Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), a Pakistani school for orphan students, won the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize of $100,000 after being declared the best Global School in South Asia for its innovative project on water conservation and organic farming at the UN Climate Conference in Dubai.Two students represented KORT at the COP28 at EXPO Dubai, showcasing the Organisation's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by orphans in a region marked by adversity.The prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize for Best Global High School in South Asia was presented to Pakistan who was shortlisted alongside India and Bangladesh for this prestigious prize.The 11 winners, across 6 categories, will share a total prize of 5.9 million dollars.In a momentous acknowledgement of their efforts, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates presented Sumiya Bibi who lost her parents in the 2005 earthquake, with the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize of The Best Global High School in South Asia.Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) for orphans was established as a International Non-Profit Organisation 18 years ago. Kashmir Orphan Relief has been dedicated to supporting and providing orphaned children with excellent Education, Boarding Facilities, Food, Clothing, and Medical Care.This recognition for Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust with outstanding contributions towards sustainable practices, aligns with the broader societal goal of ensuring a better future for orphans.Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust presence at COP28 not only signifies their commitment to the welfare of orphaned children but also positions them as global leaders in the pursuit of sustainability and positive change.

ISLAMABAD: The number of intending pilgrims under the government Hajj Scheme dropped down to the record level, citing sources ARY News reported on Sunday.The banks have received only 6,000 applications of intending pilgrims across the country in six days, according to sources.The country's 15 nominated banks will receive Hajj applications till the last date of December 12.Total 89,605 Pakistani citizens will perform Hajj under the government hajj scheme.Balloting will be held in case of more applications than the fixed number of pilgrims.Hajj applications can be submitted on the Pakistani passport that will be valid till Dec 16, 2024. The applications could also be processed on the token of the passport application.The government has fixed 25,000 pilgrims' quota to perform Hajj under the sponsorship scheme on 'first come first serve' basis.The government will conduct balloting of intending pilgrims' applications for its regular hajj scheme.

KARACHI: Former finance minister Miftah Ismail is likely to join the ranks of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), ARY News reported on Sunday citing sources.Sources revealed that PPP is in the final stages of settling matters with the disgruntled PML-N leader.“Miftah Ismail will soon officially announce joining PPP,” sources say.Miftah had stepped down from his role as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sindh in June this year.Miftah was openly critical of PML-N's economic policies, particularly after Ishaq Dar assumed control of the finance ministry after the former’s resignation.Read More: Farooq Sattar invites Miftah Ismail to join MQM-PakistanFollowing differences with PPP, Ismail, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former PPP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar kicked off nationwide debate called “Reimagining Pakistan”, taking up a wide range of issues for discussion while expressing regret they were not adequately addressed since independence. The trio held several seminars in different cities.Earlier in October, Dr Farooq Sattar, a senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), had extended an invitation to former finance minister Miftah Ismail to join the ranks of MQM-P.Farooq Sattar called on Miftah Ismail at his residence in Karachi and invited the former finance minister to join the MQM-Pakistan.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Hanif Abbais said on Sunday that his party will not form coalition government with PPP after the general elections 2024, ARY News reported.In an interview with ARY News, the former SAPM criticized the PPP, saying that he won’t see any alliance with the Bilawal-led PPP after general elections in 2014. “It is far better for PML-N to sit on opposition benches rather than forming a coalition government with the PPP."His response comes after Bilawal’s launching scathing attacks on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the PPP’s former allies in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government in the Centre.“Bilawal called Shehbaz Sharif [Showbaz Sharfi], I would suggest PPP to show similar showbazi in Sindh and put province on the path of development,” Abbasi said, adding that people in Sindh struggling with basic needs including drinking water, education and medical facilities.Responding to Bilawal’s ministries' criticism against PML-N, the former minister said that Bilawal Zardari’s performance as foreign minister was not satisfactory. “PML-N did not intervene in PPP’s ministries during the coalition government and the performance of the particular ministries was not satisfactory,” he added.“Mummy daddy person cannot run foreign ministry,” he said while referring to Bilawal Bhutto.Speaking on upcoming general elections, Hanif Abbasi said that PML-N will form government in Punjab and Balochistan, adding that his party will form a coalition government with JUI-F in KPK and will give tough time to PPP this time in Sindh.Hanif Abbasi further said that some leaders within PML-N are against making electoral alliance with PML-Q. “Party leadership will make any decision regarding seat adjustment with PML-Q.”On Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the PML-N leader asked why Abbasi attended the petroleum ministry meetings if PDM government was so bad.

Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Pakistan’s Commerce and Industries Minister, led an official delegation in Saudi Arabia comprising Secretaries of the Ministry of Commerce and Board of Investment (BOI) and officials from the Attorney General’s Office.He held parleys with the GCC’s Chief Negotiator to finalize the investment-related part of the GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said a press release issued here on Sunday.The technical teams from the two sides held extensive discussions on the remaining details of the investment chapter, including investment protection and facilitation.They also discussed the potential impact of the FTA on bilateral trade and investment flows. “This is a major step forward in our efforts to strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and the GCC.” said Ejaz.The investment chapter is an important part of the agreement, and we are confident that we can reach an agreement soon.Read more: FM Jilani stresses unity in pursuit of G77’s climate objectivesThe GCC FTA is expected to boost trade and investment between Pakistan and the GCC. The agreement is also expected to create new jobs and opportunities for businesses in both regions.The two sides also discussed the possibility of holding a joint business forum shortly and to promote trade and investment between Pakistan and the GCC. Mr. Gohar Ejaz thanked the GCC for its warm hospitality.

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded a passenger at Karachi airport on Sunday over fake travel papers, ARY News reported.The FIA-Immigration offloaded a passenger Tauseef Ahmed from an overseas flight over fake travel documents. "Accused Tauseef Ahmed was traveling with fake visa of Japan on his passport," FIA officials said."The accused has been transferred to the FIA's anti-human trafficking cell Karachi for investigation", FIA spokesperson said.Earlier today nine alleged beggars travelling to Saudi Arabia in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims were offloaded at Multan airport.According to the FIA spokesperson, FIA Immigration arrested nine alleged beggars from Saudi Arabia-bound flight from Multan International airport.The authorities said the arrested included 6 women and two men, who failed to disclose the booking of any hotel during their stay in Saudi Arabia.The arrested have been moved to the anti-human trafficking cell of the FIA for further investigation. FIA spokesperson said strict monitoring is underway of the passengers to burst begging gangs.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Sunday offloaded nine alleged beggars travelling to Saudi Arabia in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims from Multan, Punjab, ARY News reported.According to the FIA spokesperson, FIA Immigration arrested nine alleged beggars from Saudi Arabia-bound flight from Multan International airport.The authorities said the arrested included 6 women and two men, who failed to disclose the booking of any hotel during their stay in Saudi Arabia.The arrested have been moved to the anti-human trafficking cell of the FIA for further investigation. FIA spokesperson said strict monitoring is underway of the passengers to burst begging gangs.Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 24 alleged beggars in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia-bound flight at Multan airport.The FIA officials during the immigration process questioned the passengers who confessed that they were going to visit the KSA to seek alms.The arrests came after the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development disclosed to the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant proportion of beggars are trafficked abroad through illegal channels.

NAWABSHAH: A speedy truck crushed a motorbike at Sakrand link road near here leaving three persons dead and one injured, ARY News reported on Sunday.According to police, a truck hit a motorbike at Sakrand-Sarhari road causing death of three brothers in the road accident.Fourth brother of deceased was injured in the mishap and shifted to Sakrand government hospital for medical attendance, police said.In August this year a passenger coach overturned in Nawabshah leaving a girl dead while 24 passengers injured.Karachi-bound passenger coach from Jhang overturned near Zero Point, Sakrand, in Nawabshah. As a result, a girl died on the spot, while 24 others including women and children were injured.The police and rescue teams arrived at the accident scene and transferred the wounded to a nearby hospital،It is to be mentioned here that reckless driving mostly causes mishaps at inter-city roads.According to police, the accident occurred as the driver lost control of the passenger bus.

MARDAN: A district and sessions court in Mardan on Sunday sent the PTI leader Asad Qaiser to jail on judicial remand in a case pertaining to violent protests in the country on May 9, ARY News reported.The PTI leader was presented before a court in Mardan. During the hearing, police submitted a request seeking Qaiser’s physical remand.The court rejected the police’s request for the physical remand of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and sent PTI leader to jail.Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, who had recently been granted bail by a session court, was re-arrested again on Saturday in a fresh case filed in Mardan district.Mardan District and Sessions Courts Judge Mohammad Zaib granted bail to Asad Qaiser against surety bonds worth Rs100,000. However, following his release from central prison, police re-arrested Mr Qaiser, citing his suspected involvement in the store attack.Read more: PTI leader Asad Qaiser gets bail in corruption caseQaiser, who is accused of corruption in the procurement of equipment for Gajju Khan Medical College, was arrested from Bani Gala, Islamabad, on Nov 3.The ACE booked Mr Qaiser over his alleged corruption in the purchase of medical equipment for Swabi’s Gajju Khan Medical College.

TEXAS: Dr Fowzia failed to meet her incarcerated sister Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in Fort Worth, the United States on Sunday.According to the details, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui is in America these days and has taken official permission from government officials in Washington to meet her sister. Still, despite this, she was unable to meet Aafia Siddiqui.In a video statement, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui said she reached the jail but could not meet Aafia Siddiqui as the staff 'misplaced' the prison key."Aafia was in front of me, but I was not allowed to meet her." Well you all know I was again unable to meet my sister #Aafia at FMC Carswell. They apparently lost the key to the cell. Can you believe that? #LetSistersHug pic.twitter.com/KYYAKkX7Vl — Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui (@FowziaSiddiqui) December 2, 2023 Read more: Aafia Siddiqui meets her sister Dr. Fowzia after 20 yearsIt is to be noted that Fowzia Siddiqui met Aafia in May, earlier this year, for the first time after 20 years of imprisonment in US.In 2003, Siddiqui was wanted by the FBI for questioning for possible ties to al Qaeda and was detained by Pakistani authorities, according to US media reports at the time.US officials alleged that when the Afghan police captured Siddiqui in July 2008, she was carrying two pounds (900 grams) of sodium cyanide, which releases a highly toxic gas, notes that referred to a mass casualty attack, and a list of US landmarks.

Karachi made a shocking distinction by becoming the most polluted city in terms of air quality, ARY News reported on Sunday.The concentration of pollutants in Karachi was recorded at 244 AQI on Sunday morning. Over the past few years, according to the yearly report issued by IQAir, it is evident that pollution levels in Karachi have not improved but have worsened.It’s worth noting that an AQI reading in the range of 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while an AQI reading between 201 and 300 is even more detrimental to health.Meanwhile, the weather will remain dry and cold in Karachi. The cold breeze will blow in night.Karachi's temperature in the morning was recorded at 18 degrees centigrade, while the maximum temperature will remain between 28 to 30 degrees centigrade.

DUBAI: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday agreed to further deepen and strengthen the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, and cultural spheres as well as people to people contacts, ARY News reported.The prime minister held a bilateral meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of COP – 28 being held here, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.The two leaders spoke warmly about the close and cordial nature of Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and immense goodwill between the peoples of the two countries.President Wickremesinghe shared Sri Lanka’s experience and measures to address the challenge of financial crunch and inflation.Prime Minister Kakar briefed the Sri Lankan president on the government’s efforts to revitalize the economyThe prime minister and President Wikremsinghe discussed the importance of working together to promote peace and development in South Asia and to address common challenges including the adverse impacts of climate change.

ISLAMABAD: At least 4,02,312 illegal foreigners including Afghans have so far been repatriated to their homeland in a dignified and safe manner.The process of repatriation of illegal foreign nationals including Afghans to their homeland is continuing.“Thousands of Afghans are returning to their homeland on a daily basis through Chaman and Torkham borders, thanking Pakistan for its generosity,” Radio Pakistan reported.Apart from other measures for the dignified return of Afghans to their country, transit camps equipped with all facilities have been established in various districts for their temporary accommodation.It is pertinent to mention here that 3776 more illegal Afghan nationals,  returned to their country yesterday.Earlier, the Caretaker Provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai reiterated the government’s resolve and said that the illegal immigrants will be repatriated to their own country at any cost.He said the government has set a target of deporting 10,000 immigrants every day. So far 135,000 illegal immigrants have returned to Afghanistan and this process is gradually progressing towards success.He said that Afghans were involved in sixteen attacks in different bomb attacks and sabotage incidents during one year.The government has decided that ten thousand illegal immigrants will be sent to Afghanistan every day; he said reiterating that who has an Afghani Tazkira or any other document cannot escape from following the government policies regarding one document regime.

Australia are likely to face a heavy blow as star pacer Mitchell Starc is doubtful for the first Test against Pakistan.Watch ARY News live on live.arynews.tvAustralia are hosting Pakistan for a three-match Test series. The series will commence on December 14 at Perth's Optus Stadium. The second fixture is scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26th.The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the third and final Test on January 3rd.A report by cricket website Cricket Addictor stated that Mitchell Starc is likely to be ruled out of the Perth Test as he is reportedly nursing and Western Australia quick Lance Morris could be his replacement.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mitch Starc (@mstarc56) Mitchell Starc is likely to make his return to the side for the second match.Australia had picked Lance Morris in the Test squad for the series against the West Indies and India but he did not make his debut.Related - Mitchell Starc recommends THIS change in ODI cricketLance Morris can clock 150 km/h regularly and is thought to be a “like-for-like” replacement for Mitchell Starc. However, he is following a recovery program for stress fractures on his back.

DUBAI: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar and President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday agreed to advance mutual cooperation in combating climate change.The two leaders held a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of COP 28 and emphasized the need of progress on result-oriented outcomes in the domain of climate action and justice.During the meeting, the two leaders discussed sharing of expertise in the realm of plantation of mangroves and other climate resistance floras.The prime minister assured the President of Maldives of Pakistan’s full support to the Government and people of Maldives.PM Kakar felicitated Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on assumption of the office of the President of Maldives.He also expressed his desire to promote peace and development in South Asia through enhanced regional cooperation.The two leaders resolved to further strengthen Pakistan-Maldives bilateral relations and capitalize on the immense goodwill between the people of the two countries.They agreed to enhance high-level dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation especially in economic, trade, cultural and tourism sectors.The President of Maldives thanked the prime minister for conveying warm sentiments on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.Read More: PM Kakar in Dubai to steer Pakistan’s case at COP28PM Kakar is leading the Pakistani delegation in the high-level segment and will attend the World Climate Action Summit on Dec 1 and 2.Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Federal Minister for Climate Change Ahmed Irfan Aslam and Energy Minister Muhammad Ali are also participating in COP28.

KARACHI: In a shocking incident, suspects who were posing as police officials have abducted a man from Karachi, ARY News reported.As per details, the incident occurred in Ashraf Colony Mehmoodabad where eight to ten suspects in plain clothes posing as police officials entered the citizen's house.He claimed that the suspects then took him to his office, searched the office and asked for money.When they couldn't find the amount they made Rs 8 lac transfer from the victim's bank account and dropped him at FTPL bridge.Furthermore, the victim claimed that police officials registered the FIR after 10 days.Read more: Karachi police nab 2 suspects robbing in guise of law enforcersEarlier, Karachi police arrested two accused criminals from Surjani Town, who reportedly robbed people in the guise of police officials in the metropolis.As per Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mehroz Ali’s statement, the arrested individuals allegedly belonged to a six-member robber gang, that robbed the people in the guise of police officers late at night.During the investigation, the arrested individuals, identified as Arbaz and Junaid, confessed to being involved in robbing several houses in the metropolis.The accused used to enter the houses at 4 am late in the night, tied up the family members, and left after looting the valuables from the house.During the raid the police arrested the two suspects, leading to the recovery of a pistol, mobile phone, jewelry, stolen LCD, DVR, cash, and other valuables from their possession.SSP further stated that a total of nine cases have been registered against the arrested criminals in Surjani town police station.

KARACHI: Another crew member of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has allegedly slipped away in Canada after a flight from Lahore landed in Toronto, ARY News reported on Saturday, quoting sources.Sources told ARY News that steward Ayaz Qureshi reached Canada from Lahore by PIA flight PK784. On reaching Toronto, he slipped away instead of returning to the country, they added.“On its scheduled return to Islamabad, the steward did not turn up in Toronto. The flight of the national flag carrier had to return back to Islamabad without the crew member,” sources quoting PIA officials said.With their ‘escape’, the number of PIA crew members who sneaked away upon arrival in Canada this year has increased to four.Earlier this month, two PIA flight attendants slipped away in Canada after the airline’s flight from Islamabad reached Toronto.Read more: PIA air hostess goes missing in ParisThe PIA spokesperson said that the two flight attendants – Khalid Afridi and Fida Shah – reached Canada from Islamabad by flight PK-772.However, the two crew members did not turn up in Toronto and the flight of the national flag carrier proceeded without them.Dozens of air hostesses of the national airline have slipped abroad, including female air hostesses and male cabin crew. 

CHILAS: At least eight people died and 26 others sustained injuries in firing on a bus in Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), ARY News reported.As per details, Deputy Commissioner Diamer Captain (Rtd) Arif Ahmad stated that the incident occurred in Chilas district where unknown assailants opened fire on a passenger and the uncontrolled bus collided with a truck.The Deputy Commissioner confirmed the death of eight people saying that the Rawalpindi-bound bus was coming from Ghizer.At least three passengers were killed and 24 others including women sustained injuries when a bus plunged into a ravine near Chilas on Sunday morning.Related: Three killed, 24 wounded in Chilas bus accidentAccording to Rescue 1122, a bus en route from Rawalpindi to Skardu collided with another vehicle coming from the opposite side and plunged into a ravine. As a result, three passengers died on the spot.Upon receiving the information, rescue teams and police reached the spot and shifted the injured and the bodies to a nearby hospital.On Feb 7, at least 25 people had been killed and several others sustained injuries when a passenger bus collided head-on with a car on Karakoram highway near Kohistan Shatial Chowki in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas city.The passenger bus – carrying 45 passengers – and the car fell into a ravine after colliding near on Karakoram highway near Kohistan Shatial Chowki. The collision resulted in the death of at least 25 passengers.

DUBAI: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Saturday said that the future of humanity would be defined by the response of the international community to the existential challenge of climate change.He highlighted that all the countries had a significant stake in enlarging the ambition and accelerating the implementation of the commitments and pledges made for climate action.The foreign minister represented Pakistan at the G77 & China Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change held during the ongoing COP28 World Climate Action Summit, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.Noting that last year at COP27, the G-77 and China, under Pakistan’s chairmanship collectively scripted history by acting in unison to secure the establishment of a fund for loss and damage, the foreign minister underscored the need to bring similar solidarity and unity to achieve the Group’s objectives in all areas of climate change – mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance.While emphasizing the need to keep the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius alive, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jilani called on the developed countries, consistent with the principles of Equity and CBDR, to take lead in accelerating climate actions, including the implementation of mitigation actions.He laid emphasis on provision of climate finance to developing countries and also highlighted the need for sharper focus on adaptation to build resilience to climate change.

LAHORE: The maid who was 'set on fire' by the house owner in Lahore has recorded her video statement, ARY News reported. As per details, the employer identified as Shazia poured petrol on her 40-year-old maid Shabnam and set her on fire in North Cantt.Police officials reported that the house owner allegedly asked her maid for hot water but set her on fire when she took time to bring the water.Naeem, Shazia's husband, was apprehended by the police on November 29, following Shabnam's admission to the hospital with severe burns whereas, Shazia remains at large.The victim recorded her video statement and expressing concern for her children, Shabnam holds house owner Shazia accountable for any harm that may cause to them, as Shazia is still not in police custody.Moreover, the 40-year-old maid appealed for justice from Punjab IG Usman Anwer. The victim's family stated that 70 percent of her body was burned and her condition worsened after second surgery.Read more: Minor housemaid Rizwana was poisoned, claims health ministerEarlier, a 15-year-old housemaid, Rizwana was admitted to General Hospital Lahore in critical condition after Somia, the wife of a civil judge namely Asim Hafeez deputed at the Federal Judicial Academy – Sargodha allegedly tortured her after blaming her for stealing gold jejewelryHowever, Somia Asim is on bail in the Rizwana torture case. In September, a district and session court in Islamabad ordered to release of Somia Asim — the wife of a civil judge — in the housemaid torture case.