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Rs. 3.35m released for cops medical treatment

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has approved the release of an additional Rs. 3.35 million to cover medical expenses for police personnel injured in the line of duty.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, Rs. 1.5 million has been allocated for Constable Shahzad Ahmed, while ASI Fahad Rasheed, Constable Umair Akram, and Constable Moin Rafiq have each received Rs. 500,000. Additionally, Constable Muhammad Abrar has been granted Rs. 250,000, and Constable Kashif Raza has been provided Rs. 100,000 for medical treatment.
The funds were approved by the Compensation Award Committee, chaired by Additional IG Welfare Imran Irshad.

District admin prioritizes resolving public grievances at doorstep

ABBOTTABAD, Feb 21 (APP):To promptly resolve public grievances, the District Administration of Abbottabad organized an Open Court at the TMA Office in Tehsil Lora, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan along with Member Provincial Assembly Raja Jabba Abbasi.
A large number of people attended the session and presented their issues before the district administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan stated that the top priority of the district administration is to resolve issues faced by residents of both urban and rural areas at their doorstep.
He highlighted that Open Courts are being organized in remote areas to provide timely and effective solutions to public problems. He assured that the district administration is taking all possible measures to address public concerns, and this initiative will continue in the future.
MPA Rajab Abbasi emphasized the government’s commitment to public welfare, stating that efforts are being made at all levels to alleviate public difficulties. He assured that all possible resources would be utilized to ensure the provision of development projects and basic facilities to the people.
During the Open Court, detailed discussions were held on issues related to health, sanitation, water supply, land acquisition, WAPDA, revenue, public health, and other public concerns.
The Deputy Commissioner issued on-the-spot directives to officials of the relevant departments to resolve public complaints. He also took immediate notice of several issues and requested detailed reports for their resolution.
The Open Court was attended by Additional Assistant Commissioner Lubna Iqbal, District Health Officer Dr. Sardar Shakeel Sarwar, TMO Lora, representatives from Local Government, DEO Male and Female, SDO Public Health, SDO C&W, representatives from District Police, District Director Agriculture, Livestock Representative, DFC, AD Industries, Tehsildar Lora, Girdawar Circle, Revenue Staff, and other officials from relevant departments.

PM presented three year plan for professional training of youth, employability

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday chaired an inter-ministerial meeting on a three year plan regarding professional training of youth and their employability.
During the meeting, he was presented the plan about professional training of manpower in the fields of information technology, industry, nursing and other areas for seeking jobs in Pakistan and abroad.
He said the capable manpower of Pakistan was a real asset.
It was priority of the government to equip the youth with professional training according to the demand at the international level, he added.
He directed an increase in the institutions for training of nurses.
He said training of nurses according to international level should be ensured, adding while providing professional training to youth in different fields, the demand in local industries and international market should be kept in view.
He assured that National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) would be given all required funding for the professional training of youth.
NAVTTC should blacklist the training institutions which had bad performance and encourage those showing good results, he added.
NAVTTC, ministries of information technology, overseas Pakistanis and health presented their programmes for the professional training of youth.
The meeting was informed that during the current year, NAVTTC had provided training to 60,000 youth and by June 2025, it would impart training to 141,000 more youth.
While in 2026, 250,000 and in 2027, 337,000 youth would be trained in different fields.
It was also told that under NAVTTC, more than 29000 persons were trained and subsequently they got jobs in Saudi Arabia while a target is set to provide professional training to 40,000 youth in 2025, 100,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027 for acquiring jobs in Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, according to the target, by December 2025, 50,000 trained Pakistanis would get jobs in other countries while 100,000 would be employed abroad in 2026 and 200,000 in 2027.
It was briefed that the accreditation of Pakistani training institutes under NAVTTC, with international institutions was continuing rapidly.
By June 2025, according to the target, accreditation from 72 institutions would be acquired.
The meeting was apprised about the progress regarding the survey for demand of skills in the industries and professional training, application of modern curriculum, accreditation of local institutions and licensing of trainers.
More than 2500 students of madaris were given training in different programmes while professional training would be ensured to 3,000 students of seminaries by June 2025, 20,000 in 2026, and 30,000 in 2027 in different fields.
These training programmes were also made available in the four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
The ministry of information technology informed it was taking steps to meet the target of training more than 92,000 youth in the latest IT courses and training of 2.1 million freelancers in the next three years.
The meeting was also given detailed briefing about the establishment of National ICT Skills ecosystem which would help youth in getting jobs in the local industry and abroad.
Detailed briefing was also given about the training programmes in the nursing field, demand for nursing and the employability of Pakistani nurses abroad.
A roadmap for reforms in the nursing field was also laid down.
Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and high level officers attended the meeting.

CTO Zeeshan inspects driving school, test center in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Captain (Retd) Syed Zeeshan Haider, visited the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) driving school and heavy vehicle test center in H-11 on Friday to review administrative affairs and training facilities. Senior traffic police officers and relevant staff were also present during the visit.
An official told APP that during the visit, he took a detailed review of various sections, inspecting the administrative matters and the facilities provided to citizens. CTO Islamabad reviewed the quality of ongoing training at the driving school, the infrastructure, and the training programs, and directed measures for further improvement.
CTO Zeeshan emphasized the use of modern technology and effective training methods to raise awareness about traffic laws and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
CTO Zeeshan said that, Islamabad Traffic Police is committed to providing citizens with quality and modern services. Citizens are receiving specialized training under expert instructors at the driving school, while the driving test at the test center is being conducted according to international standards, and successful candidates are being issued driving licenses.
CTO Zeeshan further mentioned that the process of issuing driving licenses will be made easier and more transparent to ensure that citizens do not face any difficulties.
Additionally, the training provided at the driving school will be modernized, with a special focus on the training of heavy vehicle drivers to prevent accidents on the roads.

Man arrested for acid attack on his ex-wife

RAWALPINDI, Feb 21 (APP):A man was arrested on Friday for throwing acid at her ex-wife. The woman was on a bike with her father when the accused sprayed acid on her. The accused ran away from the spot, however the report was received at rescue 1122.
According to spokesman 1122 service Muhammad Usman, the emergency crew rushed to the spot on Chakri Road on Friday morning, and shifted the victim and her father to the hospital after administering first aid.
Central Police Office (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident of acid attack and sought report from Superintendent of Police (SP) Saddar along with the order for immediate arrest of the accused. The police arrested the accused.
According to the police spokesman, the Dhamyal police took immediate action and arrested the woman’s ex-husband Muhammad Riaz. The initial investigations revealed that the woman had divorced her ex-husband, which seems to be a result of personal enmity. Investigations have been carried out from all angles of the incident.
The CPO appreciating the successful action by the police, reiterated that crimes against women, especially acid attacks, are unacceptable and the perpetrators will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Australian captain Steve Smith wants young guns to fire for team Muhammad Naeem Khan Niazi

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):Australian Captain Steve Smith has said that the young guns of the team need to come forward and perform for the team during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
The Australian cricket team is due to face off arch rivals England in their opening match of the Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday (tomorrow).
Addressing a pre-match press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday, he said the team will miss the experience of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, and Mitchell March due to injury and fitness issues, adding that he had played alongside Cummins and Hazlewood for 10 years and their presence was vital to the team’s cause.
Australia had included inexperienced Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Tanveer Sangha in the squad while Sean Abbott has also played 26 ODIs for Australia.
Australia lost the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka 2-0 and under pressure to perform well besides the challenges of absence of three main players including the captain, Pat Cummins.
He said ‘We are under the pump and must remain focused and play good cricket in the first match of their campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan’. However, he expressed the hope that it is different tournament and a different opposition and the team will do well.
On the English team, he said England are a fierce competitor and he expected a good match against the rivals. He said the Kangroos will play aggressive cricket against the Three Lions.
To a query, Smith said he would likely bat at No. 3, adding that loss against Sri Lanka in the white-ball series was the past and they must begin anew against England tomorrow.
Steve Smith said that the Australian team would play quality cricket at the Gaddafi stadium, expressing the hope the crowds will turn up in large numbers to support the teams.
On Babar Azam, the ace batter said Babar is a world-class performer and has done well in his career so far. He said he might not have accumulated as many runs as he wanted recently but he has got flawless technique and is a wonderful player.
He praised the new-look Gaddafi stadium where he played in a test match two years ago. He said it was an excellent facility.
Smith said that ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Men’s ODI tournaments were not similar in nature, adding that the Champions Trophy was played between the top eight sides of the world and had its own challenges and class.
He said that Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are great speedesters, adding that he had played against them and hoped to do well against England tomorrow.

Priority funding being ensured for best health facilities: DC

MULTAN, Feb 21 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Ali Bukhari said that, following the directives of the Punjab government, healthcare centers and hospitals were being provided with priority funding to ensure the best medical facilities for the public.
During a surprise visit to the hospital on Friday, he said that practical steps were being taken to supply medicines and medical equipment to Shahbaz Sharif Hospital and South City Hospital.
The DC engaged with patients and thoroughly inspected various wards and the emergency block. He instructed the expansion of registration and pharmacy counters to facilitate patients. He also checked the stock and availability of medicines in the hospital’s pharmacy and received a detailed briefing on the supply chain.
He reiterated that the Punjab government was committed to prioritizing the health sector. The district administration was conducting daily monitoring of healthcare centers to ensure efficient service delivery and high-quality medical care for the public, he maintained.

677 criminal gangs busted this year so far

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):The Punjab Police said on Friday that 677 gangs involved in serious crimes were eliminated during the current year so far.
A spokesman said that 1,609 members of criminal gangs were arrested across the province including Lahore, while stolen property worth Rs. 415 million was recovered from the criminals. As many as 144 vehicles, 1921 motorcycles, 78-tolas gold, 672 mobile-phones and 260 cattle were recovered and handed over to their owners.
 Rs 325 million in cash was also recovered from criminals wanted in various incidents.
 Punjab Police spokesperson further said that 422 gangs were dismantled in the provincial capital Lahore and 955 accused were arrested. Stolen property worth Rs 211 million was recovered from the possession of criminals. As many as 107 vehicles, 1474 motorcycles, 451 mobile phones, 24 tolas of gold and 22 cattle were recovered in Lahore.

Peoples selecting and purchasing toy bicycles from vendor on the footpath at Latifabad.

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APP33-210225 HYDERABAD: February 21 – Peoples selecting and purchasing toy bicycles from vendor on the footpath at Latifabad.
Peoples selecting and purchasing toy bicycles from vendor on the footpath at Latifabad.
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Women displaying Punjabi cultural itmes On International Mother Language Day, at Shimla Hill Chowk.

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APP31-210225 LAHORE: February 21 – Women displaying Punjabi cultural itmes On International Mother Language Day, at Shimla Hill Chowk.
Women displaying Punjabi cultural itmes On International Mother Language Day, at Shimla Hill Chowk.
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LAHORE: February 21 – 
Women displaying Punjabi cultural itmes On International Mother Language Day, at Shimla Hill Chowk.
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LAHORE: February 21 – People visiting stall on International Mother Language Day at the Press Club. APP/AMI/ABB/FHA

PJA successfully concludes its 40th batch of pre-service training

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):The Punjab Judicial Academy (PJA) successfully concluded its 40th batch of pre-service training for newly inducted civil judges and additional district & sessions judges.
In addition to extensive training by judicial experts, the trainee judges undertook informative visits to the Research Cell of the Lahore High Court (LHC), the district courts in Lahore, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority, and Fountain House.
PJA Director General Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem presided over the concluding session. The directors, PJA faculty and families of the trainee judges also attended the session.
Addressing the participants, Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem stated, “The purpose of the pre-service training program for judges is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively.”
He further emphasized that judges have a fundamental “responsibility” to uphold the law and ensure justice is served. He advised them to always conduct themselves with integrity, rising above personal biases or external pressures.

Vaccination drive launched to protect livestock from diseases

HYDERABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Due to the risk of diseases caused by water seepage from Chotiari Dam and Nara Canal, a livestock vaccination campaign was conducted in Sanghar district’s union councils Sadrath and Oad.
Under the supervision of deputy director livestock and animal husbandry Dost Akbar Mari, teams were formed to vaccinate 9,853 animals to protect them from diseases, while treatment was provided to 112 sick animals.
According to the district information department Sanghar, the Deputy Director Dr. Dost Akbar Mari and Additional Director Khushi Muhammad Rajput stated that on the special directives of deputy commissioner Sanghar, veterinary doctors and technical staff had been deployed to vaccinate domestic livestock across the district. Additionally, medicines were being provided to enhance milk and meat production.
They emphasized that these efforts will promote livestock farming in rural areas and contribute to improve the livelihoods of local communities.

A beautiful view of clouds hovering in the sky in the Provincial Capital.

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APP04-210225 PESHAWAR: February 21 - A beautiful view of clouds hovering in the sky in the Provincial Capital.
A beautiful view of clouds hovering in the sky in the Provincial Capital.
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ATC acquits two men in acid attack case

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday acquitted two men accused of throwing acid on a young boy following a minor altercation.
ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gul conducted the trial proceedings and announced the verdict after reviewing arguments from both sides. The court ruled in favour of the accused, stating that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against accused Talha and Ali Hamza.
According to the defence, the accused and the victim worked at the same workshop, and the acid was accidentally spilled on the boy.
The case was registered at Shadbagh police station on the complaint of a citizen, Amjad, who alleged that the accused had thrown acid on his son, Fahad.

Man held for woman’s kidnap attempt

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):A man, who allegedly attempted to kidnap a woman in Nankana Sahib, has been arrested following a quick response by the Virtual Women Police Station.
An emergency call was received at the Virtual Women Police Station through Helpline 15, where the caller reported that a man was attempting to abduct a woman at gunpoint. The staff immediately dispatched police officers to the scene. The authorities acted swiftly, located the suspect, and arrested him. Initial reports indicate that the accused had been blackmailing the woman for the past one month and a half, but she remained silent out of fear for her honour. The suspect entered the woman’s house and tried to abduct her at gunpoint. However, when the woman began shouting and screaming, the suspect threatened to kill her and fled the scene.
Punjab Safe Cities Authority spokesperson confirmed that the police had registered a case against the accused and were pursuing legal action.

ATC awards 5-year jail in explosives case

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LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday convicted a man in an explosive materials recovery case, sentencing him to five-year imprisonment.
ATC Judge Arshad Javed announced the verdict after concluding the trial proceedings. The prosecution presented witnesses and evidence, proving the charges against the accused, Zahoor Ahmad.
The case was registered by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Lahore, which had arrested Zahoor Ahmad in connection with the recovery of explosive materials.

Special discounts on essential food items announced in Abbottabad for Ramadan

ABBOTTABAD, Feb 21 (APP):In a move to provide maximum relief to citizens during the holy month of Ramadan, the District Administration of Abbottabad Friday has decided to offer special discounts on essential food items. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan, aimed at strategizing measures to control food prices and facilitate the public.
The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, representatives of the business community, wholesalers, members of the Price Control Committee, and other relevant departments.
During the session, Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan emphasized the importance of ensuring maximum relief for the public through special discounts on food items.
He directed shopkeepers and the business community to cooperate fully in this initiative and warned that negligence would not be tolerated.
Prices of essential food items, including milk, yogurt, pulses, rice, bread, and other necessities, were reviewed and set during the meeting. The Deputy Commissioner instructed strict enforcement of these prices, assuring that no shopkeeper would be harassed without reason. However, he warned of strict legal action against those found involved in profiteering or hoarding.
To maintain the quality and safety of food items, the Deputy Commissioner ordered strict action against food adulteration. Teams from the district administration and the Food Authority will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Citizens were also encouraged to report any incidents of overpricing or adulteration.
The district administration assured continuous monitoring of food prices and availability during Ramadan to prevent any inconvenience to the public. The business community also pledged its full cooperation in providing relief to citizens, in line with the provincial government’s directives.
The new prices for essential food items were set in consultation with trader unions and will be strictly enforced throughout Ramadan to ensure affordability and convenience for the public.

Exchange of Shakil Afridi with Dr Aafia not feasible: IHC told

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):The additional attorney general on Friday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the suggestion of the exchange of Dr Aafia Saddiqui with Shakil Afridi with United States (US) is not feasible as there is no prisoners exchange treaty between the two countries.
IHC’s Justice Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the case regarding release and repatriation of Dr Aafia from a US jail. At the outset of hearing, the additional attorney general Dr Aafia’s American Lawyer Clive Smith had given suggestion for the exchange his client with Shakil Afridi, but the idea is not feasible. The AAG said that we have some objections on the draft of petition filed by Dr Aafia in an US court.
At this, the court sought the response from federal government regarding its objections against Dr Aafia’s petition. The court asked the AAG to take instructions from the government and informed us on next hearing.
The AAG said that Dr Aafia and Shakil Afridi both are Pakistanis and we have no any agreement with US regarding the exchange of prisoners. He said that US president has dismissed the mercy request for Dr Aafia and they had submitted a response to the court on February 19. However, the US didn’t answer to the letter in this regard.  The court adjourned the case with above instructions.

AIOU celebrates int’l Mother Tongue Day 2025

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Speakers at a National Seminar held at Allama Iqbal Open University, said that the mother tongue, in addition to being a means of identification, serves as a medium of communication, education, and development.
They said that extinction of a language leads to the loss of history, culture, and civilization.  The speakers also emphasized that the use of technology is crucial for preserving endangered languages in Pakistan and that both public and private sector institutions need to play their role in this effort.
The panel discussion featured Professor Dr Fauzia Janjua, Dean, Faculty of Languages and Literature, International Islamic University Islamabad, Professor Dr Saleem Mazhar, Director General, National Language Promotion Department, Bibi Yasmeen, Additional Registrar, Open University, Professor Dr Qasim Bhugio, Former Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters, and renowned literary figure Professor Muhammad Hamid Shahid.
The seminar was arranged by the Center for languages and Translation Studies in collaboration of Directorate of Students Advisory and Counseling Services which was attended by a large number of linguists, scholars, and translators.
On this occasion, Additional Registrar of the University, Bibi Yasmeen gave a presentation on the regional language Wakhi, spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan, informing participants that this language is spoken in the border areas of four countries: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China.
Dr Ghulam Ali, Director of the Center for Languages and Translation Studies shared his views on the department’s contribution to the promotional of languages while Dr Farrukh Abbas moderated the event. To mark International Mother Language Day, Usman Ali Shah Jahan Productions presented a tableau, and book and food stalls were also arranged.

Health minister orders regular maintenance of hospital elevators

LAHORE, Feb 21 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the administration of all government teaching hospitals to ensure regular maintenance of elevators to prevent accidents and ensure patient safety.
In a statement issued on Friday, the minister announced that Line Superintendent of Mayo Hospital Lahore, Azam Ali, has been suspended for misconduct following the collapse of an elevator in the orthopedic ward. Action has been initiated against him under the PEEDA Act.
The minister assured that a comprehensive investigation is being conducted into all aspects of the unfortunate incident. He emphasized that strict action will also be taken against the company responsible for the maintenance of the elevator if found guilty of negligence.
Khawaja Salman Rafique reiterated that patient safety is the top priority, and all necessary measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.