KARACHI: "Conspiracies are being hatched against the 18th Amendment" People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Thursday said in his message on the 56th foundation day of the party.Bilawal Bhutto said that the centrifugal mindset to run the federating units as colony still persists," The PPP workers will not allow any harm to the provincial autonomy," party chairman said."The PPP is a movement not a party, founded by Shaheed Bhutto over his political wisdom and vision," Bilawal said in his message."We are determined to implement the mission of Shaheed Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto," he said. "We have to build a prosper and strong Pakistan," Bilawal said. "The wisdom of Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has been our vision and guiding light," he further said."Transfer of unbridled presidential powers to the parliament was the vision of Asif Zardari," Bilawal said."We will never forget that the People's Party was founded over the Kashmir question and will continue support to the people of Kashmir until their freedom from the Indian occupation," he added.The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is set to commemorate its 56th foundation day with a rally in Quetta.Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari will address rally.The local administration has made security arrangements in and around the public meeting venue while the security has been beefed up in the provincial capital.The PPP, founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on November 30th, 1967, ruled Pakistan for five times since its foundation.After 1965 war with India and the Tashkent declaration to end the war Gen, Ayub Khan’s Foreign Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto quit the government on June 16, 1966, as protest against the ceasefire deal.He chose to find his own political party. The PPP was launched at its founding convention held in Lahore on November 30 – December 01, 1967. At the same meeting, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was elected as its chairman. Among the expressed goals for which the party was formed were the establishment of an “egalitarian democracy” and the “application of socialist ideas to realize economic and social justice”.Once the most influential and popular political party of Pakistan, however, now mostly restricted to its power base of Sindh.Pakistan People's Party (PPP) remains a consistent electoral player since its foundation in a convention in Lahore on November 30, in 1967.

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday unblocked bank accounts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after matters over non-payment of dues were settled between the two national entities, ARY News reported.The national tax collection body had blocked PIA’s bank accounts over non-payment of taxes amid an ‘all-important’ audit from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).However, the bank accounts were unblocked after the national flag carrier assured the tax collection body of clearing all pending dues and submitted written assurance.It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is grappling with a severe financial crisis, raising concerns about its ability to sustain air operations amidst mounting debts.A delegation of the European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is currently in Pakistan, raising hopes that a ban imposed on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the continent may be lifted.The ban was imposed after May 2020 plane crash in Karachi and a statement made by the then aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, in the parliament, telling the house that a large number of commercial pilots held fake licences or had cheated in exams.The national carrier has suffered massive losses since restrictions were imposed on the national airliner.

KARACHI: In a gruesome incident, a woman and three children were found dead with their throats slit at their house in Karachi on Thursday morning, police said. According to details, the woman and her three children were found dead in Sher Muhammad Goth, located in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar area.The deceased were identified as Saima wife of Arshad, two-year-old Ahd، Shahzain,7, and nine-year-old Ashhad۔ The police said the throats of the mother and her children were slitted with a sharp tool.The bodies of the mother and her children were shifted to the hospital for legal formalities.Read more: Three bodies of Infants recovered from dumpster in KarachiThe husband of deceased woman Arshad has been taken into custody by the police for investigation. Police furhter said Arshad works as a cable operator and at the time of incident he was not at thome. Imdad Ali, the uncle of deceased children while talking to media said he received call from his brother Arshad around 12:30am after he reached home.Upon reaching my brother's house, he saw body of his elder nephew in the porch of home, while bodies of two other children and sister-in-law were lying in the seperate rooms, he added. 

ISLAMABAD: Rainfall is expected in Islamabad and Potohar region on Thursday (today) while the upper parts of the country will receive snow over the mountains, ARY News reported.Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rainfall in some parts of upper KP, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir, while snowfall at mountains.Smog and fog will likely to engulf plain areas of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the morning.The weather will remain cloudy in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Most of districts of Baluchistan will experience dry weather, while cold weather in northern districts of the province.

LAHORE: The Pakistan cricket team departed for Australia from Lahore last night, ARY News reported on Thursday. According to details, the national squad will go to Sydney via Dubai. Departure time for the team ✈️#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/jrNNOUfJTl — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 30, 2023 The Pakistani team will play a four-day match against the Prime Minister's XI from December 6 before the start of the Test series in Australia.The first Test of the national team will start from December 14 in Perth.While, the second test match will be played in Melbourne from December 26, while the third Test will be played in Sydney from January 03.The Pakistani team is led by Shaan Masood, who has played 30 Tests and has been entrusted with the responsibilities of captaincy for the first time.Read more: Shan Masood reveals Pakistan’s first choice wicketkeeper in Australia Pakistan squad  Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

QUETTA: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is set to commemorate its 56th foundation day with a rally in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta, ARY News reported.The rally will be held at the Ayub National Stadium which will be attended by senior party leadership, workers and supporters from across the province.Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari will address rally.The local administration has made security arrangements in and around the public meeting venue while the security has been beefed up in the provincial capital.Heavy police contingents have been deployed around the stadium while police mobiles patrol the streets and hotel where the PPP leaders are staying.The party already had some early success on Wednesday, with Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, a former Balochistan chief minister and president of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), deciding to join the PPP.Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said that he would not attend the Youm-e-Tasees (foundation day) public gathering in Quetta due to busy schedule.Bizenjo and his associates plan to meet with former President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari soon.Sources said former MNA Mir Yaqoob Khan Bizenjo was also likely to join PPP.

BANNU: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) has imposed section 144 in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to maintain peace, ARY News reported on Thursday.According to DC Shah Saud, a ban has been imposed on aerial firing and display of arms from today (Thursday) till December 3 amid an ongoing anti-polio campaign.On Wednesday, a police officer deployed to provide security to the polio vaccination team was martyred on Mundan Road, Bannu.The police officer was on his way to perform duty in an anti-polio drive, when unidentified miscreants targeted him.Pillion riding and the use of tinted glasses in vehicles have also been banned. The violation will lead to strict legal action, the DC Bannu said.Read more: Cop martyred in Bannu attackSection 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) empowers district administration to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period of time.Such a ban is enforced by the police who register cases under section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for violations of the ban. Section 188 carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison or fine or both.

LAHORE: The Punjab police is yet to receive the test reports of Afnan Shafqat, accused of causing the death of six members of a family while driving a car without a license, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, the Polygraphic and Photogrammetrical test of Afnan was conducted by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.However, police have not received the OC fixation test which was conducted to determine the age of Afnan. Police will further proceed with the case after receiving the results of reports, sources said.Related: Lahore teenage driver Afnan sent on physical remandWhereas, the arrest of the main accused Afnan's friend Ibrahim has also been delayed by Punjab police, sources added.On November 23, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore handed over underage driver Afnan Shafqat to the police for five days on physical remand. During the hearing, the investigation officer (IO) of the case told the court that the age of suspect was over 17 and a medical test was required to determine his actual age. Horrific accident It is pertinent to mention here that six members of the same family were killed in a tragic car accident in Lahore’s Defence Phase 7 area.The family was reportedly returning home in two cars after visiting relatives in Shadab Colony on Ferozpur Road. As they reached a roundabout, the car rammed into their vehicle.The tragic incident also led the head of the family to traumatic stress when he saw his wife Rukhsana Bibi (45), son Husnain (25), daughter-in-law Ayesha (23), son-in-law Sajjad (30), four-month-old grandson Huzaifa, and granddaughter Anaya (4) in a pool of blood.Related: Lahore DHA accident: Underage driver Afnan’s friend nabbedCar driver Afnan Shafqat, who was overpowered by the locals on the spot, appeared to be a teen and the police arrested and booked him soon after the incident.Underage driver, Afnan Shafqat, who was involved in the deadly road accident in Phase-VII of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), has ‘intentionally’ rammed his car into the family, it was learned.Afnan in his confessional statement said that he was driving his car at over 100 km/h. In the video statement, he admitted that he had been driving his car for one year despite his parents stopping him.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is scheduled to release the final list of constituencies based on the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023 on Thursday, earlier than initially planned.According to ECP spokesman, objections concerning the new constituencies for the national and four provincial assemblies were deliberated and concluded on November 22.In another development today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of media reports regarding an expected delay in the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2023.Related: ECP moved to postpone general elections 2024The ECP spokesperson clarified that such media reports regarding an expected delay in the general elections 2024 were baseless and misleading. The spokesperson categorically rejected the rumours.The spokesperson said that the commission decided to approach the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against the media houses for spreading the fake reports.It added that legal action will be taken against those who spread the misleading reports. The commission sought transcripts and recordings of such media reports to pursue legal action.

DUBAI: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28), ARY News reported.Minister for Justice of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and the Pakistani diplomatic staff welcomed the prime minister at Dubai’s Al-Maktoum airport, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar will head the Pakistan delegation at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), besides he would also attend the World Climate Action Summit on December 01-02. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has arrived in Dubai, UAE to attend the 28th United Nations Conference of Parties.Minister for Justice of the United Arab Emirates H.E. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmzi and… pic.twitter.com/3ISIpa2XAp — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 29, 2023 Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Caretaker Minister for Climate Change Ahmed Irfan Aslam and Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali will also participate in COP28.The COP28 summit is being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which officially begins on Thursday, November 30 and runs through December 12.COP “Conference of the Parties,” refers to signatories of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, an agreement which was signed by over 150 governments in 1992.COP28 is the 28th annual summit which will bring leaders from around the globe. About 70,000 participants are expected to attend the event including various heads of state and government, climate envoys, experts, business leaders, indigenous groups, activists, diplomats and others.The conference will seek agreement on goals and strategies to address the climate crisis.‘Vulnerable Pakistan’In the face of escalating climate challenges, Pakistan, a country contributing less than 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, is confronting an outsized battle against climate adversities.Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is starkly evident. The World Bank notes that the country’s exposure to extreme weather events has risen dramatically, with the recent floods in Balochistan exemplifying this trend. These floods not only devastated communities but also highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient strategies.Read More: Pakistan all set to plead its case in COP28This disproportionate impact of global climate change on Pakistan has garnered attention at international forums like COP28, where the nation’s efforts and challenges will be under global scrutiny. Despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, Pakistan stands at the forefront of experiencing the harsh realities of a warming planet.

KARACHI: In a major progress, the police on Wednesday arrested five key suspects allegedly responsible for the fire that erupted inside RJ Shopping Mall at Karachi’s Rashid Minhas Road, which killed nearly a dozen people, ARY News reported.  According to details, the east zone police have arrested five key suspects – which include Imran Adnan (owner of the software house), Sultan and Faizan (part of mall’s administration) and Abid Shah (security in-charge).Sources told ARY News that the arrested suspects are allegedly responsible for the fire while further investigation was underway.At least 11 people died while five others sustained burn injuries after a fire erupted inside the RJ Shopping Mall a day earlier because of a suspected short circuit, as per the officials.The fire began on the fourth floor and later engulfed other floors. The officials claimed that the deaths occurred because the building had no ventilation.A first information report (FIR) was registered at Sharae Faisal Police Station by Sub Inspector Sadaruddin Mirani.It invoked Sections 322 (manslaughter), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees), 288 (negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).The FIR was registered against the shopping mall’s builders, those who approved the map of the building, those who issued the no-objection certificate (NOC), the incumbent management of the shopping mall, K-Electric and the relevant fire station for failing to fulfil their duties.Preliminary reportA preliminary report prepared by the Fire Brigade Department has stated that there was “no kind of public safety system” in place at the RJ shopping mall in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area.According to the report, emergency exit doors, exit signs, existing preventive mechanisms and emergency lighting or power backup were “not available” in the ill-fated building.“No kind of public safety system was available in RJ Mall, including fire safety/fighting equipment and emergency exits,” the report said.Read More: Karachi mall fire: Report reveals shocking detailsIt added that the department did not receive timely information about the fire and the third and fourth floors were “burning severely” when the fire brigade reached the scene. It said that staff faced difficulty in firefighting operations due to the “intense smoke”, adding that the fire’s cause could not be determined.The report said that the employees of the offices located in the building were rescued by smashing through doors, adding that all 11 deaths occurred due to “smoke inhalation and suffocation”.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced to observe black day against the lack of arrest of slain senior journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar’s murderers, ARY News reported.The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced to observe black day across the country against the lack of arrests of Jan Mohammad Mahar’s murderers and black flags will hoisted on the press clubs across Pakistan.On November 20, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) organized countrywide protest rallies and demonstrations against the murder of journalist Jan Mohammad Mehr.In Karachi, journalists from all over Sindh gathered at Karachi Press Club and marched towards the CM House to register their protest against the failure of the authorities to arrest the main culprit even after three months.Read more: PFUJ holds countrywide protest rallies against Jan Mohammad Mahar’s murderThe demonstrators raised slogans against the caretaker Sindh government and demanded immediate arrest of culprits.The PFUJ’s Federal Executive Committee (FEC) in its meeting held at Abbottabad from November 3 to 5 had decided to stage a countrywide protest against the murder of Jan Mohammad Mehr. The FEC also constituted the action committee in Sindh under the chairmanship of PFUJ's former secretary general, Mazhar Abbas.Senior journalist and Kawish Television Network (KTN) Sukkur bureau chief had been murdered by unidentified assailants on August 13.The attackers on a motorcycle had opened fire at Mahar inside his vehicle after he left his office in Sukkur

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi, upholding the orders of Banking Mohtasib, has directed Allied Bank Ltd (ABL) to pay Rs 344,600 to a customer as the amount fraudulently transferred from his account.The bank had committed maladministration by opening the fund transfer facility without the consent of customer which caused him financial loss, the President House said Wednesday.Deciding upon a representation filed by ABL against the decision of the Banking Mohtasib, the president held that the bank failed to discharge the burden and statutory liability cast upon it under the law and that it had committed basic irregularity and non-compliance by activating Internet Banking/Electronic Funds Transfer (IB/EFT) channel without customer consent.In his decision, he observed that although the complainant received a phone call from a number similar to the bank’s helpline, after which, a sum of Rs 344,602 was transferred from his account, however, if the IB/EFT facility had not been opened by ABL, the customer could have been saved from the financial loss caused to him with no fault on his part.The president pointed out that the complainant had neither requested the IB/EFT facility nor had conducted any transaction through such channels in the past.Ameer Ali Wasan (the complainant), a citizen of Hyderabad, immediately filed a complaint with the bank after the fraud but his grievance was not resolved. Later, he approached Banking Mohtasib to get a refund of the lost amount.The Mohtasib directed ABL to refund the defrauded amount, but ABL filed a representation with the President against the decision.The president held a personal hearing of the case and in his decision noted that ABL failed to establish the legitimacy of the disputed transaction in terms of Section 41 of the Payment System and Electronic Funds Transfer Act, 2007.“From the perusal of the record, it is apparent that the transactions were conducted on a single date and almost in a very short span of time and on the same pattern.

Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon has asked the General Assembly and UN Security Council to consider the establishment of a special tribunal and accountability mechanism to investigate Israel’s atrocity crimes in Palestine.Taking part in the UN General Assembly Debate on the "Question of Palestine", Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon asked the deployment of an international protection force or mechanism to protect Palestinian civilians, especially women and children in Gaza and West Bank and play its role in the restoration of the peace process, Radio Pakistan reported.The Ambassador regretted that the General Assembly’s call was not heeded by Israel, which continued its indiscriminate and criminal attacks against the Palestinian people. Israel also ignored the call from the Security Council to comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children; and to refrain from depriving the civilian population in the Gaza Strip of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival.He strongly condemned the indiscriminate use of force by Israel. He said Israel’s attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, blockading of water, food and fuel, as well as the forced displacement of people within the occupied territory, are flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and may amount to the crime of genocide.The Ambassador appreciated the efforts undertaken by Qatar and Egypt to save precious lives. Pakistan’s position, however, remains in favour of a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities. He said the Israeli killing machine operating with complete impunity needs to be stopped and Israel must be held accountable for its defiance and criminal actions.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of media reports regarding an expected delay in the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2023, ARY News reported on Wednesday.The ECP spokesperson clarified that such media reports regarding an expected delay in the general elections 2024 were baseless and misleading. The spokesperson categorically rejected the rumours.The spokesperson said that the commission decided to approach the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against the media houses for spreading the fake reports.It added that legal action will be taken against those who spread the misleading reports. The commission sought transcripts and recordings of such media reports to pursue legal action.Related: ECP moved to postpone general elections 2024Yesterday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) concluded its work on the general elections 2024 schedule, sources told ARY News.The ECP completed relevant work on the general elections 2024 schedule, said sources, adding that the commission prepared a draft schedule and held consultations to formally issue it.The draft schedule for the general elections mentioned the collection of nomination papers from the candidates in the second week of December 2023. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be completed by the third week of December 2023.It was learnt that the commission would complete the deputation of returning officers (ROs) in the first week of January 2024. The final list of candidates will be published in the third week of January 2024.The polling will be held in all provincial and national constituencies on February 8, 2024.

QUETTA: The Caretaker Provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai reiterated the government’s resolve and said that the illegal immigrants will be repatriated to their own country at any cost.Addressing a press conference, on Wednesday, he said the government has set a target of deporting 10,000 immigrants every day. So far 135,000 illegal immigrants have returned to Afghanistan and this process is gradually progressing towards success.He said that Afghans were involved in sixteen attacks in different bomb attacks and sabotage incidents during one year.The government has decided that ten thousand illegal immigrants will be sent to Afghanistan every day; he said reiterating that who has an Afghani Tazkira or any other document cannot escape from following the government policies regarding one document regime.He stressed the state of Pakistan has decided to crack down on terrorism, whether from across the border or within the country.In order to speed up the process of repatriating illegal immigrants, the DIGs of Zhob, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, Mastung and Quetta districts have been urged to take one thousand migrants into custody and make them cross the border every day.He said that Pakistan is now going to become a friendly investment country by preventing the elimination of drugs. He said that the country’s economy has improved due to the efforts of the Army Chief.

HARNAI: At least one coal miner died while two others trapped in Shahrag coal mine in Balochistan’s Harnai, ARY News reported.As per details, the incident occurred due to landslide and resulted in the death of one coal miner in Harnai.The rescue sources said that the dead body has been taken out from the coal mine whereas operation is underway to rescue the trapped coal miners.Earlier, unidentified armed men shot dead four coal miners and injured three others in Harnai, Balochistan.Read more: Four coalminers shot dead, 11 mines set on fire in HarnaiAccording to the district administration, unknown gunmen attacked laborers working in a coalmine area site in Khost area of Harnai, Balochistan.As a result of the attack, four of coalminers were dead on the spot, while three others sustained injuries. The bodies and injured are being rushed to the hospital.The identification of the dead and injured could not be ascertained according to the initial reports.Meanwhile, security forces and officials of district administration rushed to the spot to gather details and start the investigation.

KARACHI: A retired inspector in Karachi Bashir Hussain has accused a police party comprising uniformed and plain-clothed officials of dacoity at his residence, ARY News reported on Wednesday.Retired inspector Bashir Hussain told the media that a police party comprising uniformed and plain-clothed officials raided his residence in Karachi’s Saeedabad area and snatched four-tola gold and Rs200,000 cash.“Seven to eight police officials with two vans had raided my residence in the Saeedabad Sector 14-C area late Tuesday night. They also tortured my son. The cops told us that they were associated with CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department] Garden.”Hussain said in his statement that the raiding team raised questions regarding the possession of a pistol by his son. He told them that his son was possessing a licenced pistol.Related: Orangi Town heist: Incarcerated DSP Umair Tariq challenges JITHe said that the raiding team searched the entire house and took away four tolas of gold and Rs200,000 cash.Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Keamari formed an inquiry committee to probe into the allegations. The Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Saeedabad will present the inquiry report to the higher authorities.Following the inquiry, legal action will be taken against the responsible, said SSP Keamari.The allegations against the Karachi police officials came after a high-ranking officer, DSP Umair Tariq Bajari, and his team were declared guilty of robbing a house in the Orangi Town area.As per details, a team of South police – led by under-training DSP Umair Tariq Bajari, had conducted a raid on the residence of a trader in Orangi Town.Related: Orangi Town heist: Police record statements of SHO Defence, othersOver a dozen men, some of them clad in police uniform, raided a house in Orangi Town, held the family at gunpoint, and stole over Rs20 million, 70 to 80 tolas of gold and other valuables. They even took cash from the children’s pockets.The police team also took away the digital video recorder to remove the CCTV footage during the raid. However, they were exposed with the help of the footage of other CCTV cameras installed in the street.The incident that sparked an outrage on social media prompted the IGP-Sindh to set up an inquiry team, led by West DIG Asim Khan. The police chief tasked the inquiry body to investigate the conduct of the South police on the night between Nov 18 and 19 in Orangi Town.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken another step to curb tax theft and deployed special teams to monitor sugar mills across the country, ARY News reported on Wednesday.The FBR spokesperson said in a statement that field formation teams have been deployed in sugar mills across the country. The statement read that sugar was one of the notified commodities being monitored by the state.The authorities used to monitor sugar production, sales, clearance, stock and other activities at the mills, whereas, the tax stamp was mandatory on each sack.The violation of tax stamp printing could lead to the seizure of entire stock and three-year imprisonment for the defaulter, it added.The bureau said that any attempt of sales tax theft on sugar would be dealt with iron hands and cases would be lodged against those mill owners who were found involved in sugar theft.Read More: IMF tax experts’ team reaches PakistanIn another development today, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to launch an investigation into the income tax records of the country’s powerful segment, including industrialists and lawyers.The decision was taken as negotiations between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical team and Task Force on tax and FBR reforms were underway.IMF technical experts were collaborating with FBR tax officials, engaging in extensive discussions and analysis based on data from FBR subsidiary PRAL.Sources told ARY News that the Board would probe the income tax records of the country’s powerful segment and was actively collecting data on members associated with powerful entities such as industrialists, lawyers, and doctors associations.The investigation involves scrutinising identity card numbers and verifying mobile numbers of members within these major associations.The income tax probe aims to leverage data from Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd (PRAL) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for an in-depth examination, in a bid to bring the powerful segment into the tax net.

QUETTA: Former chief minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has announced to join Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), confirming his decision to quit Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), ARY News reported on Wednesday.In a statement, the former Balochistan chief minister said that he will join PPP accompanied by his colleagues.Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said that he would not attend the Youm-e-Tasees (foundation day) public gathering in Quetta due to busy schedule.Bizenjo and his associates plan to meet with former President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari soon.Earlier in November, Nawabzada Khalid Magsi was elected as the president of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) after Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was removed from the post.The development came during the general council meeting of the party where Magsi and Abdul Karim Agha filed nomination papers for the slot.Magsi was elected unopposed after Agha gave up his nomination for the top slot in the party.The development came as former president Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto reached.Both the PPP bigwigs will address the public gathering at Ayub Stadium tomorrow.The former foreign minister is also expected to meet the delegations of various organisations in Balochistan.