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Pakistan is gripped by a major economic crisis, with the rupee plummeting, inflation soaring and energy in short supply as IMF officials visit to discuss a vital cash injection. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for months held out against the tax rises and subsidy slashing demanded by the International Monetary Fund, fearful of backlash ahead of elections due in October. But in recent days, with the prospect of national bankruptcy looming and no friendly countries willing to offer less painful bailouts, Islamabad has started to bow to pressure. The government loosened controls on the rupee to rein in a rampant black market in US dollars, a step that caused the currency to plunge to a record low. Artificially cheap petrol prices have also been hiked. “We’re at the end of the road. The government has to make the political case to the public for meeting these (IMF) demands,” former World Bank economist Abid Hasan told AFP. “If they don’t, the country will certainly default and we’ll en...

PESHAWAR: The rescue workers have recovered 10 more bodies of seminary students, who drowned in the Tanda Dam due to a boat capsized on Sunday, bringing the overall number to 30, ARY News reported.  According to Kohat District Police, 46 children, mostly aged between 8 to 10 years, were riding on the boat during a field trip when it overturned in the middle of the dam apparently due to overload. The rescue operation was suspended on Sunday evening due to cold and darkness, and resumed on Tuesday. Some 10 more bodies were recovered by the rescue teams. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Khushdil Khan, who supervised the rescue operation said the operation would continue till the recovery of all dead bodies. Meanwhile, the police lodged a first information report against high officials of the Irrigation Department, including its Chief Engineer, XEN, SDO and sub-engineer, and the boat owner. from Latest Pakistan News Breaking News from All over Pakistan - ARY...

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned Monday’s suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar in which over 80 people were martyred and many more wounded, saying it was “particularly abhorrent” that the attack occurred at a place of worship. The death toll in the suicide bombing in the Police Lines mosque in Peshawar has climbed to 83 after 13 more dead bodies were retrieved from the wreckage by the rescue teams. “Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right,” his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement he read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. “The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured,” the statement said. Read more: Peshawar blast: Death toll rises to 70; over 150 injured It added, “The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Gover...

ISLAMABAD: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has arrived in Islamabad to discuss the stalled ninth review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), ARY News reported. According to details, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Islamabad and the talks on ninth review of bailout programme will start today (Tuesday). Sources told ARY News that Pakistan and the Fund will hold technical talks for the first four days, wherein economic data from different departments will be reviewed. Pakistan secured a $6 billion IMF bailout in 2019, which was topped up with another $1 billion last year, but the lender then stalled disbursements in November due to Pakistan’s failure to make more progress on fiscal consolidation and economic reforms. However, it is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif had said that the coalition government wants to complete the ninth review without any further delay and he had told IMF chief executive about ...

LAHORE: A terrorist, who was involved in the martyrdom of two intelligence officers in Khanewal, succumbed to injuries after getting arrested in injured condition by security forces, ARY News reported on Monday. According to details, the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Kurram district to arrest the terrorist – identified as Umar Khan Niazi. After an intense exchange of fire, the security forces arrested the terrorist – who was involved in the martyrdom of two intelligence officers in Khanewal. The arrested accused died after undergoing treatment for some time, stated a statement issued in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that two officials of an intelligence agency were shot dead by terrorist Umar Khan Niazi in the parking of a roadside hotel in Khanewal district on January 3. Read More: Intel officers killings in Khanewal: Photos of suspect Umar Khan released The officers – Naveed Sadiq and Nasir Abbas – w...

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, constituted an eight-member selection committee under the chairmanship of former Test wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal which will conduct U13, U16 and U19 trials for the selection of regional and district teams. Besides Akmal, the newly-constituted selection committee includes Sohail Tanvir, Amir Nazir, Taimoor Khan, Junaid Khan, Faisal Athar, Qaisar Abbas, Sanaullah Baloch. In a statement, released by the PCB, the cricket governing body shared that each selector, alongside the regional/district head coach, will conduct the trials of the aforementioned age brackets as per the schedule. “Each selector, along with the head coach of the region/district, will conduct trials according to the schedule, which will be announced in due course,” stated PCB. It is worth mentioning here that Akmal represented Pakistan in 268 matches, while Sohail Tanvir played 121 matches for the country. Furthermore, Amir Nazir played six Tests and nine ODI...

BLOEMFONTEIN: South African captain Temba Bavuma hit a century to lead his team to a series-clinching five-wicket win in the second one-day international against England at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Bavuma hit 109 as South Africa chased down an England total of 342 for seven, winning with five balls to spare. Bavuma battled cramps shortly before reaching his hundred. With his score on 96 there was a lengthy break while he received treatment. He reacted in emotional fashion when he hit the next ball from Adil Rashid through the covers for four. He thumped his chest and pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. He was the only member of the South African team not signed up for the country’s new Twenty20 league and his place in the national white-ball teams had been questioned because of a perceived inability to score at the rapid rate required in modern limited overs cricket. But he was in outstanding form on Sunday as he spearheaded South Africa’s third-highes...

LUCKNOW: Suryakumar Yadav hit an unbeaten 26 as India edged out New Zealand by six wickets in a low-scoring and tense second Twenty20 international, to level the series at 1-1 on Sunday. India restricted New Zealand, who won the opener of the three-match series, to 99-8 with Yuzvendra Chahal leading the spin charge on a slow and turning pitch in Lucknow. India then lost regular wickets as the Kiwi bowlers took it into the final over but Suryakumar, along with Hardik Pandya, anchored the tricky run chase to achieve the target with one ball to spare. The match witnessed 30 overs of spin without a six being hit in either innings. The series moves on to the decider in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Chahal, a leg-spinner who came in as the only change in the team from the opening loss, bowled the fourth over of the innings and started with a wicket maiden. He bowled just two overs for four runs and a wicket but it set the tone for his fellow bowlers, with left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh taking...

LAHORE: A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging the recent hike in prices of petroleum products by the federal government, ARY News reported on Monday. The plea has been moved by the Judicial Activism Panel in the Lahore High Court. The plea stated that the federal government has jacked up the prices of petroleum products which would lead to a further rise in inflation. The petitioner pleaded with the court to declare the recent increase in fuel prices void, as the fuel prices in the international market are going down. Masses should be given relief by decreasing oil prices in accordance with the international market. Read more: Govt hikes petrol, diesel prices by Rs35 per litre Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today. In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in th...

RAWALPINDI: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on Monday sealed seven units of Lal Haveli, the residence of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid, ARY News reported. According to initial reports, the ETPB staff along with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police personnel reached the residence of Sheikh Rashid to seal it in line with the court’s orders. ETPB Deputy Administrator Asif Khan led the operation. Khan said Sheikh Rashid and his brother Sheikh Siddique have ‘illegally’ occupied seven acres land of Lal Haveli. According to the deputy administrator, Sheikh Rashid and his brother failed to provide any documents to establish ownership. The court has also quashed stay order of Sheikh Rasheed on action for evacuation Lal Haveli, he added. Meanwhile, Sheikh Rasheed has condemned the action of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and vowed to move the court against sealing of his residence. Earlier on January 26, it was reporte...

RAWALPINDI: The authorities are likely to vacate Lal Haveli, the residence of former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed, today (Monday) as preparations were underway, ARY News reported, citing sources. According to sources, the concerned authorities have been instructed to make preparations to vacate Lal Haveli. Meanwhile, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman expressed deep concern over the government’s move against the residence of his ally Sheikh Rasheed and termed it as an ‘act of revenge’. شیخ رشید پر دباؤ ڈالنے کے لئے حکومتی مشینری سے ان کے گھر پر حملہ کر کے توڑ پھوڑ کرنے کا منصوبہ بنایا جا رہا ہے. تحریک انصاف اس غیر قانونی دہشت گردی کی بھرپور مذمت کرتی ہے اور شیخ رشید کے ساتھ کھڑی ہے — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) January 29, 2023 During the PTI’s core committee meeting, Imran Khan took notice of ‘government’s illegal action’ against Rasheed’s residence and instructed party’s General Secretary Asad Umar to raise voice in this regard. Taking to Twit...

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Energy and Power Khurram Dastgir on Sunday said, on the directives and special interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the electricity supply to Upper Chitral would be started from February 1st, ARY News reported. Addressing a press conference here at the Governor House, the energy minister said that on the directives of Prime Minister, he especially came to Peshawar to meet a delegation of Upper Chitral and to hear their problems. He said that like Lower Chitral, the electricity to Upper Chitral would be ensured on a priority basis, adding that an agreement to the elders of Upper Chitral has been signed at the Governor House in which the Governor has been included as guarantor. He said the elders of Upper Chitral informed the Prime Minister about their issues and problems related to the inadequate supply of electricity. The minister said that a report for payment of outstanding dues would be prepared within a month and an increase in electricity ...

LAHORE: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of party’s core committee today (January 29) over the country’s political and economic situation, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to details, the former premier summoned PTI lawmakers to his residence at Lahore’s Zaman Park to “consult over the country’s economic and political situation”. The core committee meeting will also discuss the holding of by-elections of the National Assembly. Imran Khan will consult on participating in the upcoming by-election. The meeting will also decide the plan of action if the election date for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies are not announced. A strategy will also be chalked out on the police treatment in police custody. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan penned down a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial , urging the latter to protect ‘constitutional rights’ of his part...

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast light rain/drizzle with gusty winds in parts of Sindh, including Karachi, in the next 24 hours, ARY News reported. According to the Met Office, drizzling is expected in Karachi, Larkana, Dadu, Sukkur, Hyderabad and other areas of Sindh tomorrow. Meanwhile, Rain-wind/thunderstorm was also expected in Islamabad, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, northeast and central Punjab and north Balochistan during the next 24 hours. Moderate to isolated heavy snowfall may occur in hilly areas. Isolated heavy falls/hailstorm is also expected in upper parts during the period. As per the synoptic situation, a westerly wave was affecting the western and upper parts and was likely to intensify in the upper parts on Sunday and Monday. During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very cold in upper parts and north Balochistan. Read More: Karachi records co...

BLOEMFONTEIN: Fast bowlers Sisanda Magala, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada earned South Africa a dramatic 27-run win in the first one-day international against England at the Mangaung Oval on Friday. England seemed headed for a comfortable win as Jason Roy and Dawid Malan put on 146 for the first wicket inside the first 20 overs of England’s reply to South Africa’s 298 for seven. Roy went on to score a thrilling 113 off 91 balls but the rest of the batting collapsed. Magala made the crucial breakthrough when Malan mistimed an attempted pull against a short-pitched ball and was caught for 59. He followed up by trapping debutant Harry Brook leg before wicket for nought. Magala took three for 46 and was named man of the match, while Nortje (four for 62) and Rabada (two for 46) were irresistible as the match reached a climax. Five of the wickets fell to short-pitched bowling. “The pitch was a bit two-paced and it made the bouncers effective,” said Magala. England captain Jos Bu...

LONDON: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan of ‘attack’ from foreign agencies, saying that the former premier’s statements may land him in ‘danger’, ARY News reported. Talking to journalists in London, the interior minister said that foreign agencies could take advantage of Imran Khan’s allegations levelled against ‘some people’, adding that they could carry out an attack on the PTI chief. “Even on November 26, there was a threat to Imran Khan’s life from the agency of the neighboring country,” alleged Rana Sanaullah. The interior minister also lambasted the PTI chief over ‘politics of lies’, saying that he had launched a campaign that Pakistan will default. “We want to eliminate the former premier by the power of vote,” he added. Read More: I am against Imran Khan’s arrest despite his tall claims: Rana Sanaullah Earlier in the day,  Imran Khan alleged that former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairma...

SUKKUR: In a horrific incident, a seven-year-old boy suffered burns in an acid attack by his classmate in a government school in Sukkur , ARY News reported on Friday. According to details, a seven-year-old boy – identified as Matiullah – suffered burn injuries when his classmate, Hasnain – a student of second grade – threw acid on him in the school. The seven-year-old victim suffered burns on the face, legs, and other body parts. Meanwhile, the victim’s father demanded authorities to take legal action against the school administration for ‘expressing indifference’ to the incident. READ: ACID ATTACK LEAVES TWO INJURED IN NAWABSHAH He demanded that action should be taken against the school administration and teachers for negligence and not providing timely medical aid. “I am a private employee, I don’t have enough resources to get better treatment for the child,” said the victim’s father. In a statement, the victim’s said that his classmate Hasnain threw acid at him but the teacher...

KARACHI: A police officer in Karachi shot himself and got injured as he attempted suicide over ‘unknown reason’, ARY News reported on Friday, quoting the police. According to details, the police officer named Khalid Hussain attempted suicide after shooting himself in the chest. He was later shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The officer posted at Kalri police station was on duty outside the petrol pump near Maripur where he shot himself in the chest with a government weapon. In a statement, the police said this was the second time the officer attempted suicide adding that before this incident he also tried to kill himself in Larkana. from Latest Pakistan News Breaking News from All over Pakistan - ARY News https://ift.tt/l0dKtCp

KARACHI: Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi will represent Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi in an exhibition match against Quetta Gladiators at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium on February 5.  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in collaboration with the Balochistan government, opted to host an exhibition match between the two Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams in a build-up to the upcoming eighth edition. According to the details, Zalmi’s newly-appointed captain Babar Azam will be joined by star all-rounder Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Haris, Danish Aziz and Saim Ayub. The King of the North returns to #YellowStorm @SAfridiOfficial will represent Peshawar Zalmi once again in an exhibition match Stay Tuned #Zalmi #ZKingdom   #ZalmiDeluxe pic.twitter.com/JgijS0LNih — Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) January 27, 2023   Whereas, the Gladiators’ side will feature skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain. Notably, the chairman of the PCB man...

ISLAMABAD: The court of district and sessions judge on Friday reserved its verdict on extending the Physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry in a case related to using ‘threatening language’ against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members. Fawad Chaudhry was produced before the court of judicial magistrate Waqas Raja under strict security. At the outset of the hearing, the prosecutor pleaded for an extension in physical remand as interrogation in the case is yet to be completed. Fawad’s lawyers Babar Awan and Faisal Chaudhry are also present in the court. The prosecutor said a voice-matching test had been undertaken while e photogrammetry test is yet to be conducted. He said the suspect attempted to incite hatred against ECP officials through his speech. Chaudhry’s lawyer, Dr Babar Awan while objecting to the extension in demand of his client and said the prosecution wants to include everyone in the probe, while all the evidence is in Laho...

LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice president Maryam Nawaz has departed for Pakistan from London, ARY News reported on Friday. Dr Adnan, the personal doctor of Nawaz Sharif, is also travelling with Maryam Nawaz. Nawaz Sharif, PML-N Supremo and former prime minister, wished Maryam Nawaz goodbye from Avenfield House London. The PML-N leader will stay for a day in Dubai. Maryam, who is also the chief organizer of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will land in Dubai from where she will depart for Lahore and reach at 3 pm on Saturday. Party officials and supporters will greet her warmly. Read more: Maryam Nawaz likely to return Pakistan soon It is pertinent to mention here that PML-N leader had been recently elevated from vice-president to senior vice-president of PML-N by the party president Shehbaz Sharif, besides she was given full powers to re-organise the political party at all functional tiers as chief organiser. She left for London in October last year...

LAHORE: A case has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Farrukh Habib and others for ‘interfering in official affairs’ and ‘tearing uniforms of policemen’, ARY News reported. According to details, a first information report (FIR) was registered late night at Ferozewala police station on the complaint of federal police office Adeel Shaukat. The first information report (FIR) was lodged against Farrukh Habib for ‘interfering in official affairs’ and ‘tearing uniforms of policemen’. The PTI leader has been booked under sections 148, 149, 186, 225, 341, 353, and 395 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR, a copy of which is available with ARY News, stated that the PTI leader and his associates ‘tried to interfere in official affairs and cause damage.’ “Habib and his associates tried to snatch government weapons, vehicle and wireless”, the FIR stated, adding that they also tried to free ‘arrested Fawad Chaudhry’. It further stated, “Farrukh Habib and his associa...

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday said that the foreign exchange reserves have plunged by US $923 million to a mere $3.7 billion, ARY News reported. “During the week ended on 20-Jan-2023, SBP’s reserves decreased by US$ 923 million to US$ 3,678.4 million due to external debt repayments,” the central bank said in a statement issued on Thursday. Total liquid foreign #reserves held by the country stood at US$ 9.45 billion as of January 20, 2023. For details https://t.co/WpSgomnKT3 pic.twitter.com/Geu5e95jcX — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) January 26, 2023 The SBP, in the statement, stated that the total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $9.45 billion, whereas net foreign reserves with commercial banks stood at $5.7 billion. Earlier on January 19, it was reported that foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $258 million to $4.601 billion. “During the week ended on January 13, 2023, SBP’s reserves increased by $...

The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has finalised an initial inquiry report, revealing the reasons behind the power breakdown in several parts of Pakistan on Monday, January 23, ARY News reported. In a report, NTDC has determined the reasons behind the blackout, stating that the breakdown was caused due to fluctuation in frequency on January 23. The report said due to the tripping of 500KV lines, 11,356 MW of electricity disappeared from the NTDC system due to frequency fluctuation. The frequency of the system was 50megahertz before the breakdown which suddenly shoot up to 57megahertz. The report further revealed that the basic fault occurred in the transmission lines in Guddu, while tripping was also reported at Tarbela, Mangla and Warsik. Read more:  POWER BREAKDOWN HITS MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN The electricity generation from the Mangla Dam was restored at 5pm on January 23, the report said. On Monday, many parts of the country including Islamabad, Karac...

Karachi police on Thursday claimed to have arrested a female drug dealer in city’s Kemari area, ARY News reported, quoting sources. As per details, a female drug dealer named Nadia was arrested from Kemari Town and 3kg hashish was also recovered from her custody. In the initial interrogation, the arrested female confessed to supplying drugs in Kemari and other areas of the port city. Meanwhile, raids are being conducted for the arrest of accomplices of the female drug dealer, the sources within Karachi police said. Read more: Three arrested, over 39-kg drugs recovered in ANF raids Earlier, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) claimed to have arrested three people and recovered more than 39 kilograms of drugs from their possession in multiple raids in Karachi and Rawalpindi. A spokesman for ANF while detailing the arrests said that the first action was carried out near Islamabad Motorway toll plaza after two people coming from Lahore were intercepted and 27 kilogram of heroin was recovered...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that efforts are underway to disqualify Imran Khan and the government may also arrest the PTI chief, ARY News reported. While talking to the ARY News programme “11th Hour”, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest was not a surprise move for PTI. “Why he was brought to the court with handcuffs and cloth wrapped around his face? Was he trying to flee somewhere?” While answering a question regarding the prevailing political situation, Qureshi said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government is committing constitutional violations to suppress PTI.  He further said that the PTI leaders are being arrested over baseless cases, adding that PTI chairman Imran Khan may be arrested soon. READ: KHAWAJA ASIF CLARIFIES ‘GOVT NOT PLANNING TO ARREST IMRAN KHAN’ The PTI vice chairman said that the coalition government is making false cases against PTI leaders for political revenge. He...

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) central leader Khawaja Asif has categorically rejected the rumours regarding the government’s plan to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, ARY News reported on Wednesday. While talking to a private news channel, Khawaja Asif clarified the rumoured plan of the federal government to arrest the PTI chief and former premier Imran Khan. He criticised Khan is trying to pressurise the judiciary and the national institutions through his moves. Asif alleged Khan came out of anonymity and reached the prime ministership and now he is maligning the person who helped him to rule the country. READ: IMRAN KHAN ACCUSES INTERIM CM PUNJAB OF “WITCH-HUNT” AGAINST PTI The defence minister said that the law is the same for the PTI and the government but Imran Khan started crying foul after facing legal actions against him. Asif said that PML-N is not involved in arresting any political leader. Asif said that Azam ...

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board approved the terms of reference for the hiring of a financial advisor for Roosevelt Hotel in its meeting session, ARY News reported on Wednesday. Federal Minister for Privatisation Abid Hussain Bhayo chaired the meeting attended by Federal Secretary Privatisation Dr Iram A Khan, and senior officials of the ministry were also present. The Board was apprised that the Roosevelt Hotel is not being sold. Rather it will be developed into a mixed-use high-rise tower as a joint venture project through the best-suited mode of privatization as delineated in the Privatization Commission Ordinance, 2000. READ: PAKISTAN EXPECTED TO SELL SHARES OF ROOSEVELT HOTEL TO QATAR The Board was briefed about the implementation status of different directions issued by the Board in its previous meetings. The Board showed its appreciation for the status update and directed the management to resolve the pending issues besetting privatization. It also advise...

POTCHEFSTROOM: Bangladesh bowlers decimated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) batting lineup for a mere 69/9 before Shorna Akter propelled her side to a thumping five-wicket triumph in their last fixture of the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh’s resounding victory over the UAE, however, turned out to be insufficient for the side as India and Australia advanced to the semi-finals despite having the same number of points (six) due to a better net run rate. UAE batting lineup suffered a ruthless attack by Bangladesh’s bowlers and could post 69/9 in their allotted 20 overs, after opting to bat first. Opening batter Lavanya Keny remained the lone warrior for UAE with the bat as she scored a fighting 29 off 46, while Mahika Gaur remained the notable run-getter with a cautious 17. The rest of the UAE batters, on the other hand, failed to amass the double figures. Rabeya Khan led the bowling attack for Bangladesh with three wickets with Marufa Akter following with two. Dipa ...

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said that the expenses on the general and by-elections can exceed Rs55 billion if they are not held on the same day, ARY News reported on Tuesday. Sources said that the organisation of phase-wise general elections will exceed the estimated expenses of Rs55 billion. The election commission decided to write another letter to the federal government regarding the general elections’ expenses. Prior to the estimation of the election cost, the ECP had written a letter to the Centre regarding Rs47 billion in expenses for the organisation of the general elections on the same day. The Centre had also disbursed Rs5 billion to the election commission for the preparations for the general polls. READ: ECP GETS RS18BN FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS The commission will send the revised expenditure details to the federal government and seek more than Rs55 billion from the government. Sources said that the additional expenses of Rs8 to Rs10 billion ...

KARACHI: Ahead of elections for Karachi Mayor, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has responded to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry’s criticism on JI, ARY News reported on Tuesday.   Speaking to ARY News programme ‘11th Hour’, the JI leader said that if Fawad Chaudhry has any problem with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) then PTI is free to elect Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) mayor in Karachi. Hafiz Naeem said that it was PTI’s right to choose between PPP or JI’s mayor in Karachi. “People like Fawad Chaudhry kept Imran Khan away from Karachi”, he added. “Where was Fawad Chaudhry, when PTI appointed MQM-P’s Faorg Naseem Law Minister,” the JI leader asked, lambasting the former minister over ‘hypocrisy’.  Hafiz Naeem further said that his party has suggested to create a consensus for Karachi Mayor. “We are not in position to have a final opinion on alliance with PPP or PTI,” he said, adding that his aim was to create a consensus to solve city’s...

The Capital police on Tuesday prepared a joint security plan for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, ARY News reported. The first meeting of the joint security coordination committee was held today in Islamabad and was attended by heads of law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The participants formulated a joint security strategy for the twin cities. They also agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation and decided to improve the exchange of information. It was mutually decided that this joint security meeting will be held on a monthly basis. The participants took important decisions related to the security. It was learnt that the Islamabad police will enhance the security measures at the entry and exit points besides increasing the snap checking on various localities. The LEAs will continue the war against terrorism with the help of the citizens. Last month, the Islamabad police issued special security plan amid a possible threat of a terrorist attack following the suicide bombing in the I-10 Se...

LAHORE: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the federal government has appointed Usman Anwar as new Punjab Inspector General (IG), and replaced Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Ghulam Muhammad Dogar with Bilal Siddique Kamyana, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The federal government removed Punjab IG Mohammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan and instructed him to report to the Establishment Division in Islamabad. Dr Usman Anwar was performing his duties as Additional Inspector General (AIG) Motorway Police.  Usman Anwar has previously been posted as an Additional IG Special Branch in Punjab. Usman has also served as DPO Okara, DPO Sargodha, and in Telecommunication and Elite Police. Meanwhile, Ghulam Mahmood Dogar was also removed from the post of Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) and as convener of Joint Investigation Team (JIT), constituted to investigate the attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. Imran Khan attack JIT reconstituted On Sunday, the Pu...