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ISLAMABAD: The Google for Education team, in collaboration with its local partner Tech Valley, has decided to establish 50 smart schools in Pakistan. Google recently convened with the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to present forthcoming plans for Pakistan’s education sector. According to details, 50 Smart schools in Islamabad will be equipped with 30,000 Google for Education IDs which includes features, powered by AI, like practice sets and a suite of digital tools for enhanced collaboration and productivity. During the meeting, discussions extended to several upcoming initiatives, including teacher workshops on Google for Education tools, the establishment of a public Google Reference School, the training of 2000 youths in job-ready skills through Google Career Certificates, and the potential collaboration on hosting an Edutech event with the Ministry of Federal Education in Pakistan.   from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat said that he will step down from the potential chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) if any of his party colleagues is nominated for the post, ARY News reported. In a statement issued here, Sher Afzal Marwat said that in a meeting with the PTI founder, opposed a proposal nominating Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) Hamid Raza for the chairmanship. He said that he suggested Imran Khan nominate any other party colleague for the post instead of SIC’s Hamid Raza. “The PTI founder had earlier nominated me for the PAC chairmanship in the presence of journalists at Adiala jail,” Sher Afzal Marwat added. Read More: SIC decides to nominate Hamid Raza as PAC chairman He also endorsed Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement to ‘storm’ Islamabad and said that the PTI will also hold a million march and sit-in later. “Million march and sit-in will be held at the final stage of our movement,” h

The Security Forces gunned down four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Monday, quoting Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result four terrorists were killed. Weapons, ammunition & explosives were also recovered from them. The killed terrorists were involved in several terrorist activities, the ISPR said. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as the Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism. In similar intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in North Waziristan and Panjgur districts,  security forces gunned down four terrorists . According to the military’s media wing, an IBO (intelligence-based operation) was conducted in the Panjgur District of Balochistan on the reported presence of terrorists. During an intense exchange

International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) executive board meeting is expected to approve the last tranche of $1.1 billion under standby arrangement on Monday (today), ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources.  As per details, the meeting of the IMF executive board will continue until May 3. The international lender is likely to okay the disbursement of $1.1 billion to Pakistan today, the sources said. They further said, the State Bank of Pakistan is likely to receive the last tranche from the IMF tomorrow, after the approval. It is to be noted that Pakistan availed $3 billion loan programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 12, 2023. So far, Pakistan has received two tranches of $1.2 billion in July and $700 million in January 2024, totaling $1.9 billion. Read more: Pakistan’s economy on recovery path amid global tides: Governor SBP Last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the final review of a $3 billion b

RIYADH: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif attended the Special Dialogue and Gala Dinner hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the Special Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh. During the event, PM Shehbaz Sharif exchanged views with the Crown Prince, and congratulated the Saudi leadership on the successful organization of the WEF Special Meeting and the excellent arrangements by the hosts. The meeting also discussed regional ties and Gaza situation. The premier conveyed his prayers and good wishes for the health, happiness and long life of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In addition to bilateral ties, the regional situation, particularly with regards to the crisis in Gaza, was also discussed. PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Read more: PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s he

KARACHI: Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, emphasized the government and SBP’s resolute commitment to addressing macroeconomic challenges, leading to substantial improvements and positioning Pakistan’s economy on the path to recovery amidst global obstacles. Speaking at the ICMA Pakistan Members Convocation, Ahmad highlighted the remarkable progress in Pakistan’s economy, reflecting on the previous year’s daunting macroeconomic landscape characterized by soaring inflation, dwindling FX reserves, exchange rate pressures, and heightened uncertainty. Today, however, inflation is markedly declining, reserves have surged to nearly US$8 billion despite substantial debt repayments, the current account deficit has significantly narrowed, stabilizing the PKR and propelling the stock market to new heights. Ahmad credited this turnaround to the steadfast resolve of the government and SBP to tackle macroeconomic challenges head-on. Acknowledging the necessity of unpo

LAHORE: The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, announced protest demonstrations across Punjab, aimed to advocate the approval of farmers’ demands, ARY News reported on Saturday. The Secretary General of JI, Ameerul Azim, announced that the sit-in protests will take place on Tuesday, April 30, on major roads across the province. In a statement, the secretary general of JI attributed the escalating wheat crisis to the government’s misguided policies. He criticized the provincial government for disregarding the plight of farmers and highlighted the withdrawal of subsidies on essential agricultural products, a move influenced by pressure from the IMF. Consequently, farmers find themselves unable to sell their wheat at the government’s support price, with middlemen exploiting the situation to their advantage. He also condemned the opportunistic behavior of certain groups, who exploit shortages or surpluses of basic necessities for personal gain. He reitera

KARACHI: Karachi police and Rangers conducted a joint operation and arrested two members of the notorious Lyari gang war in Malir, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to a Rangers spokesperson, the two arrested suspects, Mohammad Ilyas and Ijaz, were involved in selling drugs in Malir and the surrounding area. During the operation, the law enforcers also recovered illegal weapons, drugs, and mobile phones from the possession of the arrested suspects. The spokesperson added that the arrested criminals have also been arrested and sent to jail in the past. Earlier in the day, the local police of Karachi claimed to have arrested the ring leader allegedly operating two different gangs in the city. The arrested individual, believed to be the brother of the main suspect involved in the murder of Chaudhry Aslam, allegedly operated two different gangs of robbers in the city. In a statement, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) city stated that these two gangs were involved in s

ISLAMABAD: On directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 12 high-ranking officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have been removed from their positions, ARY News reported. According to the details, the FBR officials, from Grades 21 and 22, have been directed to report to the Admin Pool. According to the notification, the officials who have been transferred included Member Customs Accounting Mukarram Ansari, Member IR Policy Afaq Qureshi, and Member Customs Operations Dr. Fareed Iqbal Qureshi. DG IOC Shah Bano Khan, Member Accounting Tariq Mustafa Khan, DG Law and Prosecution Ahmed Rauf have also been removed from the positions. Read More: PM Shehbaz Sharif suspends high-ranking FBR official for delaying tax cases The other officials included Muhammad Azam Sheikh, Muhammad Saleem, Abdul Wahid, and Khurshid Marwat. of these officials have been transferred to the Administration Pool, in a significant reshuffle in the FBR’s top leadership.” Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minist

KARACHI: Plans for large-scale appointments are underway, signaling a potential restructuring within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ARY News reported on Thursday. Following the appointment of an Acting Director General (DG) at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), significant developments have unfolded within the organization. Among the proposed changes include the rotation of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) at different airports across the country. Additionally, there are indications of forthcoming appointments and transfers of senior officers within the CAA headquarters in Karachi. These developments come amidst a period of transition following the transfer of Khaqan Murtaza, the former DGCAA, to the chairmanship of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) as per the notification issued by the federal government. With these changes underway, the aviation sector in Pakistan anticipates a shift in leadership and organizational dynamics within the Civil Aviation Author

KARACHI: The trophy for the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and West Indies women was unveiled here at National Bank Stadium on Thursday. The glittering trophy was unveiled by Pakistan captain Nida Dar and her West Indies counterpart Hayley Matthews ahead of their pre-series press conference. The T20I matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm, with the toss taking place at 7:00 pm. The second T20I will take place on 28 April, while the third T20I will commence on 30 April. The fourth and fifth T20Is are scheduled for 2 and 3 May, respectively. Pakistan captain Dar acknowledged that the national team is “disappointed” with the outcome of the ODI series but expressed her hope to rectify the errors and continue their winning streak against West Indies in the shortest format. “We are obviously disappointed with the performances in the ODI series and our goal is to rectify our mistakes and put up a strong performance in the upcoming T20I series,” stated Dar. “As a team, we und

KARACHI: A total of 67 alleged buyers of stolen goods were arrested, as law enforcers conducted several raids in Karachi, ARY News reported on Thursday. Following the directives of Sindh’s Chief Minister, Sindh police initiated a crackdown against the buyers of robbed mobile phones and arrested 67 individuals in District West of Karachi. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) district West, Hafeezur Rehman Bugti, claimed to have recovered stolen goods, including mobile phones and spare parts of the stolen vehicles, from the shops and warehouses of the arrested individuals. Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched against the arrested individuals. Earlier this month, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah directed to take measures to monitor the sale of stolen or snatched mobile phones and vehicles as spare parts or in their complete form in the markets of Karachi. The chief minister issued the directives while chairing the 31st Apex Committee meeting, which was attende

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has decided to conduct a third-party audit of K-Electric’s seven-year investment roadmap, Transmission & Distribution Investment Plan, on a quarterly basis, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The regulatory authority has given its decision on the utility’s Transmission & Distribution Investment Plan till FY 2030, with K-Electric failing to convince NEPRA on its Rs484 billion investment plan. Besides announcing quarterly audit, the NEPRA – according to the order – said it will decide the terms of reference (ToR) for the third-party audit. The company will be required to submit a quarterly report on its investment plan’s progress. K-Electric, the sole power distribution company in Karachi, will also have to provide a performance report under the investment plan, the statement noted. The authority also directed the utility to ensure a secure system to prevent electrical accidents. Meanwhile, the power distributi

GHOTKI: Two police personnel who were abducted by Katcha area (riverine area) dacoits have been recovered from Ghotki, ARY News reported citing police. According to the details, the two cops have been recovered along with their service weapons. The two policemen were abducted from the post along with their service weapons the other day by the Katcha area dacoits. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghotki said that the Katcha area dacoits had attacked the police post and kidnapped two cops within the limits of Sundarani police station. The SSP said that a dacoit was killed in police retaliation while a cop also embraced martyrdom. The SSP said that in the recovery operation, the police party surrounded the Katcha area dacoits in Ghotki who released the abductees under police pressure. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar appreciated the police department on safe recovery of the abducted cops. In a statement, the home minister appreciated the courage and bravery of

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s scheme to provide motorcycles to students on interest-free installments received an overwhelming response, with over 100,000 students registering on the portal, ARY News reported. According to the details, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) received around 16,000 online applications on the online portal. The PITB records showed that over 13,000 students have applied for petrol bikes while 3,800 for electric motorcycles. The students from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi are eligible to apply before the April 29 deadline in initial phase. The students can acquire petrol motorcycles and electric bikes through easy monthly installment plans with the Punjab government providing the down payment. The provincial government will also pay the markup in monthly installments. Read More: Govt launches Interest-free e-bikes project for students It is pertinent to mention here that CM Maryam Nawaz launched the pro

Abbottabad and Rawalpindi will host 24 matches of the 50-over-a-side President’s Cup, in which seven leading departments of the country will participate from 24 April to 12 May. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the winner of the four-day first-class President’s Trophy, will aim to conclude the 2023-24 season with another trophy. Apart from SNGPL, the other six teams participating in the tournament are Pakistan Television (PTV), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Ghani Glass. The seven teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top four sides after 21 league matches qualifying for the semi-finals. While Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Abbottabad Cricket Stadium will be used for the league matches, venues of the three knock-out matches will be confirmed closer to the matches. Follow us on our Official  WhatsApp channel

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on Flood Rehabilitation, Information and Communication Technologies, and other sectors in a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, ARY News reported. A high-level delegation of the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency, led by its Chairman Luo Zhaohui, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also attended the meeting. The Prime Minister witnessed the signing ceremony of four Memorandums of Understanding focusing on Flood Rehabilitation, Information and Communication Technologies, Juncao Technology, China-Pakistan Development Cooperation Planning 2024-2028 alongside a Letter of Exchange on the establishment of a First Aid Centre in Balochistan, and Protocol on Cooperation in Human Resources Development under the Global Development Initiative. Welcoming the delegation, PM Shehbaz said th

QUETTA: The government of Balochistan has announced the first-ever air ambulance service in the province’s history, ARY News reported. According to the details, Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that an air ambulance service would be started soon for the first time in the history of the province. Balochistan government has decided to use one of the two planes owned it for public facilitation instead of selling it. In a statement, the chief minister said that the People’s Air Ambulance service would be launched for the emergency shifting of patients to expand the provision of emergency medical facilities to the masses. With the launch of Air Ambulance, patients can be transferred to major hospitals across the country, including the provincial capital Quetta on an emergency basis. CM Bugto said that efforts would be taken to improve service delivery in all sectors including health services in Balochistan and substantial results can be achieved by changing decision-making p

LAHORE: Wicketkeeper batter Haseebullah Khan on Sunday, replaced Azam Khan in Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. “The national selection committee has announced wicketkeeper/batter Haseebullah as the replacement player for Azam Khan, who was sidelined from the T20I series against New Zealand due to a tear in his right calf muscle, stated PCB in a brief press release. According to the details, Haseebullah will join the Pakistan team after the third T20I and will be available for selection in the remaining two T20Is, scheduled to be played in Lahore on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The 21-year-old Haseebullah made his sole T20I appearance against New Zealand earlier this year. Follow us on our Official  WhatsApp channel For the unversed, Azam Khan, who missed the first T20I due to discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle, was subsequently ruled out of the entirety of the series on Saturday. “Azam Khan has been advised to un

CHAKWAL: At least four labourers were killed after inhaling toxic gas in a paper mill located in Chakwal city of Punjab, ARY News reported, citing Rescue officials. According to officials, the labourers fell into an eight-feet deep tank in Minwal Paper Mills and died after inhaling toxic gas. The victims were identified as Amir, Zeeshan, Muhammad Saqib and Jamshed. Rescue officials arrived at the scene and moved the bodies to the District Headquarters Hospital. Meanwhile, DPO Chakwal said that the paper mill has been sealed while raids were being carried out to arrest the owner of the mill. Last year, several including employees fell unconscious after ammonia gas cylinder blast in a food factory located in the Fish Harbour area in Karachi. Read more: Kemari toxic gas case: Investigation report submitted in SHC Emergency was imposed in adjoining areas of the factory in Karachi’s Fish Harbour area after an ammonia gas cylinder exploded in a food factory, leaving several persons i

KARACHI: As preparations are underway for the visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Karachi on April 23, the security measures in the city have been intensified, ARY News reported on Sunday. During his visit, President Raisi is scheduled to hold meetings with the Chief Minister and Governor of Sindh in Karachi. The presence of high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister of Sindh, provincial ministers, and other dignitaries, is expected at these meetings. The visit holds significant diplomatic importance, highlighting the close relations between Iran and Pakistan. READ: Karachi police outlines traffic plan for April 23 Earlier in the day,  Commissioner Karachi announced a public holiday on April 23  in the metropolis. A notification has been issued by the office of the Karachi Commissioner announcing a public holiday on April 23 with all the public and private offices and schools remaining closed across the city. According to the notification, the public holiday h

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Rizwan created history on Saturday by breaking the record of captain Babar Azam and India star batter Virat Kohli in T20Is. During the second T20I against New Zealand here, Muhammad Rizwan became the fastest batter to score 3000 runs in T20Is, surpassing his national team captain Babar and India’s Kohli. Kohli and Azam are the joint-fastest to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket, taking 81 innings each, followed by Australia’s Aaron Finch who took 98 innings. The wicket-keeper batter amassed this record in 79 innings, with his match-winning 45-run knock against the Blackcaps in Saturday’s match. Meanwhile, Babar Azam is closing in on Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs in T20I cricket. Azam has scored 3,698 runs in T20I cricket and is third among the highest run-scorers in the format. Kohli tops the list with 4,037, followed by his teammate Rohit Sharma, who has amassed 3,974 runs. Azam needs 340 runs in five games to become the

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded the government to initiate ‘tripartite dialogue’ with the neighbouring countries to curb the menace of re-surging terrorism. The former foreign minister made these remarks after a vehicle of foreign nationals was targeted by a suicide bomber in Karachi’s Landhi area. SSP Malir Tariq Elahi said the foreigners were targeted when they were on their way to the Export Processing Zone. He said the police retaliated the attack and shot dead one of the terrorists in the gunfire, while another blew himself up. The police said the foreigners remained safe in the attack, however, two security guards and a passerby sustained wounds in the attack. Talking to journalists outside Parliament House, Bilawal Bhutto appreciated Sindh police for thwarting a terror attack in Landhi, Karachi yesterday morning. “This is also a reminder that the menace of terrorism is once again rising in Pakistan. The federal and pro

JACOBABAD: The local police of Jacobabad on Friday foiled an attempt to smuggle arms to Sindh and arrested seven individuals including three police officers allegedly involved in the crime, ARY News reported. Jacobabad police conducted an operation and claimed to have arrested three police officers – of Shikarpur district – along with four inter-provincial smugglers for allegedly smuggling arms from Balochistan to Sindh province. In a statement, the police spokesperson claimed that thousands of bullets and two Kalashnikovs were recovered from the possession of the arrested individuals during the operation. The spokesperson asserted that the consignment of arms was being smuggled from Balochistan to Shikarpur in the police mobile which was assigned on the security to an influential person. Read More:  Meet Karachi cop who foiled suicide attack on foreigners Earlier in the day, Karachi police foiled a terrorist attack on a vehicle carrying foreigners in Landhi. As per details, a

KARACHI: Former Superintendent of Police (SP) Clifton has been declared responsible for the death of the accused in the Darakhshan police station of Karachi, ARY News reported on Thursday. The inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Additional IG of Karachi police revealing that the former SP Clifton, named Nayyar-ul-Haq, is responsible for the murder of the accused in the police custody. “The accused, Mioz, was not murdered at the police station but somewhere else,” the report revealed, suggesting to investigate the former SP Clifton under section 302 [murder charges]. READ: ‘Criminal’ suffers fatal heart attack under Karachi police custody The investigation committee, in its report, revealed that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Darakhshan police station, Ali Raza Laghari, was not directly involved in the murder of the accused. However, it was found that he did not inform the authorities, meanwhile a departmental inquiry should be conducted against him. The report

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has barred the provincial government from closing educational institutions and businesses during VIP movement in Quetta, ARY News reported. In a written order on a constitutional petition filed by a citizen, the court directed the authorities to not close the roads for more than two minutes as per the Blue Book documents. BHC Acting Chief Hashim Kakar and Justice Shaukat Ali Rakhshani wrote the judgment which barred the provincial government and relevant departments from closing educational institutes and businesses falling in the route of the VIP movement in Quetta. The court also directed the government against disturbing traffic flow unnecessarily during the VIP movement. Read more: Sindh CM’s protocol car upturned, policeman die, six injured While acknowledging the state’s responsibility to protect VIPs and prominent individuals, the BHC stated that the basic human rights of the citizens also held significance. The Balochistan High Co

RAWALPINDI: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the importance of strategic relations between the two countries, ARY News reported. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the Saudi foreign minister and the Army Chief held a meeting in which matters of mutual interest and development were discussed. The military’s media wing added that Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also stressed on further expansion of cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in various fields. Read More: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the Saudi Foreign Minister Chief General Syed Asim Munir appreciated the exemplary relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as well as the brotherhood among the people of both countries. The Army Chief assured the Saudi delegation of all possible cooperation. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Saud

Derek Underwood, the most successful spin bowler in England Test cricket history, has died at the age of 78, his former county Kent announced on Monday. Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Tests with his distinctive brand of brisk left-arm spin. He was noted for being particularly effective on uncovered pitches, which were in use for much of a 24-year first-class career that ran from 1963 until 1987. He famously bowled England to a Test victory over arch-rivals Australia at The Oval in 1968 on such a surface, taking 7-50 when a draw had seemed inevitable. Underwood made his England debut as a 21-year-old in 1966 and played his last Test in 1982. Together with outstanding wicketkeeper Alan Knott, he formed a celebrated combination for Kent and England. Both Underwood, affectionately nicknamed “Deadly”, and Knott might have achieved even more success for England had they not been involved in Kerry Packer’s breakaway World Series Cricket of the late 1970s and a rebel tour of South Afri

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Naseem Shah is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in his international career. Naseem, who made his international debut against Australia in 2019, has 98 wickets to his name in international cricket and is just two strikes away from joining his teammates Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir and others in the 100-wicket club. He would be hoping to cross 100-wicket tally in the upcoming T20 International series against New Zealand. Out of his 98 wickets, 24 came against Sri Lanka, followed by 23 against New Zealand and 11 against the Netherlands. Naseem Shah’s tally of international wickets comprised 51 Tests, 32 ODIs and 15 in T20Is. Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub,

WASHINGTON: A Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has arrived in Washington D.C, United States to participate in the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The Governor State Bank of Pakistan, the secretary Finance, the additional secretary and others are included in the Pakistani delegation. On arrival at the airport, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Masood Khan and the officers of the Embassy of Pakistan welcomed the Finance Minister. During his stay in US, the Finance Minister will meet IMF and World Bank officials. Negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF are scheduled for next week, sources report. According to sources, Islamabad will request the IMF for a new loan programme. Meetings with international media and think tank representatives are also included in the Finance Minister’s schedule. Read more: Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan programme: IMF chief Pakistan and the IMF last month

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday castigated the recently-formed PTI-led grand opposition alliance, saying that some politicians are hatching a conspiracy against the country under pretext of poll rigging claims. The former foreign minister made these remarks while addressing a public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in connection with 45th death anniversary of former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Lambasting the opposition alliance, Bilawal Bhutto said that some politician wanted to launch Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) II – referring to a nine-party alliance launched in 1977 against the Bhutto-led government. “Due to those conspiratorial politicians, the country faced ten years of dictatorship [Gen Ziaul Haq’s tenure] and even today such politicians are doing the same which is a threat to the country,” he noted. He pointed out that many forces did not believe in democracy and used to hatch conspiracies but President Asif Ali Za

ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistanis are reportedly on board the Israel-linked container ship seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with the Foreign Office raising the issue with Tehran for their release, ARY News reported on Sunday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday seized a container ship “related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf,” state media reported a day earlier. “A container ship named ‘MCS Aries’ was seized by the Sepah (Guards) Navy Special Forces by carrying out a heliborne operation,” IRNA state news agency reported. It added that the operation took place “near the Strait of Hormuz”, a waterway vital to world trade, and “this ship has now been directed towards the territorial waters” of Iran. Vessel tracking websites, vesselfinder.com and marinetraffic.com, say MSC Aries is a Portuguese-flagged container ship. Both sites give its last reported position as in the Gulf. The surging tensions come against the backdrop of the six-month war waged by Israel against Pales