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PM vows ongoing Public service, ProMises transParency, quality as hallMark Friday, 19 December, 2025 | 27 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ INAUGURATES T CHOWK FLYOVER, ISLAMABAD EXPRESSWAY SIGNAL-FREE CORRIDOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN RECORD 77 DAYS WITH RS1.4B
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LAUDS INTERIOR MINISTER, CDA, AND TEAMS FOR SWIFT PROJECT COMPLETION, SAYING ISLAMABAD EXPRESSWAY SIGNAL-FREE CORRIDOR TO EASE TRAFFIC FROM GT ROAD TO CAPITAL
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— highlights it, raast as engines of econoMic growth and financial inclusion ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday highlighted the pivotal role of Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector in driving economic growth, emphasizing that the industry continues to thrive despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The prime minister also underscored the transformative impact of Raast, Pakistan’s national payment system, in promoting a cashless economy
and financial inclusion nationwide. Chairing a meeting of the private sector working group on IT-led economic development, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the recommendations presented by the committee headed by Asif Peer, describing them as timely and aligned with the government’s reform agenda. He noted that the gradual rise in IT exports is a positive signal of the sector’s resilience and untapped potential.
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Field Marshal Munir reaffirms strengthening defence ties with Libya RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Libya, based on shared interests, according to the military’s media wing on Thursday. In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir was currently on an official visit to Libya, where he called on the Libyan Armed Forces’ commander-in-chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, and deputy commander-in-chief, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar. “On arrival, the field marshal was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Libyan Armed Forces,” the ISPR said. In a meeting with the Libyan
Armed Forces’ commander in chief, CDF Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Libya “based on shared interests”, the statement said. It added that during the meeting, the two discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence and military-to-military cooperation. “Both sides underscored the importance of collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism domains,” it said. “Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and expressed his desire to further expand defence cooperation between the two countries,” the ISPR statement added. In July, Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa had called on Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the two had agreed on their countries’ collaboration in the defence industry.
ISLAMABAD
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 164 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
APPROVES HALAL MEAT EXPORT POLICY WITH THREE YEAR STRATEGY TO BOOST EXPORTS AND FOCUS ON DISEASE-FREE PRODUCTION, INT’L-STANDARD PACKAGING, AND COLD STORAGE
Staff RepoRt
RIME MINISTER Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the T Chowk flyover and the Islamabad Expressway Signal-Free Corridor, landmark projects designed to significantly improve traffic flow in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The premier also approved the Halal Meat Export Policy, directing a comprehensive threeyear strategy to boost Pakistan’s share in the global halal meat market. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the projects would greatly ease congestion for commuters traveling from GT Road to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. He commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), and their teams for completing the infrastructure projects in record time, demonstrating efficiency and commitment to public service. The T Chowk flyover, also known as Iqbal Chowk flyover, was completed in just 77 days at a cost of Rs1.4 billion. Along with the Islamabad Expressway Signal-Free Corridor, the projects aim to resolve long-standing traffic bottlenecks and enhance the overall commuting experience for resi-
dents and transporters alike. The Prime Minister assured that the government would maintain transparency and quality in all infrastructure initiatives and continue its journey of public service. He praised officers involved in removing encroachments and addressing decades-old illegal constructions, noting that such obstacles had previously hindered the planning and execution of city projects. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed attendees about the flyover projects and highlighted efforts to ensure a steady water supply for Islamabad residents. He also unveiled Vision 2027 for Islamabad, a broader development blueprint aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving urban amenities in the capital. Federal ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials attended the inauguration.
HALAL MEAT EXPORT POLICY APPROVED: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the Halal Meat Export Policy, issuing directives to present a three-year comprehensive strategy within two weeks, outlining practical measures to enhance halal meat production and exports.
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‘No Plan Finalized’: FO denies reports of CDF Munir’s US visit ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday denied reports that Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir is scheduled to undertake another visit to the United States, dismissing claims that a trip has been agreed or planned. The statement came amid conflicting media reports suggesting that the field marshal would meet US President Donald Trump in the coming weeks. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the “Reuters report” indicating a confirmed visit was inaccurate. “The Reuters story was showing as if the visit had been planned, and there was a finality about it. So, I am contradicting that and I’m contradicting the fact that a visit has been agreed or planned,” Andrabi said. He added that he had no information regarding the timing or occurrence of any future visit by Field Marshal
Munir and emphasized that “we would wait for an official announcement before confirming such a trip.” “Official announcements are issued ahead of official visits to foreign capitals carried out by political and military leaders,” he said. Reuters had reported a day earlier that Field Marshal Munir was expected to fly to Washington to meet President Trump, citing sources familiar with the matter, including a key player in the CDF’s economic diplomacy. Andrabi reiterated that he had no such information and could not confirm the report. Addressing additional queries about the army chief’s potential visit, he said, “I have seen the reports, but I have no information to share with you.” Field Marshal Munir is currently on an official visit to Libya, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Tripoli, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
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fake news on social media biggest threat of digital age, says tarar ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday warned that the spread of fake news on social media has emerged as the most serious challenge of the digital age, stressing the need for responsible online behaviour and a balanced approach amid fast-changing technologies. Addressing the concluding session of the National Cyber Security Seminar, the minister said any meaningful understanding of cybersecurity must begin with demographic realities. He pointed to Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital footprint, noting that the country now has more than 117 million internet users, 148 million mobile broadband subscribers, and over 79 million active social media accounts. Tarar said digital life today is divided across generations. He described digital immigrants as those who entered the online world later in life and have had to adjust to its constant transformation, while digital natives were born into a connected environment and are fluent in digital communication from an early age. Referring to this generational divide, he said digital natives generally interact with technology instinctively, whereas digital immigrants continue to learn how to use social media in a responsible manner. He added that cybersecurity awareness cannot follow a uniform model, arguing that effective engagement requires customised approaches that reflect different audiences, platforms, and communication styles.
ihc de-notifies Justice tariq Jahangiri over invalid law degree
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ISLAMABAD
Staff CoRReSpondent
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday denotified Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri after ruling that he did not possess a valid law degree at the time of his appointment. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan declared Justice Jahangiri’s elevation to the high court “illegal,” holding that the possession of a valid L.L.B degree is a mandatory constitutional requirement under Article 175-A. The bench ordered him to immediately vacate office and directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to take steps for his formal removal from the judiciary. The court noted that despite being given “ample opportunities,” Justice Jahangiri failed to submit a reply or produce valid educational credentials, compelling the bench to decide the matter on the basis of the available record. All miscellaneous and connected petitions were disposed of, with detailed reasons to be issued later. Justice Jahangiri left the court premises around half an hour before the verdict was announced. The controversy surrounding his academic credentials surfaced last year after a letter, purportedly issued by the University of Karachi’s controller of examinations, circulated on social media. Subsequently, a complaint was filed with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in July, seeking an inquiry into the alleged fake degree. Advocate Mian Dawood, who challenged Justice Jahangiri’s appointment, said the judge’s past decisions would remain unaffected and that any benefits or privileges already received would also stand.
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