Daily News

SAN PEDRO: Achraf Hakimi missed a vital late penalty as much-fancied Morocco became the latest heavyweight casualty of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday, suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the last 16 at Laurent Pokou Stadium. Evidence Makgopa gave South Africa the lead just before the hour mark in the Ivorian coastal city of San-Pedro, but Morocco had the chance to draw level five minutes from time from the penalty spot. Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi squandered the opportunity, sending his kick off the top of the bar and over before Morocco’s misery was compounded as Sofyan Amrabat was sent off in stoppage time and Teboho Mokoena scored South Africa’s second from the resulting free-kick. South Africa goes through to a quarter-final on Saturday in Yamoussokro against tiny Cape Verde, who have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far. “We came here with the first aim of getting out of our group,” said South Africa’s Belgian coach Hu...

LAHORE: Five individuals were injured in a firing incident that reportedly occurred at Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) candidate, Malik Habib Awan’s rally in Lahore, ARY News reported on Tuesday. As per the details, an unidentified individual opened fire at the PML-N rally in Lahore, leaving five gunmen injured including the brother of the political candidate from constituency PP-154. Following the firing incident, the unidentified armed individual managed to flee from the scene, meanwhile, the police started an investigation into the case. Earlier to this, in an armed clash between workers of two political parties in Nazimabad, a man was killed and another injured. Police said that the deceased has been identified as Faraz 48. A man Rao Talha was injured in the firing incident. The deceased and injured both have been associated with a political party, according to officials. Unidentified persons set two vehicles on fire in Nazimabad 2 after the violent incident. A fire ...

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance has issued the economic report for the first six months of the current fiscal year, revealing a 2.3 percent increase in financial losses, reaching a surplus of Rs. 1.812 trillion, ARY News reported on Monday. In comparison, during the same period last year, the financial loss was recorded at 2 percent. The report highlights an improved fundamental balance, reaching a surplus of Rs. 1.812 trillion. The report revealed that the defense expenditures witnessed a significant surge, rising by 19 percent and reaching a total of Rs. 758 billion, meanwhile, the loan provision of Pakistan reached Rs 4.22 trillion with an increase of 64 percent. READ: Fiscal deficit for FY22-23 reaches 7.7 percent of GDP Additionally, the petroleum revenues showed a substantial increase, rising by 166 percent to reach Rs. 473 billion. According to the report, the federal tax revenue experienced a 30 percent growth, totaling Rs. 4.469 trillion. Meanwhile, provincial tax rev...

RAWALPINDI: A Sepoy of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom while four others participating in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission sustained injuries in the attack in Abyei, the disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, ARY News reported citing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). According to the military’s media wing, a convoy of Pakistani peacekeepers was ambushed in Abyei while escorting two local patients to a hospital. Pakistani peacekeepers responded effectively and forced the militants to retreat. However, during the exchange of fire, Sepoy Muhammad Tariq, the resident of Badin, embraced martyrdom while four individuals including two officers were injured. The ISPR maintained that Pakistan’s peacekeeping contingents have always distinguished themselves by virtue of their professionalism and devotion to duty. “Pakistan remains committed to its role as a responsible member of the international community and will continue to contribute towards global peace and ...

GHOTKI: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman said that his party would not let anyone ‘steal’ its mandate as it happened in general elections, 2018. Addressing a public gathering in connection with the General Elections 2024 in Ghotki, Fazalur Rehman said that if someone still believes in ‘stealing’ the mandate, he should take a lesson from the condition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. The JUI-F chief said that every other party is busy with power politics and nobody cares about the issues being faced by the common men. “No party is coming up for revival of Pakistan’s economy,” he added. Maulana Fazalur Rehman also came down heavily on the PTI founder and said that he was ‘imposed to spoil the country’s identity and destroy the economy. He also condemned Israel over its violation of human rights in Palestine. “Israel is a terrorist and the United States stands beside it,” he added. The JUI-F chief asked the party workers to convey its mes...

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq on Sunday lambasted his political rivals, PPP, PML-N and MQM-P, over ‘persistent bad governance’, asserting that Feb 8 was the day to end “corrupt system” from the country, ARY News reported. Addressing a public gathering at Karachi’s Baghe Jinnah in connection with General Elections 2024, Sirajul Haq said the people of Karachi have given their verdict in favour of his party, adding that gone are the days of PML-N, PPP and MQM-P. “This is the day to end corrupt system,” he said, vowing that his party will hold mafias accountable, if elected to power. “Corrupts, sugar mafia, drug mafia and land mafia will be held accountable,” he maintained. Sirajul Huq said that the PPP and the PML-N could not overcome crises in Pakistan Airlines and Pakistan Railways. “How will they (PPP and PML-N) put Pakistan back on track,” he asked. The JI Ameer said that after ‘coming’ into power his party would take effective measures for repatriation of Dr Af...

As many as three pedestrians were killed, while three others were severely injured after a speeding car ran over them in Malakand district, ARY News reported on Saturday. The unfortunate incident occurred on the Batkhela bypass Road in which a speeding car collided with a motorcyclist due to excessive speed and ran over some pedestrians. The rescue officials claimed that the three individuals, including a woman, lost their lives on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries. READ: Several passengers hurt in Islamabad green line bus accident The injured individuals were immediately shifted to DHQ Hospital in Batkhela for urgent medical assistance, where the condition was reported to be critical. However, the driver of the car abandoned the car and fled from the scene. Meanwhile, Malakand police have initiated an investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/hJOsq9...

ISLAMABAD: Ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran have greeted each other on their return to their respective embassies in the two countries. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir in his post on X said that he was on his way to Tehran and more determined to work peace-loving Pakistan. Strong Pakistan and Iran are critical for the region as well promoting historic people to people ties. He also said that its time to turn a new leaf. In conformity with the sincere & good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership, I am en route to Tehran.Ever more determined to work for a more robust,stronger & peace-loving . Strong & are critical for region & to promote historic people to people ties . Time to turn a new leaf. — Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) January 26, 2024   Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also took to X and expressed pleasure on the return of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir. Pleased to hear that @AmbMudassir arri...

ISLAMABAD: The Caretaker federal government on Friday appointed Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir as Director General (DG)m Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), ARY News reported. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Establishment Division. Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir is a Grade-21 officer in the Police Service of Pakistan and is also the head of the recently formed Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing into the alleged anti-judiciary campaign. Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir has also served as Deputy Director FIA cybercrime wing. The DG FIA’s post had been lying vacant since retirement of Mohsin Hassan Butt on 31 st December. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/Jd0WZU3

KARACHI: The Karachi Railways Police located and returned the missing bag containing thousands of dollars and other precious valuables to a passenger – who recently returned from the United States (US), ARY News reported on Thursday.   According to the details, the Pakistani-origin individual – who returned from the United States – while traveling through Pakistan railways lost his bag. The passenger later filed a bag missing complaint to the railway police, stating that his bag contained thousands of dollars, gold, and local currency including essential items such as a laptop, passport, and other travel documents. READ: Railway police returns bag carrying cash to its owner The railway police promptly responded to the complaint, successfully recovering the bag. The bag, along with all its contents, was later returned to its owner. Despite losing hope of recovering the belongings, the passenger lauded the efforts of the railway police. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking...

KARACHI: The opening ceremony of ‘SEASPARK-2024’ exercise under the auspices of Pakistan Navy was held at Karachi on Thursday, Inter Services Press Relations (ISPR) said. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was the chief guest on the occasion. The participants of the opening ceremony were briefed on the aims and objectives of the exercise. The biennial exercise is steered to assess war preparedness and validate operational plans of Pakistan Navy against envisaged threat spectrum, especially in maritime domain. Along with Pak Navy, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency , Special Forces and Pak Marines will also participate in the exercise. Personnel of Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force will also participate in joint operations. The exercise will further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to maintain peace and security in the region. A large number of armed forces officers including representatives of federal ministries also participated in the ceremony. from Latest Pakista...

SWABI: Former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Wednesday asserted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan had offered him the presidency three times, ARY News reported. Addressing a public gathering in connection with the election 2024, the PTI leader said that deposed premier Imran Khan offered him presidency, but “I refused due to protocol”. Asad Qaiser further said that he took the position of National Assembly Speaker for the construction and development of his constituency. Earlier, the PTI leader – in an exclusive interview with ARY News – urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to play a more effective role in ensuring the ‘free and fair’ polls in the country. He termed the election commission’s role during the upcoming general election 2024 as ‘worst’, stating that the electoral watchdog should play its role as a neutral institution. “Such elections will not bring stability but things will get worse in Pakistan,” Qaiser asserted, he accused...

KARACHI: A CCTV footage of the firing incident has emerged showing two armed men opening fire leaving one dead, and four injured before fleeing from the scene, ARY News reported on Tuesday. WATCH THE CCTV VIDEO HERE:  https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/01-2.mp4 Yesterday a firing incident at a shop was reported near Karachi’s Abul Hassan Isphani Road, in which an individual was killed while four others sustained injuries. As per the CCTV footage, the four unidentified armed accused arrived at the scene on two bikes, two suspects – wearing cap and helmet – went towards the shop opened fire. from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/mLgAEGl

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen and upgrade the bilateral relationship with China. He made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who called on him in Islamabad today. The two diplomats engaged in an in-depth discussion covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral economic and financial cooperation. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani expressed appreciation for the contributions of Vice Foreign Minister Sun in enhancing the Pakistan-China Iron Brotherhood, as envisioned by the leaders and peoples of the two countries. Expressing satisfaction at the steady development of CPEC, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasized the significance of CPEC for Pakistan. He said that Pakistan would continue making efforts for realization of CPEC’s full potential for shared benefits. He appreciated China...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not be able to defend even its stronghold ‘Sindh’ in the General Elections 2024. Speaking at ARY News Programme “Khabbar Mehar Bukhari Kay Sath” , Hanif Abbasi said that the PPP is ‘dying’ in Sindh too and the PML-N will get good number of seats from the province. “Even if the PML-N does not win from Sindh, it is certain that the PPP will not emerge victorious from the province,” he added. The PML-N leader said that there will be a coalition government in Sindh. Hanif Abbasi opinioned that the PPP has no support in Punjab particularly in Lahore, adding that it will be a surprise if the Bilawal-led party wins a seat from the city Responding to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent criticism on the PML-N supermo Nawaz Sharif and President Shehbaz Sharif, Hanif Abbasi said that Bilawal was himself a foreign minister in the coalition government of Pakistan Demo...

PESHAWAR: In a shocking incident, a man in Peshawar killed his son when he refused to quit politics, ARY News reported. As per details, the incident occurred in the Badaber area of Peshawar where a man tried to convince his son to distance himself from politics. The argument turned violent when the son refused to quit politics and the father opened fire, killed his son and fled the spot of incident. It is pertinent to mention here that the slain youth who worked abroad, returned to Pakistan two months ago. Last week, a man killed his two brothers-in-law in Hanjarwal locality of Lahore over ‘personal dispute’. Read more: Lahore man kills two brothers-in-law over ‘personal dispute’ As per reports, a man namely Fahad contracted a free-will marriage with a sister of the deceased brothers but their family brought his wife back to her home. Disgruntled with the act, Fahad along with his accomplices brutally shot dead his two brothers-in-law Muzammil and Mudassir when they were workin...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Leader Muhammad Zubair revealed that PML-N have abandoned ‘respect the vote’ (vote ko izzat do) narrative days before the PDM government, ARY News reported. In an interview with ARY News programme “Sawal yeh hai”, the former minister said that PML-N started with a confrontational narrative, then turned to reconciliation and now they are running the campaign on the economic narrative. However, the 16-month PDM government is hindering their narrative. He said that the PML-N supremo had suggested going into election right after the no-confidence motion against the former prime minister Imran Khan and the then PM Shehbaz Sharif’s assembly dissolution speech was also ready. Zubair further revealed that Miftah Ismail brought back International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal which was a challenging task but the authority to decide the Finance Minister rests with the PML-N leader Ishaq Dar. Earlier today, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) issued the f...

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Saturday reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic development and progress, ARY News reported. He was speaking at the inauguration of a photo exhibition and CPEC library at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. “China would continue its support to Pakistan against any threat of terrorism,” the vice foreign minister said. The remarks came after Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts in Iran ’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, less than 48 hours after Iran violated its airspace. According to a statement issued by the military’s media affairs wing, “hideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)” were struck in an intelligence-based operation codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’. “The targeted hideouts were being used by notorious terrorists including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar ali...

ISLAMABAD: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Punjab government seeking ban on use of plastic materials during the General Elections 2024 campaign. In different pleas, the NGO maintained that the plastic material, banners and panaflex will increase the pollution. It said that in the wake of the elections 2024, it is expected that millions of panaflex and banners would be used by the candidates. The NGO in its pleas maintained that millions of tons of plastic will be used in the election campaign, demanding that the same should be banned. It said that a policy to ban the use of plastic in election campaigns should be devised and implemented. Read More: ECP completes all preparations to hold elections on Feb 8 Earlier on January 16, the ECP has completed all preparations to hold polling for the National and Provincial assemblies on February 08. While talking to state-run Tv, ECP Spo...

DI KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday stressed the need for ‘positive steps’ to deal with issues between Pakistan and Iran amid cross-border intrusions and heightened regional tension, ARY News reported.    Talking to journalists in Dera Ismail (DI) Khan, the JUI-F chief said that Iran should have contacted Pakistan before taking such “drastic action”, expressing concern over the “unprovoked airspace violation”. “Iran should have sought assistance from Pakistan instead of taking action unilaterally”, Maulana Fazl said, emphasising on ‘positive steps’ to deal with issues. He termed Pakistan’s retaliatory action ‘reciprocal’, saying that Iran had started the tension and Islamabad had every right to respond. Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts in Iran ’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, less than 48 hours after Iran violated its airspace. According to a statement issued by the military’s media affairs wing, “hideouts used by terror...

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has lauded the high professionalism with which the Armed Forces responded to breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty by Iran’s “unprovoked airspace violation”, ARY News reported on Friday.  The Federal Cabinet meeting, held under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, was apprised of the details of the attack, as well as Pakistan’s response. Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the Caretaker Federal Cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on 16 January, 2024. Addressing the federal cabinet, the Prime Minister affirmed that Pakistan is a law abiding and peace loving country and it sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors. The prime minister said that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection. Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that it is in the interest of bot...

KARACHI: A motorcyclist was killed and other sustained wounds in a ‘police encounter’ near Karachi’s Mewa Shah graveyard area, ARY News reported. According to police, two suspected people riding motorbike were asked to stop near Mewa Shah graveyard, who opened fire at patrolling party. In a retaliatory fire, one ‘dacoit’ was dead, while another was arrested in injured condition. In the shootout, a policeman also sustained injuries. The injured dacoit and policeman were rushed to the hospital. Read more: ‘Lyari gang war operative’ arrested in police encounter Earlier on December 6, last year, two alleged bandits were killed in a  police encounter  in the New Karachi area. The encounter with five robbers riding on motorbikes occurred near Mangal Bazar. The criminals were looting the valuables in the area when the patrolling police party arrived at the scene. Seeing the police, the bandits opened fire and in a retaliatory fire two of them were shot dead on the spot, while ...

ISLAMABAD: The federal caretaker government has banned the release of supplementary grants on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand, ARY News reported on Thursday. As per details, the report stated that only the next elected government will have the authority to release supplementary grants whereas the federal government will have no such authority. Furthermore, a certain amount will be issued to government ministries and departments and also directed to not exceed their limits. Earlier, Pakistan received $700 million loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the nine-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Related: Pakistan receives $700mn loan tranche from IMF The development comes days after the Executive Board of the IMF completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme supported by the SBA. T The Board’s decision allowed for an immediate disbursement of around $700 million, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about $1....

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Senior Deputy Convener Syed Mustafa Kamal said that he and his party were willing to withdraw in favour of Paksitan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif from Karachi’s NA-242 but the latter decided against it, ARY New reported. Speaking in ARY News Programme ‘Eleventh Hour’, Kamal said that during the seat adjustment talks with the PML-N for the General Elections 2024, the MQM-P was ready to support Shehbaz Sharif from Karachi’s NA-242 (Keamari-II). “The PML-N changed its decision and decided not to field Shehbaz Sharif from the constituency,” the MQM-P senior deputy convener added. Kamal also came down heavily on the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for ‘ignoring’ Karachi during its 15-year tenure in Sindh. He deplored that PPP has not done any development works in Karachi in the past 15 years. Read More: NA-242: Shehbaz Sharif withdraws from election in Karachi The MQM-P Senior Deputy Convener said that PPP Chairma...

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Wednesday expressed reservations on interim government’s plans of restructuring of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ARY News reported. A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee – held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla – was briefed on the news circulating in the media concerning the restructuring of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Chairman FBR Zubair Tiwana stated that the government was undertaking the restructuring of revenue department, and its finalisation requires amendments to the FBR Act. Under the proposed plan, Zubair Tiwana said, the boards of Inland Revenue and Customs were being divided. Moreover, he said, an oversight board will be constituted to oversee FBR. It has been proposed to include people from the private sector in the board, the Chairman FBR claimed, adding that the revenue board would be divided into six to seven entities while Director-General will be given additional aut...

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Deputy Convener Anees Qaim Khani along with Rabita Committee members visited Bagh-e-Jinnah and reviewed the party public gathering’s preparations in connection with the Elections 2024. The MQM-P had announced to hold public gathering on January 21 at Bagh-e-Jinnah Bagh, adjacent to Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum. Talking to the workers present on the occasion, Anees Qaim Khani said that this is important in the political scenario of the country. The meeting to be held on January 21 will determine the rights of the poor and oppressed people of Sindh, including the Muhajirs. He said that MQM-P has broken its own records by holding several large public gathering at Baghe Jinnah in the past. Read More: MQM-P to hold power show on Jan 21 Anees Qaim Khani instructed the workers to do door-to-door campaign and invite as many people of Karachi as possible to participate in the public gathering on 21st January. Earlier in December last year, ...

DAVOS: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasised the immediate need to realize the true potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector by scaling up investments in its modernisation and mechanisation for achieving food security. He was talking to Brian Sikes, Chief Executive Officer of Cargill Inc -the largest private American global food corporation, who called on him here on the sidelines of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The prime minister appreciated Cargil’s role in strengthening Pakistan-US trade relations and cooperation in the agricultural sector. PM Kakar also highlighted the government’s initiatives for food security, especially the innovative initiatives in the agricultural sector under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Highlighting the government’s measures to promote business and investment, the prime minister talked about the establishment of the SIFC, its measures to promote foreign investment in various s...

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed a 45-day ban on carrying and displaying weapons across the province in the wake of General Elections 2024, ARY News reported The caretaker provincial imposed section 144 at the request of Sindh Inspector of Police (IGP). AS per notification issued by the provincial government, the police, Rangers and law enforcement agencies will be exempted from the ban, while registered security guards are also allowed to carry the arms while on duty. The Station House Officers (SHOs) are directed to register the case in case of violation. The ban has been recommended by the police to avoid any untoward incident, the statement said. Read More: Election 2024: ECP ‘okays’ print of 250mln watermarked ballot papers It is pertinent to mention here that the General Elections are scheduled to be held on 8 th February and arrangements are in full swing for the polls. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given a ‘nod’ for printing 25...

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government on Monday slashed the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre but retained the existing price of diesel at Rs273.21 per litre for the next fortnight, ARY News reported. According to a notification by the finance ministry, petrol will be available at Rs259.34 per litre from January 16 following a reduction of Rs8. Government of Pakistan has reduced Petrol price by 8 rupees, whereas price of High Speed Diesel has been maintained. pic.twitter.com/wIhfAVBW5t — Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 15, 2024 However, the diesel rate was retained at Rs276.21 per litre. Meanwhile, no changes were mentioned for the prices of light-diesel oil and kerosene oil. Earlier, it was reported that petrol price would go down by over Rs5, while the high-speed diesel (HSD) may witness change of Rs2 in the next fuel prices review. In the last fortnight, the government maintained petrol and diesel rates at Rs267.34 and Rs276.21 per litre ...

KARACHI: Six passengers who arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi coming from abroad tested positive for the new Covid-19 variant “JN.1 Omicron”, ARY News reported on Sunday. According to Sindh Health Department, the rapid antigen tests of six passengers conducted at Jinnah International Airport came back positive. The six passengers found positive for JN.1 variant, currently a cause of concern in several countries, are residents of Swat, Mirpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Charsadda and Jacobabad. The health department said that the affected passengers were tested for possible symptoms of Covid-19. Related: Three more cases of Covid-19 JN.1 variant reported in Karachi The number of JN.1 variant cases in Karachi has now risen to 15 after the detection of fresh patients. Earlier, Sindh Health Department confirmed two cases of  COVID-19 in passengers  who had arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah Inter­national Airport. The health officials suspect the cases to be of the highly tra...

KARACHI: The Provincial Monitoring Coordinator and Joint Provincial Election Commissioner (Admin) Sindh has directed the Regional Election Commissioners & Regional Monitoring Coordinators and District Monitoring Officers across the province to strictly observe and take legal action against mayors, deputy mayors, chairmen and deputy chairmen of different local government councils, who were violating election laws. In a letter to the aforesaid officials, they were informed that some complaints were coming from different corners that the mayors, deputy mayors, chairmen and deputy chairmen were participating and misusing their office resources in the election campaign of contesting candidates, which was the violation of para-18 of code of conduct issued by the ECP for conduct of general elections 2024. The officials had also been directed to send audio, visual and documentary proof if any for necessary action. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also summoned the Punjab Elect...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army is ensuring the secure transportation of ballot papers to the respective offices of district returning officers in certain vulnerable regions, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) spokesperson said. Brushing aside some media reports about delivery of ballot papers, the ECP spokesperson emphasized in a statement that the secure delivery responsibility rests with relevant DROs and their designated officers following ballot paper publication. They oversee the secure transportation of ballot papers and ensure the safekeeping of the papers with the supervision of local police officials. Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) assured smooth operations for the upcoming general elections 2024, saying that all its operational and IT systems were working “satisfactorily”. Read more:  ECP ensures smooth operations for general elections 2024 In a statement, the electoral watchdog said that it wasn’t facing any difficulty in conducting the upcomin...

KARACHI: Three passengers who arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi coming from abroad tested positive for the new Covid-19 variant “JN.1 Omicron”, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to Sindh Health Department, the rapid antigen tests of three passengers conducted at Jinnah International Airport came back positive. The three passengers found positive for JN.1 variant, currently a cause of concern in several countries, are residents of Qamber Shahdadkot, North Waziristan, and Mohmand Agency. The health department said that the affected passengers were tested for possible symptoms of Covid-19. The number of JN.1 variant cases in Karachi has now risen to five after the detection of fresh patients. Read More: Four cases of new Covid variant reported in Pakistan: Health ministry Earlier, Sindh Health Department confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in passengers who had arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah Inter­national Airport. The health officials suspect the cases to be of th...

MULTAN: Chairman Pakistan People Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan People Party was committed to eradicate politics of hatred, division and partisanship as there were gigantic problems in the country and it wanted to address the issues to facilitate the masses. He said this while talking to media persons at residence of Ex MNA Rana Mahmood ul Hassan. Earlier, Ex MNA Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, former PML-N ticket holders Rana Iqbal Siraj and Rana Tahir Shabbir also announced to join PPP. They reposed complete confidence in the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Bilawal remarked that PPP would focus on issues like unemployment and inflation after coming to power. Highlighting PPP’s manifesto, Bilawal observed that PPP would provide 300 free electricity units. Salaries would be doubled, Bilawal added. Similarly, PPP will introduce Benazir Kisan Card, Benazir Youth Card and Benazir Labourer Card to facilitate the masses, he said. He recalled that Ex-Prime Minister ...

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday unveiled it’s candidates for Sindh ahead of general election 2024, ARY News reported.  As per details, PML-N’s Bashir Memon will contest elections from NA-216 (Matiari) while PML-N’s Asghar Shah will contest from NA-205 (Naushehro Feroze-I). PML-N will field its candidate from PS-5, PS-6 in Kashmore, PS-9 Shikarpur, and will support Irfanullah Marwat of GDA at PS-105 The PML-N also announced to contest polls from NA-229, NA-230, NA-231 and NA-232. Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz announced to launch its election campaign from January 15. Read more: PML-N, four allied parties agree over seat adjustment in Sindh Rana Sanaullah, former interior minister and President PML-N Punjab has shared that Nawaz Sharif will lead the election drive of the party, which will begin from Jan 15. In a separate development, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided not to award the party ticket to senior leader Talal Chaudhry eit...