ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has moved to collect income tax on earnings generated through social media platforms, ARY News reported.The FBR has established a procedure to recover taxes from digital earnings and has sought suggestions from experts, giving them one week to submit their feedback.Following this one-week period, the final tax collection framework will be implemented. During this time, all received objections and suggestions will be reviewed.The tax on social media earnings will be applied through a special procedure under Article 99-C.According to FBR officials, both local residents and non-residents earning from viewership and subscribers in Pakistan will be required to pay taxes.Social media account holders with at least 50,000 subscribers will now be classified as businesses.Furthermore, reaching 12,500 views within a single quarter will also be considered a business activity for tax purposes.FBR officials have suggested a benchmark for YouTube earnings, proposing that an income of Rs 195 per 1,000 views be used as the standard for tax assessment.Earlier, the FBR Collectorate of Customs Appraisement & Enforcement, Quetta, has successfully surpassed its revenue collection targets for the third quarter.According to the FBR, against a target of Rs 7.36 billion, the collectorate collected a staggering Rs 9.4 billion. Despite operational challenges stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, Pakistan Customs performed exceptionally well by maintaining a continuous flow of trade. The department ensured the uninterrupted clearance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other essential commodities.Furthermore, the flow of exports through the Taftan border remained fully operational, with the collectorate providing every possible facility to support exports to Iran and Central Asian countries. 

ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad on Wednesday approved a five-day physical remand for the suspects arrested in the murder case of businessman Amir Awan, ARY News reported.The hearing was presided over by Judicial Magistrate Ehtisham Muqarib. All the accused individuals were produced before the court, where the judge granted the police five days of physical remand to further the investigation.The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until April 6. The First Information Report (FIR) for the murder was previously registered at the Shehzad Town Police Station.https://youtu.be/D6xJyGUGsfw?si=PnCaLK4ztUFSbS8NEarlier, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police solved the murder case of businessman Amir Awan within hours, arresting five suspects involved in the crime.Police said teams used modern technology and human intelligence to trace and apprehend the accused, who were involved in the fatal shooting during a robbery at Awan’s farmhouse in Orchard Scheme in the early hours of Monday.According to police officials, the arrested suspects belong to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and were detained during raids conducted in Charsadda and Mardan.The suspects were reportedly operating an organized robbery gang and have been shifted to Islamabad for further investigation.Statements of the victim’s wife and security guards have also been recorded.According to police, five armed assailants, carrying Kalashnikov rifles, had entered the farmhouse by climbing through an open window after injuring a security guard.The suspects opened fire on Amir Awan, shooting him multiple times and leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.Authorities said the attackers fled the scene after looting cash and other valuables from the farmhouse.CCTV footage circulating on social media shows masked individuals entering the premises armed with weapons.The First Information Report (FIR) of the incident was registered, including Section 397, which pertains to robbery involving the use of deadly weapons.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, in a meeting that focused on evolving political developments and possible new alignments in Sindh and Balochistan, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, discussions during the meeting revolved around ongoing efforts to bring Maulana Fazal ur Rehman and his party into potential power-sharing arrangements, with particular interest in Sindh and Balochistan. Bilawal Bhutto reportedly extended a formal invitation to Maulana Fazal ur Rehman to explore political cooperation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2pIMTJCCDIJUI chief, however, indicated that any decision regarding political alignment would be taken after internal party consultation, keeping his position reserved for the time being.Meanwhile, political activity in Sindh has intensified, with opposition groups reportedly working to bring his party into the broader opposition fold. Sources suggest that leaders from the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) have also reached out to Maulana Fazal ur Rehman as part of these efforts.A GDA delegation is expected to meet Maulana Fazal ur Rehman as well, with discussions likely to include key political messaging. According to sources, the delegation is set to convey a message from Pir Pagara during the meeting.The GDA is also expected to formally offer JUI-F a role within the opposition in Sindh, as political stakeholders continue to explore shifting alliances in the region.Also Read: Fazal ur Rehman demands full medical facilities for PTI founderEarlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Fazal ur Rehman called for comprehensive medical facilities to be provided to Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.Speaking to the media, he said that as the leader of a major political party, Imran Khan should be granted all necessary healthcare services while in custody.He stressed that Imran Khan must also be allowed to consult his personal doctors for a medical examination.“Human compassion and our traditions demand that Imran Khan be provided complete medical facilities in jail and be permitted examination by his personal physician,” he said, adding that turning political differences into personal enmity harms society.He further remarked that politics should serve as a means of public welfare rather than hostility.

CHAGHI: Following instructions from the Balochistan government, the transit facility to Iran was closed on Wednesday, ARY News reported, quoting the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chaghi District.In a statement issued today, the DC of Chaghi announced that under the April 1 order, the previous transit system has been officially suspended.Travelers are now required to possess a valid passport and visa to visit Iran. The DC added that individuals will only be permitted to cross the border after completing all mandatory legal requirements.The DC urged citizens to strictly adhere to the government's new orders regarding travel to Iran.These developments come amid heightened regional tensions. It has been 33 days since the escalation of the conflict on February 28, which has resulted in significant casualties among Iranian leadership due to ongoing hostilities. Pakistan has initiated high-level mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, holding extensive consultations with fellow Islamic nations, including Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. As part of this diplomatic push, the Foreign Ministers of all three countries have recently visited Pakistan for in-depth discussions. Following these regional consultations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited China to take the Chinese leadership into confidence regarding the peace initiative. The move aims to build a broad international consensus to de-escalate the ongoing conflict and restore regional stability.

Dubai / Karachi, April 1, 2026 – The UAE Dirham (AED) is trading at 76.01 Pakistani Rupees in the open market today, holding steady near the psychologically important 76.00 level. The pair continues to trade within the narrow 76.00–76.50 PKR range that has defined the exchange rate for the past several months, offering consistent predictability for Pakistani expatriates and their families.The foundation of stability The Dirham’s calm performance is anchored by its fixed peg to the US Dollar at 3.6725 AED per USD — a policy that has remained unchanged since 1997 and continues to provide strong protection against volatility. The Pakistani Rupee, while floating, has been quietly supported by healthy foreign reserves and steady remittance inflows, helping it maintain balance against the AED. Today’s rate of 76.01 PKR per AED reflects this ongoing equilibrium, giving a dependable benchmark for salary transfers, family support, and cross-border business.Real support for Pakistani households For the estimated 1.5 million Pakistanis working across the Emirates, every dirham sent home today converts to 76.01 PKR. Monthly remittances from the UAE regularly exceed $700 million, so even a small daily movement adds up to meaningful help for families covering school fees, medical expenses, groceries, utility payments, and other essentials in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and beyond. These funds remain a vital economic lifeline, helping millions manage daily life and build toward a better future.Today's Quick Snapshot Current Rate: 1 AED = 76.01 PKR Change: Stable / minor softening 7-day high: 76.50 PKR 30-day average: ~76.30 PKR 2025 high (July): 77.61 PKR 2025 low (Jan): 75.44 PKR 2026 Outlook Most market projections see the AED-PKR pair staying between 75.80 and 77.00 through the first half of 2026, with the central tendency around 76.10–76.60 by Q2. The UAE’s ongoing diversification into technology, renewables, logistics and tourism, combined with Pakistan’s remittance stability and reserve accumulation, is expected to keep volatility moderate.

KARACHI, April 1, 2026: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is trading at Rs74.42 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, according to leading currency dealers in Karachi. The selling rate remains around Rs74.99. The pair continues to stay firmly locked in the same exceptionally narrow, low-volatility channel it entered in early January 2026 — now stretching well beyond twelve weeks of remarkably flat price action. Today’s unchanged level keeps the rate significantly below the 2025 mid-year high of Rs76.03 (July peak) and near the softer territory last consistently observed in late October 2025.Remittance lifeline under prolonged pressure The Saudi Riyal continues to serve as the single most important monthly income source for millions of Pakistani households. Workers in Saudi Arabia’s construction, healthcare, hospitality and domestic sectors keep the remittance corridor active and reliable. Saudi Arabia retains its position as the top remittance-origin country, contributing $913.3 million in May 2025 alone — the largest single-country inflow. Cumulative remittances from July 2024 to May 2025 reached $34.9 billion, reflecting a strong 28.8% year-on-year increase. At today’s rate of Rs74.42, every 1,000 Riyals sent home equals Rs74,420 — a gradual but persistent decline from earlier 2025 levels. While still providing essential support for school fees, medical treatment, groceries, utility bills and household expenses, the prolonged softness is putting quiet but mounting pressure on remittance-dependent families amid ongoing inflation.Economic implications of today’s rate A Riyal trading around Rs74.40–74.50 generates opposing forces: Remittance-receiving families face a slow but steady reduction in real purchasing power. Importers of Saudi crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals continue to enjoy lower costs in rupee terms. Pakistan’s trade balance gains modest indirect relief from cheaper imports. Foreign exchange reserves (above $11 billion as of late 2024) are still being steadily supported by these inflows, helping the State Bank manage inflation and external debt obligations. The softer Rupee also helps keep Pakistani exports (rice, textiles, leather, surgical instruments, fresh produce) attractive on international markets.Quick reference: the two currencies Saudi Riyal (SAR) — subdivided into 100 halala, rigidly pegged to the US dollar (≈ 3.75 SAR = 1 USD), managed by SAMA for maximum stability. Pakistani Rupee (PKR) — symbol ₨, operates under a managed float supervised by the State Bank of Pakistan, influenced by inflation, trade balance and — most importantly — remittance volumes.

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Wednesday took notice of the recent hike in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices.In an official statement, OGRA emphasized that it is the responsibility of district governments to implement and enforce LPG retail prices.While OGRA enforcement teams are currently conducting inspections of LPG plants, the regulatory body urged district administrations to ensure that the fixed prices set by the authority are strictly followed.OGRA has also issued directives to the Chief Secretaries of all provinces to mobilize their respective departments to enforce price compliance."The provision of LPG to consumers at government rates must be ensured at all costs," the statement read.An OGRA spokesperson confirmed that the crackdown against illegal profiteering will continue and warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating government-notified prices.Meanwhile, the price of LPG in Panjgur has reportedly skyrocketed to Rs 400 per kg, causing severe difficulties for residents due to the inflated rates.The OGRA yesterday increased the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for April 2026 by Rs 78.28 per kg.Following this sharp uptick, the new price of LPG has jumped to Rs 304.12 per kg.OGRA has issued an official notification confirming the revised rates.Additionally, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder has soared by Rs 923.71.Consequently, the price of an 11.8 kg household cylinder has climbed from its previous rate to Rs 3,588.59.Earlier for March, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) announced a slight reduction in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, issuing an official notification for the revised rates.According to the notification, LPG price had been decreased by Rs0.21 per kilogram, bringing the new rate to Rs225.84 per kg.Following the adjustment, the price of an 11.8-kg domestic LPG cylinder has been reduced by Rs2.52, setting the new price at Rs2,664.88.Officials said the revised prices will apply across the country in line with the latest pricing mechanism.LPG is widely used for domestic cooking and commercial purposes in areas where natural gas supply is limited, and price adjustments are made periodically based on market calculations approved by the regulator.   

Karachi, 01 April 2026 – The Pakistani rupee strengthened in Wednesday's session, with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) fixing the USD/PKR mark-to-market currency rate at Rs 279.1208, 3 paisa below last close and the slimmest print of 2026 so far. Priority Currencies US Dollar (USD) – 279.12 (spot) The modest retreat keeps the greenback tethered to the 279.12 level, comfortably within the 279–282 range that has governed trade since October. One-week forwards sit at 279.53, implying a negligible 0.15 % carrying cost. Exporters continue to offload positions above 279.50, while petroleum importers accumulate on dips below 279.10. “Market liquidity remains ample; the currency rate is drifting on technical flows rather than any fundamental catalyst,” noted a senior treasury official. British Pound (GBP) – 370.62 (spot) ⭐ Sterling climbs to 370.62 from yesterday's 368.75; one-year forward is 383.10, translating into 3.4 % annualised rupee depreciation. Textile exporters to Manchester are hedging six-month receivables near 372, maintaining healthy forward premiums. Saudi Riyal (SAR) – 74.36 SAR edges marginally lower to 74.3628; 12-month forward is 76.74, an annualised 3.2 %—still the narrowest spread among principal remittance channels. Exchange houses report steady foot traffic from pilgrims securing rates ahead of the upcoming Umrah season. UAE Dirham (AED) – 75.99 AED firms slightly to 75.9988; six-month forward is 77.30, implying 3.4 % annualised rupee softness. Gulf salary remittances continue flowing through official banking corridors, keeping the cross-rate anchored. Qatari Riyal (QAR) – 76.56 QAR mirrors regional peers at 76.5553; 12-month forward is 79.30, a 4.2 % annualised differential—virtually matching SAR and AED, underscoring uniform Gulf-peg stability. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) – 909.93 KWD firms to 909.9293 on the steady USD cross. Twelve-month forwards at 940.70 equate to 3.4 % annualised PKR weakness—marginally wider than GCC counterparts due to thinner dinar market depth. Australian Dollar (AUD) – 193.64 The “Aussie” rebounds to 193.64 as iron-ore steadies above $100/t. One-year forward is 200.44, implying 3.5 % annualised rupee depreciation—tracking closely with the SAR curve, affirming commodity-linked volatility. Canadian Dollar (CAD) – 200.76 The “Loonie” firms to 200.76 as WTI crude hovers near $72/bbl. Twelve-month forwards at 211.14 still pencil out to 5.2 % annualised rupee softness, though prairie pulse importers are said to have pre-booked April cargoes, limiting further CAD upside. Other Major Currencies Euro opens at 323.47, up 1.0 % on the week following softer Eurozone inflation data; one-year forward is 340.23, translating into 5.2 % annualised rupee weakness. Japanese yen remains the most affordable major at 1.76 per unit, but forwards price 6.3 % annualised PKR decline—the steepest among G-10 pairs. Swiss franc is 351.51; Singapore dollar 217.43; Swedish krona 29.67; Norwegian krone 28.81; Danish krone 43.29; New Zealand dollar 160.65; Chinese yuan 40.59; Turkish lira 6.28; Russian ruble 3.45; Indian rupee 2.99; Bangladeshi taka 2.27—all within familiar ranges and suggesting no event-risk premium ahead of the IMF's first-quarter 2026 assessment. Market Context & Outlook The uniformly compressed forward premiums—scarcely 4–5 % annualised even for the least-liquid crosses—signal to currency desks that both importers and exporters are confident the State Bank retains sufficient firepower to safeguard the rupee through the winter remittance window. Reserves have climbed to $21.26 billion, while the real effective exchange rate (REER) eased to 98.2 in November, a threshold the IMF deems "competitive yet not undervalued." Barring an oil spike above $90 or political turbulence derailing the Fund programme, dealers anticipate the USD currency rate will stay tethered to the 278–282 zone for Q1 2026, pulling the broader currency matrix along in its wake.

ISLAMABAD: A major change in tariff structure or electricity bills approved by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has triggered widespread public concern.Electricity consumers across Pakistan are facing a sharp rise in power bills following the change in NEPRA tarrif structure.Under the revised tariff system, fixed charges will now be calculated based on a consumer’s sanctioned electricity load rather than actual electricity consumption.The new tariff was approved by NEPRA at the request of the federal government and came into effect in January 2026.Previously, fixed charges were imposed only on domestic consumers using more than 300 electricity units per month, ranging between Rs. 200 and Rs. 1,000.On the other hand, under the new framework, fixed charges will apply to all domestic consumers except lifeline users, even if their electricity consumption remains low.According to details, fixed charges across different consumer slabs have been revised upward, ranging from Rs. 200 per kilowatt to as high as Rs. 675 per kilowatt per month.The change means even low-consumption households will now face higher electricity bills. For example, a consumer with a sanctioned load of 5 kilowatts could see fixed charges increase from a previous maximum of Rs. 1,000 to nearly Rs. 3,375 per month.Consumers are now realizing that electricity costs will no longer depend primarily on usage and put additional financial pressure on households already struggling with rising living expenses.

The Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) has released essential updates for overseas Pakistanis regarding the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP). This initiative is designed to incentivize the use of legal banking channels by rewarding those who contribute to Pakistan’s economy. What is the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program? Launched to support the Pakistani diaspora, the SDRP rewards citizens living abroad for sending money home through exchange companies or banking channels. The program operates via a dedicated smartphone application available in both English and Urdu.The app tracks every transaction in real-time, instantly updating the user’s reward point balance. These points can then be redeemed for various government services or even converted into cash. Reward Tiers: How Much Can You Earn? The program features a four-tier system. Your reward percentage increases based on the total amount remitted within a single fiscal year:Citizens who send up to $10,000 in a fiscal year fall into the Green category, earning 1.00% in reward points.As your contributions increase, so do your benefits; those sending between $10,001 and $30,000 move into the Gold tier with a 1.25% reward rate.For higher remitters, the Platinum category covers transfers between $30,001 and $50,000 at a rate of 1.50%, while the elite Diamond category offers a maximum reward of 1.75% for annual remittances exceeding $50,000.Every remitter has the opportunity to be upgraded to a higher tier as their total remittance grows throughout the year. Where Can You Spend Your Reward Points? One of the most attractive features of the Sohni Dharti program is the ability to use points as a "virtual currency" for essential government services. You can redeem points for:PIA: International air tickets and charges for extra baggage.FBR: Payment of custom duties on imported mobile phones and vehicles.NADRA: Renewal fees for CNIC and NICOP.State Life Insurance: Payment of Life Insurance or Takaful premiums.OPF Schools: Coverage of school tuition fees.Passport Office: Fees for passport renewals.Bureau of Emigration: Protector Registration fees for departing emigrants. How to Get Started Your rewards appear on a Virtual Card within the app, which updates automatically after every remittance.The Sohni Dharti Remittance Program app is available for download on the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple App Store for iOS users.

LAHORE – In a significant legal development, a sessions court has ruled that the onus of proof rested entirely on singer Meesha Shafi to substantiate her harassment claims against Ali Zafar. Issuing a detailed 155-page verdict, Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat concluded that Shafi failed to meet this legal burden, resulting in a judgment in favor of Zafar. The court emphasized that when a defendant levels serious public allegations, the responsibility to provide evidence—rather than the plaintiff’s responsibility to prove a negative—is the central pillar of a defamation suit.Core Findings of the Verdict The judgment provided a thorough breakdown of why the court found Meesha Shafi's statements to be defamatory: Failure to Prove Onus: The court declared that it was Meesha Shafi’s responsibility to prove her claims were true and based on facts. The evidence presented was deemed insufficient to support her accusations of harassment. Public Interest vs. Reputation: While Shafi argued her "tweet and interviews" were for the public good, the court ruled she failed to prove that the allegations were made for public welfare. Consequently, the court found the statements served only to damage Ali Zafar’s reputation. The "Public Figure" Standard: The judge noted that while harassment victims often suffer in silence, Shafi’s approach was different. By choosing a public platform to accuse a well-known figure, she incurred a higher responsibility to prove the truth of her words. Legal Consequences: Under the evidence provided, the court categorized Shafi's statements as defamatory and ordered her to pay Rs 5 million (50 Lakh) in damages. Beyond the financial penalty, the court has issued a strict directive to Meesha Shafi regarding her future conduct. She is legally barred from repeating these harassment allegations against Ali Zafar, whether directly or indirectly, through any medium. "The plaintiff's reputation was significantly harmed by these unsubstantiated claims. Since the defendant chose to make these allegations on a public level for 'the public good,' the burden of proving them true lay solely with her." — Statement from the Detailed Decision

PESHAWAR/LAHORE: Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have introduced a four-day working week. Under this new schedule, schools will remain closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ARY News reported. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced a four-day working week.The official notification issued by the KP Education Department confirmed that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will now be weekly holidays.The new system aims to make the education sector more organized while conserving resources. According to the notification, the four-day schedule takes effect immediately, as of April 1.Government schools in KP will now conduct classes from Monday to Thursday. Sources indicate that daily teaching hours may be slightly extended to ensure the syllabus is completed and to prevent any loss of learning for students.The department has urged all district officers to strictly enforce the new schedule.Additionally, the Punjab Higher Education Department has announced that all public and private colleges and universities in the province will now operate on a four-day work week, following a formal notification.This move aligns with earlier directives from the Punjab School Education Department, which revised school timings and designated Friday as a weekly holiday while keeping institutions open for four days.Under the updated schedule, schools will run from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. In double-shift schools, the morning shift will conclude at 12:30 pm, while the afternoon shift will operate from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.National Boxing Championship kicks off in Hyderabad with grand opening ceremony Officials said the revised timetable is intended to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and contribute to overall improvements in the education system.It is worth noting that schools in Punjab, which had been closed since March 10, reopened today, April 1.

Karachi, April 1, 2026 – Silver prices in Pakistan have shown notable firmness today, with the chandi ka rate at Rs. 7,479 per tola—capturing steady strength driven by international precious metals trends and active local demand. This performance extends the recent positive pattern, as silver demonstrates reliable responsiveness to global market signals. Current local rates stand at Rs. 6,410 per 10 grams and Rs. 641 per gram, supported by international spot silver activity and its dependable linkage to gold. The metal continues to draw attention as a practical safe-haven choice and vital industrial resource in the prevailing economic climate. This steadiness aligns with gold’s positioning (local 24K gold around Rs. 494,500 per tola), highlighting the synchronized dynamics between the two metals amid ongoing market conditions.Key Factors Driving the Silver Price Movement in Pakistan Strong Link to Gold Rally – Gold’s solid footing (international spot near $5,100+/oz and local rates firm) supports silver, as traders regularly combine both for protection and diversification aims. International Spot Silver Momentum – Global silver has preserved upward influence (spot levels in elevated ranges), swiftly amplifying local PKR valuation via import outlays and currency exchange impacts. Reliable Industrial Demand – Silver’s pivotal applications in solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and clean energy domains secure ongoing uptake, fortifying prices through assorted market situations. Local Buyer Engagement – Pakistani acquirers and jewelers are exhibiting steady participation with silver as a shield against inflation and a comparatively economical precious metal relative to gold, powering today’s firm trend in Sarafa markets. Analysts stress silver’s oscillating yet hopeful nature—recent movements have sustained this steady phase—upheld by investment attractiveness and industrial core elements. Buyers and investors should always verify live Sarafa market quotes prior to transactions, as prices respond swiftly to international shifts and local conditions.Current Silver Rates in Pakistan- April 1, 2026 Weight Rate (PKR) Notes 1 Gram 641 Fine/Pure Silver 10 Grams 6,410 Fine/Pure Silver 1 Tola 7,479 Standard Rate

PESHAWAR: Renowned urologist Prof. Dr. Asif Malik of Peshawar General Hospital (PGH) was seriously injured in a targeted attack outside his residence in University Town, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Wednesday.According to police, unknown armed assailants opened fire on Dr. Malik at Circular Road, leaving him critically injured.He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, where his condition remains critical.The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) on the complaint of Dr. Malik’s son at the Town Police Station. Preliminary investigations are underway to identify the attackers.The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa strongly condemned the cowardly attack on Prof. Dr. Malik near his home.A spokesperson said the incident occurred when he was returning from completing his hospital duty. They added that the attack not only targets a senior and respected doctor but also raises serious concerns about the safety and security of the entire medical community.In a statement, the YDA urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and law enforcement agencies to immediately apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they receive the strictest punishment under the law.The association also called for urgent implementation of effective security measures for doctors and full enforcement of the Health Professionals Protection Act to prevent such incidents in the future.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to take strict action against Muhammad Shoaib Niazi, President of the Young Doctors Association Punjab (YDA), following the Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) video case.The Punjab Health Department has already suspended several senior officials of LWH, including the Medical Superintendent (MS), senior consultants, senior registrars, senior medical officers, and the Head of Department (HOD).However, YDA Punjab condemned the suspensions and warned of protests if the decision is not reversed.Dr. Shoaib Niazi, a consultant medical specialist and rheumatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, had strongly criticized the action, stating that the association reserves its constitutional right to protest if what he termed an “unjust decision” is not withdrawn.Meanwhile, an inquiry committee of the Health Department has recommended action against him, including possible dismissal.According to official documents, he was found guilty of negligence and administrative misconduct during the inquiry.The charges have reportedly been proven under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act, prompting further disciplinary proceedings.A show-cause notice has been issued to Dr. Niazi, directing him to submit his response within seven days. He has also been summoned by the Special Secretary Health on April 6.Sources added that Dr. Niazi had previously led protests under the banner of the Grand Health Alliance last year, after which investigations against him were initiated.Earlier, the Punjab Health Department on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to senior administrative officers of Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) in Lahore over an inappropriate video involving two patients undergoing treatment.In an official statement, the department said the action was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Show-cause notices have been issued to the responsible senior administrative officials over the incident.The department has also written to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), recommending disciplinary action against five postgraduate doctors involved in recording the video. Those identified include Dr. Tayyaba, Dr. Maham, Dr. Zainab, Dr. Ayesha, and Dr. Essa.

KARACHI: In a striking incident during a traffic enforcement drive, a minor driver managed to flee after violating a traffic signal in the presence of Karachi’s traffic police chief, Syed Pir Muhammad Shah.The incident occurred on Wednesday at Teen Talwar in Clifton, where the city’s traffic police were conducting a crackdown against vehicles with fancy number plates and tinted windows.According to reports, the 16-year-old driver was stopped by traffic police for underage driving, reckless behavior, and allegedly using a police-style flashing light on his vehicle.Although he initially stepped out of the car. However, he took advantage of the situation, quickly got back in, and sped away, breaking the traffic signal and dodging police officials.The episode took place in front of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, raising concerns about enforcement effectiveness during the campaign.The crackdown is part of a province-wide operation launched from April 1 under directives of the Sindh government against vehicles with fancy, fake, or non-standard number plates. Authorities are also strictly checking vehicles with tinted windows.During the same operation at Teen Talwar, another vehicle with tinted windows and a fancy number plate was stopped. A woman driving the car reportedly created a disturbance upon being stopped, after which police issued a fine of Rs20,000.Officials said strict checking is underway for all vehicles not complying with government-approved number plate standards or those operating without registration plates.Motorcyclists have also been directed to display number plates on both the front and rear of their bikes. Citizens who have not yet received official plates from the Excise Department have been advised to install temporary plates as per the approved design.The ongoing operation is being carried out jointly by district police, traffic police, the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), and the Excise Department. As part of the initiative, drivers without valid licenses are being issued learner driving permits on the spot to bring them into the legal framework.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding talks in China's northwestern city of Urumqi, diplomatic sources here said on Wednesday."Pakistan has nominated the foreign ministry's additional secretary for the dialogue with Afghanistan officials," sources said.Pakistan is prepared for talks with Afghanistan but will not change its policy to target the terror hideouts in the country, officials said.AFP citing two officials from Islamabad reported dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan in China to end months of conflict.The meeting in Urumqi comes after Pakistan's Foreign Minister and DPM, Ishaq Dar, travelled to Beijing on Tuesday to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.The pair discussed Islamabad's role in trying to get the United States and Iran to the negotiating table, and set out a joint five-point plan for an end to the conflict.Dar had been due to return to Islamabad on Wednesday.China has sought to mediate in the escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Pakistan says it is targeting extremists who have carried out cross-border attacks, but authorities in Kabul deny harbouring militants.There was no immediate comment from Pakistan's foreign ministry and the Afghan government. But a senior Pakistani security official said: "A delegation led by an official from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in Urumqi to hold talks with the Afghan Taliban"The meeting is taking place at the request of our Chinese friends."A second senior government official also confirmed the talks, adding: "The meeting is to set a base for full-scale dialogue."The first official said Pakistan's demands from Afghanistan "remain unchanged", urging Kabul to "take verifiable action" against extremists and "end any support for the group".It also wants to "ensure that Afghan territory is not used as a base for launching attacks against Pakistan".

ISLAMABAD: A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed at the Prime Minister’s Office under the chairmanship of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, to launch the ACT AI Initiative — Awareness, Competency & Tools Training for Artificial Intelligence.With the MoU now formalized, the programme has entered its operational phase. University focal persons have been activated nationwide, and student registration is currently underway through the official portal actai.aiskillbridge.pk.According to a press release, a national launch event is planned to formally mark the commencement of the initiative, and the first cohort is expected to begin training in the coming weeks, with subsequent cohorts running in two-month cycles to ensure sustained nationwide impact.The programme will be offered completely free of cost, with a strong focus on inclusion, including a targeted 50:50 gender participation ratio and enrollment from diverse academic backgrounds beyond computer science.The MoU brings together the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC), and AI SkillBridge, a subsidiary of AXI Technologies—reflecting a unified public-private partnership to expand AI education across the country.The agreement establishes ACT AI as Pakistan’s first nationally coordinated, university-level AI skills programme, aimed at equipping youth with the competencies required for the global digital economy.Under this initiative, up to 6,000 students per cohort will be trained across approximately 100 universities nationwide, including institutions from all four provinces as well as Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.The programme will be executed by AI SkillBridge, supported by AXI Technologies, which will oversee end-to-end implementation including curriculum design, training delivery, digital infrastructure, student management, and national outreach.ACT AI is an intensive eight-week, competency-based programme designed to deliver practical, job-ready skills in generative AI, agentic AI systems, AI productivity tools, automation, and sector-specific applications.The training will be delivered through synchronized live sessions broadcast from Islamabad via the HEC Smart Classroom network, ensuring standardized, high-quality instruction at a national scale.Structured around the core pillars of Foundations of AI, AI Applications Across Sectors, AI for Economic Empowerment, and Future of AI and National Preparedness, the programme aims to prepare students for AI-enabled employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and participation in the global digital economy.Under the partnership framework, NAVTTC will serve as the national endorsement body, ensuring alignment with federal skills development priorities, while HEC will provide institutional access through its nationwide university network and Smart Classroom infrastructure. AI SkillBridge, supported by AXI Technologies, will lead programme execution and delivery.

QUETTA: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Balochistan on Wednesday issued alert for the fresh rain spell in the province.Several Balochistan districts are likely to receive heavy rain with thunderstorm along with isolated hailstorms from today until April 04.The PDMA has cautioned that over 30 districts of Balochistan have been under the influence of this weather system warning flash floods in local drains and hilly streams in 18 districts.Heavy rainfall with thunderstorm is likely in Khuzdar, Kalat, Surab, Lasbela, Hub, Kech, Guwadar, Qilla Saifullah, Qilla Abdullah, Zhob, Harnai, Loralai, Kohlu, Awaran, Kharan, Mastung, Sheerani and Ziarat, PDMA has cautioned.The PDMA has advised citizens to observe caution in view of the expected rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel.It is to be mentioned here that the PMD has also forecast rain fall in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad's federal territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from today.Sindh's Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, and Sukkur districts are likely to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms from April 02 to 04.

KARACHI: The Met Office has forecast likely rain with thunderstorm in Karachi and other districts of Sindh tomorrow under the influence of a westerly weather system approaching the southwestern areas of Balochistan on Wednesday (today) bringing heavy rainfall and hailstorms in isolated areas.Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, and Sukkur districts are likely to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms from April 02 to 04.The Met Office has also predicted rainfall in Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from today.The PMD said that several Balochistan districts including Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Makran Coast region and Lasbella, are likely to receive heavy rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated hailstorms.In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kalam. Snowfall is predicted for mountainous areas.Several districts of Punjab and Islamabad are also expected to receive rain with strong winds and thunderstorms. Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Sargodha may receive rainfall, while heavy rain is likely in Dera Ghazi Khan and adjacent areas.Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will also experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms, while snowfall expected in mountainous regions. Some areas may receive heavy rain and hailstorms.The weather department has said that the daytime temperatures are expected to plunge across the country with a possibility of extending the forecast period.