Mandi, Peshawar’s iconic food street, Chappli Kabab is served with piping hot naan and tangy chutney-a combination that has stood the test of time.
“Peshawar’s food, especially Chappli Kabab has its own soul,” says Nisar Khan alias Charsi, a third-generation kebab vendor at Namak Mandi.
“I inherited its art from my father who started chappli kabab business from a single ‘Karahi’ 50 years ago. When I was a school boy, I sit on Karahi with my father, who was an expert of Chappli Kabab’s making and later joined it practically after his untimely demise.”
Keeping in view of family financial hardship at those days, Nisar said he never looked back and established three more such shops one each at Firdous, University Road and Bakhsu Charsadda Road, easing his financial woes.
“We use minced meat and once it is rightly crushed by an experienced labourers, tomatoes, red chili powder, onions, dry coriander leaves, eggs, ginger, lemon juice, salt, masala and pomegranate seeds go into its marinated meat, making it more delicious,” he said, adding it takes only 10 minutes to make a complete Chappli Kabab served with chutney, katchup, salad, yogurt and naan to customers.
Equally famous is Dumpukht, a dish slow-cooked in sealed pots to let the meat tenderize in its own juices, enriched only by a handful of spices. It’s a dish that whispers tradition in every bite.
Under the glow of hanging bulbs and smoky air of open grills, food lovers gather at long wooden benches at Namak Mandai to enjoy Dumpukht and Matton Karhai made from freshly slaughtered lamb, cooked in animal fat and tomatoes with a hint of green chili.
“Namak Mandi is my favorite food place in Peshawar where I have come for the last five years to enjoy its Matton Karhai and BBQ due to its unique taste and energy perspective,” said Samad Khan, a tourist of Barikot Swat.
“Whenever I come to Peshawar, I come here to enjoy its delectable cuisines with family,” he said.
“It also gave me an opportunity to spend some times with my old university friends here in a relaxed environment as the orders generally take close to an half an hour to prepare, with customers.”
After a meat-heavy meal, no trip to Peshawar is complete without Qahwa (green tea)– the Peshawar’s signature.
Served in small porcelain cups especially after Chappli Kabab and Dumpukh, Qahwa is not just a drink but a moment of pause of conversation and long tradition of Peshawar goes from generation to generation.
Similarly, Peshawar’s historic Qissa Khwani market, which is a home of international storytellers continued its centuries old legacy where Nehari, Rice Polao, Haleem and Chicken Aachar are being served till late night.
And for those with a sweet tooth, sohan halwa, faluda and jalebi bring a perfect end to a traditional meal with yogurt lasi.majing Peshawar visit memorable.
Eminent writer and traveler, Qari Javed Iqbal in his book ‘Saqafat Sarhad Tarikh K Ayeene Me’ (frontier culture in mirror of history) wrote that people of united India were mostly vegetarians but all kings and invaders from the west including Mughals, Turks, Ghazni and Afghans who conquered India loved these traditional fruits of this region.
“In every kabab, every cup of tea, there’s a story,” says Bakhtzada Muhammad, Assistant Director, Archeology Department.
He said Peshawar is a unique food city that feeds both the stomach and the soul.
“The people of united India were mostly vegetarians but all kings and invaders from the west including Mughals, Turks, Ghazni and Afghans who conquered India were carnivores and stayed here,” he said.
These kings and invaders had introduced the habit of eating meat in new ways in United India where Mughals made meat-eating a cultural dish by making it a substitute for beef and buffalo’ meat by adding various spices and ingredients to it.
Chappli Kabab’s recipes were introduced in the Mughal dynasty, which had later gained international fame owing to its appetizing aroma and delectable taste, he said.
Later, its recipe was shifted to Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and other cities of Pakistan besides Jalalabad and Kabul in Afghanistan and Amratsar, Lucknow and Dheli India.
They urged the KP Government to covert Namak Mandi is a full fledged food street on the patterns of GawalMandi Lahore and provide soft loans to shopkeepers enabling them to continue and expand their food businesses.
Food Services and Halal Authority spokesman said countering adulteration in spices products mostly used in traditional cuisines was a big challenge.
To counter the challenge, he said seven mobile testing laborites were set up at divisional headquarters of KP, adding ten more such labs to be established in Swabi, Batagram, Chitral, Haripur, Manshera, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dir and Chitral.
Three foods training schools at Mardan, Peshawar and Abbottabad were established, underscoring the need for establishment of nutritional wings, food screening laboratories and halal food research wings in all districts besides inclusion of food subjects in curriculum and constant awareness campaign by media and religious scholars to win fight against adulteration in food products.
He said it was mandatory for hotels and food restaurants to ensure hygiene of kitchens and eatery halls while chefs should have a license of having no communicable disease.
While Peshawar’s food may be rooted in centuries-old recipes, its appeal stretches far beyond its borders. With food bloggers, vloggers, and even international chefs visiting the city, Peshawar’s culinary heritage is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
As food tourism gains momentum in Pakistan, cities like Peshawar are becoming must-visit destinations not just for its oldest history, art and culture, but for the unforgettable food flavors it serve.