MR News

MALE, Maldives: The Maldives began voting Saturday to decide their next president in a referendum on whether to hitch their fortunes to China or India, both vying for influence in the tropical paradise. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, 61, faces an uphill battle to secure a second mandate after a term that saw renewed ties with New Delhi, the archipelago nation’s traditional benefactor. Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu, 45, has vowed closer ties with Beijing and a review of relations with India if he is elected. Muizzu won 46 percent of the first-round vote earlier this month, seven points clear of Solih, but the contest remains on a knife’s edge, with barely 15,000 votes between the pair. People began lining up across the archipelago, best known for its luxury beach resorts and celebrity tourists, to cast their ballots before voting began at 8:00 am (0300 GMT). “Queues formed long before polling opened,” an election official told AFP, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to spe...

Pakistan’s middle order batter Saud Shakeel has once again impressed the cricket fans with his blistering batting during the ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up match against New Zealand played at Hyderabad stadium on Friday. Saud Shakeel came to the crease after Mohammad Rizwan’s departure and bolstered Pakistan’s total at the backend with a quickfire knock. Shakeel hammered 75 off 53 balls with 4 sixes and 5 fours while his strike rate was 141.5. Pakistan posted a massive total on the board, at the back of a sensational century by Mohammad Rizwan, followed by skipper Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel’s half-centuries. Related: New Zealand thump Pakistan in ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up match However, Rachin Ravindra’s 97, followed by half-centuries from returning Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman steered New Zealand to thrash Pakistan by five wickets. New Zealand batters put on a scintillating show as they lifted their side to chase down a mammoth 346 against Pakistan for the lo...

The US government hurtled towards a shutdown Friday, with hardline Republicans creating disarray in their own party and President Joe Biden’s administration issuing increasingly dire warnings of everything from impending border chaos to travel disruptions. The closure, set to start after midnight Saturday (0400 GMT Sunday) if lawmakers fail to reach a deal, would be the first since 2019 — impacting millions of federal employees and military personnel while threatening the closure of national parks. The two chambers of Congress are deadlocked, with a small group of Republicans in the House of Representatives pushing back against any stopgap measure that would at least keep the lights on. On Friday, hardline House Republicans defeated a plan proposed by their own leader to keep funds flowing, with a bill to temporarily fund the government rejected in a 232-198 vote. The measure involved deep spending cuts and would unlikely have passed the Democratic-majority Senate. Office of Mana...

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

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

KARACHI: Karachi’s Port Qasim has received the largest-ever cargo vessel measuring 355 meters at one of its terminals for the first time, ARY News reported on Thursday. Karachi’s Port Qasim handled its largest-ever container-laden cargo vessel measuring 355 meters for the first time. The vessel was berthed at a private company DP World’s terminal and the unloading process is underway. The Singaporean vessel – APL LE HARVE – carrying import orders from across the country anchored at Port Qasim Karachi today from Jeddah after a two-day journey. The port administration said that the cargo vessel will depart for India after the unloading process is completed. In December 2019, the biggest container-laden ship in the history of Pakistan anchored down at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The ship, namely ‘Cosco Belgium’ was a giant container vessel that anchored down at the South Wharf area of Karachi Port. It was the largest ever vessel handled for the very first time at Karachi Por...

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

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

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Interior has enacted a substantial increase in penalties for traffic violations within the capital city of Islamabad with the main objective of maintaining traffic discipline and ensuring a safe road environment in the city, ARY News reported  This significant change in policy has been officially communicated to the public, and its primary objective is to reinforce the enforcement of traffic laws, ultimately leading to safer roads for all citizens, as stated by a spokesperson. As per the newly issued notification by the Ministry of Interior, the minimum fine for traffic violations has been raised to Rs 500. This adjustment represents part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring rigorous adherence to traffic regulations, which play a crucial role in preventing accidents and maintaining road safety. The updated notification provides specific fines for various violations. Motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit will be charged Rs 1,000, while ...

LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday interacted with the students at the prestigious Oxford Union, engaging with an enthusiastic audience of academics and students. The Oxford Union, known for hosting influential leaders and thinkers, warmly welcomed the prime minister. Oxford Union President Disha Hegde moderated an interactive Q&A session with the prime minister, providing valuable insights into his vision on important national, regional, and global issues. Following this engaging discussion, PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar took questions from Oxford University students, connecting with the next generation of leaders and scholars. Related: Elections can take place without PTI chief: PM Kakar During the interaction, the prime minister spoke in detail on Pakistan’s economy, politics, security, and relations with neighbours. At the Oxford Union office, the prime minister signed the Visitors’ Book, recognizing the institution’s pivotal role in shaping global d...

India fans were shocked after former batter Gautam Gambhir’s disturbing video about legendary cricketer Kapil Dev went viral ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir shared the viral video on the social media application X, formerly Twitter. It showed the man in question, who highly resembled India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, being dragged into a house with his hands tied and mouth covered. Anyone else received this clip, too? Hope it’s not actually @therealkapildev and that Kapil Paaji is fine! pic.twitter.com/KsIV33Dbmp — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 25, 2023 Gautam Gambhir asked netizens if they received such videos. He hoped that it wasn’t Kapil Dev and he is fine. The video created buzz and has 3.3 million views. Social media said it was Kapil Dev’s doppelganger, while others believe it is a marketing stunt. Advertisment — Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) Septe...

Handcuffed, a knife still sticking out of his overalls, the Chucky doll – made famous in the Hollywood film franchise ‘ Child’s Play ‘ – hunches against the wall as police hold him by his bright orange hair to take his mug shot. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv In a bizarre twist, Chucky and his owner were taken into lock-up in a town in northern Mexico earlier this week. The puppet master, identified only as Carlos “N” under Mexican norms, allegedly used the “demon doll” to scare people and demand money, local media reported. Both were charged with disturbing the peace and putting others’ integrity at risk. A Chucky doll and its owner were arrested in Mexico on September 11 for allegedly scaring people and demanding money from them, local media reported. The so-called “demon doll” was handcuffed and a mugshot was taken of it with its owner, a puppet master named Carlos “N,” who was… pic.twitter.com/rnKdfrw7W2 — TRT World (@trtworld) September 25, 2023 One office...

Netflix has added a new K-drama – an action packed South Korean series – ‘Song of the Bandits’ to their catalog which made its way onto the list of the most interesting newcomers which shouldn’t be missed. Song of the Bandits is an original series from Netflix that was directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok and based on the screenplay written by Han Jeong-hoon. The first season consists of a total of nine episodes, all of which were released together. The series was launched on September 22 but it became a must-watch South Korean action series just hours after its premiere.  The action K-drama is expected to attract a large viewership in just a few days. The story takes place in the anarchic region of Gando in the 1920s, where fierce bandits will stop at nothing to fight for their beloved homeland and their loved ones… even if it means death. Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, You Chea-myung, Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Ho-jung and Kim Seol-jin are some of the stars who were chosen in the casting process to br...

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

Hollywood actress Emma Watson, known for playing protagonist Hermione Granger in the live-action adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book series ‘ Harry Potter ‘, created buzz by making a surprising life-saving decision. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv According to a foreign news agency, the ‘ Beauty and the Beast ‘ star is all set to pursue her post-graduation degree from Oxford. However, she came under the limelight after news of her hiring a security team for protection from fellow students. She will reportedly attend some lectures in Ivy League education and her security protocol would escort her during the visit. However, she would complete most of her degree virtually.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Emma Watson (@emmawatson) A source to the news agency that the course could be completed on a part-time basis, which is suitable as it would help her balance her academic and professional lives. “The cour...

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

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

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

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has taken a swift action to address United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerns over sub-standard meat exports which led to the imposition of a ban, ARY News reported on Thursday. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) said that it is actively addressing the recent ban imposed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the export of fresh chilled meat (by sea) from Pakistan with effect from October 10, 2023. The ban follows the arrival of several containers of substandard fresh beef in Dubai, as reported by the Dubai Municipal Authorities. Related: UAE bans fresh meat imports from Pakistan via sea route Initial investigations have revealed that the sub-standard quality of the meat was allegedly due to the non-functionality of the refrigeration system installed in the containers, which is the responsibility of the shipping lines. It has also been learnt that the c...

Pakistan will announce its squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India on Friday morning. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv   The Pakistan Cricket Board, in a press release, stated that Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq finalized the after a meeting with its Chairman Zaka Ashraf. Moreover, Zaka Ashraf reviewed the team’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023 with Director Mickey Arthur, Captain Babar Azam, Vice Captain Shadab Khan, Coach Grant Bradburn, Batting Coach Andrew Puttick, Bowling Coach Morne Morkel and former captains Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez in a meeting. The PCB under Chairman Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf met with the national coaching staff headed by Mickey Arthur, captain Babar Azam, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and former captains Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez to review the team’s performance in the ACC Asia Cup 2023.… pic.twitter.com/rtVM0eeZ8B — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 21, 2023 They agreed on devising a better a...

Marc Webb, the director of ‘ The Amazing Spider-Man ‘ and its sequel, has signed a deal with Skydance Media to direct an action film based on the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv   A foreign news agency reported that Skydance Media was working on ‘ Bermuda .’ Sam Raimi, the director of Tobey Maguire starrer Spider-Man franchise, was attached to the project at one point.    View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Amazing Spider-Man (@amazing.spidermanx) Then, Scott Derrickson signed on to direct the film with Chris Evans roped in to play the male protagonist. According to the latest development, the producers are at square one with no script or actors attached to the project. ‘ Bermuda ‘ is unlikely to have a writer till the Hollywood strikes’ culminate. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger are reportedly co-producing the project.  Skydance Media’s latest ...

The latest pictures of prolific celebrity Sajal Aly, who has worked in hit dramas, are going viral on the social media application Instagram. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv   Sajal Aly, sister of actress Saboor Aly, shared the pictures on her account. She posed for the picture in a dashing blue coat. Sajal Aly penned renowned poet Jaun Elia’s verses as the caption. It read, “ Tere aane se , kuch zara phle..Baat tujh se hi kr rha tha main (I was talking to you just before you came).”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sajal Ali (@sajalaly) Her latest post got more than 100,000 likes. Instagrammers praised her looks and visuals with their heartwarming comments. Sajal Aly is one of the most followed Pakistan celebrities on the visual-sharing platform. She updates fans about her personal and professional happenings by sharing captivating posts.   View this post on Instagram ...