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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has decided to introduce a major change in the recruitment process for government posts from Grade 16 to Grade 21, ARY News reported. All recruitment examinations will follow a new Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)-based format, starting September 21, 2025. According to sources within the FPSC, candidates will be required to appear in a single MCQ-based paper of 100 marks for Grades 16 and 17, . The passing score is set at 40 marks, and a negative marking of 0.25 will be applied for each incorrect answer. For Grades 18 and 19, two separate MCQ-based papers of 100 marks each will be conducted. For general posts, the passing score is 40, with the same 0.25 negative marking for wrong answers. For speciaised posts such as doctors, general managers, teachers, and other professional or technical roles, the passing percentage for teaching positions will be a minimum of 50%. Grades 20 & 21, there will be two MCQ-based papers. Howev...

WASHINGTON: Intel said on Monday that the U.S. government’s 9.9% stake in the chipmaker could pose risks to its business, from potentially harming international sales to limiting its ability to secure future government grants. The company laid out new risk factors in a securities filing after the government decided to convert $11 billion in government grants into an equity stake in Intel, the latest extraordinary intervention in corporate America by President Donald Trump. Separately, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said in a video posted on Monday by the Commerce Department that the company did not need the government funding. “I don’t need the grant,” Tan said. “But I really look forward to having the U.S. government be my shareholder.” But the filing from Intel raised questions about the U.S. investment. Intel noted, for example, that it is uncertain if the deal may result in other government entities trying to convert existing grants into equity investments or if they might be unwilling ...

Manchester United remain without a Premier League win this season after being held 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, while a Jack Grealish-inspired Everton opened their new stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton. Ruben Amorim’s United were left to rue Bruno Fernandes’ wayward first-half penalty as they were pegged back at Craven Cottage. Rodrigo Muniz’s own-goal put United in front on the hour mark, but Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham. Amorim is seeking an upturn on a disastrous 15th-placed finish last season, but so far his new £200 million ($270 million) forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who again started on the bench, is yet to fire. Despite an encouraging performance, Manchester United lost 1-0 to title-chasing Arsenal in their season opener last weekend and will feel another two points slipped away in west London. Fulham, though, felt the visitors got the better of two controversial calls. United’s penalty was awarded ...

PESHAWAR: The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced the salary deduction from public and semi-government employees to support people of the flood-affected region, ARY News reported. This decision aims to generate emergency funds for the flood relief and rehabilitation of the region affected by the recent monsoon flood, which not only damaged the infrastructure of the region but also claimed hundreds of lives. The process of salary deduction in KP will start from the August 2025 payroll. In an official notification, the Finance Department has announced that the officers in Grade 17 and above will donate their two days’ basic salary, while employees from Grades 1 to 16 will donate pay of one day as a contribution to the cause. The salary deduction in KP applies to all government, semi-government, and private sector employees. During a recent cabinet meeting on the aftermath of the flood across the province, the decision was approved, where the authorities st...

MUMBAI: India’s federal investigating agency said on Saturday it had opened a criminal case against industrialist Anil Ambani and his company Reliance Communications Ltd (RLCM.NS), opens new tab following a complaint by India’s largest bank about alleged fraud. State Bank of India alleged that Anil Ambani, the younger brother of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and Reliance Communications defrauded the bank, causing 30 billion Indian rupees ($344 million) of losses. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted search operations in Mumbai at Anil Ambani’s house and the offices of the now insolvent Reliance Communications, the agency said in a press statement. A spokesperson for Ambani told Reuters that the searches at his residence concluded early this afternoon. “Mr. Ambani strongly denies all allegations and charges, and will duly defend himself,” the spokesperson said. The agency said Anil Ambani and his company misused and diverted bank funds for purposes other than what w...

F1, the Movie starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem and inspired by the true story of Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes, was released on digital and video-on-demand this Friday. The racing film topped the box office in June, collecting around $600 million globally. “F1” is now Brad Pitt’s highest-grossing film to date. It sped past Pitt’s previous box office record, 2023’s “World War Z,” which grossed $540 million globally. Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes — a 1990s Formula 1 driver who gets into a career-threatening accident. Javier Bardem plays Ruben Cervantes, who convinces his former teammate to return to the track. “But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in Formula 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone,” an official synopsis said. Read More: Brad Pitt’s ‘F1: The Movie’ roars to top of Box Office Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Kim Bodnia also star in the high-o...

DHAKA: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with the political leadership of Bangladesh during his visit to the South Asian country. “As part of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s interaction with different political stakeholders, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and National Citizen Party (NCP),” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X. In a meeting with a delegation Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher, Naib Ameer, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and the recent developments. Ishq Dar lauded the courage and steadfastness of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists in the face of hardships and difficulties. In a meeting with a delegation of NCP, led by Mr Akhtar Hossain, Ishaq Dar appreciated the party leadership’s vision for reform and social justice. He emphasised the nee...

British rock band Coldplay is set to perform in a record-breaking 10 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium. Click here to read more Lifestyle stories Anticipation for their upcoming performances at England’s national football stadium has been building since Chris Martin teased the end of the band. The upcoming dates are part of Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour,’ the second-highest-grossing tour of all time after Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour.’ Coldplay will kick off the event with their performance on August 22, while the final performance will take place on September 8. Reports said that the doors of the venue will open for fans around 4:45pm (local time), with support act beginning at 6pm Coldplay’s act is likely to begin at around 8:20pm. The British rock band will perform on August 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 and 31, while the remaining four performances are scheduled for September 3, 4, 7 and 8.   View this post on Instagram ...

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has given a strong rebuttal in response to the Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s recent press conference, accusing him and the Sindh government of failing to deliver development funds to towns under JI and failing to control Karachi rain crises, ARY News reported. Following Murtaza Wahab’s recent press conference, JI also addressed the city’s emerging difficulties after rain, and claimed that the Sindh government is simply misleading the citizens. According to the JI’s spokesperson, the Sindh government’s OZT (Octroi and Zila Tax) are only allocated to employee salaries, and in the last two years, no development funds have been provided to their towns, which is simply an injustice. “The mayor has no clue what to do, and he is attempting to misguide the people of Sindh through propaganda”, he stated. The Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson added in his statement that taxpayers of Karachi get no return in terms of infrastructure improvements, highlighting the recent Karach...

PARIS: A French video streamer who died during a livestream after days of abuse by other streamers did not die as a result of trauma or the intervention of a third party, court authorities said. France has been rocked by the death of 46-year-old Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, who died during a livestream on Monday after enduring several days of violence and humiliation broadcast on platform Kick. The prosecutor of Nice in southern France, near where Graven died, said an autopsy showed no trace of traumatic injuries that could explain the death, and that the probable causes of death therefore appeared to be medical or toxicological in origin. Further analyses have been ordered to determine these causes, the prosecutor said, adding that Graven had cardiac issues and that he was undergoing medical treatment for his thyroid gland. In an interview with broadcaster franceinfo on Friday, Clara Chappaz, a junior minister for AI and digital technology, said that during som...

Hollywood actor Karen Gillan has joined Henry Cavill in the hotly anticipated remake of 1980s cult classic, ‘Highlander.’ Click here to read more Lifestyle stories Developed by Amazon MGM, the film is led by Cavill alongside Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, and Marisa Abela in key roles. Reports said that Karen Gillan will star as Heather, MacLeod’s (Henry Cavill) wife and the love of his life. Apart from Cavill and Gillan in the lead roles, Crowe is playing Ramirez, while Bautista will portray a warrior named The Kurgen. Marisa Abela will also star in an unspecified leading role. Directed by notable filmmaker Chad Stahelski, the ‘Highlander’ reboot is scheduled to begin principal photography in September later this year. Read more: Henry Cavill offers update on ‘Highlander’ reboot During an interview earlier this month, Henry Cavill revealed that the upcoming reboot was “taking all of [his] focus” during the summer. “Highlander! That is taking all of my focus. It’s a projec...

MOSCOW: Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters. The Russian president met Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday for the first Russia-U.S. summit in more than four years and spent almost all of their three-hour closed meeting discussing what a compromise on Ukraine might look like, according to the sources who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Speaking afterwards beside Trump, Putin said the meeting would hopefully open up the road to peace in Ukraine – but neither leader gave specifics about what they discussed. In the most detailed Russian-based reporting to date on Putin’s offer at the summit, Reuters was able to outline the contours of what the Kremlin would like to see in a possible peace deal to end a war that has killed and injured hund...

LAHORE: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has denied allegations that the Punjab government was involved in the alleged abduction of Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan. Responding to accusations made by Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Rana Sanaullah said, “Until proven, these are mere allegations, terming the claims ‘unfounded and politically motivated.’ The adviser clarified that the Punjab Police Chief has denied any arrest or involvement of law enforcement officials in the incident. Earlier, Aleema Khan alleged that plain-clothed individuals ‘broke’ into her home and abducted her son Shahrez. PTI’s Sheikh Waqas Akramaccused the Punjab government of ‘orchestrating’ the act. He also condemned the incident in the strongest terms and appealed to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to take suo motu notice of what he described as a ‘grave violation of human rights.’ from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/9w8WhLQ

LAHORE: Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, once resorted to a hunger strike inside jail to demand permission for a family meeting, her sister Maryam Riaz Wattoo claimed. Speaking during ARY News programme Eleventh Hour, Maryam Riaz Wattoo said Bushra Bibi was allowed to meet her family after a month of repeated requests. “The family was forced to wait outside the prison for hours before being allowed inside,” Bushra Bibi’s sister added. Maryam Riaz Wattoo claimed that Bushra Bibi continues to face harsh and unlawful conditions in jail, including a ‘leaking ceiling, live current in the electric board of her cell, rats roaming inside, and electricity cuts lasting up to two days’. “Bushra Bibi has become very weak and lost almost 15 kilograms of weight,” Maryam said and added that her sister’s morale, however, ‘remains intact’. Read More: ‘Separate kitchen, room cooler’: Court informed on Bushra Bibi’s jail facilities Maryam also alleged th...

KARACHI: Torrential rains lashed Karachi for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, causing urban flooding, road closures, prolonged power outages, and a landslide in Kati Pahari. Rainwater inundated major thoroughfares including Korangi Industrial Area Road, II Chundrigar Road, and Sultanabad, severely disrupting traffic flow. In Surjani Town, rescue teams had to use boats to transport a patient to hospital as roads remained impassable. Meteorological forecasts warned that the rain spell would likely persist through the night. Karachi Traffic Police confirmed that both tracks of Korangi Industrial Area Road were shut due to overflowing drains, while Korangi Causeway and EBM Causeway also remained closed. Shaheed-e-Millat, Drigh Road, Nazimabad No. 1 and No. 2 underpasses, along with Sohrab Goth underpass, were closed after heavy water accumulation. Authorities urged commuters to opt for alternative routes. Meanwhile, large swathes of the city were plunged into darkness, with ...

Texas legislators on Wednesday took up a new state congressional map intended to flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats in next year’s midterm elections, after dozens of Democratic lawmakers ended a two-week walkout that had temporarily blocked passage. Republican legislators, who have dominated Texas politics for over two decades, have undertaken a rare mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump, who is seeking to improve his party’s odds of preserving its narrow U.S. House of Representatives majority amid political headwinds. The map, which should easily pass the Texas House by a simple majority vote but will have to be reconciled with the state Senate’s version, has triggered a national redistricting war, with governors of both parties threatening to initiate similar efforts in other states. Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom is advancing an effort to redraw his state’s map to flip five Republican seats. Democratic-controlled California is the ...

KARACHI: Following heavy rainfall and stormy weather, a private flight from Islamabad to Karachi flight got diverted amid stormy weather, due to disruption in PIA operations, ARY News reported. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, a private airline flight from Islamabad to Karachi faced severe stormy weather, causing the pilot to abort landing in Karachi and return safely to Islamabad. According to sources, pilot of a private flight, ER-501 tried to land two times at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, but he could not do so amid severe weather conditions. Showing intelligence, thinking wisely and prioritising safety of passengers, the pilot informed travelers about the weather condition and flew the aircraft back to Islamabad. Recent reports indicate that, the flight has since landed safely back at Islamabad International Airport. Meanwhile, disruption in PIA operations occurred in Karachi due to heavy rainfall and stormy weather, causing cancellation of multiple flights, including K...

KARACHI: In the response to Karachi’s severe monsoon spell, which saw over 100 mm of rainfall across large areas of the city, K-Electric (KE) showed operational continuity by preserving electricity supply and quickly initiating restoration efforts despite partial flooding and traffic crowding. Karachi power restoration efforts continued undeterred despite significant waterlogging and congestion. Areas with high levels of stagnant water, particularly in low-lying zones, were particularly affected due to restricted access and safety risks for residents and field teams. Despite these challenges that saw around 800 out of over 2,100 feeders facing outage during the peak of the rain spell, KE teams remained deployed, prioritising restoration work as soon as conditions permitted. Key infrastructure, including power plants and grid stations, continued to function normally. KE management team remained in touch with the civic agencies and city’s administration, extending support and informa...

KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, due to alarming weather and heavy rain forecast in upcoming days, has announced a public holiday in Karachi for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, ARY News reported. The decision was made, following the predictions of heavy rainfall that could result in urban flooding in Karachi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued strict warning that rainstorm on Wednesday may surpass the rainfall of Tuesday, which already caused traffic disruption and partial flood in several areas. During a high-level emergency meeting after Tuesday’s heavy rain, CM Murad Ali Shah announced public holiday in Karachi, and advised citizens not to come out of their homes for their safety and highlighted that this break aims to maximise public safety and convenience. Rainfall in Karachi between 8 AM and 8 PM has different rain stats according to areas across Karachi, including 170 mm recorded in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, 158.5 mm in Old Airport, 152.8 mm i...

KARACHI: Heavy rains and severe weather conditions across Pakistan have caused an extensive internet disruption in Pakistan, causing the users and online businesses inconveniences, ARY News reported. On Tuesday evening, users across Pakistan, including Karachi, faced extensive connectivity issues, with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) services facing major disruptions. The internet disruption in Pakistan affected both online and call services, causing problems to individuals and businesses relying on digital platforms. According to the reports from major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar, slow or no browsing speed, connection disruptions and outage in online services have been frequently highlighted. Online workers and business personnel expressed frustration over the unavailability of essential online applications and platforms. IT and Telecom Minister, Shaza Fatima accepted the issue, stating that professional officials are i...

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would “help out” Europe in providing security for Ukraine as part of any deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as he and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy began a hastily arranged White House meeting to discuss a path to peace. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office with Zelenskiy seated beside him, Trump also expressed hope that Monday’s summit could eventually lead to a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he believes Putin wants the war to end. Zelenskiy and a group of European leaders arrived in Washington facing increased pressure from Trump to reach a resolution to end the war on terms more favorable to Moscow, after Trump and Putin met in Alaska on Friday for nearly three hours. “We need to stop this war, to stop Russia and we need support – American and European partners,” Zelenskiy told reporters. Trump greeted Zelenskiy outside the White House, shaking his hand and...

European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a Monday visit to Washington to see President Donald Trump in a collective bid to find a way to end to Moscow’s invasion, with the US offering security guarantees for Kyiv. The meeting follows a summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that failed to yield any breakthrough on an immediate ceasefire that the US leader had been pushing for. Trump, who pivoted afterwards to say he was now seeking a peace deal, on Sunday posted “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating. Trump’s Russia envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that Trump and Putin had agreed in their summit on “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine. But Zelensky, on a Brussels visit on Sunday hosted by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, rejected the idea of Russia offering his country security guarantees. “What President Trump said about security guarantees is much more ...

KARACHI: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) confirmed that Pakistan’s newly launched remote sensing satellite has successfully reached orbit and is performing optimally. The satellite was launched on July 31, 2025, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China. Following deployment, it established stable communication with ground stations and has begun transmitting high-resolution images for national use. According to SUPARCO, the satellite’s advanced imaging capabilities will support urban planning, infrastructure development, and regional monitoring, while also helping track urban sprawl and development trends. Officials said the system will significantly strengthen natural disaster management, providing timely data to support rapid response during floods, landslides, earthquakes, and other hazards. It will also aid environmental protection efforts, including monitoring glacier melt, deforestation, and climate change indicators, and is expecte...

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday announced a one-day extension in the deadline for submitting applications under the government’s Hajj 2026 scheme. According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, designated banks will continue receiving applications on Monday, August 18, under the “first-come, first-served” policy. He said that more than 110,000 applications have been received over the past 12 days, while around 7,000 seats remain vacant under the official Hajj quota. The spokesperson clarified that the extension applies only to bank submissions, as the online portal will close at midnight on August 16 and will not reopen. He further added that once all available seats are filled, the receipt of applications will be stopped immediately. This year’s government Hajj 2026 scheme offers two options: a long package of 38–42 days and a short package of 20–25 days. Read more: Hajj 2026: 2nd phase of receiving applications begins Th...

Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique has been impressed by the improvement his players have shown after one week of training following a busy summer when they finished as Club World Cup runners-up and believes they can retain the Champions League. PSG had only a few training sessions before beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, with Luis Enrique praising his team’s fighting spirit as they begin the quest for a fifth Ligue 1 title in a row. “I like the way the team fought in the European Super Cup, with little training. That has been the DNA of this team in recent seasons, fighting all the time,” he told reporters on the eve of the visit to Nantes for his side’s league opener. “What we want now is to get our feel for the ball back … at the moment it’s normal not to be at 100%.” Luis Enrique, who has won back-to-back league titles at PSG, previously led Barcelona to two LaLiga trophies in a row but fell short of a hat-trick. The 55-year-old s...

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday announced new petrol and diesel prices for the next fortnight, ARY News reported. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol will remain unchanged at Rs264.61 per litre, while high-speed diesel has been reduced by Rs12.84 per litre to Rs272.99. Petrol Price in Pakistan- Latest Updates The notification further stated that the price of kerosene oil has been cut by Rs7.19 per litre, bringing it down to Rs178.27, while light diesel has been reduced by Rs8.20 per litre to Rs162.37. Petrol Price in Pakistan Today Prices w.e.f 16-August-2025 Fuel Type Old Price New Price Difference Petrol (Super) PKR 264.61 264.61 0 High Speed Diesel PKR 285.83 272.99 12.84 Light Speed Diesel PKR 170.57 PKR 162.37 8.20 Kerosene Oil PKR 185.46 PKR 178.27  7.19   Read More: Petrol, diesel levy ‘increased’ by Rs 2.50/liter in Pakistan Earlier, the government raised the petrol...

KARACHI: Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves stood at $19.49 billion on a weekly basis as of August 8, ARY News reported on Friday, citing the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Pakistan’s reserves held by the SBP increased by $11 million during the week ended on August 8 to reach US$ 14.24 billion, the central bank said in a statement. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at US$5.25 billion after a decrease of $10 million “During the week ended on 08-Aug-2025, SBP reserves increased by US$ 11 million to US$14,243.2 million,” the SBP said in a statement. Read More: PSX continues downward trend, KSE-100 Index loses 37 points Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) stayed bearish as its benchmark KSE-100 Index lost 37.67 points, a slight negative change of 0.03 percent in comparison with the last trading day. The KSE-100 Index of the PSX closed at 146,491.63 points against 146,529.31 points on Wednesday, the last trading day. ...

KARACHI: The Karachi Police arrested more than 90 suspects for aerial firing during Independence Day celebrations that proved fatal, ARY News reported, citing officials. According to a police spokesperson, a total of 68 illegal weapons were also recovered from the suspects, and more than 100 cases have been registered. According to police, further cases of murder and attempted murder are also being lodged against those involved. It is to be noted here that Independence Day celebrations in Karachi turned tragic as celebratory aerial firing claimed at least three lives and injured 82 people. According to police, the incidents were reported across the city, with 30 injuries in East Zone, 43 in West Zone, and 12 in South Zone. Read More: Karachi Independence Day aerial firing leaves three dead, 82 injured In Azizabad, an eight-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a bullet to the head. In separate incidents in Korangi and Lyari, elderly men died after being shot in the ...