**Article:**
In a significant move, Punjab Transport Minister Balal Akbar has announced that the government will take steps to address the concerns of transporters in the province. During a meeting with the leaders of Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance at Karachi’s Maadpur Truck Terminal, Minister Akbar expressed satisfaction over the peaceful protest by transporters and appreciated their restraint.
To address the grievances of drivers, the government has decided to establish rest areas along highways, which will be recognized by the Punjab government. The government has also decided to provide a six-month validity certificate to drivers who obtain a fitness certificate from Karachi, which will be recognized in Punjab.
Minister Akbar emphasized that the government will take action against errant drivers who fail to maintain their vehicles. He also announced that the government will establish truck stands in every city, as directed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The government has also taken steps to address the issue of delayed issuance of licenses for heavy vehicles. Minister Akbar stated that the government will take steps to simplify the process of obtaining a license for heavy vehicles, which has been a major concern for transporters.
In other news, a report by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has revealed that there were 12 cases of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025. In the trial of the attack on the Club Chowk GOR in Lahore, the court has made a significant breakthrough. The Karachi Bar Association has also held an emergency general body meeting, which decided to postpone the elections scheduled for December 20.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has expressed concern over the order to remove judges from their positions, calling it a disturbing move. In North Karachi’s Khemiso Goth, a crackdown was launched against power thieves.
Minister for Communications and President of the Stability Party Abdul Aleem Khan has emphasized the need for new provinces to address the issues of the people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also announced that the government will take steps to curb encroachments in cities and towns.
President Asif Ali Zardari has met with the Bahraini Ambassador to discuss bilateral relations. JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed concern over the PTI’s decision to head the negotiation committee, saying that they have not been in touch with the PTI.
In a significant development, a woman was brutally assaulted by her domestic servant in a video that surfaced on social media. The incident sparked widespread outrage, and the police launched a crackdown on the culprit, who was later killed in a shootout with the police.
In a separate incident, a report by the UN’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team has revealed that the leader of the ISIS-Khorasan and the founder of the group’s media wing, Sultan Aziz Azam, has been arrested.
In other news, the PPP has emphasized the need for the government to work with the provinces to improve the situation. The party has also expressed its opposition to any form of dialogue with terrorists.
In a major cultural event, the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBAA) has organized a five-day Karachi World Book Fair 2025, which began on Thursday at the Karachi Expo Centre. The event has attracted thousands of book lovers, who have flocked to the fair to celebrate the joy of reading.
The Sindh Bar Association has postponed its elections scheduled for Thursday. The UN’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team has released its 16th report, which reveals that the leader of the ISIS-Khorasan and the founder of the group’s media wing, Sultan Aziz Azam, has been arrested.
In other news, the US government has announced plans to revoke the citizenship of non-citizen Americans. Germany has also decided to bring back 535 Afghan nationals who worked with the German military in Afghanistan before its withdrawal and are now facing threats from the Taliban.
The Dubai police have issued a warning to the public to take precautions against marine threats.
