ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
A vendor selling peanuts along Srinagar highway in Bhara kahu during the first spell of rain in capital.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
BZU students launch research based perfume
MULTAN, Dec 22 (APP): Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) students of Chemical Sciences department have successfully launched a research-based perfume product after months of sustained scientific work and experimentation.
The launch ceremony for the perfume, branded “Elaira,” was held during a meeting of the Lions Club Multan Midtown. The project was developed under the supervision and mentorship of Associate Prof Dr. Suriya Manzoor by undergraduate students Muhammad Abdullah, Ameer Hamza, Ahmed Mustafa, and Faizan-ur-Rehman, who formulated the fragrance through continuous laboratory research and testing before giving it a commercial shape.
The product was formally inaugurated by Dr. M.A. Bilal, President of Lions Club Multan Midtown, along with senior Lion and prominent businessman Chaudhry Altaf Shahid. To encourage the young innovators, club members purchased the perfume at a discounted rate during the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Suriya Manzoor said that with proper guidance, mentorship, and sustained focus, students can be helped to achieve meaningful success. She added that BZU remains a leading institution in the region, providing quality education and opportunities for practical innovation.
Dr. M.A. Bilal and Chaudhry Altaf Shahid praised BZU’s role in nurturing the intellectual potential of regional youth and urged students to move beyond the traditional pursuit of salaried jobs. They emphasized entrepreneurship and innovation as key pathways for creating self-employment and generating jobs for others.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Faheem Sattar, ProfeAzam Hussain, Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Zubaida Jalal, Mirza Shahid Hussain and others.
The successful launch of Elaira highlights the growing trend of student-led research and commercialization initiatives within Pakistan’s public universities, reflecting a shift toward innovation-driven education and entrepreneurship.
Dar chairs Cabinet Committee meeting, reviews Wheat Stocks, Rabi sowing for 2025–26
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday chaired the 7th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Essential/Cash Crops, where comprehensive discussions were held on improving per acre wheat yields and ensuring national food security.
A detailed review of the current wheat crop and existing stocks was also undertaken. The meeting observed that the country has ample stored wheat stocks to comfortably meet national requirements for the Food Year 2025–26, a DPM’s Office news release said.
Provincial representatives shared data on wheat sowing for Rabi 2025–26, which was found to be in line with the assigned targets. The participants noted that the timely introduction of the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025–26 has generated positive sentiment and renewed confidence among the farming community.
The deputy prime minister expressed satisfaction over the smooth availability of certified seed and other key agricultural inputs. He also appreciated the collective efforts of federal and provincial stakeholders toward achieving wheat self-sufficiency.
He urged all relevant stakeholders to focus on promoting improved wheat varieties and emphasized the need for sustained coordination between the federation and provinces to ensure long-term national food security under the framework of the Government of Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by members of the cabinet committee and senior officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Planning and Special Initiatives, as well as provincial secretaries of agriculture from across the country. Participants deliberated on a range of measures aimed at enhancing productivity and strengthening the wheat value chain.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025. APP/FHA
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025. APP/FHA
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025. APP/FHA
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025.
ISLAMABAD: December 22 –
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025. APP/FHA
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets members of the under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team which won the U-19 Asia Cup 2025. APP/FHA
Atta Tarar briefs NA body on PTV reforms
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Monday regarding reforms initiated to transform Pakistan Television (PTV) into a merit-based and profitable organization.
The minister informed the NA committee on Information and Broadcasting that, in the past, the national broadcaster had suffered from nepotism, abuse of authority, and corruption.
He noted that successive governments contributed to the organization’s current challenges, specifically pointing out a large number of employees in the PTV.
The minister asked the committee, that was chaired by Pulain Baloch, for proposals for rightsizing in PTV. If a Golden Handshake is introduced that allows employees to take a decision regarding the scheme as per their desire, it could significantly improve efficiency of the institution, he proposed.
The minister also elaborated the restructuring of PTV World (English) and the Digital Media Department, highlighting the introduction of new talent aimed at increasing viewership and revenue.
Meanwhile, the committee directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to review all relevant Acts and laws to ensure they align with recent Federal Cabinet decisions.
The Committee also directed the Ministry to initiate process of appointment of head of organizations under its administration thirty days prior to completion of their tenure in future.
The Committee was apprised that in accordance with the Supreme Court judgement in Mustafa impex case, the Federal Cabinet directed for making amendments in respective Acts and laws in consultation with Ministry of Law for replacing words “Federal Government” with appropriate authorities.
In view of above the Ministry had proposed amendments in Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002, the Newspaper Employees (Condition of service) Act, 1973 and Associated Press of Pakistan Ordinance 2002 for replacing Federal Government with appropriate authorities.
The Committee after discussion unanimously approved the Bills.
The Committee also directed for appointment of permanent head of PTV and making it a viable and self-sustaining organization.
The meeting was attended by various MNAs including Nadeem Abbas, Kiran Imran Dar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Kiran Haider, Shaheen,. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Sehar Kamran, Rana Ansar, and Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other officers of departments under Ministry.
Preparations for Basant in Lahore, police devise security plan
LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP): Punjab Police have devised a security plan for Basant preparations in Lahore, while 40 places in the city have been declared as red zones.
The red zones were created keeping in mind the loss of lives due to kite flying, joint teams of police and traffic police were formed in the red zone.
Police official sources said that checkpoints will be set up to allow citizens to string their motorcycles, and the transportation of strings and kites will be allowed after permission is granted.
Kite making and transportation are still banned in the city, kite making will be allowed after government notification, and monitoring will also be done in the red zone with Safe City Authority cameras.