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Showing posts from May, 2024

Man turns to solar panels for mobile-charging business

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SUKKUR: A young man, who is running a mobile charging and accessories shop in a Sukkur village, found a smart solution to overcome the problem of electricity shortage in his area. Wahab Tunio, who is a resident of Qureshi Goth in Sukkur and running a small business, started using solar panels to get the required power. He is getting solar power to charge mobile phones and power his desktop computer to run the business which has become a lifeline for him and others in the community. Speaking to ARY News, Wahab Tunio said that he had to rely on solar panels to run his business due to the lack of electricity in the locality. The area people, who are also deprived of electricity, get their mobile phones charged for Rs 20-30 which has become a source of income for Wahab Tunio He said that due to the lack of electricity, the use of solar panel has become a necessity for him.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARY News (@arynewstv) W

Banks to remain closed on Tuesday

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KARACHI: Following the government announcement to observe a public holiday on May 28, 2024, all banks remain closed for public dealing on Tuesday across the country, ARY News reported on Monday. On the occasion of “Youm-e-Takbeer”, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued a statement announcing the closure of banks across the country as declared by the government. Earlier in the day, the incumbent government announced a public holiday on May 28 (Tuesday) to mark the historic day, ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’, when Pakistan emerged as an atomic power. In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’ is a reminder of the country’s unshakeable commitment to its defense and sovereignty. “On this day, we unite under the green and white flag to celebrate our nation’s unwavering resolve,” the prime minister added. He highlighted the significance of May 28, 1998, when Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests, making its defense invincible. “We will continue to work t

Missing four-year-old Ayesha recovered after months in Karachi

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KARACHI: The four-year-old girl reportedly went missing on August 14, 2023, from the Numaish roundabout recovered after months from Karachi’s Surjani Town area, ARY news reported on Sunday. The police officials in a statement revealed that the missing child was residing with a family in the Surjani Town area of Karachi. Ayesha’s mother, along with the family – taking care of the minor girl for the past 3-4 months – from Surjani [New Lyari area], reached the Azizabad Police Station to report her recovery. The parents of the minor girl claimed that the family allegedly kidnapped and kept the girl at Surjani Town [New Lyari area]. The child’s family maintained that the people who had the minor girl for the past couple of months deprived her of food and clothing, and had intentions to sell her. Meanwhile, the mother of the missing girl disclosed a call from an unknown number that informed her about the whereabouts of her missing daughter. Earlier, the missing Hyderabad girl was reco

PTI to hold talks only when concerns are addressed: Asad Qaiser

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ISLAMABAD: Former National Assembly (NA) speaker Asad Qaiser on Sunday lamented the political victimisation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, saying that PTI will only hold talks when its concerns are addressed, ARY News reported. Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Sawwal Ye Hai’, the PTI leader demanded that the incumbent government take concrete steps to restore the party’s mandate, which he claimed was stolen in the recently-held general elections. Asad Qaiser said that the government is talking about negotiations, but it needs to take trust-building measures first. He added that the PTI will only hold talks when its concerns are addressed first. He termed the government’s offer of negotiations ‘a public stunt’, saying that the PML-N was instead using force to suppress his party’s voice. He also demanded that the issue of Form 45 be discussed in a joint session of parliament, noting that this was the only way to move forward and ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process. “[Prime

Aleem Khan to attend int’l conference in Tajikistan

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications, Privatisation and Investment Board Abdul Aleem Khan will visit Tajikistan to represent Pakistan in a Two-Day International Regional Conference under “Road to Tien Shan”. Besides Pakistan, China, India, Armenia, Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan are included in this international conference commencing from Wednesday. Speaking to journalists today, Abdul Aleem Khan said Pakistan was already working on the road network from Afghanistan and China to Tajikistan. He said the construction of new highways will provide access to ports and corridors for commercial markets while such global projects will lead to international cooperation besides promoting trade from Pakistan. A day earlier, it was reported that a high-level delegation headed by Abdul Aleem Khan will visit Kuwait by end of current month for boosting investment in Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation is expected to have meetings with Prime Minister of Kuwait and Ministers of Foreign Af

Congo virus claims two lives in Attock

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ATTOCK: The Congo virus has claimed the lives of two individuals in Attock district, ARY News reported on Saturday. In response to the medical emergency, the authorities have imposed Section 144 to curb the spread of the virus. Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza announced a ban on setting up cattle markets across the district. Additionally, there is a complete ban on the inter-provincial and inter-district transfer of animals to prevent further transmission of the virus. The Section 144 ban will remain in effect until May 30, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Raza. Last year in November, a patient suffering from Crimean-Congo Haemo­rrhagic Fever (CCHF) died at a private hospital in Karachi. The deceased was shifted to Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital in Karachi from Quetta on Friday morning. He was on a ventilator. “A total of 17 patients including both suspected and those who tested positive for CCHF were brought to Karachi. Of them, 2 have been discharged and two passed aw

Karachi police foil milk smuggling attempt worth Rs3m

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KARACHI: Maripur police of Karachi on Saturday successfully foiled the smuggling attempt involving Iranian dry milk worth more than Rs 3 million, ARY News reported. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Keamari, Faizan Ali, stated that a truck carrying a total of 100 sacks, weighing 2,500 kilograms, of smuggled dry milk was seized. Earlier this month, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting seven operations across the country managed to recover 47 kg of drugs and arrested 12 suspects. He informed that 600 grams of heroin was recovered from a parcel booked for the UK at a courier office in Sialkot. 13 kg heroin was recovered from two suspects arrested near M-1 Motorway Islamabad. 10 kg opium and 320 grams weed were recovered from three accused netted on M-8 Gwadar. 10 kg of Ice was recovered from three Afghans held in the Torkham area while 8 kg of heroin was recovered from two suspects rounded up near Divine Garden Lahore. 4 kg of heroin was recovered from an accused

PM Shehbaz hails Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep admiration for the recent decision taken by the Government of Ireland to recognize the state of Palestine. In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland Simon Harris on Friday, PM Shehbaz also felicitated him on assuming the office. The prime minister said that Ireland’s decision of recognising Palestine would send a message of hope and solidarity to the innocent Palestinians who were suffering Israel’s brutal atrocities. “It would also go a long way in promoting the Palestine cause and would urge other countries to follow Ireland,” PM Shehbaz added. The prime minister said Pakistan has always advocated that a two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, is the only way to bring lasting peace to the Middle East. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the just struggle of the Palestinian people and lauded the decision of the ICJ to order Israel to stop its assault on

Ecclestone stars as England down Pakistan in ODI series opener

DERBY: Sophie Ecclestone’s economical bowling figures of 3/26 powered England women to a comfortable 37-run victory over Pakistan women in the first ODI of the three-match series here at County Ground on Thursday. England went 1-0 up in the three-match series against Pakistan, part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship. Put into bat first, England notched up a commendable total of 243/9 in the allotted 50 overs despite Nida Dar’s three wickets. In-form Alice Capsey top-scored for the home side with a gutsy 44-run knock with the help of three boundaries. Besides her, wicketkeeper Amy Jones made a notable contribution with her 38-ball 37. Jones was closely followed by opener Tammy Beaumont (33), Nat Sciver-Brunt (31) and skipper Heather Knight (29). For Pakistan, Nida Dar picked up three wickets, followed by Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani, who bagged two wickets each. Follow us on our Official  WhatsApp channel Set to chase 244, Pakistan women o

USA stun Bangladesh to seal historic T20I series win

HOUSTON: Skipper Monank Patel’s anchoring 42-run knock, followed by Ali Khan’s three wickets led the United States of America (USA) to edge past Bangladesh in the second T20I of the three-match series here on Thursday. The victory marked USA’s first bilateral T20I series win over a Test-playing nation as they went 2-0 up with a game to spare. The home side, one of the hosts of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2024, scheduled to commence on June 2, registered an upset victory over Bangladesh in the series opener on Tuesday. More to follow… The post USA stun Bangladesh to seal historic T20I series win appeared first on ASports.tv . from ASports.tv https://ift.tt/pLmsBXM

Major reshuffle in bureaucracy

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ISLAMABAD: In a major reshuffling, the federal government transferred and posted several top officers of the federal bureaucracy. According to notifications issued by the Establishment Division, Hasanat Qureshi has been appointed as Managing Director (MD) of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PEPRA). A 21-grade officer Hasanat Qureshi was serving as the financial advisor at the Pakistan Ordnance Factories. Secretary National Heritage Hassan Nasir has been given additional charge of Secretary Information. Similarly, the services of Hasan Raza, a Police Service officer of Grade 20, have been given to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Mian Saeed Ahmed, a Police Service officer, has also been directed to report to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. As per the notification, the services of Asif Iqbal Mehmood have been handed over to the Gilgit-Baltistan government. Saudur Rehman, a Police Service officer, has been transferred to the Balochistan government. Earlier on March

No ‘major breakthrough’ in meeting between JUI-F, PTI-led opposition

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ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-a-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman said that on national issues, the priorities of political parties should be the same, ARY News reported Speaking to the media in Islamabad along with a delegation of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan that called on hint at his residence, Maulana Fazalur Rehman said that improving relationships and removing bitterness is the need of the hour. Although the meeting did not result in a major breakthrough, all the parties agreed to continue their interaction for future strategy. The JUI-F chief said that they welcomed the delegation which came with a ‘positive message’. He said that the meeting mainly focused at having a ‘united’ stance on national issues. “The Constitution and parliament of Pakistan are losing dignity while the democracy is losing its case. We should have one voice in parliament,” Maulana Fazalur Rehman added. Speaking on the occasion, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub ex

England great Anderson has moments of regret over upcoming retirement

England great James Anderson has said there are moments when he questions his upcoming retirement from Test cricket, although he is happy with his decision “90 per cent” of the time. The most successful fast bowler in the format’s history, with 700 wickets, Anderson announced earlier this month that the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July would mark his farewell to England duty. Anderson, who will turn 42 next month, said Wednesday he had thoughts about playing on, having reached an age where most pace bowlers are long since retired. “In my head I feel like I could play for 10 years,” Anderson told his BBC Tailenders podcast. “Obviously I realise that is not realistic. “Some days I wake up and wish I was not retiring but then 90 percent of the time I’m happy with it. “Not many people in sport get the chance to retire from sport at over 40. I’m happy I’ve made it this far.” Only spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have taken more Test wickets than James

Gang ‘involved’ in child abuse busted in Karachi

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KARACHI: The police on Wednesday busted a gang ‘involved’ in sexually abusing children in Karachi’s Orangi Town and recovered three minors, ARY News reported. Superintendent of Police (SP) Orangi Town said that three gang members were apprehended while as many children have been recovered by the police. The SP said that the gang used to lure children with Rs 200-300 and sexually abuse them. The suspects were also involved in recording the children’s videos and supplying them in the area. The police officer said that the investigation began when a child went missing on May 11. The interrogation in the case led to the discovery of the gang’s activities. The SP said that one of the suspects named Nisar used to lure children from gaming zones and take them to their hideout. The gang members subjected the children to sexual abuse and supplied them to others as well. The police officer said that the gang mostly lured children aged 12 to 14 years. According to police, the suspects used

“Pakistan have golden opportunity to win the World Cup,” Babar Azam

LEEDS: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam on Tuesday, stated that his team have a “golden opportunity” to win the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to commence on June 2. Babar, in a press conference here ahead of Pakistan’s four-match T20I series against England, responded to a question regarding his reinstatement as Pakistan captain, just months after he stepped down from the role. “To be honest, [I returned as the captain] because of the World Cup. In the past, we have played semi-final and final but this time I have the opportunity to win the World Cup,” Babar said. “Second thing is that we have good bunch of players. We have a good batting lineup and specially our bowling is good because Amir is back. [We have] Shaheen, Haris and Naseem, they are good fast bowlers so yeah, we have a golden opportunity to win the World Cup,” he added. Follow us on our Official  WhatsApp channel Babar further shared that Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan will continue to ope

PTI’s Parvez Elahi released from Kot Lakhpat Jail

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LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Tuesday following months-long imprisonment, ARY News reported. The development comes after Lahore High Court (LHC) granted the former Punjab chief minister bail and ordered his release in a case pertaining to an alleged illegal appointment made in the Punjab Assembly. LHC’s Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmad pronounced the court verdict reserved earlier . Following the release, the PTI president reached his Zahoor Elahi residence. In a statement, Elahi expressed his gratitude to supporters for their unwavering support during his recent struggles. “I am thankful to Allah for giving me the courage to remain steadfast. I am also grateful to the judges who stood by the truth and supported me.” Elahi also thanked those who prayed for him and stood by him during difficult times. He criticised the treatment meted out to him and his party workers in Gujrat, saying, “We were subjected to injustic

Punjab Assembly passes Defamation Bill 2024

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LAHORE: Amid strong protest from the opposition benches, the Punjab Assembly on Monday passed the ‘controversial’ Defamation Bill 2024, aimed at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms, ARY News reported. The assembly witnessed a ruckus when Punjab’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman tabled the ‘controversial’ bill, while the journalists boycotted the proceedings to register their protest. The bill addresses the pervasive issue of misinformation on social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Under the bill, defamation case can be filed on those spreading ‘fake news’. The bill also proposes a fine of up to Rs3 million and special tribunals to hear defamation cases, which will be required to deliver verdicts within six months. It also mentioned that in cases of allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases. According to the

Hanif Abbasi opens up on ‘heated argument’ with Anwaarul Haq Kakar

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Hanif Abbasi opened up on a brawl with former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar over the wheat import scandal. Speaking at ARY News Programme ‘Off the Record’, Hanif Abbasi confirmed that there were heated arguments between him and the former premier. He said that Anwaarul Haq Kakar asked him as if he had come to arrest him? “I told Anwaarul Haq Kakar that I have no authority to arrest him,” Hanif Abbasi said. The PML-N lawmaker; however, said that during the heated arguments, there was no discussion about Form 47, a term PML-N’s rivals use to describe alleged rigging in the general elections 2024 held on February 8 Hanif Abbasi emphasized that the PML-N is the largest political party in Punjab and centre. “We (PML-N) did not loose the elections that’s why we have formed governments in Punjab and the centre. The PML-N has a two-thirds majority in Punjab and is also the largest party at the federal level,” he added. E

Justice Musarrat Hilali rushed to hospital after health deteriorates

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PESHAWAR: Supreme Court of Pakistan Judge, Justice Musarrat Hilali was rushed to hospital after her health deteriorated in Peshawar, ARY News reported. As per details. Justice Musarrat Hilali was in Peshawar on vacation when her health deteriorated and she was admitted to a local hospital. However, her condition is now stable and improving. She is currently undergoing treatment at Peshawar Institute of Cardiology. Acting Chief Justice Minib Akhtar visited her in the hospital to inquire about her health. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali also visited her in the hospital to wish her a speedy recovery. Justice Musarrat Hilali last year took oath as Supreme Court of Pakistan judge, becoming the second woman to make it to the country’s apex court after the approval of Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). Who is Justice Hilali? Born in Peshawar on August 08, 1961, Justice Hilali received a law degree from Khyber Law College, Peshawar University and enrolled as an Advocate

NA-148 Multan: PPP’s Ali Qasim Gilani wins by-election

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MULTAN: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Syed Ali Qasim Gilani emerged victorious in the NA-148 by-election, according to the unofficial and unconfirmed results. The by-election for the National Assembly seat in Multan was held on Sunday, featuring a fierce contest between PPP’s Ali Qasim Gilani and Barrister Taimur Altaf Malik, the candidate backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council. According to unofficial and unofficial results from all 275 polling stations, Ali Qasim Gilani secured 85,850 votes, while his opponent, Barrister Taimur Altaf Malik, garnered 53,449 votes. Following the announcement of unofficial results, PPP workers danced to the beat outside Gilani House in Multan to express their happiness. Eight candidates belonging to various political parties were on the run to win the seat vacated following the resignation of Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani who took oath as the Senate Chairman. The total number of registered voters, according to th

IMF asks Pakistan to ‘impose’ tax on monthly pensions

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ISLAMABAD: In another ‘demand’, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission asked Pakistani authorities to impose tax on monthly pensions exceeding Rs 100,000, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing sources. Sources close to the development revealed that the ‘new bailout programme’ will necessitate pension reforms, with policy talks scheduled to commence tomorrow as negotiations between Pakistan and IMF have reached their final phase. One of the key components of the new loan program is the imposition of a tax on monthly pensions above Rs 100,000 as ‘insisted’ by the IMF. The move is expected to get the necessary legislative support aimed at taxing wealthy pensioners. As negotiations progress, it becomes evident that the ‘new bailout programme’ will mandate stringent economic measures. Pakistan remains committed to the IMF loan program, with no plans for its replacement. In order to qualify for the ‘new bailout programme’, Pakistan will need to exercise fiscal discipline, curbing

Ex-AJK premier Sardar Tanveer Ilyas arrested

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ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, has been arrested in a case related to an attack on a company’s office, ARY News reported. Sources told ARY News that the former AJK premier was arrested in the case registered at Margalla Police Station. According to sources, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas is accused of trying to seize the central offices and important documents of Centaurus Mall. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Colonel (retd) Tipu Sultan, Deputy Security In-charge of The Centaurus Mall, naming Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Muhammad Ali, Anil Sultan, Rizwan, and other unknown individuals as accused. As per the FIR, Sardar Tanveer, accompanied by an armed group of 20 to 25 individuals, entered office 1708 of Centaurus Mall by breaking the lock, with intentions to take control of the premises. However, their attempt was thwarted by the vigilant security guards. Sardar Tanveer allegedly issued threats to kill Sardar Yasir Ily

Peace can only be achieved through mutual cooperation: Ambassador Charles Delogne

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The Ambassador of Belgium in Pakistan, emphasized that peace in the world can only be achieved through mutual cooperation. He expressed hope that there would be no questions about Palestine, but unfortunately, the situation in Israel is also causing concern for Belgium. The ambassador Charles Delogne was a guest speaker at English Speaking Union of Pakistan, where he highlighted Belgium’s efforts for global peace, mentioning their significant investment of 0.7 percent in the development sector. The event was organized at a private hotel in Karachi, attended by Patron in chief of ESUP Aziz Memon, President Pervez Madraswala, Kalim Farooqui, and many other diplomats. He underscored the strong bilateral relations between Belgium and Pakistan, emphasizing the crucial role played by Pakistani students studying in Belgium. He mentioned that Belgium is also investing in Palestine, reiterating that mutual cooperation is essential for achieving peace worldwide. He expressed Belgium’s sol

Kyrgyzstan govt releases initial report on mob violence targeting int’l students

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KARACHI: More than 10,000 Pakistani students are currently stuck in Bishkek city of Kyrgyzstan amid a tense situation, ARY News reported on Saturday, citing a government agency report. The government agency released the preliminary report of the situation in Bishkek, revealing that more than 150,000 international students are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan. Sources quoting the government agency revealed that around 10,000 Pakistani students are currently in Kyrgyzstan, alongside approximately 15,000 Indian students. READ: WATCH: Pakistan’s envoy to Kyrgyzstan issues message amid riots Sources recalled the initiation of the riots in Bishkek stated that, four days ago, local and Egyptian students engaged in a discussion regarding Gaza, which later escalated into a dispute. On the night of May 17 and 18, more than 300 local students reportedly attacked hostels. It’s noted that students from various countries reside together in these hostels, and some students from other countries

Alexander Zverev equals Becker record to reach Rome Open final

Germany’s Alexander Zverev equalled compatriot Boris Becker’s record by reaching an 11th Masters final on Friday when he ended the Rome Open giant-killing run of Alejandro Tabilo. World number five Zverev, who lifted the Rome trophy in 2017, battled back to see off the Chilean 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in their semi-final. The 26-year-old Tabilo had shocked Novak Djokovic in the third round and the 32nd-ranked player showed little fear of Zverev until he began to play more passively in the second set tie-break. Follow us on our Official  WhatsApp channel Third seed Zverev then raced through the decider to make the Rome final for the third time. “I was just hanging on in the second set. I brought my energy up. I was really just hanging on and waiting and the patience was kind of good today,” Zverev said on court. “He hit me off the court in the first set and I did not play well at all, but he was a big reason why. He gave me no rhythm and I am happy I turned it around in the tie-break a

£190 million reference: Bushra Bibi expresses distrust on judge

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RAWALPINDI: An accountability court on Friday failed to testify witnesses when Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, expressed distrust on the judge hearing £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) settlement reference, ARY News reported. At the outset of the hearing conducted at Adiala Jail, the former first lady came to the rostrum and expressed distrust in the accountability court’s judge. She stated that the previous hearing was held without her knowledge, and she was not informed about the postponement of the case. The court explained that the previous hearing was postponed due to a request from the jail administration, and asked the defendant’s lawyers if they also distrusted the court. However, the lawyers replied that they had faith in the court, but requested permission to consult with their client, Bushra Bibi. The hearing was stopped thrice following the lawyers’ requests. PTI founder Imran Khan and his lawyers tried to persuade her to trust the court, and after

Iga Swiatek sinks Coco Gauff to storm into Rome Open final

Iga Swiatek won her 11th straight clay-court match on Thursday as the top seed moved closer to another record with a 6-4, 6-3 semi-final defeat of Coco Gauff at the Rome Open. World number one Swiatek now stands one victory away from duplicating the Madrid-Rome clay trophy double achieved by Serena Williams 11 years ago. The 22-year-old Pole defeated third-seed Gauff for the 10th time in their 11 encounters, with her only loss in the series coming last summer in a Cincinnati semi-final. Iga Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam winner due to defend her Roland Garros title starting a week from Sunday, will play the Saturday Rome Open final against either second-seed Aryna Sabalenka or American Danielle Collins. The top seed spent one and three-quarter hours in dispatching Gauff, the reigning US Open champion. Iga Swiatek ended with 26 winners and broke four times. “I’m not thinking about statistics or history,” she said after the victory. “I’m just playing day by day. “It’s easier that

FinMin calls for broadening tax base

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ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and discussed the ongoing and future cooperation between Pakistan and the ADB, ARY News reported. According to a press statement issued here, the finance minister held a meeting with the Alternate Executive Directors (AED) of the ADB at Finance Division. Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the improvement in Pakistan’s macroeconomic conditions. The finance minister also emphasised the need for broadening the tax base and digitalisation of the country’s tax regime. He informed the ABD’s delegation that the services of Mckinsey & Company have been engaged to assist the initiative of digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Muhammad Aurangzeb said that digitalisation of the country’s tax regime will not only enhance revenue but will also add to the transparency of the tax collection system. The finance minister underscored t

Gang rape victim ends life

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SHEIKHUPURA : A woman, who was allegedly gang raped by security guards of the Children’s Hospital Sheikhupura, committed suicide, ARY News reported. The police said that the victim went to Children’s Hospital Sheikhupura to inquire about the health of her niece. She was called to a separate room on the pretext of her niece’s check-up and was gang-raped by three security guards. The victim girl later ended her life by consuming poisonous pills. The police claimed to have arrested one alleged rapist, who has ‘confessed’ to the crime. The investigators said that efforts are being made for the arrest of other two security guards named Adil and Hafiz. PM, Punjab CM take notice Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident and sought reports from the concerned authorities. District Police Officer (DPO) Bilal Zafar Sheikh said that initially, the police registered a kidnapping case on complaint of the victim as she went mis

Complete ban on plastic bags to be enforced from June

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LAHORE: The Punjab government reiterated its commitment to eliminate plastic bags, announcing a complete ban on the use of all types of shopping bags and polythene bags from June 6, ARY News reported.   Speaking at Punjab Assembly floor today, provincial Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that the decision has been taken on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and a comprehensive cleanliness plan will be launched in the next four months. According to Zeshan Rafiq, the cleanliness system will be implemented at the tehsil level, and waste will be collected from every household. “The streets will be cleaned daily, and nearly 100,000 new jobs will be created under the new system,” he noted. The Minister also announced that landfill sites are being established in Punjab for the purpose of dumping waste, and over 2,000 water supply schemes have been closed due to contamination. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to land, water and air quality, exacerbating e

Foolproof security plan prepared for Karachi’s cattle market

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KARACHI: The law enforcers have prepared a foolproof security plan for the Karachi Cattle market established at Northern Bypass, ARY News reported on Tuesday. According to reports, the largest temporary cattle market for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 has been set up in Karachi’s Northern Bypass area. Traders from various regions, including Sindh, Punjab, and other parts of the country, have begun arriving at the site. This year, special security measures have been implemented for citizens intending to visit the cattle market. The cattle market management, along with senior police officers, has devised a foolproof plan to ensure the safety of visitors. The system of street lights on the main roads leading to the cattle market, Northern Bypass, Gulshan Maymar and Gadap are being made effective to ensure safe night traffic. Police and Rangers checkpoints are also being constructed on these routes, while operations will also be conducted to suppress the criminal elements in the adjacent areas. Ac

PTI demands AJK PM to step down amid violent protest

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed serious concerns over the ‘deteriorating’ situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and asked Prime Minister (PM) AJK Chaudhry Anwarul Haq to step down, ARY News reported. In a statement issued here, the PTI spokesman demanded that the killing of citizens should be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable “The PTI is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir. The authorities concerned should conduct a serious analysis of the genuine motivations behind public protests and accept legitimate demands,” the PTI demanded. The PTI spokesperson said that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir must use ‘peaceful protest’ as a democratic right. The Imran Khan-led party demanded that the rule of law and the people’s mandate should be made mandatory in the country. Read More: AJK protests: Clash erupts between protesters, Rangers It is pertinent to mention here that Azad Jammu and Kashmir wi

PM Shehbaz convenes high-level meeting on AJK protests

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting on Monday, which will discuss the ongoing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). PM Sharif earlier on Sunday also spoke to the prime minister of AJK and directed the Pakistan Muslim League-N office bearers in the region to engage with the leaders of the action committee to find a peaceful resolution. In a tweet, he expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in AJK, urging all parties to adopt a peaceful course of action to resolve their demands. PM Shehbaz emphasised that while debate, discussion, and peaceful protests were beauty of democracy, there was no tolerance for taking the law into one’s own hands and damaging government properties. “Unfortunately in situations of chaos and dissent, there are always some, who rush in to score political points,” he wrote on his X timeline. “Despite the efforts of detractors, the matter is expected to be settled soon.” Azad Kashmir witnessed violent c