KARACHI: The Sindh government has officially declared a two-day public holiday on April 20 and 21, 2025, ARY News reported.According to details, the holidays have been announced in connection with Easter celebrations.A formal notification was issued by the Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department (SGA&CD) confirming the holiday for all relevant departments.In addition to the holidays, the Sindh government has also directed early disbursement of salaries for Christian government employees, allowing them to prepare for the Easter festivities.The Christian community across the province has warmly welcomed the announcement.Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Anthony Naveed, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the holidays and advance salary disbursement. He called it a thoughtful gesture of inclusion and respect.Read More: Ten holidays announced for colleges, universities Easter is a joyful occasion marked by special church services, prayers, and gatherings. Families come together to celebrate with festive meals, and many take part in Easter egg hunts—a tradition symbolizing new life. In many countries, Easter is also a public holiday, allowing people to reflect, rest, and spend time with loved ones. It is a time not only for religious observance but also for spreading kindness and sharing blessings. Based on the 2023 Pakistan Census, Christians comprise about 1.37 percent of Pakistan's population and number over 3.3 million Christians within a population of roughly 241 million.Some church leaders suggest that figure is low, estimating the Christian population may be as high as 5 million, with at least 3.5 million in Punjab province alone and a significant population in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincesChristmas (December 25) is a general holiday for everybody, coinciding with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birthday, with a discretionary holiday on December 26 for Christians.Easter has discretionary holidays for Christians on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with Easter Sunday already being a holiday. 

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Saturday issued a special traffic plan in view of the movement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams, ensuring extraordinary security arrangements and temporary diversions on key city roads.An ITP official stated that the special security measures have been enforced today at various times on Faizabad, Express Highway, Club Road, 9th Avenue, and Srinagar Highway.He said a security route will be placed from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., while additional measures will be taken between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. tonight.He said traffic flow may be temporarily affected due to the route, and commuters might experience delays. Citizens have been advised to use the service roads linked to Express Highway and Srinagar Highway during this period.He said travelers heading towards Blue Area, Sector F-6, and F-7 should use the H-8 underpass, while those going to the Red Zone and Serena Hotel are advised to use Margalla Road, Jinnah Avenue, Aabpara Chowk, and Nadra Chowk.He said commuters heading towards Bari Imam should use Nadra Chowk, and those traveling to sectors I and H should take Rawalpindi Peshawar Road and IJP Road via the service roads.He said heavy traffic will not be allowed to enter Islamabad during the movement of PSL teams.He said Murree Road from Serena to Faizabad via Rawal Dam will remain closed during team movement.Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider said that traffic officers have been deployed at various points in the capital to assist citizens and ensure smooth flow.He urged citizens to plan their travel with an additional 20-minute margin to avoid inconvenience and contact the ITP helpline 1915 in case of any assistance.He added that the ITP’s social media platforms are also providing real-time updates about traffic routes for the public’s convenience.

FAISALABAD: The Federal government has strongly condemned the recent attacks and vandalism targeting US fast food chain outlets, pledging strict action against those involved, ARY News reported on Saturday.The government's response comes after a series of attacks on US fast food chains, sparking concerns about the safety of foreign businesses and investors in Pakistan.Speaking at a media briefing in Faisalabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry warned that those responsible for the attacks will be dealt with as terrorists.He emphasised that attacks on foreign food chains are intolerable and that the state is fully committed to ensuring the protection of foreign nationals and their businesses.Chaudhry condemned the spreading of hate against any business, citing that one of the attacks had led to the death of an employee in Sheikhupura.He reported that nearly 20 attacks had occurred nationwide, including two incidents in Islamabad, which resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals. These suspects have expressed remorse and issued apologies for their actions.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkTYf7TnYBMThe minister also highlighted that the foreign food chain in question had invested over 100 million dollars in Pakistan, and stressed that protecting such investments is the government’s responsibility. He further reassured that no investor would be left without proper security.Read more: Man dies in firing over foreign food outlet in SheikhupuraChaudhry also clarified that all religious and political parties had distanced themselves from these incidents, making it clear that no religious party was involved in organising them.He further reiterated Pakistan’s clear stance on Palestine, saying that we stand firmly with Palestine as a responsible nation, highlighting that Palestinian students are studying in Pakistan.

KARACHI: Police has released a new footage showing the prime suspect in Mustafa Amir case Armaghan Qureshi firing shots at police during the first raid conducted at his house where he allegedly ran a call-center, ARY News reported.As per details, the video revealed Armaghan firing twice at police, using a ladder before retreating into a room.In previous development, police produced prime accused Armaghan before the Judicial Magistrate-South’s court for confessional statement in Mustafa Amir murder case hearing.The accused refused to confess the crime after which the court dismissed petition for confessional statement under section 164.Court said that the statement under 164 could not be recorded owing to the mental condition of the accused.Armaghan in his statement said that he killed Mustafa Amir over personal dispute. “I didn’t pre-plan the murder,” he said. “It was a sudden act,” Armaghan stated.“You will be sent to jail if you confess the crime or not,” the court said.“I don’t want confess any crime,” accused Armaghan said. “Police has used ‘black magic’ on me, owing to which I feel pain in the body,” accused said.Also read: Mustafa Amir case: Israeli-made rifle recovered from Armaghan“I didn’t kill Mustafa Amir, left him in the car only to set the front portion of the vehicle on fire,” he said. “I had left the matter of Mustafa Amir to God,” he said.After a while, accused said that he didn’t directly kill the victim. “It was in his fate to die, I had a little part in it,” Armaghan added.Mustafa Amir murder Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 06.According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.The case has garnered widespread attention, with recent updates shedding light on the prime suspect, Armaghan. Investigators have uncovered details regarding his business dealings, digital currency accounts, and other activities.

As of April 19, 2025, the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) remains one of the most powerful currencies, trading at 744.50 Pakistani Rupees (PKR).This recent exchange rate mirrors the continuous economic variations in both Bahrain and Pakistan. But what contributes to this valuation? Let’s analyze it.What Makes the Bahraini Dinar So Strong Against the PKR?The high worth of the Bahraini Dinar is supported by Bahrain’s strong economy, which flourishes from oil exports, financial services, and a consistent monetary policy. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) links the dinar to the US Dollar (USD) at a fixed rate of 1 BHD = 2.659 USD, which ensures stability.Conversely, the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) encounters challenges from inflation, trade deficits, and political instability, leading to its depreciation against prominent currencies such as the BHD. The exchange rate between BHD and PKR is shaped by:Oil Prices – Bahrain’s economy gains from elevated oil prices, bolstering the dinar. Pakistan’s Import Dependency – Increased import costs heighten dollar demand, weakening the PKR.Foreign Reserves – Pakistan’s declining reserves exert pressure on the rupee.What Are the Implications for Expats and Traders?For Pakistani expatriates in Bahrain, a stronger dinar translates to increased value for remittances when transferring money back home. However, importers in Pakistan must deal with heightened expenses for goods from Bahrain. Investors keep an eye on these trends to make the most of currency exchanges.A Brief Overview of Both CurrenciesBahraini Dinar (BHD): The currency of Bahrain, launched in 1965, and recognized as one of the world’s highest-valued currencies due to Bahrain’s solid economy.Pakistani Rupee (PKR): Pakistan’s currency, overseen by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), frequently affected by inflation, fiscal measures, and global economic changes. DOLLAR RATE TODAY IN PAKISTAN- LIVE

ISLAMABAD: The Met Office on Saturday forecast rainfall with wind/hailstorms in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan on Saturday and Sunday (April 19-20).Heavy rainfall with hailstorm is expected at some places, the Met Office cautioned in its weather report.Met office cautioned that the rough weather conditions could damage electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels etc.Heatwave conditions are continuing in southern parts of the country with maximum temperature 42 Celsius recorded at Nawabshah in Sindh. Mercury soared to 41 Celsius at Dadu and Larkana, 40 C at Jacobabad, Sukkur and Ghotki, 39 Celsius at Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur and 37 C in Lahore.Maximum temperature in Karachi recorded 35 Celsius which was 'feel-like' 38 Celsius.Yesterday maximum temperature 47 Celsius recorded at Dadu, Sibi and Shaheed Benazirabad, while 46 Celsius at Khanpur, Padidan, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

RAWALPINDI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday canceled the interim bail of 15 PTI individuals, in cases related to the November 26 protests.The court took the decision after the accused failed to appear before the judge despite repeated notices. ATC Judge, Amjad Ali Shah conducted the court hearing.According to the details, among those affected are Sanam Javaid, Mishal Yusufzai, Raja Basharat, Sami Ibrahim, Javed Kausar, Seemabia Tahir, Timur Masood and others.Cases were registered against the accused at various police stations in Rawalpindi and Attock.The prosecutor Zahir Shah opposed their exemption applications and argued that the accused had been wrongfully exploiting judicial leniency for four months, failing to appear before the court and deliberately obstructed the investigation process.The court ruled that the defendants had not properly followed legal procedures, leading to the cancellation of their bail.Read More: PTI founder’s sisters taken into custodyThe cases stem from last year’s November 26 demonstrations, where protesters were charged under anti-terrorism laws.Earlier today, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Chief Organiser for Punjab, Aliya Hamza, was arrested along with six party workers in Rawalpindi.Aliya Hamza was taken into custody from a workers’ convention within the jurisdiction of the Airport police station. PTI workers reportedly resisted the arrest.Following her detention, Aliya Hamza was moved to the Women’s Police Station, while the other workers were shifted to the Airport Police Station.An FIR has been filed against all seven individuals, accusing them of interfering in government affairs, blocking roads, and throwing stones at police officers.Speaking to the media, PTI leader Seemabia Tahir claimed that authorities are not allowing anyone to meet Aliya Hamza.

FAISALABAD: A special court has sentenced the main accused in the Jaranwala riots case to death for blasphemy, ARY News reported on Saturday.After a two-year trial, the court found Pervaiz guilty of blasphemy. In addition to the death sentence, he was also sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 3.5 million.The special court acquitted the other two accused, Shahid Aftab and Dawood William, in the case.Pervaiz Masih had attempted to frame his two rivals, a father and son from his own community, by placing their photographs alongside torn pages from the Quran, creating the false impression that they had desecrated the holy book.The incident sparked widespread unrest in Jaranwala, leading to a mob attack that vandalized multiple churches and set fire to homes belonging to the Christian community in Faisalabad.Read More: PM vows to bring Jaranwala incident culprits to justiceThe then Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar vowed that perpetrators of the Jaranwala incident will be brought to justice to prevent such acts in the future.The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian community that called on him. Caretaker Minister for Human Rights Khalil George and other relevant authorities were also present during the meeting.Speaking on the occasion, PM Kakar reiterated that minorities enjoyed equal rights in Pakistan and assured them of complete protection of their rights and security.The prime minister said that responsible for Jaranwala incident would be made an example so that certain incidents would not occur in future.He also asked the minorities to give proposals of their issues and problems to the government so that these could be resolved.The prime minister also called upon all the segments of society to play their role in the elimination of extremism.

Islamabad: The deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will undertake a two-day official visit to Pakistan starting tomorrow.According to the Foreign Office, this high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.It also underscores the two countries' shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.The Foreign Office Spokesperson said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 20-21 April 2025.The high-level visit reflected the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, and underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, he remarked.Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, Ambassador Olivier J. P Nduhungirehe will also be visiting Pakistan from Monday.He is undertaking two-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.Read More: ‘Pakistan-UAE trade surges past $10b as remittances near $7b’Earlier, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Tirmizi said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE exceeded US$10.9 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24, including both in goods and services.In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he also disclosed that remittances from the Pakistani community in the UAE reached $6.7 billion in 2024, which are expected to surpass $7 billion in 2025.“These figures reflect not only the strength of our economic partnership, but also the vital role played by the Pakistani diaspora in supporting the national economy,” the ambassador stated.According to Ambassador Tirmizi, goods trade in 2023–24 reached $8.41 billion, with Pakistan’s exports rising by 41.06 percent to $2.08 billion, while imports from the UAE declined by 14.45 percent to $6.33 billion, resulting in a 28.28 percent reduction in the trade deficit. In the services sector, total trade stood at $2.56 billion, marking a 20.54 percent year-on-year increase.

ISLAMABAD: The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, will head a distinguished delegation to the 20th Conference of Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts of SCO Member States, scheduled in Hangzhou, China, from April 22 to 26, 2025.Accompanying the Chief Justice will be Mr. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed, and two judges of the district judiciary: Mr. Zafar Jan, District and Sessions Judge Gwadar, the remotest district of Balochistan, and Ms. Nadia Gul Wazir, Senior Civil Judge District Lakhi Marwat, a remote district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said a press release here on Saturday.Their participation underscores Justice Yahya Afridi commitment of inclusivity within the judicial system as well ownership of judicial officers performing duty at way off places.During this significant event, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Supreme People’s Court of China.This MoU aims to significantly enhance bilateral judicial cooperation by establishing institutional linkages, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and promoting knowledge exchange in critical areas, including international commercial law, arbitration, cybercrime, financial crime, climate change litigation, and judicial technology integration.Moreover, the MoU seeks to deepen collaboration in dispute resolution, recognition and enforcement of judicial decisions, and mutual legal assistance in civil matters, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations towards judicial independence, sovereignty, and adherence to the rule of law.Hon’ble Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed will deliver a keynote speech titled “Judicial Application of Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting AI’s transformative potential to enhance judicial efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.Justice Waheed will discuss Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives, including AI-driven legal drafting in collaboration with global institutions such as ETH Zurich, advanced AI-based legal research tools, digitization of court records, and predictive analytics for ensuring consistent judicial outcomes.He will underscore the ethical framework necessary for AI integration, focusing on transparency, human oversight, bias mitigation, data protection, judicial training, accountability and establishing an AI Ethics Committee within Supreme Court of Pakistan to oversee the responsible and transparent application of AI technologies.Additionally, on the sidelines of the SCO Conference, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi will hold bilateral discussions with the Chief Justice of Iran, exploring ways to deepen judicial exchanges and collaborative engagements. This interaction underscores Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening international judicial cooperation.Following the SCO conference, Chief Justice Afridi will proceed to Istanbul at the special invitation of Mr. Kadir Özkaya, President of the Constitutional Court of Türkiye, to attend the 63rd Anniversary celebrations of the Turkish Constitutional Court from April 24 to 27, 2025.This visit is expected to enhance judicial cooperation and deepen the ties between the judicial institutions of Pakistan and Türkiye.The Supreme Court of Pakistan anticipates these engagements will significantly contribute to judicial efficiency and improved access to justice, yielding mutual benefits for the judicial systems and citizens of the participating nations.

ISLAMABAD: A woman and her daughter were killed on the spot while another critically injured after a horrified collision between a dumper and motorcycle in Chiniot on wee hours of Saturday.According to details, rescue 1122 said the accident occurred at the Sargodha Road near bypass where a rashly driven dumper hit a motorcycle, killing a woman and her daughter on the spot and injuring another person, private news channel reported.Police and rescue teams reached the spot after being informed and shifted the dead and injured to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.Earlier, a trailer crushed two youth to death in the old city area near Boulton Market in the wee hours of Sunday, police said.Infuriated people tried to beat the trailer driver Abid Ali, but the police saved and taken him into custody.The deceased youth identified as Noor Muhammad and Zahid were residents of the Usmanabad area of Lyari, police said.Police have registered a case of traffic mishap against trailer driver for reckless driving at Meethadar police station.Read More: Karachi’s Dumpers: A Symptom of Neglect, Not PoliticsIt is to be mentioned here that 11 heavy vehicles were set ablaze by angry mobs recently after an incident in North Karachi.Later a citizen Adnan was hit to death by a trailer at Vita Chowrangi. He was security superviser at a private company.Another incident took place at Mansehra Colony in Landhi where a trailer killed a motorbike rider Masood Khan 25. Police arrested trailer driver after the incident.Heavy vehicles, dumpers, trailers, water tankers and trucks have claimed several lives in the port city of Karachi in recent months and weeks resulting in public anger and frustration.City authorities failed to provide road safety to citizens of the metropolis, where the lack of proper public transport system, people mostly use two wheelers to commute for offices, markets and workplace.

KARACHI: The PTI has filed a petition in Sindh High Court on Saturday challenging amendments to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations 2002. Earlier, the court had clubbed similar petitions of Jamaat Islami and Pasban with a previous petition from citizens. The Secretary Local Government and the DG Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have been made respondents in the petition. PTI petitioned that the March 13 amendment notification by the DG SBCA in regulations has been unlawful. "The amendment further overburden the city's infrastructure," PTI lawyer Ghulam Mohyddin argued."The court should declare the notification as unlawful and declare it as void," the lawyer pleaded.PTI leader Khurram Sherzaman talking to media termed the amendment in rules a conspiracy against the city when its infrastructure has already been destroyed.He demanded from the PPP to take back the amendment in building rules.In an earlier petition from citizens challenging the amendment in building regulations, they pleaded to declare the impugned amendment ultra vires to the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979 (SBCO) and other relevant laws as well as without lawful authority and of no legal effect.The lawyer argued that the SBCA had abruptly and without any lawful authority amended the definition of various regulations of KBTPR by substituting the meaning of ‘amenity plot’, ‘commercial’ and ‘residential uses’.He argued that such an amendment was against the very definition of “residential uses” and would practically lead to conversion of a residential property into a commercial one without fulfilment of any requirements for change of land use as provided in the 2002 rules.

RAWALPINDI: The 8th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition was conducted at Kharian Garrison, ARY News reported quoting ISPR.The sixty hours long rigorous patrolling exercise was aimed at enhancing combat skills through sharing of innovative ideas and experiences by the participants.Seven teams from Pakistan Army along with a team from Pakistan Navy and fifteen teams from friendly countries participated in the exercise.The exercise was conducted in the semi mountainous terrain of Punjab. Over the years, the exercise has gained much prominence as a very competitive professional military activity for the friendly countries.Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony appreciated the participating teams for their professionalism, physical and mental endurance and high moral displayed during various stages of the exercise.General Asim Munir said Pakistan Army upholds rich soldierly attributes of character, courage and competence which has been amply displayed by our men in the face of fight against terrorism.Read more: Pakistan Army vows to thwart foreign-backed destabilisation efforts in BalochistanEarlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir vowed that as long as the public stands with the Pakistan Army, no one can harm the country.In a powerful and spirited address at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention, COAS paid glowing tribute to the contributions of Pakistanis living abroad.COAS Asim Munir praised the overseas community as “not just ambassadors, but a light that illuminates the world.” He said that those promoting the narrative of “brain drain” must understand this is, in fact, “brain gain.”The Army Chief also addressed key national and global issues during his speech. Commenting on the Balochistan situation, COAS Munir vowed that “not even ten generations of terrorists can destabilize Balochistan or Pakistan.”Highlighting the sanctity of state institutions, he stated that “those who incite rebellion within security institutions are enemies of Pakistan.” He reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the armed forces and the people, asserting, “As long as the public stands with the Pakistan Army, no harm can come to the country.”

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Chief Organiser for Punjab, Aliya Hamza, was arrested along with six party workers in Rawalpindi, ARY News reported on Saturday.Aliya Hamza was taken into custody from a workers’ convention within the jurisdiction of the Airport police station. PTI workers reportedly resisted the arrest.Following her detention, Aliya Hamza was moved to the Women’s Police Station, while the other workers were shifted to the Airport Police Station.An FIR has been filed against all seven individuals, accusing them of interfering in government affairs, blocking roads, and throwing stones at police officers.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLKphfJHgGESpeaking to the media, PTI leader Seemabia Tahir claimed that authorities are not allowing anyone to meet Aliya Hamza.Read More: PTI founder’s sisters taken into custodyEarlier, several PTI leaders including sisters of party founder Imran Khan had been taken into custody near Adiala Jail after gathering to demand a meeting with the imprisoned former prime minister, ARY News reported.[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AQNjpucgNRpJ_CZGJdPnzKIej4-hPf4hFpaM5zOCiOMqvMrw9fPrcB-vkBpClzuMQkbU16LhQrzjFCpW_0VNA0Jd.mp4"][/video]The PTI leaders and three sisters of Imran Khan were present at the under-construction plaza on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi.Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub, Niazullah Niazi, Ahmed Bachar, Zartaj Gul, Sunni Ittehad Council chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and other leaders were also taken into custody.The PTI leaders were taken into custody and released after some time.

QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted a successful operation in Balochistan’s Dukki, ARY News reported quoting CTD.As per details, the operation killing five terrorists was carried out at Dukki’s Dabar mountain, targeting members of a banned organization involved in attacks on coal mines, security forces, and civilians.Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed satisfaction with the security forces’ efforts, emphasizing that state institutions are fully mobilized to combat terrorism.He vowed to thwart any attempts to destabilize Balochistan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining peace and progress in the province at all costs.It is important to mention here that unidentified assailants broke into a shop in Iran’s Sistan province late at night and killed eight Pakistani workers.According to security sources, the attackers tied the victims’ hands and feet before shooting them dead, in what authorities described as a premeditated terrorist attack rather than a random crime.Read more: ‘Not even ten generations of terrorists can destablise Balochistan’, vows COAS MunirSecurity sources alleged that banned Baloch terrorist groups, known to have safe havens in Iran, were behind the brutal killings.The incident raised serious questions about Iran’s ability to curb terrorist activities within its borders, with sources claiming the country has failed to control such groups.This is not the first such attack in the region. In January last year, terrorists killed several Pakistani laborers in Sistan.Previously, Pakistan targeted terrorists in the region during Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar, eliminating several threats. Pakistan launched a series of air and artillery strikes inside Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, targeting Baloch separatist groups, codenamed Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar by Pakistan.

LAHORE: Young doctors in Punjab have announced shutdown of outpatient departments (OPDs) across the province, ARY News reported.As per details, OPDs at Children's Hospital and General Hospitals in Lahore have stopped functioning, while other government hospitals in the city continue to operate their OPDs.Hospitals like Jinnah, Mayo, and Services Hospital are among those that remain operational. The decision comes after the Grand Health Alliance protesters were dispersed by police yesterday.Read more: CM Maryam laments lack of medications in Jinnah Hospital LahoreEarlier, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz visited Jinnah Hospital Lahore in response to numerous complaints from patients regarding the medical emergency department.During her inspection, she expressed strong dissatisfaction over the shortage of essential medications and inadequacies in emergency healthcare services. Engaging directly with patients, she gathered firsthand accounts of their struggles and concerns.This visit aligns with the broader healthcare reforms initiated by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who recently conducted surprise inspections at Jinnah Hospital and Lahore Children’s Hospital to assess service standards and ensure improvements in public healthcare facilities.

SEHWAN: Sindh's chief minister on Saturday said that the canal project will be rejected before the budget and the PPP will get this happened."In presence of the PPP no one can dare to conspire against Sindh," Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said while talking to media at Bhan Saeedabad.He said everyone in Sindh has right to protest against canals, "We didn't stop anyone from it".Sindh chief minister said he arranged a survey over the canals, " the work has been stopped".He said as chief minister he has strongly presented Sindh's stance before the federal government,"We accessed the Council of Common Interest (CCI) against the canals.""The canals agenda has been removed from the ECNEC session after our protest," he said.He said the PML-N people falsified about canals. They later apologized over over misstatements over canals," CM said.He said the People's Party will hold another public meeting against canals in Sukkur on April 25.

ISLAMABAD: An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted major cities in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ARY News reported quoting PMD.According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicenter was located in the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, with a depth of 94 kilometers.Tremors were felt in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Lower Dir, Mansehra, Haripur, Abbottabad, Swabi, Swat, Sargodha, Chiniot, Kotli in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, and surrounding areas.In Punjab, cities including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pindi Bhattian, and Toba Tek Singh also experienced the quake. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were recorded.On April 12, an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted Islamabad and cities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said that tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi Swat, Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, Lakki Marwat and other KP cities.The tremors were also felt in Karak, Chiniot, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala. Sangla Hill, Safdarabad, Pindi Battian and Attock.Read More: Myanmar earthquake toll crosses 3,000; heat and rains fuel disease risk“The center of earthquake was in the north west of Rawalpindi and depth was 12 kilometers. Following the tremors, people came out of their houses in fear by reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba.However, no loss of life or property was reported in its wake.It is important to note here that, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century, jolted a region home to 28 million, toppling buildings such as hospitals, flattening communities and leaving many without food, water and shelter.

KARACHI: The goods transporters on Saturday announced to end their strike after successful talks with the Sindh government as work started at Karachi Port, Port Qasim and at various container terminals.Cargo clearance and loading, unloading work started at ports after an agreement of transporters with the government.Tariq Gujjar, a representative of the striking transporters, in a media statement said that the transporters and the government intend to prevent road accidents in city. "An immediate upgradation of 15,000 vehicles is impossible," President Transport Goods Association said."We were demanding time for up-gradation of the vehicles," Gujjar said.The government has assured releasing detained vehicles, he said. "Transporters will submit report on weekly basis about the upgraded vehicles," he added.Transporters strike entered its third day at Karachi Port against Sindh government’s crackdown on vehicles lacking fitness certificates.Protesting transporters parked their vehicles at warehouses and truck stands across Karachi, disrupting the supply chain of imported goods.The government had launched a crackdown on unfit vehicles across the province after rampant road accidents involving heavy vehicles.According to reports, over 260 people have lost their lives in road accidents in Karachi in 2025 so far.

KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level engagement.Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Saturday called on Acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund in Kabul.“Both sides exchanged views on key issues of mutual interest, including security, trade and transit cooperation, and explored ways to enhance people-to-people contacts,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.Reaffirming the commitment to continued engagement, both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges to further strengthen the relations between the two brotherly countries.Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabul for a day-long visit, at the invitation of Acting Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.He was welcomed at the airport by the dignitaries of Afghan government, including Minister for Finance and Administration MoFA Dr.Mohammad Naeem Wardag, DG MoFA Mufti Noor Ahmad, Chief of State Protocol Faisal Jalali.Mohammad Ishaq Dar also engaged in extensive discussions with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.“The discussions encompassed a comprehensive range of topics pertaining to bilateral relations, underscoring the need to devise strategies for enhancing cooperation across diverse areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, transit, connectivity, and people to people contacts,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement.The deputy prime minister emphasised the paramount importance of addressing all pertinent issues, particularly those related to security and border management, in order to fully realise the potential for regional trade and connectivity.Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level engagement.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5GIr0szUX0 Read More: Pakistan bans jobs, accommodation for illegal Afghan immigrantsA day earlier, Pakistan imposed a comprehensive ban on providing accommodation, employment, renting properties for business purposes, and hotel stays to Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country, ARY News reported on Friday.Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry warned that strict action would be taken against individuals or entities found assisting undocumented Afghan immigrants.“There will be no extension of stay for Afghan immigrants without a valid passport and visa,” he asserted. “There is now zero tolerance for undocumented Afghan nationals.”Sharing deportation figures, Chaudhry revealed that since April 1, 2025, a total of 84,869 Afghan citizens have been deported. Among them, 25,320 Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) holders, while the remaining 59,549 had no official documentation.He added that since the beginning of the one-document policy, a total of 907,351 Afghan nationals have been repatriated.The minister noted that Afghan immigrants awaiting repatriation are being housed at transit points where they are provided with medical care, shelter, transport, and security.