KARACHI: Ghulam Haider, ex-husband of a Pakistani woman Seema Haider, appealed to the Indian government for the repatriation of his four children, alleging they are being forced to convert to Hinduism. Seema Haider, a Pakistani national, married an Indian man, Sachin Meena, after illegally entering India along with her four children. Seema had met with Sachin Meena on PUBG Mobile and later married in Nepal.Ghulam Haider posted a video on social media in which he said “It has been a year since my children Farhan Khan, Farwa Batool, Fariha Batool, and Farah Batool are being stuck in India".He said "Seema is now facing cases in Indian courts, but my children are my world and key to my heart, they are far away from their father and their roots, I have not seen them since 2023".Ghulam Haider said that his children are being forced to convert their religion.Read More: Seema Haider: NCRC seeks repatriation of four children from IndiaHe appealed to the Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar for the repatriation of his children to Pakistan and to provide him justice.Earlier, Pakistan’s National Commission for Rights of Children (NCRC) has sought repatriation of four children of Seema Haider.In a letter penned to the Foreign Office of Pakistan, NCRC chairperson has appealed for repatriation of four children of Seema Haider stranded in India, who are now being forced to change religion.The Pakistan government should raise the issue with the Indian government and ensure safe return of the children, the letter stated.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEankFqxL3M 

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a circular to carry out a thorough investigation of individuals who are opting for expensive Hajj packages under the private Hajj 2025 scheme, ARY News reported.As per the new guidelines, individuals who choose packages costing over Rs3 million  will now have their Hajj process linked to security clearance.The names of these pilgrims will be sent to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which will scrutinise their assets and tax records. In addition, security agencies will also assess their criminal and other records before providing clearance.Once the relevant authorities grant clearance, those who have chosen packages above Rs3 million will be permitted to proceed with their Hajj 2025 pilgrimage.Read More: Hajj 2025: Training program for Pakistani pilgrims to begin tomorrowFurthermore, companies offering these high-cost packages will be required to provide details of the Hajj packages. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will approve the details and expenses of such packages.To ensure smooth coordination, the ministry has appointed Mohammad Hakeem Khattak as the focal person for this process. The new regulation is aimed at ensuring a more transparent and secure Hajj 2025 experience for those opting for expensive packages.Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) of Pakistan has finalised the mandatory training for intended pilgrims under the government Hajj 2025 scheme.In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said Hajj 2025 training will be provided at one hundred and forty seven locations across the country.He said the first session of the training workshop will be held in Peshawar tomorrow.The spokesperson said that the attendance of Hajj 2025 pilgrims will be ensured through QR code in Pak Haj mobile app.He said that the overseas Pakistanis will receive training from the respective Haji Camps prior to the Hajj journey.He said the first phase of mandatory Hajj training will be completed on 27th of next month.

HYDERABAD: The elected municipal representatives on Saturday set up a “Sasta Bazaar” for the public in Hyderabad, to provide the poor with a relief amid stifling inflation in the country.Sasta bazaar was set up in Latifabad number 12 by the Chairman and other elected representatives of Union Council 109, with scores of stalls, which volunteers had set up to offer low-priced vegetables.Onions, potatoes, tomatoes, bitter gourds, peas and other vegetables were available in the Sasta bazaar.A large number of people thronged the stalls to buy vegetables at the lowest price. Vegetables were sold at subsidized rates of just Rs10 per kilogram to the general public.[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hyd-Sasti-Sabzi-Jam-Fareed-Lakho.mp4"][/video]Men and women buyers appreciated the initiative, praying for the end of inflation in the country.Read More: Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased by 3.7pc on YoY basisNoteably, Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased by 3.7pc on YoY basis.The weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), increased by 3.97 percent on year-on-year (YoY) basis during the week ended on January 2 as compared to corresponding week of last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.On Week-on-Week basis, the inflation however witnessed a nominal decrease of 0.07 percent for the combined consumption groups during the week under review as compared to the last week.According to the PBS, sugar prices have increased for the fifth consecutive week by Rs. 1.31 per kilogram (Kg). Furthermore, the prices of 18 essential commodities have risen including Chicken, which increased by Rs. 42.07 per kg; onions by Rs. 6.37 per kg; bananas by Rs. 3 per dozen, and Ghee by Rs. 7.73 per 2.5 kg tin.The prices of beef, pulses, and basmati rice also witnessed a hike. In a contrasting trend, prices of 10 commodities decreased that include tomatoes by Rs. 34.41 per kg and potatoes by Rs. 6.32 per kg.The prices of eggs, garlic and wheat flour have also come down.

LONDON: Police have arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker Gulfam Hussain Kayani over allegations of threatening the Sharif family, ARY News reported.Gulfam Kayani was detained for threatening to kill Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and other individuals. He also made critical remarks against Army Chief General Asim Munir and issued further threats.The PTI worker posted live videos on TikTok, in which he threatened the Sharif brothers and even mentioned destroying the Avenfield Apartments.He filmed videos outside both the Avenfield Apartments and Shahbaz Sharif’s flat, sharing them on social media. Gulfam also threatened to drag Shahbaz and Nawaz Sharif through the streets of London.Read More: Attack on ex-CJP Faez Isa: 23 overseas Pakistanis names put on PCLIn response to these threats, PML-N leader Khurram Butt collected evidence from the videos and submitted them to the police. Acting on this evidence, Gulfam Hussain Kayani was arrested near the gate of Avenfield Apartments.The London police have confirmed the arrest of an individual near the Avenfield location.Khurram Butt stated that the arrest followed his complaint, where he informed the police that Gulfam was planning to harm the Sharif family members.Sources close to Gulfam Hussain claim his phone is currently off, and he is unreachable. However, they maintain that Gulfam has never taken the law into his own hands and that he only participates in protests. They believe his arrest is politically motivated.Earlier, PTI activists attempted to obstruct the former chief justice’s vehicle, which belonged to the Pakistan High Commission, in London, even tried to smash its windows. They chanted slogans upon spotting Qazi Isa’s car and ran alongside it.

A resident of Multan, Abid Sahar, has converted his home into a mini museum which takes visitors to a bygone era.The museum has a rare collection of antiques and historical artefacts that date back to the First World War.“Sahar Mooltan Mini Museum” which is housed in a single room, offers a unique glimpse into the art, history, science, and culture of various societies and civilizations.The collection includes an impressive array of items like weapons of World War I, ancient lamps and clay pots, rare manuscripts, scales and weights, exquisite gemstones, marine plants, fossils that are millions of years old, ancient currencies from different countries, numerous metal coins and other historical things, each has its own history.[video width="720" height="576" mp4="https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ANTIQUES-MEUSIUM-PKG-By-Mirza-Ahmad-Ali221MB.mp4"][/video]Abid Sahar’s passion for preserving history is evident in the way he has curated the museum.While talking to ARY News, Abid Sahar said he takes great joy when young students and teachers from different educational institutions including universities visit his museum for research purposes.Read More: Saif Ali Khan to convert Pataudi Palace into a museum?He said academics also hold discussions on various topics at his museum related to civilizations, which he considered as a reward.The museums also have other notable items like cameras from the 14th and 18th centuries, vintage telephones and gramophones, and postal tickets that offer a glimpse into the past.Abid Sahar said that his family has a long tradition of preserving historical artefacts which were brought by his ancestors when they migrated from Hindustan to Pakistan in 1947.“Over the time, we continued to add to the collection, making it a treasure trove of historical significance”, he added.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan MPA, Abdul Waseem, was heckled by the angry relatives of 7-year-old Sarim, whose body was recovered from a water tank in North Karachi after being missing for 11 days, ARY News reported on Saturday.Bereaved relatives and residents of the apartment surrounded Member of Sindh Assembly, Abdul Waseem, when he was visiting the crime scene.Enraged women forced him to a hasty exit from the apartment, saying that our child had died and you have come here for petty political gains.The angry mob accused the apartment’s union office bearers of involving in the alleged killing of Sarim.Family members also slammed the police for failing to locate the child, saying that the incompetent police were busy raiding the homes of Sarim’s relatives while he was actually inside the apartment.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdBUtqcNVewThe body of Sarim was found in an underground water tank near his residence in North Karachi. The post-mortem report Sarim shows multiple injury marks on the Sarim’s body.However, the police surgeon stated that the exact cause of death would only be confirmed after the chemical examination report received.Also read: Sarim: Missing Karachi boy found dead from water tankThe water tank’s lid was covered with a carton, the police said and added they are now investigating whether the boy fell into the tank accidentally or was pushed.Earlier, Sarim’s family had filed a missing person’s report, fearing abduction, after he failed to return from a nearby madrasa on January 7.The father of the child received some suspicious calls and messages from unknown numbers, with some demanding the online transfer of money and one caller asking for the child’s picture. He sent a picture to that number which went switched off.Later, the father of 7-year-old Sarim, a madrassa student, received a ransom message demanding Rs 5 lakh whereas the case was transferred to the AVCC (Anti-Violent Crime Cell).

KARACHI: The port city has started to see a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with 25 to 30 percent of patients presenting with symptoms of cold and cough testing positive for the virus, ARY News reported.According to Professor Saeed Khan, an expert in infectious diseases at Dow Hospital, there has been an increase in the number of people suffering from cold, cough, and fever in the city. After testing, 25 to 30 percent of these patients are confirmed to have COVID-19.Professor Khan further stated that 10 to 12 percent of patients are being diagnosed with Influenza H1N1, while 5 to 10 percent of children are showing signs of respiratory infections.He explained that the symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza H1N1, and other winter viral infections are similar, which leads many patients to avoid getting tested, thereby preventing the confirmation of these diseases.Read More: NA body calls KE CEO over non-payment of Covid subsidy to consumersAt Dow Hospital, a significant number of patients with cold, cough, and fever symptoms have tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital has reported that the number of patients with difficulty in breathing and other respiratory issues is also increasing.The symptoms of these viral infections often overlap, with the loss of taste and smell being one of the distinguishing symptoms of COVID-19. The rapid spread of these diseases is typical during winter, with poor ventilation contributing to the spread of viruses.Experts are urging the public to take necessary precautions, including wearing masks and staying covered. They also recommend getting the annual influenza vaccine to protect against viral infections.

KARACHI: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Dammam to Multan narrowly escaped a major accident due to the alleged negligence of the pilot, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, the flight, PK-150, was diverted to Lahore due to bad weather and dense fog in Multan.However, upon landing in Lahore, the pilot made a critical error, landing the plane on the wrong runway, despite the central runway being available.The pilot's decision put the lives of all passengers at risk. Furthermore, the runway lights were also turned off during landing, adding to the danger.The airline's administration has taken notice of the pilot's negligence and has grounded the pilot and first officer for investigation. Sources revealed that the pilot landed the plane on runway 36L instead of the central runway, raising serious concerns about the pilot's competence and adherence to safety protocols.Earlier, the Passengers of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) international flight were left extremely uncomfortable when the washroom of the aeroplane started leaking during mid-flight.The unpleasant video of the incident went viral on social media which showed the leakage of the washroom of the PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft travelling from Istanbul – Turkey to Islamabad.Read more: VIDEO: PIA PLANE FACES WASHROOM LEAKAGE MID-FLIGHTThe leakage led to dirty water, defecation and toilet paper piling up throughout the plane, causing a strong unpleasant odour that left passengers feeling extremely uncomfortable.The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused to the passengers and assured them that necessary measures would be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Pakistani citizens living in the United Kingdom can now renew their passports with ease, thanks to the Pakistan High Commission in London and consulates in Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.These centers offer services for renewing ordinary passports, making it more convenient for the Pakistani community in the UK.Required documents and processTo renew your passport, you’ll need to visit the high commission or consulate with the required documents, as the passport office operates on the principle of live data capturing.This means that your data entry, photo, signature, and thumb impression will be captured using the latest technology. Unfortunately, walk-in applicants cannot be serviced for MRP services, so be sure to book an appointment in advance.Pakistani passport renewal feesThe fees for renewing your Pakistani passport in the UK vary depending on the validity period and number of pages:36-Page PassportNormal fee (5 years): £30 Normal fee (10 years): £45 Urgent fee (5 years): £50 Urgent fee (10 years): £7572-Page PassportNormal fee (5 years): £55 Normal fee (10 years): £82 Urgent fee (5 years): £90 Urgent fee (10 years): £135100-Page PassportNormal fee (5 years): £60 Normal fee (10 years): £90 Urgent fee (5 years): £120 Urgent fee (10 years): £180Online Application OptionYou can also apply for a Pakistani passport online through the official e-Service Portal of the Government of Pakistan.Also Read: Federal govt notifies cut in passport feeRemember to book your appointment and gather the necessary documents before visiting the high commission or consulate. With these convenient options, renewing your Pakistani passport in the UK has never been easier!Meanwhile, Pakistan’s passport power was hit in 2025, ranking 103rd on the Henley Passport Index, lower than the occupied Palestinian territory, which stands at 100th.In 2024, Pakistani passport holders had visa-free access to 34 countries. However, in 2025, this number has decreased to 33. The reduction, albeit slight, highlights a persistent decline in the value of Pakistan’s travel document over the years.Several factors have contributed to the dwindling status of the Pakistani passport.

KARACHI: The body of seven-year-old Sarim, who had been missing for 11 days in mysterious manner, is found from an underground water tank near his residence in North Karachi, ARY News reported citing police.The water tank's lid was covered with a carton, the police said and added they are are now investigating whether the boy fell into the tank accidentally or was pushed.https://youtu.be/OSWDkqUFuqk?t=74The child's body has been shifted to the hospital and the cause of death will be ascertained  after the postmortem, the police added.Sarim's family had filed a missing person's report, fearing abduction, after he failed to return from a nearby madrasa on January 7.The police remained clueless and kept searching for the boy who went missing from the North Karachi area. The authorities had conducted an extensive search operation in the apartment complex, searching all 212 flats and checking the building’s four water tanks.https://youtu.be/7Quubckn9jY?t=21However, the power outage during the time of the incident has hindered the investigation, as the CCTV footage from that time was unavailable. The police investigated various aspects of the case and tried to obtain CCTV footage from surrounding areas.The father of the child received some suspicious calls and messages from unknown numbers, with some demanding the online transfer of money and one caller asking for the child’s picture. He sent a picture to that number which went switched off.Later, the father of 7-year-old Sarim, a madrassa student, received a ransom message demanding Rs 5 lakh whereas the case was transferred to the AVCC (Anti-Violent Crime Cell).Speaking to ARY News, Sarim’s mother had tearfully appealed, saying, “Whoever has taken my son, please return him.”She added that both her sons went to the madrasa together, but only the elder one came back. The family also noted that while the apartment complex has CCTV cameras installed, they were non-operational at the time due to a power outage.

KARACHI: The post-mortem report of 7-year-old Sarim, whose body was recovered from a water tank in North Karachi after being missing for 11 days, has surfaced, ARY News reported.According to a police surgeon, the report shows multiple injury marks on the Sarim's body.The body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for the post-mortem examination, where all necessary samples were collected. However, the police surgeon stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the chemical examination report is received.Earlier today, the body of seven-year-old Sarim, who had been missing for 11 days in mysterious manner, was found from an underground water tank near his residence in North Karachi.The water tank’s lid was covered with a carton, the police said and added they are are now investigating whether the boy fell into the tank accidentally or was pushed.The child’s body was been shifted to the hospital and the cause of death will be ascertained after the postmortem, the police added.Sarim’s family had filed a missing person’s report, fearing abduction, after he failed to return from a nearby madrasa on January 7.The police remained clueless and kept searching for the boy who went missing from the North Karachi area. The authorities had conducted an extensive search operation in the apartment complex, searching all 212 flats and checking the building’s four water tanks.However, the power outage during the time of the incident has hindered the investigation, as the CCTV footage from that time was unavailable. The police investigated various aspects of the case and tried to obtain CCTV footage from surrounding areas.Also read: Sarim: Missing Karachi boy found dead from water tankThe father of the child received some suspicious calls and messages from unknown numbers, with some demanding the online transfer of money and one caller asking for the child’s picture. He sent a picture to that number which went switched off.Later, the father of 7-year-old Sarim, a madrassa student, received a ransom message demanding Rs 5 lakh whereas the case was transferred to the AVCC (Anti-Violent Crime Cell).Speaking to ARY News, Sarim’s mother had tearfully appealed, saying, “Whoever has taken my son, please return him.”She added that both her sons went to the madrasa together, but only the elder one came back. The family also noted that while the apartment complex has CCTV cameras installed, they were non-operational at the time due to a power outage.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has witnessed a 56 percent increase in revenue from excise duties, collecting a total of Rs 577 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, ARY News reported.According to official documents of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), a number of industries, including tobacco, cement, aerated beverages, airline tickets, fertilizers, and dairy goods contributed to the significant surge in revenue.Cigarette excise taxes increased significantly by Rs 95 billion, to a total of almost Rs 237 billion. In the meantime, cement duty revenue rose by Rs 11.32 billion to Rs 77.71 billion.The tax revenue from aerated beverages witnessed a remarkable 113 percent increase, totaling Rs 36.50 billion. Additionally, the tax collection on air tickets surpassed Rs 47 billion, with an increase of Rs 7.22 billion.The fertilizer sector also contributed significantly, with over Rs 29 billion in excise duties collected. Meanwhile, the increased consumption of dairy products led to an additional Rs 5 billion in excise duty revenue.Read More: FBR achieves 97pc tax collection target in December 2024Earlier, it was reported that the FBR has achieved 97 percent of its tax collection target for December 2024, collecting Rs 1328 billion against the set amount of Rs 1370 billionThe Rs 1,328 billion collection in December represented a significant increase of 35 percent as compared to November’s tax collection. Furthermore, there was a notable 56 percent increase in tax collection in comparison with December of the previous financial year.In the first six months of the current financial year, the FBR collected Rs. 5624 billion in taxes, falling short by Rs 385 billion of its target of Rs. 6009 billion.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Law and Justice appointed two additional judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari, ARY News reported.The ministry notified Muhammad Azam Khan and Inaam Ameen Minhas as additional judges of the IHC. The two new additional judges will take oath on Monday.IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will administer oath to Azam Khan and Inaam Ameen Minhas in a ceremony set to be held at the IHC.Earlier the Judicial Commission of Pakistan held two meetings on January 17—one for considering the nominations for the appointment of Additional Judges in the Islamabad High Court and the second for considering the nominations for the appointment of additional judges in the High Court of Balochistan—.In the first meeting, the commission, by majority of its total membership, nominated Muhammad Azam Khan, District & Session Judge, and Inaam Ameen Minhas, Advocate Supreme Court for their appointment as additional judges of the Islamabad High Court.Read More: 20 names sent to JCP for additional judges’ appointment to high courtsIn the second meeting, the commission unanimously nominated Muhammad Asif, Advocate Supreme Court, Muhammad Ayub Khan, Advocate Supreme Court, and, by majority of its total membership, nominated Muhammad Najam-ud-Din Mengal, Advocate Supreme Court, for their appointment to High Court of Balochistan.In both meetings, the Commission unanimously decided that nominees who did not secure the required majority of the total membership of the commission for finalisation of their nominations this time may be renominated for future vacancies.For additional judges appointment to the IHC, 19 names were sent to the JCP for four positions. The names of three District and Sessions judges—Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan, Azam Khan and Shahrukh Arjumand— and Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar were sent.Advocate General Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat was also among the candidate recommended to the JCP. The names of Advocate Adnan Basharat, Advocate Syed Qamar Hussain Sabzwari, Advocate Umar Aslam, , Muhammad Usman Ghani, Rashid Cheema, Advocate Adnan Haider, Sultan Mazhar Sher Khan, Kashif Ali Malik and Daniyal Ijaz, Shahid Mahmood Khokhar, Babar Bilal, Muhammad Abdul Rafi, Chaudhry Hafeezullah Yaqoob had also been sent to the JCP.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan has become the first country to implement the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiative, launched by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO).In a statement issued here, the prime minister said that Pakistan’s first Digital FDI project has been making ‘significant’ efforts to identify targets and promote digital progress. “It is an important milestone towards creating an investment-friendly environment in the country,” PM Shehbaz added.He said that Pakistan’s Digital FDI project was a framework aimed at implementing digital infrastructure, digitisation and export of digital services. It would focus on sectors likely to attract foreign investment into the country, he added.PM Shehbaz added that at the country is heading towards a vibrant digital economy, which was a vital step in achieving sustainable progress and prosperity.He said that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth.Read More: PM Shehbaz hails economic team for current account surplusEarlier, the prime minister praised the World Bank’s (WB) $20 billion commitment to Pakistan under its first-ever 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF).“CPF reflects the World Bank’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic resilience and potential. We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we align our efforts for creating lasting opportunities for our people,” the prime minister said in his post on X.PM Shehbaz said that while focusing on six key areas, including child nutrition, quality education, clean energy, climate resilience, inclusive development, and private investment, CPF reflected Pakistan’s national priorities, as envisioned in its Home Grown Economic Transformation Plan.The prime minister deeply appreciated the efforts of the Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir and other colleagues who had worked day and night to strengthen Pakistan’s foundation for such transformative partnerships.

QUETTA: It has been disclosed that a massive amount of Baluchistan's disaster management authority was not deposited in the government's treasury.Sources have said that concerned officials had deposited the amount in saving accounts to get personal benefits and also share benefit with various private banks.The Auditor General of Pakistan has raised objection over the officials' failure to deposit 174 million rupees in the government exchequer.The PDMA and the Project Management Unit Awaran got the profit amount in the financial year 2022-23 from the saving accounts in three banks.The amount for reconstruction of the houses affected in Awaran earthquake was deposited in these accounts, sources said.The government of Baluchistan was also not shared information about the profit of these funds, according to sources.The Auditor General had termed the step as financial irregularity and called explanation in this respect as unsatisfactory.Apart of it, various inoperative and unauthorized accounts of different government departments have also been revealed in Baluchistan.

KURRAM: Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud said that a major operation will be launched in four locations of the district to eliminate the terrorists, ARY News reported.In a statement, the deputy commissioner said that the operation aims to eliminate terrorists from the region, ensuring the safety and security of its residents.He said that the preparations for the operation are currently underway, with displaced individuals being relocated to Tal and Hangu for their safety.Days after a peace agreement between the warring tribes was finally reached, violence flared out in the restive region once more as Kurram DC sustained injuries in a firing incident.Earlier, two militants involved in the attack on the deputy commissioner Kurram were arrested. The police officials said that the militants were apprehended during a crackdown in Kurram.Read More: Kurram: Protest sit-in in Mandori, main highway still closedSources revealed that the arrested militants have also been nominated in the FIR of the firing incident on the DC.The Additional Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had also issued a notification imposing Section 144 in Kurram district for a period of two months.The decision comes amid concerns over attempts by terrorists to disrupt the peace agreement in the area.According to the notification, authorities will launch a crackdown against those responsible for destabilising peace in Kurram. The directive also includes a ban on all types of public gatherings and the display of weapons on the main highway in the district.

KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is set to launch a "NADRA Biker Service" allowing residents of Karachi and other parts of Sindh to apply for their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) from the comfort of their own homes.The NADRA Biker Service will enable citizens to apply for new CNICs, renewals, and modifications without having to physically visit a NADRA office. The citizens can also book a rider under the NADRA Biker Service to get B-forms of their children while staying at home.This service will be available in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas, with three motorcycles allocated for Karachi and one each for Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas. The service was initially available in Punjab but now the same has been expanded to Sindh.Fee for NADRA Biker ServiceTo avail this service, citizens will need to pay additional fee of Rs. 1,000 for biker service other than the amount for issuance of new or renewed CNIC.The service is expected to start in the Karachi region on January 20.The applicants won't need to visit the NADRA office as the CNIC or B-form will be sent right to their home when it's ready.Read More: NADRA to launch new mobile app, announces NaqviEarlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the NADRA is set to launch a new mobile app as Pak ID web portal will be permanently shutdown.Mohsin Naqvi said a decision has been made to launch the NADRA mobile app to replace the website in order provider better and secure facilities to people.Naqvi explained that citizens, especially Pakistanis living abroad, faced difficulties in using the website, particularly when uploading fingerprints and required documents.He also highlighted that fraudulent elements were involved in assisting with the creation of fake identity documents through counterfeit websites, and attempts were being made to misuse citizens’ personal information. NADRA- NIC, NICOP, FRC News from Pakistan

KURRAM: A protest sit-in continuing in Mandori area of Lower Kurram as the main highway of the strife-torn region has still been closed despite a peace deal.The district administration has said that the talks ongoing with participants of the sit-in adding that all possible steps being taken to bring the situation to normal.An anti-terrorism operation likely to begin in several areas of Lower Kurram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after attack on a convoy carrying supplies for Para Chinar and other areas of Kurram district.The district authorities earlier issued a notification announcing of temporary displacement people (TDP) camps in anticipation of a possible anti-terrorism operation in the region.The decision came after an attack on a convoy in Bagan area, which resulted in killing of two personnel and five missing drivers, whose bodies were recovered on Friday.Lawlessness in the region and roadblocks have disrupted supplies to the district for long time causing severe shortage of edibles, medicines and other essential items.The district administration has said that the bunkers being demolished at Balash Khel and Khar Kalay areas of Lower Kurram. Officials said that seven bunkers have been demolished in the area so far.Section 144 has been imposed in the strife-torn Kurram district for a period of two months with ban over exhibition of arms and gathering of four or more people.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to conduct a high-level investigation into the recent boat capsizing tragedy in Morocco as a four-member investigative team will depart for the North American country to look into the matter, ARY News reported.The team will be headed by Additional Secretary Interior Salman Chaudhry, with Additional Director FIA Punjab North Munir Masood also part of the team. Representatives from the Foreign Office and Intelligence Bureau (IB) will also accompany the team.During their three to four days stay in Morocco, the investigative team will meet with Pakistani survivors of the boat capsizing tragedy and will also investigate allegations of violence and murder against Pakistani citizens.The move comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to investigate the incident, which resulted in the loss of several Pakistanis.Earlier, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan confirmed the incident of Pakistani migrants’ boat capsizing off Moroccan coast.The Foreign Office said on Thursday that a boat carrying 80 passengers, including several Pakistani nationals, setting off from Mauritania, has capsized near the Moroccan port of Dakhla.MoFA said in a press release that the Pakistan Embassy in Rabat (Morocco) has informed that several survivors, including Pakistanis, are lodged in a camp near Dakhla.Read More: FIA arrests two more suspects linked to Greece boat tragedy“Our Embassy in Rabat is in touch with local authorities. Additionally, a team from the Embassy has been dispatched to Dakhla to facilitate the Pakistani nationals and provide necessary assistance,” the statement said.Migrant rights group Walking Borders said on Thursday that 44 of those presumed to have drowned were from Pakistan.“They spent 13 days of anguish on the crossing without anyone coming to rescue them,” Walking Borders CEO Helena Maleno said on X.Asked about what warnings it had received from NGOs regarding a missing boat, Spain’s maritime rescue service said it had learned on Jan. 10 about a vessel that had left Nouakchott in Mauritania and was experiencing problems but it could not confirm if it was the same boat.

LAHORE: Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore on Saturday extended interim bail of two sisters of the PTI's founder in rioting case, ARY News reported.The court extended interim bails of Aleema Khanum and Uzma Khan till February 12 while hearing October 05 arson and rioting case.Prosecution pleaded to the court to extend date for submission of the case record.The ATC Judge expressed resentment over the plea and said that "it is daily routine that the record has not been available"."What is mistake of the accused to summon them in the court again and again", judge remarked."The court has heard the argument the decision will be announced in the next hearing, the judge said.Lahore witnessed violent clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists and police on October 15.The unrest, triggered by a PTI-led protest, quickly intensified as law enforcement used teargas to disperse demonstrators.