PESHAWAR, Sep 16 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration on Tuesday carried out an operation at Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar, thwarting an attempt to travel abroad on forged visas.

According to FIA officials, two passengers, identified as Adil Raza and Musharraf Mehmood, were set to travel to Albania via flight FZ376. Upon verification, the work visas presented by them were found to be fake.

On the passengers’ indication, FIA also arrested three agents from the airport premises. The accused were identified as Ghulam Dastgir, Muhammad Riaz, and Tauqeer Ahmad, residents of Narowal and Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.

The arrested agents have been handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Peshawar for further interrogation. An FIA spokesperson confirmed that further investigation is in progress.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP/DNA): Pakistan’s strategic deterrence remained unshaken and fully effective during the May 2025 standoff, asserted Lt. Gen. (R) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Advisor National Command Authority (NCA) and former Director General SPD, while addressing a high-level session at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Tuesday.

Speaking on the topic of “Stability of Pakistan’s Strategic Deterrence”, Gen. Kidwai said that strategic deterrence and limiting operational cap on crisis escalation are in-built in Pakistan’s capability of Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD). “The stability of our strategic deterrence was never compromised during the May 2025 standoff,” he said, adding that Pakistan has triumphed in terms of stability of nuclear deterrence due to its robust conventional response, said a press release.

He said that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, which India refers to as nuclear blackmail, will continue to define the limits of India’s kinetic freedom of action. Gen. Kidwai said that the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) provides an additional layer of strategic deterrence between the operations of conventional forces and the potential employment of nuclear forces, thereby in some ways raising the nuclear threshold.

He said the ARFC has simply responded to a need of the modern battlefield while nuclear deterrence remains in place as the ultimate shield against India.

Gen. Kidwai said unlike India, Pakistan has time and again demonstrated that restraint and responsibility are the key components of its nuclear policy.

He said that the Indian strategic judgement in risking a nuclear Armageddon post-Pahalgam can only be labelled as one of the most bizarre and irresponsible acts in the annals of military history.

He recalled the years from 1998 onwards, as Pakistan’s nuclear capability, slowly but surely, embarked on a well-defined and focused force development trajectory under the NCA/SPD, it matured and grew into a robust operationalized force as a comprehensive triad, in the ASFC, in the NSFC and in the AFSC.

“The large size of the Indian army does not tell the entire story like the large size of Arab States’ armies against Israel does not tell the whole story. Quality, technology and training are the force multipliers that determine the victor in an armed confrontation,” he remarked.

He observed that Operation Sindoor has embarrassed India and boomeranged on its planners.

“India not only failed to attain any of the politico-cum strategic-cum-military objectives; far from it, it suffered major military reverses especially in the IAF,” he pointed out.

Gen Kidwai said Pakistan’s Full Spectrum Deterrence worked in both directions, east and west, and it was no “bluff”.

He said India’s desire for seeking the so-called “space for limited war, despite a nuclear overhang”, remained shrunk as it opted to limit its initial escalation as openly admitted.

He remarked that the term ‘Strategic Deterrence’ was born out of necessity after the atomic shocks of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as the world realised that a single weapon could annihilate a complete city.

PESHAWAR, SEP 16 (APP):The new spell of rainfall across various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has brought relief from scorching heat but also caused flooding in streams and nullahs.

According to different reports on Tuesday, In Upper Dir, Chitral, Swat, and other adjoining upper areas, the downpour has turned the weather pleasant and broken the intensity of the heatwave, putting smiles back on weary faces.

However, heavy rain in Upper Dir triggered flooding in local streams, leaving residents worried once again.

Chitral and Swat also witnessed heavy rainfall. In Chitral, flooding occurred in several areas overnight, forcing authorities to close the Ashret section of the Chitral road to traffic. Several other roads were also blocked due to flash floods. Meanwhile, the local administration has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

In Haripur district, monsoon rains continued late into the night across all three tehsils. The heavy downpour disrupted various link roads, while both water reservoirs in the district have reached capacity. The inflow of water at Tarbela Dam has reached 158,000 cusecs, while the water level at Khanpur Dam has risen to 1,980 feet.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP/DNA):Underscoring the critical link between economic resilience and national security, the University College Zhob, BUITEMS hosted the launch of the groundbreaking book “Economy: Backbone of National Security”, authored by Dr. Aneel Salman, OGDCL–IPRI Chair of Economic Security, with contributions from Muneeb Shah and a multidisciplinary team of experts.

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Abdul Salam Lodhi, Director of University College Zhob, BUITEMS, said a press

release issued here on Tuesday.

Dr. Abdul Salam Lodhi, in his keynote remarks, stressed that “economic security is essential for the prosperity of all sections of society”, echoing the book’s central premise that economic fragility represents a fault line that shapes national defense capabilities, diplomatic influence, and internal stability.

He congratulated Dr Aneel Salman and his Associate Muneeb Shah for producing a timely and urgent work that provides both analysis and actionable solutions.

The ceremony featured a detailed presentation by Muneeb Shah, Research Associate at IPRI and proud alumnus of BS Economics, University College Zhob, BUITEMS.

Shah highlighted that economic transformation, not mere survival, is Pakistan’s defining challenge. “Stability is a fleeting window. We must use it to build resilient institutions, future-proof markets, and empower our youth in emerging technologies,” he asserted, referencing the book’s roadmap for reform.

Shah also paid tribute to his alma mater for shaping his academic and professional journey, expressing gratitude for the mentorship and environment that enabled him to contribute meaningfully to one of Pakistan’s premier think tanks.

The launch brought together students, faculty, and members of the wider academic community in a lively discussion on

how economic strength serves as a foundation for national defense, diplomatic influence, and internal cohesion. Attendees lauded the initiative for bridging the gap between academic research and policy relevance.

Contributors to the book include leading voices such as Zafar Masud, Air Marshal Ashfaque Arain (retd), Dr. Usman W.

Chohan, Dr. Khurram Ellahi, Mr Sheraz Ahmad, Sayem Ali, Maryam Ayub, and others. Together, they map the complex intersections of economic policy, climate resilience, cyber threats, cryptocurrency regulation, regional trade, and geoeconomic strategy, particularly in the context of CPEC Phase II, regional diplomacy, and emerging technologies.

The event at University College Zhob also stood as a proud moment for the institution—celebrating its growing role in national dialogue and the impactful achievements of its alumni. As Professor Lodhi affirmed, “This ceremony reflects our commitment to fostering future leaders in policy, academia, and research who can shape Pakistan’s.

RAWALPINDI, Sep 16 (APP/DNA):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that  Rawalpindi Institute of Urology and Transplantation (RIUT) will be a state of the art urology facility for the residents of Rawalpindi and surrounding areas. While appreciating the ongoing work of the hospital project, he said that lithotripsy procedures have also started at RIUT, with 30 beds available for emergencies.

The minister said this during his unannounced visit to the RIUT on Monday, where he reviewed patient treatment, hospital infrastructure, and other facilities and arrangements.

“The operational kidney dialysis center at RIUT is nothing less than a blessing for patients”, he said.

Project Director Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Khan briefed the minister that RIUT, a 250-bed hospital, is currently operational with 50 beds. The hospital has eight departments dedicated to kidney treatment, with OPD, emergency and ultrasound departments fully functional. It was briefed that the hospital is equipped with 30 modern dialysis machines, capable of treating 30 patients simultaneously. This is great news for kidney patients in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, as they no longer have to endure long waiting times or visit multiple hospitals for dialysis.

It was further briefed that the RIUT Dialysis Center can provide dialysis services to an average of 100 patients daily, offering relief to those previously stuck on long waiting lists at other hospitals. The project, costing over five billion rupees, is 99% complete, and the hospital has created hundreds of jobs.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to review the preliminary estimates of damages caused by the 2025 floods.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, and Chief Secretaries of all provincial governments.

During the meeting, the provincial representatives said a final and accurate assessment of flood damages could only be conducted once floodwaters have fully receded.

In response, Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of working in close coordination with provincial governments to prepare a comprehensive damage assessment.

“The initial estimates of the flood damages will be finalized within the next ten days,” he expressed confidence, adding that the data would be based on accurate and transparent field reports.

 “Verified data will be shared soon,” the minister said while urging the media to refrain from speculation regarding flood losses as it could mislead the public and hinder relief efforts.

He said rehabilitation efforts were already underway in flood-affected regions, with federal and provincial institutions working jointly to deliver aid and relief to the affected communities.

Ahsan Iqbal said, as in 2022, a comprehensive Post-Disaster Needs Assessment of damages and requirements would be carried out with the participation of international organizations.

“Relief efforts will be based on accurate and verified data to ensure that help reaches those who need it most,” he affirmed.

The minister also highlighted the growing threat of climate change to Pakistan, citing both floods and droughts as its direct consequences.

“Climate change is a pressing challenge for Pakistan. Our glaciers are melting rapidly, increasing the risk of future flooding,” the minister said, adding that the government was preparing a national plan to address the crisis.

He criticized India for politicizing the natural disaster, saying “Even in the face of a natural calamity, India chose to engage in politics, which is deeply regrettable.”

SIALKOT, Sep 16 (APP/DNA):Safe City Sialkot has launched a crackdown on unsafe vehicles transporting school children.

According to a spokesperson for the safe city, strict legal action was being taken against the vehicles carrying children on temporary or extended seats.

He warned that not only drivers but also the school administrations concerned would be held  accountable for negligence.

The Safe City team was monitoring school transport through modern cameras to ensure  children’s safety, he added.

Parents have also been urged to arrange secure and registered rides for their children  to prevent any untoward incident.