Punjab govt consults Ahl-e-Hadith scholars on madaris registration

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:37 PM

LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP): Provincial Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique, on Monday met a delegation of Ahl-e-Hadith scholars at the Punjab Home Department to discuss the registration of madaris in the province.

Secretary Home Department Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi was also present during the meeting.

Special Secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary Abdul Rauf, DIG Special Branch,

officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other officers attended the session.

The Ahl-e-Hadith delegation was led by President Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Hisham Elahi Zaheer and included Dr Hafiz Hassan Madani of Ghani Trust Lahore, Vice Chairman Quran-o-Sunnat Movement Dr Hafiz Hamza Madani, Dr Hafiz Hussain Azhar, Qiyam Ilahi Zaheer, Maulana Shakeel-ur-Rehman Nasir, Rana Muhammad Nasrullah Khan, Hafiz Muhammad Nawaz Butt, Abdul Waheed Rupdi, Rana Abdul Mannan and Qari Muhammad Fayaz.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the process of madaris registration.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government was taking effective steps to make the madaris registration process easy and facilitative. He said that madaris were providing students with modern religious as well as contemporary education, adding that consultations with scholars of different schools of thought on the issue of registration were continuing.

Secretary Home Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that the process of madaris registration had been made extremely simple to ensure maximum facilitation for all stakeholders.

A folk artist Sema Kirmani performing folk dance during last day of 11th Ayaz Mela organized by Khana Badosh writers cafe Sindh Museum.

Wajid

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:37 PM

A folk artist Sema Kirmani performing folk dance during last day of 11th Ayaz Mela organized by Khana Badosh writers cafe Sindh Museum. — APP33-221225
HYDERABAD: December 22 –

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inspects the passing-out parade during the 63rd Parents’ Day at Cadet College Petaro.

Wajid

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:36 PM

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inspects the passing-out parade during the 63rd Parents’ Day at Cadet College Petaro. — APP36-221225
JAMSHORO: December 22 –

Artists performing in the drama “ Dil Deji Dil Waran Ki ” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council.

Wajid

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:36 PM

Artists performing in the drama “ Dil Deji Dil Waran Ki ” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council. — APP40-221225
LARKANA: December 22 –

RWMC steps up sanitation, drainage & awareness drive amid first winter rain, Murree snowfall

Asif Jalal

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:34 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 22 (APP): The Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has put in place comprehensive sanitation, drainage and public awareness measures during the season’s first winter rain and the first snowfall in Murree, in line with the Suthra Punjab Programme.

Acting on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents and tourists during rain and snowfall, the Company launched an emergency cleanliness operation alongside a public awareness campaign, an RWMC spokesman said on Monday.

Under the supervision of RWMC Chief Executive Officer, Rana Sajid Safdar, additional sanitation workers, supervisory staff and machinery were deployed in sensitive and low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Murree. Continuous monitoring was carried out, while desilting of drains and nullahs and the timely drainage of rainwater from roads and markets were ensured.

In Murree, special cleanliness arrangements were made at tourist spots and on major roads following the first snowfall.

As part of the Suthra Punjab Programme, manual sweeping, door-to-door waste collection and prompt lifting of waste were further intensified in streets, neighbourhoods, roads and public places. Staff at disposal points in low-lying areas remained on high alert to prevent water accumulation.

The RWMC also continued its cleanliness awareness campaign during the rain and snowfall, urging citizens and tourists to avoid dumping waste into drains and nullahs, dispose of garbage at designated points and cooperate with sanitation staff. Awareness teams distributed pamphlets, engaged directly with the public and promoted responsible civic behaviour.

Rana Sajid Safdar directed field officers to prioritise public awareness alongside cleanliness measures to avert drainage problems during adverse weather. He said the Suthra Punjab Programme, envisioned by the chief minister, was not limited to cleanliness alone but aimed at bringing about positive behavioural change.

In view of the large influx of tourists to Murree, special awareness camps were set up in central markets, parking areas and public places to encourage visitors to maintain cleanliness and help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

The spokesman said the sanitation, drainage and awareness drive under the Suthra Punjab Programme would continue with full vigilance throughout the winter to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents and tourists alike.

FUUAST launches PEHEL Magazine, focuses environmental challenges

Asif Jalal

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:29 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): The Department of Mass Communication at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, has launched the second edition of its annual magazine PEHEL.

This year’s edition is dedicated to green journalism, focusing on global warming and environmental challenges.

The launching ceremony of the annual magazine was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari. Campus In-Charge Dr Saba Bashir, Head of Department Dr Faisal Javed, Assistant Professor and Editor-in-Chief Dr Sikandar Zareen, along with faculty members and a large number of students, attended the event.

The magazine featured articles by experts as well as contributions from male and female students on a wide range of environmental issues. PEHEL has been compiled and edited by Assistant Professor of Mass Communication Dr Sikandar Zareen.

Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, while addressing the launch ceremony, lauded the efforts of Dr Sikandar Zareen for producing a meaningful and timely publication.

He said that highlighting the issue of global warming through the power of the pen was an achievement in itself.

He added that the Department of Mass Communication was playing a vital role in projecting the university’s positive image and noted that the university would collaborate with international organizations on environmental initiatives.

Renowned environmental writer and columnist Asif Mahmood termed the green journalism edition of PEHEL a “remarkable document,” saying that selecting the environment as the central theme was a commendable initiative by the University.

Asif Mahmood described the articles published in PEHEL as the “voice of the times,” stating that the editorial work carried out under Dr Sikandar Zareen’s supervision was of a standard usually associated with leading institutions.

He suggesting all stakeholders , and institutions to adopt the magazine as a roadmap.

He also urged media owners, anchors, and journalists to seek guidance from PEHEL, calling it one of the most meaningful and high-quality magazines published by Pakistani universities.

Campus In-Charge Dr Saba Bashir congratulated the Department of Mass Communication and termed the magazine a milestone in the history of the FUUAST.

Head of Department Dr Faisal Javed said that launching an environmental protection campaign through media was an excellent idea, praising the department for taking a new and constructive initiative.

He paid tribute to Dr Sikandar Zareen and the students for their efforts.

Editor-in-Chief Pehel and Assistant Professor Dr Sikandar Zareen said that the most pleasing aspect of the magazine was that it represented the collective efforts of students.

He emphasized that providing students with practical training and a professional approach was the department’s core mission.

Student Editor Zakir Hussain and Head of advertising team, Mahnoor also addressed the ceremony. At the conclusion of the event, the Vice Chancellor distributed copies of PEHEL magazine among faculty members and students.

Ambassador Hashmi holds meetings with Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Counsellors in China

NNPS Desk

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:26 PM

BEIJING, Dec 22 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi on Monday held individual meetings with Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Counsellors (HICs) in China to take stock of their work, strengthen coordination, and set priorities for the year ahead.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Ma Xiaoli, representing Mr. Yuan Jianming, Mr. Zhang Baozhong, Mr. Wang Zihai and Mr. Jian Peng. Besides individual meetings, the Ambassador also held a collective working luncheon with the HICs.

Ambassador Hashmi appreciated the HICs’ sustained efforts across a wide geographic spread, ranging from Hong Kong-Macao-Greater Bay Area, the region known for innovation and science and technology, Xinjiang which is a gateway to Pakistan, Shandong a major industrial base and Henan as an emerging agriculture hub.

He underscored the HICs’ important role in advancing trade, investment and people-to-people linkages. He encouraged them to synergize their efforts with Pakistan’s national development priorities and mobilize Chinese investments in export-oriented sectors of Pakistan.

Highlighting progress made in the past two years to mobilize investment in priority sectors, the Ambassador briefed them on the context of identifying 21 priority sectors, channeling investments in these sectors through joint ventures to boost productive capacities and integrating investments with human capital development.

The Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the unprecedented results achieved from the two B2B Investment Conferences held in Shenzhen and Beijing and six sectoral investment roadshows held since last year which cumulatively have yielded signing of over 300 MoUs and 25 Joint Ventures worth $11 billion so far. He shared with them the active follow up mechanism underway in Pakistan at high level to provide facilitation in implanting the MoUs. The Ambassador advised HICs to actively pursue implementation of MoUs falling within their respective jurisdictions to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.

Ambassador Hashmi also briefed the HICs on preparations made so far for the first sectoral, China focused Agriculture Investment Conference on 19 January 2026 in Islamabad and appreciated the role the HICs were playing to encourage participation by leading Chinese agricultural enterprises.

The HICs welcomed the initiative to convene focused annual review by the Ambassador, marking the beginning of an institutionalized engagement with the HICs. They shared their plans for 2026 and expressed resolve to lend their full support to the Embassy’s economic diplomacy agenda, especially enhancement of Chinese investments in Pakistan and increase in Pakistani exports to China, while boosting bilateral cooperation in these mutually beneficial areas.

Punjab starts work on seedless, pigmented kinnow varieties

Asif Jalal

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:26 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): The Citrus Research Institute (CRI) Sargodha has begun developing seedless and pigmented kinnow varieties to better meet global market demand, marking a major shift in Punjab’s citrus improvement efforts.

Punjab has 358,000 acres under citrus cultivation, with expected production for the current season estimated at 3.3 million metric tons.

“The current varietal spectrum is not fully aligned with international market demand, as it remains heavily dependent on traditional seedy kinnow,” said Dr. Akbar Hayat Saggu, Director of CRI Sargodha.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Dr. Saggu said the institute is currently working on pigmented and seedless kinnow varieties that enjoy strong global demand. He said international buyers prefer seedless, easy-peeling and high-quality mandarin types, whereas most citrus varieties grown in Pakistan lack these characteristics.

Pakistan’s citrus landscape is dominated by kinnow — a mandarin hybrid often containing around 20 seeds — along with other varieties including Musambi, Valencia Late oranges, Succri, Ruby Red, Eureka and Lisbon lemons, and Kaghzi limes, primarily cultivated across Punjab, particularly in Sargodha.

Dr. Saggu said climate change has placed substantial stress on kinnow production in Punjab, as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall and intensified pest and disease pressure have reduced yields. Heat stress during flowering and inconsistent winter patterns have affected fruit set and quality.

“We have to take care of both international trends and the climate-related issues presently affecting kinnow orchards,” he said.

He added that persistent smog in Punjab has also impacted kinnow production by reducing the sunlight required for photosynthesis, slowing tree growth and weakening fruit development. Smog traps pollutants that reduce plant vigor and increase susceptibility to diseases.

According to Dr. Saggu, around 100 citrus varieties are currently cultivated in Pakistan, with an additional 70 varieties being imported for research and development. However, imported varieties cannot be exported without breeder agreements due to intellectual property restrictions.

Citrus exporters believe Pakistan urgently needs new, competitive citrus varieties for the international market. “We can’t compete with countries like China, Turkey and Mediterranean countries with the existing decades-old kinnow varieties,” said Waheed Ahmad, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.

He said Pakistani kinnow exports have declined to 250,000 tons from 550,000 tons over the last five years due to shorter shelf life and excessive seeds. “Shipments to Russia take at least one month. The current kinnow varieties do not have that much shelf life,” he said.

Ahmad noted that Pakistani scientists should have introduced at least three to four new citrus varieties by now to help the country remain competitive in the global market.

Punjab police arrest nine accused, recover arms, cash

Asif Jalal

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:20 PM

LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP): Punjab police have intensified operations against organised criminal groups across the province, including Lahore, resulting in the arrest of nine operatives belonging to four gangs during the last 24 hours.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 93 weapons, including Kalashnikovs, pistols, rifles, revolvers and shotguns, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from the arrested suspects.

The police also recovered two vehicles, six motorcycles, 12 mobile phones, four heads of cattle and cash amounting to Rs one million from their possession.

The spokesperson said that during operations against criminal elements, one criminal was sent to his logical end, while seven others were arrested in injured condition.

ANF arrests nine, seizes drugs worth over Rs 20.4 mln in nationwide operations

Asif Jalal

Mon, 22 Dec 2025, 7:05 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 22 (APP): The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) conducted seven operations across the country, arresting nine suspects and seizing 202.71 kilograms of narcotics valued at more than Rs 20.4 million, an ANF spokesman said on Monday.

The operations were carried out around educational institutions and in various cities as part of an ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking.

As part of educational institutions’ drug interdiction, ANF recovered 2.4 kg of hashish from a vehicle near a university in Islamabad and arrested two suspects. The arrested men confessed to selling drugs to students of educational institutions, the statement said.

Under domestic drug interdiction, ANF teams seized 150 kg of hashish from two motorcyclists in Illah Abad, district Kasur, and apprehended both suspects. In Karachi, 42 kg of hashish was recovered from a rickshaw at Bilal Chowrangi, leading to the arrest of two individuals.

In separate actions, 4.5 kg of hashish was confiscated from a car near a hotel on GT Road in the district of Nowshera, resulting in the arrest of one suspect, while 3.6 kg of hashish was seized from an accused near Mandi Mor, Rawalpindi.

ANF also recovered 200 grams of weed from a motorcyclist in Islamnagar, Lahore Cantt, and 15 grams of weed from a watch box at a cargo office in Nazimabad, Karachi.

Cases have been registered under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and further investigations are underway, the spokesman said.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

Punjab govt consults Ahl-e-Hadith scholars on madaris registration

A folk artist Sema Kirmani performing folk dance during last day of 11th Ayaz Mela organized by Khana Badosh writers cafe Sindh Museum.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inspects the passing-out parade during the 63rd Parents’ Day at Cadet College Petaro.

Artists performing in the drama “ Dil Deji Dil Waran Ki ” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council.

RWMC steps up sanitation, drainage & awareness drive amid first winter rain, Murree snowfall

FUUAST launches PEHEL Magazine, focuses environmental challenges

Ambassador Hashmi holds meetings with Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Counsellors in China

Punjab starts work on seedless, pigmented kinnow varieties

Punjab police arrest nine accused, recover arms, cash

ANF arrests nine, seizes drugs worth over Rs 20.4 mln in nationwide operations

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