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ATC Rawalpindi adjouns hearing in November protests case till Nov 17ATC adjourns as Aleema failed to appear

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RAWALPINDI, Nov 13 (APP):The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the high-profile case FIR No. 3393, registered at Sadiqabad Police Station regarding November protests, until November 17.
The key accused Aleema Khanum, sister of PTI founder failed to appear in the court despite non-bailable arrest warrant.
According to the details, three defendents presented themselves in person and seven through their lawyers attended the proceedings.
During the hearing, Habib Metropolitan Bank submitted a compliance report to the court, confirming the freezing of three bank accounts of the accused as per judicial directives.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) rep informed the court that Aleema Khan holds 5,000 shares in Cotton Connection Private Limited. The court issued immediate directions to SECP to freeze these shares.
SECP further clarified that Aleema Khan has no shares in two additional companies including SARC Business Association for Home-Based Workers and an other entity where she serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The court ordered that queries regarding these companies be entered into the relevant court system for further verification.
The ATC issued contempt of court notices to five senior officials for failing to provide required information despite repeated reminders, including Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, Secretary Cooperatives Punjab, Director General of Punjab Land Records Authority, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Official letters and follow-up reminders had been sent, but neither responses nor representatives appeared in court, prompting the contempt proceedings.
The court also addressed non-compliance with previously issued warrants against United Bank Limited (UBL) Karachi and Bank of Punjab. The warrants for UBL Karachi were forwarded to the CCPO Karachi, while those for Bank of Punjab were sent to CCPO Lahore.
Additionally, warrants concerning sureties provided by Aleema Khan including her surety Umar Sharif and three vehicle-related sureties including Nadeem Khan, Ahmad Mujtaba and Nasiruddin were dispatched to the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi for immediate enforcement.
The court expressed displeasure over the repeated failure to execute prior warrants, attributing it to the “incompetence and negligence” concerned police officers who had overseen four unsuccessful attempts. The judge, Amjad Shah  directed RPO Rawalpindi to personally oversee compliance to prevent further delays.
Prosecution witnesses, along with the case property and the full prosecution team were present throughout the hearing.
The next hearing has been scheduled for November 17, where further progress on asset freezes, warrant executions and responses to contempt notices will be discussed.

Ingate Global Insurance Conference, Exhibition conclude

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Riyadh, Nov 13 (APP): The Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Saudi Insurance Authority, concluded its run from November 10 to 12 in Riyadh with broad international participation and attendance of around 9,000 visitors from the Kingdom and abroad.

Held under the theme “Step into Tomorrow,” the event featured more than 150 local and international entities and over 100 international speakers, including experts and leaders from the global insurance industry.

The conference included over 40 panel discussions and specialized workshops that addressed the future of the insurance industry in light of digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Discussions also focused on developing policies and regulations and expanding the sector’s investment base. The accompanying exhibition, spanning 15,000 square meters, offered visitors a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

During the conference, more than 22 memoranda of cooperation and understanding were signed with several local and international entities. These agreements aimed to develop the insurance system, enhance digital innovation, improve service efficiency, protect beneficiaries, and announce the licensing of several insurance and brokerage companies.

In addition, several digital projects were launched on the sidelines of the conference, including the Reg-Tech Hub insurance integration platform to support digital transformation, the launch of an insurance data lake to improve information exchange and analysis, and the implementation of a digital maturity measurement project to enhance service efficiency and the beneficiary experience.

The CEO of the Saudi Insurance Authority, Naji Al Tamimi, said the conference successfully achieved its objectives, serving as an international platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge among leaders, experts, and investors in the insurance industry.

He added that it contributed to developing skills and enhancing the professional capabilities of those working in the sector, noting that the Saudi insurance sector is moving confidently toward a new phase of development and empowerment, supported by the wise leadership – may God protect them – to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

For his part, the General Supervisor of the World Insurance Conference and Exhibition, Ahmed bin Saeed AlGhamdi, stated that the conference strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading global center in the insurance industry. He added that this first edition paves the way for the second edition of the World Insurance Conference and Exhibition in 2026, which will feature broader participation and greater impact.

Balochistan establishes PIFTAC to strengthen security coordination, threat assessment

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QUETTA, Nov 13 (APP): Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Corps Commander Quetta, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan jointly inaugurated the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center (PIFTAC) at the Home Department in Quetta.
PIFTAC is designed to serve as a centralized platform for real-time information exchange and coordinated threat response among federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, including Police, Levies Force, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Frontier Corps (FC), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Intelligence Agencies and Customs.
PIFTAC is digitally connected to the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center (NIFTAC) in Islamabad, enabling two-way data flow between federal and district-level agencies across Balochistan.
The center will provide timely alerts on threats related to terrorism, organized crime, sectarian violence, and critical infrastructure, allowing for proactive security measures.
CM Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that PIFTAC will enhance the province’s capacity to identify and neutralize threats swiftly.
CM Bugti hailed the launch of PIFTAC as a significant development for national security and provincial harmony.
“This center is a milestone for peace, development, and public safety in Balochistan,” Mir Sarfraz Bugti lauded.
He praised the joint efforts of civil and military institutions, noting that PIFTAC will strengthen trust and cooperation between stakeholders and improve inter-agency synergy.
During the briefing, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat highlighted that PIFTAC will maintain a comprehensive digital overview of the province’s security landscape. It will provide structured threat assessments to provincial and district leadership, enabling prompt and effective decision-making.

CDA plans slaughterhouse to supply 60% twin cities’ meat need

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):A high-level Meat Board meeting was held in Islamabad on Thursday regarding the establishment of state-of-the-art and modern slaughterhouse in Islamabad, aimed at meeting 60% meat need of the twin cities.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak, at the CDA Headquarters on Thursday.
During the meeting, it was informed that the initial study process for the slaughterhouse has been completed.
It was informed in the meeting that this project will fulfill over 60% of the meat requirements in the twin cities.
The meeting was told that the operational and financial models for the Islamabad Slaughterhouse project have been prepared.
The meeting was informed that the master plan for the slaughterhouse will include a slaughter hall, service building, warehouse, lairage, quarantine ward, water treatment plant and other facilities.
Furthermore, the slaughterhouse will adopt the latest animal slaughtering processes, complete with all chilling and cold storage facilities.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak said that all relevant stakeholders from the twin cities should be included in the slaughterhouse project.
He emphasized that a special monitoring mechanism should be devised for the implementation of the slaughterhouse project.
Chairman CDA said that the objective of the slaughterhouse project is to ensure the supply of high-quality, standard, and hygienic meat in accordance with health principles in the twin cities.
He further added that this project will also support the export of meat abroad, in addition to supplying high-quality meat to the twin cities.
The meeting was also attended by CDA Board Member Admin and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, members of the Meat Board and other senior officials.

Governor KP visits PIMS, inquires after injured of court blast

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) here on Thursday and inquired after those injured in the recent suicide blast near the Islamabad District Courts.
During the visit, Governor Kundi met each of the injured individually, expressed his sympathy, and conveyed his best wishes for their speedy recovery.
Executive Director of PIMS, Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikandar, briefed the Governor on the medical treatment and facilities being provided to the victims.
The Governor directed that no effort be spared in ensuring the best possible care and treatment for the injured.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident, Governor Kundi said the martyrs of the blast had made the ultimate sacrifice, and their memories would always be honored.
He strongly condemned the act of terrorism, terming it a crime against humanity, and reaffirmed that the entire nation remains united and determined to root out the scourge of terrorism.

KATI welcomes decision on first national industrial policy, urges swift implementation

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KARACHI, Nov 13 (APP):President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has welcomed the government’s decision to introduce the first-ever National Industrial Policy, describing it as a landmark step toward strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.
In a statement he issued, he said the policy, if implemented effectively and with consistency, could become a turning point for industrial growth in the country. Rajput praised the proposal to facilitate the repatriation of overseas Pakistani investments, calling it a positive move for industrial development.
“The capital of overseas Pakistanis is the backbone of our economy,” Rajput said. “If brought back through secure international financial channels, it can significantly boost both investment and industrial production capacity. “He added.

573 Punjab Police athletes to compete in 35th National Games 2025

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LAHORE, Nov 13 (APP):As many as 573 Punjab Police athletes are set to participate in the 35th National Games 2025, featuring 32 sports disciplines to be held in Karachi from December 6 to 13.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, Director General Pakistan Police Sports Board and Additional IG Imran Arshad chaired a meeting of patrons and provincial directors to review arrangements concerning athletes’ security, welfare, training, accommodation, and medical facilities.
During the session, the National Police Sports Board logo and a unified WhatsApp communication platform were officially launched with the approval of IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, aimed at ensuring better coordination among participating teams.
Chief Sports Officer and RPO Sheikhupura Athar Ismail Amjad stated that the Punjab Police contingent is fully prepared and motivated, with comprehensive arrangements made for travel, discipline, nutrition, and lodging. He expressed confidence that the athletes would deliver improved performances this year.
It was also decided that focal persons would be appointed to enhance coordination among patrons, managers, and coaches across all provinces during the Games.
DIG Karachi assured that the Sindh government and relevant departments would extend full support to facilitate smooth participation of all police contingents.
The meeting was attended by DIG Establishment-I Suleman Sultan Rana, DIG SPU Ghazi Muhammad Salahuddin, AIG Admin and Security, DPO Sialkot, and other senior officers, while representatives from South Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sindh joined via video link.

Punjab govt orders freezing of banned TLP’s assets

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LAHORE, Nov 13 (APP):The Punjab government has issued orders to freeze all properties and assets of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the details of all properties and assets in the name of TLP across the province have been collected and a report will be submitted to the Home Department by November 15.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chairman Sub-Cabinet Committee Khawaja Salman Rafique, after which Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi issued formal instructions to the Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Board of Revenue, Secretary Housing, Secretary Cooperatives and other relevant departments.
It should be noted that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan was declared banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act, after which the decision to freeze all its financial and non-financial assets is now being implemented.

Vital for schoolchildren to acquire AI related skills: PA Speaker

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LAHORE, Nov 13 (APP):Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Thursday emphasized that technological education should not remain confined to the university level alone, but must be extended to government schools so that children could acquire AI-related skills from an early stage.
Addressing the Journalists Summit 2025 held at the University of the Punjab he said, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major challenge in every sphere of life.” He said that all the economies of the world which had achieved prominence owed much of their progress to the pivotal role of AI.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan noted that in the age of AI, the role of journalists had become crucial and challenging.
He said, “Enhancement of the education budget is of paramount importance.”
He further said that there should be no restrictions upon critical thinking and freedom of thought.
Later, while talking to the media, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that he principally supported the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
He said that establishment of a Constitutional Court would facilitate the separate adjudication of constitutional issues and other cases, thereby reducing delays in the dispensation of justice for ordinary citizens.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani exchanging views with the Konstantin Kosachyov, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation

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Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani exchanging views with the Konstantin Kosachyov, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation
APP62-131125 ISLAMABAD: November 13 – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani exchanging views with the Konstantin Kosachyov, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. APP/TZD/ABB
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani exchanging views with the Konstantin Kosachyov, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation
APP62-131125
ISLAMABAD