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Global Pakistani diaspora backs ‘URAAN Pakistan’ in historic Oxford declaration

By
Asif Jalal
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0
OXFORD, UK, Nov 09 (APP): Marking a milestone in Pakistan’s development journey, the global Pakistani diaspora on Sunday adopted a historic Oxford Declaration on URAAN Pakistan, pledging collective support for transforming the country into a trillion-dollar, knowledge-based economy.
In a powerful gathering that fused intellectual firepower with patriotic fervor, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal stood before a premier assembly of the nation’s best and brightest shared the URAAN Pakistan implementation plan, a news release said.
The URAAN Pakistan Conference at the University of Oxford served as a strategic launch-pad, mobilizing the diaspora, academia, and youth behind a fast-tracked vision for a transformative Pakistan.
The conference featured over 100 select delegates from 27 leading international universities and 33 premier global organisations, representing the largest gathering of Pakistani intellectual capital in recent years.
The forum showcased 21 distinguished speakers from 10 top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, SOAS, Glasgow, and Durham. Among the prominent voices were Prof. Madeleine Arnot (Cambridge), Prof. Raheel Nawaz (Pro-VC, University of Staffordshire), Dr. Abrar Chaudhury (Oxford), and Dr. Aliya Khalid (Oxford), who shared platforms with senior Pakistani officials including Dr. Nadeem Javaid (VC PIDE) and Dr. Adnan Rafiq (Member Governance, Planning Commission). The conference notably amplified emerging youth voices through speakers like Mr. Israr Kakar (former President of the Oxford Union) and Mr. Ahmed Sultan Butt (Special Assistant to the Minister).
The cornerstone of the conference was the unanimous adoption of the Oxford Declaration, which states: “We, the participants of the URAAN Pakistan Conference—comprising scholars, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, public leaders, and members of the global Pakistani diaspora believe that Pakistan’s story is not one of limitations, but of promise waiting to be realised.
The participant said in the declaration that it was believed that Pakistan’s youth were not a challenge, but a transformative national asset.
“We believe that Pakistan’s future will be shaped not by circumstance, but by collective vision and determined action.
Today, from the halls of Oxford University—a symbol of excellence, inquiry, and global ideas—we the representatives of Pakistani diaspora in UK announce that the time for Pakistan’s take-off has arrived.
With unity of purpose, commitment of talent, and faith in our future, we declare our full support for URAAN Pakistan and pledge to contribute to Pakistan’s rise in the decades ahead,” they added.
Ahsan Iqbal, championed the Declaration as the embodiment of a national awakening. “URAAN Pakistan is not a government initiative; it is the nation’s mission, rooted in shared purpose and resolve,” he said.
 “We will serve as a landing ground and gateway for ideas from diaspora and open pathways for talented overseas Pakistanis to contribute to URAAN Pakistan and work together for national development”

AJK celebrates Iqbal’s 148th birth anniversary

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MIRPUR, Nov 9 (APP): Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday marked the 148th birth anniversary of poet-philosopher Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal with great fervor. The day was declared a holiday, and people gathered to pay tribute to the visionary behind Pakistan’s creation.
Speakers at various events emphasized the importance of following Iqbal’s message to make Pakistan a true Muslim state and to continue the struggle for Kashmir’s self-determination. They also prayed for the country’s solidarity, integrity, and prosperity.
Cultural, political, and literary organizations hosted seminars and meetings to highlight Iqbal’s services. A ceremony at Sajid Plaza in Mirpur was attended by journalists, intellectuals, and civil society members, who paid tribute to Iqbal’s vision.
Schools and colleges organized special events, with students presenting tableaus depicting Iqbal’s message to the youth. The media also brought out special supplements to mark the occasion.
The celebrations demonstrated the enduring legacy of Iqbal, who inspired the creation of Pakistan.

Pak cueists win matches in IBSF World C’ship

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): Pakistani cueists Asjad Iqbal, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Hasnain earned victories in the IBSF World Championship 2025 at Doha, Qatar.
According to details, in Stage 2 matches, Asjad Iqbal (Pak) beat Cao Zeyi (China) 4-1 (4-57, 57-51, 65-5, 70-21, 68-35); Michal Szubarczyk (Poland) beat Shahid Aftab (Pak) 4-2 (68-21, 35-73(50), 46-69, 58-23, 86-21, 62-42); Muhammad Asif (Pak) beat Habib Subah (Behrain) 4-2 (70(50)-28, 50-77, 56(56)-74, 65(50)-21, 69-29, 64-51(50); Muhammad Hasnain (Pak) beat Hesham Shawky (Egypt) 4-1 (1-79, 83-24, 64-46, 75(50)-42, 53-29).

Pakistan eyes new export outlets to China, highlights success stories at CIIE

By
Asif Jalal
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0
Zafar Hussain
SHANGHAI, Nov 09 (APP): Pakistan’s Deputy Consul General in Shanghai, Muhammad Atif, said that Pakistan is strengthening its agricultural and food exports to China and exploring new sectors with high potential, while participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) continues to open new avenues for business collaboration.
Speaking to China Economic Net, he said, “We currently export five major products to China, including rice, sesame seeds, seafood, fruits and vegetables, as well as boiled beef and dry fruits. However, several other sectors hold tremendous potential, such as maize, chicken feet, and others, where protocols are in the final stages.”
He highlighted that Pakistan’s participation in the 7th CIIE includes 20 enterprises under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in addition to several private companies showcasing independently. “Although the official space under TDAP is limited to a nine-square-meter booth, the platform itself is vast, and companies understand its importance and are investing in their own presence,” he added.
Two of Pakistan’s leading exporters, Hemani Herbal and Winza, stand out as success stories emerging from previous editions of CIIE. Hemani Herbal is one of Pakistan’s largest manufacturers and traders of natural and herbal products, exporting to over 85 countries with more than 1,800 health and wellness products, CEN reported.
“At CIIE, companies like Hemani and Winza have shown how Pakistani brands can compete globally through quality, innovation, and branding,” Atif said. “We are confident that many more success stories will follow, as Pakistan continues to diversify its exports and deepen agricultural cooperation with China.”

Balochistan increases immunization coverage to 47 percent

By
Asif Jalal
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0
QUETTA, Nov 09 (APP): Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has announced a major breakthrough in the province’s public health sector, revealing that Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) has increased from 38 percent to 47 percent in just one year.
This marks the end of a five-year stagnation and signals renewed momentum in child healthcare delivery.
“The notable improvement in Balochistan’s public health sector is the result of the government’s effective reforms,” CM Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said in a post on social media platform X.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the progress has been independently verified, adding credibility to the provincial government’s efforts. The Third-Party Verification of Immunization Coverage Survey and a report by Aga Khan University confirmed the 9 percentage point increase, validating the impact of recent health initiatives.
CM Bugti stated that the province is now on track to meet the 70 percent target set under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). He attributed the success to transparent governance, effective policy implementation and improved public trust.
“The increase in public confidence is due to the provincial government’s transparent policy and better management,” CM Bugti added.
He concluded by affirming the long-term significance of this achievement. “This success in the health sector guarantees a better and safer future for Balochistan.”

Saleem Memon urges government to Prioritize restoration of gas supply

By
Asif Jalal
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0
HYDERABAD, Nov 09 (APP): President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has expressed displeasure over the ongoing gas crisis faced by both industries and domestic consumers across the country.
He stated that with the onset of winter, gas pressure and supply issues have intensified, severely affecting industrial production and creating immense hardship for households.
He revealed that over 40% of small-scale industries nationwide are suffering due to low gas pressure and irregular supply, while hundreds of industrial units in Sindh have been forced to partially shut down operations.
The President emphasized that instead of repeatedly increasing gas prices, the government must take immediate measures to control line losses and gas theft, ensuring efficient utilization of the available supply.
Saleem Memon urged the government to adopt alternate sources of energy to keep the industrial wheel running smoothly.
He pointed out that around the world, alternative energy solutions such as LPG, biogas, solar power, wind energy, and waste-to-energy plants are being successfully promoted to sustain industrial growth. He further added that if the government truly intends to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it must find a sustainable and long-term solution to the energy crisis.
 At the same time, he emphasized that industrialists should explore and adopt self-sufficient energy sources, as operating industries at government-announced energy rates has now become nearly impossible.
Concluding his remarks, President Saleem Memon urged the government to Prioritize the restoration of gas supply to industrial areas, Introducing immediate subsidies and financing schemes for alternative energy projects and  to Establish a special task force to curb gas losses and eliminate administrative corruption.
He emphasized that the government, the Ministry of Energy, and OGRA must act urgently to prevent industrial shutdowns and to resolve the energy crisis on a permanent basis, ensuring the stability and growth of Pakistan’s economy.

AJK PM visits shrines of Baba Piraa Shah Ghazi and Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh (RA)

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MIRPUR, Nov 9 (APP): Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq late Saturday visited the shrines of the great spiritual leader of the subcontinent Hazrat Baba Piraa Shah Ghazi, famously known as Darmiwali Sarkar, and mystic poet Rumi Kashmir, Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh (RA), and offered fateha besides laying flower wreaths at both the mausoleums.
The PM, Anwar-ul-Haq, was flanked by his only cabinet colleague—the Minister of Communications and Public Works, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq—on this occasion and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the elders—the preachers of Islam and others from the entire Muslim ummah—in heaven, APP AJK Correspondent reports from Mirpur, quoting official sources on Sunday.
Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, during his visit to Darbar Sharif, gave instructions to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz and the Manager of the Auqaf Department to provide all possible facilities and privileges to the pilgrims visiting the shrines for pilgrimage.
“Special attention should be paid to the quality of the ‘langar’ (quality cooked food for pilgrims,” he particularly advised the State Auqaf Department management. “The shrines of both the great famous departed souls of ancient Islamic history should not be made as a source of income—since pilgrims used to visit the mausoleums from far-away places to seek blessings at such spiritual centers. “No pilgrim should complain about the behavior of the staff of the shrines of the great departed personalities and preachers of Islam,” he advised.

CM Punjab reaches Brazil to attend global COP 30 Conference

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Nov 09 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Brazil to participate in the Global COP 30 Conference, where she will present her vision on climate resilience, promotion of electric vehicles, environmental protection, and the conservation of forests and wildlife in Punjab.
During the conference, she is scheduled to deliver a keynote address highlighting the provincial government’s initiatives and strategic measures aimed at improving environmental sustainability. The COP 30 Conference is set to continue until 21 November, said a handout issued here on Sunday.
On the sidelines of the event, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will hold meetings with world leaders, heads of international environmental organizations, and global experts to explore collaborative measures for tackling climate change.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, and Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique are accompanying the Chief Minister on this official visit.

PFA seizes 800 liters of counterfeit cold drinks in Attock

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Nov 09 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Rawalpindi Division, conducted a raid on GT Road in Attock and recovered 800 liters of counterfeit cold drinks from a well-known supermarket, which were immediately destroyed on the spot.
According to the PFA spokesperson, the operation was carried out under the special instructions of the Director General of the Food Authority.
During inspection, the team observed extremely poor hygiene standards at the supermarket, including the presence of rodent droppings. The counterfeit cold drinks were found on the main shelves, making them accessible for sale to customers.
The PFA team destroyed the 800 liters of counterfeit beverages on site and initiated action against the supermarket officials. The supermarket was imposed fine Rs125,000 for maintaining unsanitary conditions and selling counterfeit food items.
The spokesperson urged citizens to carefully check products before purchase to avoid health risks and advised that any complaints or information regarding unsafe or substandard food items be reported to the PFA helpline at 1223 for prompt action.

Senate passes resolution unanimously to recognize pivotal role of Dr Iqbal in awakening Muslims

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): The Senate on Sunday unanimously passed a resolution to recognize the immense and enduring legacy of poet-philosopher and great thinker Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, on his 148th birth anniversary and his pivotal role in awakening the spirit of Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
The resolution was moved by Sherry Rehman on behalf of the all parties in the House.
“Acknowledging him as the “Poet of the East” and the architect of the vision for a separate Muslim homeland in British India, a vision solidified in his 1930 Allahabad Address,” the resolution said.
The House affirmed that his poetry, philosophy, and political thought continue to inspire the nation and its youth, embodying ideals of self-realization, the concept of KHUDI, unity, and courage, his intellectual legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of guidance for future generations.
The House committed to upholding the principles of liberty, equality, and justice that were central to his vision.
The Senate resolves to honor the enduring contributions of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal by promoting his philosophy in educational curricula and public discourse across the nation, the resolution said.
The House calls upon all citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace Iqbal’s message of self-belief, courage, and the pursuit of excellence to build a strong and prosperous Pakistan.
The Senate urges a renewed commitment to the spirit of unity and brotherhood, as articulated in Iqbal’s poetry, to overcome internal and external challenges and work for the collective progress of the nation and the Muslim world.
The House encourages Government, Civil Society, and educational institutions to organize and support events, seminars, and cultural activities that reflect and celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The Senate reaffirms the national resolve to work towards a just, humane, and progressive society based on the principles of freedom, dignity, and mutual respect, as envisioned by Iqbal.
The House decides that the observance of Iqbal Day will be used not only as a day of remembrance but also as a day of active re-commitment to the ideals that were powerfully articulated by Iqbal for the betterment of all humanity.
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