NEW DELHI: Pakistan has issued visas to Indian pilgrims for the Katas Raj visit.High Commission for Pakistan, New Delhi has issued 154 visas to a group of pilgrims for their visit to the sacred Shree Katas Raj Temples in the Chakwal district.The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 February to 02 March 2025.Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d’ Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually rewarding and fulfilling journey.The Charge d’ Affaires reaffirmed that the government of Pakistan will continue to facilitate such visits as per its policy to promote interfaith harmony and mutual understanding.Under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, each year thousands of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan to attend various religious festivals.Pakistan regularly issued visas to Indian pilgrims for holy visits but the Indian government's attitude towards Pakistani pilgrims is always unwelcoming as last month New Delhi denied visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims for Urs at Ajmer Sharif.Read More: India denies visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims for Urs at Ajmer SharifThe Indian authorities issued visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Sharif, significantly below the allotted quota of 500.According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Muhammad Umar Butt, this year, India has restricted the number of visas issued, denying travel to 400 potential pilgrims.Earlier, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for their visit to Pakistan to participate in the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Stguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi, Sindh from January 5th to 15th.On the occasion, Charge d’ Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a rewarding and fulfilling journey.

ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday met the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to provide input on the reform agenda.The Chief Justice invited the Opposition leadership in the Parliament, as part of his endeavors to take wider stakeholders consultation on the reform agenda, said a press release issued by Supreme Court.The PTI leadership met the Chief Justice at his residence and the meeting lasted for two hours. The Chief Justice welcomed the PTI delegation and apprised them of the planned meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC).CJ informed that he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and requested him to provide the government’s input on the reforms agenda. He said the Prime Minister was very positive and assured full support to the policy formulation and implementation process.The Chief Justice also informed that the Law and Justice Commission has received input from the different Bars of the country, feedback of the citizens as well as the District Judiciary, while input of the registrars of the High Courts and provincial judicial academies is expected soon.CJ Yahya Afridi said the prime minister was concerned with the Tax cases pending at various judicial forums, stating he assured the prime minister that quick disposal of Tax cases and reduction of overall pendency in the Supreme Court is his high priority.The Chief Justice suggested that the judicial reform should become a minimum common national agenda and the same should have a bipartisan support.Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, highlighted various issues faced by the incarcerated PTI leader, Imran Khan, other leaders and workers of the party.Read More: PM Shehbaz meets CJP Yayha AfridiHe complained that cases of the opposition leadership are fixed at different locations at the same time deliberately so that appearance before courts become impossible, lawyers defending cases of the party leadership and the workers are being harassed, jail authorities are not complying with the orders of the courts, terrorism cases are registered against PTI lawyers and their right to assembly and expression is being suppressed.Omar Ayub further added that economic stability of the country hinges upon rule of law and economic recovery is only possible if the judiciary asserts itself and the executive is made accountable.Other participants also added similar views and voiced their concerns for the deteriorating condition of law and order.They however recognized the fact that the judiciary needs reformation and relief to the people is possible if the District judiciary proactively deals with its pendency.Ali Zafar requested that they need time to respond to the policy proposals shared by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.They have provided valuable suggestions for improving the criminal justice system and civil dispensation. Additionally, they have indicated that further recommendations will be shared in due course.Leader of the opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khosa, Dr. Babar Awan also attended the meeting.The Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan Muhammad Salim Khan and Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, Tanzeela Sabahat assisted the Chief Justice.

LAHORE: It is compulsory for citizens to obtain a driving license from the Traffic Police department before taking their vehicles to the roads as heavy fines are imposed on violations.Driving licenses to operate cars or other vehicles are issued to those who pass all practical and theoretical tests conducted by the traffic police in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.The applicants must deposit a specified fee that varies by license type. The applicants must deposit a specified fee that varies by license type. The applicants must deposit a specified fee that varies by license type.The traffic officials can demand the license from drivers anytime for verification and they can issue tickets or challans to them for not carrying the document.Read More: Driving license fee structure in IslamabadFee structure for driving licenses in PunjabThe Lahore Traffic Police have released the fee of a driver’s license for the automobiles and sports utility vehicle categories as the department has stepped up its efforts to crack down on those operating vehicles without a license.The traffic police will charge Rs150 in wake of Test fee from each applicant. Furthermore, the fee for a one-year driving license stands at Rs1,980 while it will be Rs3,330 for two years.If you want to obtain a driving license with three-year validity, you will pay Rs4,680 in the wake of the fee. Similarly, the department charges Rs6,030 for four years and Rs7,380 for five years.Download e-Driving License on mobile phoneCitizens of Punjab need to simply visit the website; http://dlims.punjab.gov.pk. You will find the e-license option which is located on the home page.After selecting the e-license option, you need to add your CNIC number and date of birth. Later, click the download button and you will get the PDF copy of the license.

KARACHI: A woman in Karachi has been arrested for ‘killing’ her husband in connivance with her friend, ARY News reported citing police.The victim, Muhammad Afzal, was killed on February 11 with a sharp-edged weapon in Hajji Zakaria Goth, the police saidInitially, the police took the victim's wife into custody for questioning, based on suspicion. During the investigation, the woman confessed to the crime, revealing that she had planned and executed the murder with the help of her friend, Muhammad Waqas.According to the police, the woman and Muhammad Waqas had met on a social media platform, and their online friendship eventually led to the planning of the murder.According to police, Muhammad Waqas, along with an accomplice, carried out the killing. The police have arrested both the wife and Waqas, and further investigation is underway.Read More: Woman kills husband for ‘stopping her to make Instagram reels’In a similar heinous crime last year, a woman ‘axed’ to death her husband over a family dispute in Karim Baistkhel area of Bannu.According to Mandan police, the woman, named Sultana Bibi, attacked her husband, Mohammad Roshan, 40, with an axe, killing him on the spot.They said the attacker fled the place and the body was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.The officials said they had registered a case against the killer on the complaint of the deceased’s brother, Gul Sher Khan.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has launched the Sehat Card Plus initiative in an effort to guarantee that all residents of the province have access to healthcare, offering free outpatient department (OPD) services at hospitals.In a ceremony attended by members of his cabinet, legislators, and Health Department representatives, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur officially launched the program.In the second phase, the free OPD service will be extended to the districts of Malakand and Kohat after being introduced as a trial project in Mardan.Free medications, tests, and other medical treatment will be available to anyone with the Sehat Card Plus. In partnership with the German group KfW, the pilot project is being started and will be further developed.What is Sehat Card Plus?According to the KP government Sehat Card Plus is a Micro-health Insurance Programme for all the citizens of the province. “It is one of the flagship programmes of Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The programme is being implemented through an insurance company selected through national competitive bidding.”Read Mor: Punjab minister announces Sehat Card’s restorationThe government said that ynder the programme, more than 7.2 million families of KP are getting free inpatient healthcare services. Data of beneficiary families is acquired from NADRA.“Services to the beneficiaries are offered totally free without out-of-pocket payment upto a maximum limit of Rs. 1.0 million per family per year. Annual cost of the programme is around 18 billion.Services to the beneficiaries are provided through a panel of Public and Private Hospitals contracted across the province. All the secondary care healthcare diseases and tertiary care diseases like Accident and emergency, Diabetes, Kidney diseases including dialysis and kidney transplant, Hepatitis B and C, all type of cancers and Heart & Vascular diseases are covered under the programme.”Check your eligibilityAll the permanent residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa registered with NADRA are covered under the programme.You are automatically enrolled if you are carrying a CNIC/Form B with permanent address. However, if your family status is not clear in NADRA database, you may not be eligible till you resolve the issue with NADRA.SMS your CNIC to 8500 or 9780. You can also check your enrolled status free of cost on the home page of official website.

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed six khwarij in an intelligence-Based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.“On 21 February 2025, Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Karak District, on reported presence of Khwarij,” the ISPR said.It added that during the conduct of operation, security forces fectively engaged the khwarij location, resultantly, six khwarij were killed.“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR added.Read More: Security forces kill 13 khwarij in five KP IBOs: ISPREarlier on  February 18, security forces of Pakistan killed 30 khwarij in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.“On 17 February 2025, security forces conducted an operation in general area Sararogha of South Waziristan District on the reported presence of Khwarij,” the military’s media wing said.It added that during the conduct of the operation, the security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, as a result of which, 30 were killed. 

ISLAMABAD: The federal government told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) its position on the proposal to exchange Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release for Shakil Afridi's handover, ARY News reported.According to reports, the government of Pakistan turned down the possibility of exchanging Dr Aafia Siddiqui for Shakil Afridi, stating that the proposal is not feasible.Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the case hearing concerning Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release and return to Pakistan.Additional Attorney General Manzoor Iqbal Dogal informed the court that the proposal to exchange Dr Aafia's release for Shakil Afridi's handover is not practical.This suggestion was made by Dr Aafia’s U.S lawyer, Clive Smith.Read More: Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy petition rejected by US, IHC toldThe Additional Attorney General also expressed concerns about certain points in the petition filed in the U.S regarding Dr Aafia's case.Justice Sardar Ijaz was surprised by the government's shift in stance regarding the petition.The court has asked the government to respond to objections related to Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release next week.Justice Sardar Ijaz directed the Additional Attorney General to consult with the government and clarify the objections in the petition.The Additional Attorney General stated that both Shakil Afridi and Dr Aafia Siddiqui are Pakistani citizens, and there is no agreement between Pakistan and the U.S regarding the exchange of prisoners.Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan questioned why Shakil Afridi is important to the U.S The court was informed that Shakil Afridi has been convicted, and his appeal is pending in the Peshawar High Court.Fouzia Siddiqui's (Aafia's Sister) lawyer stated that Shakil Afridi is accused of espionage and aiding others.The Additional Attorney General responded that the government submitted a reply on February 19, stating that President Biden had rejected the request but did not respond to the letter.Justice Sardar Ijaz remarked that the White House did not even acknowledge the letter, questioning what diplomatic norms are followed when one country writes to another.The court has asked the Additional Attorney General to consult the government and provide a response by next Friday. The hearing has been adjourned until next Friday. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government is taking steps to make the economy cashless along with reforms in the FBR.He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Retail Business Council in Islamabad on Friday.Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee to address the issues of retailers, assuring that no additional tax burden will be put on those retailers who are already in the tax net.Shehbaz Sharif said steps are being taken on a priority basis to bring all the retailers who do not pay taxes into the tax net.The Prime Minister mentioned that efforts are being intensified to curb smuggling under the guise of used goods.He urged local industries to adopt innovation and modern technology in order to enhance their exports and compete in the international market.Read more: FBR ‘proposes’ abolishing Inland Revenue Officers’ appointmentsThe delegation commended the government for bringing economic stability.Describing government's reforms as encouraging, the participants expressed the confidence that these will have far reaching impact on the economy.The delegation noted that bringing retailers into the tax net will enhance revenue.The delegation was appreciative of government's efforts to address the issues of the retailers who are already part of the tax net.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has moved Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking permission to meet Imran Khan, ARY News reportedAs per details, a joint petition was filed by PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Sher Ali Arbab, Rauf Hassan, and Amjad Ali through their lawyer, Ayesha Khalid.The petition stated that the PTI leaders were denied permission to meet the party founder the previous day. The petitioners have requested the court to grant them permission to meet the party founder, citing the importance of this meeting for the party's affairs.Yesterday, Islamabad High Court ordered to release over 120 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers in November 26 protest case.Also read: IHC suspends sentences of 10 convicts in May 9 casesAs per details, Interim Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif approved the bail pleas of PTI workers.The court ordered the arrested PTI workers to submit affidavits and surety bonds worth Rs 20,000 each.May 9 violenceViolent clashes were broken out across Pakistan after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023.The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their chairman’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.Army installations, including Corps Commander’s house in Lahore, had come under attack during the protests by PTI workers.It is pertinent to mention that the PTI founder is named as main accused in all the May 9 riots cases.

RAWALPINDI: City Traffic Police Rawalpindi has announced a traffic management plan to facilitate commuters during the Champions Trophy 2025 matches, ARY News reported on Friday.According to the plan, Murree Road from Faizabad to Double Road will remain completely closed during the arrival and departure of teams at the stadium for Champions Trophy 2025 match scheduled to take place on February 24, 25 and 27.Traffic from Islamabad will be diverted from Faizabad to Expressway, while commuters traveling between Rawalpindi and Islamabad will be redirected via Chandni Chowk and Rehmanabad.Furthermore, traffic from Ghausia Chowk will be diverted through Farooq Azam Road and Kuri Road. Stadium Road from Ninth Avenue Chowk to Double Road Turn will remain closed during the match.Traffic from Ninth Avenue will be redirected to Faizabad, Express way, and IJP Road.Read more: What did Fakhar Zaman say to Mohammad Amir about his injury?Vehicles entering Rawalpindi will use Pindora Chungi, Katarian, Peerwadhai Mor, and Chak Madad, while traffic heading toward Ninth Avenue from Rawalpindi will enter via Murree Road and Faizabad.It is to be noted that New Zealand will take on Bangladesh on February 24 at the Rawalpindi cricket stadium.On February 25, clash of the titans will take place as Australia will clash with South Africa in important match of the Champions Trophy 2025.With a gap of a day, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on February 27 in their lastgroup stage match.

LAHORE: Five service stations were sealed for wasting water in Lahore in compliance with the orders of LHC for combating smog, ARY News reported on Friday.This was revealed by Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) legal advisor during hearing on pleas related to smog and environmental pollution.Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) legal advisor Mian Irfan Akram in its report submitted to the LHC stated that there are 612 service stations in the nine towns of Lahore.According to report, 556 service stations were found working with watery recycling plant, while the plants of 18 service stations were not working.The report further said that 38 service stations were found operating without watery recycling plants.The WASA legal advisor informed the court that several cases were registered against the service station owners for violating the law.Read more: LHC issues new order for schools amid smogDuring last hearing on February 7, the Lahore High Court (LHC) slapped fine for wasting water during car wash inside homes.The orders were passed by LHC Justice Shahid Karim while hearing petitions related to smog and environmental pollution.During the proceedings, the court ordered a fine of Rs10,000 for individuals found wasting water by washing vehicles at home.Additionally, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) was directed to submit a comprehensive report on traffic-related pollution.The LHC also instructed authorities to ensure public awareness regarding the upcoming cricket event, emphasizing the need for proper traffic management and environmental precautions.

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that a delegation will visit Pakistan in mid-March to review the country's $7 billion loan program, ARY News reported.According to IMF representative, Mair Benitez, the delegation will hold discussions with Pakistani authorities on the first review under the loan program.In addition to reviewing the loan program, the IMF delegation will also discuss Pakistan's request for climate financing. Furthermore, a technical team from the IMF will visit Pakistan at the end of February to discuss technical aspects of climate financing.The technical team will assess potential arrangements for climate financing and engage in discussions on related technical matters. Also read: Pakistan restructures FBR on IMF demand Prior to this, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that “Pakistan will hold talks with IMF delegation on February 24 for climate fund.”Aurangzeb said Pakistan is expecting to get $1 to $1.5 bln from the international lender under climate funding, while another delegation of the IMF will arrive in Pakistan in March for the six-month review of the ongoing loan program.The minister said Pakistan witnessed surplus current account for seven months and urged the need for the structural reforms to fix ‘DNA’ of the economy. Pakistan made a formal request in October last year for around $1 billion in funding from the IMF under the trust, to address the nation's vulnerability to climate change. The country's economy is on a long path to recovery after being stabilized under a $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility it secured late last year. The Global Climate Risk Index places Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Floods in 2022, which scientists said were aggravated by global warming, affected at least 33 million people and killed more than 1,700. The country's economic struggles and high debt burden impinged its ability to respond to the disaster.

KARACHI: The Sindh Transport Department has intensified its crackdown against unfit commercial vehicles and reckless driving in Karachi amid increasing traffic accidents.Sindh announced crackdown on unfit commercial vehicles in Karachi over 100 people died of the road accidents in the port city.According to Sindh Transport Department, so far, 53 vehicles have been impounded, and 15 drivers have been arrested for violating traffic laws. Additionally, 565 vehicles have been fined, while seven commercial vehicles had their fitness certificates revoked.Furthermore, 17 FIRs have been registered under Section 279 for reckless and negligent driving.Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that the campaign is aimed at ensuring public safety and will continue against substandard vehicles and irresponsible drivers.Read more: Governor Tessori seeks commission to probe rising accidents in KarachiKarachi has witnessed a disturbing surge in traffic accidents, with a total of 107 lives lost in just the first 45 days of 2025, the rescue service said. The victims include 78 men, 14 women, 11 children and 4 girls.According to a report by the Chhipa Welfare Association, in addition to the fatalities, at least 1493 citizens were injured in these accidents.  The injured include 6290 men, 193 women, 42 children and 18 girls.The traffic police said that most accidents involved heavy vehicles, including dumpers, trailers, and oil tankers.A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the causes of the accidents and suggest measures to improve road safety. The committee will review the fitness certificates of oil tanker dumpers and water tankers as well as and licenses of those driving the vehicles.

KARACHI: Following the court orders, Sindh health department's medical team exhumed body of Mustafa Amir for DNA samples, ARY News reported on Friday. https://youtu.be/SBMKn5iQjSAMustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6. 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 exhumation of Mustafa Amir's body for samples was conducted under the supervision of medical team formed under leadership of Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, comprising Dr. Shri Chand and Medico-Legal Officer Dr. Kamran Khan at Mawach Goth graveyard.The team collected 11 samples from body, which would be sent to a forensic laboratory of Karachi University for DNA report. The report will get ready in three to four days, the board added.Till then, the body will remain in the morgue of Edhi Foundation.Read more: Armaghan confesses to ‘killing’ Mustafa AmirThe body will be handed over to Mustafa Amir's heirs after confirmation in the DNA repot. Confessional statement On Thursday, police claimed that the suspect, Armaghan, has confessed to the murder of Mustafa Amir during interrogation.According to police authorities, Armaghan’s statement was recorded on video.In his confessional statement to police, Armaghan revealed that he drove Mustafa Amir’s car from Khayaban-e-Mohafiz to Dareji.He later set the vehicle on fire while Mustafa was still alive and semi-conscious. The suspect admitted to assaulting his friend, firing three warning shots with a rifle that did not hit him.Armaghan also disclosed that on February 8, he saw the police entering his bungalow late. He claimed that had he spotted them earlier, a prolonged exchange of fire could have taken place, the police said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has expressed reservations over JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's demands for grand opposition alliance, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman's three demands for opposition alliance have been conveyed to the Imran Khan through party leaders. The demands include heading the opposition alliance, joining the KP government, and a minus-PTM formula.PTI leaders reportedly held two consultative meetings with Khan to discuss these demands. However, he has expressed reservations on the demands. Several party leaders advised Imran Khan against trusting Maulana as he voted in favour of the 26th amendment.Notably, the PTI founder has yet to respond to Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding his demands.The development came after a PTI delegation led by opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan called on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad.The current political situation in the country was discussed in the meeting and PTI leaders invited Maulana to join the opposition grand alliance.After the meeting, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Omar Ayub Khan announced the dissolving of the negotiating committee, saying that the talks had been ended with the government.It's worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf reportedly divided over its stance on relations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).Also read: PTI ‘divided’ over ties with JUI-FSources said PTI is ‘divided’ into two factions over the recent ties with the JUI-F, which once was considered as major opponent party of PTI.One faction, led by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and his like-minded leaders, strongly opposes any engagement with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.Meanwhile, the other faction, including former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and Opposition Leader in NA, Omar Ayub, advocates for improved ties with JUI-F and other opposition parties.

The district administration of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has fixed prices for milk and yogurt ahead of Ramazan 2025 to ensure price stability during the holy month.According to the official notification, buffalo milk with 6% fat content will be sold at Rs220 per litre, while buffalo milk with 5pc fat content is priced at Rs190/ litre.Similarly, cow’s milk with 4% fat content will be available for consumers at Rs 190 per litre during Ramazan 2025.For yogurt, A-Plus category will be sold Rs240 per kg, while A category yogurt will be available at Rs210 per kg in Peshawar during Ramazan 2025, the notification read.The new pricing will come into effect from the first day of Ramazan, and shopkeepers have been instructed to display price lists prominently at their outlets.Read more: KP to pay Rs 10,000 cash each to 9 Lac entitled persons in RamazanEarlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced the Ramazan 2025 relief package with the support of the federal government.The provincial government will provide three bags of flour of 10 kg per family in the month of Ramazan to the deserving people under the Benazir Income Support Program absolutely free. Currency Rates in Pakistan Today - PKR to USD, AED, SAR

KASUR: At least eight lost their life, two others sustained injuries as van plunged into a ditch in Kasur, Punjab, ARY News reported.As per details, the incident occurred on Raiwand Road where a van returning from a wedding plunged into a ditch, killing eight of a family and injuring others two.The rescue officials stated that driver of the unfortunate van was sleepy which resulted in the horrific accident. The injured and dead bodies have been rushed to the district hospital.Earlier, in a tragic accident, 26 people died, as a passenger bus carrying wedding guests from Astore, GB, to Chakwal veered off the Thalichi Bridge and plunged into the river.As per details, a total of 27 people were on board the coaster, with only the bride, Malaika, surviving.Read more: Six FIA personnel injured in fog-related accident near FaisalabadThe injured bride was taken to the hospital, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local residents, rescue teams, and police actively participating in the search efforts.Deputy Commissioner Astore, Muhammad Tariq, confirmed that the bodies of 14 victims were recovered and transferred to the Astore District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. “The accident-stricken vehicle was also retrieved from the river,” he added.Home Minister Shams Lone commented on the incident, saying, “Initial investigations suggest that the tragedy occurred due to the vehicle’s loss of control on the slippery surface of the Thalichi Bridge.

At least three people were killed and two were injured when a truck loaded with stones overturned onto a house in Qadarpur Ran, Punjab, ARY News reported on Friday, citing rescue authorities. https://youtu.be/g5XE7v6kGOMThe devastating incident occurred in Moza Tataypur, Qadirpur Ran, where a truck loaded with stones overturned onto a house, resulting in multiple casualties.According to rescue officials, three people, including a man his son and daughter, lost their lives after being trapped under the debris.Rescue teams managed to recover two individuals from the rubble, while efforts are ongoing to clear the wreckage and ensure no further casualties.Read more: Two killed in truck-car collision in KarachiEarlier in August, at least eight people were killed and 10 others received injuries as a result of the collision between a passenger bus and trailer truck on Sukkur-Multan motorway.The ill-fated was travelling from Mansehra to Karachi, said Motorway Police official.Soon after the incident, rescue officials reached the spot and shifted the bodies and injured to Tehsil Hospital Ghotki for medico-legal formalities and treatment.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to pay salaries and pensions to employees by February 28, ahead of Ramadan 2025, ARY News reported.According to a notification by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department, all government employees will receive their salaries and pensions on February 28.Additionally, due to official holidays on March 1 and 2, salaries will be disbursed a day in advance to ensure employees have access to their funds before Ramadan.Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted that there is a ‘good chance’ of sighting of Ramadan 1446 AH moon on March 1st, 2025.In case the holy month begins in line with the PMD’s forecast, the first day of Ramadan will be on March 2nd, Sunday.Read More: Ramadan and Eid likely to fall These days in PakistanRamadan-ul-Mubarak, the month of fasting, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.During the fast, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, gossiping and cursing, and are encouraged to focus on meditative acts like prayer, reading the holy Quran and charity.It’s a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to their faith. During this month, Muslims are encouraged to focus on prayer, reading the Quran, and charitable acts.It is important to mention here that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on Friday, 28th February for a sighting of the Ramadan-ul-Mubarak moon.

Pakistan's opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who got injured in the opening match of Champions Trophy 2025, has updated his former teammate Mohammad Amir on the status of his injury over a phone call.Speaking to a private TV channel, Mohammad Amir revealed that he shares a close friendship with Fakhar Zaman, having spent a month and a half together during ILT20.Amir reached out Fakhar Zaman to inquire whether the batter's injury issue was related to his knee or back.According to the fast bowler, Fakhar Zaman clarified that he is suffering from a side strain injury, which could sideline him from cricket for two months. Even if he recovers, he is likely to return only towards the end of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the left-arm pacer added.Amir further shared that during their morning conversation, the left-handed batter mentioned experiencing mild coughing that worsens his pain and causes breathing difficulties.Read more: VIDEO: Fakhar Zaman breaks down in tears after CT25 injury blowThe pacer explained that side strain injuries typically take six weeks to heal, followed by a rehabilitation phase.It is worth noting that Fakhar Zaman sustained the injury during Champions Trophy 2025 opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand while fielding near the boundary.Although he later came out to bat at number four, he was visibly in discomfort after playing a shot.Pertinent to note here that Fakhar Zaman is the second opener who got injured in recent days as Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury during the South Africa tour.Meanwhile, Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has replaced the explosive batter in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.