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RDA seeks ECL placement of University Town owners; two officials suspended

By
Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 14 (APP):The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Friday requested the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to place the names of the owners of University Town on the Exit Control List (ECL) amid allegations of large-scale fraud and illegal activities.
Acting on the directions of the Secretary, Housing Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&PHED), Captain (Retired) Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, and under the supervision of RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, the Authority initiated strict enforcement measures against the management of the housing scheme.
According to an RDA spokesperson, Director General Kinza Murtaza had formally written to the NAB Chairman and the FIA Director General, seeking ECL placement of Aziz Khan and Jameel Khan, owners of University Town (Pvt) Ltd. The move followed accusations of fraudulent practices, unauthorised sale and purchase of plots, cheating the public and non-payment of mandatory government dues.
“These violations not only inflict financial losses on citizens but also undermine the regulatory regime meant to ensure lawful urban development,” the Director General said.
In a parallel action, Director Town Planning Samiullah Niazi and Assistant Director Town Planning Shiza Tanveer were suspended for failing to curb unlawful activities associated with the scheme and for ineffective enforcement of the RDA’s regulations.
To ensure transparency in the process, the Director General also asked the Commissioner Rawalpindi to nominate an inquiry officer to examine the conduct and negligence of officials responsible for overseeing University Town.
The RDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public interest, strengthening internal accountability and ensuring strict compliance with urban development laws, the spokesperson added.

WCLA hosts Sufi Night

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Nov 14 (APP):The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) on Friday hosted a soulful musical evening titled “Sufi Night” featuring the renowned Sufi vocalist Tahseen Sakina.
According to a press release issued here, the event was held at the magnificent Shalimar Gardens in line with the directions of the Punjab  government for the promotion of Tourism and Culture. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the spirit of Sufi music and its timeless connection to Lahore’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
Tahseen Sakina’s melodious performance offered the audience a deeply captivating experience amidst the serene and historic ambiance of Shalimar Gardens.
Speaking on the occasion, Walled City of Lahore Authority Director General  Najmus Saqib said, “Under the vision of the Government of Punjab, the WCLA remains committed to preserving and promoting Lahore’s living heritage. Events like ‘Sufi Night’ allow people to experience the beauty of our historic monuments while connecting with the soulful traditions of Sufi music that form a significant part of our cultural identity.”

Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

By
Wajid
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APP68-141125 RAWALPINDI: November 14 - Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP68-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 –
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP65-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP66-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Saim Ayub plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP67-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Sri Lankan players celebrates wicket of Pakistani batter Saim Ayub during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP69-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP70-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium. APP/ADZ/FHA
Pakistani batter Babar Azam plays a shot during the second one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
APP71-141125
RAWALPINDI: November 14 – Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman raises his bat after completing his half-century during the second One Day International cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Pindi Cricket Stadium.. APP/ADZ/FHA

TDAP organises National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Nov 14 (APP):The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) successfully convened the first National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue at its headquarters on Friday.
The landmark event brought together major pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and investors to forge a unified strategy for enhancing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical export ecosystem.
In his opening address, Secretary TDAP, Sheryar Taj, emphasized the dialogue’s objective to create a collaborative platform focused on export strategy, access to finance, and industry modernization. Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General TDAP, outlined the authority’s ongoing initiatives for the sector, while a comprehensive roadmap presentation was delivered by Arshad Raheem, Consultant Pharmaceutical.
The dialogue featured robust discussions on critical areas for growth. Shahbaz H. Syed, President of EXIM Bank, assured the industry of the bank’s full backing through tailored export credit insurance and guarantee schemes. Likewise, Joint Director SBP, Raheel Soomro has briefed about Export Finance Scheme for SMEs.
Dr. Obaidullah, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), underscored the necessity for international accreditations and WHO-PIC/S compliant systems to build global market trust and facilitate market access.
Senior industry leaders, including Haroon Qasim of PharmEvo, called for increased investment in Research & Development (R&D), better utilization of Clinical Research Organization (CRO) funds, and the establishment of WHO-accredited Bioequivalence Labs. The Executive Director of the Engineering Development Fund (EDF) committed to supporting this critical infrastructure development.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA), Kamran Nasir, commended TDAP’s initiative and highlighted the vital importance of policy consistency in this highly regulated sector. Representatives from leading firms including Himmah Capital, Martin Dow, Bio-Ferozsons, and Curexa/Highnoon contributed sector-specific insights, identifying policy gaps such as duty disparities affecting the import of oncology Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Concluding the event, Chief Executive TDAP, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical industry. “The longstanding gaps between government institutions and the industry have significantly narrowed,” stated Chadhar.
“We urge manufacturers to enhance compliance standards and diversify into new, high-potential markets. TDAP stands fully committed to supporting the sector in every possible way to unlock its export potential and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global healthcare economy.”

Court awards death sentence to murder of ex-attorney general

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP):An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday awarded death sentence to an accused convicted in murder case of former Attorney General Sardar Muhammad Khan.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra announced the verdict in the case. Prosecutor Raja Naveed followed the case on behalf of the federal government.
The court acquitted co-accused Waqif Khan due to lack of evidence while announcing death sentence twice to accused Rohullah after being found guilty in the case.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed said that accused Rohullah had escaped from police custody in 2013. He was accused of killing former Attorney General Sardar Muhammad Khan in the F-10 area of Shalimar police station.
The prosecutor said that the police also recovered the murder weapon from accused Rohullah. He was also sentenced to a fine of Rs. 500,000 and a compensation of Rs. 500,000.

Milestone crossed in higher education sector of Balochistan as one year: Governor

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
QUETTA, Nov 14 (APP):Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday said that a milestone has been crossed in the higher education sector of Balochistan province under one year of close supervision.
He said that the ranking of almost all public sector universities of the province has doubled saying that the score of BUITMS University has increased from 80 percent that of Women’s University from 37 percent to 67percent, while the score of University of Balochistan has enhanced from 44 percent to 76 percent.
The Governor said that it is a matter of pride that for the first time after 25 years, the University of Balochistan has been completely freed from the clutches of all crises, in this regard, Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoor Bazai and his entire team deserved tribute.
The Government of Balochistan, Education Department, Higher Education Commission Islamabad and the Vice Chancellors of the universities have received special support in improving the overall performance, he said.
Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that the University of Balochistan has managed to save about Rs 25 million by switching from traditional power generation to solar energy.
He said that a bold step towards reforms has been taken with the closure of seven unnecessary departments that were hindering the progress of education.
During this current year alone, two international seminars were organized on the premises of the university. This strategic move has paved the way for a more efficient and credible university, he said.
He said that moreover, all faculty members are now receiving their salaries on time, ensuring stability and security for the academic community.
“Another important achievement is the abolition of all contract and illegal jobs, male and female hostels have been completely allocated to outsiders”, he said.
He said that fiscal responsibility has also been maintained while promoting the trend of transparency and meritocracy, all self-finance accounts have been centralized for the first time in the history of the university.
Thus, for the first time, we have achieved a remarkable success in reducing the annual operation cost by Rs150 million. Petrol expenses have been significantly reduced from Rs. 3.8 million to Rs3.5 million.
 In addition, the governance of the University of Balochistan has been strengthened, and the meetings of the Senate and Syndicate are convened at the appointed time, he said and added that our computer science experts have developed DMIS software under which students have been digitized from admission to obtaining the final degree.
He said that as we are entering the final phase of our goals and objectives, we are ready to launch a strong public awareness campaign adding that the aim of this initiative is to revolutionize the perceptions of all relevant institutions, authorities and the public regarding the University of Balochistan, to highlight our fundamental revolutionary reforms and extraordinary performance.
The Governor said that through this effort, we wanted to consolidate the position of the university as a beacon of academic excellence and a symbol of hope for the emerging youth of Balochistan. He said that however, even minor issues of pension, medical bills, and stationery would be overcome soon.

Saturday last day to deposit second installment of Hajj dues

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday announced that all the nominated banks would remain open on Saturday, as tomorrow is the deadline to deposit second installment of Hajj 2026 for the government scheme.
The ministry urged intending pilgrims to receive a computerized receipt after depositing Hajj dues to avoid any inconvenience or potential issues with their application.

Court sent 181 accused to jail on judicial remand

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday sent 181 workers of a banned religious party to jail on judicial remand in a violent protest case.
The police produced the 198 workers of banned religious party presented in court of Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain after identity parade.
The court also discharged 17 accused from the charges. In the Tarnol police station case, 75 accused were judicially remanded while 15 were discharged from the case.
In two cases of Shahzad Town police station, 67 workers were judicially remanded and two were discharged from the case.
In the Bara Kahu police station case, all 39 workers were ordered to be sent to jail on judicial remand.

AJK President expresses grief over AJK LA Deputy Speaker Ch. Riaz’s brother

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MIRPUR, Nov 14 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the death of Chaudhry Sardar Ali, elder brother of Deputy Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Riaz Ahmed, it was officially said.
In his condolence message, the president, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, prayed to Allah the almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace, the AJK President’s office said late Friday.

Korea launches “Vibe With Us” challenge to engage Pakistani Youth

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP):The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has launched a global social media initiative, the “Vibe With Us” Relay Challenge, aimed at fostering connection and hope among young people worldwide. The campaign is being run through the ministry’s public diplomacy Instagram account, @mofa_koreaz.
According to a press release, the initiative seeks to acknowledge the challenges facing today’s youth—including economic hardship, limited opportunities, generational divides, loneliness, and social isolation—while sharing messages of empathy and solidarity across borders.
Participants in the challenge are encouraged to upload photos or short videos using an Instagram Reels template, making a K-hand sign and showcasing their “My K,” a personal representation of Korean culture that has inspired or comforted them.
In Pakistan, the challenge has gained significant momentum, boosted by promotional videos from Majid Mushtaq, a Pakistani YouTuber and recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and Leneha Junsu, a popular K-influencer supported by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Their involvement has prompted many young Pakistani fans of Korean culture to take part.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan has also promoted the campaign, integrating it into its public diplomacy efforts. A KOREAZ promotion booth was featured at the K-Wave Festa held in October at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, offering participants an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture, society, and foreign policy.
The embassy is further directing audiences to the @mofa_koreaz Instagram page and the KOREAZ YouTube channel for continued engagement.
The embassy stated that it will continue working to deepen cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Korea and Pakistan through a range of public diplomacy initiatives.
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