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Showing posts from July, 2025

Multan-Vehari dual carriageway nears completion at rapid pace: Maryam Nawaz

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LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz said that 95-kilometre-long Multan-Vehari Dual Carriageway is being completed at ‘fast pace’. In a post on X, the chief said that Multan-Vehari Road will connect four districts with Motorway M-4, adding that it will more than 24,000 people will benefit daily from the completion of the project. “The most important highway of South Punjab, Multan-Vehari Road, costing Rs 25 billion, is being constructed at a fast pace,” Maryam Nawaz posted. “Multan-Vehari Road will connect four districts with Motorway M-4, and more than 24,000 people will benefit daily from the completion of this major road project.” Initiatives under the Punjab development program Encroachment Removal & Beautification: Strict actions to eradicate encroachments and maintain cleanliness. After removal of encroachment, CCTV monitoring of government land regained. Development of urban forests and sports areas on reclaimed land. Infrastructure Upgrades: Constr...

France brands Israeli settler violence ‘terrorism’

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Paris: France on Tuesday condemned the “murder” in the West Bank of a Palestinian activist who contributed to an Oscar-winning documentary, describing Israeli settler violence as “terrorism”. Palestinian authorities said Israeli settlers killed Awdah Muhammad Hathaleen, a teacher, on Monday. The Israeli police said it was investigating but did not directly comment on the claim that he was killed by settlers. “France condemns this murder with the utmost firmness as well as all deliberate acts of violence committed by extremist settlers against the Palestinian population, which are multiplying across the West Bank,” a foreign ministry spokesman said. “These acts of violence are acts of terrorism.” The spokesman urged Israeli authorities to “immediately sanction the perpetrators of these acts of violence, which continue with complete impunity, and protect Palestinian civilians”. The Palestinian Authority’s education ministry accused Israeli settlers of killing Hathaleen “during thei...

Pakistan announces immediate aid package for Palestine

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced an urgent aid package for Palestine, as relief flights will be departing within the next two days on directives of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will dispatch assistance via two cargo planes carrying 100 tons of supplies. The aid will be transported through special flights via Jordan and Egypt to reach Palestinian territories. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will oversee the dispatch and delivery process, while Pakistani ambassadors in Jordan and Egypt will ensure the aid reaches its intended destinations. The Pakistani public reaffirms complete solidarity and support for their Palestinian brothers and sisters. Earlier, Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council not to remain “a bystander” amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in war-shattered Gaza, with Israeli military operations and attacks on civilians seeking aid continuing to exact a devastating toll on lives a...

Leopard sighting sparks panic in Hyderabad

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HYDERABAD, INDIA: Residents of Hyderabad’s historic Golconda region got fear and terror, after the leopard sighting in Hyderabad near Ibrahim Bagh, a military zone located next to the Taramati Baradari road. CCTV footage recorded the leopard, while it was crossing the street, instigating immediate action from local police and forest officials. According to eyewitnesses, they saw leopard moving toward the Musi River, a dense forest that could provide shelter for the animal. Earlier to this incident, the leopard was also sighted in Manchirevula and Narsingi, where forest teams had already installed animal traps and surveillance cameras. Even given these efforts, the leopard remains uncaptured. The Hyderabad Forest department alert has increased, with authorities appealing residents to stay aler, particularly during night time. The Deployment of extra animal traps and monitoring equipment have been confirmed by the department in high-risk areas. The leopard sighting in Hyderabad ha...

Sri Lanka expands free visa access to 40 countries

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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is expected to expand its free visa policy to welcome tourists from 40 countries, in a strategic step intended to increase tourism and enhancing economic recovery. This step will refresh Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. This expansion expands on an experimental program commenced in March 2023, which granted free 30-day visas to citizens of seven countries including India, China, and Russia through electronic travel authorization (ETA). Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced the Sri Lankan free visa initiative on Friday, demonstrating that the aim is to lure more international visitors, reduce bureaucratic delays, and indicate that Sri Lanka is open for tourism. Sri Lankan government fears a revenue loss of approximately $66 million from waived visa fees, while, authorities show confidence that the economic benefits from the arrival of more tourists will compensate the shortfall. The Attorney General’s office approval is required before implementation of this Sri L...

Kasur child assault accused arrested in injured condition

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KASUR: Punjab police on Monday arrested a suspect accused of assaulting a minor girl in Kasur city, officials confirmed. The suspect, identified as Nisar Watoo from Okara, sustained a gunshot wound to his private area after his pistol ‘accidentally’ went off while he tried to resist the arrest, the police said. The assault took place while the child was playing in the street near her home. CCTV footage of the incident led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect. District Police Officer (DPO) Kasur, Muhammad Essa Khan, took notice of the incident, directing the SHO Asif Javed to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect within 24 hours. The suspect, who was working as a laborer on a construction site on Khara Road, was injured when his own pistol went off while he attempted to flee. He was taken to the District Hospital Kasur for treatment after his arrest. DPO Kasur Muhammad Essa Khan visited the victim’s home, offering sympathy and presenting a bouquet of flowers...

PM expresses grief over martyrdom of innocent citizens in Tirah Valley

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday expressed grief over the martyrdom of innocent and peaceful citizens due to the firing by Khawarij in Bagh Maidan area of Tirah Valley. He strongly condemned the firing by Khawarij on peaceful citizens, directing authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. “The heinous designs of terrorists cannot shake our resolve,” he said. “We will eliminate terrorists and terrorism.” Read More: Tirah Valley firing: KP CM summons jirga, announces Rs10mn compensation Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Sunday expressed deep sorrow and regret over the firing incident in Tirah Valley, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and solidarity with the injured. In a press statement, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that a jirga (traditional tribal council) comprising tribal elders and public representatives, has been summoned to Peshawar to listen to the conc...

LVMH in talks to offload fashion label Marc Jacobs, sources say

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French luxury goods group LVMH is in discussions with multiple buyers to offload its fashion label Marc Jacobs, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. The Bernard Arnault-led company has been holding talks with potential buyers including Reebok-owner Authentic Brands Group and WHP Global, the sources said, who asked not to be named because the discussions are confidential. Authentic Brands declined to comment on the matter while WHP did not immediately respond. Brookstone’s owner Bluestar Alliance is also a suitor for Marc Jacobs, which could be worth around $1 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal, which earlier reported the news. LVMH, Marc Jacobs and Bluestar Alliance did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the WSJ report. In 2024, Bloomberg reported that LVMH was exploring strategic options for the label with advisers after receiving interest from potential buyers, though the company denied the claim at the time. Founded in 1...

Palestinian leaders appeal to PM Shehbaz to send aid, urge ceasefire in Gaza

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ISLAMABAD: Palestinian leaders on Saturday appealed to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to play a leading role in securing a ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has resulted in severe food shortages and suffering for the Palestinian people. He made the condemnation during a telephonic conversation with Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman. Both leaders expressed grave concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression against defenceless civilians in Gaza. During the call, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman informed the Prime Minister that Palestinian leaders had personally contacted him, and appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to play a leading role in reaching ceasefire and providing food aid in Gaza. “The Palestinian people and the entire Muslim world have ...

Root climbs to second on all-time Test list as England dominate India

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Joe Root climbed to second on the all-time list of Test run-scorers after hitting a sparkling 38th century on Friday as England hunted a series-clinching win against India. Ben Stokes’ men, 2-1 up in the five-match series, were 544-7 at stumps on the third day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, 186 runs ahead of the toiling tourists on first innings. Root made an imperious score of exactly 150, with only retired India great Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 Test runs) now having made more than the 34-year-old Englishman’s tally of 13,409. Earlier, Ollie Pope (71) put on 144 for the third wicket with Root before he was dismissed by Washington Sundar, who also removed Harry Brook cheaply to give India renewed hope. But skipper Stokes, who ended the day 77 not out after briefly retiring hurt, ensured England regained the initiative. And it was Ben Stokes who celebrated at the non-striker’s end as Joe Root, his predecessor as England captain, reached 13,379 runs with a single behind point to...

Moon not sighted, 1st Safar to fall on Sunday, July 27, 2025

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ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Friday that the crescent moon marking the start of Safar 1447 AH was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan. This was announced by Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad after the meeting of the Committee held in Islamabad on Friday. According to an official notification, the decision was made following recommendations from the Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees, which held their monthly moon-sighting meeting in the federal capital. As a result, the first day of Safar 1447 AH will be observed on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The announcement follows the traditional Islamic lunar calendar system, which bases the beginning of each month on the physical sighting of the new moon.   from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/PCz4Ejg

Crawley and Duckett run riot before India hit back in fourth Test

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Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got England off to a flying start in their first innings of the fourth Test before India ensured both openers fell agonisingly short of centuries. England were 225-2 at stumps on the second day at Old Trafford, a deficit of 133 runs, after they dismissed India for 358, with captain Ben Stokes taking five wickets and an injured Rishabh Pant making a gutsy fifty for the tourists. The hosts are 2-1 up in this five-match contest, and a win in Manchester would see England clinch the series ahead of next week’s finale in London at the Oval. Zak Crawley (84) and Duckett (94) shared an opening stand of 166  — just the duo’s fifth century partnership in 53 Test innings together. The inconsistent Crawley, labelled the “luckiest player to have won as many England caps as he has” by 2005 Ashes-winning skipper Michael Vaughan, played some trademark stylish drives, but he also survived a confident lbw appeal on 26 from Mohammed Siraj after offering no stroke to t...

PPP, JUI-F, PML-N boycott KP govt’s APC

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PESHAWAR: Major opposition parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), have announced a boycott of the provincial government’s All Parties Conference (APC), scheduled for Thursday, July 24. The APC, to be convened by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, aims to bring together political leadership for consultations on the worsening law and order situation in the province, particularly in the merged districts affected by a rise in terrorist activities. According to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, invitations were sent to all political parties, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the growing security challenges. The invitation letter described the current situation as “a matter of grave concern” and called for unity beyond political affiliations to form a joint strategy against terrorism. However, the PPP, JUI-F, and PML-N have decline...

PTI vows to challenge leaders’ convictions in May 9 case

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced that it would challenge the convictions of its senior leaders – including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry – who were sentenced in connection with the May 9 riots. An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore had sentenced the PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in a case pertaining to arson and vandalism during the May 9 protests. Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in the same case. Addressing an emergency press conference in Islamabad alongside other senior party leaders, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly criticized the court’s ruling, calling it “yet another chapter in the judiciary’s series of controversial verdicts.” He said the verdict had further eroded public trust in the judiciary. Read More: Yasmin Rashid among others convicted, Shah Mahmood acquitted in May 9 riots case “From the beginning, we demanded a fair trial and the opportunity to d...

KP Senate polls held in transparent manner: ECP

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ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has maintained that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Senate elections were conducted impartially in accordance with the Constitution and law. In a statement issued here, a ECP spokesperson said that no objections were raised by the polling agents of any of the candidates during the polling process for the KP Senate elections. “The ballot box was placed in full view of everyone in the KP Assembly during voting.” The ECP added that the election staff provided ballot papers to members as per the law, and members of the assembly filled out their ballot papers at the polling booth and deposited them in the ballot box. The elections followed a strategic agreement between the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), backed by 92 MPAs, and the opposition, supported by 53 MPAs, to avoid a tough-contested race. Out of the seven general seats, PTI candidates emerged victorious on four, while the opposition secured three. PTI’s Murad Saeed secure...

Ishaq Dar meets Guterres, reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to UN Charter

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NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering and resolute commitment to multilateralism. During the meeting, Ishaq Dar reassured Antonio Guterres of Pakistan’s focus on strengthening the UN’s role in conflict resolution, in promoting sustainable development, and in upholding the fundamental rights of all peoples around the world. “The Secretary-General appreciated Pakistan’s strong role and principled positions in the Security Council. Several key issues on the Council’s agenda were discussed, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the situation in Iran,” a press statement issued here read. It added that the deputy prime minister underscored that Pakistan is fully committed to the pruposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He further stated that the high-level debate...

3 tourists killed, 15 missing after cloudburst at Babusar Top

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Diamer: At least three tourists have been confirmed dead and 15 are reported missing on Monday following severe landslides and flash flooding triggered by a cloudburst at Babusar Top, a mountainous pass in Gilgit-Baltistan. The cloudburst caused intense flooding and landslides across a 7 to 8-kilometre stretch around Babusar Top, blocking roads at 14 to 15 different locations. Over 15 vehicles have been swept away by the floodwaters.  Rescue teams have recovered three bodies from the floodwaters, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve vehicles buried under the debris after the landsliding. Tourists stranded in various locations have been relocated to safer areas. According to the spokesperson of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), affected tourists have been moved to safe shelters in Chilas. One injured individual is receiving treatment at the Regional Headquarters Hospital. However, access to some areas remains impossible due to large boulders and heavy debris bloc...

Pakistan stands firm on SDG commitment, urges global financial overhaul

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NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting ongoing efforts to bolster financial security and expand educational access. Speaking at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Ministerial Segment in New York, Ishaq Dar said that with only five years until 2030, just 35% of SDGs are on track due to setbacks from the pandemic, food, fuel, and finance crises, and worsening climate impacts, which have undone development progress and widened inequalities. He underscored Pakistan’s initiatives, including the Benazir Income Support Programme, Digital Youth Hub, and a push for 60% renewable energy by 2030, while urging swift global financial reforms to provide developing nations with concessional funding, debt relief, and climate finance, emphasizing the need to act on the Compromiso de Seville roadmap immediately. “Despite these challenges, Pakistan re...

Chaman violence: Seven killed, highway blocked

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CHAMAN: A deadly Chaman armed clash exploded on Sunday between two opposing groups, which resulted in the deaths of at least seven persons and injuries to more than twelve others, ARY News reported. According to police sources, one of the critically injured victims succumbed to injuries later, raising the death toll to seven. The Chaman armed clash took place in the precarious border town of Chaman, situated in Balochistan province, near the Afghan frontier. The conflict demanded urgent intervention by Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, who somehow managed to stop the fighting. However, high tensions have caused the Quetta-Chaman highway blockage by one of the groups at Qila Abdullah, causing a massive traffic blockage with long queues of stranded vehicles. Local officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Qila Abdullah, tribal elders, and religious scholars, gathered at the Jungle Pir Alizai police station to evaluate the situation after the conflict and investigate options to r...

Newborn dies in Jacobabad due to lack of incubator

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JACOBABAD : A newborn girl died on Sunday due to the unavailability of an incubator in Jacobabad, Sindh, ARY News reported, citing the infant’s father. According to the father, he initially took his newborn daughter to the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS), a government hospital. However, due to a lack of facilities, he shifted her to a private hospital. He stated that the private hospital staff turned him away because no incubator was available, and he was forced to bring the baby back to JIMS. The doctors advised him to shift the child to a hospital in Sukkur. However, tragically, the newborn girl died on the way to Sukkur. Hospital authorities stated that an investigation into the tragic incident is underway. https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AQPCqepsqxiRBEWWxh4wMNQQxm0-5SH8dZo4pjwiDZA4tOkDMJdG1AaDsSUM-EnGpjK-Co7OGGnLhEFSCApSa5zX8u041feKgaJ_jcxpbw-1.mp4 Read More:  Sadiqabad hospital performs appendix surgeries on 28 children in misdiagnosis case ...

Abbottabad police bust gang issuing fake Pakistani CNICs to Afghan nationals

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ABBOTTABAD: In a major crackdown against document fraud, Abbottabad Cantonment Police have arrested a group allegedly involved in helping Afghan nationals illegally obtain Pakistan’s Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC). The crackdown was launched on the special directives of District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Tufail (PSP) and led by SHO Cantt Police Station, Cadet Abdul Ghafoor Qureshi. According to police sources, the arrested suspects have been identified as Saqib, son of Javed, a resident of Islamabad; Naeem, son of Abdul Jaleel, from Kehal; Sami, son of Ihsanullah, an Afghan national; and Abdul Jaleel, son of Khalil-ur-Rehman. The group is accused of forging official documents to facilitate the fraudulent issuance of Pakistani CNICs to Afghan nationals. A case has been registered at the Cantt Police Station under Sections 419, 468, and 471 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with Section 14 of the Foreigners Act. Authorities confirmed that further investigations are under...

Indonesian ferry blaze: KM Barcelona V passengers Leap into sea

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INDONESIA: A shocking Indonesian ferry fire exploded on July 20, 2025, when the KM Barcelona V vessel caught fire at the coast of North Sulawesi near Talise Island. The ferry was on its way from the Talaud Islands to Manado, taking more than 280 passengers, including children. According to the videos, which captured the terrifying moment, passengers dived into the sea to save their lives from the fire. Many of them were wearing life jackets, and some were not. Thick black smoke poured out into the sky as the fire overwhelmed the ship’s hull. The chaos was intensified by screams for help and the hectic scramble to abandon the vessel. Local fishermen and rescue teams reached there instantly. According to Indonesian officials, KM Barcelona V was fully exiled, though at least death of five people have been confirmed dead, including a pregnant woman. The cause of the Indonesian ferry fire remains under investigation. #BREAKING Passengers jump overboard as massive fire engulfs ferry ...

Karachi citizen foils robbery attempt with courage

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KARACHI: A fearless citizen foiled a Karachi robbery attempt successfully, demonstrating exceptional courage in the face of danger, in Azizabad, Gulshan e Shamim area of Karachi, ARY News reported. The CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral, emphasising the rising street crimes in the biggest city of Pakistan. https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AQNWdp93P3eyfkm1hiDlrB3CF-JzBBRxtJqSUFRmC3G2Uh-n256R8wS5EJRmCFCjoZbswRYtFSegEk0sCp2vy6gfLGMDzq7h8VPQgsvUpmWDpQ.mp4 According to reports and obtained CCTV footage, three armed goons arrived on motorcycles and tried to rob al fresco diners at a local hotel. However, a Karachi citizen foiled robbery attempts by aiming his weapon and shooting at the suspects. The shootout resulted in the death of one suspect, while the other two escaped the scene. Police have launched a search operation to catch the remaining suspects. The CCTV footage of the Karachi robbery clearly shows that the citizen took swift action and the chaos broke ...

KP Senate election becomes a challenge for PTI

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PESHAWAR: The upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have become a significant challenge for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as all covering candidates have refused to withdraw their nomination papers. Internal rifts within PTI continue to surface, with deep divisions persisting among party members. Irfan Saleem, one of the covering candidates, stated, “I am standing against the manipulation taking place in the KP Senate election. We will not allow the KP Assembly, established under the vision of PTI’s founder, to be tainted. We stand by our principles and will continue to do so. We will contest and never become part of a flawed system.” Another candidate, Khurram Zeeshan, declared, “Even if I don’t receive a single vote, I will not bow down. I will not reconcile with thieves.” Ayesha Bano also refused to step down, saying, “The Senate seat is a trust from the party’s founder, and I cannot withdraw.” Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has appointed ...

Karachi traders observe strike against new tax laws

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KARACHI: Traders and the business community in Karachi observed a complete shutdown on Saturday in protest against what they called controversial provisions in the Finance Bill and new sales tax regulations. All major and minor commercial centres across the city remained closed in response to a strike call issued by various traders’ unions. Protesters demanded the withdrawal of what they described as “draconian” tax clauses, while reaffirming their willingness to pay fair and transparent taxes. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Balwani warned that protests will be expanded if the issues remain unresolved, seeking the government’s written assurances on the matter. The KCCI president said that no written commitments have been received despite government talks, warning of a second strike if the next meeting yields no progress. “The chamber may extend the strike to one or two additional days next week, with a potential full-week shutdown if demands are ...

Mohsin Naqvi denies backdoor diplomacy with India

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected backdoor diplomacy with India, declaring that no secret discussions are ongoing between the two nations, ARY News reported. In a casual discussion with journalists, Mohsin Naqvi discussed the openness in Pakistan’s foreign policy and highlighted the country’s moral stand on regional matters. Addressing domestic affairs, Mohsin Naqvi said that Iran deported over 300,000 Afghan nationals within two weeks, while Pakistan sent illegal residents back. Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Afghan PoR (Proof of Registration) cardholders will stop receiving extensions and that deported individuals will not be able to re-enter, having been blacklisted. To revamp the Interior Ministry, Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government is planning to appoint a serving or retired army officer under the Secretary of Interior to oversee the civil armed forces. Additionally, in progressive initiatives for Interior Ministry reforms, the government also a...

Robot artist draws King Charles III’s portrait

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In an innovative combination of customised tradition and technology, an AI portrait of King Charles III was revealed at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva during the 2025 AI for Good Global Summit. The artwork, named ‘Algorithm King’, was the creativity of the world’s first lifelike humanoid AI-Da robot artist. AI-Da was the development of gallerist Aidan Meller in the UK in 2019, using advanced cameras installed in her eyes and a robotic arm fixed to her body to paint the oil portrait. The portrait was created using visual data and artificial intelligence algorithms, with a live sitting was not required. Addressing the summit, Ai-Da robot artist stated, “Presenting my portrait of His Majesty King Charles III is not just about art; it also highlights how AI is changing our society and influencing culture.”. This isn’t Ai-Da’s first royal project. In 2022, she painted a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. Both portraits were displayed in parall...

Karachi, Lahore traders announce shutter-down strike

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KARACHI: The business community in Pakistan exhibited division regarding a planned nationwide shutter-down strike, as the Karachi and Lahore Chambers of Commerce announced the closure while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) decided to abstain. The business community had opposed the expanded powers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and recent taxation measures; however their associations were divided on the strike call. Addressing a presser, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Balwani announced that the traders in Karachi will observe a complete shutter-down strike on Saturday. He said that business centers across the city will remain closed on Saturday. Ajved Balwani warned that protests will be expanded if the issues remain unresolved, seeking the government’s written assurances on the matter. The KCCI president said that no written commitments have been received despite government talks, warning of second strike ...

SDM Jyoti Maurya alimony case sparks viral controversy

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The legal dispute between SDM Jyoti Maurya and her separated husband Alok Maurya has risen in headlines as Alok approaches the Allahabad High Court asking for alimony. The case, which initially got attention in 2023, has yet again ignited controversy and social media reactions. According to Alok Maurya, a sanitation worker in Uttar Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj Department, he financially assisted Jyoti’s education before she cleared the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services (UPPCS) exam in 2015, getting the 16th rank. Following her appointment as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Bareilly, Alok claims Jyoti left him and started an extramarital relationship with Home Guard Commandant Manish Dubey. Alok additionally accused Jyoti and Manish of collaborating to murder him, quoting WhatsApp chats and a diary supposedly documenting a record of bribe transactions. A complaint against threats to his life was filed at the Dhoomanganj Police Station in Prayagraj. In reply, Jyoti Maurya has...