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Criminals held

By
Asif Jalal
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SARGODHGA, Nov 15 (APP): Police arrested 12 alleged criminals from various parts of the district on Saturday.
 Teams from different police stations carried out raids in multiple localities, leading to the arrest of Naveed, Saleem, Arslan, Tahir, Wajid, Shams, Shahid, Arif, Rehan, Majid, Mubashir, and Zain.
During the operations, authorities seized 8 kilograms of hashish, nine pistols, five guns, three Kalashnikov rifles, 490 rounds of ammunition, and cash worth millions of rupees.

Measles, rubella vaccination drive from 17th

By
Asif Jalal
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MULTAN, Nov 15 (APP): A district-wide measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign will commence in Multan on November 17 and run through November 29. The campaign was officially launched by Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu, who inaugurated the drive during a visit to the District Health Office, where he symbolically kicked off the initiative by cutting the ribbon.
The Health Department has deployed 589 vaccination teams that will conduct door-to-door visits to vaccinate over 711,000 children aged six months to five years. During the launch, the DC emphasized that a robust monitoring system has been put in place to ensure the smooth execution of the campaign across all union councils.
“All government health facilities are providing measles and rubella vaccines free of charge,” Sindhu said, urging parents to actively engage by taking their children to the nearest health center or temporary vaccination points if the teams are unable to visit their homes.
He also assured that the health teams would be actively monitoring the campaign in the field to ensure its success. Each field team has been assigned specific targets to maximize coverage and ensure the effectiveness of this national initiative.

15th meeting of the Steering Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention held in GB

By
Asif Jalal
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ASTORE, Nov 15 (APP): The fifteenth meeting of the GB Steering Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr. Abrar Ahmad Mirza.
The team from Faisalabad Medical University participated virtually, while the team from the University of Lahore attended in person. Secretaries of all relevant departments participated and briefed the meeting on the progress made. Representatives from the private sector, including officials from Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan (AKHSP), also attended.
It was unanimously decided in the meeting that work will be carried out in schools under the plan prepared by the GB School Education Department, in collaboration with the mentioned universities. Initially, the project will be implemented as a pilot in selected districts, and in later stages, it will be expanded to the remaining districts. Furthermore, it was decided to include colleges under the GB Higher and Technical Education Department in the School Education Department’s plan.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts made by all relevant GB government departments and the private sector. He said that the time has come to prepare today’s generation for a safer and healthier society in the future, and that through joint efforts and shared resources, support can be provided through positive activities.

Reaffirming support for World Court’s role, Pakistan spotlights Kashmiris’ plight under Indian occupation

By
Asif Jalal
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UNITED NATIONS, Nov 15 (APP): Emphasizing the International Court of Justice’s crucial role for the peaceful settlement of disputes, Pakistan has drawn attention to the predicament of the people under occupation in Palestine and Kashmir.
” In flagrant disregard of the UN Charter and international law, unilateral and indiscriminate use of force, and violation of international obligations is becoming rampant,” Pakistani delegate Zulfiqar Ali told the UN General Assembly during a debate on the world of ICJ — also called the World Court.
“We are witnessing blatant violation of international law and usurpation of fundamental rights of people under occupation in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir,” said Zulfiqar Ali, a first secretary in the Pakistani Mission to the UN, as he reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for the ICJ’s role.
Amid cataclysmic transformations taking place across the globe, he said, ICJ’s role for the pacific settlement of disputes has gained greater significance.
 The ICJ,  a major pillar of global governance architecture and one of the UN’s principal organs,  is the only international court of a universal character with general jurisdiction.
“Even in these testing times, the ICJ remains seized of pressing issues ranging from territorial and maritime disputes to environment and human rights,” the Pakistani delegate said, pointing out that the trust reposed by the international community in the Court is reflected in an increase in its caseload and its international prestige, citing the July 2024 Advisory Opinion on Israel-Palestine conflict,
“The ICJ’s jurisprudence has unequivocally established that the occupying power is under a legal obligation to enable the occupied people to exercise their right to self-determination and end its unlawful presence in the occupied territory without delay.
“The ICJ’s Advisory Opinions have clarified international law and norms, which must be applied universally, in all similar situations of foreign occupation and denial of the right to self-determination – both with respect to the obligations of the occupying power and the obligations of third states,”he added.
Pakistan, he said,  remains committed to a world order underpinned by rule of law, underlining that a  just and inclusive global governance flows from observance and enforcement of international law including the UN Charter.
The Pakistani delegate’s pointed words about the situation in Occupied Kashmir drew a response from an Indian representative who claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and commented on the internal situation in Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegate dismissed as “spurious” his Indian counterpart’s claim, saying, “Jammu and Kashmir has never been a part of India; it never will be. As per multiple UNSC resolutions, Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory pending a final solution.”
“The audacity and stubbornness with which India refuses to honour its legal obligations is an abuse of sanctity of this august forum which deserves strongest condemnation.”
Pakistan , he added, needed no advice on democracy, law, justice and fairness from a country which is peddler of lies in international forums, planner of global assassination campaigns and a plotter of terrorism against its neighbours.
Hollow claims of being world’s biggest democracy, Zulfiqar Ali said, cannot hide state-sanctioned pogroms led by RSS-BJP vigilantes against Muslims, Christians and Sikhs in India.
India would do well to fulfil its legal obligations by conducting a UN-mandated plebiscite in Kashmir as per UNSC resolutions, alleviate suffering of its own ethnic minorities, and adopt a path of dialogue and diplomacy, instead of conflict and strife, for a better future and prosperity for a great multitude of humanity, the Pakistani delegate said.y.

SME empowerment accelerates, SAPM Haroon Akhtar calls for Concrete “Pharma Park Blueprint”

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan has chaired a follow-up meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in Islamabad on Saturday.
This meeting was held a day after his detailed interaction with the SMEs Cluster of Rawalpindi and the President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where pharmaceutical SMEs highlighted their challenges and the need for structured government support, said a release issued here.
During today’s meeting, the SAPM instructed SMEDA to come up with a detailed plan and framework for establishing a Pharma Park in Islamabad, noting that such a facility is essential for supporting pharmaceutical SMEs and creating a conducive environment for growth, innovation, and quality enhancement.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that SMEs have enormous potential. What they need is a proper platform and institutional support to scale up and contribute more effectively to the national economy, he said. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision places SMEs at the center of economic revival, job creation and export growth.
The SAPM also underscored the importance of empowering women entrepreneurship, directing SMEDA to expand its facilitation programs, training initiatives, and outreach efforts to ensure greater participation of women in the business landscape.
He reiterated that SMEDA must play a more proactive and strategic role in supporting SMEs across sectors by guiding them, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing actionable solutions.
Haroon Akhtar reaffirmed that the Ministry of Industries and Production remained focused on strengthening SMEs through sector-specific initiatives, improved financing avenues, and strong linkages with local and international markets.

Politics of PTI founder based on falsehood and hypocrisy: Attaullah Tarar

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, strongly criticized the politics of PTI founder Imran Khan, accusing it of being based on falsehoods and hypocrisy. Speaking to the media on Saturday after attending a defamation case filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against the PTI founder in 2017, Tarar condemned the PTI founder’s baseless allegations, specifically the claim that PM Shehbaz Sharif had offered him Rs 10 billion to withdraw from the Panama Papers case.
Tarar emphasized that the accusations made in 2017 were thoroughly addressed in court and debunked, underlining that these fabricated allegations had harmed the reputation of PM Shehbaz Sharif and fueled a false propaganda campaign. This propaganda, he said, was widely circulated through newspapers and television programs, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
The minister also brought up a recent case involving a PTI supporter living abroad, who had made false claims about the Pakistani military and other institutions. These accusations were later proven untrue in a London court, resulting in the individual facing legal consequences, including damages and court expenses.
Tarar also referenced a recent article by journalist Owen Bennett-Jones in The Economist, which criticized the PTI founder’s decision-making during his tenure. The article argued that decisions made by PTI’s leadership were not based on competence or the country’s larger interests, but rather on personal biases. Tarar further revealed that the PTI founder’s wife had a significant influence on government decisions, often guiding policy on matters from political appointments to foreign relations, based on superstition rather than expert advice.
Referring again to The Economist, Tarar pointed out how PTI’s leadership failed to consult experts in critical areas like the economy, domestic policy, and national development. He also reflected on PTI’s 2017 sit-ins, where numerous false accusations were made, especially against PM Shehbaz Sharif. These allegations, he noted, were repeated in public speeches at various rallies, including those at the Parade Ground, Shaukat Khanum ceremony in Peshawar, and Karachi airport.
Tarar criticized the PTI leadership for allowing baseless narratives to influence their decision-making and governance, instead of adhering to sound principles. He questioned the nature of the “spirituality” that allegedly guided the PTI founder’s decisions, wondering what kind of spirituality would shape such critical decisions for the country’s future.
In his remarks on the governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar questioned the PTI government’s record on major development projects in the province. He called for transparency in addressing the real issues facing the people of the province.
On security matters, Tarar praised Pakistan’s military for successfully thwarting a terrorist attack at Wana Cadet College, where 550 students were rescued, preventing a tragedy similar to the 2014 APS Peshawar attack. He commended the Pakistani Army and security forces for their role in foiling a conspiracy involving the Jaffar Express and capturing those behind the suicide bombing at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex. Tarar assured the public that Pakistan’s security was in capable hands and that terrorists were increasingly targeting softer, more vulnerable targets due to the difficulty in breaching more secure locations.
In a positive note, the minister thanked the Sri Lankan government, its cricket team, and the High Commissioner for their collaboration and praised Pakistan’s cricket team for their recent strong performance against Sri Lanka. Tarar also expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean cricket team for their participation in the triangular series and expressed confidence that Pakistan’s cricketing success would continue to be a source of national pride.
Concluding his remarks, Tarar reassured the public that, by the grace of Allah, both the safety of the nation and Pakistan’s cricketing success would continue to thrive.

Pakistan’s prosperity hinges on promoting youth entrepreneurship: President ICCI

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) lauded the remarkable talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistani youth, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the country’s economic future.
Addressing a delegation of business leaders and young innovators here on Saturday,  Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted how the energy and skills of the youth are transforming Pakistan into a hub of innovation and sustainable development. “Our young generation is not just the future; they are the driving force behind today’s economic growth, technological advancements, and cultural dynamism,” he said in statement issued here on Saturday.
He further expressed ICCI’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs and professionals can thrive. “The Chamber is actively working to facilitate youth-led startups and businesses through mentorship programs, access to finance, and platforms for global exposure,” the ICCI President added.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood underscored the importance of harnessing this potential through partnerships between Chamber, academia, and government. “By investing in education, skill development, and technology, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for our youth and the nation as a whole.”
The ICCI President also called on local and international investors to recognize and support  Pakistan’s vibrant youth ecosystem. “There is immense untapped potential here  from tech innovators to creative artists  ready to contribute to Pakistan’s economic resurgence.”
Concluding his remarks, Sardar Tahir Mehmood reaffirmed ICCI’s dedication to empowering young Pakistanis and ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed on both national and global stages.

Speaker SA Owais Shah Visits SIUT Hospital Sukkur

By
Asif Jalal
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0
SUKKUR, Nov 15 (APP): Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Syed Owais Qadir Shah on Saturday visited the SIT Hospital Sukkur, where he was given a detailed briefing on the hospital’s operations and challenges.
During his visit, he inspected various departments, met with patients, and inquired about their well-being. He also met with hospital administration and staff, discussing hospital matters and issues.
The Speaker was briefed on the hospital’s development projects and directed that they be completed promptly. He assured the administration of all possible support and praised the hospital’s efforts, stating that providing quality healthcare facilities to patients is a top priority.
Shah commended the SIT Hospital’s services, saying it is being improved on modern lines and is an exemplary institution in the healthcare sector. He emphasized that the Sindh government’s welfare mission will continue unabated.

CDA reclaims 42 kanals in anti-encroachment drive around Diplomatic Enclave

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Capital Development Authority (CDA) has recovered 42 kanals of state land during an ongoing crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments around the Diplomatic Enclave.
The operation, ordered by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Director General (Enforcement) Dr Anum Fatima, its spokesperson told APP on Saturday.
He said, the latest phase targeted areas in and around the Diplomatic Enclave where land had been occupied by local encroachment groups.
All legal formalities were completed and prior notices issued before action was taken.
The CDA Enforcement Directorate, supported by district administration and Islamabad Police, used heavy machinery to remove illegal structures.
Modern satellite imagery provided by SUPARCO was also used to identify encroachments in real time.
Meanwhile, the CDA chairman said the agency would maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance towards illegal occupation and ordered long-term measures to secure the retrieved land against future encroachment.
He added that sustained action was essential for Islamabad’s urban planning, safety and overall aesthetics.
The authority has urged residents to cooperate with the anti-encroachment campaign and report any illegal occupation to the relevant departments.

Kaspersky urges stronger online safety

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Kaspersky has urged people in Pakistan to stay alert online and follow basic cyber-hygiene practices to protect themselves.
After participating in the CTI Summit 2025 in Islamabad, the global cybersecurity company released new data on the country’s cyberthreat landscape and shared practical safety advice.
Kaspersky’s Global Security Expert, Dmitry Berezin, said Pakistan continues to face serious cyber risks, including exploits, ransomware, and advanced targeted attacks. He told reporters that organisations must understand how fast cyberthreats are growing and becoming more sophisticated.
Kaspersky recorded more than 5.3 million on-device attacks in Pakistan between January and September 2025.
About 27 percent of users and 24 percent of corporate networks were exposed to malware spread through infected USBs, CDs, DVDs, and hidden installers.
These included ransomware, worms, trojans, backdoors, spyware, and password-stealing tools.
During the same period, Kaspersky blocked over 2.5 million web-based attacks. Around 16 percent of users and 13 percent of companies faced threats such as phishing, botnets, exploits, Remote Desktop Protocol attacks, and fake Wi-Fi networks.
A closer breakdown showed more than 354,000 exploitation attempts were stopped, along with 166,000 cases of banking malware, 126,000 spyware attacks, 113,000 backdoors, and 107,000 password stealers. Ransomware, which usually targets specific high-value victims rather than the public at large, was detected 42,000 times.
The most exploited vulnerabilities included two recently discovered issues in 2025 in 7-Zip, along with older flaws in Microsoft Office, HTML, WinRAR, VLC Player, and Notepad++. Kaspersky said this highlights the importance of timely software updates for both individuals and organisations.
Ransomware remains one of the biggest causes of corporate cyber incidents in Pakistan and globally.
Attackers often focus on government departments and large enterprises. Kaspersky said that strong defence requires a mix of preventive and response steps, including regular patching, strong authentication, limited remote access, and the use of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) tools. Regular data backups and continuous staff training are also essential to reduce phishing-related risks.
Kaspersky also revealed that Pakistan is currently targeted by seven Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. These groups—both old and newly emerging—focus on telecom and financial sectors, critical infrastructure, and government organisations, and are expanding into commercial industries as well.
APT groups frequently change their methods. Kaspersky monitored a recent campaign by an APT group known as “Mysterious Elephant,” which targets organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.
The group aims to steal sensitive files, images, documents, and even WhatsApp data. In 2025, the attackers used exploit kits, personalised spear-phishing emails, and malicious documents to break into specific networks. Once inside, they used various tools to increase their access, move within the system, and steal confidential data.
Berezin said some threats are widespread, while others are highly targeted.
He noted that zero-day vulnerabilities are often used in attacks linked to ransomware and APT groups. Understanding which threats are active in the region, he added, helps organisations adjust their security controls in advance.
Kaspersky advised individuals to learn basic cyber-safety principles, use trusted security tools like Kaspersky Premium, install updates regularly, and back up important data.
For organisations, it recommended assessing their IT systems, using strong protection tools from endpoint to XDR, accessing threat intelligence, updating cybersecurity policies, and training employees through platforms such as Kaspersky Security Awareness.
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