Minister calls for climate-resilient development

Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik on Sunday stressed the urgent need for climate-resilient development and coordinated action to confront the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations in Pakistan. Speaking as chief guest at a conference on climate change, the minister said Pakistan must move swiftly to strengthen preparedness, adaptation and environmental stewardship across all sectors. He informed the participants that the government has formulated a 300-day national preparedness plan on the instructions of the prime minister to gear up for the 2026 monsoon season.

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Afridi says K-P to participate in NFC session despite reservations

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government will participate in the National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting on December 4, asserting that the province will “fight its case and that of its people in the best possible manner.” The 11th NFC was constituted on August 22 this year to finalise a new award for the distribution of federal divisible resources between the centre and the provinces. Its first session, scheduled for August 27, was postponed multiple times—initially to August 29, then November 17 and 18—due to unspecified reasons and requests from the Sindh government and the Prime Minister’s Office. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Afridi stated that the federal government owes K-P Rs1.3 trillion under the NFC while highlighting that although the former tribal districts were merged administratively with the province in 2018, their financial integration had not yet been completed. وزیر اعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا جناب محمد سہیل آفریدی کی ہدایات پر صوبے کی جامعات اور دیگر اعلیٰ تعلیمی اداروں میں کل بروز پیر، یکم دسمبر 2025ء کو سیمینارز منعقد کیے جائیں گے۔ این ایف سی خیبر پختونخوا کو درپیش چیلنجز اور اس کا حصہ” کے عنوان سے ان سیمینارز کا مقصد نوجوانوں خصوصاً طلبہ و… pic.twitter.com/IRuMIPgqxw — Government of KP (@GovernmentKP) November 30, 2025 “The NFC share for merged districts has not been released to K-P since 2018,” he said, calling the delay a “constitutional violation.” Afridi urged the federal government to consider KP’s proposals for lasting peace, warning that “decisions made behind closed doors” negatively affect the province. He added that if the centre adopts the province’s recommendations, the KP government would take responsibility for implementing them and maintaining law and order, emphasising that all stakeholders must be included in decisions regarding peace. The chief minister alleged that “those holding real power” have sought to push PTI toward confrontation, but maintained that the party would remain peaceful while “not hesitating to make sacrifices.” He claimed peaceful protesters had been targeted with gunfire and alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan was being held in solitary confinement, with family members—including his sisters—denied visitation. Read: Kundi denies any move to impose governor's rule in K-P Afridi said PTI parliamentarians would stage a peaceful protest outside the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday and accompany Khan’s sisters to Adiala Jail, with the provincial government following party leadership directives. He added that he had personally attempted to visit Khan on November 27 after reports about his health but was denied permission, despite staging an overnight sit-in outside the prison. CM Afridi alleged that while some chief ministers enjoy privileges such as use of PAF aircraft, his own name had been placed on a passport control list. Responding to questions, Afridi said no part of K-P was under militant control, though he claimed—without naming anyone—that “the entire country is under the control of one person.” He also clarified that his family owns land in the Tirah Valley, while he personally owns no property. Dismissing a recent documentary about him as a distraction, Afridi added, “The public knows everything. They know who is lying. We want everyone to focus on their responsibilities—only then will the country progress.” PTI warns of protest outside Adiala Jail Special Assistant to K-P CM on Information, Shafee Jan, has warned of a protest outside Adiala Jail if permission is not granted to meet PTI founder. Addressing the media, Jan said that all members of the National and Provincial Assemblies plan to approach the High Court on Tuesday. “We will visit Adiala Jail with Imran Khan’s family. If we are denied a meeting with his sisters, a sit-in and protest will follow,” he stated. He highlighted that Khan has not been allowed family visits since November 4, raising concerns about his health. Shafee Jan criticized the ruling PML-N, claiming that while its leaders used to meet their “criminal” leader in London and consult with the cabinet during Nawaz Sharif’s stay abroad, they now fear Khan’s statements and images. Read: K-P CM Afridi directs probe into NA-18 Haripur by-poll   “Imran Khan remains the country’s most popular political leader, and attempts are being made to silence him. The people elected PTI representatives on the promise of his release, and the public’s sole question is: when will Imran Khan be freed?” he added. Jan also accused the federal government of neglecting funds for merged districts and police capacity building, stating that over Rs3 trillion is due under NFC, NHP, and oil and gas reserves. He emphasized that on December 4, the province will present a strong case at the NFC meeting.

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Tortured and poisoned by husband, DG Khan woman succumbs to injuries

A woman who was allegedly tortured, poisoned and then set ablaze by her husband, his second wife, and his brother in the Darkhast Jamal Khan area succumbed to her injuries at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. According to police and local sources, Zarina Bibi had been married to Muhammad Umar for 15 years in Nawan Janubi. The couple remained childless, after which Umar repeatedly pressured her to allow him a second marriage. In an attempt to preserve the marriage, Zarina herself arranged Umar’s second marriage with a woman named Zubeda. However, tensions between the two wives quickly escalated. Before her death, Zarina reportedly stated that Zubeda had pushed Umar to evict her and divorce her. When Zarina refused to accept the divorce and returned home, domestic disputes intensified. Police said that Umar, his brother Ramzan, and second wife Zubeda allegedly subjected Zarina to severe torture, forced poison down her throat, and later doused her with petrol and set her on fire. She sustained critical burns. Rescue 1122 shifted her to a local teaching hospital, from where she was referred to the burn unit at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. She died during treatment. Darkhast Jamal Khan police have registered a case and launched raids to arrest the four suspects, all of whom fled after the incident. Man kills wife for ‘honour’ in separate DG Khan incident In a separate incident in the Kot Mubarak area, a woman was murdered by her husband and paternal uncle over allegations of “illicit relations.” According to police, Bashiran Mai, wife of Abdul Sattar, was allegedly beaten and then shot dead by her husband with the assistance of her uncle Murtaza Jiani in the Band Shere Wala, Chak Koora locality. Following the murder, the suspects allegedly attempted to bury the body quietly without informing authorities. However, Kot Mubarak police received timely information and reached the site before the funeral. The body was taken into custody and shifted to the Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination. After the autopsy, an FIR was registered under Sections 302, 311 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of SHO Ghazi Irfan Mustafa. Police have begun investigations, and raids are underway to arrest the absconding suspects.

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Bilawal says tampering with NFC, 18th Amendment is akin to 'playing with fire'

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that any attempt to dilute provincial powers or undermine the constitutional protections granted under the 18th Amendment would be “playing with fire.” Bilawal delivered the warning during a video address marking the PPP’s 58th foundation day, broadcast simultaneously across more than 100 districts. Recalling earlier proposals by the ruling PML-N to amend the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Bilawal said the PPP had opposed those measures. He noted that this opposition was why the proposed changes were ultimately excluded from the final draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. لائیو: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے 58 ویں یوم تاسیس کے موقع پر ملک بھر کے 100 سے زائد اضلاع میں جلسہ عام https://t.co/ANv2mZQpve — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) November 30, 2025 Pakistan’s structural challenges, he said, were rooted in the country’s history, and the PPP had worked to strengthen the federation by restoring democracy and securing provincial rights and representation. Bilawal cautioned political forces attempting to cast doubt on decisions taken by parliament, saying that creating laws and framing the Constitution were the exclusive responsibilities of elected representatives. He said that when a constitutional amendment is passed through consensus and majority, only parliament has the authority to revisit or alter it. Demanding that courts or judges decide the fate of a constitutional amendment, he said, was an overreach. “This is not their authority, nor will we permit any other institution to interfere in the jurisdiction of parliament. No court has had, has, or will have the power to nullify a constitutional amendment,” he remarked. Read: Kundi denies any move to impose governor's rule in K-P He stressed that the state had strengthened the federation by ensuring political, economic, and administrative inclusion through the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. Those seeking to undo these gains, he said, ignored how these measures helped neutralise separatist politics that hostile foreign powers once exploited. “Those who attempt to tamper with the NFC Award or the 18th Amendment are, in effect, playing with fire,” he warned. Referring to rising regional tensions, Bilawal said the government must avoid providing hostile actors with opportunities to exploit Pakistan’s internal divisions—especially at a time when India’s defence minister issues aggressive statements and when Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan remain strained. He also voiced concern over the country’s political climate, saying Pakistan’s internal rifts had reached unprecedented levels of bitterness. “Our disagreements may be political, but the level of bitterness that has emerged in Pakistan’s political culture—the fever that has taken hold of our politics—has reached a stage where members of one political party are unwilling even to speak to those from another,” he said. Bilawal urged all political stakeholders to adopt a path of truce and reconciliation, noting that the second part of the Charter of Democracy calls for political peace. “The second part of the Charter of Democracy is truce and reconciliation, and I believe that all stakeholders must follow this path to address the political crisis. Only then can all political parties work together to steer the country out of the challenges it faces at home and internationally. Otherwise, we will keep fighting among ourselves, and those conspiring against Pakistan will exploit our divisions,” he warned. Also Read: Balakot hit by 3.5-magnitude quake, marking second seismic activity in 48 hours Bilawal praised the PPP for defending provincial financial rights and accused the PML-N of attempting to revive the executive magistracy system and reclaim subjects devolved to the provinces—such as education and population control. The PPP, he said, would support measures that strengthened the federation but would never endorse any step that weakened provincial autonomy. Turning to the newly formed Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), established under the 27th Amendment, Bilawal said some elements were attempting to create doubts about the institution. He expressed hope that the FCC would prove its critics wrong. He emphasised that decisions regarding constitutional amendments remained the prerogative of parliament and criticised those seeking judicial intervention in such matters. He said the FCC had assumed the country’s highest constitutional jurisdiction and would now oversee major constitutional and political matters, while the Supreme Court would focus on criminal cases. Bilawal hoped the FCC would not follow the path of past judicial overreach, referencing courts that had ventured into administrative and political matters—from fixing commodity prices to disqualifying prime ministers. Bilawal concluded by noting that the PPP had fulfilled its commitment to establishing a constitutional court and had ensured equal provincial representation within it, expressing hope that the new judicial structure would strengthen public trust and enhance access to justice.

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Gilani celebrates PPP's role for democracy

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has extended heartfelt felicitations to the leadership, workers and supporters of the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) on the occasion of its 58th Foundation Day, paying tribute to the Party's historic role in defending democracy and advancing the rights of the people. In a statement on Saturday, the Chairman Senate stated that the PPP, founded under the visionary leadership of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and strengthened by the enduring struggle and sacrifices of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, has always stood firm as a symbol of democratic resilience.

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Loader, Qingqi rickshaws banned in Punjab districts

The government has enforced a series of strict new traffic regulations across the Rawalpindi Division, imposing a complete ban on loader and Qingqi rickshaws in all districts — Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Murree, Talagang and Chakwal. Carrying passengers on the rooftops of buses and wagons has also been declared a punishable offence. A large-scale crackdown against violators will begin from Monday. Police have been directed to seize all banned rickshaws, which will be impounded at police stations. Cases will be registered against anyone riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle without a helmet, a valid driving licence as well as a fitness certificate. Parents of underage drivers will also face legal consequences. Wrong-way driving, overspeeding and other dangerous traffic violations will now result in criminal charges. Overloading or transporting passengers on the rooftops of public transport vehicles will also lead to prosecution. The deputy commissioner, CPO and CTO have issued strict instructions to traffic police and local police stations to launch the operation without delay. Authorities have additionally banned the practice of modifying and converting motorcycles into makeshift commercial rickshaws. Police have been ordered to seize all such modified motorcycles. The enforcement drive aims to prevent rising road accidents, regulate illegal transport, and ensure public safety. Read More: Punjab to auction vehicles of repeat violators Vehicles of repreat violators will be auctioned Punjab has launched a crackdown on traffic violations and strict penalties are being introduced as the province announced to auction vehicles over repeat traffic violations. The province introduced 20 major amendments in six-decade-old Traffic Act. The government approved a 30-day grace period to eliminate one-way violations, and directed the relevant authorities to remodel U-turns to improve road safety. It was also agreed that compensation for families of those killed in road accidents will be paid immediately. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that marriage halls will not be allowed to operate without having proper parking facilities for guests. The participants approved a province-wide crackdown against underage drivers. Officials said, in case of underage driving, the vehicle owner may face up to six-month imprisonment. The chief minister ordered a crackdown on buses carrying passengers on rooftops. Relevant officials apprised her that in order to improve traffic flow and ensure public safety, a ban on motorcycle rickshaws will be enforced on five model roads in Lahore. The chief minister set a 30-day deadline to streamline traffic in Lahore. She said vehicles dangerously speeding will face stern action.

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Sindh CM rules out creation of new province

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has strongly dismissed any possibility of creating a new province within Sindh, urging the public not to take related rumours seriously. Speaking to the media at Bhan Saeedabad Press Club in Jamshoro district on Saturday, the CM reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will always act in the best interests of both Pakistan and Sindh. “Will anyone living in Sindh agree to dividing the province?” he asked, answering his own question by noting that there are no such voices in the province and thus no reason for concern. “There is no question of dividing Sindh,” he said firmly. When asked about a possible 28th constitutional amendment, CM Murad said it was too early to comment, as no draft has emerged yet. While he avoided commenting on the potential replacement of Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, he noted that appointing a governor is the prerogative of the prime minister and the president. The CM also voiced concern over rising sugar prices, stating that he has directed Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah to take measures to reduce retail prices while ensuring sugarcane farmers receive fair rates for their crops. Although the sugarcane harvest began in October, the provincial government has yet to fix procurement prices for mills, despite notifying the start of the crushing season from November 15. Last year, the government did not set procurement prices for sugarcane or wheat to comply with International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions. However, the recent announcement of a wheat procurement price of Rs3,500 per maund has raised hopes among farmers for fair cane pricing. During a spot check of outlets selling agricultural inputs, seeds, and fertilisers in rural areas, he assured farmers that the government is monitoring stockpiling and curbing inflationary prices to protect their interests.

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Punjab to auction vehicles of repeat violators

Vehicle of traffic rules violators receiving repeated traffic violation challans in Punjab will be auctioned, while government vehicles involved in violating the rules will also face heavy penalties, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was informed during a meeting on Friday. Officials apprised the chief minister that 20 major amendments have been introduced in Punjab’s six-decade-old Traffic Act. The government approved a 30-day grace period to eliminate one-way violations, and directed the relevant authorities to remodel U-turns to improve road safety. It was also agreed that compensation for families of those killed in road accidents will be paid immediately. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that marriage halls will not be allowed to operate without proper parking facilities. The participants approved a province-wide crackdown against underage drivers. Read More: Punjab rolls out stricter traffic ordinance Officials said that in case of underage driving, the vehicle owner may face up to six months imprisonment. The chief minister ordered a crackdown on buses carrying passengers on rooftops. Relevant officials apprised her that in order to improve traffic flow and ensure public safety, a ban on motorcycle rickshaws will be enforced on five model roads in Lahore. The chief minister set a 30-day deadline to streamline traffic in Lahore. She said vehicles dangerously speeding will face stern action. صوبہ بھر میں ٹریفک قوانین کی خلاف ورزی پر سخت کریک ڈاؤن جاری۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/mrGekYPPiQ — Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) November 28, 2025 Traffic across all cities of the province must be improved, said Maryam, adding that every violator would be fined without any discrimination. She gave the traffic police a last chance to improve the state of affairs. “If they fail, a new department would be established,” she stated, lamenting that when everything else had been fixed, why the traffic was still in a state of disarray. She remarked that continuous violations and disorder on roads reflect weak writ of the state.

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Punjab to auction vehicles of repeat violators

Vehicle of traffic rules violators receiving repeated traffic violation challans in Punjab will be auctioned, while government vehicles involved in violating the rules will also face heavy penalties, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was informed during a meeting on Friday. Officials apprised the chief minister that 20 major amendments have been introduced in Punjab’s six-decade-old Traffic Act. The government approved a 30-day grace period to eliminate one-way violations, and directed the relevant authorities to remodel U-turns to improve road safety. It was also agreed that compensation for families of those killed in road accidents will be paid immediately. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that marriage halls will not be allowed to operate without proper parking facilities. The participants approved a province-wide crackdown against underage drivers. Read More: Punjab rolls out stricter traffic ordinance Officials said that in case of underage driving, the vehicle owner may face up to six months imprisonment. The chief minister ordered a crackdown on buses carrying passengers on rooftops. Relevant officials apprised her that in order to improve traffic flow and ensure public safety, a ban on motorcycle rickshaws will be enforced on five model roads in Lahore. The chief minister set a 30-day deadline to streamline traffic in Lahore. She said vehicles dangerously speeding will face stern action. صوبہ بھر میں ٹریفک قوانین کی خلاف ورزی پر سخت کریک ڈاؤن جاری۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/mrGekYPPiQ — Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) November 28, 2025 Traffic across all cities of the province must be improved, said Maryam, adding that every violator would be fined without any discrimination. She gave the traffic police a last chance to improve the state of affairs. “If they fail, a new department would be established,” she stated, lamenting that when everything else had been fixed, why the traffic was still in a state of disarray. She remarked that continuous violations and disorder on roads reflect weak writ of the state.

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Birth, death, marriage and divorce registration goes online in Sindh

In a major push towards digital governance, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah launched the Civil Registration Management System mobile application - a platform that now enables citizens to register birth, death, marriage and divorce online, without visiting any government or relevant office. Calling the initiative a 'milestone in Sindh's transition to a digital future', the chief minister said, the system would eliminate queues, paperwork and delays, and make essential services accessible to people across the province, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas. Registrations at doorsteps The Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) mobile app, developed in collaboration with NADRA, is part of the larger Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system approved at a cost of Rs471 million. The system will cover 30 districts and 769 health facilities, ensuring that 85% of births occurring in public and private hospitals are registered digitally. Read: PTA terms tariff increase by mobile operators 'justified' Shah said the app would also integrate vaccination records, disease surveillance and patient identity management - enabling real-time, accurate data critical for planning and public health. "Civil registration has long remained low because many less privileged families could not afford NADRA fees," the chief minister noted. "To remove this barrier, the Sindh cabinet decided that the provincial government will pay all NADRA fees for birth and death registration." Mandatory birth registration within hours The chief minister announced that birth registration would be made mandatory across Sindh immediately after the birth of the child. "Five years from now, every child's school mapping and planning will be based on this data," he said, directing hospitals to ensure instant registration of all newborns. He added that implementation at the union council level would be crucial, and that local representatives' performance would now be assessed based on registration rates. Digital Sindh Rises: CM ⁦@MuradAliShahPPP ⁩ launched CRMS Mobile App, bringing doorstep registration for births, deaths, marriages & divorces. Partnership with @NadraPak, shifts us from paper to tech-driven governance, fostering efficiency &public trust. #DigitalSindh pic.twitter.com/zkXXa01yq4 — Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) November 28, 2025 Shah highlighted that all Sindh cabinet meetings have already shifted to a fully paperless system. The provincial government now aims to expand digital reforms to domicile issuance, social protection systems, health records, licensing and e-payments - consolidating them under a secure, unified digital platform. NADRA, he said, has been an 'essential partner' through solutions like Pak-ID, and will ensure that its data security and privacy standards extend to the new system as well. Health sector to benefit from integrated data Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho briefed the chief minister on the network of 769 health facilities now connected to the new system. The integrated data, she said, would support programmes such as the Electronic Immunisation Registry and help target interventions for diseases including thalassemia. NADRA Director General Amir Ali Khan and Local Government Secretary Waseem Shamshed signed an additional agreement confirming NADRA's role in securing and maintaining the CRMS mobile application. All terms of the original memorandum of understanding remain intact. Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah said the Digital Sindh initiative would ensure both transparency and accuracy in governance processes.

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Abbasi slams govt over 'governance, corruption'

Awaam Pakistan Party (APP) convener Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday criticised the government, saying the incumbent regime has failed in governance and controlling corruption, while also raising concerns over the handling of the recent IMF report. Addressing a news conference in the federal capital alongside party leader Miftah Ismail, Abbasi said the IMF report highlighted several issues affecting the country's economy, including questions regarding the judiciary, which the government had allegedly kept hidden from the public. "This is essentially a summary of the points we have been raising for a long time. The IMF report does not contain anything new," Abbasi remarked. "The government has failed to improve governance or control corruption. We must take the IMF's findings seriously." Abbasi questioned why the government delayed releasing the report to the public. He also highlighted the country's economic challenges, stating that unemployment has reached a historic high of 7.1 per cent, prompting many young Pakistanis to seek opportunities abroad.

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Tarar, Raja to contest PBC poll

After the passage of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) election, scheduled for December 13, is viewed as crucial as both Professional and Independent groups have been making claims to get a majority in the apex regularity body of lawyers for the next five years. The members of the provincial and Islamabad Bar Councils, who are voters in this election, will elect 23 members of the Pakistan Bar Council, from their respective provinces and ICT. The significance of the election can be assessed from the fact that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Salman Akram Raja are contesting the election. Majority of the PBC members nominate their representative for the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) — a constitutional body of judges appointment. Independent Group, which is known as pro-government group, has remained in majority in the PBC since 2010. The group members are still claiming that they will get majority in the upcoming election. On the other hand, Professional group, which is pro PTI and strong critic of two constitutional amendments is confident that they will secure majority in total 23 PBC members. A total of 59 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the election of members of the Pakistan Bar Council from across the country. Five candidates have filed their nomination papers for the single seat of membership of the Pakistan Bar Council from the province of Balochistan, Eleven candidates have filed papers for four seats reserved for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 27 candidates for eleven seats allocated for Punjab and 14 candidates for six seats reserved for Sindh whereas two candidates for one seat reserved for ICT. The members of Independent Group are claiming that they will secure eight seats of Punjab, three in K-P, three in Sindh and one in ICT. On the other hand, the members of Professional group are quite confident that they will be able to win five seats in Punjab, two in K-P, three in Sindh and one in Balochistan. One member belonged to Professional Group even revealed that the group is working to get five seats in Punjab, four seats in Sindh, stating that they are doing extra effort to secure seat from ICT. It is learnt that Independent Group members are getting majority support from PBC members who belonged to south Punjab, Sargodha and Faisalabad while Professional Group is claiming the support of majority members who belonged to Lahore and Guranwala and Rawalpindi divisions. In Balochistan, the contesting candidates are Munir Ahmad Khan Kakar, Rehmatullah Barech, Jameel Ahmed Khan, Amanullah Kanrani and Muhammad Rauf Atta. Munir Kakar is favorite candidate among them. In K-P, the contesting candidates are Syed Amjad Shah, Noor Alam Khan, Qazi Muhammad Arshad, Khush Dil Khan, Rehmanullah ,Atlas Khan, Malik Akhtar Hussain Awan, Abdul Sattar Khan, Qazi Muhammad Anwar, Naveed Akhtar and Kausar Ali Shah. It is learnt the ANP legal wing will easily be able to get two seats in the province. It will be interesting as how the PTI-backed Professional Group will get three seats in K-P. One member says that the group has an advantage as the PTI is ruling the province. He admitted that the group could not get majority seats in KP bar council election. In Punjab, Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Syed Qalb-i-Hassan, Ch. Tahir Nasrullah Warraich, Saqib Akram Gondal, Hafeez-ur-Rehman Chaudhry, Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti, Muhammad Maqsood Buttar, Amir Saeed Rawn, Pervaiz Inayat Malik, Asif Mehmood Cheema , Zulfiqar Ali , Mahmood Ashraf Khan, Muhammad Ilyas Sheikh, Sh. Ahsan ud Din, Mian Abdul Qaddous, Muhammad Asad Manzoor Butt, Salman Akram Raja, Mushtaq Ahmad Mohal, Ch. Zulfiqar Ali, Ch. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, Ahmad Awais , Shafqat Mehmood Chohan , Rana Zia Abdul Rehman, Khadim Hussain Qaiser, Malik Ghulam Mustafa Kandwal, Zafar Mahmood Mughal. In Sindh, Salahuddin Ahmed, Muhammad Lutfullah Arain , Munir Ahmed Malik, Shahab Sarki, Muhammad Nadeem Qureshi, Abid Shahid Zuberi , Rana Muhammad Shamim, Ubedullah Malano, Fazal Qadir Memon, Farooq Hamid Naek, Hameedullah Dahri, Muzaffar Ali Laghari , Abdul Jabbar Qureshi and Muhammad Saleem Mangrio. In ICT, Raja Rizwan Abbasi and Syed Qamar Hussain Shah Sabzwari are in the run. The scrutiny of Letters of Proposals (Nomination Papers) will be held in office of the Returning Officer, Islamabad on Tuesday, the 2nd December, 2025 at 10:00am. The polling will take place on Saturday, the 13th December, 2025, at all the four Provincial capitals and ICT in Advocate General Offices.

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Punjab bans petrol-powered Qingqis, motorcycles to curb smog

The Punjab government has announced a broad set of measures to curb smog and improve air quality, including a phased shutdown of petrol motorcycle production and an immediate ban on the manufacturing of petrol-powered Qingqi rickshaws. A special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, decided that all government departments will now purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles, including motorbikes. Participants of the meeting said the shift is intended to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport at a time when air pollution in major cities remains at hazardous levels. During the meeting, it was also decided to impose a ban on washing vehicles at home and to endorse a proposal for colour-coded waste bins across Punjab to improve waste segregation and reduce open burning. Tough penalties were approved for burning plastic, rubber and other materials that emit toxic smoke, with authorities warning that no leniency would be shown for actions that threaten public health. To address emissions from ageing vehicles, the provincial government also approved the establishment of permanent testing workshops across the province. Participants were briefed that a 'smog war room' is operational at the Safe Cities Authority to support monitoring and enforcement. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also appreciated the ongoing campaign against child labour at brick kilns. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the committee on enforcement actions taken so far, noting that 41 air-quality monitoring stations are active in 18 districts and that 100 additional sensors will be installed next year. She said more than 450 industrial units, found violating environmental regulations, have been demolished, with fines exceeding Rs230 million. A night enforcement squad has separately dismantled at least 100 units, while 2,200 brick kilns have been demolished and another 2,336 sealed across the province. Earlier, the government had deployed the country’s first Environment Protection Squad (EPS), a multi-tiered force equipped with e-bikes and tasked with addressing pollution in both urban and rural areas. The squad includes teams focusing on brick kilns, plastic waste, dust control, emissions and environmental surveillance. Officials said thermal drones and a mobile air-quality monitoring station are being used to track pollution hotspots and support regulatory enforcement. In parallel, the Environmental Protection Agency has directed that no vehicle exceeding noise or emission limits under the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards will be allowed on Lahore’s roads. The order initially applies to light transport vehicles and cars manufactured before 2015, which must undergo emission testing at EPA booths set up across the city. Despite these measures, smog continues to blanket much of the province. Air-quality data released on Thursday showed Punjab’s average Air Quality Index at 205, a level classified as unhealthy. Lahore remained among the most polluted cities, recording an average AQI of 319 between 8am and 3pm. Several neighbourhoods reported higher readings, including Kahna Nau Hospital at 470, the Lahore Waste Management Company and Egerton Road at 366, and Safari Park at 323. Other major urban centres also recorded elevated pollution levels, with AQIs of 294 in Khanewal, 271 in Faisalabad and 233 in Sheikhupura. CM directs to solve property cases of widows Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities concerned to prioritise the resolution of cases involving illegal occupation of widows’ properties. She also instructed assistant commissioners in every tehsil to receive applications related to land grabbing and expressed displeasure over the lack of timely decisions in cases from Gujrat, Layyah, Hafizabad and other districts. The chief minister said all deputy commissioners should hold daily meetings to review progress on such cases. Officials said 2,919 applications against illegal occupation had been received over the past three weeks, of which 499 had been resolved by the District Dispute Resolution Committees. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a school meal programme for special education students, the chief minister announced that Himmat Cards would be launched for the welfare of special students.

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K-P CM continues sit-in outside Adiala Jail after visit to PTI founder denied again

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continued a sit-in outside Adiala Jail late into Thursday night after authorities once again denied him permission to meet the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Negotiations between representatives of the K-P CM and the Adiala Jail administration were underway, according to sources. The talks are being held at a private building near the Faqirabad (Factory) checkpoint, sources said. Officials participating in the discussions include the assistant superintendent of Adiala Jail, the chief minister’s chief security officer, police representatives, and K-P MPA Meena Khan. According to sources, the K-P delegation has demanded a written explanation for why the CM and other party leaders have not been allowed to meet the PTI founder. They have also sought assurances regarding the founder’s health. The delegation further pressed for immediate permission for the CM and accompanying party leaders to hold the requested meeting, sources added. Also Read: K-P to spend Rs100b to restore Peshawar's lost glory Earlier, Afridi had arrived at the Adiala Jail and engaged in a heated exchange with police officials, reminding them that he had been stopped during his previous visit as well. “I asked then, and I ask now: give me in writing why court orders are not being followed. Someone is trying to create chaos here,” he said. “This is the eighth time I’ve come here respectfully,” he added, noting that repeated travel from Peshawar to Rawalpindi “was not easy” when meetings did not materialise. After multiple attempts, jail authorities refused to allow the meeting, prompting the chief minister to launch a sit-in on the roadside. Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai later joined him in solidarity. Speaking to reporters at the Faqirabad checkpoint, Afridi voiced concern over social media reports regarding the PTI founder’s health. “If these concerns are not addressed through a meeting, the entire nation will be on the streets,” he warned. “We are sitting right here. If the meeting does not happen, we will decide our next steps.” Afridi reiterated his demand for clarity. “We want to meet him and inquire about his well-being,” he said. Afridi said the party’s concerns were growing each time access to its founder was denied, warning that “we are considering our last option.” He added that unemployment was rising and young people were leaving the country. “I will defend my province’s case in the NFC. I will attend the meeting. The government has postponed the NFC session four times.” Also Read: Imran's sisters end Adiala Road sit-in after police negotiations He said PTI had used all democratic avenues. “I wanted to come earlier for a sit-in but was stopped by the founder’s sisters,” he remarked. Peaceful protest, he said, had always been the party’s last resort. “Do not take this lightly. They are feeling the pressure — we know that. When we come with full preparation, many people will lose sleep. Even this sit-in is troubling them.” TTAP chief Achakzai also addressed questions about Imran Khan’s health. “If there is concern that Imran Khan is unwell, just ask him on camera. He will confirm he is fine,” he said. “If you truly want to run the country properly, then ask him on camera about rumours regarding his health. It will take only two minutes — he will say he is fine, people will hear it, and the matter will end,” he added. Commenting on the governance crisis, Achakzai added: “There is no real constitution in Pakistan. We have kept all nations together under the Constitution, yet you do not uphold it for anyone.” He criticised the refusal to allow the K-P chief minister a meeting despite a court order. “A representative came under a court order for a meeting, and they are refusing permission. Where is Pakistan headed?” he asked. He further warned that nationwide sit-ins could follow if the situation persisted, saying the public would assert its authority over state institutions. Describing governance as being in “a state of constitutional breakdown,” he accused the authorities of breaking promises and undermining provincial respect. “Have you ever heard of an entire province, with its chief minister, being blocked from meeting its leader? Promises are made and then broken. Where are you taking Pakistan? What respect are you showing to the provinces? he added. Read: 22 terrorists killed in DI Khan IBO: ISPR PTI MPA Meena Khan Afridi also raised concern over the founder’s health. “This is not an ordinary issue. It concerns the founder’s health. Despite repeated requests, we are not being allowed to meet him. They must explain the reason,” she said. She added that the chief minister had indicated earlier that “all options would be used” and that the sit-in was one such option. “We want the public to see their true face.” Meanwhile, MNA Shahid Khattak criticised the treatment of the K-P chief minister. “There was no plan for a sit-in. Only seven of us came. I went inside the jail and gave them all the names. How can you make a chief minister representing 50 million people sit on the roadside like this?” he asked. “This is their action; we will give a reaction.” He said the party had convened a meeting at the K-P House to discuss the matter, adding that PTI would not compromise on issues related to the founder’s confinement, health, or the “disrespect” shown to the chief minister. “This is not their father’s country. They do not follow the Constitution or the law. If we respond forcefully, they call us thugs. We will react — we will not let this go easily.” Khattak said what happened on February 8 had been repeated on November 23. In the recent by-elections, he claimed, 95 per cent of voters abstained, saying the people of Punjab had “shown solidarity with the founder by not voting.”

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Rawalpindi issues 600 e-challans in first four days of new system

Rawalpindi has formally introduced and enforced an e-challan system for traffic violations. Within merely four days, 600 challans have been issued for a range of breaches of traffic regulations. According to SSP Safe City Rawalpindi, Rana Abdul Wahab, more than 2,100 cameras positioned across 360 locations are now being utilised not only for security surveillance and traffic management but have also been fully integrated with the e-challaning system via the Safe City Command and Control Centre. This initiative, he emphasised, is aimed at improving the safety of the city’s roads and their users. The Artificial Intelligence–enabled network, fitted with smart cameras, records traffic violations on major thoroughfares without exception, with challan notices being dispatched directly to vehicle owners. Read: Islamabad expands cashless economy, QR code system to cover entire city Offering further insight, SSP Safe City Rawalpindi Region, Rana Wahab—accompanied by SP Safe City Razaullah Shah and DSP Safe City Kashif Riaz—addressed a press conference at the Safe City Command and Control Headquarters in Rawalpindi regarding the launch of the e-challan system. He explained that the Command and Control Centre, which already oversees security surveillance, has now been formally linked with the traffic management framework and the smart-camera-based e-challan mechanism. Across the Cantonment and adjoining areas, over 2,100 smart and high-sensitivity cameras have been installed in connection with more than 300 cases. These allow for automated monitoring of 19 categories of traffic violations. In the first four days alone, six hundred e-challans have been generated and delivered to the relevant vehicle owners. Initially, priority is being given to violations that pose the greatest risk to human life—such as riding motorcycles without helmets, failing to wear seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving. However, the e-challan system will progressively be expanded to cover all traffic offences. Wahab affirmed that the smart cameras now record violations with supporting evidence, on the basis of which challans are issued. He added that monitoring relating to smog is also under way. At forty-one project sites, air-quality measuring devices have been installed, and the Safe City programme is providing assistance to relevant departments in assessing and managing air quality data. Rana Wahab further noted that Safe City projects across all tehsils of Rawalpindi will be fully operational by 31 December. Also Read: Aleema briefly taken into judicial custody Responding to a question, the police officer clarified that surveillance is active not only at the site of the Kachehri Chowk redevelopment project but also along alternative routes. The system is capable of monitoring nineteen distinct categories of violations. Regarding VIP movement, he stated that the law applies to everyone, though operational parameters for VIPs may differ. He also clarified that challans dating back to August are being issued; however, no challan predating 22 November or older than twenty-four hours will now be generated. The system operates continuously and is capable of detecting all types of violations. Wahab added that recommendations for improvements to the road infrastructure will also be submitted. The Traffic Police, he emphasised, remain the primary custodians of traffic regulation. Should any citizen feel dissatisfied with a challan, they retain the right to lodge an appeal before a magistrate. The overarching aim, he said, is to provide better facilities for the public. Panic buttons are also being installed throughout the city. He further revealed that the Safe City system maintains a database of over 14,000 registered blood donors. Upon receiving a call, donors are connected with the patient’s family. Each district has been tasked with registering twenty-five new donors each day.

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Pakistan Railways cuts fares for luxury saloon coaches

Pakistan Railways has announced a notable reduction in fares for passengers opting for luxury travel. According to a spokesperson for the Railways, the new fares for luxury saloon coaches have been significantly lowered to make high-end travel more accessible. The spokesperson revealed that the fare for the luxury saloons coaches between Karachi and Rawalpindi has been set at Rs172,000, while the fare between Karachi and Lahore is now Rs150,000. In addition, the fare for the route from Lahore to Rawalpindi has been reduced to just Rs44,000. "Passengers will now be able to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious journey in the minister's saloon," the spokesperson added. وزیرِ ریلوے کی ہدایت پر ریلوے سیلونز کے کرایوں میں واضح کمی کر دی گئی کراچی سے راولپنڈی کرایہ 5 لاکھ روپے سے کم کر کے 1 لاکھ 72 ہزار کر دیا گیا کراچی سے لاہور کرایہ 4 لاکھ 20 ہزار سے کم کر کے ڈیڑھ لاکھ کر دیا گیا لاہور سے راولپنڈی 1 لاکھ 5 ہزار سے کم کر کے 44 ہزار کر دیا گیا — Pakistan Railways (@PakrailPK) November 26, 2025 Earlier, a key meeting was chaired by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi where the performance of the railway police was discussed. During the session, it was revealed that, following the minister's directives, the ticket-checking campaign has been made more effective. Abbasi warned that both passengers travelling without tickets and those facilitating such travel would face legal action. "Those travelling without tickets will face imprisonment," he stated, urging that strict actions against ticketless travel continue. The meeting also discussed efforts by the railway police to combat theft, smuggling, and other crimes, highlighting the implementation of the anti-encroachment policy. Abbasi's directives to clear decades-old encroachments from railway land are ongoing, with the railway police ensuring that every inch of the railway's land is recovered. https://ift.tt/twjqGAB In June, Pakistan Railways announced that its luxury saloon coaches, previously reserved for senior government officials, would now be available for booking by the general public. According to Express News, the decision was made on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The initiative aimed to extend premium travel facilities to ordinary citizens and optimise the use of existing railway resources. Five luxury saloons, which had been used by the Prime Minister, federal ministers, the Chairman of Pakistan Railways, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Inspector General of Railways, were now accessible to any passenger wishing to book them.

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Punjab plans to set up new 'farmers markets' under govt control

The Punjab government has resolved to abolish all vegetable and fruit markets, along with wholesale commission markets, in a bid to exert complete control over the prices of foodstuffs, essential commodities, vegetables, fruit and grocery items. In their stead, new Chief Minister’s Farmers’ Markets will be established. These will be staffed by government inspectors working under the direct supervision of the Assistant Commissioner. At these markets, every vehicle, trailer and container transporting vegetables, fruit, pulses, sugar and grocery goods will be formally registered upon entry. The authorities plan to bring the new markets into operation in the second half of December. Under this decision, four fruit and vegetable markets and six wholesale markets in the Rawalpindi Division — and, across Punjab, a total of 42 fruit and vegetable markets and 70 wholesale commission markets — will be dismantled. The new Chief Minister’s Farmers’ Markets will remain under the exclusive control of the government, with offices of the District Administration, the Price Control Magistrate and the District Price Committee, located on site. All inflows of goods, including supply and auctioning, will take place entirely under government supervision, effectively ending all private control. Nevertheless, the President of the Vegetable Market Traders’ Association, Ghulam Qadir Mir, the Secretary of the Fruit Market, Sajid Khan, and the Vice-President of the Wholesale Market Traders, Shafiq Khan, have rejected the proposal. They urged the government to desist from such experiments and instead focus on sound governance, warning that such measures would trigger a surge in inflation. They argued that, should the government genuinely wish to introduce reforms, it ought to establish parallel markets and allow them to compete with existing wholesale and fruit and vegetable markets, as improvement naturally follows competition. They further observed that the government has failed to run the Utility Stores or the Sasti Roti scheme effectively; how, then, would it manage wholesale markets? According to them, the bureaucracy is attempting to engineer direct conflict between the government and the traders through such initiatives — a situation they vowed to resist.

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Imran's sisters return to Adiala jail for sit-in after meeting with PTI founder denied again

A week after Rawalpindi police detained the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, they staged another sit-in on Adiala Road after being denied permission for party leaders and family members to meet him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in prison. On Tuesday, several party leaders, including Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma, Noreen Khan, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Sheikh Waqas Akram and others, reached Adiala Road for the meeting but were blocked. The founder’s sisters were stopped at the Factory checkpoint, while other leaders were held at Dahgal checkpoint. According to reports, the founder’s three sisters, joined by party workers, demanded that the meeting be allowed and vowed not to end the protest until their demand was met. During the protest, a large number of National and Provincial Assembly members, along with party workers, participated, chanting slogans and attempting to march toward the jail, which was prevented by heavy police presence. Read: Adiala jail denies PTI founder running X account from prison Speaking to the media, Aleema said the protest would continue until the meeting is granted. She criticised the authorities for isolating the founder, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. She accused female police personnel of following unlawful orders and attempting to humiliate women at the protest. Noreen said the family remained unaware of Imran’s current health and criticised the authorities for denying even a brief meeting. “If they had allowed even a five-minute meeting, we would have left peacefully. If they want to arrest us, they can — we are not going anywhere,” she added. Right now pic.twitter.com/LtRjrai6vc — Naeem Haider Panjutha (@NaeemPanjuthaa) November 25, 2025 Other leaders, including Meena Khan, Sheharyar Afridi, and Mushtaq Ghani, also joined the demonstration. Participants demanded respect for legal and constitutional rights, stressing their determination to continue the sit-in despite police efforts to block them. The sit-in outside Adiala Jail continues, with PTI workers raising slogans. A large number of Imran Khan’s family members, MNAs, MPAs, and party workers are present at the protest. Barrister Salman Akram Raja vowed to stand by principles and the PTI founder’s sisters. “We stand with principles, we stand with the sisters, and we will continue to stand with them. We face armed forces, yet we stand unarmed with the strength of principles — and history bears witness that principles ultimately prevail,” he said. ہم اصول کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں ہم بہنوں کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں کھڑے رہینگے ہمارے سامنے بندوقوں والے ہیں ہم نہتے اصول کی طاقت کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں اور تاریخ گواہ ہے باالآخر اصول جیتتا ہے ۔ عوام عمران خان کو رہا کروائیں گے، عوام نے فیصلہ کرنا ہے اس ملک میں آئین کا راج ہوگا یا بربریت کا راج… pic.twitter.com/pKJAVrAlLn — PTI (@PTIofficial) November 25, 2025 He added that the people will secure Imran Khan’s release and emphasised that it is the public who must decide whether the rule of the Constitution will prevail in the country or the rule of brutality. Tehreek‑e‑Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan Deputy Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas warned that the patience of the Pakistani nation should not be tested, adding that if all avenues were blocked, people would rise in a revolution. “When the people come out, you will beg for a meeting with Khan Sahab, but no one will listen. You will simply be told to leave,” he said. Also Read: DG ISPR rejects Kabul’s airstrike claims, says Pakistan ‘does not operate covertly’ Tehreek‑e‑Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan Deputy Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also assured Imran Khan’s sisters that they hold their respect and honour. “You are our dignity, and we will not leave you alone. We stand with you,” he said. As the sit-in continues, traffic remains heavily congested on Adiala Road, creating significant disruption for the public.

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Punjab plans to set up new 'farmers markets' under govt control

The Punjab government has resolved to abolish all vegetable and fruit markets, along with wholesale commission markets, in a bid to exert complete control over the prices of foodstuffs, essential commodities, vegetables, fruit and grocery items. In their stead, new Chief Minister’s Farmers’ Markets will be established. These will be staffed by government inspectors working under the direct supervision of the Assistant Commissioner. At these markets, every vehicle, trailer and container transporting vegetables, fruit, pulses, sugar and grocery goods will be formally registered upon entry. The authorities plan to bring the new markets into operation in the second half of December. Under this decision, four fruit and vegetable markets and six wholesale markets in the Rawalpindi Division — and, across Punjab, a total of 42 fruit and vegetable markets and 70 wholesale commission markets — will be dismantled. The new Chief Minister’s Farmers’ Markets will remain under the exclusive control of the government, with offices of the District Administration, the Price Control Magistrate and the District Price Committee, located on site. All inflows of goods, including supply and auctioning, will take place entirely under government supervision, effectively ending all private control. Nevertheless, the President of the Vegetable Market Traders’ Association, Ghulam Qadir Mir, the Secretary of the Fruit Market, Sajid Khan, and the Vice-President of the Wholesale Market Traders, Shafiq Khan, have rejected the proposal. They urged the government to desist from such experiments and instead focus on sound governance, warning that such measures would trigger a surge in inflation. They argued that, should the government genuinely wish to introduce reforms, it ought to establish parallel markets and allow them to compete with existing wholesale and fruit and vegetable markets, as improvement naturally follows competition. They further observed that the government has failed to run the Utility Stores or the Sasti Roti scheme effectively; how, then, would it manage wholesale markets? According to them, the bureaucracy is attempting to engineer direct conflict between the government and the traders through such initiatives — a situation they vowed to resist.

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37 cantt boards set for fresh elections

The four-year term of elected public representatives in 37 out of 44 cantonment boards across the country has been completed. New elections will now be held at these cantonments. In view of the conclusion of their terms, the elected members of these cantonment boards have been relieved of their positions, and caretaker boards are now being formed. The Ministry of Defence has issued a letter to the Military Lands & Cantonments (MLC) Department. Until the new elections, each board will function under a two-member caretaker board comprising one nominated civilian member and one nominated military personnel. Each cantonment board will send the names of these members to the regional director of the MLC. These decisions were taken in a meeting chaired by the MLC director general. The four-year term of the elected public representatives in 37 cantonment boards—including Rawalpindi, Chaklala, Lahore, Karachi and others—ended on October 10, 2025. Later, the positions of elected vice presidents and elected board members were terminated with immediate effect, and they were barred from attending any future board meetings. For the remaining seven cantonment boards, a decision will be made once their elected members’ term ends. Until the next local body elections, these 37 cantonment boards will operate under a two-member caretaker board. Executive officers of all cantonments have been instructed to submit by Nov 26 before the close of office hours, the names of one nominated civilian member and one nominated military member. The civilian member will not contest the upcoming cantonment elections while the military member will be nominated by the relevant station headquarters. These names are to be sent to the MLC director general through the MLC regional director. Decisions of the last meeting of the elected boards must also be presented before the two-member caretaker board. Four years ago, local government elections in all cantonment boards were held on a party basis under the supervision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). However, the term of elected members is counted from the date they take oath. Cantonments are permanent bases of the Pakistan Armed Forces, which are administered by Cantonment Boards under the control of the MLC. Cantonments are established under and governed by the Cantonments Act 1924.In recent times, the demographic character of most independence-era cantonments has changed.

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No threat beyond aviation from Ethiopian volcanic ash approaching Pakistan: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has clarified that no threats have been identified beyond aviation hazards following an ash cloud from a rare volcanic eruption in northeastern Ethiopia, which has drifted toward southern Pakistan after passing over Yemen and Oman. According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the cloud originated from the Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. The eruption sent enormous plumes of smoke high into the atmosphere, casting large areas of the region into darkness. In response, the PMD has issued an aviation watch alert. Domestic flights, typically operating around 35,000 feet, and international flights, flying between 40,000 and 45,000 feet, may face engine hazards from the ash cloud. Authorities are actively monitoring its movements. The VAAC reported that the ash plume reached extreme altitudes, affecting airspace above southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and Pakistan’s coastal regions. However, the PMD stated that Karachi is unlikely to experience any direct impact. “Projections indicate the ash will mostly drift over the deep Arabian Sea, Oman, and the Mumbai flight region at around 50,000 feet,” a spokesperson said. Earlier in the day, the cloud was detected 60 nautical miles south of Gwadar, prompting an active warning issued to relevant authorities. PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazeer Zaighum confirmed that the ash would remain far offshore while moving over the Arabian Sea. BREAKING: Significant Eruption Reported in Afar, Ethiopia 🌋 Urgent reports this morning indicate a significant volcanic explosion in the Afar region, either at Ali Bagu (Amaytole) or possibly Erta Ale itself. Early information suggests the eruption may be located between… pic.twitter.com/ChwmyT9vDZ — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 23, 2025 Eyewitnesses in Ethiopia’s Afar region described the eruption as extraordinarily powerful. A local resident told The Addis Standard that the blast occurred eight kilometres from the volcano’s main mountain. Afar TV reported a “massive eruption,” noting that the force and sound of the blast were stronger than any previous events recalled by residents. Reports indicated that the sound and effects were felt as far as Djibouti, Tigray, and towns in the Wollo area. Flight-tracking platform FlightRadar showed the ash cloud’s projected path at 3:31am, heading toward the Arabian Peninsula and the Arabian Sea. Pakistan lies directly in the cloud’s trajectory, with arrival expected in roughly 18 hours. Interactive VAAC mapping indicates that the ash could pass over southern Sindh before drifting northeast into India. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region about 800 kilometres northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, erupted for several hours. Rising roughly 500 metres, the volcano sits within the geologically active Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates meet. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Programme confirmed that Hayli Gubbi had no recorded eruptions during the Holocene epoch, which began around 12,000 years ago. Volcanologist Simon Carn, professor at Michigan Technological University, corroborated the finding, stating that the volcano “has no record of Holocene eruptions.” Authorities continue to monitor the ash cloud closely to ensure the safety of aviation and coastal regions along its projected path.

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Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Khan to be caretaker G-B CM

Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Khan will take oath as the caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday (today), following the end of Chief Minister Gulbar Khan’s tenure and the dissolution of the region’s assembly. The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Assembly and government were dissolved at midnight on Monday after completing their constitutional term. With the assembly’s dissolution, the region’s government also stood dissolved, according to an official announcement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, approved the appointment of Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Khan as caretaker chief minister under Article 48-A(2) of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018. A notification issued in Gilgit stated that the caretaker chief minister will take oath in the morning. Justice (retd) Khan, who belongs to Astore, retired as a judge of the G-B Chief Court. He holds a degree in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University Islamabad, which he completed in 2008.

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Swabi police kill two terrorists in Topi shootout

Police in Swabi killed two terrorists within the jurisdiction of Topi police station, sources said on Monday. According to the district police spokesperson, authorities received information about the presence of outlaws in the Deh Topi area who were planning terrorist attacks. Acting on the intelligence, a police team immediately rushed to the location. When confronted by law enforcement, the terrorists opened fire on the police team. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both terrorists were killed. Authorities recovered hand grenades, two pistols, and a 125cc motorcycle from their possession. The slain terrorists were identified as Yasir, son of Sher Aman, and Saudur Rehman, also known as Suwaid, son of Bakht Sultan, both residents of Pabaini. Police said both were active members of the terrorist network Khawarij. The statement added that the killed militants had been involved in a grenade attack on the Kalabat police post, in which Constable Noor Kamal Shah was critically injured and later attained martyrdom. A search operation is ongoing in the surrounding area to trace any remaining suspects.

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PTI to mark Nov 26 as 'Black Day'

The PTI has announced that it will observe 26 November as a "Black Day" to mark one year since the party's Islamabad protest turned violent. The former ruling party has chosen not to hold a major nationwide demonstration and instead directed workers to stage protests at the regional level for the release of its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan. In a message posted on social media, PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar said the party's regional organisations had been instructed to organise demonstrations at the district level. He said that members of the National and provincial assemblies should visit the homes of workers who died during last year's unrest and express solidarity with their families. Akbar added that PTI will hold a Quran recitation in Hayatabad, Peshawar, followed by a protest gathering. He said the party leadership had decided that instead of staging a major nationwide protest, workers should mobilise at the district level as part of its strategy to mark the day. The November 26 protest staged by the PTI, which triggered a sweeping round of arrests, was aimed at pressuring the government to release Imran Khan. The Islamabad administration detained several PTI workers, citing security threats and violations of public order. The demonstration, which drew thousands to the capital under the leadership of Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and former K-P chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, quickly spiralled into clashes with security forces. According to the FIR lodged after the event, protesters armed with firearms, stones and batons attacked police and Rangers personnel.

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FO slams Rajnath Singh’s ‘delusional’ remarks on Sindh

The Foreign Office on Sunday strongly condemned recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Sindh, denouncing his comments as “delusional” and “dangerously revisionist” and reflective of an “expansionist Hindutva mindset.” In a sharply worded statement, the FO said the remarks sought to challenge “established realities” and violated “the inviolability of recognized borders, and the sovereignty of states.” It added that “such statements reveal an expansionist Hindutva mindset that seeks to challenge established realities and stands in clear violation of international law.” The FO urged Singh and other Indian leaders to refrain from provocative rhetoric, stressing that such remarks threaten regional stability. “Indian leaders should refrain from provocative rhetoric that threatens regional peace and stability. It would be far more constructive for the Government of India to focus on ensuring the security of its own citizens, particularly vulnerable minority communities,” the statement said. Read: Pakistan condemns Israeli attacks killing civilians in Gaza It added that New Delhi should hold accountable those responsible for inciting or committing violence and address discrimination rooted in “religious prejudice and historical distortions.” Singh, addressing an event hosted by the Sindhi community, said on Sunday that “borders can change,” further stating that “someday, Sindh may rejoin India.” 🔊PR No.3️⃣4️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Strongly Condemns Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's Remarks About Pakistan’s Sindh Province https://t.co/wdeTkEg3xY 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qeXY0JmXgj — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 23, 2025 He also said: “Advani ji wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still haven't accepted the matter of separation of Sindh from India.” Without naming the book, Singh added: “Not just in Sindh, but throughout India, Hindus considered the Indus River (Sindhu in Hindi) sacred. Many Muslims in Sindh also believed that the water of the Indus was no less sacred than the Aab-e-Zamzam (holiest of the waters) of Makkah.” The FO responded by highlighting that India must also confront longstanding grievances in its northeast, where communities “continue to face marginalization, identity-based persecution, and cycles of state-enabled violence.” Also Read: PML-N takes strong lead in by-polls as unofficial results pour in Reiterating its stance on Kashmir, the FO called on India to take credible steps toward resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute “in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” Pakistan, it said, remains committed to peaceful dispute resolution based on “justice, equity, and established international legal norms,” while reaffirming that the country is fully determined to safeguard its national security, independence, and sovereignty.

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Met Office forecasts heavy rains for drought-hit Balochistan in December

The Balochistan Meteorological Department has issued an encouraging outlook for the province’s drought-stricken regions, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in December. Officials said a strong system of western winds is expected to bring the first significant spell of winter rains between December 6 and 10, with intermittent showers likely to continue throughout the month. According to meteorologists, the anticipated rainfall could provide substantial relief to drought-hit districts including Zhob, Sherani, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibi, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk and Mastung. Some areas may experience heavy downpours along with thunder, while higher altitudes could receive snowfall. Experts noted that northwestern winds are unusually active this year, and steady moisture from the Arabian Sea is expected to support a prolonged and beneficial rainy pattern. The rains may help replenish dams and groundwater reserves across the province. The forecast has sparked cautious optimism among farmers, herders and rural communities grappling with persistent water scarcity. In several areas, residents gathered in mosques to offer voluntary prayers, seeking greenery and renewed water supplies. The department, however, urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly those living near streams and seasonal water channels, warning that heavy showers could trigger flash flooding. Balochistan has been reeling from prolonged drought, with 12 districts classified under severe drought conditions. Last month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued an advisory urging the provincial government to take pre-emptive measures in vulnerable areas. According to the Met Office, Balochistan’s climate ranges from arid to semi-arid, marked by highly erratic rainfall, sharp temperature variations and extended dry spells. Southwestern and southern parts of the province receive little benefit from the summer monsoon and rely heavily on winter showers, with annual rainfall between 71 and 231 millimetres. Between May and October 2025, these regions recorded a below-normal rainfall deficit of 79 per cent, alongside a marked increase in consecutive dry days—factors that have intensified drought conditions. The PMD report summarises the rainfall departures and the spike in dry spells across the affected districts.

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President Zardari congratulates Pakistan’s snooker team on world cup victory

President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Pakistan’s national snooker team for clinching the 2025 Oman World Cup Team Snooker Championship, lauding the stellar performance of cueists Mohammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal in the title clash. In his message, the president praised the duo for their skill, dedication and professionalism, noting that their commitment had brought honour to the country. He said the team’s remarkable comeback during the tournament had “raised the country’s head high.” President Zardari offered prayers for their continued success and expressed hope that the newly crowned world champions would secure more international titles for Pakistan. Pakistan lifted the World Cup Snooker Team Championship after edging out Hong Kong 3–2 in a tense final in Muscat, Oman. The match went down to the deciding fifth frame, where the national side held its nerve to secure the title. The pairing of former world champion and current Masters world champion Mohammad Asif with seasoned cueist Asjad Iqbal remained composed and consistent throughout the tournament. Their strong campaign included a 1–3 win over arch-rivals India in the semi-final, which carried them into the final with momentum. In the other semi-final, Chau Hon Man and Nansen Wan of Hong Kong clinched a tight 3–2 victory over compatriots Hong Kong China-1 to book their place in the championship match. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the winning pair, saying the cueists had once again elevated the national flag through their performance. He commended their clinical display in the final and acknowledged the efforts of both players and their coach, remarking that “Pakistan is achieving success across multiple arenas.” Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) Chairman Alamgir Shaikh termed the victory a significant milestone for the sport in the country.

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JCP to hold a meeting on Nov 25

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has summoned a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) to discuss a data form related to additional judges of high courts. The meeting will be held on November 25 at 2pm. The JCP Secretariat has generated the data form and it relates to granting permanent status to additional judges, according to the agenda of the meeting. Three more important JCP meetings have also been scheduled for December 2. These meetings—chaired by CJP Afridi—will be the first formal meetings of the JCP concerning appointments to the superior judiciary after the 27th Constitutional Amendment. According to the agenda for the first meeting, the commission will consider the appointment of the chief justice of the Sindh High Court, for which the names of the court's three most senior judges will be taken up. The second meeting will address the appointment of a permanent chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), where again the names of the top three senior BHC judges will be reviewed. In the third meeting, the commission will discuss the appointment of one judge from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the Supreme Court.

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Punjab revises school admissions policy, updates syllabus and textbooks for 2026

The Department of Education, Punjab, has granted final approval for the revised admission policy for the 2026 academic year, together with the new school calendar and the schedule for annual examinations. It has also sanctioned the replacement of 29 textbooks for classes from six to matric. The newly proposed syllabus has been endorsed with only minor amendments, and the updated textbooks are set to go to print in December. The department has confirmed that the new academic year will commence on April 1, 2026, while free textbooks for newly enrolled pupils in government schools will be distributed from April 5. Annual examinations for classes 1 to 7 will run from March 10 to 22, with results to be announced on March 31. The Class 8 annual examination will take the form of a board assessment, beginning on February 3. The matric examinations will start on March 3, 2026, followed by the Intermediate board examinations from May 5. In the 2025 session, the number of out-of-school children in Punjab stood at 28 million, a figure expected to exceed 30 million in 2026. This year has also witnessed a record rise in dropouts from government schools. Following the privatisation of 14,000 government schools, a substantial proportion of previously enrolled boys and girls have left formal education. In a notable development, the owners of 1,400 privatised schools have returned them to the government, citing severely diminished enrolment—particularly among girls. These schools have now been re-added to the list of 4,500 institutions slated for sale in December. Malik Naseem, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools Association, remarked that increasing poverty and prevailing education policies are driving a continual rise in the number of street children. Consequently, increasing numbers of underage boys and girls are abandoning their studies and taking up work in restaurants, and mechanic shops.

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LHC refers 27th Amend pleas to larger bench

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has referred the petitions filed against the 27th Constitutional Amendment to a three-member larger bench. LHC's Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal on Friday took up the petitions filed by Advocate Muhammad Shahid Rana and Hassan Latif Chaudhry. The petitions argued that the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) formed under the amendment has effectively made the Supreme Court an unconstitutional court. They alleged that the amendment had curtailed the judicial authority, placing judicial independence at risk. They argued that the amendment was made without consulting the provinces, affecting the constitutional framework. The petitioners requested the court to declare the transfer of cases to the FCC void and declare the 27th Constitutional Amendment as unconstitutional and strike it down. The prime minister, speaker of the National Assembly, and Federal Ministry of Law have been arrayed as respondents in the case. Some lawyers in Karachi have also challenged the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the Sindh High Court (SHC). The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has also announced that it will challenge the amendment in the Supreme Court. The PML-N led government brought major changes in the country's judicial system first through the 26th Constitutional Amendment bulldozed through parliament in October 2024 and later by the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

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JI chief pledges fair politics amid constitutional unrest

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the prevailing political and constitutional turmoil with regard to the 27th Constitutional Amendment row had intensified public anxiety and created fresh challenges for citizens’ fundamental rights and the governance structure. He added that his party did not seek power through conspiracies and would not participate in any non-transparent electoral process. Addressing the opening session of the party’s three-day annual congregation at Lahore's historic Minar-e-Pakistan, he said Pakistan, at this critical juncture, required a clear direction and unwavering constitutional supremacy so that every citizen could feel part of a fair and equitable system. Describing the gathering at the Greater Iqbal Park as a symbol of unity, Naeem noted that thousands of participants from across the country had turned it into a disciplined congregation unmatched in scale. He claimed that the organisational standards demonstrated at the venue reflected the tireless work of thousands of volunteers, ensuring facilities for all attendees, including women, and creating an administrative model he believed no political party or government could replicate. Referring to JI’s ideological and historical foundations, he said the movement initiated by Syed Abul A’la Maududi had evolved into a broad-based effort dedicated to the establishment of a just social order. He stressed that JI should not be viewed merely as a political party driven by personal interests or controlled by influential families or institutions, but rather as a religious and social movement committed to service beyond sectarian and communal divides. Read: Faisalabad factory blast kills 20 with manager, staff arrested as owner flees Commenting on global politics, Naeem criticised the concentration of economic power in the hands of a small global elite and pointed to what he described as destabilising American policies. He said that prolonged wars and unwavering support for Israel had deepened humanitarian crises in several regions, while the use of veto powers at the international level had hindered justice for oppressed communities. He argued that no unjust system could sustain itself indefinitely and urged the Muslim world, including Pakistan, to play a more active role in shaping a fairer global order. Speaking about Kashmir and Palestine, the JI chief said Pakistan must continue to uphold its principled stance while maintaining that JI had always supported the state in difficult times—even when the party disagreed with the establishment. He added that there could be no compromise on Kashmir and that the Palestinian question had long been central to political discourse in the subcontinent. Turning to domestic governance, Naeem argued that Pakistan’s system had for decades remained in the grip of entrenched power structures that limited citizens’ rights. He said the combined influence of landlords, capitalists, and bureaucracy had deprived ordinary people of education, employment, justice, and inheritance rights. Also Read: K-P CM slams Punjab over mistreatment of Imran Khan's sisters According to him, deep-rooted class divisions had adversely affected children’s education and women’s rights, slowing national progress. The JI chief criticised the state’s neglect of regions such as Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, linking persistent local grievances to long-standing administrative failures. He added that JI would continue to advocate for farmers, labourers, and young people at every platform. He also pointed to the recurring agricultural crisis in Punjab and what he called the damaging role of various mafias. Pakistan, he noted, belonged not to a single individual but to the millions who sacrificed for independence. To steer the nation out of despair, he said a comprehensive political and social roadmap would be announced on the third day of the congregation, and that the movement would continue nationwide thereafter. He concluded that Pakistan could not progress without an equitable system and that no force could obstruct a united public once it chose to assert its rights. The session was also addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami’s deputy chief Liaquat Baloch, Dr Osama Razi, Secretary General Ameer ul Azeem, and others. Thousands of participants, including women and children, have travelled from across the country to attend the congregation, which will conclude on Sunday afternoon.

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K-P CM challenges ECP code of conduct notice in PHC

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has approached the Peshawar High Court to challenge a notice from the Election Commission of Pakistan alleging that it violated the election code of conduct ahead of the upcoming by-elections in Haripur. The petition, filed through advocate Bashir Wazir, names the ECP, the provincial election commission, the district election commissioner, the district monitoring officer and contesting candidates as respondents. In the writ petition, the chief minister contended that a false, politically motivated case had previously been registered against him and that his party leaders had also been subjected to harassment. He stated that after assuming office, he visited various areas, announced development projects in public interest and listened to local’s issues. Recently, he toured the Hazara Division, specifically Abbottabad, but the visit was incorrectly linked to Haripur. According to the petition, a statement attributed to the chief minister was exaggerated and misrepresented, giving the impression that he attempted to influence the election process, violated election rules and exerted pressure on government machinery. Based on the statement, the ECP issued a notice to him on November 20 and summoned him on November 21. The petition argued that as chief minister, Afridi is bound to exercise his constitutional powers. It further stated that the ECP issued the notice without receiving any report from the district monitoring officer, which is a mandatory procedural requirement. The petition noted that neither the DMO submitted any report nor did any candidate file a complaint, yet the ECP proceeded to issue a notice, which the petitioner claimed demonstrates 'malafide intent' and an attempt to target a particular political party. Afridi requested the court to declare the ECP notice null and void. ECP conducts hearing on code of conduct violations Defence counsel of K-P CM called the code of conduct violation notices issued by the ECP 'unjustified', arguing that Afridi never addressed the rally in Haripur. The ECP conducted a hearing earlier on Friday to take action against public office holders for alleged violations of the election code of conduct ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 23. A notice was issued on Thursday to Afridi regarding alleged threats and violations. A four-member bench, headed by the chief election commissioner, conducted the hearing. Afridi, and opposition candidate from Haripur constituency, Shehrnaz Ayub did not appear; however, their legal representatives attended. Lawyer Ali Bukhari, representing Afridi, argued the notices were unjustified. "The chief minister addressed rallies in Chamba and Haveliyan, which are at the border of the constituency," said the ECP secretary. The commission has also highlighted that candidates from NA-18 Haripur, including Shahrnaz Omar Ayub, bear responsibility for code violations within their constituencies. "The K-P chief minister intimidated election staff. The candidate from the constituency, Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, is equally responsible," the ECP secretary added. The defence counsel argued that the chief minister had addressed a meeting in Abbottabad, not Haripur. “Does this notice against Sohail Afridi hold merit?” asked Bukhari. “It is a fact that the chief minister addressed the gathering in Haveliyaan,” said the commissioner. Bukhari argued that members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz have also violated the code of conduct. “The Punjab CM has provided a Rs3 billion for a hospital in the adjoining constituency of Haripur,” Bukhari said. “Isn’t this a contradiction?” he questioned. The ECP, however, maintained that public office holders are prohibited from participating in election campaigns under the code of conduct and must avoid actions that could intimidate voters or election officials.

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Nine women sexually assaulted daily in Punjab, SSDO report reveals alarming data

At least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, including an average of nine who are sexually assaulted, according to a biannual report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO). The findings, based on data collected through the Right to Information (RTI) from Punjab Police, highlight disturbing trends of gender-based violence, with more than 15,000 cases reported between January and June 2025. The Violence Against Women Punjab 2025 factsheet documents major categories of offences including sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, honour killing, trafficking, cyber harassment and sexual harassment. The report uses standardised rates per 100,000 women aged 18 and above to allow district-wise comparisons. Also Read: The grave reality of violence against women in Pakistan According to the data, the first half of 2025 saw a daily average of nine cases of sexual assault, 51 kidnappings and 24 incidents of domestic violence. Lahore ranked as the highest-burden district, topping the list in sexual assault (340 cases), kidnapping (3,018 cases) and domestic violence (2,115 cases). The provincial capital also recorded one of the highest numbers of honour killing incidents. Other districts with persistently high incidence rates include Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib. For cyber harassment, only five districts — Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan and Gujrat — reported cases. SSDO attributed the low reporting to unequal access to digital complaint systems and significant underreporting. In trafficking-related offences, Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan recorded the highest figures. The report raised serious concerns over missing data from several districts. Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha failed to submit the required information despite repeated directives from the Punjab Information Commission. The SSDO noted that law enforcement agencies are legally obligated to publish these records under the RTI Act, and the absence of data undermines the transparency and accuracy of provincial records on violence against women. Read: Court considers merging PECA cases against Shandana Gulzar While SSDO said, increased reporting reflects improved performance. It warned that large gaps in data create disinformation, fuel public mistrust and obscure the true scale of the crisis. The report added that despite some progress, structural challenges continue to hinder justice, deterrence and survivor protection. Calling the situation 'alarming', the SSDO urged coordinated action to strengthen reporting and referral systems, enhance the investigative capacity of police, ensure timely judicial proceedings and expand survivor support services, including shelters, legal aid and psycho-social assistance. The organisation stressed that only transparent data, responsive governance and community-driven awareness initiatives can enable Punjab to effectively combat gender-based violence and safeguard the rights, safety and dignity of women across the province.

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JF-17 Thunder steals spotlight at Dubai Airshow

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow, marking another significant milestone after the country signed an MoU with a friendly nation for the aircraft procurement, the military’s media wing said. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the JF-17 Block-III emerged as a major focal point at the event, drawing strong interest from defence analysts, aviation specialists and visitors. “Its cutting-edge technology, strong combat capabilities and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq reinforced its reputation as a highly capable and cost-effective multirole fighter jet,” the ISPR said. The statement added that growing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry was evident as many countries have expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder. “In a noteworthy development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial partnerships,” it stated. On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, held a series of high-level engagements with air chiefs from friendly nations. He also met Lt General, Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Defence, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force and Air Defence. “The discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, fostering collaboration in emerging aerospace technologies, and enhancing mechanisms for effective operational coordination,” the ISPR said. The UAE military leadership lauded the Pakistan Air Force’s modernisation drive and growing indigenous capabilities, expressing a shared commitment to deepen defence cooperation through joint exercises, professional exchanges and forward-looking partnerships. A Pakistan Air Force contingent has also arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Dubai Airshow 2025. The contingent includes the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, highlighting Pakistan’s expanding expertise in indigenous military aviation.

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PIA privatisation: four firms prequalify for bidding to acquire 75% stake

Four companies have been prequalified to participate in the upcoming privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, with 75 per cent of the national carrier’s shares, set to be auctioned soon. PIA’s name and branding will remain unchanged following privatisation. Under the proposed business plan, the airline’s fleet will be expanded from 18 to 38 operational aircraft within four years. According to Prime Minister Office press release, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on PIA affairs. He directed that all stages of the privatisation process be completed swiftly and transparently. He also instructed officials to prepare a strategy to increase the number of operational aircraft in PIA’s fleet and to ensure the timely departure of flights. During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on PIA’s privatisation and the associated business plan. They apprised that four parties have been prequalified for the upcoming auction, which will cover 75 per cent of PIA’s shares. It was emphasised that the airline’s name and theme will not be altered as part of the privatisation process. The business plan aims to expand PIA’s operational fleet from 18 aircraft to 38 by 2029. Currently, the national airline provides services to more than 30 cities across Pakistan. Under the new plan, PIA’s services are expected to cover over 40 cities by 2029. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and other senior government officials. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on matters related to Pakistan International Airlines today. (Islamabad: 20 November, 2025) pic.twitter.com/VonklYi4Ub — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 20, 2025 Govt's renewed efforts for PIA privatistion The government’s renewed effort to privatise PIA follows a failed bid last year when only one offer — Rs10 billion ($36 million) from real estate developer Blue World City — was received for a 60 per cent stake. The offer, far below the government’s floor price of Rs85 billion ($305 million), was rejected. The Privatisation Commission reopened the process in April 2025, inviting expressions of interest for a 51 to 100 per cent stake from both local and international investors. The renewed process drew interest from eight entities, with four — including leading business groups and a private education operator — shortlisted after federal approval in July. Final bidding and negotiations are expected before the end of current year. The sale of PIA is expected to mark Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades. Reviving loss-making state-owned enterprises like PIA remains a key structural benchmark under the country’s ongoing $7 billion International Monetary Fund bailout programme.

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Sharif name signifies progress, rivals only bring chaos: Maryam Nawaz

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has drawn a contrast between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership and its rivals, saying some political figures are associated with 'abuse, chaos and conflict', whereas the name of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is linked with 'infrastructure and development'. She claimed that no one, except the PML-N, has ever contributed even a single brick to the development of Pakistan or Punjab. Speaking at the launch ceremony of Phase-II of the electric bus service in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, Maryam said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz remains the only political party with the capacity to deliver development and serve people. “Opponents say, if anyone knows how to work, it is the Muslim League,” she said, adding that the party’s track record speaks for itself. Punjab CM unveiled series of major development projects for province and announced a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor for Rawalpindi, the construction of the Thal Expressway from Rojhan to Bhakkar, and the completion of the Lahore Cancer Hospital. She also announced a Rs100 billion programme to introduce a new drainage and sewerage system in rural Punjab. The ceremony marked the formal launch of the electric bus service in the Potohar region, beginning with a fleet of 45 e-buses. The rollout brought a visible uplift to Rawalpindi’s main corridors, as the new green public transport service officially began operations. نوازشریف کی حکومت آتی ہے تو مُلک ترقی کرنے لگتا ہے، نواز شریف کو جب ہٹایا جاتا ہے تو مُلک تنزلی کی طرف جانے لگتا ہے، کوئی مانے نہ مانے، ایک حقیقت ہے کہ کام کرنا آتا ہے تو ن لیگ کو آتا ہے، ماشااللہ، مریم نواز pic.twitter.com/OdNTcqQksz — Pervaiz Sandhila (@chsandhilaa) November 19, 2025 Maryam performed a symbolic launch by pressing a button to activate the environmentally friendly electro-bus service. She also announced that the number of electric buses in the Rawalpindi division would be increased to 145. Under the expansion plan, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock will each receive 15 electric buses. Commuters in the Rawalpindi division will be able to travel on air-conditioned, CCTV-equipped, comfortable electric buses. The fare has been set at Rs20, while students, senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities will travel free of cost. The newly launched routes in Rawalpindi include Railway Station to Humrahi Bus Terminal, Fawara Chowk to Koral Chowk, Saddar Station to Munawar Colony, Marrir Chowk to Motorway Chowk. Maryam said that the launch of 80 green buses for Rawalpindi was "a humble gift to the people of the city". She added that after many years, Rawalpindi had regained its "beauty and cleanliness". The chief minister also said the government will continue expanding environmentally friendly and modern public transport across the province. She told the gathering that the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road is in its final stages of completion, promising major relief for commuters who currently face long travel times. She added the government is constructing a 25-kilometre signal-free corridor stretching from Islamabad Expressway to Peshawar Road, featuring nine underpasses and three flyovers. The work on the project, worth Rs30 billion, has officially begun and is expected to be completed next year. According to the chief minister, the signal-free corridor will directly benefit around 200,000 people daily, significantly cutting travel time and easing the traffic burden across Rawalpindi. Maryam further said that more development has taken place in Rawalpindi’s roads and hospitals in the last eighteen months than ever before. She added that every street and neighbourhood in Rawalpindi is being cleaned daily, and that workers under the Suthra Punjab programme are working with dedication and honesty across the province. She claimed whatever development Rawalpindi has seen in the past, was carried out either by Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif, and the same is true today. “The metro bus initiative was taken by Shehbaz Sharif, and whatever development took place in Murree was done by Nawaz Sharif,” she mentioned. Maryam also said the buses have separate compartments for women, with CCTV monitoring to protect them from harassment. “Women across Punjab can now travel without any fear,” she said. The chief minister further said her government would bring a new law against harassment. She added, “Every coming day in Punjab will be better than the last.” She added: “Maryam Nawaz will not be at ease as long as the daughters and mothers of Punjab do not feel safe.” She further said 20,000 kilometres of roads have been built in Punjab over the past year, and that 1,000 inter-village roads are planned for construction this year. She added that no city in Punjab will be left with broken or damaged roads. Maryam said the stretch from Wagah to Lahore, which was once in poor condition, has now been transformed into a beautiful corridor. “When tourists came to the Wagah border, we used to feel embarrassed. Now a 14-kilometre green heritage corridor has been built. Anyone entering our country will admire this corridor,” she said. She stated roads are being built across Punjab, adding: “Electric buses can only run when roads are smooth and well-built.” She said, the electric buses will not add pollution to the environment. She said that people with disabilities will have wheelchair facility inside the new electro-buses. The buses are brand new and come equipped with Wi-Fi and mobile charging ports. “These days one cannot manage without a mobile phone, so the provision of these facilities were essential,” she remarked. The CM announced that 1,100 green buses will be on the roads of Punjab by December, beginning with smaller towns before expanding to major cities. She said the goal is to provide the same standard of facilities in every district, adding that she has no discrimination in her heart and that every citizen in Punjab deserves equal rights. Maryam also said students will no longer have to travel in rickshaws "being pushed around" or ask strangers for lifts; instead, they will now travel with dignity. She said the Punjab government has taken responsibility for the education of students who cannot afford it, adding that 80,000 high-achieving students are receiving support under the Honhar Scholarship Programme, while missing facilities in 50,000 government schools are being addressed. She added the School Meal Programme was launched to help undernourished children, which has led to an increase in school enrolment. Health facilities Maryam further stated Pakistan’s first cancer hospital will begin treatment in January, while 20 cancer patients have already recovered through the Mayo Hospital’s ablation machine. Patients diagnosed with stage-one cancer will be able to benefit from this technology, she added. She said the Sargodha Institute of Cardiology has been completed and will be formally inaugurated soon. A cardiac centre in Sahiwal is also ready, while Lahore’s Jinnah Institute of Cardiology is under construction. She said that at the Nawaz Sharif Medical District, treatment will be available to treat all diseases that previously could not be treated in Pakistan. She added that the Clinic on Wheels service is providing medical treatment door-to-door. Maryam said cancer medicines and other previously unavailable drugs are now 100% free and delivered at patients’ doorsteps. She said, she personally ensured that hospital announcements were made instructing patients: “You do not have to pay for medicines. All medicines are available free-of-cost in the hospital.” She said patients with serious illnesses are receiving two-month medicines at home, and insulin for type-one diabetic children is also being delivered to their houses. According to the chief minister, cardiology centres are being established in 20 cities, and an air ambulance service has been launched within a single year—something, she noted, no other province has achieved. Maryam also said within just ten months, 100,000 houses are under construction, which she described as a remarkable achievement. Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, 350 to 400 houses are being built every day, she said, adding that people are now leaving rented homes and moving into their own houses. Efforts to combat smog Maryam said, for the first time, Punjab has seen reduced smog levels in October and November. “This is perhaps the first year smog has decreased by 60–70%,” she said, noting that, in previous years, schools and markets had to be shut down due to hazardous pollution levels. She attributed the improvement to better control over crop residue burning, vehicle fitness checks, and the use of smog guns. She praised Marriyum Aurangzeb for her hard work in combating smog. She said water shortages in the Potohar region were being addressed and that clean drinking water will reach every household this year. Villages are being developed into model villages, she said, with urban-level facilities being extended to rural residents. Maryam described Punjab as the 'food basket of Pakistan', adding that 20,000 more tractors and high-tech farming machinery are being provided to farmers this year. She said more developments have taken place in the last 18 months than in the previous ten years. Punjab has also introduced a new ordinance under which land-grab cases will be decided within 30 days. She said the Asaan Karobar (Easy Business) Scheme has disbursed Rs85 billion in loans, and tree-planting drives are underway across the province. She said, 150,000 workers under the Suthra Punjab programme are active on the ground, while PHA and WASA are being expanded in all major cities. “If Punjab progresses, prosperity will follow,” she said. Maryam said crime graph has fallen by 70% due to the work of the CCD, and that criminals are now afraid to pick up weapons. “Mafias are pleading,” she added. She said the safety of Punjab’s residents remains her top priority, noting that even an opposition politician had admitted that she feels safe in Maryam Nawaz’s Punjab. She stated she feels proud when people say she is Nawaz Sharif’s daughter because it motivates her to work harder. “If we start listing our performance, the day would end but the work would not,” she said.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/IF5TQUn