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CDA, LEAs unite to expel illegal immigrants from Capital region

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad administration have launched a coordinated crackdown on foreign nationals residing illegally in the federal capital and surrounding districts.
CDA chief following a high-level task force meeting directed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to prevent the resettlement of undocumented foreigners and called for an integrated database containing complete records, including residential details.
“Seamless data synchronization among all relevant institutions is essential. Only foreigners with valid visas will be allowed to stay, and strict legal action will be taken against violators,” he said.
The task force decided to declare Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur as “safe zones” by ensuring no undocumented foreign nationals could settle there.
Authorities will monitor adjoining areas, enforce action against unregistered foreign tenants, and strengthen coordination through the appointment of focal persons in each district.
In addition, it was agreed that stamp papers will no longer be issued for property transactions involving undocumented foreigners, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will block mobile SIM issuance to those without valid visas. The Tenancy Act will also be strictly enforced.
Randhawa underscored that district administrations will immediately begin data collection on foreign nationals residing without legal documents.
He stressed that the government is committed to national security and stability by permanently resolving the issue of illegal immigrants.
“All relevant institutions are working together to implement robust measures against illegal immigration,” he added.
The meeting, held at CDA Headquarters, brought together senior officials from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur, along with representatives from the Ministry of Interior, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement bodies.

Courts can’t interfere in proceedings of parliamentary standing committees: Attorney General

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan informed the Senate on Monday that courts have no jurisdiction to interfere in the proceedings of any standing committee of the House, adding that the issue would be resolved collectively.
Responding to points raised by Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Ali Zafar, Kamran Murtaza, and others, the AGP said that no court or tribunal has the authority to adjudicate on such matters.
He said that he had discussed the issue with Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and that it would be brought back before the House in due course.
Earlier, Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Ali Zafar, and Kamran Murtaza emphasized that the Constitution is absolutely clear as the courts cannot interfere in the proceedings of Parliament, nor can Parliament interfere in the proceedings of the courts.

World community should provide emergency assistance to flood-hit people in Pakistan: Prof Cheng

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Aug 18 (APP): Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, Prof Cheng has appealed to the international community to provide emergency assistance to flood-stricken people in Pakistan.

Pakistan, as one of the major victims of global climate change, has been frequently hit by extreme weather events in recent years. The current severe floods in Pakistan have caused heavy losses to people’s lives and property, and seriously damaged infrastructure and the ecological environment, he told APP.

He said that in such circumstances, the international community should show sympathy and provide emergency assistance and added, this is not only a respect for life but also a manifestation of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.

From a humanitarian perspective, people affected by floods are confronted with multiple predicaments such as housing destroyed, food shortages, unsafety of the drinking water and increased risk of disease transmission.

Therefore, Pakistan urgently needs external support to alleviate its urgent situation, he said.

He said that international community assistance, whether in the form of financial aid and material donations, or technical support, can provide tangible support for Pakistan’s disaster relief and reconstruction efforts, helping local people overcome difficulties.

In addition, in the face of global challenges such as natural disasters, the solidarity and cooperation of the international community are crucial. Working together among countries can not only effectively improve disaster relief efficiency, but also showcase the spirit of human solidarity and accumulate experience and consensus for addressing other global issues, he opined.

CDA Chief, Envoy advance Islamabad–Dhaka partnership

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, met with Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain Khan, on Monday to discuss the establishment of “sister city” ties between Islamabad and Dhaka and explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Randhawa emphasized the importance of strengthening “brotherly and friendly relations” between Pakistan and Bangladesh, noting that the proposed sister-city partnership could open up new opportunities for cooperation in urban development, environment, and civic management.
“Pakistan holds Bangladesh in high regard, and CDA is fully committed to supporting the establishment of sister-city relations between Islamabad and Dhaka,” he said.
CDA Chief, Envoy advance Islamabad–Dhaka partnership
The Bangladeshi envoy praised the ongoing development work in Islamabad, including infrastructure upgrades, flood management systems, and environmental initiatives.
He expressed his government’s strong interest in contributing to joint projects, including Islamabad’s ongoing tree plantation campaign.
“We are determined to further strengthen the ties between our two nations and actively participate in initiatives that benefit our people,” Khan remarked.
During the discussions, Randhawa briefed the delegation on Islamabad’s road infrastructure improvements, monsoon drainage systems, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Both sides underlined that closer cooperation could provide tangible benefits for citizens in both capitals.
The meeting concluded with A renewed commitment from both Pakistan and Bangladesh to deepen collaboration and advance the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for formalizing the Islamabad–Dhaka sister-city relationship.

PDMA DG chairs meeting to review preparations for torrential rains in Rawalpindi

By
NNPS Desk
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RAWALPINDI, Aug 18 (APP): Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia on Monday chaired an important meeting here at the Commissioner Office to review preparations in the wake of expected torrential rains in the Rawalpindi region.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the Pothohar Region during the ongoing week.

The meeting was attended by, Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamer Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema and officers of other relevant departments.

The meeting reviewed the measures taken regarding flooding in the Nullah Leh, other drains and rivers in the wake of rains.

The PDMA DG directed to ensure the presence of rescue teams, drainage machinery and other equipment at sensitive places.

Addressing the meeting, Irfan Kathia said that the PDMA Punjab had made available more rescue and relief equipment in the Rawalpindi Division.

All officers and staff should be present in the field, he said, warning that there was no room for negligence.

He further directed that continuous monitoring of private dams in the region should be ensured.

Talking to the media after the meeting, the PDMA director general said that the Authority was on high alert on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He said there were clear instructions from the chief minister regarding the safety of life and property of citizens. However, the citizens should also cooperate with the administration in any emergency situation, he added.

Heavy rains, he said, were predicted for the next three days and the public should observe the precautions advised by the administration.

Citing that a landslide occurred on the Muree Expressway today, the PDMA DG urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel.

He said the Punjab government was assessing the damage, relief activities are underway. Rescue equipment had been provided to all relevant agencies.

He said this time the monsoon rains were longer and the administration was on alert to meet any eventuality.

“There is more rain than usual as Pakistan has been affected by climate change,” he added.

Speaking earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Khattak said that the administration across the Rawalpindi Division was ensuring the evacuation of people from risky areas under pre-emptive measures.

The district administrations and rescue agencies were monitoring the situation at all times and the citizens should cooperate so that any unexpected situation could be avoided, he added.

He urged the public to report any emergency situation immediately to Rescue 1122 or the district control room.

Polio eradication drive to begin from September 1, HPV vaccination from September 15

By
Kamran Muraad
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HYDERABAD, Aug 18 (APP): A meeting of the district polio eradication committee was held on Monday at Shehbaz Hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abidin Memon. SSP Hyderabad Adeel Chandio, relevant officials, departmental representatives and district authorities attended the session.
During the meeting, participants were briefed about the upcoming polio eradication campaign scheduled from September 1 to 7, 2025, during tis drive children under five years of age will be administered anti-polio drops. Officials also informed that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive will commence on September 15.
Addressing the meeting, DC Memon said that the polio eradication campaign was a national responsibility and no negligence will be tolerated. He directed officials to closely monitor the movement of people coming from other districts to prevent the spread of the virus.
He further directed that during the rainy season, special attention must be paid to densely populated areas to ensure no child is left unvaccinated. Departments were urged to extend maximum support to field teams, while officers and teams showing outstanding performance will be awarded.
Reaffirming the district administration’s commitment, the DC said that with effective strategy and joint efforts, polio can be completely eradicated. He stressed the need for effective coverage in all union councils and timely submission of performance reports.

Mohsin Naqvi pays surprise visit to NADRA Center, passport office

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a surprise visit to NADRA Center Kot Abdul Malik and Passport Office Shahdara on Monday. He reviewed the process of issuing CNICs, other documents, and passports.

NADRA Center Kot Abdul Malik was closed due to renovation, while two mobile vans were present but the internet was down and long queues of citizens were seen. NADRA staff informed that the reason for the queues was the system outage.

Citizens complained that proper guidance was not available on the helpline. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi listened to the issues of citizens who had come for CNICs and issued on-the-spot instructions for resolving their issues. He also directed to resolve the internet issue.

Interior Minister said that as the facility of making CNICs is available at every center, the asking citizens to go to another center is unacceptable.

He directed that the Kot Abdul Malik center be made operational at the earliest. At the Passport Office Shahdara, the Interior Minister heard the issues of citizens and inquired about the process of passport issuance.

Citizens complained about delays in passport delivery. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed displeasure after seeing files and papers at the office and ordered all records to be digitized immediately. He directed that passport delivery must be ensured within the stipulated time.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that citizens can get passports from any passport center. He said that making them run from one center to another is intolerable. He also stated that a policy is being prepared for the issuance of passports for children whose fathers are residing abroad.

IHC serves notices to religious ministry in petition against private Hajj quota

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) served notices to Ministry of Religious Affairs in a petition challenging distribution of private Hajj quota.
IHC’s Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case and sought comments from the respondents.
The petition’s adopted the stance that quota distribution through Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan is illegal. It said that priority should be given to pilgrims who missed Hajj in 2025.
It prayed the court that the Private Hajj quota should be restored to 50% and Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan should be kept separate from administrative matters.
It pleaded that Hajj and Umrah Regulations Act 2024 is being violated.
The court sought written response from parties on next hearing and adjourned the case.
Lawyers Sheikh Khizar Rashid and Shahina Shahab appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners.

DPM meets Pakistani origin British Members of UK Parliament

By
Kamran Muraad
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LONDON, Aug 18 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, on Monday held productive meetings with British Members of Parliament of Pakistan-origin British MPs Mohammad Yasin, Tahir Ali, Imran Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Adnan Hussain.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister underscored the deep historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, which are further strengthened by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
He highlighted the diaspora’s pivotal role as a bridge between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchanges, and robust people-to-people connections.
Senator Dar emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to enhancing bilateral parliamentary exchanges with the United Kingdom.
He noted that such engagements facilitate the sharing of democratic experiences, international best practices, and core democratic values, which are vital for the growth and stability of democratic institutions in both countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for the proactive efforts of the British MPs in raising awareness about the human rights violations and atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He commended their dedication to highlighting these issues within the UK Parliament and increasing public awareness in Britain about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

CM Murad reviews preparations for monsoon rains

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Aug 18 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, following the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s forecast of imminent rainfall, chaired an emergency meeting to oversee preparations for the monsoon rains expected to impact Karachi and other parts of the province.
Shah put all the local bodies, administration and traffic police on high alert, and directed them to strengthen coordination between the relevant departments and organisations.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Local Govt Waseem Shamshad, MC KMC Afzal Zaidi and others.
The CM focused on ensuring the city’s infrastructure is ready to handle the anticipated downpour. Mayor Wahab briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing efforts to improve drainage systems at 44 Nullah’s critical choking points across Karachi, with approximately 150 drains under the control of Towns undergoing cleaning to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater.
The CM directed the Local Government Minister and the Mayor Karachi to take all necessary steps to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of the citizens.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab told the CM that in addition to drainage improvements, 120 suction vehicles from the water board are strategically positioned in low-lying areas to clear any accumulated water quickly.”
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is also working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to secure additional machinery if needed, demonstrating a coordinated approach to disaster management.
Directing all relevant agencies to remain vigilant, the chief minister instructed local government bodies to maintain a fully mobilised presence during the rain spell. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures by the city administration and urged the traffic police to ensure smooth traffic flow, even in the event of heavy downpours.
“The provincial government is fully prepared to manage the rains, but constant vigilance and rapid response from all departments are crucial,” Chief Minister Shah asserted. “Our priority is to protect our citizens and minimize any potential damage caused by the monsoon.”
Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the anticipated rainfall. The Sindh government has established emergency contact points and is urging citizens to report any issues or concerns promptly.
While Karachi braces for potential challenges, Chief Minister Murad Shah highlighted the positive impact of recent rainfall in the Tharparkar region. “The heavy rainfall has replenished all local dams in Tharparkar, providing a vital source of water for the people,” he noted. “This will significantly benefit local communities, particularly in agriculture and daily life,” the CM concluded.
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