ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has written letters to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governors for dates of holding elections, citing sources, ARY News reported on Monday.Governors not intimated yet to the election commission about election date, sources said. "It is mandatory for the ECP to issue the election schedule within 90 days," sources at election commission shared."An amendment can be made after issuance of the election schedule," ECP sources said. "Issuance of preliminary schedule of elections is compulsory for the election commission," according to sources.The Election Commission of Pakistan wrote letters to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governors on January 25.The ECP in its letters to Punjab and KP governors, recommended Governor Baligh ur Rehman to hold elections in Punjab between April 09 to 13.Similarly, the election body had suggested the KP governor for holding elections in the province between April 15 to 17.After the dissolution of the KP and Punjab assemblies, the government and opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appointed former bureaucrat Azam Khan as caretaker chief minister.However, in Punjab, the parliamentary panel comprised of the opposition and government members failed to reach on consensus on the caretaker chief minister.As per the procedure, the matter was decided by the ECP, which named Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab to lead the interim setup in the province.The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a response from the federal government, Punjab governor and others on a PTI petition seeking immediate announcement of the election date for the provincial assembly.Justice Jawad Hassan heard PTI leader Asad Umar’s petition in which Governor Baligh Ur Rehman made respondent via his secretary.Later, the court adjourned the hearing until February 3 and sought a response from the federal government, Punjab governor Balighur Rehman and others on the account of the election date in Punjab.

RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid warned the federal government against razing his residence Lal Haveli, ARY News reported.As per details, the AML chief claimed that the federal government removed the security of Lal Haveli first. He said when FC and Rangers refused to help seal the Lal Haveli, they gave this task to FIA.The former interior minister revealed that the FIA planned to arrest him last night but he is ready to present himself if the police station calls him, he said.He warned if FIA tried to carry out any operation and stepped inside Lal Haveli he will take legal action against them.Sheikh Rasheed accused Rana Sanaullah of creating problems in the city and a man named Asif, acting as the frontman of Rana Sanaullah want to block Rawalpindi.He further clarified that the entire Lal Haveli is not in their possession, approximately 19 people live in the upper portion.The AML chief thanked PTI chairman Imran Khan and PTI leader Asad Umar for their statements on Lal Haveli.Read more: LAL HAVELI’S SEVEN UNITS SEALED BY ETPBEarlier, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) sealed seven units of Lal Haveli, the residence of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid.The ETPB staff along with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police personnel reached the residence of Sheikh Rashid to seal it in line with the court’s orders.ETPB Deputy Administrator Asif Khan led the operation. Khan said Sheikh Rashid and his brother Sheikh Siddique have ‘illegally’ occupied seven acres land of Lal Haveli.It is pertinent to mention here that on January 26, it was reported that the Evacuee Trust Properties Board (ETPB) had prepared a strategy to vacate Lal Haveli, residence of Sheikh Rasheed, within 24 hours.Lal Haveli belonged to a Hindu woman prior to partition and was converted into Sheikh Rasheed’s political office in 1980 after he entered parliamentary politics.

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced to protest in Lahore today against the 'illegal' custody of party leader Fawad Chaudhry, ARY News reported.Punjab government's former spokesperson, Nusrat Jamsheed Cheema in her statement said PTI will stage a protest at the GPO Chowk today against the 'illegal' custody of Chaudhry.She said lawyers, workers of civil society and PTI will record their protest.Mrs. Cheema said PTI stands firmly united with Fawad Chaudhry and his family in this time.Read more: Imran Khan appeals to CJP to protect Fawad Chaudhry’s constitutional rightsIt is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).The caseThe former federal minister was arrested for ‘threatening’ Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members.Read more: PLEA AGAINST FAWAD CHAUDHRY’S ARREST DISMISSEDA case against PTi leader was registered at the Kohsar police station in Islamabad on the complaint of Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Omer Hamid Khan.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a response from the federal government, Punjab governor and others on a PTI petition seeking immediate announcement of the election date for the provincial assembly.The Punjab Assembly was dissolved constitutionally after Punjab Governor Baligh ur Rehman excused himself from signing the summary, saying he could not become a part of the process.According to details, Justice Jawad Hassan heard PTI leader Asad Umar’s petition in which Governor Punjab Baligh Ur Rehman has been made respondent in the plea via his secretary.At the outset of the hearing, the court showed resentment over the non-preparation of the government's lawyer in the case and asked how come he was unaware of the hearing of the case.The case was fixed for hearing two days earlier at 4:30pm.Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case until February 3 and sought a response from the federal government, Punjab governor Balighur Rehman and others on the accouterment of the election date in Punjab.Read more: ECP recommends dates for Punjab, KP elections Petition PTI’s Secretary General Asad Umar filed the petition through barrister Ali Zafar, seeking direction for the Punjab governor to immediately announce the election date for the provincial Assembly in order to ensure that polls are held within 90 days of its dissolution.The plea contended that the governor of Punjab had been impleaded as a respondent since Article 105(3) of the Constitution requires him to appoint an election date to the provincial assembly not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution but he has failed to discharge that constitutional duty.The petition claimed that it is mandatory for the respondent to announce the date to maintain the continuity of the system. Governor's inaction to do the needful is “unlawful and unconstitutional”.Further, it said the failure of the respondent to appoint the election is creating hurdles for the ECP in discharging its duties, under Article 218(3) and the Elections Act, and in organising the election within the stated period of 90 days. The ECP in its letter highlighted these concerns but the respondent remained unmoved.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday removed objection over a petition, against contesting election in multiple constituencies, ARY News reported.Registrar Office of the high court had objected over the maintainability of the petition filed by a citizen Zahid Mehmood.Justice Anwar Hussain while hearing plea against objection set aside it and directed to fix the petition for hearing."Politicians, contest election in more than one national or provincial constituencies. They hold one seat and surrender remaining seats," according to the petition."The election commission has to hold election again on these surrendered seats," petitioner said. "This practice is the loss of resources and violation of the constitution of Pakistan," petitioner argued.He pleaded to the court to impose ban on contesting elections on more than one seats at a time. "The court should order the government of Pakistan to legislate over the matter," he further pleaded.Former premier Imran Khan will contest for all 33 vacant seats in National Assembly (NA) by-elections, scheduled to take place on March 16, party’s senior vice-president Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced on Sunday.It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had released the schedule for by-polls on these NA seats vacated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNAs.The ECP has decided to hold by-polls on 33 NA seats on March 16, for which nomination papers can be received from February 6 to 8.

ISLAMABAD: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Islamabad has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions, confirmed Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb. The UAE president was scheduled to reach Islamabad on a day-long visit but due to inclement weather conditions his flight was delayed and later the visit was cancelled.The minister said the foreign dignitary was waiting for take-off from 7.30 in the morning but the security team did not allow his plane to take off for Islamabad, the minister said.Aurangzeb further said that the new dates for the UAE president's visit to Pakistan will be announced later.Meanwhile, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan contacted PM Shehbaz Sharif and expressed sorrow over the cancellation of the visit.Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif receives UAE president in Rahim Yar Khan"Your security and well-being more important to you," Shehbaz Sharif was quoted as saying to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The UAE dignitary assured PM Sharif that he will soon come to Islamabad on a two-day visit.It may be noted that arrangements to welcome Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan were finalised in Islamabad. He was to be escorted by JF-17 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Nur Khan Air Base.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and important members of the federal cabinet were also there to welcome the distinguished guest at the air base. متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر شیخ محمد بن زید النہیان ایک روزہ دورہ پر آج اسلام آباد پہنچ رہے ہیں۔۔۔#[email protected] pic.twitter.com/iU53vlr6jS — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 30, 2023 Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif.

LAHORE: A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging the recent hike in prices of petroleum products by the federal government, ARY News reported on Monday.The plea has been moved by the Judicial Activism Panel in the Lahore High Court.The plea stated that the federal government has jacked up the prices of petroleum products which would lead to a further rise in inflation.The petitioner pleaded with the court to declare the recent increase in fuel prices void, as the fuel prices in the international market are going down.Masses should be given relief by decreasing oil prices in accordance with the international market.Read more: Govt hikes petrol, diesel prices by Rs35 per litreFinance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today.In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.Dar further announced that the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.After the latest round of hikes, petrol will be priced at Rs249.80, diesel at Rs262.80, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 and light diesel at Rs187.

RAWALPINDI: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on Monday sealed seven units of Lal Haveli, the residence of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid, ARY News reported.According to initial reports, the ETPB staff along with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police personnel reached the residence of Sheikh Rashid to seal it in line with the court's orders.ETPB Deputy Administrator Asif Khan led the operation. Khan said Sheikh Rashid and his brother Sheikh Siddique have 'illegally' occupied seven acres land of Lal Haveli.According to the deputy administrator, Sheikh Rashid and his brother failed to provide any documents to establish ownership. The court has also quashed stay order of Sheikh Rasheed on action for evacuation Lal Haveli, he added.Meanwhile, Sheikh Rasheed has condemned the action of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and vowed to move the court against sealing of his residence.Earlier on January 26, it was reported that the Evacuee Trust Properties Board (ETPB) had prepared a strategy to vacate Lal Haveli, residence of Sheikh Rasheed, within 24 hours.Lal Haveli belonged to a Hindu woman prior to partition and was converted into Sheikh Rasheed’s political office in 1980 after he entered parliamentary politics.

RAWALPINDI: The authorities are likely to vacate Lal Haveli, the residence of former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed, today (Monday) as preparations were underway, ARY News reported, citing sources.According to sources, the concerned authorities have been instructed to make preparations to vacate Lal Haveli.Meanwhile, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman expressed deep concern over the government’s move against the residence of his ally Sheikh Rasheed and termed it as an ‘act of revenge’. شیخ رشید پر دباؤ ڈالنے کے لئے حکومتی مشینری سے ان کے گھر پر حملہ کر کے توڑ پھوڑ کرنے کا منصوبہ بنایا جا رہا ہے. تحریک انصاف اس غیر قانونی دہشت گردی کی بھرپور مذمت کرتی ہے اور شیخ رشید کے ساتھ کھڑی ہے — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) January 29, 2023 During the PTI’s core committee meeting, Imran Khan took notice of ‘government’s illegal action’ against Rasheed’s residence and instructed party’s General Secretary Asad Umar to raise voice in this regard.Taking to Twitter, Asad Umar said that a plan was chalked out to vandalize Sheikh Rasheed’s house with ‘government machinery’ and put pressure on the former interior minister.The former information minister further wrote that PTI strongly condemns this ‘act of terrorism’ and his party stands by Awami Muslim League (AML) chief.Earlier on January 26, it was reported that the Evacuee Trust Properties Board (ETPB) had prepared a strategy to vacate Lal Haveli, residence of Sheikh Rasheed, within 24 hours.In this regard, the department sought assistance from law enforcement agencies (LEAs) – Rangers, police and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).Lal Haveli belonged to a Hindu woman prior to partition and was converted into Sheikh Rasheed’s political office in 1980 after he entered parliamentary politics.This is not the first time Rasheed receives ETPB’s notice as he had claimed to receive an eviction notice in October 2016.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has condemned the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, saying that arresting anyone is condemnable, ARY News reported.Talking to journalists in Karachi, the MQM-P Convener regretted that the PTI leader used to call Karachi citizens – who get arrested – ‘terrorists’, adding that now when he has realized the sufferings after getting arrested.In response to a question, Khalid Maqbool said that Babar Ghori was returning to Pakistan due to his mother's illness, adding that MQM-P’s doors were open for the former leader.He further said that MQM-P had withdrawn from the elections over ‘violation of its rights’, adding that they will decide on contesting National Assembly by-elections in Rabata committee’s meeting.It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.Read More: ‘Law of Jungle’: Imran Khan condemns Fawad Chaudhry’s treatment by policeIn the order, the judicial magistrate ordered the Islamabad Police to produce the PTI leader before his court on Monday (January 30) upon the expiry of his remand.The caseThe former federal minister was arrested for ‘threatening’ Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members.Read more: PLEA AGAINST FAWAD CHAUDHRY’S ARREST DISMISSEDA case against PTI leader was registered at the Kohsar police station in Islamabad on the complaint of Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Omer Hamid Khan.

MOSCOW: Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday night arrived in Moscow, capital of Russia, on a two-day official visit, ARY News reported.The minister was received by senior officials of Russian Foreign Ministry, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan and officials of the embassy.According to the Foreign Office, the foreign minister is visiting the Russian Federation at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The two foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Monday for official talks.Bilawal Bhutto’s visit to Moscow comes a week after Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement on the supply of Russian oil products.Addressing the press conference at the conclusion of the three-day IGC meeting last Friday, Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had said that the 8th IGC would lay foundation of a ‘new relationship’ between Russia and Pakistan in different sectors including energy, economy, trade, technology, education and business to business transactions.Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said both sides during the Inter-governmental Commission meeting had discussed cooperation in range of areas including rail transportation, food security, aviation, education, oil and gas, natural resources and opening up of financial arrangements between the two countries.A few agreements of mutual cooperation would be signed and some of them were in the pipeline, he added.

KARACHI: Unidentified assailants on Sunday night gunned down an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Karachi’s Brigade Police Station in Lines Area, ARY News reported.According to details, the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), named Iqbal, and Station House Officer (SHO) of Brigade Police Station were travelling on a motorcycle when unidentified assailants opened fire on them.In a statement, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Iqbal received four bullets and died on the spot. However, the Station House Officer (SHO) remained unhurt in the firing.In a statement, Deputy Inspector General East (DIG) Muqaddas Haider confirmed that the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) has been martyred in an encounter with the muggers in the Lines area.He said that Station House Officer (SHO) and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) retaliated and opened fire on the robbers, adding that in exchange of fire ASI received four bullets and died on spot."It seems that the accused robbers have escaped with injuries," said DIG East. The police van reached the spot over receiving a complaint of exchange of fire on Madadgar 15.Earlier in 2021, Unidentified men opened fire at a petrol pump in Karachi’s Soldier Bazar, killing two police officers.According to police, the incident occurred at a petrol pump at Soldier Bazar block 2 when four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire on two people. “They died on the spot and have been identified as Javed and Musadiq,” they said.A large contingent of police and Rangers rushed to the spot and cordoned off the crime scene.“This apparently shows that the incident involves personal enmity,” the police said while adding that they have recovered spent casings of 9-mm pistol and will send them for forensic analysis besides also collecting other pieces of evidence from the spot.The police during the probe also found that one of the victims, Javed Baloch, carried a police card in which he has been mentioned as a police inspector.

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Energy and Power Khurram Dastgir on Sunday said, on the directives and special interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the electricity supply to Upper Chitral would be started from February 1st, ARY News reported.Addressing a press conference here at the Governor House, the energy minister said that on the directives of Prime Minister, he especially came to Peshawar to meet a delegation of Upper Chitral and to hear their problems.He said that like Lower Chitral, the electricity to Upper Chitral would be ensured on a priority basis, adding that an agreement to the elders of Upper Chitral has been signed at the Governor House in which the Governor has been included as guarantor.He said the elders of Upper Chitral informed the Prime Minister about their issues and problems related to the inadequate supply of electricity.The minister said that a report for payment of outstanding dues would be prepared within a month and an increase in electricity bills for the people of Upper Chitral would be decided after the supply of electricity to the area.READ: PM ORDERS REPLACING CHITRAL’S OUTDATED POWER GRID WITH MODERN SYSTEMHe further said that the federal government would fulfill its promise of electricity supply to Upper Chitral and assured that if the bills are paid regularly the power supply would further be improved.Governor Ghulam Ali expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for paying attention to the deprivations of Chitral and said that Chitral is a large area of the province where the people of Upper Chitral were living a life in the dark for the last 5 years.He also thanked the Federal Ministry of Energy, the Provincial Energy Department, and senior officials for resolving the issue of power supply to Upper Chitral.On the occasion, Khurram Dastgir thanked Governor Ghulam Ali for hosting the event and said that Ghulam Ali was playing an active role in solving the problems of the people of KP.

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has asserted that former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was worried over the increase in petrol and diesel prices, ARY News reported on Sunday.Speaking on a private news channel, the interior minister said that Nawaz Sharif was worried over the increase in prices of petroleum products, adding that the former prime minister said he cannot burden people with another penny.Rana Sanaullah lambasted the former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for ‘breaking’ an agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying that currently, the Fund was not ready to show any leniency.The interior minister further said that the increase in petrol prices and removing the dollar cap were the demands of IMF. “Imran Khan and his party are trying to create instability in the country,” he added.Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today.In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.Dar further announced that the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.Read More: Nawaz Sharif gives important task to Rana SanaullahIn response to a question, he rejected the notion of ‘any delay’ in general elections, saying that the polls would take place in October 2023. “The election will be in accordance with the constitution,” he said, adding that they were ready to contest.Referring to PTI leader Fawad Chaudhy’s arrest, Rana Sanaullah said that the case against the former federal minister was registered on the complaint of Secretary Election Commission.It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday stated that fiscal discipline was inevitable for prosperity of the country and only then can democracy be stabilised, ARY News reported.Addressing the concluding session of two-day Bacha Khan Conference in Islamabad, the finance minister said that the country has to get rid of reliance on foreign aid.Ishaq Dar further said that the people of Pakistan learn to uphold the dignity of the country in the comity of nations. He urged all political forces to join hands to steer the county out of current economic crisis.The Finance Minister eulogized the services of great Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan famously known as Bacha Khan.Referring to Bacha Khan's Khudai Khidmatgar movement, the Finance Minister said the concept is still relevant as politics should be for the service of people. Govt jacks up fuel prices Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today.In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.Dar further announced that the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.After the latest round of hikes, petrol will be priced at Rs249.80, diesel at Rs262.80, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 and light diesel at Rs187.

LAHORE: Hiba Fawad, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, has urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to take notice of 'injustice' with his husband, ARY News reported.Talking to media along with other PTI leaders in Lahore, Hiba Fawad criticised how Fawad Chaudhry was produced before court handcuffed and head covered 'like a terroirst' saying that the authorities were not allowing daughters to meet their fathers. She also thanked PTI Chairman Imran for inviting her to today’s meeting and listening to her concerns. "I have informed Imran Khan about the injustice being done with Fawad Chaudhry," she added, It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.Read More: Imran Khan appeals to CJP to protect Fawad Chaudhry’s constitutional rightsIn the order, the judicial magistrate ordered the Islamabad Police to produce the PTI leader before his court on Monday (January 30) upon the expiry of his remand.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday expressed concern over the hike in petroleum prices by the federal government, ARY News reported.In a statement, the political party stated that the increase in the prices of petroleum products will further increase inflation, impacting the already inflation-hit people of Pakistan.The MQM-P regretted that putting the entire burden on the citizens to save country from an economic crisis was 'unfair', advising the coalition government to implement an agricultural tax instead to take additional tax from working-class people.MQM-P accused the government of not imposing tax on the agricultural sector "due to fear of landlords which is tantamount to enmity with the people of Pakistan". The political party also demanded to withdraw the notification of increased petroleum prices.Read More: Govt increases petroleum levy on diesel Govt jacks up fuel prices Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today.In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.Dar further announced that the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.After the latest round of hikes, petrol will be priced at Rs249.80, diesel at Rs262.80, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 and light diesel at Rs187.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called upon the civilized world to strongly condemned the highly offensive acts of desecration of the Holy Quran and fight Islamophobia, ARY News reported.Taking to Twitter, the prime minister wrote: “The highly offensive desecration of the Holy Quran by a Danish politician is the third such incident in a row that should be strongly condemned by the civilised world.” The highly offensive desecration of the Holy Quran by a Danish politician is the third such incident in a row that should be strongly condemned by the civilised world. The need for global unity to fight Islamophobia couldn't be more urgent than it is now. We are deeply hurt. — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 29, 2023 He further said that the need for global unity to fight Islamophobia couldn’t be more urgent than it was now. “We are deeply hurt,” the prime minister posted.Read More: Pakistan condemns desecration of Holy Quran in SwedenA day earlier, Pakistan strongly condemned the senseless and deeply offensive act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Denmark, by the same Islamophobe who committed a similar act in Sweden a few days ago.In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the repetition of the vile act leaves little doubt in the minds of Muslims around the world that freedom of expression is being blatantly abused to spread religious hatred and incitement to violence.“This repetition of the vile act leaves little doubt in the minds of Muslims around the world that freedom of expression is being blatantly abused to spread religious hatred and incitement to violence,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.Read More: Senate adopts resolution against desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden“We urge them to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world and take steps to prevent such hateful and Islamophobic acts,” it was further added.

LAHORE: Following a massive hike in petrol and diesel prices, the public transporters announced 10 per cent increase in intercity fares, ARY News reported on Sunday.In a statement issued by All-Pakistan Public Transport Owners Federation (APPTOF), the spokesperson said that the participants of the federation opined that a considerable increase in diesel prices would destroy the transport system across the country.The spokesman said the fare for Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan from Lahore had been increased by Rs100; Lahore to Gujranwala Rs50, Lahore to Sadiqabad and Peshawar Rs200; and the fare for Lahore to Karachi had been increased by Rs600.Moreover, the fares from Lahore to Sargodha increased by Rs 1050 to Rs 1200; Lahore to Sialkot by Rs 800 to Rs 900; and Lahore to Bahawalpur by Rs 2200 to Rs 2400.Furthermore, the fare from Lahore to Multan has been increased by Rs1990 to Rs2090; Lahore to Taunsa Sharif from Rs2100 to Rs2400; Lahore to Hyderabad increased from Rs6500 to Rs7000; and Lahore to Murree from Rs2450 to Rs2700.The decision of new fares taken by the Transport Federation will be applicable to both AC and non-AC type buses.The spokesperson clarified that the new fares will be implemented from 11 pm today, warning the government of strike if any action has been taken in this regard. Read More: Govt increases petroleum levy on diesel Govt jacks up fuel prices Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to raise the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11am today.In a televised address, Ishaq Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.Dar further announced that the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.After the latest round of hikes, petrol will be priced at Rs249.80, diesel at Rs262.80, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 and light diesel at Rs187.

LAHORE: Former planning minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Asad Umar has urged President Dr Arif Alvi to take notice of the ‘harassment’ of party leaders and workers and ‘human rights violation’ in the country, ARY News reported on Sunday.Addressing a press conference in Lahore along with PTI senior vice president Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the former federal minister urged President Alvi to take notice of ‘bogus case, abduction, torture and harassment’ of PTI leaders and workers.Asad Umar warned that such ‘atrocities’ of the federal government would have negative effects, adding that it would strengthen the ambitions of the country's external enemies.He also drew the attention of President Alvi to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor’s statement, saying that the governor had stated that date of KP elections will be given by the agencies and the Establishment.It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.Read More: Imran Khan appeals to CJP to protect Fawad Chaudhry’s constitutional rightsIn the order, the judicial magistrate ordered the Islamabad Police to produce the PTI leader before his court on Monday (January 30) upon the expiry of his remand.