ISLAMABAD: Following PM Shehbaz Sharif's recent announcement regarding a reduction in electricity prices, an official notification from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has been issued confirming the price cut under the quarterly adjustment. ARY News reported on Thursday.The notification offers consumers relief of up to Rs3.02 per unit. The adjustment, applicable for the October- December 2024 quarter, will reduce electricity rates by Rs1.90 per unit, effective from April to June 2025.This reduction in electricity prices follows a request submitted by various power distribution companies, including Karachi’s K-Electric, seeking relief for consumers amid fluctuating energy costs.Karachi will see an even greater reduction, with power tariffs slashed by Rs3.02 per unit, while the rest of Pakistan will experience a decrease of Rs0.46 per unit.The move is expected to provide an economic relief of Rs56.38 billion to electricity consumers, easing financial pressures amid increasing energy demands. However, the adjustment will not apply to lifeline or prepaid users, as clarified in the official NEPRA notification.NEPRA had held hearings in February regarding the quarterly adjustments, with multiple stakeholders emphasizing the importance of making electricity more affordable.Alongside the quarterly adjustments, separate notifications have been issued regarding monthly pricing revisions, further regulating electricity costs.According to NEPRA’s notification, the relief from this reduction in electricity prices will be reflected in electricity bills starting in April 2025. For Karachi consumers, an additional decrease was observed in the monthly adjustment for January 2025, offering further financial ease.This initiative aims to stabilize energy prices, ensuring affordability for residential and commercial consumers alike.The government continues to evaluate energy policies to balance costs while maintaining a sustainable electricity supply.Read more: PM Shehbaz announces reduction in electricity pricesEarlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction in electricity prices, describing it as a major relief for the public. Speaking at an event organized for the announcement, he revealed that the government has decided to lower the electricity tariff by Rs 7.41 per unit for domestic consumers and Rs 7.59 per unit for industries.The prime minister expressed confidence that this reduction would stimulate economic activities across the country, referring to it as a gift to the nation in celebration of Eid.

Lahore, 03 April 2025: The first and unique ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ of its kind will be established in Punjab. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given in-principle approval to establish ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ project. The Chief Minister chaired a special meeting in which a briefing about ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ project. She sought a plan for establishing ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’pilot project at 14 various locations in Lahore.The CM has set a target of four months for the establishment of this pilot project. Government land will be used on the sides of the road for establishing ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ project. 816 stalls will be set up in Lahore under the ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ pilot project.The meeting was informed that the project will be established on the Multan Road, Hanjarwal, Manga Mandi, Raiwind, G-1 Market, Faisal Town, Moon Market and Bedian Road.Areas comprising E-Millat Road, Gulshan Ravi, Shahdara, Shadman and Singh Pura are also included in the project. In the Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaar, food items and essential edibles will be available at uniform cottage-top shops surrounding the roads.Special arrangements will be made for a clean environment and security in the ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ project. The meeting agreed to launch ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go bazaars’ project in every tehsil of Punjab.Chairman of the Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company Muhammad Afzal Khokhar presented a report to the Chief Minister on the model bazaar. She expressed satisfaction over the setting up of model bazaars during the month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak.Read more: CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Directs to Develop Entire Rawalpindi DivisionOn the other side, under the leadership of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz, significant efforts are underway to enhance the beauty, cleanliness, and overall condition of parks across the division, including Rawalpindi City.A major operation has been conducted to improve Murree Road, remove encroachments, clean up illegal bus stands such as Pir Wadhai and Faizabad, and address the issue of drug peddling.Additionally, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired a three-hour review meeting at the Commissioner Office Rawalpindi to oversee these initiatives and ensure their effective implementation.

Lahore, 03 April 2025: Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, comprehensive steps are being taken for the beautification, cleanliness and improvement of parks in the entire division, including Rawalpindi city.In the direction of CM Punjab, a grand operation was carried out for the beautification and uplifting of Murree Road, removal of encroachments and cleaning up of all illegal bus stands, including Pir Wadhai, Faizabad, besides eliminating drug peddlers.On the direction of CM Punjab, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presided over a three-hour long review meeting being held at the Commissioner Office Rawalpindi.Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb commended the administration and all allied departments for making excellent arrangements on Eid-ul-Fitr and refunding additional fares being charged to the passengers.The Senior Provincial Minister directed to complete the feasibility report of the Nullah Lai project in three months along with ensuring completion of the Ring Road project in December. The meeting reviewed the implementation of ‘Suthra Punjab’ in the entire Rawalpindi division and directed to remove all other shortcomings which came to surface.The CM congratulated the district administration and police for removing illegal bus stand from Pir Wadhai within a three-day deadline. On the direction of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Provincial Minister directed to remove bus stands from Faizabad along with eliminating encroachments so as to ensure convenience of the citizens.The CM has also directed to ensure the beautification, cleaning and uplifting plan of the entire Murree Road by next Friday. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that citizens have welcomed the elimination of encroachments in the entire Rawalpindi division. The CM has assigned a task to the police authorities to make the Rawalpindi division drug-free. She also directed to increase surveillance and patrolling operations in the border areas of the Rawalpindi division.In the direction of CM Punjab, a crackdown to be launched against the mafia involved in drug peddling was also approved. Later, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, along with relevant officials, visited various hospitals in Rawalpindi, besides Raja Bazar, Fawara Chowk and Saddar. She reviewed steps being taken so far to eliminate encroachments along with making arrangements for the medical treatment of patients in the hospitals.

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi, is showing signs of improvement, his physician, Dr. Asim Hussain, said.President Zardari's blood test reports also indicated a positive trend, Dr. Asim Hussain added.“A team of infectious disease experts visits the president thrice daily to monitor his condition,” he added.Dr. Asim Hussain also praised the decision to transfer President Zardari from Nawabshah to Karachi for treatment, calling it a wise move.The doctor expressed hope that President Zardari would be discharged from the hospital within a few days.“Due to coronavirus concerns, restrictions have been placed on visitor access,” Dr. Hussain added.He said that the president's family is being kept informed about his health status on a regular basis, Dr. Hussain assured.President Zardari who is also the PPP co-chairman was moved to the hospital in Karachi from Nawabshah after experiencing health issues on March 31.Read more: President Zardari tests positive for Covid-19He was shifted to the hospital in the city after suffering from fever owing to an infection.Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon refuted the reports relating to President Zardari’s health and said that his health was improving.In a post on X, Sindh’s senior minister denied speculations about his shifting to Dubai, stating that these reports were inaccurate.Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman, took oath as the 14th President of Pakistan on March 10.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a reduction in electricity prices in a ‘major’ relief to the public.Addressing an event organised for the announcement, PM Shehbaz revealed that the government has decided to decrease the electricity tariff by Rs 7.41 per unit for domestic conusmers.The prime minister also announced a reduction of Rs 7.59 rupees per unit for industries.PM Shehbaz expressed the confidence that the reduction in electricity prices will trigger economic activities in the country. He described the reduction as a gift to the nation on the occasion of Eid."I have come to share good news regarding Pakistan's economic growth on the occasion of Eid. The promise made by Nawaz Sharif in the party manifesto has been fulfilled today," he said. "The benefit of the global decrease in oil prices will be passed on to the people in the form of reduced electricity prices," said the prime minister. "Fortunately, the IMF has agreed to provide relief". He said that successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will result in a massive saving of Rs3,696 billion. To address the issue of circular debt, which currently stands at Rs2,393 billion, PM Shehbaz said arrangements have been made.The prime minister also expressed his determination to tackle power theft, which amounts to Rs600 billion annually. He stressed the importance of privatizing all power distribution companies or transferring them to provincial authorities.Discussing the economic challenges faced by the country, he said that tireless efforts had prevented the nation from defaulting. He expressed satisfaction that the economy has now achieved fundamental stability.The prime minister commended cabinet members and the Chief of Army Staff for their contributions to the country's progress. He emphasized that difficult decisions will have to be taken to restore the country's stature.PM Shehbaz announced that eliminating the Rs800 billion losses incurred by State-Owned Enterprises is essential, and a mechanism has been devised to address this issue. He also highlighted the PML-N's election manifesto promise to bring inflation down to single digits.He said the inflation rate has been reduced to 1.5%. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz noted that the petrol price has decreased by Rs38 over the last year, and the policy rate has been reduced from 22.5% to 12%. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnI84kxRxmYIt is worth noting here that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has allowed the government to reduce electricity tariffs by Rs1 per kilowatt-hour for all consumers.Read more: KE seeks Rs4.84 per unit refund in January FCAThe cut in the electricity prices will be financed through revenue collected via a levy imposed on captive power plants using natural gas, the IMF said in a statement.Following the IMF statement, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the government plans to slash electricity prices soon.In an interview with a foreign media outlet last month, Aurangzeb revealed that PM Shehbaz was leading the efforts to reduce electricity prices, with an official announcement expected shortly.Aurangzeb shared that the Pakistan government was working on a budget that expands the tax base to include sectors like real estate, retail, and agriculture.

KARACHI: A teenage girl has been killed after being struck by a speeding ambulance on New MA Jinnah Road in Karachi as road accidents continue claiming valuable lives in the city, ARY News reported.According to police, the teenage girl was fatally injured after being hit by an ambulance on New MA Jinnah Road in Karachi. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.The ambulance driver, identified as Muhammad Ali, has been taken into custody by the police. Angry onlookers smashed the ambulance's windows in response to the incident.A police contingent, including crime scene investigators, has arrived at the hospital to investigate the matter. Authorities are gathering further details, revealing that the victim worked as a domestic worker.Karachi has witnessed a disturbing surge in road 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.Read more: Karachi traffic police to monitor dumpers’ speed using trackersAccording 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.In January and the first six days of February 2025, 32 accidents involved heavy traffic.In response to the rising number of accidents, the traffic police have taken action, issuing 34,655 challans and arresting 490 drivers. Additionally, 532 vehicle fitness certificates were cancelled.

KARACHI: Karachi's traders have expressed disappointment over the sluggish sales during the Eid ul Fitr 2025 season this year, saying that despite bustling markets, the sales failed to meet expectations.President All Karachi Traders Union Atiq Mir said that the sales this year were 25 to 30 percent lower as compared to last year. He said that despite a 40 to 50 percent increase in goods available for sale during Eid ul Fitr 2025, only around Rs. 15 billion worth of goods were sold.Atiq Mir said that 60 to 70 percent of the Eid ul Fitr 2025 season goods remained unsold and were left in warehouses. He recalled that 2015 was the best year for Eid sales in Karachi, with traders selling goods worth around Rs. 70 billion.The President of the All Karachi Traders Union lamented that Karachi's Eid sales potential is around Rs. 100 billion, but over the past decade, sales have dwindled from Rs. 70 billion to a mere Rs. 15 billion.Atiq Mir attributed the decline in sales to low purchasing power, resulting in limited spending on essential items such as ready-made garments, shoes, artificial jewelry, and affordable decorative items.Over 200 markets in Karachi's commercial areas and city districts had been eagerly awaiting the traditional Eid shopping spree.

LAHORE: Two separate incidents of violence have shaken the province of Punjab, leaving two people dead, ARY News reported.In the first incident, a father was allegedly killed by his son in Kabeerwala, Khanewal District. According to police, the incident occurred due to a verbal altercation between the two.The son fled the scene after the incident and is currently being pursued, the police said and added that the body has been shifted to a hospital for post-mortem.In another incident, a 23-year-old woman, identified as Ayesha Habib, was shot dead by unknown assailants in Lahore's Sundar area, within the limits of Mohlanwal Aziz Colony.The police reported that the victim was scheduled to get married today. Investigations are underway, with police and forensic teams collecting evidence from the crime scene.

KARACHI: Several passengers sustained injuries as an overspeeding bus overturned at Drigh Road on Wednesday, ARY News reported.Rescue officials arrived at the scene and moved the injured passengers to the nearby hospitals.According to officials, the overspeeding bus was racing with another vehicle when it overturned while taking a turn on the busy road of Karachi.The actual number of injured passengers will be determined after completing the rescue operations, the officials said.Last month, a Red Bus driver was crushed to death in Malir while he was going to his duty station.Read more: Karachi accidents: Front, back cameras declared mandatory for dumpersReports said that the victim, identified as Abdul Razzaq, a driver of Red Bus, was going to his duty when the incident happened in Malir’s Khokhrapar No. 2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMrDl_CeBB0The latest incident comes amid a rising number of road accidents caused by heavy vehicles in the metropolitan city.Following the road accidents, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah mandated the installation of front and back-view cameras in dumpers to help determine fault in case of accidents in Karachi.The move was aimed at ensuring safety of the masses as the number of fatalities in heavy traffic has surged in 2025.

The Pakistan government is likely to reduce electricity prices as Prime Minister Shehbaz is set for a meeting with leading business leaders, ARY News reported, citing sources.Sources said that PM Shehbaz Sharif will hold a meeting with prominent business leaders tomorrow (Thursday), where he will take them into confidence about the reforms in Pakistan’s power sector.Former caretaker minister Gohar Ejaz will lead the business leaders' delegation, which will discuss the country’s exports and other economic issues.The meeting has been scheduled at 2:00 PM at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, sources said.It is worth noting here that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has allowed the government to reduce electricity tariffs by Rs1 per kilowatt-hour for all consumers.Read more: KE seeks Rs4.84 per unit refund in January FCAThe cut in the electricity prices will be financed through revenue collected via a levy imposed on captive power plants using natural gas, the IMF said in a statement.https://youtu.be/LYxxwPnGTw4?t=80Following the IMF statement, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the government plans to slash electricity prices soon.In an interview with a foreign media outlet last month, Aurangzeb revealed that PM Shehbaz was leading the efforts to reduce electricity prices, with an official announcement expected shortly.Aurangzeb shared that the Pakistan government was working on a budget that expands the tax base to include sectors like real estate, retail, and agriculture.

ARY Digital Network (North America) recently organized a dinner to bid farewell to Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and welcome Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the new PR of Pakistan to the UN.The event, a first of its kind, gathered US-based Pakistani journalists and prominent members of the Pakistani community in New York.Mr. Asif Jamal, Chief Operating Officer of ARY Digital Network, highlighted Ambassador Akram's illustrious career during his tenure as Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN in his welcome remarks.Tributes poured in for Ambassador Akram, recognizing his decades of outstanding service to Pakistan.Journalists from various news organizations shared their perspectives during the event.The speakers extended their best wishes to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad for his upcoming term as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN.Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon and Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai also graced the occasion with their presence.

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for Covid-19, ARY News reported, citing his physician Dr Asim Hussain on Wednesday.Dr Asim said that President Zardari was receiving medical care at a private hospital, where he has been placed in isolation.According to Dr Asim, all meetings of the president have been postponed as he recovers from the infectious disease.Meanwhile, doctors have conducted multiple tests to assess his health status.A day earlier, the PPP co-chairman was moved to the hospital in Karachi from Nawabshah after experiencing health issues.Read more: President Asif Ali Zardari’s condition is improving, says Sharjeel MemonThe PPP co-chairman was shifted to the hospital in the city after suffering from fever owing to an infection.Earlier today, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon refuted the reports relating to President Zardari's health and said that his health was improving.In a post on X, Sindh’s senior minister denied speculations about his shifting to Dubai, stating that these reports were inaccurate.Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman, took oath as the 14th President of Pakistan on March 10.Then-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath to Zardari after he received 411 votes, while the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) backed candidate Mehmood Khan Achakzai — the home of PTI independents — only managed to get 181 votes.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet distinguished businessmen on Thursday to take them into confidence over the proposed power sector reforms, sources at the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday.Former caretaker minister for industries and commerce Gohar Ejaz will lead the businessmen delegation.Major cut is expected in power tariffs during the prime minister's meeting with businessmen, sources said.A breakthrough is also likely over exports and other economic issues in the meeting.The meeting has been scheduled at 2:00 PM at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, sources added.It is to be mentioned here that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently allowed the government to reduce electricity tariffs by Rs1 per kilowatt-hour for all consumers.The relief will be financed through revenue collected via a levy imposed on captive power plants using natural gas, the IMF said in a statement.The move is part of a broader relief package the government is working on for electricity users.According to official sources, the reduction could lessen the financial burden on consumers by up to Rs100 billion.

KARACHI: Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday said that President Asif Ali Zardari's condition is improving.In a post on X providing an update on the health of the President, Sindh's senior minister denied speculations about his shifting to Dubai, stating that these reports were inaccurate.Zardari had been shifted from Nawabshah to a private hospital in Karachi late Monday night, where he underwent medical tests.First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reached from Larkana to Karachi and reached to hospital from airport and met her ailing father, President Zardari.Aseefa Bhutto also inquired hospital doctors about health of her father. "She has been with the President at the Clifton private hospital, sources said.President Zardari being treated at the hospital under supervision of his personal physician, Dr. Asim Hussain. Hospital sources said that the president is suffering from fever owing to infection.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also contacted President Asif Ali Zardari and inquired about his well-being and prayed for his early recovery.

KARACHI: The third day of Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated across the country with religious zeal and fervor as the festivities continue on the third and final day on Wednesday, ARY News reported.People are visiting their relatives and recreational places across the country today to enjoy the Eid holidays with their loved ones.In Karachi, citizens have thronged beaches of the coastal city to enjoy the eid holiday, visiting relatives, parks and other places for outing to enjoy third day of Eid ul Fitr.People inviting relatives, hosting guests with variety of traditional delicacies and luscious meals.In Sukkur, Sindh's major city in the north, people enjoying in boating at Lab-e-Mehran Park.Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated with religious zeal and fervor across the country.On the first days of the Eid, congregations were held at open places, mosques and Eidgahs across the country in all cities, towns and villages to begin the three-day feast after end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

HAMILTON, New Zealand: Mitch Hay's rollicking 99 not out backed by some feisty seam bowling steered New Zealand to an 84-run win over Pakistan on Wednesday to take an unbeatable lead in their one-day international series.New Zealand made 292-8 and bowled Pakistan out for 208 in the 42nd over in Hamilton in the second of three ODIs.Hay's lusty hitting snapped a mid-innings slump by the hosts as he raced to a career-best score which included 22 off the final over by Mohammad Wasim.The wicketkeeper-batsman smacked seven fours and as many sixes in his 78-ball innings after going into the middle with New Zealand struggling at 132-5 in the 27th over.In reply Pakistan were in early trouble when Will O'Rourke had Abdullah Shafique (one) caught at first slip in the third over and in the following over Babar Azam (one) was caught at second slip off Jacob Duffy.Duffy struck again in his next over with the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan were 9-3 in the sixth over when New Zealand at the same stage were 50-0.Ben Sears entered the attack and took two wickets in his first over, removing Salman Agha for nine and Mohammad Rizwan for five.A combination of poor shot selection and some lively seam bowling reduced Pakistan to 32-5 after 12 overs.Tayyab Tahir (13) and Faheem Ashraf put on 33 for the sixth wicket and when Haris Rauf retired hurt on three, his concussion replacement Naseem Shah put on 60 with Ashraf.Both posted maiden 50s with Ashraf scoring 73 off 80 deliveries and Naseem making 51 from 44.Sears took 5-59 for New Zealand.Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl with overcast skies and a green-tinged wicket favouring the bowlers.Novice Black Cap openers Nick Kelly and Rhys Mariu took control early.They put on 54 before Kelly, in only his second international, was caught behind for a hard-hitting 31 which included four fours and two sixes.Debutant Mariu followed soon after for 18 off 25 when a leading edge lobbed up to Azam at mid-off in Wasim's opening over.Wasim and Rauf slowed the scoring and it took Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell until the 16th over to get New Zealand to the 100 mark.The introduction of spin brought Mitchell's innings to a halt for 18, stumped by Rizwan when beaten in the air by Sufyan Moqim. Nicholls went for 22 in the following over.Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas added only 30 runs in the next 10 overs when Bracewell was caught behind off Wasim for 17.Pakistan-born Abbas and Hay set about restoring the innings with a patient 77-run partnership until Abbas went for 41.Muqeem was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 2-33 while Wasim took 2-78.The third and final match is at Mount Maunganui on Friday.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have imposed curfew in Tank and South Waziristan districts owing to security concerns.The district administrations have notified that the curfew will remain imposed in Tank and South Waziristan districts from 6:00am to 6:00pm.The people have been requested to use alternate routes and cooperate with the security agencies.Partial curfew has also been imposed in Dera Ismail Khan.In South Waziristan, the curfew will cover Korr Qila, Khargai and Manzai road, while Dabara Bazaar will also be closed. The Korr Qila via Gomal, Wana highway will remain open.Movement has been completely banned at Karri Wam and Jandola during the curfew period.The administration has said that these steps being taken to ensure protection of life and property in the region. It has also requested commuters to cooperate with the administration security agencies during the curfew hours.It is to be mentioned here that terrorists last month attacked a security post in Tank district of KP, foiled by the military troops.

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan expired on March 31 and the process of the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and illegal refugees begin from April 1st.Food and healthcare arrangements have been made for Afghans returning to home. The authorities warned of strict punitive action against those staying in the country after the deadline.Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior had asked Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, staying in Pakistan, to leave the country by March 31.The Afghan nationals will be deported from April 1st (today), the ministry said in an earlier statement.“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,” the interior ministry said in an earlier official handout.“All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence from April 1, 2025,” the statement added.The interior ministry said that sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return. “It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place.”“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution,” it said.Over 8,86,242 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally were repatriated to their country by April 1st since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. It is estimated that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan.

KARACHI: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sammi Deen Baloch has been released after the Sindh government withdrew her name from the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.Sammi Deen Baloch, along with others, were detained under the MPO for 30 days on March 24 for violating Section 144 during a protest.Confirmed Sammi Deen Baloch's release, her lawyer Jibran Nasir stated that she has been released and is now with her family. He added that Sammi's release marks a positive step in the right direction by the state.Read More: FIR registered against BYC’s leaders in Quetta for inciting violenceEarlier, the Police registered an FIR against leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and their armed workers for inciting violence, attacking hospitals and officials and holding violent protests.According to the Quetta commissioner’s office, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) organized a protest on March 21, demanding the return of the bodies of terrorists killed during the Jaffar Express operation.However, the protest turned violent, with protesters and their armed accomplices opening fire and pelting stones at police, resulting in the deaths of three people, including an Afghan citizen.

Quetta has recorded its first death from Congo virus this year, as an 18-year-old patient succumbed to the disease, ARY News reported, citing hospital sources.The young man, a resident of Pishin, passed away at Fatima Jinnah General and Chest Hospital in Quetta.He was admitted to the hospital on March 29 in critical condition and placed in the isolation ward after Congo virus was confirmed in his diagnosis. This marks the first Congo virus-related death in Quetta in 2025.It is pertinent to mention here that the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued advisories for the prevention and control of CCHF.In the wake of high disease transmission, it is imperative to be vigilant about the situation and take steps to interrupt the transmission of CCHF.It explained that CCHF is caused by tick-borne Nairovirus. Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and hares are carriers of this virus, which is transmitted to people by tick bites or through contact with infected blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter.Read More: Balochistan registers another Congo virus caseEarlier, Balochistan reported another Congo virus cases, increasing the number of cases to 41 this year, ARY News reported on Monday.“Sharafuddin, 25, was brought to Fatima Jinnah Hospital in a precarious condition,” hospital officials said.The man was tested positive for Congo virus after undergoing tests, the hospital sources said.This is not the first instance that an epidemic of Congo virus fever has broken out in Balochistan. In late 80s and mid-90s dozens of people had died of the disease, health sources said.