ISLAMABAD: The federal government has appointed Shafquat Hussain Wadho, a nominee of the Sindh government, as member of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA).The appointment of Shafquat Hussain Wadho, a retired grade-20 chief engineer, has been made for a period of three years.The government has accepted resignation of Ehsan ul Haq Leghari from the post of Member IRSA Sindh with effect from May 6, 2026, according to an official notification.In January, the Sindh government had proposed the name of Shafquat Wadho, but approval of his nomination was delayed by the federal cabinet.Ehsan Leghari had resigned in November 2025 from the post of Member IRSA Sindh, while his resignation was accepted with effect from May 6, 2026.Sindh has also been raising objections over the appointment of the federal member, insisting that the position should go to a Sindh-domiciled officer, as decided during the Musharraf government, which made it mandatory to appoint a federal member from Sindh.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has launched a daycare facility at Jinnah International Airport to support female employees working at the airport.According to the authority, the daycare centre was inaugurated by the Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority following the establishment of a similar facility at the organisation’s headquarters.Officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority said the newly established childcare centre will be available for the children of all working mothers employed at the airport. The facility will initially cater to children aged between three months and three years and will operate from 9am to 5pm during the first phase.The authority added that plans are under consideration to expand the daycare centre into a 24-hour facility in the near future to better accommodate employees working in shifts at the airport.Separately, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) decided to introduce an electric cart service across the country’s airports to enhance passenger convenience.In the first phase, the service would be launched at airports in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Multan. The authority hadinvited tenders for the provision of electric passenger mobility cart services. The facility would enable travellers to move between parking areas and concourse halls, while return trips from terminal buildings to parking zones will also be covered.According to Director Commercial Rabia Salmi passengers would be able to book the electric carts via a mobile application. She added that the initiative would significantly ease travel for passengers, particularly the elderly.

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced the launch of a fully online, paperless Degree Attestation System (DAS), marking a major step toward digital transformation.In a statement issued, HEC described the new system as secure, efficient, and user-friendly, enabling applicants to apply for degree attestation 24/7 from anywhere without visiting HEC offices or sending original documents.HEC stated that no photocopies of educational documents will be processed under the new system.Applicants will receive secure e-Attestation Certificates, which can be verified online along with the attested documents, the statement added.The online Degree Attestation System with e-Attestation Certificates became effective from May 11, 2026.According to HEC, applicants who have already applied and paid the attestation fee under the previous system will continue to be processed through the existing method until June 30, 2026. Such applicants have been advised to complete their process before the deadline.Individuals who have not yet paid the attestation fee under the old system have been advised to apply through the new online platform.HEC clarified that attestations issued before the launch of the e-Attestation Certificate system will remain valid and can also be verified online.The commission further advised that applicants who completed 10- or 12-year qualifications through foreign education systems or non-conventional boards must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC).HEC also cautioned that documents containing overwriting, erasures, or alterations will not be attested. Applicants have been directed to obtain corrected or non-altered documents from their respective universities.The statement noted that transcripts — whether complete or incomplete — can be attested even if the final degree has not yet been issued.In cases of incomplete transcripts, the concerned university must clearly mention the academic status, such as “degree in progress,” “incomplete degree program,” or “incomplete transcript.” Applicants are also required to select the relevant option while submitting the online application.For further information, applicants have been advised to visit HEC Pakistan website hec.gov.pk/site/verification.

The Pakistan government has decided to release salaries and pensions of federal employees in advance ahead of Eid-ul-Adha 2026, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources.According to sources, the Ministry of Finance has prepared arrangements for the early disbursement of salaries and pensions for May 2026.In view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha 2026 holidays, payments to government employees and pensioners are expected to be made on 22 May, sources added.Officials said the payments will be processed under the Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules 2025. The Controller General of Accounts has reportedly been instructed to ensure timely disbursement of salaries and pensions.The Ministry of Finance has also directed all relevant departments to ensure immediate implementation of the decision.It is to be noted that the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has predicted that Eid ul Adha 2026 in Pakistan is likely to fall on Wednesday, May 27, based on astronomical calculations.According to SUPARCO’s initial assessment, there is a strong possibility of sighting the Dhul Hijjah moon on Sunday, May 17.The space agency stated that the moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will be born at 1:01am on May 17. By sunset, the moon’s age is expected to be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, which is generally considered sufficient for visibility to the naked eye.SUPARCO further noted that in Pakistan’s coastal areas, the time difference between sunset and moonset on May 17 will be around 60 minutes, increasing the likelihood of crescent visibility.For clear moon sighting, the moon’s age typically needs to be close to 20 hours, the agency added.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has predicted that Eid ul Adha 2026 in Pakistan is likely to fall on Wednesday, May 27, based on astronomical calculations.According to SUPARCO’s initial assessment, there is a strong possibility of sighting the Dhul Hijjah moon on Sunday, May 17.The space agency stated that the moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will be born at 1:01am on May 17. By sunset, the moon’s age is expected to be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, which is generally considered sufficient for visibility to the naked eye.SUPARCO further noted that in Pakistan’s coastal areas, the time difference between sunset and moonset on May 17 will be around 60 minutes, increasing the likelihood of crescent visibility.For clear moon sighting, the moon’s age typically needs to be close to 20 hours, the agency added.Based on these calculations, Pakistan is expected to complete 29 days of Dhul Qadah, making Eid ul Adha likely to be observed on May 27.However, the final announcement regarding the moon sighting and Eid date will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after its official meeting, which will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.Read More: Good news for employees before Eid al-Adhahttps://youtu.be/BUrsetdz570

QUETTA: The firefighters failed to control a blaze after 48 hours at the Customs facility in the Lakpass area of Mastung district.The fumes of the smoke from the customs warehouse fire engulfed the area.The blaze erupted in a warehouse where customs officials stored seized goods, including smuggled items, reportedly gutted precious items worth billions of rupees.According to reports people looting vehicles spare parts and hybrid batteries from the godown even expensive hoods of cars were also removed by the hordes of robbers from the warehouse.There is panic in the area while the administration officials and police are conspicuous for their absence during the huge fire, which said to be not restricted to the warehouse but spread to engulf many loaded trucks, other vehicles.According to earlier media reports at least 35 people sustained burn injuries, following a devastating fire at a customs warehouse in Mastung district, which led to the explosion of a liquefied petroleum gas tanker on Sunday, local officials said.The blaze erupted at the customs facility in the Lakpass area, located on the Quetta-Karachi highway about 30 kilometres from Quetta.Firefighting efforts were said to be hampered by the intensity of the blaze and logistical challenges.At least 10 fire tenders from Quetta and Mastung made hectic efforts to bring the blaze under control, however, strong winds and narrow access to the site hampered the operation.

Lakki Marwat: At least nine people, including two traffic police officials, were martyred and 23 others injured in a powerful blast in Sarai Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Tuesday.According to police, a loader rickshaw laden with explosives exploded in a busy market during rush hour.Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene immediately after the explosion and shifted the dead and injured to Naurang Hospital for medical treatment.Sources said several of the injured were in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.Police and Bomb Disposal Squad personnel reached the site soon after the blast and cordoned off the area to collect evidence and launch an investigation.A large number of local residents also gathered at the hospital to assist in rescue efforts and donate blood for the injured, police added.Read More: Pakistan issues demarche to Afghan Taliban regime over Bannu terror attackEarlier, the Foreign Office on Monday had summoned the Afghan Charge d’Affaires and delivered a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime over the terrorist attack in Bannu.[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3hWGCKcaFQj9ayrQ.mp4"][/video][video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4rIrw61vQaEB1HTJ.mp4"][/video]At least 15 policemen were martyred and four others injured, including a civilian, on Saturday night in a car bombing targeting the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan had delivered a strong demarche regarding the “cowardly vehicle-borne IED attack” carried out by terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij on the Fateh Khel police post on May 9, 2026.According to the statement, Pakistan conveyed that a detailed investigation, along with evidence and technical intelligence gathered so far, indicated that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan.Reiterating Pakistan’s serious concerns over the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan, the Foreign Office said the Afghan side was informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against those responsible for the attack.

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to strengthen monitoring mechanisms for suspicious financial transactions in the real estate sector amid concerns over money laundering and weak regulatory oversight, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources.According to sources, the IMF expressed concern over the low number of suspicious transaction reports being filed from the real estate industry and other non-financial business and professional sectors.The global lender has also called for urgent measures to curb the growing trend of trade-based money laundering and to address loopholes in the exchange of beneficial ownership information.Sources said the IMF has raised reservations regarding Pakistan’s financial monitoring systems, anti-money laundering framework and banking sector oversight.The Fund is reportedly concerned that a significant portion of untaxed and undocumented wealth is being invested in the real estate market, increasing the risk of illicit financial activity.Officials said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recently conducted raids on several housing societies and launched investigations into allegations of concealed sales and undeclared income.Sources added that the FBR had previously established a monitoring framework for the real estate sector under the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP) regime, through which suspicious transaction reports are forwarded to the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU).However, according to sources, the IMF has termed the performance of the DNFBP monitoring system unsatisfactory and has asked Pakistan to improve enforcement and compliance measures.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Tuesday lifted the ban on the conversion of residential plots for commercial and recreational use in Karachi, providing major relief to builders and developers.A bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq disposed of the long-running case regarding illegal constructions in Karachi and withdrew earlier restrictions on changing the category of residential plots to commercial use.However, the court clarified that amenity plots, including parks, hospitals, schools, mosques, playgrounds, and graveyards, cannot be converted for commercial or residential purposes.During the hearing, Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that the court would not interfere in the functioning of institutions such as the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).“If any institution violates the law, the relevant forum or the high court can be approached,” Justice Farooq observed, adding that affected parties also have the right to file appeals against high court decisions.The judge further noted that the court’s suo motu powers no longer exist and emphasized that laws are already in place to address violations of building regulations.“We expect town planning institutions to work in good faith,” he said.The court also observed that the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling on plot category conversions would not obstruct the functioning of relevant authorities.Justice Arshad Hussain remarked that any official found violating the law would face legal action.“Courts cannot make laws; they can only ensure their implementation,” Justice Aamer Farooq added.Read More: SBCA withdraws notification legalising commercial activities on residential plots in KarachiNotably, last year, the Sindh Building Control Authority had withdrawn a notification that permitted commercial activities on residential plots.The Sindh High Court had heard a petition filed by Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi challenging the Sindh government’s move to legalize the commercial use of residential plots.During those proceedings, SBCA Director General Ishaq Khoro informed the court that the March 13 notification allowing such activities had been withdrawn.Following the submission, the Sindh High Court disposed of the petition.The petition had been filed by City Council opposition leader Saifuddin Advocate along with nine town chairmen.Saifuddin Advocate welcomed the development at the time, calling it a victory for Karachi’s residents and alleging that allowing commercial activities on residential plots was part of a conspiracy to damage the city.

KARACHI: Sindh High Court's constitutional bench served notices to Mayor and Commissioner Karachi, TMC Saddar and others over a petition against billboards and signboards at public places in city's District South.SHC constitutional bench summoned written reply from the parties by August 20.The court rejected a verbal plea for issuing restraining order to prevent installation of billboards.Petitioner's lawyer argued that the boards being installed rapidly and the work would have been completed by the next date of the case."The case will be considered after getting reply from the parties," court said.Petitioner's lawyer said that the billboards being installed at Metropole, Shara-e-Faisal and other sites adding that the public places, footpaths and green belts are for the convenience of citizens. "Installation of advertisement billboards at public places is like encroachment and business use of these places," lawyer argued."The supreme court had restrained installation of billboards and hoardings at places in an order in 2018," lawyer said."It is mandatory to get technical approval from the Traffic Engineering Bureau for installation of billboards," he further argued. "These boards, hoardings pose threat to human lives and public property in rough weather or strong winds".Petitioner has pleaded for a court order to declare permission of installing billboards and hoardings in Karachi's South district as unlawful.

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday categorically rejected a CBS News report regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, describing it as misleading and sensationalized, the Foreign Office said in a statement.According to CBS News, Pakistan had quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, allegedly to shield them from possible American airstrikes.Responding to the report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed the claims “speculative narratives” aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.The Foreign Office clarified that following the US-Iran ceasefire, and during the initial round of the Islamabad Talks, a number of aircraft from Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff associated with the talks process.“Some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement,” the statement added.Although formal negotiations have not yet resumed, senior-level diplomatic exchanges have continued. In this context, visits by the Iranian Foreign Minister to Islamabad were facilitated through existing logistical and administrative arrangements, it said.The statement further noted that the Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bear no linkage whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement.“Assertions suggesting otherwise are speculative, misleading, and entirely detached from the factual context,” it said.Pakistan, the statement said, has consistently acted as an impartial, constructive, and responsible facilitator in support of dialogue and de-escalation. In line with this role, Pakistan has extended routine logistical and administrative support where required, while maintaining full transparency and regular communication with all relevant parties.Pakistan remains committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at promoting dialogue, reducing tensions, and advancing regional and global peace, stability, and security, the Foreign Office added. 🔊PR No.1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣Official Response to CBS Report on Iranian Aircraft in Pakistan 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZqJw28nNaK — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026

Police in Karachi have claimed to have arrested an alleged high-profile narcotics supplier, identified as Anmol alias Pinky, during an intelligence-based operation conducted by Garden Police on the indication of security agencies.According to officials, the suspect was among the most wanted drug traffickers in the country and was allegedly involved in the production and distribution of high-grade cocaine across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.Authorities stated that the Anmol alias Pinky operated a mobile drug laboratory and was arrested along with a fully functional cocaine production unit. During the raid, police recovered one kilogram of semi-prepared cocaine, more than 15 cocaine capsules, chemical substances including ketamine, ephedrine, methamphetamine and lidocaine, as well as a pistol.Officials further claimed that the suspect also manufactured premium-quality homemade red wine, several bottles of which were seized during the operation.Investigators alleged that Anmol alias Pinky produced expensive variants of cocaine, including so-called “White Coke” and “Golden Coke”, which were reportedly sold at significantly higher prices than ordinary cocaine available in the market. Karachi: Police send 480 drug addicts to rehabilitation in anti-drug operation Authorities claimed she was capable of converting 300 grams of cocaine into one kilogram of the substance through chemical processing.According to officials, the suspect maintained a large customer network, with more than 800 alleged clients in Karachi alone. Police also claimed that she employed four riders for narcotics distribution within the city and provided them with salaries and rented accommodation.Authorities said the Anmol alias Pinky remained in direct contact with thousands of customers and allegedly had links with individuals associated with various institutions, including law enforcement agencies.Officials further alleged that the suspect generated millions of rupees each month through the narcotics trade and was known for distributing large sums of cash publicly.Police said further investigations are under way following what they described as a major breakthrough against organised drug trafficking in the country.

The Punjab Charity Commission, operating under the Punjab Home Department, has announced a legal directive prohibiting the collection of donations without prior registration.According to the notice, the move has been introduced to ensure transparency and public confidence in the use of charitable funds and welfare donations.The commission stated that all charitable organisations must complete registration with the Punjab Charity Commission before launching any fundraising activities across the province.The advisory further instructed organisations to clearly declare their objectives, sources of income and expenditure details in their applications submitted to the authorities.In addition, charities have been directed to securely maintain records of all welfare activities for at least seven years to ensure compliance and facilitate inspections or audits when required.The notice referred to the Punjab Charities Act 2018, the Registration Rules 2023 and the Inspection and Audit Rules 2023 as the legal framework governing charitable operations in Punjab.For further information, the commission provided contact details through email, WhatsApp and official helpline numbers.

HYDERABAD: The National Savings Centre in Hyderabad has announced that it will host Draw No. 54 for the Rs 100 prize bond.As the date approaches, every bondholder of this denomination is hoping to secure the top prize. The upcoming draw is scheduled to take place on May 15, 2026. All Pakistani citizens are eligible to purchase prize bonds from any designated commercial bank or National Savings Centre across the country.Prize bonds offer a secure investment with no risk to the principal amount, as they can be encashed for their full face value at any time without deductions.Rs 100 Prize Bond: Prize Structure First Prize:Rs 700,000 (1 winner)Second Prize:Rs 200,000 (3 winners)Third Prize:Rs 1,000 (multiple winners)Tax Deductions For the 2026 tax year, winnings are subject to a 15% tax for filers on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) and a 30% tax for non-filers. Under Section 156 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, this is a final tax and cannot be refunded or adjusted against other income.Results of the Previous Draw (#53) The results of the Rs 100 Prize Bond Draw No. 53, held in Karachi on February 16, 2026, were as follows:First Prize (Rs 700,000): Bond number 124915.Second Prize (Rs 200,000): Winning numbers 017336, 505165, and 971442. 

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken a significant step toward providing relief to the masses burdened by soaring fuel prices, ARY News reported. In a social media post, the Chief Minister Punjab announced the waiver of transfer fees for motorcycles up to 150cc. This follows the federal government's decision last Friday, May 9, to increase the petroleum levy on both petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs 15. Following this hike, petrol prices climbed to Rs 414.78 per litre, while HSD reached Rs 414.58 per litre. The government officially issued a notification confirming the uptick in petroleum prices. This marks the fifth time since the start of the Iran War that the government has increased the prices of petroleum products in the country. عوامی وزیر اعلیٰ کا احسن اقدام!ایندھن کی قیمتوں میں ریلیف کیلئے 150 cc تک کی موٹر سائیکلوں کی ٹرانسفر فیس ختم کرنے کا فیصلہ۔ pic.twitter.com/diXs5c5nTE — PMLN (@pmln_org) May 11, 2026 Last Friday, May 1, the price rose by Rs. 6.51 per litre, according to an official notification issued.In a more significant move, the diesel price has been increased by Rs. 19.39 per litre, adding further pressure on transportation and industrial sectors.The latest adjustment in petroleum prices reflects ongoing volatility in global oil markets and domestic pricing policies.Authorities have advised consumers and businesses to prepare for the revised fuel costs.Economists warn that the continuous increase in petrol prices is likely to trigger a further rise in inflation, as fuel costs directly impact transportation, food prices, and overall living expenses.With fuel prices hovering at historic highs, concerns are mounting over the economic burden on the public.The continuous increase in petroleum product prices is a clear reflection of the conflict involving Iran. If this tension is not settled, the burden of high fuel costs will turn the lives of citizens into a nightmare.Pakistan is playing a key role in de-escalating the situation between Iran and the US. Both Iranian and US delegations have visited Islamabad, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has notably visited Pakistan twice to discuss regional stability.

LAHORE: Roll number slips for class 12 students for the first annual intermediate examinations 2026 have been issued by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore.The Inter Part 2 exams are set to start from May 20. On the day, Psychology, Food Nutrition, Military Science, and other papers will be conducted, while the English compulsory paper is scheduled for May 21.The Lahore Board said Group in which a candidate is to take the examination shall be mentioned on his/her Roll Number Slip.No candidate shall be allowed under any circumstances whatever to take the examination in a group and the center of examination other than the one allotted to him/her.Questions in lieu of Translation have been incorporated in the English (Compulsory) paper (II) for those candidates who have been especially offered the Alternative Easy Course of Urdu.There will be no separate Question paper for such candidates.The board said any general/local holidays during the examination will not affect the date sheet 2026.How to Download Class 12 Roll Number 2026 PDFRegular students will get their roll number slips from their respective institutions while the private students can download their slips online using the following easy steps.Step-by-Step GuideVisit the official (website )of the BISE LahoreStudents need to enter the following details*-Enter your Form No. According to the Admission Form*-Enter your Current Exam Roll No*-Enter your Previous Roll No*-Enter your Reference No*-Enter your Complete Name According to the Admission Form*-Enter your Complete Father's Name According to the Admission FormAfter entering one of the above-mentioned details, click the “Get Roll No. Slip” ButtonYour roll number slip will appear on the screenYou can download it in PDF form on your phone or computer.

ATTOCK: A brave citizen, Liaqat Ali, sacrificed his life while preventing a suicide attack near the Khushal Garh Railway Bridge in Attock, ARY News reported, citing security sources, on Monday.According to security officials, the incident took place near the Mankur checkpost, where a suspected suicide bomber was attempting to move toward a populated area and a sensitive security installation.The civilian, identified as Liaqat Ali, reportedly confronted and stopped the attacker before he could reach his target. During the encounter, the suicide bomber detonated himself in panic, resulting in the martyrdom of Liaqat Ali on the spot.Security sources said the attacker intended to carry out a suicide blast at a sensitive checkpoint in the area, but the timely action of the courageous citizen prevented what could have been a major tragedy.Officials further revealed that Liaqat Ali was a former employee of Pakistan Railways and was widely respected for his sense of duty and bravery.Also Read: Khairunnisa: Banned BLA recruit speaks as Islamabad attack foiledFederal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi paid tribute to the sacrifice of Liaqat Ali, describing him as a national hero whose courage and commitment protected innocent lives.Hanif Abbasi expressed heartfelt condolences to the martyr’s family and said the entire nation was proud of Liaqat Ali’s bravery and patriotism. He also prayed for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.The railway minister further stated that such courageous individuals who stand against terrorism would always be remembered with honor and respect. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure full support and assistance for the family of the martyr.Security forces and law enforcement agencies have intensified vigilance in the area following the incident, while investigations into the attempted attack are underway.

RAWALPINDI: The district administration has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for a period of 15 days, issuing a formal notification citing security concerns in sensitive areas, including the Adiala Jail region, ARY News reported.According to the official notification, Section 144 will come into effect from midnight today and will remain in force across designated sensitive zones in Rawalpindi, particularly around Adiala Jail, which has been declared part of a red zone due to heightened security considerations.The notification states that all kinds of public gatherings, including rallies, protests, sit-ins and processions, will remain strictly prohibited during the enforcement period in Rawalpindi.Authorities have also imposed a ban on carrying weapons, sticks, slingshots, petrol bombs and any explosive materials within restricted areas. The measures are aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing any potential security incident in Rawalpindi.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA5L0uW3KjcThe district administration confirmed that the decision to impose Section 144 was taken on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committee, following a review of the prevailing security situation.Officials added that enhanced monitoring will remain in place around sensitive installations, particularly in the Adiala Jail vicinity, where movement and assembly will be closely regulated throughout the enforcement period in Rawalpindi.Also Read: Punjab extends section 144, drone ban to continueEarlier, security was placed on high alert in Murree as the local administration had imposed Section 144 in the country’s premier tourist resort.The administration has issued a formal notification announcing the enforcement of Section 144, which bans all types of rallies and public gatherings in the Punjab hill station.According to the notification, any gathering of more than four people is strictly prohibited in the picturesque town.The government has placed a complete ban on all rallies, processions, sit-ins, and protests. These restrictions will remain in effect until May 5.Authorities have warned that prompt action will be taken against anyone breaking the law, and no violations will be tolerated.A comprehensive security plan has been implemented to maintain law and order, with a focus on cracking down on any illegal processions.Simultaneously, special arrangements for traffic management and public facilitation have been finalized to assist visitors.Furthermore, the administration has appealed to the public to follow all instructions and cooperate with law enforcement agencies during this period. 

The Government of Sindh has launched a renewed polio booster dose campaign across 89 high-risk Union Councils, aiming to reach nearly 1.8 million children up to 10 years of age between May 12 and 24.Alongside Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops, eligible children will receive an additional polio booster dose to strengthen protection against the virus.Health authorities say Karachi remains a major concern because of its dense population, high levels of migration and repeated environmental detection of poliovirus, despite broader national progress toward elimination.Speaking during outreach activities linked to the campaign, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the city’s size and mobility made it one of the most difficult urban environments for public health delivery.He described the booster program as a necessary step in areas where immunity gaps persist and urged parents not to be influenced by misinformation circulating online.He also cautioned that misinformation remains one of the most serious challenges in the final push toward the eradication of polio.“Parents should not be misled by rumours circulating on social media or informal channels,” he said, adding that false information was undermining efforts to protect children from a preventable disease.The Mayor of Karachi also highlighted frontline efforts; he paid tribute to vaccinators, social mobilisers, sanitation workers, district administration teams, and law enforcement personnel working under difficult conditions to ensure last-mile coverage.In a separate inauguration ceremony at the Sindh Secretariat, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho formally launched the campaign by administering booster doses to children, alongside senior health officials including the Secretary Health and the EOC Coordinator.She emphasised that routine immunisation combined with booster doses remains the strongest defence, particularly in high-risk urban settings like Karachi.She described the booster dose as a globally accepted, evidence-based intervention” and assured parents that it was safe and effective.She also stressed that eradication requires collective responsibility beyond government action, involving families, teachers, religious leaders, healthcare providers, and civil society.

KARACHI: The Government of Sindh is set to launch new routes under the People's Bus Service tomorrow in interior parts of the province, 12 May, ARY News reported The new routes have been launched to provide safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation facilities for the citizens.The newly introduced routes will operate between Khairpur Mir’s and Ranipur as well as Khairpur Mir’s and Rohri, aiming to improve regional connectivity and provide greater convenience for daily commuters.The Sindh government, on this launch, has expressed commitment  strengthening the public transport network across the province and ensuring comfortable, accessible, and efficient travel facilities for everyone.Earlier in April,  the government of Sindhlaunched the People’s Bus Service from Shikarpur to Sukkur. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon described the Service as a “gift” to the people of Shikarpur from Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari.Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he said that the bus service was now being launched and it was the responsibility of the public to protect it.“These buses are the property of the people, and the people must take care of them,” he added.He said that half of the bus fare would be borne by the Sindh government and the remaining half by passengers.Sharjeel Memon said the Sindh government had carried out record development work. He alleged that a “deliberate conspiracy” was being hatched against the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party was being subjected to a media trial.He claimed that roads in rural areas of Sindh under the provincial government’s management were the best in the province.“We have the best hospitals in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the facilities being provided by the Sindh government at the Autism Center were unmatched by any institution in Pakistan and could only be compared with international institutions.He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party is working for every member of society adding that when petroleum product prices increased, the Sindh government launched a monthly subsidy of Rs 2,000 for motorcyclists.He said farmers owning less than 25 acres of land were registered and their data collected, after which they were provided free DAP and urea fertilizer bags for wheat cultivation.Memon said more than 300,000 people had recently been given a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per acre for operating threshers, and the amount had already reached the farmers.He said work was underway day and night for the development of Shikarpur and solar panels were being provided free of cost. He urged women to come forward and avail the free pink scooties being offered by the government.