Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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PSX extends losses, sheds over 1,580 points


Islamabad: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under selling pressure on Wednesday, losing 1,580.90 points, a negative change of 0.89 percent, to close at 176,042.99 points against 177,623.88 points recorded in the previous trading session.



The ready market witnessed a trading volume of 574.076 million shares, compared to 958.014 million shares traded on Tuesday, while the traded value declined to Rs25.369 billion from Rs41.566 billion. Market capitalisation also fell to Rs19.778 trillion from Rs19.951 trillion recorded a day earlier.



Out of 495 companies that traded in the ready market, 129 posted gains, 330 suffered losses, while 36 remained unchanged, reflecting a predominantly bearish trend across the market.



Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 58.656 million shares, followed by Siddiqsons Tin with 50.224 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 48.952 million shares.



Among the top gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited surged by Rs177.08 to close at Rs25,480.00, while Khyber Textile Mills Limited advanced by Rs90.12 to settle at Rs2,088.41.



On the losing side, PIA Holding Company LimitedB declined by Rs495.32 to close at Rs17,674.68, while Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited fell by Rs133.71 to Rs1,203.44.



In the futures (DFC) market, turnover stood at 400.821 million shares with a traded value of Rs18.079 billion, compared with 510.216 million shares worth Rs21.937 billion in the previous session.



Of the 304 companies traded in the futures market, 37 advanced, 266 declined and one remained unchanged.



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Met office forecast hot, humid weather in Sindh


Karachi: Pakistan Meteorological Department, Wednesday, forecast mainly hot and humid weather in most districts of Sindh during the next 24 hours while partly cloudy weather conditions with chances of light rain in coastal areas.



Weather remained mainly hot and humid over most districts of the province while partly cloudy in coastal areas on Wednesday.



The highest maximum temperature in the province was recorded as 42 C in Dadu. The maximum temperature in Sukkur and Moen jo Daro was recorded as 41 C, Nawabshah 40 C, Hyderabad Airport 37 C, Mithi 36 C, and in Thatta and



Karachi 34 C.



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Abbasi lauds security forces for successful IBOs in KP, Balochistan


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Wednesday paid rich tribute to security forces for carrying out successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, resulting in the elimination of 32 terrorists.



In a statement, the minister praised the security forces for their professionalism, bravery and timely action, saying the successful operations reflected their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s peace and security.



He said the country’s defenders had once again proved that the fate of Pakistan’s enemies was nothing but defeat.



The minister said that every successful operation against terrorism strengthened the nation’s confidence and demonstrated the high morale and operational readiness of the security forces.



Hanif Abbasi said that anti-state elements attempting to undermine Pakistan’s peace would face a decisive response on every front. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.



The minister said the country’s brave personnel continued to make sacrifices day and night to ensure lasting peace, adding that the nation saluted their courage, dedication and unwavering resolve.



He said that the decisive operations against terrorists reflected Pakistan’s firm determination that there was no place for enemies of peace in the country.



Expressing confidence, the minister said that with the grace of Allah, the courage of the security forces and the unity of the nation, terrorism would be eradicated completely from Pakistan.



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TDAP, Lahore Chamber, PIFD collaborate to strengthen Pakistan’s fashion industry


Lahore: Textile and Leather Division of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Lahore, successfully concluded a Two-Day Capacity Building Training Programme and seminar for members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at PIFD campus here on Wednesday.



The initiative aimed to enhance competitiveness and export readiness of women entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, boutique owners and emerging fashion professionals.The programme was organized as a follow-up to the recommendations of the LCCI Standing Committee on Fashion and Boutique, reflecting the shared commitment of TDAP, LCCI and PIFD to strengthen Pakistan’s fashion ecosystem through institutional collaboration and export-oriented capacity building.



More than 90 participants, both in person and online, attended practical sessions conducted by PIFD’s distinguished faculty on Fashion Forecasting and Trend Analysis and Pattern Making Challenges: Understanding Garment Sizing and Fit, equipping them with valuable insights into international fashion trends, product development and global market requirements.



The programme concluded with an engaging panel discussion on ‘Women in the Business of Fashion – Present Challenges and Future Opportunities,’ featuring Ms. Fouzia P. Chaudhry, Additional Secretary, TDAP; Prof. Hina Tayyaba Khalil, Vice Chancellor, PIFD; Ms. Aasia Saail, Founder/Director, LAMA; and Ms. Sahar Atif, Founder and Creative Director, Sahar Atif Studios. The panel highlighted opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, branding, digital transformation and export growth.



The certificate distribution ceremony was graced by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol as chief guest. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of TDAP and PIFD in organizing a meaningful capacity-building initiative and emphasized the importance of sustained institutional partnerships to strengthen Pakistan’s fashion industry and expand its global footprint.



Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mehwish Khadim, TDAP Director (Textile and Leather), reaffirmed TDAP’s commitment to promoting exports through capacity building, market intelligence, international exhibitions, trade delegations, B2B networking and strategic partnerships. She emphasized that women entrepreneurs, SMEs and startups are central to Pakistan’s economic growth and export diversification.



Certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the programme, while shields were presented to the Chief Guest and distinguished guests in recognition of their valuable contributions.



The successful completion of this collaborative initiative marks another milestone in TDAP’s ongoing efforts to build the capacity of Pakistan’s fashion industry and create greater export opportunities for women entrepreneurs, SMEs and startups through strong partnerships with academia and the private sector.



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MoU inked to strengthen academic collaboration


Islamabad: The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) and Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing higher education, digital learning, research, and innovation.



The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (S.I, T.I) Rector, Virtual University of Pakistan, and Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Raza Ali Khan, HI(M), Rector, Foundation University Islamabad, during a ceremony held at Foundation University Islamabad.



The VU delegation included Prof. Dr Ather Azim Khan, Registrar; Prof. Dr Asif Nadeem, Head, Department of Biological Sciences; Mr. Aamer Rafique, Director Campuses and Additional Registrar; Dr Baber Ali, Director Administration and General Manager Television; and Ms. Rubina Ali, General Manager Marketing.



Under the partnership, both institutions will strengthen Online Learning (ODL), organise joint training programmes, workshops, and faculty development initiatives, undertake collaborative research and quality assurance activities, facilitate academic resource sharing and student exchange opportunities, and implement joint academic and outreach initiatives to expand access to quality education across Pakistan.



The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both universities to academic excellence, innovation, and expanding learning opportunities for students and faculty. Together, VU and FUI are building stronger pathways for the future of higher education.



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Multi-departmental strategy launched for HPV vaccination campaign in KP


Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has devised a comprehensive strategy for the first-ever Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the province, involving multiple departments and institutions to prevent cervical cancer among girls.



The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) KP, with the approval of the Chief Secretary, has assigned specific responsibilities to various government departments, educational institutions, regulatory bodies and healthcare organisations to ensure effective implementation of the campaign.



Under the strategy, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department will facilitate vaccination through schools and provide data of eligible students, while the Private Schools Regulatory Authority will ensure participation of private educational institutions in the campaign.



The Home Department will oversee security arrangements, the Finance Department will ensure timely availability of funds, and the Information Department will lead media and public awareness activities to create awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination.



The Local Government Department will support community mobilisation, while the Social Welfare Department will engage women and social organisations.



The Population Welfare Department will spread awareness through family welfare centres, whereas the Auqaf Department will involve religious scholars and mosques to promote positive messages.



Khyber Medical University, Rescue 1122 and the Healthcare Commission have also been assigned key roles, including medical student participation, emergency response and monitoring of private healthcare facilities.



Medical and professional organisations, including gynaecologists, paediatricians, public health experts and IRNUM Cancer Hospital, will provide technical guidance, address concerns of parents and support awareness activities.



Officials said the coordinated approach aims to ensure wider public participation and make the HPV vaccination drive successful across the province.