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FCC reviews progress report in Arshad Sharif murder case

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):During the hearing of the murder case of senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif, the Federal Constitutional Court was informed that the government has submitted a detailed progress report regarding the investigation into his killing.
The case was heard on Wednesday by a three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court. The court was told that the report contained complete details of the steps taken by the government so far, including matters related to the investigation conducted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The report also outlines the future course of action in the case.
During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the JIT was required only to visit Kenya to collect evidence. He stated that after reviewing the crime scene and gathering relevant evidence in Kenya, the investigation would be finalized. He added that the JIT’s report would be completed once the evidence collection process is concluded.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until the winter judicial vacations are over, observing that the government had been directed during the previous hearing to submit a progress report, which has now been complied with.

FCCP issues notices in case on export of Indian and Israeli goods

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court Wednesday issued notices to the concerned parties in a case pertaining to the export of goods to India and Israel, and adjourned the hearing until January 13.
During the proceedings, counsel for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar, informed the court that the High Court’s order was contrary to the constitutional principle of separation of powers. He argued that it was not the role of the courts to alter government policies or interfere in economic matters.
The FBR’s counsel further submitted that the case involved issues related to foreign relations and national security, and that the High Court could not issue directions without first declaring the relevant Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) unlawful.
It was noted that in 2019, the government had issued a notification imposing a ban on the export of goods to India and Israel. Several parties subsequently challenged the notification before the Lahore High Court. The Lahore High Court had directed the formation of a committee to review the ban.
The hearing was conducted by a two-member bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq.

FCCP dismisses students’ appeals on overseas quota fees in medical colleges

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court Wednesday dismissed petitions filed by students of medical colleges in Sindh who had sought permission to pay their fees in Pakistani currency after securing admission under the foreign/overseas quota.
Upholding the High Court’s judgment, the court rejected the students’ appeals. The case was heard by a three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan.
During the hearing, counsel for the students, Shahab Sarki, argued that the students had been granted admission under the overseas quota by the universities themselves, despite the fact that the students had completed their entire education in Pakistan. He further contended that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had displayed show-cause notices instead of properly serving them on the students, and that the universities had forcibly placed the students under the foreign quota.
The students’ counsel maintained that students should not be penalized for the mistakes of the universities and that they could only be adjusted in other universities.
On the other hand, PMDC’s counsel, Jahangir Jadun, informed the court that the students had themselves applied for admission under the overseas quota, adding that both the students and the universities were responsible for admissions under an incorrect quota.
The court was told that the students had obtained admission to medical colleges under the overseas quota in the academic year 2022–23 and, after paying fees in foreign currency for two years, approached the High Court seeking permission to pay their fees in local currency. However, the High Court had dismissed their writ petitions.
The Federal Constitutional Court declared the High Court’s decision to be valid and dismissed the appeals accordingly.

UNHCR delegation calls on Governor

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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QUETTA, Dec 17 (APP):A delegation led by UNHCR Deputy Representative in Pakistan Mr. Oscar Manuel Sanche called on Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel here at the Governor House on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the latest situation in the region, the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and the conditions of the host community, including the performance of United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in education and health, were discussed in detail.
The Head of UNHCR Sub-Office Tesfaye Beklele and Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Arbab Talib Kasi were also present during the meeting.
Talking to the delegation, Governor Balochistan said that UNHCR undoubtedly has valuable services for the rehabilitation of refugees as well as for the development and prosperity of the host community.
He said that the current government is taking concrete steps to ensure the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The Governor said that Pakistan is playing an important role for peace in the region, we need the support of international organizations in providing basic facilities to Afghan refugees and their affected areas.
He said that the establishment of lasting peace in Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region, especially Pakistan.
The UNHCR Deputy Representative thanked the Government of Pakistan and its people for their hospitality to Afghan refugees for the past four decades.

ICCI, Thai Embassy agree to fast-track trade, tourism and investment cooperation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):A high-level delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood Wednesday visited the Royal Embassy of Thailand.
They held a fruitful and forward-looking meeting with Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Pakistan, said a press release.
The meeting focused on deepening bilateral economic relations, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and exploring new avenues of partnership between Pakistan and Thailand.
During the discussions, both sides underscored the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade volume to $ 2 billion. Ambassador Virabutr noted that bilateral trade had already reached $1.6 billion last year, reflecting strong momentum and untapped potential.
He emphasized that the Pakistan–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should be concluded “at the earliest” to unlock the next phase of growth and urged ICCI leadership to actively advocate for its early finalization.
The Thai Ambassador also highlighted the importance of developing the Gandhara tourism route to attract more Thai tourists to Pakistan, terming it a promising area for people-to-people connectivity and cultural exchange.
He further shared Thailand’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in high-value halal industries, leveraging Thailand’s global reputation for high-standard food production and quality assurance.
As the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Ambassador Virabutr reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation and supporting Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper engagement with the regional bloc.
He also emphasized Thailand’s strong push for electric vehicles (EVs) and proposed cooperation with Pakistan through the sharing of expertise, technology, and best practices to help develop Pakistan’s EV ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood showcased Pakistan’s vast export potential, particularly in pharmaceuticals, mines and minerals, pink salt, surgical instruments, and sports goods.
He stressed the need to explore new and non-traditional trade avenues to enhance Pakistan’s exports to Thailand, noting that the current trade balance favors Thailand.
He added that B2B meetings, delegation exchanges, and joint initiatives, in close collaboration with the Thai Embassy, would play a pivotal role in bringing business communities of both countries closer, leading to increased trade, investment, and joint ventures.
The ICCI President also extended a formal invitation to the Thai Ambassador to visit the ICCI  and interact directly with Islamabad’s business community, which is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Virabutr accepted the invitation and assured that he would visit ICCI at the earliest possible time.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub highlighted the immense scope for value addition in marble, gems, and jewelry, emphasizing joint ventures and enhanced industrial infrastructure as key drivers for boosting exports.
Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry and Chairman ICCI ASEAN Committee Chaudhry Mohammad Ali also shared valuable insights on practical measures to further strengthen trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand.

Pakistan needs comprehensive strategy to decarbonise transport sector: Musadik Malik

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik Wednesday stressed the need for a comprehensive and diversified strategy to reduce carbon emissions from Pakistan’s transport sector, stating that decarbonisation could not be achieved through electric vehicles alone.
Speaking at a webinar on “Reducing Carbon Emissions in Pakistan’s Transport Sector: Cooperation under Article 6”, organised by SPAR6C, the minister said transport remained one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the country and required urgent, long-term planning aligned with global climate commitments.
Dr Malik said that while electric vehicles were an important part of the transition, they were not a complete solution, particularly for heavy and long-distance transport.
He highlighted green hydrogen as a viable and unavoidable option for the future of freight and heavy transport, calling it a “critical pillar” of low-carbon mobility.
The minister also underscored the importance of exploring the production, utilisation and integration of green hydrogen into Pakistan’s transport and energy systems, noting that early investment and policy clarity could help the country benefit from emerging global carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Emphasising implementation challenges, Dr Malik said that policy frameworks alone were insufficient without effective training, institutional capacity-building and technical expertise.
 “No policy can succeed unless institutions are equipped to implement it,” he said, adding that human resource development must accompany regulatory and technological reforms.
The webinar focused on international cooperation mechanisms under Article 6, which allow countries to collaborate on emission reduction initiatives through carbon trading and shared mitigation efforts.
Participants from government, development partners and the private sector discussed pathways for reducing emissions in the transport sector while supporting sustainable growth and climate resilience.

CDA launches fresh anti-encroachment drive in Noorpur Shahan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched the next phase of its anti-encroachment operation in the Noorpur Shahan area, on Wednesday, following the recovery of 712 kanals of state land adjacent to the Diplomatic Enclave, officials said on Tuesday.
The operation is being carried out on the directions of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and is being supervised by Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anam Fatima.
According to the CDA, the ongoing drive aims to eliminate illegal constructions and encroachments from estate land in the federal capital.
Multiple CDA formations are participating in the operation, while staff from the Planning Wing’s Land Survey section and the Geo-Spatial Wing have been deployed on-site to ensure accurate demarcation and smooth execution.
The Islamabad district administration and police are also providing full support to the enforcement teams.
Officials said that in the current phase, legal notices have been issued to occupants of illegally constructed structures to ensure compliance with the law and facilitate the removal of encroachments.
A camp office has also been established in the area to address issues related to built-up properties, land distribution and other genuine concerns of residents.
The camp office includes officials from the Planning Wing, Land Directorate and Enforcement Directorate to provide on-the-spot facilitation and guidance to the public.
A CDA spokesperson said the authority was committed to ensuring transparency and fairness during the operation, adding that while illegal occupations were being cleared, strict legal action would be taken against those found involved in encroachments.
The spokesperson further stated that the CDA remained determined to protect state land and uphold the rule of law in the interest of Islamabad’s planned development.
“The authority is working round the clock to remove illegal constructions, and so far estate land worth billions of rupees has been retrieved,” the official added.

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan enhance collaboration

By
NNPS Desk
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TASHKENT, Dec 17 (UzA/APP) : During the third meeting of the heads of parliaments of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbayeva, met with the Deputy Chairperson of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, Aziz Qodir Giyozoda.
The outcomes of the third meeting of the heads of the parliaments of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea were discussed, along with the significance of the Agreement on Cooperation between the upper chambers of the parliaments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Joint Commission’s practical work and the active engagement of delegations at international platforms were noted.
The Chairperson of the Senate congratulated the Tajik side on the successful holding of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly plenary session in Dushanbe on 13-14 October. It was noted that the reception of the Uzbekistan parliamentary delegation by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan during the visit reflects the high level of trust and constructive cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding women’s participation in socio-political life.
An agreement was reached to strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue and develop interregional cooperation, expand the activities of friendship groups, exchange legislative experience, and intensify cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, and environmental spheres.

Pak Navy launches 4th Hangor class submarine Ghazi in China

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The fourth Hangor class submarine of Pakistan Navy named GHAZI has been launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan, China.

With the launching of GHAZI, Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan, said a news release by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for acquisition of eight HANGOR Class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China and remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW), under Transfer of Technology (ToT), it further said.

These submarines will be fitted with advanced weapons and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. HANGOR Class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries further demonstrating the deepening bilateral cooperation.

ADB commends macroeconomic reforms, reaffirms support for ML-1

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Director General for the Central and West Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Leah Gutierrez, on Wednesday called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema here and commended Pakistan’s macroeconomic reforms, reaffirming ADB’s support for the ML-1 Railway Project.
Country Director ADB, Ms. Emma Fan and senior officials from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and ADB were also present during the meeting.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister appreciated the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) long-standing and unwavering support as an agile development partner of Pakistan. He briefed the delegation on the Government’s macroeconomic stabilization efforts and the ongoing fiscal consolidation phase aimed at addressing the country’s challenging economic situation.
The Minister underscored the Government’s strong commitment to the timely implementation of the Main Line–1 (ML-1) railways project. He emphasized that ADB’s continued support would be critical to achieving this milestone.
He further highlighted the government’s intention to effectively channel development resources in close coordination with provincial governments, with the support of development partners. The Minister also appreciated the joint efforts of ADB and World Bank to support the Government in mapping the implementation bottlenecks and to improve the project readiness for ensuring timely disbursements.
Ms. Gutierrez commended the government’s reform agenda and acknowledged the efforts being made for macroeconomic recovery and fiscal consolidation.
She recognized the priority of the government of Pakistan to the ML-1 project and reaffirmed that ADB and government teams are working in close coordination. The minister, in turn, lauded ADB’s support with particular appreciation for the contributions of the ADB Resident Mission in Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and partnership in support of Pakistan’s development priorities.

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