LAHORE: December 21 –
First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari MNA, inaugurated the rehabilitation, improvement and expansion project of the road from Bandhi Sultan Mori to 3-Chak.
SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD: December 21 –
SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD: December 21 – First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari MNA, inaugurated the rehabilitation, improvement and expansion project of the road from Mehran Highway (Bandhi) to 60-Mile 3-Chak Road (Karnal Mori). APP/FHA
DPO Murree directs safety measures during snowfall, tourist surge
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): District Police Officer (DPO) Murree Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sapra on Sunday issued comprehensive safety guidelines during snowfall and heavy tourist influx urging strict adherence for smooth traffic and public safety.
Sapra stated that enjoying the scenic beauty and snowfall of Murree was the right of every tourist, but ensuring their safety and a secure journey remained the foremost priority of the Murree Police.
Following the onset of the season’s first snowfall, the district police have been placed on high alert to protect tourists from any untoward incidents or traffic-related difficulties.
The DPO Murree is personally supervising all arrangements and has directed police personnel to assist visitors with the utmost courtesy and a spirit of hospitality.
Referring to the extraordinary rush of tourists over the past Saturday and Sunday, Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sapra noted that a large number of visitors remained in the city even after the weekend. In response, the traffic management plan has been further intensified, he said and warned that snowfall caused slippery road conditions and urged the citizens to must use snow chains on their vehicle tires and avoid unnecessary overtaking.
The DPO emphasized that parking vehicles along the roadside for photography created major bottlenecks; therefore, tourists must use only designated parking areas.
Furthermore, the DPO advised the travelers to ensure that their vehicles were in top mechanical condition, specifically checking heaters, wipers and lights, and to maintain an ample supply of fuel before entering the hilly terrain.
He also shared critical health advice, urging tourists to take special care of children and the elderly and to keep vehicle windows slightly open during travel to prevent oxygen depletion.
In conclusion, he urged the citizens to report any emergency, accident or suspicious activity immediately by calling the Police Helpline 15 or by approaching officers at the nearest police check post. Murree Police remain fully alert and committed to providing guidance and safety to every visitor at every step, he added.
CM congratulates nation on winning Under-19 Asia Cup final
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the national Under-19 cricket team and the entire nation on Pakistan’s emphatic victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup final against arch-rival India.
In her message, the CM praised Sameer Minhas for playing a match-winning innings and commended Subhan for his outstanding bowling performance, saying their contributions played a decisive role in Pakistan’s memorable triumph.
The chief minister said that the young “Shaheens” brought immense joy to the nation by securing a historic win in the final, adding that Pakistani players upheld national pride by raising the green crescent flag on the international stage. “This victory belongs to the entire nation. It is a moment that will be remembered for a long time,” she remarked.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that dedication, discipline, and determination enable even young players to overcome strong opponents, adding that the Under-19 team has won the hearts of the Pakistani people through its outstanding performance. She noted that the players displayed exceptional teamwork and demonstrated their full potential in batting, bowling, and fielding throughout the tournament. Expressing confidence in the team’s future, she hoped that the Under-19 national side would continue to perform brilliantly in upcoming matches and bring further laurels to the country.
14 outlaws held during operations, drugs, liquor and weapons recovered
RAWALPINDI, Dec 21 (APP): The Rawalpindi Police apprehended 14 outlaws and recovered more than 01 kilogram of drugs, over 25 liters of illicit liquor, and illegal weapons from their possession here on Sunday.
According to police spokesperson, the arrests were made across various police stations including Ganjmandi, Ratta Amral, Waris Khan, Chaklala, Saddar Wah, and Sadiqabad areas.
Police have registered separate cases against all of them and further investigation is underway.
Divisional Superintendents of Police (SPs) stated that individuals involved in drug peddling and possessing illegal arms cannot escape the clutches of the law.
City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani has repeatedly directed divisional SPs and other officers to accelerate these operations without discrimination, utilizing all resources to protect citizens and maintain peace.
Rajab Al-Murjab crescent moon sights in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Sunday that the crescent moon of Rajab Al-Murjab has been sighted across Pakistan.
According to the official notification, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, confirmed the sighting and declared that the first of Rajab Al-Murjab 1447 AH will fall on Monday, December 22, 2025.
LMDC convocation: degrees distributed to 309 graduates
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): Lahore Medical and Dental College (LMDC) held its 8th convocation ceremony at the auditorium of Expo Centre Lahore.
A total of 309 students who graduated from MBBS, BDS, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D),
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), BS Biotechnology and BS Human Nutrition were awarded certificates in the ceremony.
Renowned educationists, administrative officers, teachers, students and families attended the convocation.
The chief guest was Professor Nadia Naseem, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Health Sciences.
Other dignitaries included Professor Sohail Afzal, Executive Director, Punjab Group; Major General (Rtd) Professor Dr Naeem Naqi, Vice Chancellor, UBAS; Professor Dr Naeem Mubarak, Pro Vice Chancellor, UBAS; Professor Dr Aqib Sohail, Principal/Dean Dental College, LMDC; and Asad Ahmed Khan, Chief Administrative Officer and Organizing Secretary Convocation.
The chief guest, Professor Nadia Naseem, while congratulating the graduates, appreciated the educational standard of Lahore Medical and Dental College and exhorted the young medical professionals to adopt ethics, professional responsibility and patient-friendly behavior.
Govt taking measures to revive basketball: CM
LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is committed to promoting basketball and other sports facilities across the province.
In her message on World Basketball Day, she said that sports play a vital role in inculcating teamwork, healthy competition, discipline, and endurance among the youth, adding that the Punjab government is taking comprehensive measures to revive and strengthen the sports culture.
The chief minister said that world-class sports complexes are being constructed in Punjab, while players will be provided financial and institutional support through an enhanced Sports Endowment Fund. She announced that sports festivals and competitions are being restored, and the Punjab League will be launched at the union council level to ensure grassroots participation.
Highlighting key initiatives, she said the “Khelta Punjab” programme has been launched to promote sports activities and identify emerging talent throughout the province.
CM Maryam Nawaz added that the government is determined to build 300 new grounds and sports complexes for the youth, for which a dedicated Construction and Renovation Department is being established. She added that the Sports Endowment Fund has been increased from Rs 2 billion to Rs 4 billion to support athletes. She also announced that 10 university students will be included as members of the Sports Advisory Council, while international coaches will be hired to ensure modern and professional training for players.
The CM termed Punjab’s outstanding performance in the 35th National Games, securing 126 medals after 37 years, as a historic and commendable achievement.
ICT Police nab woman thief, recover Rs 1.15 miln, gold jewellery
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have arrested a woman involved in multiple house theft cases and recovered cash worth Rs 1.15 million along with stolen gold jewellery and other valuables.
An official told APP on Sunday that the accused woman was arrested by Koral Police during an operation carried out against organised criminal groups involved in house burglaries.
He said that during the search, police recovered Rs 1.15 million in cash, stolen gold ornaments and other household items from the possession of the accused. The recovered property was linked to several house theft incidents reported in the area.
The official added that the arrested woman had been actively involved in stealing valuables from houses, and further investigation was under way to trace her possible accomplices and other theft cases.
SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza said that strict legal action would be ensured to award exemplary punishment to those involved in depriving citizens of their hard-earned assets.
He said Islamabad Police would continue indiscriminate action against organised and active criminal gangs, adding that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remained the top priority of the police.
Cases have been registered against the accused, and further investigation is in progress.
PCB Chairman commends Pakistan team on Asia Cup victory
ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has extended his heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan U-19 cricket team on their triumphant victory in the Asia Cup final.
In a post on social media platform X, Naqvi expressed his pride, saying, “Proud to be handing over the ACC U19 Cup to our brilliant U19 team.”
He praised the team’s performance, and said they played with fearless cricket and unmatched spirit.
Naqvi highlighted the exceptional performance of Sameer, describing him as “calm under pressure and outstanding on the big stage.”
He concluded by saying the team makes the nation proud and shines a bright light on the future of Pakistan cricket, terming their win ‘what a show’.