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3 outlaws arrested, 5 escape after police encounters

By
Asif Jalal
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0
FAISALABAD, Dec 21 (APP): The police have arrested three outlaws while five others managed to escape after encounters in different parts of Faisalabad.
Police spokesman said that Raza Abad Police conducted an encounter near Tilanwala graveyard where proclaimed offender Rafiq was arrested in injured condition while his accomplice escaped. The arrested accused was wanted in four cases including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.
In another incident, Airport Police engaged criminals during an encounter on Chuhla Ring Road and arrested a robber Usman alias Kodu after he was injured in retaliatory firing. Three of his accomplices escaped under the cover of darkness. Police records revealed that the arrested accused was involved in more than two dozen criminal cases.
Similarly, Sadar Police arrested a robber Basit in injured condition during a police encounter in Khanuana area. The accused was found as a habitual offender and involved in dozens of criminal cases, while his accomplice managed to escape by taking advantage of the situation.
The spokesman said that injured outlaws were shifted to hospital for medical treatment under police custody. The police also started manhunt arrest the escapees, he added.

Cloudy, cold weather persists in Lahore

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): Cloudy and cold weather persisted in the city on Sunday, while the Met. Office forecast light to moderate rain on Monday.
Met. officials said a westerly wave was affecting the western and upper parts of the country. They predicted rain, with snowfall over mountainous areas, in north and west Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad and the Potohar region. Cold and partly cloudy conditions were likely to prevail in other parts of the country, while fog and smog were expected to persist over districts of eastern Punjab and upper Sindh.
The Met Office warned that landslides and snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Gilgit, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from tonight through December 21.
According to the PDMA Punjab, thunderstorms and snowfall were also expected in the mountainous areas of the province. Rain and snowfall were likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat and Potohar regions, while light rain was also expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh from December 20 to 21.

AQI surges to 450 in Lahore, may receive rain on Monday

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): As the average AQI surged to 450, foggy, cloudy and hazy conditions persisted in the city on Sunday, while the Met. Office forecast light to moderate rain on Monday.
With the sharp rise in pollution levels, Lahore also ranked among the world’s top ten most polluted cities. According to IQAir, the average AQI remained in the hazardous category, with PM2.5 concentration measured at 56.8 times the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value.
Dense fog led to the closure of several motorways at various points due to poor visibility across many cities of Punjab. Motorway M2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M3 from Lahore to Samundri and the Sialkot Motorway M11 were closed, while the M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad was also shut. Motorway Police advised that safe travel during the foggy season was between 10am and 6pm. Fog was also reported in Sundar, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar and Pattoki, where visibility on the national highway dropped to between zero and 100 metres.
The dense fog partially disrupted flight operations at Lahore Airport, causing delays to several international flights. Airport sources said flights from Lahore to Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi were delayed, while a PIA flight to Canada was held up by more than seven hours. The most polluted areas of the provincial capital included Allama Iqbal Town (688), Liberty (671), Bedian Road (485), B Block Phase 5, DHA (441), Barki Road (399), Cantonment (347), Johar Town (317) and Askari X (298).

President Zardari, Iraqi Caretaker PM focus on trade, defence, pilgrim facilitation

By
NNPS Desk
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BAGHDAD, Dec 21 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari met Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Iraq, at Government Palace here on Sunday, and discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation and address priority areas of mutual interest.

The President thanked the Iraqi government for the hospitality extended during his visit and congratulated the Iraqi people on the completion of the parliamentary election process. He conveyed his best wishes for a smooth political transition and continuity in Iraq’s development efforts.

President Zardari underscored that Pakistan values its longstanding and brotherly relationship with Iraq and remains committed to working closely with the Iraqi government to expand cooperation through structured and result-oriented mechanisms. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges to carry forward bilateral engagement.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The President noted that existing trade volumes remain well below potential and called for focused efforts to translate intent into outcomes. He highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in priority sectors, including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals and medicines. The President also stressed the importance of direct banking channels to facilitate trade, business interaction and the movement of pilgrims.

President Zardari drew attention to Pakistan’s participation in major trade and health exhibitions in Baghdad, noting these engagements as a step towards sustained business-to-business connectivity. He encouraged closer coordination between chambers of commerce and the private sector of both countries through regular exchanges and virtual engagement.

The President expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral defence ties, including ongoing training programmes and completed defence deliveries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to further strengthen defence collaboration in line with Iraq’s requirements and evolving security needs.

The President also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity to support Iraq’s reconstruction through skilled manpower, medical professionals and technical expertise in financial services and digital governance. He referred to the existing manpower transmission framework as an important enabler for structured and welfare-oriented deployment.

Matters related to Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq were also discussed in detail. President Zardari emphasised the need for early finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management and called for improved facilitation at immigration points, greater flexibility in emergency travel cases and measures to ease difficulties faced by genuine pilgrims.

The Caretaker Prime Minister welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and appreciated its continued support. Both sides agreed to remain engaged through institutional channels and to pursue cooperation that delivers clear benefits for both countries.

Senator Sherry Rehman; Senator Saleem Mandviwala; Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the President.

Nation united on Pakistan’s defence: Tahir Ashrafi

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said that the nation remains fully united on matters of Pakistan’s defence and warned that those spreading rumors and propaganda will never succeed.
Hesaid that unjustified criticism of the Ulema and Mashaykh conference held in Islamabad is unwarranted, and positive initiatives must be acknowledged.
Addressing the media at Jamia Masjid Nimrah, here on Sunday, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi observed that tolerance and moderation have increasingly been neglected in public discourse, fueling extremism and violence in society. He stressed that all forms of militant behavior should be firmly rejected.
He said that Pakistan was founded on the principles of the ‘Kalima Tayyiba’, but the original vision of the country, establishing a just and equitable system, has gradually been overshadowed. He said that scholars associated with mosques and religious institutions are the guardians of Pakistan’s ideological foundation and advocates of a system inspired by the principles of the Righteous Caliphate.
Recalling Pakistan’s military achievements, he said the Commander-in-Chief had acknowledged that the victories in the Battles of Haq and Bunyan-um-Marsous were achieved through divine support and national unity. He noted that while India targeted mosques and madrasas in May, the Pakistan Armed Forces set an example by avoiding civilian areas and places of worship in their response, earning Allah’s blessings and national success. He added that the world is now examining how a relatively small country triumphed over a larger, heavily armed adversary, noting that defending the holy sites of Islam is a distinction unique to Pakistan.
He added that the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” conference clarified the difference between jihad and corruption, while some elements today deliberately distort the term to justify violence against innocents. He said the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Ulema remain the protectors of the country’s ideological foundation, emphasizing that the army consists of the nation’s own sons and brothers, and unwarranted criticism must be avoided.
Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistanis are united for the defense of the country. He criticized Indian leadership, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoids international conferences featuring leaders like former US President Donald Trump to escape embarrassment. He described India as a terrorist state, citing its involvement in acts of terrorism in Australia.
He said that the Muslim Ummah continues to face threats from internal extremists and external conspiracies, urging political leaders in Pakistan to engage in meaningful dialogue to restore stability and safeguard national unity.

Wasa directed to complete desilting of all drains as per schedule

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad on Sunday inspected drains cleaning work in Gulberg Town.
According to WASA sources here the Gulberg Director Amjad Ali gave detailed briefed to the MD. The MD directed the staff to complete the cleaning work speedily. Ghufran Ahmad thoroughly reviewed the desilting of drains in different areas of the Gulberg town. He said that desilting of all drains should be carried out as per the given schedule.
WASA MD directed that soil, garbage and solid waste removed from the drains must be disposed of immediately after cleaning.
Field officers must conduct daily inspections in their respective areas and submit reports, he added.
He said, “Immediate action should be taken on complaint of citizens and follow up must be done until complaint is resolved.”
He gave special direction to ensure proper cleaning under bridge.
MD also reviewed cleaning work of roadside drain on Upper Mall near Management Professional Development Department office.
Gulberg XEN Usman Haider was also present on this ocassion.

Commissioner sets 72-Hour deadline to resolve Regi Model Town boundary dispute

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 21 (APP): In a significant move toward resolving a 35-year-old land dispute, Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud visited Regi Model Town on Sunday to find a sustainable solution.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Sanaullah, Deputy Commissioner Khyber Bilal Shaid Rao, DG Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) Shah Fahad, and representatives of the Koki Khel tribes, the Commissioner conducted an on-site review of the Mephi Grifth Line.
This colonial-era demarcation, which defines the boundary between Peshawar and Khyber tribal district, has been at the heart of the long-standing contention.
During the visit, Commissioner Mehsud consulted with revenue staff and issued a formal directive to a joint team of PDA engineers and revenue officers from both districts.
This team was tasked with preparing a comprehensive report on their respective demarcations relative to the Mephi Grifth Line within 72 hours. To maintain momentum, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, to review these findings.
Emphasizing the political will behind the initiative, Commissioner Mehsud noted that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi was personally interested in a peaceful resolution.
He praised the seriousness shown by all stakeholders and expressed his gratitude to the Koki Khel tribes for their ongoing cooperation.
The Commissioner concluded by stating that the current environment provides an ideal opportunity to settle the matter once and for all, promising that “good news” would soon be delivered to those affected by the decades-long dispute.

NDF terms Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Politics , Parliament as Internationally acclaimed right

By
Asif Jalal
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Abid Lashari, President of the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, has emphasized that the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in politics and parliament is not only a social necessity but also an internationally recognised human right.
Speaking on the issue of political participation of persons with disabilities, Mr. Lashari stated that inclusive political systems are essential for true democracy. “Persons with disabilities constitute a significant portion of the population, yet they remain largely excluded from decision-making processes. Their meaningful participation at all levels of politics — local, provincial, and national — must be recognised and ensured,” he said.
He highlighted that Pakistan is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which clearly guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully and effectively in political and public life, including the right to vote, contest elections, and hold public office on an equal basis with others.
Mr. Lashari stressed that political parties must play a proactive role by providing accessible party structures, allocating party tickets, and promoting leadership of persons with disabilities. He added that parliament must also ensure disability-inclusive legislation, accessible parliamentary procedures, and representation mechanisms for persons with disabilities.
“The voices of persons with disabilities are critical in shaping inclusive policies related to education, health, employment, social protection, and accessibility. Without their representation in politics and parliament, policies remain incomplete and disconnected from ground realities,” he remarked.
He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan, political parties, lawmakers, and state institutions to take concrete steps to remove physical, legal, and attitudinal barriers that hinder the political participation of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Abid Lashari concluded by saying that a truly democratic and inclusive Pakistan can only be achieved when persons with disabilities are recognised as active political actors, not passive beneficiaries, and are given equal opportunities to lead, represent, and decide.

PFA destroys sewage-irrigated Potato crop during crackdown

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 21 (APP): In a decisive move to protect public health, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Rawalpindi Division conducted a major operation in Hazro, District Attock, where authorities plowed and destroyed a potato crop spanning five kanals that was being irrigated with contaminated sewage water.
The action took place in Village Shah Dher, locality Gari, according to a PFA spokesperson. Teams used a tractor to completely uproot and discard the crop on the spot.
The spokesperson highlighted the severe risks associated with such practices, stating that crops grown with sewage water are highly detrimental to human health and can cause various dangerous diseases. “Irrigating food crops with sewage water is strictly prohibited across Punjab province,” he emphasized, adding that the authority is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against this grave violation.
This operation underscores PFA’s “farm-to-plate” mission to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the public. The spokesperson affirmed that similar indiscriminate actions will continue in the future, with strict legal proceedings against those endangering human health.
Citizens have been urged to report any complaints related to food or agricultural produce by immediately contacting the PFA helpline at 1223.

Hub Oil Refinery Project to play vital role in industrial development of Balochistan: Senator Qadir

By
Asif Jalal
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0
QUETTA, Dec 21 (APP): Chairman Standing Committee on Defense Production Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir on Sunday said that industrial development in Balochistan would bring about an economic revolution in the province.
In his statement issued here, he said that the eyes of the whole world are fixed on the mineral resources of Balochistan, the Hub Oil Refinery Project would play an important role in industrial development, self-sufficiency in the energy sector and creating vast employment opportunities in Balochistan.
He said that therefore, the government should immediately remove all obstacles in the way of the project so that the pace of development of the province is maintained.
He said that the provincial government should provide all possible facilities and full cooperation to the investors so that the project can be completed on time.
Chairman Standing Committee on Defense Production Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir said that the government should maintain close ties with investors and resolve legal, administrative and technical issues related to various investment projects expeditiously so that investment is not discouraged.
He said that the establishment of several mega projects like Hub Oil Refinery would be helped in eliminating unemployment in the province.
If the educated and trained and working class of the province are provided with ample opportunities to earn a living, then the tendency to take interest in negative activities will not develop among them. There will be prosperity in every household. Then peace and tranquility can return to the province, he said.
He said that in every small and big project established in Balochistan, employment opportunities should be provided to the residents of Balochistan on priority basis so that their sense of deprivation would be ended.
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