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Showing posts from July, 2023

UN chief strongly condemns Bajaur terrorist attack

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the suicide bombing at a Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) gathering in Bajaur in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, ARY News reported on Tuesday. According to the details, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the authorities to hold accountable those responsible for this violence in which at least 54 people were killed and approximately 83 more wounded. “The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. “He (the UN chief) calls on the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice,” the statement said. “The Secretary-General denounces all instances of terrorism and deliberate targeted attacks against civilians and stands in solidarity with the government and the people of Pa

Sindh schools reopen after summer vacations

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KARACHI: After a refreshing summer vacation, educational institutions across Sindh have reopened following the summer vacations, ARY News reported on Tuesday. According to details, schools and colleges throughout Sindh have resumed educational activities following the two-month summer holidays, while the teaching process has officially begun today. The new academic year in schools has also commenced from today, bringing back the lively atmosphere to educational institutions after the two-month break. The children’s faces lit up with joy as they reunited with their friends. Students eagerly returned to school, excited about new books and new classes. However, the availability of the curriculum books remains an issue, as the ninth, tenth, and intermediate (first and second-year) level books are not yet available in the market due to incomplete printing by the Sindh Textbook Board. Private schools in Karachi also faced a sudden change in the curriculum a week ago, and their prescribe

National Assembly passes Army Act amendment bill

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ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly passed seven government bills including the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which aims to amend the Pakistan Army Act 1952, ARY News reported Three bills were approved after the passage of a motion to suspend the rules for immediate consideration of these legislative proposals. The bills include the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2023; the National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2023 in the National Assembly which was passed by the House along with amendments proposed by him. While introducing the bill, Minister for Law and Justice said that the establishment of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund would ensure economic development through the management of funds and assets to achieve their optimal use according to the

Islamabad, Beijing ink six MoUs & agreements for promoting ties

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed six agreements and MOUs for promotion of bilateral cooperation, ARY News reported. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad on Monday. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of People’s Republic of China signed the document on the joint cooperation committee of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The second document signed by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of People’s Republic of China was related to the establishment of an experts exchange mechanism within the framework of CPEC. The third document was signed by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue for the export of dried Chillies from Pakistan to China. Member

24 injured as speeding vehicle overturns in Nawabshah

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NAWABSHAH: 24 injured including women and children as the speeding vehicle overturned near Qazi Ahmed on Amri road in Nawabshah, ARY News reported. As per details, the vehicle was carrying laborers who were returning home after their work. Police officials stated that the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle when the car from the opposite side came right in front of him. Yesterday, at least five people were dead and 20 others sustained injuries when a passenger bus overturned in Punjab’s Rajanpur district. Read more: Rajanpur accident claims five lives, 20 injured As per details, the ill-fated passenger bus was going to Jacobabad from Sakhi Sarwar with pilgrims, when it met an accident in Fazilpur, Rajanpur. The rescue sources confirmed that at least five persons were dead on the spot, while 20 others sustained injuries. Rescue teams reached the spot after being informed and shifted the dead and injured to a nearby medical facility. On May 31, at least six people had bee

Bajaur blast: CTD registers FIR against unidentified terrorists

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PESHAWAR: In the aftermath of the devastating Bajaur ‘suicide blast’, a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Bajaur, ARY News reported on Monday. According to the details, the FIR has been filed against unknown terrorist(s) on the complaint of Station House Officer – Kharniaz Muhammad and encompasses charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and other relevant sections. As per Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson, the inquiry team – established to investigate the blast – visited the site and collected crucial evidence from the crime scene. Additionally, the investigation team also reached out to the individuals injured in the blast to record their statements. READ: Bajaur blast at JUI-F workers convention was ‘suicide’ attack Meanwhile, the wounded victims are receiving essential medical attention at the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). The hospital officials revealed that a total of 16 injured individuals from the

Karachi man opens fire on sister, brother-in-law for ‘honour’

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A Karachi man opened fire on his sister and brother-in-law for marrying of their own free will in the city’s Pehalwan goth, ARY News reported, quoting police.  According to details, a man named Safdar was killed in a shooting in the Pehalwan Goth, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi while his wife Azra was critically injured۔ The police said Safdar, who is a waiter at a hotel and his wife Azra, were invited by the family of Azra. Upon arrival at her house Azra and her husband were shot at by her brother, Abbas. As a result, Safdar lost his life on the spot, while Azra sustained severe head injuries. She is rushed to Jinnah Hospital. Police officials say the incident appears to be the result of ‘honour’. Read more: Man slays his two daughters in Kasur honour killing After killing his brother-in-law and injuring his sister, Abbas, who is a rickshaw driver, fled the scene, the police said, while the hunt for the attacker is underway. Earlier, a 12-year-old boy killed his mother over honour

US, Saudi Arabia, Iran condemn Bajaur blast

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The United States (US), Saudi Arabia and Iran have strongly condemned the suicide bombing in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Monday۔ In a condolence statement issued by the US embassy, a US spokesman extended condolences to the families of the victims of the Bajaur blast.  The lives of innocent people were lost in the blast, there is no place for such terrorism in a peaceful and democratic society, the statement said.  The statement further said that the US stands with the people of Pakistan in these testing times against will continue supporting Islamabad in its efforts to combat terrorism  Saudi Arabia and Iran have also condemned the attack on the JUI-F rally in Bajaur.  Both countries in their statements said terrorism in every form is punishable and vowed to continue supporting the people and the government of Pakistan. Read more: 42 killed, 111 injured in blast at JUI-F workers convention in Bajaur Saudi Arabia and  Iran have also prayed fo

Outsourcing of airports: Aviation minister, CAA unions hold talks

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LAHORE: Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique held talks with the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) officers and employees’ unions who are protesting against the outsourcing of airports, ARY News reported on Sunday. Sources told ARY News that partial progress was made on the issue of airports’ outsourcing during the talks between the aviation minister and the unions. It was decided that a meeting will be held between CAA representatives and the standing committee for outsourcing led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Sources added that the unions expressed their reservations over the outsourcing of airports in the meeting held at Mayo Garden Lahore which was attended by the aviation minister, secretary aviation division and DG CAA Khaqan Murtaza. The CAA unions were represented by Samiullah and others. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar summoned a key session of the cabinet committee on Tuesday. READ: CAA protests: Aviation minister invites unions’ heads for talks Khawaja Saad Rafique asked

Bajaur blast: PM Shehbaz Sharif vows ‘culprits to face strict penalties’

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Bajaur bomb blast at the JUI-F workers convention and vowed that the culprits will be brought to justice and penalised, ARY News reported on Sunday. PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the Bajaur bomb blast during his telephonic conversations with JUI-F supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Federal Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mehmood. The premier vowed that the culprits behind the attack will face strict penalties. The premier prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and early recovery of the wounded persons. He also telephoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief secretary and Inspector General (IG) KP police and directed them to provide the best medical facilities to the injured persons. PM Sharif directed authorities to shift the critically wounded persons to other hospitals through helicopters and immediately arrest the culprits. باجوڑ، خار میں جمیعتِ علم

Police foil terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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PESHAWAR: Police on Sunday night foiled a terror attack check post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ARY News reported. As per details, the terrorists attacked the check post in Bara Spin Qubur in the limits of Khyber police station. The terrorists opened fire and hurled hand grenades. The timely response of police and the FC personnel forced the terrorists to flee the scene. Following the incident, security has been beefed up after the attack in the area. Earlier, the police foiled a terror attack on law enforcers at Gomal Bazar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Tank city. According to details, some police officials in KP’s Tank came under a gun attack by a group of heavily armed terrorists. However, police claimed that the attack had been foiled by responding befittingly. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/17iMyIW

Indus River in medium flood at Guddu, Sukkur barrages

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SUKKUR: Indus River has surged to medium flood at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, while in low flood at Kotri Barrage, irrigation authorities shared on Sunday. A water flow of 4,67,000 cusecs in Indus River passing through Guddu Barrage, In-charge Control Room said today. “A flood flow of 3,91,000 presently passing through Sukkur Barrage,” irrigation official said. The water inflow has been recorded 4,67,457 cusecs and outflow in the downstream has been 4,50,217 cusecs at Guddu Barrage. The water inflow has been 3,91,455 cusecs and outflow has been 3,60,055 cusecs at Sukkur Barrage. The water inflow in Indus River at Kotri Barrage has surged to 1,43,550 cusecs and outflow in the downstream has been 1,89,084 cusecs. An upsurge in water level in Indus River has submerged katcha area of Pir Jo Goth and Gambat in Khairpur district. Land link of over 70 settlements in Pir Goth and Gambat has been disrupted. People have stranded in Sadiq Kalhor, Mullan Ja Pattan, Keti Ghumra and other areas.

Rajanpur accident claims five lives, 20 injured

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RAJANPUR: At least five people were dead and 20 others sustained injuries when a passenger bus overturned in Punjab’s Rajanpur district, ARY News reported on Sunday.  As per details, the ill-fated passenger bus was going to Jacobabad from Sakhi Sarwar with pilgrims, when it met an accident in Fazilpur, Rajanpur. The rescue sources confirmed that at least five persons were dead on the spot, while 20 others sustained injuries. Rescue teams reached the spot after being informed and shifted the dead and injured to a nearby medical facility. Read more:  Six dead, 30 injured in bus accident in Khanewal Earlier on May 31, at least six people had been killed while 30 others were injured when the passenger bus they were travelling in had turned turtle after skidding off a bridge in Khanewal. According to rescue officials, the incident had taken place near Pull Rango. They had said the ill-fated bus was on its way from Lahore to Multan when it had met an accident. The driver of the vehic

Chinese vice premier to visit Pakistan tomorrow

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ISLAMABAD: He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, will visit Pakistan from July 30 July to August 1, 2023, the Foreign Office said in a statement. During the visit, Vice Premier He — who is also a Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping — will attend the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) The Chinese vice premier will also meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi during the visit, according to the FO. The Chinese official will also be the chief guest at an event celebrating a decade of CPEC. Lifeng has played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, of which CPEC is a flagship project, the FO said. : PR NO. 1⃣5⃣8⃣/2⃣0⃣2⃣3⃣ Visit of Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, H.E. He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of Communist Part

FM Bilawal Bhutto to undertake official visit to UAE tomorrow

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ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates tomorrow (Sunday), ARY News reported quoting Foreign Office. During the visit, the foreign minister will hold a meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders will discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, the foreign office stated. FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will offer condolences to the UAE leadership on the sad demise of the brother of President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. In Dubai, the foreign minister will participate in the unveiling ceremony of wax figure of the first Pakistani personality, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at Madame Tussauds. The foreign minister’s upcoming visit reflects Pakistan’s robust engagement with the UAE and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two brotherly countries. Both countries are committed to steadily strengthening fraternal ties and deepeni

Three terrorists killed in gun battle with security forces in Khyber, South Waziristan: ISPR

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RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed three terrorists in separate successful operations in Khyber and South Waziristan District, the Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. According to the army’s media wing, on 27 July, a sniper from a militant group was gunned down in an exchange of fire between army troops and terrorists in the general area of Bagh in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. Resultantly, 1 terrorist sniper got killed,” the military’s media wing stated. The ISPR said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist. Separately, two more terrorists were eliminated in another fierce encounter between the troops and terrorists in the general area Gomal Zam, South Waziristan District, on July 28. “The killed terrorists remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of innocent citizens,” the ISPR said. It further state

Ashura being observed across Pakistan amid tight security

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Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is being observed across the country with due solemnity on Saturday to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and other martyrs of Karbala amid strict security. The day marks the undeterred resilience of the Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family and devoted companions who all fought to uphold Islam amid opposition and cruelty. In this connection, mourning processions are being taken out in all cities and towns of the country. Ulema and  zakireen will highlight various aspects of the Karbala tragedy in their sermons. Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the nation to avoid any untoward incident and offer safety to mourners during the processions. Meanwhile, mobile signals remain shut in several cities following interior ministry’s directions to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seeking suspension of mobile services not only on Muharram 9 and 10, but 11 as well. Pillion riding has been banned

Caretaker PM: PML-N, PPP shortlist ‘five names’

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have agreed on ‘five names’ for the caretaker prime minister’s (PM) slot, citing sources, ARY News reported on Friday. PML-N central leaders including Khawaja Asif and Ayaz Sadiq held consultations with the PPP delegation for the caretaker PM’s slot.  The PPP delegation was represented by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar and Khursheed Shah. The ruling coalition partners mulled over appointing a political personality for the key position. Read more:  Khawaja Asif Rules out the Possibility of Ishaq Dar becoming caretaker PM Sources told ARY News that PML-N and PPP have initially agreed on ‘five names’ which do not include Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Both parties decided to share the ‘five names’ with other coalition partners. The top leaders of the ruling political parties will be apprised after delegation-level consultations. Sources added that the next round of talks for caretaker PM will be held

Smuggled smartphones, accessories seized at Faisalabad airport

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FAISALABAD: Customs officials have seized a large number of smuggled smartphones, drone camera and other accessories worth millions at the Faisalabad airport, ARY News reported on Friday. Sources told ARY News that Customs officials arrested three suspected smugglers at the airport who had arrived in Faisalabad from Sharjah. The Customs officials seized 971 smartphones, 78 iPods, drone camera, game hardware from the passengers’ luggage. The suspected smugglers hid the items in their bags and shoppers. In a separate action today, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a passenger at the Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport who had returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). READ:  Smuggled iPhones, MacBooks worth millions seized at Islamabad airport The FIA spokesperson said that the accused Abdul Razzaqw was wanted to Punjab police in criminal cases. The accused was wanted to the Punjab police in a murder case. The FIA handed over the suspected man to the police off

Kashmore police ‘kill’ eight dacoits in katcha shootout

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Kashmore police on Friday claimed to have killed eight dacoits during a shootout in the katcha area of the district, ARY News reported. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amjad Ali Shaikh said the dacoits were killed in an encounter with the police in the katcha area of Kashmore. The dead dacoits were entering Sindh’s katcha area from Punjab when they met an encounter with the police, he added. Janu Indhar, leader of the Indhar gang was also amongst the dacoits killed in the encounter, the district’s top cop said and a prize money of Rs10 million was set for him. Read more: Sindh police seek billions for operation against dacoits in Katcha areas The dacoits were wanted to police in heinous crimes like dacoities, kidnapping for ransom and murders, SSP Amjad Shaikh said. A search operation is being carried out in the area. Earlier on May 24, the  Sindh government gave go-ahead for a military operation against bandit gangs in Shikarpur’s katcha area. Provincial minister Mir Sh

Pakistan observes 9th Muharram with solemnity, sanctity

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The 9th of Muharram is being observed across Pakistan today (Friday) with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) – the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – and his companions in Karbala. Taziya, Alam and Zuljanah processions would be taken out in all major cities and towns across the country today in memory of martyrs of Karbala and Nohas, marsiayas along with throbbing sounds of self-flagellation will echo around the streets. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), along with 72 of his companions including friends and family members, were martyred at the hand of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) rejected to pledge allegiance for Yazid rule. Security Security has been beefed up across the country for the mourning processions and majalis. Law enforcers including police and Rangers along with ladies and gents scouts were deployed all along the route of the main processions. 1685 sec

BAP forms committee for finalising caretaker PM

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ISLAMABAD: Minister of State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi said on Thursday that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was not taken into confidence on Army Act amendment bill by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), ARY News reported. The PPP Information Secretary and State Minister Faisal Karim Kundi said that Raza Rabbani walked out of the parliament’s session in protest against the Army Act amendment bill. He said that PML-N introduced the bill to the parliament without taking PPP into confidence. Kundi said that PPP is not in favour of giving additional powers to the caretaker set-up equivalent to an elected government. “Caretaker set-up has only one responsibility to conduct elections.” He confirmed that PPP and PML-N committees have shared five names each for the caretaker prime minister (PM). “Caretaker PM will be appointed after consultations with the coalition parties.” READ: Caretaker PM’s name not finalised yet, says Sherry

‘PPP not taken into confidence on Army Act amendment bill’

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ISLAMABAD: Minister of State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi said on Thursday that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was not taken into confidence on Army Act amendment bill by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), ARY News reported. The PPP Information Secretary and State Minister Faisal Karim Kundi said that Raza Rabbani walked out of the parliament’s session in protest against the Army Act amendment bill. He said that PML-N introduced the bill to the parliament without taking PPP into confidence. Kundi said that PPP is not in favour of giving additional powers to the caretaker set-up equivalent to an elected government. “Caretaker set-up has only one responsibility to conduct elections.” He confirmed that PPP and PML-N committees have shared five names each for the caretaker prime minister (PM). “Caretaker PM will be appointed after consultations with the coalition parties.” READ: Raza Rabbani opposes Army Act Amendment bill Earlier

PTI chief to become PM again: Ali Muhammad Khan

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MARDAN: After being released from jail after 80 days, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Ali Muhammad Khan said on Thursday that the PTI chief is still his leader and he will become prime minister (PM) again, ARY News reported. While talking to journalists outside the jail, Ali Muhammad Khan said that he always spread message of love and he stood firmly on his mission by the grace of Allah Almighty. He said that Pakistan needs political stability instead of political revenge. He urged to conduct transparent elections in the country. The PTI leader said that they are all patriots but not a terrorist. “Those who created chaos on May 9 are not following the party policy and they should face penalties. PTI is the political party of educated people.” READ:  PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan re-arrested after release Khan said that PTI workers are willing to transform Pakistan into an Islamic welfare state. “The registration of terrorism cases against a former prime minister is a disgrace for Paki

Assemblies to be dissolved on August 09 night: Rana Sana

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ISLAMABAD: The assemblies will be dissolved on the night of August 09, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said in a television interview on Wednesday night. Ruling PML-N veteran Rana Sanaullah categorically stated that the elections will not be carried forward for any specific purpose or under any conspiracy. Commenting on demand for holding elections over the new population census, interior minister said,” notifying new census will create more contentious issues”. On a question PML-N stalwart claimed that his party didn’t forward Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s name for caretaker prime minister’s office. “Ishaq Dar, Senator Raza Rabbani or any other politician from a political party can be named for the post of the caretaker PM,” he added. “Nawaz Sharif will return back home one-and-half month before the election,” Sanaullah said. “We want the chairman PTI to be disqualified from a court of law and be sentenced to jail,” replying a question about the future of the PTI leader he state

Captain Sarwar Shaheed remembered on his 75th martyrdom anniversary

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RAWALPINDI: The nation is observing the 75th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider on Thursday (today).  Raja Mohammad Sarwar Khan sacrificed his life while defending the homeland in Kashmir War in 1948. The martyrdom anniversary was observed today at Sanghori village of Gujar Khan in Rawalpindi. A floral wreath was laid at the grave of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented guard of honour. Captain Sarwar Shaheed was born in 1910 at Singhori village in Tehsil Gujjar Khan. He received the commission in 1944 and served at the Punjab Regiment in the newly formed Pakistan Army. In 1947, he voluntarily took part in the battle for retaking Kashmir. During the battle, the Indian troops were outflanked and were forced to retreat the Northern Areas. Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties at Uri Sector. His regiment received heavy machine-gun fire along with grenades and mortar f

Govt successfully addressed challenge of floods: PM Shehbaz

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KARACHI: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that dealing with the devastations of the flood was a big challenge, but the federal government along with the provincial governments and NDMA combated with this challenge. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony of distributing keys of houses and ownership rights to the flood affectees of Sindh in Karachi on Wednesday. The Prime Minister also appreciated the efforts of NDMA, PDMA, provincial and federal institutions, and the government of Sindh with regard to the rehabilitation of the flood victims. He said philanthropists generously helped the flood victims during the flood. He said the construction of houses for the flood affectees is a good step. Read more: PM vows to rebuild flood-affected areas under 4RF Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to build back the flood-affected areas better under Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework

NCA scandal: Meeting’s minutes reveal NAB decided to close case in 2020

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ISLAMABAD: The minutes of meeting of the NAB executive board revealed that the watchdog was aware of £190m transfer by the Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and decided to close the case in 2020, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The minutes of the meeting of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) session revealed some facts regarding the £190m NCA scandal. The meeting’s minutes stated that the anti-corruption watchdog’s executive board had decided to close the NCA scandal in 2020. According to the minutes, £190m would be transferred to the Supreme Court (SC) but a case will not be pursued. It also revealed that a decision was taken to pursue a case if the amount was not transferred to the Supreme Court (SC). Moreover, the NAB executive board also deliberated on the matters related to the Hyde Park property on February 26, 2020. According to the documents, then DG Operations gave a briefing to anti-graft watchdog’s executive board in 2020. It also mentioned that the N

PIA starts preparations to resume Europe flights

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KARACHI: The national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started preparations to resume direct flights to France and other European countries, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The management of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued tender for cargo handling services in France and sought applications from the willing companies by August 24. The PIA spokesperson said that the applications will be submitted to the PIA’s country manager in France. After three-year ban, the national carrier is expected to be allowed to resume direct flights to European countries after getting clearance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). A delegation of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will visit Pakistan in September this year to review a ban on Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flights to Europe. EASA is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe. READ: PIA extends its flights operations

PIA board undecided on pay raise

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KARACHI: The board of directors of the national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has not taken a decision regarding the pay raise of the employees, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The PIA board of directors failed to make a decision regarding the pay raise of the employees citing financial hardships. The PIA board approved the reorganisation of the national airline after receiving a briefing. The officials briefed the PIA board of directors that a holding company should be established to make the properties and losses part of it. Later, the board ordered the prepare a comprehensive plan for the reorganisation of the national entity. READ: European aviation agency to visit Pakistan in September to inspect PIA Sources told ARY News that the board members expressed satisfaction over the steps for the restoration of direct flight operations to Europe, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). The board was briefed that the European Union Aviation Safety Agen

‘Pay attention!’: PM Shehbaz scolds Khurram Dastgir during speech

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has scolded Federal Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir for not paying attention to his speech during an event in Dera Ismail Khan, ARY News reported on Tuesday. PM Shehbaz Sharif was addressing a ceremony for development projects in Dera Ismail Khan. When elaborating on power crisis and circular debts, the premier found Khurram Dastgir busy talking with Zahid Akram Durrani who was sitting next to him on the front seats. “غور سے بات سنو۔۔ باتیں بعد میں کرنا۔” وزیر توانوئی خرم دستگیر کو وزیر اعظم سے ڈانٹ پڑ گئی #ARYNews #ShehbazSharif pic.twitter.com/JmOo6FDpk8 — ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) July 25, 2023 Amid speech, PM Sharif scolded Dastgir and said, “Pay attention to what I am saying and then talk to someone else.” During the speech, the premier called the federal minister twice but he did not pay attention. Later, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ghulam Ali asked Dastgir to listen to the premier. DI Khan speech PM Sharif

Monsoon rain spell to continue this week: PMD

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ISLAMABAD: Monsoon rain spell continues in most of the areas in country, quoting Met Office ARY News reported on Tuesday. Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains for Balochistan, upper Sindh and Punjab on 25th and 26th July. A fresh westerly wave is also likely to enter upper parts of the country from 26th July. Met Office informed that monsoon currents are continuously penetrating in the country from Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Federal capital Islamabad likely to receive rain with gusty winds, while most districts of Punjab to receive rain with thunderstorm. Rain and wind-thundershower (with isolated heavy falls) is also expected in Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khusab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohi

M.Phil student ‘blackmailed, raped’ by three men

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JATOI: A female student enrolled in M.Phil programme at a women’s university in Jatoi city was allegedly raped multiple times by three men who blackmailed her via obscene videos, ARY News reported on Monday. A case was lodged at the Shaher Sultan police station over the complaint of an M.Phil student who had allegedly been raped, filmed and blackmailed by three men in the Jatoi city of Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district. The female student stated in her statement that she had been drugged and raped by a man namely Zain one year ago. She added that Zain had also blackmailed her via her obscene videos and subjected her to rape multiple times. READ: Drop scene of Margalla Hills’ rape case She added that the accused had fled to Dubai and handed over her obscene videos to his friends. The prime suspect’s friends also blackmailed and raped her multiple times. Later, they sent the obscene videos to her family and made them viral on social media. She demanded authorities take strict action a