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ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Saturday approved a number of projects including  the revised PC-I of New Gwadar International Airport which is scheduled to become operational by 2024, ARY News reported. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the ECNEC at Prime Minister’s House. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could not chair the meeting due to other preoccupations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzaib, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the deputy chairman Planning Commission, and representatives of provincial governments as well as senior officers. The meeting considered 21 agenda items recommended to it in various meetings of Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and accorded approval for 19 projects. To expedite the reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood affected areas in Balochistan, the forum accorded approval to 4 sub-components of $400 million World Bank funded Integrated Fl

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan Justice Athar Minallah said that he did call for contempt of court proceedings against Senator Faisal Vawda, ARY News reported citing sources. According to the sources privy to the development Justice Athar Minallah wrote a letter to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, stating that he did not call for initiating contempt proceedings against Vawda and was not consulted on the matter. The judge clarified his position on the contempt of court case, saying that it was mistakenly assumed that the proceedings were initiated on his complaint. The letter stated that no complaint was filed, and no opinion was given on initiating contempt proceedings. Justice Athar Minallah added that he has been facing a ‘malicious campaign’ since 2017, the sources added. Justice Athar Minallah maintained that the purpose of the letter is to dispel the impression that the contempt proceedings were initiated on his instructions. “Despite the malicious campaign, I d

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for opposing Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, saying that PTI’s actions were tantamount to supporting outlawed terrorists group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Speaking on the National Assembly floor, Asif accused of PTI of having contacts with TTP and warned the federal government will not tolerate such activities. The Defence Minister said that the Afghan territory was being used for committing terrorism, bloodshed, and destruction in Pakistan. “Pakistan possessed concrete evidence that its enemies had sanctuaries in Afghanistan and would take counter measures to defend its citizens”, he said. Khawaja Asif recounted his visit to Kabul, during which he had conveyed to the Afghan authorities that fostering good relations would be beneficial for both nations. He urged the opposition not to do politicking on terrorism as it was a matter of national security and honouring the blood of mart

A train staffer was hailed a hero after a viral video showed him pushing away a woman posing for a picture as a train approached her from behind. The video, whose date and location remain unknown, showed the woman posing for a picture reportedly for her Instagram as the train approached her from behind. However, a member of train staff’s quick thinking prevented a tragedy as he got to the door of the driver cabin and pushed away the woman. The viral video, shared by uniladtech was captioned, ‘Some people remain oblivious to their surroundings.’ Several social media users commended the staff for saving the woman from potential tragedy while others slammed the woman for her risky behavior near the train tracks.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by UNILAD Tech (@uniladtech) One user commented, “Both she and the guy she was talking to, who was FACING THE TRAIN, showed amazing survival instinct.” Another user added, “That kick was

KARACHI: Following the transfer of Director General (DG) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the aviation institute is operating on an ad hoc basis for over three months, ARY News reported on Thursday. Despite the pressing need for stable leadership, the CAA has yet to appoint an independent DG, a delay that is raising concerns within the industry. Currently, the responsibilities of the DG are being managed by the Secretary of Aviation, who has been given temporary charge. Sources reveal that the process to appoint a new DG has not even reached the advertisement stage, further prolonging the leadership vacuum. This delay is not without consequences; the lack of a permanent DG has reportedly resulted in significant operational challenges for the CAA. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/8EALpDe

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesman Raoof Hassan said that former Sindh Governor and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mohammad Zubair wants to join the Imran Khan-led party, ARY News reported. Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Off the Record’, Raoof Hassan said that former President Arif Alvi had sent a message that Muhammad Zubair was interested in joining the PTI. “If Muhammad Zubair is interested in joining the PTI, the PTI founder PTI will make a final decision,” Raoof Hassan added. The PTI spokesman said that those who left the party during difficult times would hardly be welcomed back in the PTI ranks. Responding to a possible forward bloc in the party, Raoof Hassan said that there might be a little group of some ‘disgruntled’ MNAs. He however refuted that 27 lawmakers are part forward bloc. “The PTI is a big party and there might be groups of people,” he added. The PTI spokesman said that Shahryar Afridi is an integral part of the party and will r

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) does not want meaningful dialogues and instead prefers to hold talks with the General Headquarters (GHQ). In a statement, the defense minister said that due to the chaos and uproar in the parliament, a tense atmosphere is prevailing. “In the current parliamentary environment, alarm bells could ring,” he said. Khawaja Asif said that speculations are being spread that if the PTI founder is released, the government will rearrest him, urging that such speculations should be avoided “If the arrest is made in another crime, it would be a different matter,” he added. Reacting to the United States (US) House of Representatives resolution, the defense minister said that the Pakistan is suffering the consequences of supporting the the US wars. “No third party has the right to interfere in the affairs of my country,” Khawaja Asif added. Earlier, he said that the US has a history of overthrowing democratic

ISLAMABAD: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is being sold at exorbitant prices than the government-fixed rate as Rs 35 is being charged additionally against the official prices, ARY News reported. Chairman LPG Distributors Association Irfan Khokar said that the market price of LPG varies across the country. He said that the LPG is being sold at Rs 270 to 280 per kilogram, which is higher than the government’s fixed price of Rs 234.60 per kilogram. The Chairman LPG Distributors Association said that the price of domestic cylinders has increased to Rs 1,875 while the price of commercial cylinders has risen to Rs 6,750. Irfan Khokar said that the government’s fixed price for domestic cylinders is Rs 2700 but it is being sold for Rs 3,600 to Rs 3,780. The Chairman LPG Distributors Association said that the market price for commercial cylinders is Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,175 against its government-fixed price of Rs 10,715. Earlier on May 31, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on

The trailer for TriStar Pictures’ “Here” movie went viral for digitally de-aging Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the drama feature is set to hit heaters on November 15, Variety reported. The movie is also reuniting “Forrest Gump” costars Hanks and Wright after around 30 years to take them on a time journey. The film revolves around several families over the course of generations and the changes coming with the passage of time. In the trailer, the Hollywood star is heard telling Wright, “Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?” as Wright replies, “It sure does.” The entire filming of “Here” took place in a single location, which becomes the home of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. The trailer shows Hanks inviting Wright to stay over at his home: “You know, if you like, you could spend the rest of the night here.” The actress responds, “I could spend the rest of my life here.” Read more: Scarlett Johansson reacts to ChatGPT voice ‘eerily similar’ to h

PESHAWAR: The unknown assailants opened fire inside a house and killed nine members of a family allegedly over a property dispute in Peshawar, ARY News reported.   According to the police, unknown armed assailants entered a house and killed 9 members of the same family, including four children and as many women. The police said that family rivals entered the house and opened fire, killing eight people on the spot and injuring one who later succumbed to their wounds during treatment. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Sahibzada Sajjad, said that teams have been formed under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) Circle to arrest the suspects. He added that the deceased include women and children, and the investigation will progress after the registration of the case. It seems that a tragic incident of mass murder has occurred in Peshawar, allegedly due to a property dispute. The police are investigating the case and have formed teams to arrest the suspe

Amid the anticipation for Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6, fans continue to speculate about the map, characters of the game along with the file size of the upcoming title. Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has announced that the much-awaited game Grand Theft Auto VI will be released in fall of 2025. The company has since then gone silent on the matter, leaving GTA 6 fans speculating about the specifications and features of the game. One such aspect is the file size of the upcoming title with several coming up their own number. GTA 6 fans were left concerned after an X user going by the name of GTAVInewz suggested that the game’s file size could be 750GB. However, others considered the claim unrealistic given it will exceed the storage capacity of PS5 and Xbox series consoles. Read more: GTA 6: Latest update regarding second trailer, release date Another X user going by the name GTAVIbestleaks predicted that the file size of the game will exceed

KARACHI: Traders in Karachi have voiced strong opposition to the recent increase in electricity bills and the persistent issue of unannounced load shedding in the metropolis, ARY News reported on Monday. The President of the Tariq Road Trades Alliance, Ilyas Memon, condemned the hike in electricity prices, describing it as an additional burden on businesses which already grappling with excessive billing from K-Electric. “The markets are suffering due to load shedding during the ongoing heatwave, which is severely affecting business operations,” stated Ilyas Memon. The President of the Tariq Road Trades Alliance has called on the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to intervene in this matter. Memon expressed the urgent need for the government to withdraw the recent electricity price increase and to address the problem of unannounced load shedding. He also urged for an overhaul of the existing tax system, which he described as oppressive to both businesses and the gene

England skipper Jos Buttler took United States of America (USA) bowler Harmeet Singh to the cleaners during their Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. Chasing a target of 116, Buttler launched an onslaught on USA bowlers as he smashed seven sixes and six fours to score an unbeaten 83 off 38 deliveries at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown on Sunday. His inning helped England thrash the USA by 10 wickets to confirm a berth in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024. During his fiery knock, Jos Buttler smacked five sixes in the ninth over, bowled by Harmeet Singh, racking up 32 runs in total.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ICC (@icc) Earlier, England bowled out USA for 115 in 18.5 overs on the back of an all-round bowling display that included a hat-trick by pacer Chris Jordan . Jordan finished with the figures of 10-4 in just 2.5 overs. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/8MUeakn

KARACHI: In a disturbing incident, a senior citizen was brutally assaulted by some drug users after he confronted them for openly using drugs outside his residence, ARY News reported on Sunday. As per the details, the victim tried to stop the youths from engaging in drug activity infront of his home but the youth got offensive, resulting in severe violence against the old man. The affected citizen, whose identity has not been disclosed, has filed a formal complaint at the Korangi Industrial Area police station, seeking legal action against the individuals. It is pertinent to mention here that Ice, also known as crystal methamphetamine, has been on the rise in Pakistan in recent years. Crystal meth is a highly addictive and potent stimulant that can have devastating effects on individuals and society as a whole. The usage of ice in Pakistan has been particularly prevalent among the younger generation. The drug is often seen as a party drug that can enhance energy, alertness, and

A young fan ran onto the pitch during Saturday’s Euro 2024 match between Turkey and Portugal and posed for a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre circle. The fan, wearing a red tracksuit top, evaded security staff as he emerged from the stand behind the benches midway through the second half of the game in Dortmund and made his way towards the Portugal skipper. Portugal were leading 3-0 in the Group F game at the time, and Ronaldo posed smiling for a photo before the pitch invader ran off trying to escape stewards. They eventually caught up with him and escorted him away to applause from the stands. Shortly afterwards, another youngster attempted to copy the first pitch invader but this time an exasperated Ronaldo threw his arms up in frustration and did not agree to a second selfie. The youth was then brusquely manhandled away from the superstar forward and off the playing area. Portugal eventually swept into the last 16 of Euro 2024 after comfortably seeing off Turkey

Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Saturday, became the first to take 50 wickets in the Men’s T20 World Cups. The left-arm spinner achieved the feat in his side’s T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight match against India when he dismissed Rohit Sharma in the fourth over of the first innings. Shakib, however, had a tough outing with the ball against India as he conceded 37 runs in three overs. Bowlers with Most Wickets  Shakib Al Hasan: 50 wickets Shahid Afridi: 39 wickets Lasith Malinga: 38 wickets Wanindu Hasaranga: 37 wickets Saeed Ajmal: 36 wickets For the unversed, Shakib is one of the few players to have featured in every T20 World Cup edition since its inception in 2007. He is also the second leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 148 scalps in 128 matches, only behind New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who has 164 wickets to his name. It is worth mentioning here that India outclassed Bangladesh by 50 runs in the 47th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here at

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, ARY News reported. The PCB has proposed holding all of India’s fixtures at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore including round matches, semi-final and final. The ICC has reviewed and approved PCB’s proposed schedule without any changes being made. Apart from India, Champions Trophy 2025 will feature Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, India has not issued an official statement regarding its team’s participation in the tournament. As per the draft schedule, the Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9 in three major Pakistani cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Read more: PCB chairman reviews Gaddafi stadium’s upgradation Earlier this month, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to oversee progress on the ongoing construction ahead of the

KARACHI: The medical report of the injured camel, whose leg was chopped off in Sanghar, has been issued by the Medical Board, ARY News reported. According to a report available with ARY News, the camel is apparently normal but suffering from severe blood deficiency. The Director General of the Institute of Health Sciences, Dr. Nazir Hussain headed the medical board. According to the medical report, the camel should get therapy continuously until its blood parameters return to normal. In addition, the report also recommended giving the camel a balanced diet, fresh grass, and animal feed until its wounds heal. The report also suggested giving camels multivitamins and iron supplements. “The camel needs to be regularly cared for and supervised under animal observation,” the report read The report also recommended transfusions of blood of the camel. A  landlord in Sindh’s Sanghar district allegedly chopped off a camel’s leg  as punishment for scavenging into his field for fodder. Ac

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and India middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav were found having a fun around during their match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. India overcame Afghanistan quite convincingly by 47 runs in the Super 8 match at Kensington Oval in Barbados. India posted 181-8 with Suryakumar Yadav scoring 53 off 28 balls. He also played two strong sweep shots against the spin wizard Rashid Khan. The two then had a funny exchange in which Rashid which was caught on camera.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ICC (@icc) The Indian batter smashed four and a six against Rashid Khan in the 11th over of the innings. The Afghanistan skipper went to Suryakumar Yadav and jokingly asked him ‘not to sweep’. Then the conversation remained calm and cool as both the players especially Rashid Khan caught smiling. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/UYNfaXo

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has announced cash prize equal to one month’s salary for the staff which participated in three-day Operation Cleanup on the occasion of Eidul Adha. Praising the efforts of her team, she said that officers and staff of all municipal departments, solid waste management companies have written a new history of public service, especially in the ongoing intense heat. Maryam Nawaz appreciated her team and added that the dream of ‘Saaf Suthra Punjab’ [Clean Punjab] is becoming reality now. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her team for excellent cleanliness and public service during the three days of Eidul Adha. Read more: Eidul Adha: Sacrifice of animals, festivities continue on second day In his appreciation message, the Prime Minister said Well Done Punjab, Well Done Maryam Nawaz. The Prime Minister said the hard work of the team in the scorching heat is commendable. H

The poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples from Karachi and Peshawar, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources. According to sources, the poliovirus was detected in sewage samples of Karachi’s Kemari and Peshawar. Sources, the samples were collected on June 3rd and 4th, and the results show the presence of wild poliovirus type 1, and vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 and 3. So far this year, 185 samples from all four provinces have tested positive for polio, and 45 districts across the country have reported polio cases. Pakistan has reported five polivirus cases in 2024 so far, while an infected kid passed away battling the crippling disease. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the poliovirus, which causes paralysis and can be a life-threatening disease, is endemic. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/5hqlaGT

Nearly 2 million Muslims will reach the end of the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage this week, but extreme heat has proved fatal for hundreds who began the journey last Friday to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. At least 562 people have died during the haj, according to a Reuters tally based on foreign ministry statements and sources. Egypt alone has registered 307 deaths and another 118 missing, medical and security sources told Reuters, as temperatures at times soared past 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit). “It was so harsh and the people cannot bear that type of heat,” said Wilayet Mustafa, a Pakistani pilgrim. A witness said bodies lay on the side of the road near Mina, just outside Mecca, covered with the white Ihram cloth – a simple garb worn by pilgrims – until medical vehicles arrived. Climate scientists say such deaths offer a glimpse of what is to come for the tens of millions of Muslims expected in coming decades to undertake the Hajj. “The hajj has been

Israeli tanks backed by warplanes and drones advanced deeper into the western part of the Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Wednesday, killing eight people, according to residents and Palestinian medics. Residents said the tanks moved into five neighbourhoods after midnight. Heavy shelling and gunfire hit the tents of displaced families in the Al-Mawasi area, further to the west of the coastal enclave, they said. Some eight months into the war, there has been no sign of let up in the fighting as efforts by international mediators, backed by the United States, have failed to persuade Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire. Twelve Palestinians were also killed in an Israeli strike that hit a group of citizens and merchants in the south of the Gaza Strip, medical sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The people were hit as they waited for convoys of aid trucks carrying goods through the Kerem Shalom crossing in Salahuddin Road northeast of Rafah, the sources added. Israeli forces have laid

ISLAMABAD: Earthquake tremors of jolted several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and capital city of Islamabad on Wednesday morning, ARY News reported. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported 4.7 magnitude earthquake with 98 kilometers depth and epicenter in southeastern Afghanistan. Moderate intensity earthquake tremors reported in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Swat and adjoining region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Tremors were also reported in Malakand, Lower Dir, Mansehra districts and Hazara division in KP. According to reports tremors also felt in North and South Waziristan districts. No casualties are damages yet reported in the quake. Earlier on June 02 an earthquake with 4.8 magnitude jolted Swat and adjoining areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The quake’s epicenter was Tajikistan border, at the depth of 195 kilometers. However, no loss of life or damage to property reported from the area. On May 3, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 jolted Khuzdar district of Baloch

SEOUL: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un kicked off a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday, where they are likely to discuss ways to boost their sanctions-busting military ties. Putin arrived in Kim Il Sung square, which was bedecked with Russian and North Korean flags along with large portraits of the two leaders, state media images showed, for a ceremony ahead of talks at the Kumsusan State Guest House, where a “strategic partnership” deal is likely to be signed. Kim had earlier greeted Putin at the airport, with the two internationally isolated leaders hugging on the red carpet, underscoring the increasingly close relationship that has sparked concern in Seoul and Washington. It is Putin’s first trip to North Korea since 2000 and comes as Western countries accuse Kim of supplying arms to historic ally Russia for use in Ukraine in violation of UN sanctions on both countries, allegations Moscow and Pyongyang have officially denied. It is also the tw

KARACHI: A recent report by Fitch Ratings anticipated that the inflation rate of Pakistan will stabilize around 12 percent, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The report suggests that the State Bank of Pakistan may lower interest rates to 16 percent by fiscal year 2025, potentially providing some relief to borrowers. The budget for the next fiscal year is poised to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic strategy, aimed at fortifying its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Fitch report, maintaining economic discipline within the budget framework will be crucial for reducing the fiscal deficit, a long-standing issue for the country. Economic growth remains a point of concern, Fitch projects that the growth rate may fall short of the government’s target of 3 percent. Despite this, there are signs of recovery, with economic activity picking up momentum since the February elections. The narrowing of the current account deficit to 0.3 percent has been a brig

West Indies thrashed Afghanistan by 104 runs in the final group stage game of the T20 World Cup on Monday. Asked to bat first, West Indies posted 218/5 in 20 overs with Nicholas Pooran smashed 98 off 53 balls in the final group match at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia. Several records were also broken during the Group C match between West Indies and Afghanistan on Tuesday.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ICC (@icc) The main highlight of the innings was Pooran’s entry into elite list of batters, who smashed 36 runs in an over in a World Cup match. The memorable feat achieved in the fourth over, when Nicholas Pooran unleashed his fury on Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Pooran, who scored 26 runs with the bat, was helped by the five wides, four leg byes and a no-ball. This was the second time in 2024 that 36 runs were scored in an over against Afghanistan. Apart from this, WIndies registered the record for t

Israeli air attacks hit refugee camps in Central Gaza in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving several people killed and injured, according to local media. An Israeli air attack on a house in Block 3 of the Bureij refugee camp has killed at least one person and wounded others. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, at least 17 people were killed and others injured in attacks from Israeli warplanes. Local media is reporting at least 17 deaths overnight in the Nuseirat refugee camp following a night of heavy Israeli bombardment in central Gaza. Earlier, it was reported that at least seven people had been confirmed killed in a strike on a home in Nuseirat, while five people had been confirmed killed in a separate strike. At least 274 displaced Palestinians were killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp earlier this month after the Israeli military conducted a deadly rescue operation to free four Israeli captives held there. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved

An Indian national extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic pleaded not guilty on Monday to involvement in an alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader on US soil. Nikhil Gupta, 52, who was detained at Prague airport in June 2023 on a US warrant, arrived in the United States on Friday. Gupta appeared before a federal magistrate judge in New York on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder-for-hire, according to court filings. “This extradition makes clear that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to silence or harm American citizens,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “Nikhil Gupta will now face justice in an American courtroom for his involvement in an alleged plot, directed by an employee of the Indian government, to target and assassinate a US citizen for his support of the Sikh separatist movement in India,” Garland added. The Justice Department unsealed the charges against Gupta in November, accusing him of conspi