KARACHI: A major K-Electric cable supplying power to the North East Karachi (NEK) pumping station has been stolen, leading to a temporary suspension of water supply across several key areas of the city, ARY News reported.According to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), the theft occurred at 11:00 AM, immediately halting pumping operations.The resulting shutdown has affected water provision in several localities, including Saddar, Clifton, Chanesar Goth, Surjani Town, and New Karachi.K-Electric teams have been dispatched and have begun work to restore power to the station.KWSC officials stated that water supply to the affected areas will resume as soon as the electrical connection is reinstated.While this is not the first instance of cable theft in the city, the recurring nature of these incidents has sparked calls for K-Electric leadership to take serious preventive measures, as such disruptions continue to paralyze life in the metropolis.Earlier, K-Electric’s field teams had replaced the stolen infrastructure and energised Shazia Hanif Gohar complex in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 13, the K-Electric spokesperson said.K-Electric spokesperson said that the FIR has now been registered against the suspects.A daring robbery was reported in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 13-D, where suspects disguised as employees of a power utility company carried out a planned heist inside a residential building, CCTV footage showed.CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, clearly showing multiple armed individuals involved in the crime. Initial investigations reveal that four suspects arrived in a truck and entered the building, while three of their accomplices remained on standby in a nearby vehicle.Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13-D residents raised an alarm and attempted to resist the suspects during the incident. In response, an armed individual stepped out of the standby vehicle and warned citizens to stay back, allowing the perpetrators to complete the robbery and flee the scene.Authorities confirmed that the total number of suspects involved in the incident is seven. CCTV visuals provide clear evidence of the suspects, including those stationed in the vehicle, which is expected to aid in their identification.Police in Karachi have recorded statements from residents of the building and collected other crucial evidence from the site. Officials have assured that efforts are underway to track down and arrest all individuals involved.This incident has once again raised concerns about security and the misuse of official uniforms in Karachi, prompting calls for stricter verification measures and vigilance among citizens.

SWAT: In a tragic accident, at least eight people were killed and seven others sustained injuries when a passenger coach plunged into a ravine in Swat, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing Rescue 1122 sources.According to rescue officials, the incident occurred near the Charbagh Adu area. The bus was reportedly returning from a wedding ceremony in Malam Jabba when the driver lost control of the vehicle.Rescue teams reached the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to Manglor Hospital in Swat. The seven injured include women and children.Officials further stated that those in critical condition have been transferred to Saidu Central Hospital for advanced medical treatment.Earlier today, a speedy bus carrying picnickers to Keenjhar Lake in Thatta from Karachi on Sunday overturned near Chhato Chand, leaving 20 persons injured, including women and children.“The bus went out of control due to reckless driving and overturned,” according to eyewitness accounts.Local people in a relief operation immediately shifted the injured to the Civil Hospital Thatta for initial medical attention, while some of the injured in precarious condition were transferred to Karachi.The relatives of the injured said that the patients were sent to Karachi in private vehicles owing to the absence of the Rescue 1122 ambulance in Thatta Civil Hospital.They also complained that the injured persons were kept in waiting for over two hours for medical attention.A video of the incident has surfaced showing the bus being overturned due to overspeed.Police has launched an inquiry into the incident.

KARACHI: As many as 25 goats worth Rs 1.9 million brought to Karachi to be sold as sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Adha have been stolen by unidentified robbers in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, according to ARY News.The owner of the goats reported that he had purchased a stock of animals and kept them at a plot in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 8 for sale ahead of the upcoming festival.Local police stated that the robbers seized the goats—which were tied with ropes on the plot—and loaded them into a pickup vehicle.A CCTV footage of the incident, which occurred yesterday, has since surfaced.The owner further confirmed that he has registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Malir Cantt police station.Meanwhile, police officials stated that they have launched an investigation to apprehend the culprits using the available CCTV footage.Earlier yesterday, in a broad daylight robbery on the Malir Bridge, armed muggers looted sacrificial animal traders during the peak Eid-ul-Adha season.The traders had travelled from Rahim Yar Khan to Karachi—the country’s largest business hub—to sell their livestock ahead of the festival.According to police reports, three traders were leaving the Malir Bakra Mandi (cattle market) after completing their sales when they were targeted.Six robbers riding three motorcycles intercepted the traders and snatched a staggering Rs 4.5 million in cash.Police officials stated that they are currently acquiring CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas to identify and apprehend the culprits. 

ISLAMABAD: The hot and dry weather spell continuing in most parts of the country with extreme temperatures in Sindh, Baluchistan and southern Punjab.Temperatures in Sindh's Nawabshah and Dadu districts soared to 45 Celsius on Sunday, while 44 Celsius temperatures recorded at Sukkur, Sibi and Rahim Yar Khan, 43 Celsius at Bahawalpur and 42C at Multan.Maximum temperature in Sargodha recorded 39 Celsius and Lahore 37 Celsius.In Karachi, maximum temperatures recorded 35-degree Celsius.Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in Islamabad, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir from Sunday (today) evening. The Met Office in an alert earlier predicted that the intense heatwave could continue from May 07 to 11 in the country with extremely hot weather in various districts of Sindh and Baluchistan.The doctors have advised citizens to observe caution in extremely hot conditions and avoid exposure to the Sun, particularly in peak hot hours of day and get hydrated by drinking maximum water.The extreme heat has claimed 14 lives in Karachi, eight heatwave deaths were reported last Monday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call, earlier today, from his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and reviewed the progress of ongoing peace efforts in the region.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sincere appreciation for Qatar's continued and steadfast support for Pakistan's peace initiatives, reaffirming the depth of the brotherly bonds between the two countries.Both sides underscored the importance of constructive engagement by all parties to ensure the success of ongoing peace efforts.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his warm regards to Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and stated that he is looking forward to the upcoming visit of the Amir to Pakistan.He said the visit of the Amir would help both sides to further strengthen and expand the enduring Pakistan-Qatar partnership. Qatari PM says high chance of US-Iran conflict solution Earlier, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani pointed to a high possibility of a diplomatic solution between Washington and Tehran despite tensions and publicly divergent positions between the two sides.In an interview to an Arabic publication, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted “positive progress” in the exchange of messages between the United States and Iran, while stressing that any agreement must safeguard the interests of Gulf countries and the wider international community.“We are monitoring developments and communicating with all parties, and despite the divergence in positions in both Tehran and Washington, we see a high possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution,” he said. “We are encouraged by the positive progress taking place in the exchange of messages between Washington and Tehran, and there are indicators of this.”

Rawalpindi’s well-known Kutchery Chowk has officially been renamed “Marka-e-Haq Square”, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz set to formally inaugurate the project on Sunday (today).According to reports, extensive security arrangements have been put in place by Rawalpindi Police for the inauguration ceremony. Police personnel have been instructed to report to their assigned points on time, while heavy deployment of the Elite Force, Special Branch and district police has been ensured.Security officials have also been directed not to carry mobile phones during duty hours, and officers will not be permitted to leave their designated points until completion of the route deployment. Authorities have further instructed personnel to remain alert and maintain proper uniform standards throughout the event.Police officials said foolproof security arrangements had been finalised for the ceremony.Read more: Any new aggression will have wider consequences, Asim Munir warns enemies of PakistanThe mega infrastructure project, completed at a cost exceeding Rs19 billion, was finished within six months. It includes two flyovers, three underpasses and two steel bridges.Following the inauguration of Battle of Truth Square, traffic flow in Rawalpindi is expected to improve significantly. Residents have welcomed the completion of the project.

KARACHI: Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah during a visit of the BRT Red Line project directed for speedy construction work on the BRT project and adjacent roads.Murad Ali Shah in his fourth visit of the under-construction project in recent days was briefed by CEO Trans Karachi Zubair Channa about the construction of the mixed traffic road.Chief Minister Sindh inspected construction work of the road at Nipa and instructed the officials for speeding up the work of the gas and electricity lines transfer, which creating hurdles in the Red Line project.Sindh's CM was informed in briefing that the asphalt patchwork of the mixed traffic lane from Numaish to Mosmiyat, has been completed. The CM instructed for starting the under-construction work of flyover near Mumtaz Manzil.CM Murad also inspected construction work of the drain from Nipa to Civic Centre and directed to remove barriers after completing construction of road and water lines on both sides of the Old Sabzi Mandi.Chief Minister was informed in briefing that the transfer work of the 48-inch diameter water pipeline on the BRT route has been in its final stage. It was briefed that the drainage work and restoration of traffic will be completed within next three months as the work on the BRT project has been in progress on the emergency basis.CM Sindh directed the administration for speeding up the work on delineator wall to complete the remaining work of the 25-kilometer-long mixed traffic lane within scheduled timeline.Provincial minister Saeed Ghani, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Commissioner Karachi and the Water Board's MD Ahmed Siddiqui were also accompanied with the chief minister during the visit.

The owners of sugar mills have sought permission to export 10 lakh tonnes of sugar, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing sources within the Ministry of Industries and Production.Officials said that detailed stock figures of sugar have already been submitted to the ministry for review. Industry sources claim that exporting surplus stock could generate more than one billion dollars in foreign exchange earnings.However, the sugar industry has warned that if exports are not allowed, mills may face financial losses due to excess stock levels.Sources in the ministry stated that sugar mill owners would be required to guarantee that domestic prices would not increase before any export approval is granted. The government, they added, will not permit exports without such assurances.Officials also recalled that last year’s approval to export 700,000 tonnes of sugar contributed to a rise in domestic prices, with sugar reportedly selling between Rs120 and Rs200 per kilogram at the time.Earlier, the Pakistan government reinstated an 18 per cent sales tax on imported sugar, according to a notification issued.The concession had originally been introduced in August 2025 to improve domestic sugar availability. At the time, the sales tax on imported sugar was reduced from 18 per cent to 0.25 per cent.The notification stated that the tax relief applied exclusively to sugar imported by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), under a government-approved plan to import 500,000 tonnes of the commodity.

THATTA: A speedy bus carrying picnickers to Keenjhar Lake in Thatta from Karachi on Sunday overturned near Chhato Chand leaving 20 persons injured including women and children."The bus went out of control of the driver due to reckless driving and overturned," according to eyewitness accounts.Local people in a relief operation, immediately shifted the injured to Civil Hospital Thatta for initial medical attendance, while some of the injured in precarious condition have been transferred to Karachi.The relatives of the injured said that the patients were sent to Karachi in private vehicles owing to absence of the Rescue 1122 ambulance in Thatta Civil Hospital.They also complained that the injured persons were kept in waiting for over two hours for medical attendance.A video of the incident has surfaced showing the bus being overturned due to overspeed.Police has launched an inquiry into the incident.

The Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has released detailed figures covering criminal incidents recorded in Karachi between 1 April and 30 April.According to the data, 22 vehicles were snatched and 111 were stolen during the month. In addition, 469 motorbikes were snatched at gunpoint, while 2,723 were reported stolen across the city.The report further stated that 1,624 mobile phones were snatched from citizens in various incidents during April. The CPLC also recorded one case of kidnapping for ransom and nine cases of extortion during the same period.In incidents of violence and firing, 42 citizens lost their lives in April, according to the report.Earlier, armed muggers escaped with an estimated Rs 5 to 6 million from a branch in the Pirabad area of Orangi Town on Manghopir Road.According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) West, Tariq Mastoi, as many as five robbers were involved in the heist. The SSP confirmed that the dacoits made off with between Rs 5 and 6 million.Police and crime scene units, including the SSP West, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and the Station House Officer (SHO), reached the site immediately after receiving the report. SSP Mastoi stated that CCTV footage from cameras in and around the bank is currently being collected.According to police, three of the robbers entered the bank while two remained outside to keep watch.The muggers disarmed the security guard, snatching his pistol and rifle, before looting the cash from the bank counte

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said the day marked a moment of pride for the nation as Pakistan commemorated the first anniversary of the Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth).Addressing a ceremony at General Headquarters, CDF Asim Munir said Pakistan had been granted victory by Almighty Allah during the conflict a year ago and had delivered a decisive response to what he described as Indian aggression.Quoting a Quranic verse, he stated: “Truth has arrived and falsehood has perished, and indeed falsehood is bound to perish.”Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan’s adversaries had repeatedly faced defeat, adding that India had sought regional dominance but had overlooked the limits of its own capabilities.He paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict, saying the sacrifices of the martyrs would always be remembered. He added that the nation regarded the sacrifices of its fallen soldiers as a sacred trust and viewed its successes as a blessing from Allah.The chief of defence forces also praised Pakistan’s youth for countering what he called enemy propaganda, describing their response as exceptional.He said every Pakistani had stood firm in defence of the homeland during the Marka-e-Haq, adding that the entire nation had united like “a wall of steel” in support of the country’s armed forces. CDF praises PAF Syed Asim Munir said Pakistan Air Force had set a new benchmark in aerial warfare during the Marka-e-Haq. The field marshal said Pakistani troops deployed along the Line of Control and the eastern border had forced the enemy to “raise white flags”.He stated that Pakistan’s fighter aircraft and missile systems had successfully targeted 26 Indian positions during the conflict.Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan’s military doctrine was centred on peace rather than aggression, adding that modern and future warfare would increasingly be fought across multiple domains.The army chief said Pakistan’s armed forces were being equipped not only with modern weaponry but also with new thinking and advanced military strategies. He described Pakistan as an “unconquerable power”.He further said that the strategic defence agreement with Saudi Arabia reflected a major diplomatic achievement for Pakistan.Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said modern and future warfare would be fought across multiple domains, warning that any future aggression against Pakistan would have consequences beyond limited conflict. 'Pakistan playing effective, impartial role in global diplomacy' Field Marshal Asim Munir further said Pakistan was playing an effective and impartial role in global diplomacy, adding that both the United States and Iran had full confidence in Pakistan’s leadership.He also thanked Donald Trump for repeatedly acknowledging Pakistan’s mediation efforts.The army chief further claimed that terrorism against Pakistan continued from both India and Afghanistan, urging Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.Field Marshal Asim Munir also said Pakistan had successfully contributed to ceasefire efforts in Lebanon through diplomatic engagement. He described Pakistan as an “unconquerable power” and said the country’s strategic defence agreement with Saudi Arabia reflected a major diplomatic success.Concluding his address, he urged the nation to play an active role in the country’s development, just as it had united during the “Battle of Truth”, adding that Pakistan’s future was “bright and prosperous”.

RAWALPINDI: A dignified ceremony was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) to mark the first anniversary of the victory in the Marka-e-Haq, (Battle of Truth).Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the event as the chief guest, while Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf were also present.The chief guest, along with the naval and air chiefs, laid separate floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Smartly turned-out contingents from all three armed forces presented a ceremonial salute during the event. Any new aggression will have wider consequences, warns Asim Munir  Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said the day marked a moment of pride for the nation as Pakistan commemorated the first anniversary of the Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth).Addressing a ceremony at General Headquarters, CDF Asim Munir said Pakistan had been granted victory by Almighty Allah during the conflict a year ago and had delivered a decisive response to what he described as Indian aggression.Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan’s adversaries had repeatedly faced defeat, adding that India had sought regional dominance but had overlooked the limits of its own capabilities.He paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict, saying the sacrifices of the martyrs would always be remembered. He added that the nation regarded the sacrifices of its fallen soldiers as a sacred trust and viewed its successes as a blessing from Allah.Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said modern and future warfare would be fought across multiple domains, warning that any future aggression against Pakistan would have consequences beyond limited conflict. President's message on Marka-e-Haq anniversary  President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan’s response in Marka-e-Haq was calibrated, measured, precise and proportionate and our message was unambiguous.In his message on the occasion of the first commemoration of Marka-e-Haq, the President said one year ago, Pakistan was put to the test, and it did not blink.He said the events of April and May last year were not simply a military episode. They were a moment of national reckoning.Asif Ali Zardari said when India, under the guise of the Pahalgam false flag operation, launched unprovoked strikes on our soil, targeting mainly civilian areas besides military installations, Pakistan responded with discipline, precision, courage and unity.He said Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the decisive centerpiece of Marka-e-Haq, demonstrated what our armed forces are capable of when the country stands behind them as one. PM's message Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said Marka-e-Haq is a day to bow in gratitude before Allah Almighty for His countless blessings upon us.In his message on the occasion of the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, he said today we commemorate Pakistan’s valiant stand in adversity and the crushing defeat we inflicted on the enemy.The Prime Minister said the nation pays tribute to its martyrs, their families and the ghazis who stood like a steel wall to defend their homeland. The well-coordinated and synchronized response of our forces across land, sea, air and cyber domains established Pakistan as an invincible nation.Shehbaz Sharif said Marka-e-Haq bears testimony that Pakistanis are a peace-loving, yet courageous, resilient, and dignified nation that can neither be intimidated nor subdued by any aggressor. Armed Forces reaffirm bond with nation on first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq On the auspicious occasion marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu extended their heartfelt congratulations to the nation and all ranks of the Armed Forces.According to ISPR, observed with deep reverence, gratitude, and national fervour, the day stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of courage, professionalism, and unity.The Armed Forces stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Pakistan, reaffirming their unbreakable bond with the nation they proudly serve.The ISPR further said in order to celebrate the victory of the battle and to honour the unparalleled sacrifices by our martyrs and veterans, ceremonies are being held across the country. Floral wreaths are being laid at martyrs’ memorials, and prayers are being offered to pay tribute to their valour and selflessness, recognized as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and stability.The ISPR said the battle has become a defining landmark in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence, and strategic maturity. This success not only bolstered national confidence but also established Pakistan as a responsible regional stabilizer, possessing formidable military capabilities.Pakistan’s measured and resolute response during Marka-e-Haq exposed adversarial conspiracies, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns, diminishing their credibility internationally. Despite facing conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism, the Armed Forces demonstrated superior operational competence across land, air, sea, cyber, and information domains.

A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the federal government’s recent increase in petrol prices, with the petitioner plea the court to seek a response from the government.According to the petition, the latest rise in petrol prices is unconstitutional and against the public interest.The petitioner argued that the government had increased petrol prices without a transparent pricing mechanism or sufficient constitutional justification, adversely affecting citizens’ fundamental rights.It was further stated in the petition that the continued increase in the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) was unlawful, arguing that under the law only parliament has the authority to approve such changes, and that the federal government cannot make the decision independently.The petitioner told the court that higher petrol prices had worsened existing economic pressures across several sectors, including transport, food, agriculture, and electricity.The petitioner also claimed that petrol prices in Pakistan were higher than in several neighbouring countries, which it said was damaging to the national economy.The petitioner also noted that the legal status of the petroleum levy is already under consideration before the LHC, and argued that further increases in petrol prices during ongoing proceedings could influence the judicial process.The petitioner pleaded with the court to immediately suspend the recent increase in petrol prices and direct the government to establish a clear pricing formula in consultation with parliament.

KARACHI: A high-profile inmate involved in murder and kidnapping has reportedly escaped from District Jail Malir, ARY News reported.According to police sources, the disappearance was discovered during a routine head count following a ceremony held within the prison, where one inmate was found missing.The prisoner, identified as Naveed (alias Polka), was arrested by Jauharabad Police just a few days ago.His arrest had led to the recovery of a hostage's body; Naveed was accused of kidnapping and subsequently murdering a businessman named Rehan.Following the earlier escape of prisoners back in 2025, security at the facility has been significantly beefed up.Despite the jail administration's recent claims of installing a comprehensive CCTV camera network, the prisoner managed to flee undetected.The jail administration has been conducting a thorough search of the premises for over three hours, but police sources confirm that no information regarding his whereabouts has been found yet.Earlier, in a broad daylight robbery on the Malir Bridge, armed muggers looted sacrificial animal traders during the peak Eid-ul-Adha season.The traders had travelled from Rahim Yar Khan to Karachi—the country’s largest business hub—to sell their livestock ahead of the festival.According to police reports, three traders were leaving the Malir Bakra Mandi (cattle market) after completing their sales when they were targeted.Six robbers riding three motorcycles intercepted the traders and snatched a staggering Rs 4.5 million in cash.Police officials stated that they are currently acquiring CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas to identify and apprehend the culprits. The escaped prisoner, Naveed, had a notorious criminal history and was previously arrested in connection with the high-profile murder case of journalist Wali Khan Babar. However, he was later released in that specific case due to a lack of evidence. Despite the gravity of the situation, top officials—including the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Malir jail authorities—are currently avoiding the media and have declined to comment on how the escape occurred.

KARACHI: The persistent danger posed by heavy traffic has once again come to the forefront in Karachi, as a citizen was crushed to death by a water tanker in the SITE area, ARY News reported.The victim was identified as Muhammad Rizwan, a laborer at a local factory in the SITE industrial zone.According to reports, the fatal accident occurred while he was on his way to work.The body was shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal formalities.Following the incident, the tanker driver fled the scene to avoid arrest; however, the police have impounded the vehicle.The victim's grieving family shared that Rizwan was a father to a nine-year-old son.Earlier, the number of people killed and injured in traffic accidents across Karachi has reached 295 so far this year, according to rescue officials.Data released by emergency services shows that at least 100 people have lost their lives after being hit by heavy vehicles, highlighting growing concerns over road safety and traffic management in the city.In the latest incidents reported within a few hours, two more individuals were killed in separate accidents.Near Sakhi Hassan, a pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle, while in the Landhi Chaawal Godam area, a motorcyclist was crushed to death by a water tanker.Authorities say reckless driving, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and the increasing number of heavy vehicles on roads remain key factors behind the rising accident rate. Citizens have also expressed concern over the lack of proper regulation and safety measures.Officials have urged stricter implementation of traffic rules and better monitoring of heavy transport vehicles to prevent further loss of life.  

KARACHI: In a broad daylight robbery on the Malir Bridge, armed muggers looted sacrificial animal traders during the peak Eid-ul-Adha season, ARY News reported.The traders had travelled from Rahim Yar Khan to Karachi—the country’s largest business hub—to sell their livestock ahead of the festival.According to police reports, three traders were leaving the Malir Bakra Mandi (cattle market) after completing their sales when they were targeted.Six robbers riding three motorcycles intercepted the traders and snatched a staggering Rs 4.5 million in cash.Police officials stated that they are currently acquiring CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas to identify and apprehend the culprits.Earlier, a shocking robbery incident in Karachi was caught on video after armed robbers looted a jeweller of cash and silver worth millions before fleeing the scene.According to reports, the incident took place in the Karimabad area of Karachi, where three armed suspects intercepted a jeweller who was on his way to Bolton Market.The robbers allegedly snatched Rs2.3 million in cash along with one kilogram of silver before escaping.The entire incident was later recorded on a mobile phone, and the video has now surfaced online, highlighting the worsening street crime situation in Karachi.The video shows the suspects approaching the victim on a moving motorcycle before one of them pulled out the bike’s key, forcing the vehicle to stop. Moments later, the armed men held the citizen at gunpoint and seized the helmet containing cash as well as a bag carrying silver.Police officials confirmed that the robbers made off with Rs2.3 million and a one-kilogram silver bar during the robbery in Karachi.Authorities said a case has been registered against unidentified suspects on the complaint of the victim, while further investigation into the incident is underway. 

LAHORE: The Punjab government has finalized a new strategy for the distribution of free textbooks across all government schools before the start of the upcoming academic year, which will also help ease the burden on parents,  ARY News reported.The provincial Punjab Education Department introduced a specific formula to streamline the process and resolve previous distribution challenges.Under this plan, textbook allocation will be a hybrid of new books and "Book Banks"—a system where usable textbooks are collected from outgoing students and redistributed.Distribution Breakdown by Grade:Classes 1–3: Students will receive 100% new books.Classes 4–5: 80% of students will receive new books, while the remaining 20% will use books from the Book Bank.Classes 6–9: 50% of students will be provided with new books.Class 10 (Matric): All students will receive 100% new books due to the introduction of a new syllabus.The Education Department confirmed that new books have already been transported to district and tehsil warehouses throughout Punjab.Schools have been directed to collect old, usable textbooks from former students immediately to ensure the Book Banks are well-stocked.Officials emphasized that book distribution will be based on the latest enrollment figures.Strict orders have been issued to ensure transparency in the process so that no student’s education is hindered by a lack of resources.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Pakistan has introduced a temporary framework allowing citizens to obtain a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) without a birth certificate.The conditional facility, which will remain available until 31 December 2026, applies to first-time applicants and will operate under strict verification conditions.In a statement, NADRA has said the arrangement had been introduced under the NADRA Ordinance 2000 and Rules 2002, which permit alternative verification mechanisms in specific cases.Conditions for women applicantsUnder the NADRA policy, married women aged 18 or above must provide a computerised marriage certificate, the CNIC of at least one parent, the husband’s CNIC, and biometric verification from either the husband or one parent.For unmarried women, the conditions relating to a husband do not apply. However, parental CNICs and biometric verification from a parent will still be required.Conditions for men applicantsNADRA said male applicants aged over 24 must have parents and at least one sibling already registered with NADRA and holding valid identity cards.In addition, biometric verification from either the father or mother will be mandatory.The authority added that in cases where parents or a husband died but their records already exist in NADRA’s database, an authorised officer may waive the biometric verification requirement after examining official records.According to NADRA, applicants applying under the normal category will receive Teslin (non-smart) CNICs free of charge under the temporary framework.The authority also warned that once an applicant’s details are entered into the system, information including parentage, date of birth and place of birth will become permanently non-changeable.Eligible citizens are encouraged to visit the nearest NADRA center to benefit from this temporary facility and register themselves.

RAWALPINDI: Police have arrested eight suspects after two young men were killed in a violent confrontation reportedly triggered by a dispute over Rs. 1,300.According to the police and a First Information Report (FIR), the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Dhamial police station.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i980bc4sheYPolice said an argument broke out between a shopkeeper, Siraj, and another man, Zain Shah, over a financial transaction involving the small sum of amount.The dispute escalated rapidly, and Zain Shah allegedly opened fire and killed Siraj on the spot.The FIR states that following the information of Siraj’s killing, enraged relatives allegedly caught Zain Shah and beat him brutally; as a result, he also succumbed to his injuries.The incident intensified further when suspects allegedly tied Zain Shah’s body to a motorcycle and dragged it through the street, causing panic among residents.Police have launched an immediate operation following the incident and detained eight suspects during raids carried out in different areas, and they are being interrogated.The bodies of both victims were handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations.

KARACHI: The Sindh government has shared welcome news for its employees ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, announcing that May salaries will be disbursed before the festival, ARY News reported.The provincial Finance Department has issued an official notification confirming the early release of payments. According to the directive, all Muslim employees of the Sindh government will receive their salaries for May 2026 on May 20, approximately one week before Eid.Similarly, retired provincial employees will receive their pensions on Wednesday, May 20.Owing to the provincial government's decision, the provincial government employees will get two salaries in the month of May as they already received the salary of April this month.Based on lunar forecasts, Eid-ul-Adha is expected to be celebrated on May 27 if the Zil-Hajj moon is sighted on May 17; otherwise, the festival will fall on Thursday, May 28.The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will take the final decision regarding the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon. Its meeting will be held on May 17, while zonal committees working under the central committee will also be meeting on the same day.This move follows a similar decision by the Federal Government, which recently announced that federal employees will receive their May 2026 salaries on May 21.