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Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that “law will take its course” when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan, ARY News reported. In an interview with BBC Urdu , the former premier said that interim government has contacted the law ministry to plan for the ex-premier’s arrival. He said: “Law enforcement agencies would have to deliberate whether Nawaz Sharif had protective bail or any other legal remedies available.” “A convicted person was allowed by the courts to leave, not by the executive. This is a question for the courts, not for the executive,” he said. Speaking about PTI Chairman Imran Khan release, Kakar said that it would not be in the caretaker government’s control if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was legally barred from elections by the courts, after exhausting all of his legal remedies. “The fate of Imran Khan is not final (as yet). There are judicial remedies available to him… And if all the options a

KARACHI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in a raid at a container terminal here foiled smuggling of drugs to overseas, ARY News reported on Saturday. A consignment of hashish was being exported to abroad under the guise of vegetables and fruits, a spokesperson of the ANF said. The ANF team in a raid at the Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) recovered over three maunds of hashish from a container booked for Doha, Qatar. “The anti-drugs agency thoroughly searched a container with onion cargo and recovered 125 kilograms of hashish,” according to a spokesman. “The hashish was expertly hidden in layers of onions,” ANF official said. “The container was booked by a private company of Karachi destined to Qatar,” ANF stated. The ANF has initiated search of the accused involved in smuggling bid after taken narcotics in its custody. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/va8gSez

Former Director General (DG) Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Bashir Memon has formally joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), ARY News reported. According to details, PML-N’s Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz has constituted Sindh’s 12-member committee for welcoming former premier Nawaz Sharif on his homecoming next month. The committee will be led by the former FIA chief Memon. Apart from Memon, Muhammad Zubair, Nehal Hashmi, Shah Muhammad Shah and Kheeal Das Kohistani are part of the committee. Memon is facing three cases of fraud, money laundering and human trafficking. However, last year, the Lahore High Court (LHC) restrained a joint investigation team (JIT) from carrying out probe against former FIA director. Also Read:  SHC grants protective bail to ex-DG FIA Bashir Memon The development comes after Raja Riaz, former leader of the opposition in the National Assembly (NA) joined the Nawaz- party earlier this month, after meeting him in London. It is pertinent t

ISLAMABAD: The FIA has submitted challan of the cipher case in a special court constituted under the official secrets act, ARY News reported on Saturday. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and party’s Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been indicted in the challan. The FIA pleaded to the court for trial and conviction of the Chairman PTI and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Sources said that former minister and PTI leader Asad Umar has not been named in the list of the accused. Former principal secretary to the PM Azam Khan has become a strong witness in the FIA’s case. His statement under 161 and 164 has also been annexed with the challan, according to sources. “The chairman PTI kept cipher with him and misused the state secret,” sources said. “A copy of the cipher given to the chairman PTI was not returned back,” according to sources. Shah Mahmood Qureshi delivered a speech on March 27 and later assisted the PTI chairman. “Transcripts of PTI chairman and

QUETTA: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Balochistan on Saturday registered the First Information Report (FIR) of the Mastung suicide blast which killed at least 55 people. At least 55 people, including a police officer, were killed while dozens were injured in a suicide blast near a 12th Rabiul Awwal procession in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday. According to the district administration, Mastung’s Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori was among the deceased. Police said the explosion was a “suicide blast” and that the bomber exploded himself next to DSP Gishkori’s car. According to CTD spokesperson, unknown persons have been booked in the FIR registered under sections of attempted murder, murder, terrorism and possession of explosive material. The spokesperson said that an investigation was launched into the terror act but no arrest was made yet. Initial probe report submitted Inspector General (IG) Balochistan police presented the initial probe

A social media account allegedly associated with Indian spy agency ‘RAW’ claimed responsibility for the suicide attack that occurred during Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) procession in Mastung, Balochistan, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to the details, the responsibility for the suicide attack which was carried out in Mastung was accepted by a social media account on X allegedly associated with the Indian spy agency ‘RAW’ posted According to the details, the social media account allegedly linked to the Indian soy agency ‘RAW’ accepted responsibility for the Mastung suicide blast. The tweet stated that, “A DSP for DSP, Always remember, nothing goes unanswered when u attack our Men.” The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) embrace martyred while trying to save people in the suicide attack, while the DSP from Indian police was killed in a false flag attack which took place on September 16 in Uri, India. It is pertinent to mention here that at least 54 people were killed whil

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formulated a new strategy to curb financial losses to the exchequer from the Afghan transit trade, citing sources, ARY News reported on Friday. Sources told ARY News that Pakistan suffered an annual financial loss of Rs180 billion from the Afghan transit trade. To curb the financial losses, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) formulated a new strategy to stop smuggling of the transit commodities.  The documents mentioned that Pakistan would take 100% guarantee of all luxury items in the Afghan transit trade. The federal government decided to end the smuggling of luxury items through the Afghan transit trade following the recommendations of the Special Investment Facilitations Council’s (SIFC) apex committee. According to the documents, a ban was imposed on the exports of several luxury commodities including tyres, fabrics, cosmetics, tiles and other items until their clearance from the relevant authorities. Related: Afghan Transit Trade key reason of blac

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that the PPP is demanding an exact schedule from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding general elections in a transparent manner. Talking to a private news channel, he said there had been a consensus among the political parties to complete the census and delimitation process so that the next elections could be held in a proper manner. “We have asked ECP to organize free and fair elections without delay,” he said. Related: ECP reduces six KP seats in new delimitations In reply to a question about ambiguity in the general elections, he said his party is insisting on the election commission to announce a time frame and exact date so that we can participate in the elections with full preparation and without ambiguity. Yesterday, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) formed a legal team to challenge the new delimitations. As per details, the legal team headed by the president of PLF will ch

KARACHI: The Government of Pakistan has stopped issuing 100-page passports and the passport office has also confirmed this update, ARY News reported.  As per details, the issuance of the 100-page passport was stopped whereas the passport office said in a statement that they apologize to people for the inconvenience however this closure is temporary. Earlier, following Islamabad, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports under the Ministry of Interior began issuing e-passports from all passport offices across the country. In June, the federal government introduced e-passports. Read more: Fee structure for e-passports announced as facility begins countrywide According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the fee for 36 pages of passport for 5 years will be Rs9,000 and the fee for urgent e-passport will be Rs15,000. The normal fee for a 72-page e-passport will be Rs 16,500 and for urgent Rs27,000. The normal fee for a 36-page passport for 10 years wil

KARACHI: The Privatisation Commission has stopped the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management from leasing a new aircraft, citing sources, ARY News reported on Thursday. The commission has expedited its efforts to privatise the national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and stopped the airline’s management from leasing another aircraft. Sources told ARY News that the Privatisation Commission stopped the PIA management from signing an agreement to lease a new aircraft. It was learnt that the privatisation process of PIA would be completed by February. The airline will not sign any long-term agreement by March 2024 due to the ongoing privatisation process. Yesterday, the privatization plan of the loss-making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was revealed. Related: PIA-owned Scribe Hotel listed for privatisation: sources According to sources, the plan to privatise the national airline and power distribution companies and the restoration plan of Pakist

KARACHI: The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan reached US$ 13.18 billion while reserves held by the central bank stood at $7,636.7 million. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday that SBP’s reserves decreased by %59 million to $7,636.7 million on account of debt repayments during the week ended on September 22, 2023. Meanwhile, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5,525.1 million, it added. Total liquid foreign reserves held by the country, in the previous week ending on September 15, 2023, were $13.186 billion. Among them, foreign reserves held by the central bank were $7.695 billion while net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were $5.491 billion. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/Let2uCO

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested three members of car snatching gang in Karachi, ARY News reported. As per details, the suspects were involved in several snatching incidents in different areas of the metropolis. According to CTD officials, the suspects used to sell the vehicles within the country. The CTD officials also recovered the three snatched vehicles. Earlier, a wanted commander of outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Nasrullah, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi. Related: Wanted TTP commander Nasrullah arrested in Karachi: CTD The CTD in-charge Khurram Waris said in a statement that a key commander of TTP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Nasrullah was arrested from Karachi’s Kuwari Colony and arms were also recovered from his possession. He said that the accused was wanted in serious crimes including terror financing and terrorism. Waris said that the arrested man used to provide residence to his accomplices in Karac

ISLAMABAD: For the first time in Pakistan, the officers from the Establishment Division have been deputed to power distribution companies (DISCOs) by the caretaker government, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The caretaker government approved the deputation of officers from the Establishment Division to the DISCOs for the first time in Pakistan. A notification was also issued by the caretaker federal government regarding the deputation of 10 Grade-17 officers in different power distribution companies under the administration of the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA). According to the notification, Owais Arshad Bhatti from the Centre was deputed to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Rafia Qayyum from Punjab government to Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Muhammad Murtaza from Punjab to Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Maham Mushtaq from Punjab to Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Sarah Loni from Punjab to Lahore Electric Supply Company (L

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has refused to comment on a question regarding the secret ties between Pakistan and Israel, ARY News reported on Wednesday. While talking to the ARY News programme ‘Khabar’, the FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that she does not want to give a comment on the question related to secret ties between Pakistan and Israel.  She said that Pakistan has a clear stance on Israel, however, the country would make a decision in its interest at an appropriate time. Baloch added that there is no need to guide Pakistan as the country takes all decisions in its interests. The FO spokesperson clarified that no one can expect or pressure Pakistan to make a decision regarding Israel. Related: Israel’s criticism of human rights in Pakistan ‘politically motivated’: FO Baloch said that Pakistan wants resolution of the Palestine dispute. She continued that she could not comment on the policy of other countries regarding Israe

Rifts have emerged among the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legal team where Sher Afzal Marwat called Shoaib Shaheen a ‘traitor’, ARY News reported. The PTI legal team member Sher Afzal Marwat took to X formerly Twitter saying that “Shoaib Shaheen is the only traitor in the PTI legal team, I tweeted about the traitors in PTI legal team but deleted the tweet after advice from seniors of core committee.” He further said “Shoaib Shaheen mysteriously emerged in the last week of April 2023 and I was surprised to see him at the legal committee meeting in Bani Gala. He had never been part of the ILF or PTI before and his access to Bani Gala reflected that he had the support of some in our ranks.” Sher Afzal Marwat added that he will inform the PTI chief tomorrow about the tweet. Responding to the Sher Afzal’s accusations, Shoaib Shaheen said that whoever creates a divide in the party cannot be part of PTI. He stated that the party has nominated five spokespersons and “I’m one of the spo

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government has prepared a strategy to cope with the gas crisis during winter season this year, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The caretaker government issued tender for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for December 2023. The tender was issued by Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) today. Sources within the PLL told ARY News that Pakistan sought bid from global firms for two LNG cargoes in December. Pakistan sought the delivery of LNG cargoes from December 7 to 8 and from December 13 to 14. Related: OGRA notifies increase in LNG prices The bids will be accepted by October 4 and they will be opened on the same day. In July, Pakistan had inked a framework agreement with Azerbaijan for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) procurement on flexible terms. The agreement had signed between Pakistan LNG Limited and Azeri Company SOCAR in Lahore and was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking on the occasion, the PM said the tenure of this agreement is one year which is e

Pakistan Cricket Team landed in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the pictures and videos of their arrival are going viral on social media. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv Babar Azam-led Pakistan side landed in Deccan, Hyderabad. They boarded the team bus and were taken to their hotel under tight security protocol. The pictures and video of the side’s arrival are making rounds on the social media platforms. #Pakistan cricket team touchdown in India! There’s a buzz in the air as contenders to the #GreatestGlory at the #CWC23 arrive ahead of the marquee tournament. Tune-in to the #NZvPAK Warm-up match at #WorldCupOnStar FRI, SEP 29, 12:30 PM onwards | Star Sports Network #Cricket pic.twitter.com/AVBF8iBOOQ — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 27, 2023 Great to see Babar and Shaheen landing in India Pakistan cricket team will be taken to hotel in India’s Hyderabad under heavy security. pic.twitter.com/QlqH3cqgmn — Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajaha

Less than six months after knee surgery threatened to rule him out of the ICC World Cup 2023, the goal of captaining New Zealand in India has been the key driver in getting Kane Williamson through his recovery. The 33-year-old batter tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans in April, which looked to have scuppered his chances of making the showpiece tournament. However, intense rehab work has meant a speedy recovery. Kane Williamson hopes to be ready for the Black Caps opening game against defending champions England on October 5, a repeat of the 2019 final his side narrowly lost. “It would be great. Naturally, you want to be back playing when you are fit and ready, sooner rather than later,” he said. “You hope that ends up being around that World Cup time, but I’m still being very focused on the rehab day-to-day and not wanting those targets to stretch it to a point where you take a backward step.” Williamson is already

ISLAMABAD: The Caretaker government of Pakistan has decided to repatriate 1.1 million illegal Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan, ARY News reported citing sources. According to sources, the decision to evict illegal Afghan refugees came after the crackdown against terrorism, currency smuggling, and the illegal trade of sugar and fertilizer. Sources said that the plan to evict more than 1.1 million illegal Afghan refugees has been approved by the federal cabinet through the Interior Ministry circulation summary. In the first phase, the Afghan refugees who are residing illegally and have not renewed their visas will be evited. Afghan citizens will evited in the second phase whereas the proof of residence card holders will be repatriated in third phase. Read more: At least 293 ‘illegal’ Afghan immigrants arrested in Karachi Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior collaborated with all relevant stakeholders, including the Afghan government in formulation of this comprehensive plan.

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has submitted fifteen more references to the accountability court after examining the legal details. The Registrar of the Accountability Court and NAB Prosecutor appeared in the court of Judge Muhammad Bashir and informed the court about the legal aspects of the references, the state news agency reported. After checking the legal aspects, the judge issued to the parties of references. On Friday, The NAB Chairman Lt. General (Rtd) Nazir Ahmad and FIA Director General Mohsin Hassan Butt met to strategize improved cooperation and coordination in accountability, investigations, and organizational capacity building. Read more:  NAB sends back references to courts after SC verdict In a statement posted on social media platform X, it was announced that the NAB Chairman visited the FIA Headquarters for discussions on crucial matters. A few days ago, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) sent back references against politicians to a

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government is ready to arrest PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif if his bail is not accepted, ARY News reported.  Speaking to ARY News programme “Khabar”, the caretaker interior minister said that huge force is not required to arrest one accused from the airport as the PML-N will be arrested if his bail is not accepted however Nawaz Sharif would want to get arrested. He said the courts will decide whether PTI chief will be released before elections or not. Several Prime Ministers have been arrested in the past but only the PTI chief was the one who feared arrest. Earlier, former finance minister Ishaq Dar said that there are no hurdles in PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s participation in elections. As per details, Ishaq Dar said that article 62 (1) (f) which decreased the disqualification sentence to five years was passed by the parliament and also approved by the president. Related: No hurdles in Nawaz Sharif’s election particip

New Zealand wrap up preparations for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 hoping to achieve a rare series win in Bangladesh in their third and final one-day match on Tuesday. “When we came into the series, it was always a goal to win every match you play, and we certainly hope so,” Kiwi batsman Henry Nicholls told reporters in Dhaka on Monday. “It’s an exciting opportunity for the group to have an opportunity to win a series here”. The series is the last for both teams ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, which opens on October 5. The Kiwis lead the hosts by 1-0, and their 86-run win in the second match on Saturday was the side’s first win against Bangladesh in the country in nearly 15 years. The first match was washed out by rain. The Kiwis last beat Bangladesh in their own backyard in October 2008. They then lost the next two series in 2010 and 2013, respectively, by 4-0 and 3-0. Lockie Ferguson will lead the Kiwis in Bangladesh, where they brought only five members of the Worl

Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan was “recovered” Monday and reached his home safely, according to Sialkot police, after going missing for nearly five months. Imran Riaz was arrested on May 11 from the Sialkot Airport under 3MPO after the May 9 protests that broke out throughout the country following the PTI chairman’s arrest from Islamabad High Court. In a post on X/Twitter — the Sialkot police said: “Journalist/anchor Mr Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.” Journalist/Anchor Mr.Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family. صحافی/اینکر عمران ریاض خان صاحب بازیاب ہو چکے ہیں۔ وہ اپنے گھر پہنچ چکے ہیں @OfficialDPRPP @rpogujranwala @PunjabPoliceCPO @GovtofPunjabPK @GovtofPakistan — Sialkot Police (@DpoSialkot) September 25, 2023 Meanwhile, the family of Imran Riaz has also confirmed his recovery. Read more: IG Punjab promises ‘good news’ to LHC in Imran Riaz recovery case Earlier on September 6, the Lahore High Court (L

ATTOCK: The Attock jail administration has excused to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief in IHC over Cipher case, ARY News reported. As per details, the jail administration stated that shifting the PTI Chairman from jail to court could be a security risk. Furthermore, the Attock jail officials urged the court to exempt the former prime minister from court appearance on September 25. Cipher case: IHC to hear PTI chairman’s bail plea on Sept 25 Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixed for hearing the former prime minister and PTI chairman’s bail plea in the cipher case. The registrar’s office has issued the cause list and the PTI chairman’s bail application is scheduled for hearing on Monday (tomorrow), which will be heard by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. The PTI Chairman Imran Khan was sent to jail on August 5 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Cipher case It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI chief Imran Khan and vice chairman were booked for ‘d

ISLAMABAD: The main runway of Islamabad International Airport will be unavailable from September 25 to 30 during early morning and specific night hours, ARY News reported. According to the spokesperson Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the runway will be unavailable due to the routine cleaning of rubber at Islamabad International Airport’s main runway. He said that in the morning rubber cleaning will take place from 05:30 to 08:30 hrs. The cleaning time of the main runway at night will be from 10:30 to 13:00 (till 1 am). Flight operations will continue uninterrupted while the rubber is being cleaned from the main runway, he added. He said that a secondary runway would be available for flight operations at all times. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/Fg3okN8

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration on Sunday arrested a passenger who was trying to travel to Spain on a fake visa, ARY News reported. According to FIA spokesperson, Babar Iqbal was taken into custody by the FIA team from Multan International Airport. The visa of the passenger was found forged during immigration clearance. The arrested passenger is a resident of Gujrat. FIA spokesperson further said the accused had been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Multan for further legal action. Read more:  FIA offloads Qatar-bound passenger over fake documents The FIA officials are investigating from the arrested about the agents through which he got the fake visa. Last month, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration staff offloaded an  Afghan woman  while boarding a flight to France at Peshawar airport after her passport was found fake. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/Vd7oOPL

SHIKARPUR: Police during an action at the National Highway seized 26 trucks loaded with sugar and urea in Shikarpur, ARY News reported on Sunday. The raid was carried out at the National Highway by the New Fojdari police station cops on a tip-off. During the action as many as 350 tonnes of sugar and 11,254 urea bags were recovered. The sugar and urea were to be smuggled to Afghanistan, the police said and added that the seized sugar and urea are being transferred to the food department. A countrywide crackdown is underway against the smuggling on the orders of the caretaker government. Read more: Customs seizes container smuggling urea to Afghanistan In February  Mochko police in Karachi during checking of a passenger coach found 150 bags of urea that were illegally being smuggled to Afghanistan via Balochistan. In a raid in Quetta, the Customs department seized huge quantities of urea in Quetta. A spokesperson for the department said that 300 bags of urea and sweet supari (be

RAWALPINDI: One solder of Pakistan army embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district Mir Ali, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement late Saturday night. According to army’s media wing, an intense exchange of fire took place between the troops and terrorists in Mir Ali where the soldiers effectively engaged with the terrorists. However, during an intense exchange of fire, Sepoy Shakil Shafqat fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom. “Locals of the area appreciated the operation,” the ISPR said, adding that sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. On September 20, the security forces killed a terrorist in an intelligence-based operation conducted in the general area of Kulachi of Dera Ismail (DI) Khan District, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). “On September 20, 2023, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in gen

KARACHI: Almost two medical stores were sealed in Karachi for selling unregistered and fake medicines on Saturday, ARY News reported. According to details, the district administration has launched a crackdown in South District against selling of unregistered and fake medicines, and hoarding of life-saving drugs. During the crackdown, the administration imposed Rs0.38 million on almost 20 medical stores and also sealed two shops in the Garden area. The raids were carried out in Clifton, Gizri, Lyari General Hospital, Chakiwara, Lea Market and other areas in South District. On September 4, Sindh’s Directorate General (DG) Health took note of drug price hikes and black marketing and directed the District Health Office (DHO) to take immediate actions under police supervision. DG Health in his letter to Drug Inspector sought a report from the drug officer for non-supply of medicines and sales of medicine in black-market. There are many medicines which are not available in the market.

NEW YORK: Caretaker Minister for Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani on Friday met his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov wherein they discussed the common challenges including Islamophobia and climate change. In the meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the two sides agreed to work together at the international fora, especially at the United Nations and the OIC. The two sides reviewed the recent developments in bilateral relations, especially in the domain of bilateral trade, defence, energy and IT cooperation. Welcoming the announcement of direct flight operations of Azerbaijan Airline (AZAR) to Pakistan, the foreign minister termed it a positive development to facilitate people-to-people exchanges for business and tourism. He thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent and valuable support to Pakistan on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at various international fora, including at the OIC Contact Group on J

NEW YORK: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Friday that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is the key to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan. PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly today. The premier said that the establishment of peace is necessary to gain development and prosperity. Pakistan wants good ties with all neighbours including India. “The resolution of the Kashmir dispute is crucial to resolve all conflicts between Pakistan and India. The UN should implement its resolutions to resolve the Kashmir dispute.” Related: PM Kakar stresses global action to end regional conflicts, climate-driven disasters Kakar called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to secure the implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir, which, he said, was the key to peace between Pakistan and India. “India has evaded implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions which call for the ‘final disposition’ of Jammu and Kas

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Dr Gohar Ejaz on Friday opposed the early market closure under the energy conservation plan and said that the government would face a huge financial loss following the decision, ARY News reported. While talking to the media, Gohar Ejaz said that the country has surplus electricity and early market closure decision would cause a huge financial loss to the government. “We sought recommendations from all chambers of commerce in the country in 30 days.” Ejaz announced that a major anti-gas theft drive would be launched in Pakistan after completing the anti-power theft operation. He asked traders to shed their stubbornness as the country did not have sufficient gas resources. Related: Hike in gas price inevitable, says caretaker energy minister “We will invite 100 international brands to attend a conference in Pakistan. All brands will be given the status of state guests.” The commerce minister said that the actua