Home Blog Page 93

PMAA pays tribute to APS martyrs through self-defense workshop at CMH LMC

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):The Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA), in collaboration with IFMSA-Pakistan’s CMH Local Council, on Saturday organized a comprehensive Self-defense Workshop at CMH Lahore Medical College in remembrance of the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS), Peshawar.
The workshop witnessed active participation from male and female students of MBBS and BDS programs, along with students from DPT and Nursing disciplines, said a press release here. The initiative aimed to equip young people with practical self-defense skills, situational awareness, and the confidence to respond effectively to real-life threats.
Addressing the participants, Maj Gen Prof. Dr. Salman Saleem (R), HI (M), emphasised that self-defense training has become an essential need of the hour. He highly appreciated the services of PMAA for youth empowerment, particularly its focused efforts toward combating women harassment and preventing child abuse. He further assured that CMH Lahore Medical College would always remain available as a platform for such constructive and socially impactful activities.
PMAA Chief Trainer Anwar Mohiuddin, along with trainers Chaudhry Hanzla, Aatika Sattar, and Qitlaq Imtiaz, emphasized that in the aftermath of the APS tragedy, martial arts have emerged as a powerful tool to counter terrorism, prevent child abuse, and combat harassment against women. They added that the PMAA has been actively delivering professional self-defense training across schools, colleges, and universities nationwide through a highly trained and dedicated team of instructors.
During the workshop, participants were trained in unarmed self-defense techniques to counter stronger assailants. Additionally, specialized training was provided in gun disarmament techniques to prepare participants for potential street threats involving armed attackers. The event was further honored by the presence of PMAA’s newly elected Chairman, Muhammad Shahzad Mughal, who attended as the chief guest. Prominent lawyers from the Lahore High Court, Tayyaba Babar Adv and Shehzeen GH Adv also graced the occasion.
On behalf of IFMSA LMC/LC, floral bouquets were presented to the Chairman, who reaffirmed PMAA’s commitment to continuing its efforts for youth empowerment in the future. Chief Trainer Anwar Mohiuddin also expressed his sincere appreciation for the collaboration and support of IFMSA-Pakistan, especially acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee.
He commended the hard work of Aiza Faisal Khan, Javeria Irfan, Khadija Fatima, Areej Shahbaz, Eman Ishaq, Eashaal Hassan, Amna Zahid, Areeba Asghar, Sania Mubeen, Rameen Tiwana, Aemen Hamid, and Ahsan Kamal for the successful execution of the workshop. The event concluded on a strong note, reinforcing the message that self-defense education is a vital component of youth empowerment and a meaningful step toward building a safer and more resilient society.

BISP Chairperson reviews process of providing free SIM cards in Karachi

0
KARACHI, Dec 20 (APP):Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, reviewed the process of providing free SIM cards for social protection wallets to eligible women in Karachi on Saturday. She visited several BISP offices and Dynamic Registry Centres to assess the roll out of the free SIM distribution.
During her visits, she inspected the BISP District Office in Lyari (South), the BISP Dynamic Registry Centre in Chaneser Goth (East), and the BISP Tehsil Office in Liaquatabad, (Central) Karachi. Also present with her were Sindh government spokesperson and MPA Sadia Javed, Ms. Shazia Karim, and MNA Dr. Shahida Rehmani.
At the Lyari Town Office, the Chairperson met with party workers and instructed staff to ensure the availability of MRVs (Mobile Registration Vans) and to establish a NADRA desk so that the public could obtain services more easily.
During the visit, consultant Naveed Khan gave a briefing on the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, noting that registration for skill training under the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme (BBSYDP) is already complete for 3,000 children and youth. The programme is open to individuals between 18 and 40 years of age, and online registration is ongoing.
At Chaneser Goth, the Chairperson spoke directly with eligible women and made it clear that the financial assistance provided by BISP is their legal entitlement. She instructed that women should count the full amount they receive and understand that all BISP services are completely free. She warned that if anyone demands extra money or attempts to deduct from the payment, beneficiaries should immediately file a complaint at the nearest BISP office.
At the Liaquatabad Tehsil Office, she addressed the women, emphasizing that the SIM cards for social protection wallets are provided absolutely free of cost and are available only at BISP centres. She explained that the trained BISP staff will activate the digital wallets for the women. She urged beneficiaries to protect these SIMs and the phones on which they are used, because all future stipends and transfers will be made through these digital wallets, which will belong to the women themselves.

Kohsar Complex set to become clean, green, smoke-free under new plan

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):A comprehensive plan has been unveiled to transform the Kohsar Complex into a clean, green and smoke-free government facility, with a focus on improved cleanliness, better parking management, smooth operation of lifts and a healthier working environment for employees and visitors.
The plan was discussed at a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, held as a follow-up to an earlier session in the first week of July that addressed urgent repair and maintenance needs of the complex, said a press release on Saturday.
Kohsar Complex, a well-known office and government building complex that houses several federal ministries and government departments, is located in Red Zone area, near the Pakistan Secretariat on Constitution Avenue.
Senior officials, including secretaries, joint secretaries and representatives of all ministries housed in the Kohsar Complex, attended the meeting, highlighting growing concern over shared operational challenges faced by staff and visitors.
Participants discussed persistent issues such as traffic congestion and parking mismanagement, frequent malfunctioning of lifts and the lack of basic facilities, including a cafeteria or coffee shop. Proposals to extend the existing parking area were also considered; however, it was agreed that improved management of available space should take precedence over any other expansion.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Junaid Chaudhry stressed the need for coordinated efforts to make the Kohsar Complex a clean, orderly and environmentally responsible government building. He described the complex as a public-facing symbol of governance that should reflect professionalism, discipline and efficiency.
The federal minister also underscored the importance of making the building climate-resilient and greener, in line with the government’s broader sustainability goals.
Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Syed Zafar Ali Shah said most of the issues were common in nature and could be resolved through collective action rather than isolated efforts by individual ministries. He emphasised the need for regular coordination and shared responsibility to ensure consistent maintenance and operational standards.
Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani proposed a structured division of responsibilities among the ministries operating from the complex. He suggested assigning specific tasks to each ministry and offered that his ministry could take responsibility for overall cleaning of the building.
Under the proposal, he said, the associated budget should be shared among all ministries, while cleanliness and maintenance work could be outsourced following a needs assessment.
Parking issues drew particular attention during the meeting, with the minister noting that disorganized vehicle movement was a major inconvenience for employees and visitors and stressed the need to address management shortcomings. The minister called for the introduction of a proper traffic management system within the complex to improve order, reduce congestion and enhance safety.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that the deliberations would be followed by concrete steps and timelines to address the identified issues, with the aim of improving daily operations at the Kohsar Complex and creating a more functional and welcoming environment for government employees and the public.

Governor KP visits Depalpur, offers condolence on death of Manzoor Wattoo

0
OKARA, Dec 20 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, paid a visit to Depalpur in Okara district on Saturday where he called on the family of former Chief Minister Punjab, late Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo.
During the visit, the Governor arrived at the residence of the late Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo and met his sons, Khurram Jahangir Wattoo, Mughazam Javed Wattoo, along with other family members. He offered Fateha for the departed soul and prayed for the elevation of the late leader’s ranks in Jannat.
Expressing deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.
He said that the passing of Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo was a great loss and that he shared the family’s sorrow in this difficult time.
The Governor prayed for patience and strength for the grieving family and reiterated his solidarity with them, saying that he stood shoulder to shoulder with the family in their time of grief.

State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary addresses the gathering after distributing motorbikes to Para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital.

0
State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary addresses the gathering after distributing motorbikes to Para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital.
APP29-201225
FAISALABAD: December 20 – 
State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary addresses the gathering after distributing motorbikes to Para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital.
APP26-201225
FAISALABAD: December 20 – State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary distributes motorbike keys to para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital. APP/TWR/FHA
State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary addresses the gathering after distributing motorbikes to Para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital.
APP27-201225
FAISALABAD: December 20 – State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary distributes motorbike keys to para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital. APP/TWR/FHA
State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary addresses the gathering after distributing motorbikes to Para-veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital.
APP28-201225
FAISALABAD: December 20 – State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary distributes motorbikes to Para-Veterinary staff at the Civil Veterinary Hospital. APP/TWR/FHA

Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.

0
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP20-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 –
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP21-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 – Students are participating in a 200 meter race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak. APP/SYR/FHA
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP22-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 – Students are participating in a javelin throw competition during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak. APP/SYR/FHA
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP23-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 – Students are participating in a long jump during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak. APP/SYR/FHA
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP24-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 – Director PMDCs Muhammad Sohail presenting a shield to Director General Sports KP Mr. Tashfeen Haider during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak. APP/SYR/FHA
Students are participating in a sack race during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak.
APP25-201225
PESHAWAR: December 20 – Director PMDCs Muhammad Sohail and Director General Sports KP Mr. Tashfeen Haider in a group photo along with champions during the closing ceremony of Annual Sports Gala 2025 at PMDC Dalazak. APP/SYR/FHA

A view of the Thar Desert Train Safari, arriving from Karachi Cantt Railway Station and extending up to Khokhrapar (Marvi Railway Station–Zero Point), organized by the Sindh Culture & Tourism Department.

0
A view of the Thar Desert Train Safari, arriving from Karachi Cantt Railway Station and extending up to Khokhrapar (Marvi Railway Station–Zero Point), organized by the Sindh Culture & Tourism Department.
APP18-201225
HYDERABAD: December 20 –
A view of the Thar Desert Train Safari, arriving from Karachi Cantt Railway Station and extending up to Khokhrapar (Marvi Railway Station–Zero Point), organized by the Sindh Culture & Tourism Department.
APP19-201225
HYDERABAD: December 20 – Female tourists captures a moment on cellphone during the Thar Desert Train Safari, arriving at the railway station from Karachi Cantt and extending up to Khokhrapar (Marvi Railway Station–Zero Point), organized by the Sindh Culture & Tourism Department.. APP/AKS/FHA

Artists performing in the drama “ Khali Botal (Empty Bottle)” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council.

0
Artists performing in the drama “ Khali Botal (Empty Bottle)” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council.
APP15-201225
LARKANA: December 20 –
Artists performing in the drama “ Khali Botal (Empty Bottle)” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council.
APP16-201225
LARKANA: December 20 – Artists performing in the drama “ Khali Botal (Empty Bottle)” during Drama Festival at Z.A. Bhutto Open Air Theater, Arts Council. APP/NAS/FHA

Rescue 1122 imposes red code in Murree ahead of expected snowfall

0

RAWALPINDI, Dec 20 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 on Saturday enforced a red code and placed the Murree district on high alert ahead of an expected cold wave and snowfall, finalising comprehensive preparedness under its emergency core plan.

The measures were taken on the special directions of Secretary Emergency Services Punjab Dr Rizwan Naseer and Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi to ensure a swift response to any emergency during severe weather, a Rescue 1122 spokesman said.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thunderstorm in the country’s western and upper regions from December 20 to 22, with snowfall likely in and around Murree.

Under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Murree Engineer Kamran Rasheed, Rescue 1122 personnel remain on round-the-clock duty to provide timely, effective and uninterrupted rescue services to residents and tourists, he added.

“In view of the forecast of harsh weather, red code has been imposed across Murree to ensure immediate control of any emergency, protection of human lives and safe traffic and public movement,” the spokesman said.

All permanent rescue stations, sensitive road sections and key tourist spots have been placed on 24-hour alert, with trained personnel deployed along with emergency vehicles. These include Murree Bypass Road (Pindi Point), Chhara Pani (RMK Road), 17 Mile (Expressway), New Murree, GPO Chowk (Mall Road), Khajut (Expressway), Upper Jhika Gali Road, Kali Mitti–Barian Road, Ausia Upper Dewal Road, Ghora Gali, Chattar (GT Road), Bhurban Rawat and Aliot (Srinagar Road).

Deputy Commissioner Shirazi said the protection of lives and property of citizens and tourists was the district administration’s top priority, adding that all relevant departments were fully alert and working in close coordination to deal with any emergency during the anticipated snowfall. He said timely preparedness and an active strategy by Rescue 1122 would help prevent any untoward incident.

According to Rescue 1122, a mobile response force comprising 16 emergency ambulances, seven fire-fighting vehicles, two rescue vehicles and 25 rescue bikes has been deployed, including resources stationed at 13 facilitation centres set up by the district administration.

District Emergency Officer Engineer Kamran Rasheed said Rescue 1122 Murree was operating with a commitment to immediate response, professional service delivery and protection of human lives. He urged citizens and tourists to contact 1122 without delay in case of any emergency.

Meanwhile, the Met Office advised citizens, particularly tourists, to avoid unnecessary travel and, if travel was unavoidable, to obtain updated weather information in advance and observe precautionary measures during rain and snowfall to avoid any mishap.