KARACHI: The business community on Wednesday advised Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to ‘shake hands’ with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to ensure economic stability in the country, ARY News reported.The suggestion was extended during business community’s meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a day-long visit to Karachi. The visit is Shehbaz’s first to Karachi since assuming the prime minister’s office in early March.During the meeting, prominent businessman Arif Habib credited the prime minister restoring investors’ confidence on stabilisation measures as Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged past 72,000 points mark.The Pakistan Stock Exchange's (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index shot up to 72,335.89 points — 976.49 points or 1.37% higher than previous close of 71,359.41 points. However, the benchmark index closed at 72,051.89 after gaining 692.49 points or 0.97%.Meanwhile, Arif Habib noted that PM Shehbaz Sharif has already formed alliances with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and other political groups.He suggested the prime minister to extend a hand of friendship two more times – one with neighbouring countries, including India, and the second with PTI founder Imran Khan.Arif Habib extended this proposal to PM Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for political unity to address Pakistan's economic challenges.Read More: PM Shehbaz assures Sindh CM of solving funds release, other issuesSpeaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that he doesn’t want to take credit for the ‘positive things’ happening in the country. “I believe we should take advantage of the opportunities we are getting”, he said, adding that the country’s priority should be exports and growth.PM Shehbaz vowed that the ongoing privatisation process would be ‘extremely transparent’. He also invited foreign companies to participate in the privatization process.“The government's role is to provide policy support, not to run industries’, he said, adding that it was time to move away from a ‘rent-seeking mindset’ and focus on hard work.Earlier in the day, the prime minister visited Mazar-i-Quaid, where he laid a floral wreath and offered fateha (prayer).

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)—a coalition party in the federal government—demanded a long-term strategic master plan for Karachi from the centre, ARY News reported.According to the details, the MQM-P delegation called on Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ashan Iqbal and tabled a list of complaints regarding the lack of civic facilities in the city.The MQM-P’s spokesman said in a statement that the party asked the federal government to complete major uplift projects in Karachi including K-IV designed to provide 650 million gallons of water to the city daily at the earliest.The MQM-P delegation comprising Senior Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Syed Aminul Haq, Javed Hanif and Syed Hafeezud Din informed the federal minister about the acute shortage of water in Karachi.The MQM-P, a coalition party in the federal government, maintained that Karachi is the biggest city and economic hub of Pakistan, yet ‘deprived’ of transportation facilities.The delegation also asked the government to complete other development projects including Green Line Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Karachi Circular Railway at the earliest.Read More: PM Sharif assures Sindh CM of solving funds release, other issuesThe party spokesperson said that Ashan Iqbal endorsed the MQM-P’s position on Karachi's economic importance.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif held a one-to-one meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at CM’s House in Karachi and discussed issues relating to development works in the province. The premier landed in Karachi early on Wednesday morning on a day-long visit.CM Murad complained about a shortage of funds worth Rs82 billion from the federal government. He also raised the issue of non-provision of funds for the construction of houses for the flood victims in the province.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to adopt a fixed sales tax on services for lawyers and customs agents instead of a percentage, ARY News reported.The decision was taken in a meeting held on Wednesday between Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam and Director General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority Fouzia Iqbal.It was decided that KPRA will send recommendations to the Advisor for Finance to switch lawyers and customs agents from a percentage regime of sales tax on services to fixed rates to make necessary amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sales Tax on Services Act 2022 in the upcoming budget for the next financial year.The decision has been taken to provide an easy way for the customs agents and lawyers to efficiently pay their sales tax on services.It was decided that rates for the fixed tax will be adopted as per the recommendations sent by the KPRA team to the finance department for the budget.The lawyers will be allowed to submit their one-time fixed sales tax on services at the time of filing their Wakalatnama, or Power of Attorney, for each case at the courts, while for customs agents, a fixed amount on each GD, or Goods Declaration, will be paid to KPRA as sales tax on services.Currently, a two percent sales tax on services is levied on layers, while an eight percent sales tax on services is levied on customs agents.“We want to make tax payments easier for everyone in the province, and at the same time we have to bring them under the tax net as per law,” said Advisor for Finance Muzzammil Aslam in his statement, adding that a fixed regime would also be adopted for wedding halls and beauty parlors as well.“It will make tax payments easier for the business community and service providers in the province and will create a conducive environment for businesses in the province,” he said.The DG KPRA, Fouzia Iqbal, said, “Her team welcomes the business-friendly policies of the new government and that her team will be available to assist every taxpayer in the administration of their sales tax on services.”

BANNU: The district administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP's) Bannu has banned carrying gas in plastic bags to avoid any eventuality.According to a notification issued by deputy commissioner office, the ban has been slapped on carrying plastic bags filled with natural gas under Section 144.The administration says that plastic bags filled with gas are walking bombs and police should arrest the people violating the law.The natural gas is put into the bags through a small valve inserted into the mouth of the bags to prevent leakage.The Bannu district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is known for its rich resources of natural gas and oil, but the government has yet to develop any proper infrastructure system to supply gas to local residents and surrounding areas.Local people have developed ad hoc methods such as extracting gas from a main supply line with a hose – instead of proper drilling – and then filling plastic bags like helium balloons to transport them from the field for use in home cooking.

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday rejected plea for restraining order against privatization of the PIA, ARY News reported.Petitioner said that after privatization of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) the matter will go to the jurisdiction of the ICJ.Deputy Attorney General Khaleeq Ahmed opposed the plea and said, there are objections over the maintainability of the petition."The government has not been authorized under the Article 18-C to privatize the PIA," petitioner argued."You didn't include the Privatization Commission as party in the case, which has been the basic institution," the bench remarked. "If the cabinet and other institutions can ignore the national interest," the bench asked."See the agreements of privatization of various institutions, the situation will become clear," Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi said."There are scores of ways to tackle the petition, but it is a crucial matter," the bench remarked. The judge said that the court wants to see all aspects of the matter thus hearing the case with patience.The high court bench granted time to the petitioner for preparation of the case and adjourned the hearing until May 23.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran agreed to expeditiously finalize the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and boost their bilateral trade to USD10 billion over the next five years through joint economic projects.According to the joint statement issued here, both sides affirmed their commitment to transform their common border from ‘border of peace’ to a ‘border of prosperity’ through joint development-oriented economic projects, including setting up of joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings.The bilateral ties and cooperation was discussed during the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s President Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi who was on an official visit to Pakistan from April 22-24, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, as well as other members of the cabinet and senior officials.Agreeing to turn the common border from a ‘border of peace’ to a ‘border of prosperity’, both countries reiterated the importance of cooperation in the energy domain, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines and Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project.Both sides underscored the imperative of a long-term durable economic partnership and collaborative regional economic and connectivity model, particularly for socio-economic development in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan and Pakistan’s Balochistan provinces.The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, and signed multiple accords.Pakistan and Iran reiterated their commitment and dedication to further strengthening the bilateral fraternal relations by promoting academic, cultural and tourism activities, and enhancing tourism to historic religious sites.Both leaders reiterated the importance of forging regular cooperation and exchange of views between political, military and security officials of the two countries to combat threats such as terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, hostage-taking, money-laundering and abduction.For swift finalization of FTA, both sides agreed to hold the next sessions of Annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC) as well as the 22nd round of the negotiations of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) soon.They also agreed to facilitate the regular exchange of economic and technical experts, as well as delegations from chambers of commerce from both countries to intensify economic cooperation.The declaration of ‘Reemdan border point’ as an international border crossing point under TIR and opening of the remaining two border sustenance markets was also agreed upon.There was consensus to fully operationalize barter trade mechanisms between the two sides to facilitate economic and commercial activity, particularly under ongoing collaborative endeavours, such as border sustenance markets.Regarding connectivity, two sides expressed satisfaction over the regular shipment of goods under the TIR Convention and agreed to fully operationalize the Convention for further efficient, speedy and barrier-free trade.As members of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the two countries expressed firm resolve to enhance cooperation in connectivity, infrastructure development and energy sectors and agreed to expand linkages between Gwadar and Chahbahar ports.The two countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and agreed to adopt a collaborative approach to confront this menace and to leverage the existing bilateral institutional mechanisms to effectively combat and counter this threat, while fully upholding the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.Taking note of developments at regional and global levels, both sides stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy to find mutually acceptable solutions to common challenges.The two leaders highlighted the need to resolve the issue of Kashmir through dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people of that region, and in accordance with international law.They expressed their strong and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing Israeli regime’s aggression and atrocities against the Palestinian people, and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged people of Gaza, return of the displaced Palestinians, as well as ensuring accountability of the crimes being committed by the Israeli regime.Both sides expressed satisfaction over close bilateral ties in all mechanisms of SCO and underscored the importance of early resumption of the activities of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group to coordinate efforts to maintain stability and develop economic ties in the region.They also called for active cooperation among the regional countries within the framework of ECO. Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, united, sovereign and independent state, free from the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking.Noting that the existence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan posed a serious threat to regional and global security, the two sides reaffirmed their willingness to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and security and to develop a united front against terrorism.President Raisi also met President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The two sides expressed their agreement to release each others’ prisoners and take measures for their extradition based on the Treaty for the Extradition of Criminals and the Accused between Iran And Pakistan approved by the two countries in 1960 and the Agreement on the Transfer of Convicts between the two countries approved in 2016.Both sides strongly condemned the attack on the Consular Section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and called it a violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as illegal under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.Two leaders called on the UN Security Council to prevent the Israel regime from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbours and targeting foreign diplomatic facilities.Pakistan and Iran condemned rising incidents of Islamophobia, desecration of the Holy Quran and sacred symbols in some countries, and welcomed the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 78/264 titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia” in this regard and called for an early appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia.Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Raisi welcomed all dimensions of the cooperation between the two countries in multilateral fora including the UN, ECO, SCO, OIC, D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), initiatives of the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries and others.They also expressed their agreement to start negotiations on free trade in ECO. President Raisi paid homage to Allama Muhammad Iqbal as he visited Allama Iqbal Mausoleum in Lahore.In Karachi, he attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid. He also addressed a widely attended meeting of business people from both sides in Karachi. President Raisi also extended invitations to the president and the prime minister of Pakistan to pay official visits to Iran. Here are some facts about IP gas pipeline project: - The pipeline deal, signed in 2010, envisaged the supply of 750 million to a billion cubic feet per day of natural gas for 25 years from Iran's South Pars gas field to Pakistan to meet Pakistan's rising energy needs.- The pipeline was to stretch over 1,900 kilometres (1,180 miles) - 1,150 km within Iran and 781 km within Pakistan.- Tehran says it has already invested $2 billion to construct the pipeline on its side of the border, making it ready to export.- Pakistan, however, did not begin construction and shortly after the deal said the project was off the table for the time being, citing international sanctions on Iran as the reason.Iran's oil minister at the time responded by saying that Iran carried out its commitments and expects Pakistan to honour its own, adding that Pakistan needs to pick up the pace of work.- In 2014, Pakistan asked for a 10-year extension to build the pipeline, which expires in September this year. Iran can take Pakistan to international court and fine the country. Local media reported that Pakistan can be fined up to $18 billion for not holding up its half of the agreement.- Faced with a potential fine, Pakistan's caretaker administration earlier this year gave the go ahead in principal to commence plans to build an 80 km segment of the pipeline.- In March, Islamabad said it would seek a U.S. sanctions waiver for the pipeline. However, later that week, the U.S. said publicly it did not support the project and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.- Washington's support is crucial for Pakistan as the country looks to sign a new longer term bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in coming weeks.- Pakistan, whose domestic and industrial users rely on natural gas for heating and energy needs, is in dire need for cheap gas with its own reserves dwindling fast and LNG deals making supplies expensive amidst already high inflation.- Iran has the world's second-largest gas reserves after Russia, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy, but sanctions by the West, political turmoil and construction delays have slowed its development as an exporter.- Originally, the deal also involved extending the pipeline to India, but Delhi later dropped out of the project.

ISLAMABAD: The PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) has decided to nominate Hamid Raza as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman, ARY News reported.The party leadership has completed all consultations over the nomination of Raza as PAC chairman.Earlier, PTI founder Imran Khan has nominated Sher Afzal Marwat as the candidate for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman’s role.Following his nomination, the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat reportedly decided against making Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) Sher Afzal Marwat Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC), maintaining that there is no binding to elect only an opposition member for the slot.Noor Alam Khan of the Maulana Fazalur Rehman-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is likely to be elected as the PAC Chairman by the parliament, the sources privy to the development said. Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq will make the financial decision soon.The NA Secretariat maintained that as per the law and rules of the house, any member belonging to the treasury and opposition can be made the PAC chairman. The sources claimed that JUI-F’s Noor Alam Khan, who had earlier served as the PAC Chairman after a successful vote of no confidence against then Prime Minister Imran, is the front-runner for the slot.The National Assembly and the Senate, meet jointly to form the PAC . Members of the National Assembly and the Senate elect the PAC’s members. Then the PAC members elects its chairman to lead the committee.

GHOTKI: In a shocking incident, at least one cop was martyred and two others abducted in dacoit attack on police in Ghotki, ARY News reported.As per details, the incident occurred in Ghotki where a group of dacoits attacked a police check post, martyring one policeman and abducting two.In response, police carried out action against the dacoits and killed one dacoit identified as Amanullah aka Amanu Sandrani.The killed dacoit was wanted in several ransom cases and was also involved in the killing of Professor Ajmal Sawand.Police spokesperson said that heavy contingent of police and ranger was sent to the spot of the incident.Read more: Dacoits attack police picket, snatch weapons, cash in KhairpurOn April 6, a group of dacoits attacked a police picket in Khairpur and deprived policemen of their valuables including weapons, bullets, cash and motorcycles.As per details, dacoits attacked a police picket near Pir Jo Goth in Sindh’s Khairpur district and took the cops hostage and tortured a cop over resistance.The cops took away weapons, bullets, cash and motorcycles and fled the scene safely.After getting information about the attack, SHO Pir Jo Goth sent a contingent of police for the arrest of dacoits.The law and order situation of Sindh especially of katcha area is worsening with every passing day as the dacoits continue to abduct people for ransom, while the police ‘failed’ to maintain law and order situation.

SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court (SHC) Circuit Bench Sukkur on Wednesday warned Sindh food department officers of arrest if wheat sacks were not provided to farmers.The farmers moved petitions with the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench regarding the non-provision of wheat sacks. The farmers in their petitions alleged that wheat sacks were being provided to the influential landlords and demanding money.A two-member bench of SHC Sukkur Bench headed by Justice Adnan Abdul Karim Memon and Justice Muhammad Abdul Rehman took up the pleas.The court after hearing initial arguments on the pleas, ordered Sindh food department officials to provide wheat sacks to the farmers by 11 am tomorrow, or else warned them of arrest.The wheat crop is ready for supply in the market but the farmers are reportedly facing problems in getting wheat sacks.Read more: Cabinet approves wheat procurement policy for FY 2024-25On March 20, the Sindh cabinet decided to set the wheat procurement target at 900,000 tonnes.The meeting was held at CM House and was attended by provincial ministers – Sharjeel Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Sardar Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Zia Lanjar, Mohammad Bux Mahar, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Zulfiqar Shah, Advisors- Babal Khan Bahyo, Ehsan Mazari, Najmi Alam, Advisors, new Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Advocate General, Prosecutor General, and others.

KARACHI: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a one-to-one meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at CM's House in Karachi.The premier landed in Karachi early on Wednesday morning on a day-long visit.According to Sindh CM House spokesperson, PM Shehbaz Sharif and CM Murad discussed issues relating to development works in the province.Shah complained about a shortage of funds worth Rs82 billion from the federal government. He also raised the issue of non-provision of funds for the construction of houses for the flood victims in the province.He also raised the issue of delaying NOCs for the K-4 project, KCR project is also facing delay, he added.On the occasion, the Sindh CM complained about non-payment of funds. The premier assured the provincial chief executive of his cooperation and solution of the problems in the best interest of the people.He directed the finance minister to address the reservations of the Sindh CM.Upon arrival in Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Jinnah International Airport.Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Karachi on day-long visitSoon after arrival, the premier visited Mazar-e-Quaid, offered Fateha, and laid a floral wreath. He wrote his impressions in the book.During his visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to meet the Karachi governor and prominent personalities of the business community, and a delegation of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce.In these meetings, PM Shehbaz Sharif will take suggestions from the business community regarding the improvement in the country's economy.

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken notice of 'illegal' appointments in the National Assembly (NA) secretariat, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.The NAB in a letter penned to the NA secretariat has sought details of appointments during the tenures of Asad Qaiser and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf as speaker of the lower House of the Parliament.The graft-buster body has sought a response on the appointment criteria from 2018 to March 2024.The NAB has also sought details about approval from the finance ministry regarding appointments and advertisements in the newspaper for the jobs, the sources said.Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser allegedly recruited and promoted employees against the rules and regulations in the Parliament Secretariat during his tenure.The sources said that the former NA Speaker hired and promoted over 200 employees in the Secretariat who hailed from his constituency.Asad Qaiser got his brother-in-law Tahir Qadeem appointed temporarily in the KP Assembly as Grade-17 officer and then transferred him to Islamabad on deputation. Later, he permanently appointed his brother-in-law in the National Assembly, said the sources

LAHORE: Fawad Chaudhry, the former federal minister and ex-PTI leader got extension in his protective bail in 36 cases, ARY News reported.As per details, Justice Aliya Neelam of Lahore High Court told Fawad's counsel that he did not appear before the Chief Justice on April 18.At this, the counsel said that they appeared before the CJ today where he directed to file a plea for an early hearing of the case.Last week, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) barred police from arresting ex-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Fawad Chaudhry in May 9 cases.The orders were passed by the ATC judge after granting interim bail to Fawad Chaudhry in four cases related to May 9 violence until April 20.Read more: Fawad Chaudhry released from Adiala JailThe court also ordered police to present the record of cases registered against Chaudhry at the next hearing.Chaudhry is facing several cases including alleged corruption cases.On April 6, the former PTI leader was released from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.A division bench of the Islamabad High Court comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri granted bail to Fawad Chaudhry on April 1 in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case concerning land in Jhelum.Fawad’s counsel Qasir Imam had earlier argued before the court that an allegation had been levelled against his client that he had taken Rs5 million bribe from a citizen.According to the allegation, the complainant bribed Fawad and his client offered him a job, he said, adding that he had never seen the complainant on whose complaint a first information report (FIR) was registered against his client.

KARACHI: Sindh's health minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho has said that a special vaccination campaign being run in the areas with several measles cases, ARY News reported on Wednesday.In a statement Azra Pechuho has said that a vaccine drive being started again from May 13 to 25 for typhoid vaccination. "In Sindh 8.9 million children of six months to 15 years' age will be vaccinated for typhoid immunization".Measles cases have been increasing across most regions mainly due to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 years when health systems were overwhelmed and fell behind on routine vaccinations for preventable diseases.“What we are worried about is this year, 2024, we’ve got these big gaps in our immunization programmes and if we don’t fill them really quickly with the vaccine, measles will just jump into that gap,” the WHO’s Natasha Crowcroft, a Senior Technical Adviser on Measles and Rubella, told a Geneva press briefing in February.Health minister said that the patients facing hardships in NICVD owing to the capacity of the institute. "The situation will improve after completion of the children's heart disease hospital"."We will talk to the administration of Jinnah Hospital, if fees being received from patients," the minister replying a question said.She also said that another robotic machine being arranged each for the Jinnah Hospital and the SIUT.The health minister expressed reservations over the administration of the Sindh Government's Children Hospital Nagan Chowrangi adding that the government will try to get back the hospital from the NGO, where forensic audit also not been conducted.

QUETTA: In a tragic incident, at least three cops were injured as the vehicle of a District Police Officer (DPO) overturned near Saryab Road Faizabad, Quetta, ARY News reported.As per details, the incident occurred at Quetta's Saryab Road Faizabad where the police vehicle overturned while saving a motorcyclist.The incident left three cops including the DPO's gunman Sorab and motorcyclist sustained injuries whereas District Police Officer (DPO) Babar Mashatq remained safe.In a separate incident this week, a police vehicle narrowly escaped an attempted explosive blast attack in Torka Bazaar Bannu.As per details, DPO Ziauddin Ahmed said that an explosive device planted by unknown assailants detonated before the vehicle arrived.Read more: Police vehicle escapes bomb blast in BannuThe device was planted near Akhoondan Sorani in Torka Bazaar, but it exploded before the police vehicle reached the spot, foiling chances of any potential damage or casualties, no damage or injuries were reported in the incident.In another incident, at least three police personnel injured in a Hand grenade attack on a police vehicle in Sachal area of Karachi.As per details, the SSP said that a hand grenade cracker was allegedly hurled at a police vehicle in Sachal Karachi which left three police personnel injured, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday accepted pleas seeking the formation of a larger bench to hear appeals against the annulment of trials of civilians in military courts.A six-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin heard the appeals against the annulment of trials of civilians in military courts. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Musrrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan are also part of the bench.Lawyer of former CJP Jawad S. Khawaja, one of the applicants, in his arguments before the court said two judges of the SC including Justice Afridi and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah penned a note for the formation of a larger bench to hear the appeals.Justice Aminuddin asked how the notes of judges can influence the bench hearing the case. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked observation of Justice Afridi was limited to the final verdict.After being asked by Justice Musarrat Hilali, the lawyer responded the pleas would stand rejected if the current six-member bench gave a split verdict of 3-3.At this juncture, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked, then a larger bench demand can come forward to the matter.The Supreme Court after accepting the pleas for a 9-member or larger bench of the SC, forwarded the matter of military courts to the judges committee.Read more: Military courts granted conditional authority to announce reserved verdictsIn the previous hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the attorney-general for the details of the accused sentenced to three years in jail by military courts.The court ordered the release of 20 accused who were sentenced to one year jail before Eid. The details of the accused released on Eid were submitted to the Supreme Court. Military trials In the month of May, the government decided to try the suspects accused of attacking military installations on May 9 under army laws.Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after the former prime minister was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9.Army installations, the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi came under attack during a protest by PTI workers. Pleas Following the arrests made in connection with the violent riots that erupted across the country on May 9, the government announced its decision to hold military court trials of those found guilty of damaging and attacking military instalments — a move both the government and the army considered a low blow.In light of this decision, PTI founder Imran Khan, former chief justice Jawwad S Khawaja, legal expert Aitzaz Ahsan, and five civil society members, including Piler Executive Director Karamat Ali, requested the apex court to declare the military trials “unconstitutional”.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday declared the ECP's order of recounting of votes in NA-79 Gujranwala as null and void, ARY News reported.A single bench of the high court comprises of Justice Shahid Karim heard a petition of Ahsanullah Virk MNA against the Election Commission of Pakistan's order of recounting of votes in NA-79.The bench granted the petition and cancelled the ECP's order of the votes' recounting in the constituency.Earlier, the electoral body's lawyer requested for time to get instructions from the ECP."The election commission has already issued notification. The time could have been granted over an ambiguity on the issue but here is the decision before us", the bench said."The decisions coming from the election commission are shocking, respect to the ECP on its place, this should not be happened," the bench remarked.Earlier, the petitioner's lawyer asked the bench to see the returning officer's report."Why all this being happened in Gujranwala," Justice Shahid Karim asked.

KARACHI: In shocking turn of events, online taxi driver Tahir Mehmood who threatened to commit suicide, returned home alive, ARY News reported. The incident occurred yesterday when a young online taxi driver, who was facing financial hardships, reportedly jumped into the sea as rescue efforts were made for his recovery.Speaking to ARY News today, online taxi driver Tahir Mehmood said that he had a fight with his wife and went to Karachi's Do Darya (seaside), where he informed his wife on call that he was committing suicide.However, he changed his mind and was walking back when four individuals sprayed hazardous substance at him, leaving him unconscious.Upon regaining consciousness, Tahir found himself in Nazimabad, with his mobile phone, identity card, and other belongings missing.He then managed to reach his home on foot, where his wife and brother took him to hospital.Tahir said that the next morning, his parents and cousin also arrived and he recorded his statement at Shah Faisal police station.Yesterday, Moments before jumping into the sea, Tahir Mehmood, a resident of Shah Faisal Colony made a video call to his wife and said, “I am committing suicide. Stay happy”.Later, the police recovered Tahir Mahmood’s car some distance from the beach. According to the police, Tahir Mehmood is an online taxi driver, who has two marriages and was ‘tired’ of family disputes at home due to financial problems.His father said that “Tahir Mahmood made a video call to his second wife and said he was committing suicide. He has been missing since then. Tahir Mehmood is the father of two girls."

Karachi roads that were closed due to security concerns due to the arrival of Iranian President Raisi, have been reopened, said the traffic police. Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi left for Tehran from Karachi airport this morning after completing his three-day visit to Pakistan.Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Federal Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada saw off the Iranian President and his delegation at the Karachi airport.According to the Karachi traffic police spokesperson, all closed roads have been reopened for traffic after the departure of the Iranian delegation.The road heading towards Shahra-e-Faisal from Lucky Star, PIDC Chowk, MT Khan Road has been reopened for traffic after the removal of containers.The Metropole Chowrangi is also reopened for traffic, while containers were also removed from Ziauddin Road for smooth flow of traffic, the spokesperson said.Read more: Iranian President Raisi wraps up Pakistan visit, leaves for TehranIt is to be noted that several roads were closed by placing containers ahead of the Iranian president's visit to the metropolis.During his stay in Pakistan, the Iranian president met his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, Governor Balighur Rehman, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, CM Murad Ali Shah and others.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved ‘Apna Chat Apna Ghar’ project in five major cities of the province including Lahore, ARY News reported.Chairing a meeting in Lahore today, she directed to make the best houses at minimum cost and also directed to launch these projects near the cities.The meeting decided that the Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planning would be consulted for the maps of the houses.Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz okayed the provision of a 1Kv Solar system to 50,000 families in the province.Read More: CM Maryam okays provision of 1kv solar kits in PunjabThe decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz to review energy projects in the province.The 1kv Solar system will be provided to the protected power consumers who are using under 100 electricity units per month. Two solar plates, batteries, inverter and wires would be provided to the families eligible under the project.CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the administration to ensure quality products to the masses so they can get rid of expensive electricity problems.The Punjab CM directed the administration to initiate the pilot project in the province.

SHIKARPUR: A gang of bandits kidnapped four persons from katcha area of Shikarpur district, citing police ARY News reported on Wednesday.Police said that a man was injured in exchange of fire with bandits when the people resisted the outlaws.The police have launched a search operation for recovery of hostages, local police officials said.Rampant kidnappings and other crimes by various gangs of bandits operating in the katcha area has made life miserable for local population.The authorities and police department have claimed to act against criminals entrenched in the area but to no avail despite tall claims.Local people recently staged protest at the Indus Highway to press for recovery of 11 hostages kidnapped by bandit gangs and blocked the Sukkur-Shikarpur highway for traffic.Two more persons were kidnapped from a village in the vicinity of Shikarpur increasing the number of abductees to 13 in the district.The law-and-order situation of Sindh especially of katcha area along the Indus worsening with every passing day as bandits continue to abduct people for ransom, while the police has failed to maintain the law and order.