ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said that sale of sugar at price of Rs178-180 per kg was intolerable and announced that the retail price of sugar would remain at Rs164 per kg while its ex-mills price would be capped under Rs159 per kg.Announcing the major decisions after chairing a meeting to review sugar prices in a live broadcast on national Tv channels, he said a sub-committee was being formed to submit recommendations within one month to address the persistent issue.The DPM/FM said that the committee formed on the directive of the prime minister to look into the sugar issue, had held several meetings in the past, after its prices were hiked in the holy month of Ramazan.The DPM/FM Dar said that sale of sugar at Rs178-180 per kg was not tolerable at any cost; neither to the prime minister nor to the government.A sub-committee headed by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain would submit its feedback within one month prior to April 19 April in this regard, he informed.He said the sugar mills association had explained their reasons and they held detailed interaction over the issue.Earlier, the meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, PM’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, representatives of the sugar mills association and the relevant senior officials.Dar reiterated that the government was committed to conclude the issue and through a viable way, provide relief to the common man in the form of availability of sugar at a reasonable price in the market.He further explained that with collectively consultations, if the two tiers system could be implemented, the common man would get sugar at even the lowest price as announced. The DPM/FM also thanked the sugar mills association for provision of sugar at the subsidized rate of Rs 130 per kg at all 274 Sasta bazaars.There was no shortage of sugar in the country, he said ruling out any need of its import and made it clear that the artificial shortage of sugar would dealt in with iron hands.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) has seen a slight drop against Pakistani Rupee (PKR) on Tuesday, with the exchange rate of 178.21 PKR per AUD.  Australian Dollar = 178.21 Pakistani Rupee Understanding the Exchange RateThe AUD/PKR exchange rate, like all currency exchange rates, is determined by a complex interplay of economic factors. Key influences include: Economic Performance: Australia’s economic health, including its interest rates, GDP growth, and employment figures, plays a crucial role. Similarly, Pakistan’s economic stability, inflation rates, and foreign exchange reserves impact the PKR’s value. Supply and Demand: The demand for each currency in the foreign exchange market fluctuates based on trade, investment, and speculation. Geopolitical Factors: Global events, political stability, and international relations can also influence currency values. Central Bank Policies: The Reserve Bank of Australia and the State Bank of Pakistan actions, such as interest rate adjustments, affect their respective currencies. Impact on Pakistani Expats in AustraliaFor Pakistani expats in Australia, the fluctuating AUD/PKR rate has a direct impact on their ability to send money home: Increased Remittance Value: A stronger AUD means that expats can send more Pakistani Rupee for the same amount of AUD. This is a positive development for families in Pakistan who rely on remittances. Financial Planning: However, volatility in the exchange rate can make financial planning difficult. Expats must carefully monitor the market to optimize their remittance transfers. Economic Support: Remittances sent from overseas Pakistani’s are a very important part of the Pakistani economy. Therefore, increases in the value of the Australian Dollar, in relation to the PKR, can be seen as a positive economic impact for Pakistan. Financial analysts suggest that ongoing monitoring of global economic trends is crucial for both expats and those receiving remittances. They also advise utilizing reputable money transfer services that offer competitive exchange rates and transparent fees.As global economic conditions continue to evolve, the AUD/PKR exchange rate will remain a key factor impacting the financial well-being of many Pakistani families. Currency Rates in Pakistan Today- پاکستان میں آج ڈالر کی قیمت

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has announced schedule for special Eid trains, aiming to facilitate travelers during the season, ARY News reported.According to the official notification issued here, a total of five special trains will operate on various routes across the country.Eid Special Train Schedule: First Eid Special Train: Karachi to Lahore, departing on March 26 Second Eid Special Train: Quetta to Peshawar, departing on March 26 at 10:00 AM Third Eid Special Train: Karachi to Rawalpindi, departing on March 27 at 8:00 AM Fourth Eid Special Train: Karachi to Lahore, departing on March 27 at 8:30 AM Fifth Eid Special Train: Karachi to Lahore, departing on March 29 The special Eid trains will comprise economy class, AC Business, and AC Standard bogies, catering to diverse traveler needs.Read more: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet for Shawwal moon sighting on March 30Earlier, the federal government announced holidays on the occasion of Eidul Fitr 2025.According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division, Eidul Fitr 2025 holidays will be observed from Monday (March 31) to April 2.Eidul Fitr 2025 is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the Shawwal crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of Sunday, March 30, provided weather conditions remain clear.

ISLAMABAD: The Senate standing committee on water resources was briefed over K-IV, the clean water supply project for Karachi, on Wednesday."The scheme will supply 260 MGD water to the metropolis," project director K-IV informed the upper house water resources committee's session, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan.The official said that the work on the project was started in 2022 and will complete in June 2026. "Around 50% work of the K-IV project has been completed", Chairman Wapda said.He emphasized the need of timely financing to complete the project in due time. "Under the project water will be provided to Karachi, while a separate mechanism will be required for the water's distribution in the city, which has not yet decided".Chairman Wapda said that at least two to three years will be required for completion of this work. "The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board didn't issue tender for the water distribution," Wapda head said."It is like, we have enough power generation but no proper system of its transmission," Humayun Mohmand said.Chairman Committee said that the federal minister should talk over the matter with the Sindh government.The Senate body also discussed water projects for the next financial year.Secretary water resources said that 33 new projects have been suggested for the next year in the water sector.He said that the feasibility study of Sindh Barrage likely to be initiated in the next financial year.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan has ruled that the traditional practices of ‘Chadar’ and ‘Parchi’ are both un-Islamic and illegal.https://youtu.be/9MPC9w1kmnUA full bench, led by Chief Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman and comprising Justice Khadim M. Shaikh, Justice Dr. Muhammad Mehmood Anwar, and Justice Ameer Muhammad, issued the verdict.The verdict stated that 'Chadar and Parchi' customs deprive women of their rightful inheritance, which is against Islamic teachings.The court remarked that customs such as ‘Chadar and Parchi’ contradict the rights granted to women in the Quran and Sunnah.Read more: Shariat Court strikes down three sections of Transgender Act 2018It further ruled that coercing women into relinquishing their inheritance due to societal pressure is a violation of both Islamic principles and the law.Pakistan Federal Shariat Court has directed authorities to take legal action under Section 498 against those who enforce such practices.Additionally, the ruling underscores the need for awareness and effective enforcement of laws safeguarding women's inheritance rights.Earlier, the Federal Shariat Court Islamabad ruled that the sections 2(f), 3 and 7 of the Transgender Act 2018 are against Islamic teachings.According to the details, the acting Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar and Justice Khadim Hussain of the Federal Shariat Court Islamabad delivered the verdict that sections 2(f), 3 and 7 of the Transgender Act 2018 are against Islamic teachings, while Section 2(n) of the Transgender Act is not contrary to Sharia.

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to cap the fee of private medical and dental colleges, ARY News reported citing sources. According to sources, the decision was taken to control the exorbitant fees charged by these institutions, which can go up to Rs. 3.5 million per year.Sources revealed that a maximum limit will be set for the fees and the new fee structure will be lower than the current fees charged by private medical colleges.The government's primary objective is to curb unchecked fee increases and ensure that quality education is made accessible to all.Consultations regarding the fee cap have been completed, and a final decision is expected soon.Earlier, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) banned the collection of fees by private medical and dental colleges.Read more: PMDC to upgrade its online portal soonAs per details, the PMDC had sent a notice to the institutions to avoid collecting fees following a recommendation by the Senate Committee. The Senate’s Health Sub-Committee had advised the suspension of fee collection.A ban was imposed on fee collection until the Medical Education Committee submits its recommendations. This committee, headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, was formed by the Prime Minister to review the situation.In 2012, the PMDC capped annual fees for private medical colleges at Rs500,000 with a five per cent annual increase, but this regulation was disregarded by many institutions.It may be noted that in July last year, the PMDC approached the health ministry seeking its legal opinion to bring uniformity to the fee structure. However, even after almost six months, the issue of exorbitant fees could not be addressed.

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was shared the details of expenses on Wednesday during last five years to prevent and tackle protests in Islamabad."Over 1355.8 million spent to curb protests in Islamabad's Red Zone during five years," the Ministry of Interior informed the lower house during the question hour today.According to the papers of details shared with the NA about the amount spent over law enforcement to tackle protests in Islamabad."In 2019-20 an amount 157.761 million rupees spent to tackle protests in Islamabad, while Rs 96.135 million spent in 2020-21," the house informed.In year 2021-22, Rs 277.948 million spent over law enforcement to tackle protests in the federal capital, while in year 2022-23 an amount of Rs 724.031 spent over foiling protests.In year 2023-24 total 100 million rupees spent over law enforcement to prevent protests, according to the interior ministry documents.

LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) government has declared Hassan Nawaz, son of PML-N President and former PM, Nawaz Sharif as a 'tax defaulter'.The UK government has updated the list of defaulters on its official website.As per details, the UK government declared Hassan Nawaz 'tax defaulter' as he failed to pay £9.4 million in taxes between April 5, 2015, and April 6, 2016.The UK tax authority has imposed a £5.2 million penalty on the son of former prime minister, with details of the action shared on the government’s official website.Legal experts suggest that despite PML-N president's son having declared bankrupt a few months ago, authorities may still recover the penalty, as tax fraud fines are not waived under UK law.Read more: Hussain, Hassan Nawaz acquitted in Avenfield, Flagship, Al-Azizia casesThere has been no response from Hassan Nawaz’s legal representatives so far.Last year, an accountability court acquitted Nawaz Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz in Avenfield, Flagship, and Al-Azizia NAB references.Islamabad accountability court’s judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the reserved verdict on petitions of ex-PM sons and acquitted them in three accountability references against them.Earlier, the court had granted bail to Hassan and Hussain who had surrendered before the accountability court.

ISLAMABAD: The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is set to reopen today, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after being closed for 25 days, ARY News reported.The decision to reopen the border was made during a flag meeting between high-ranking Pakistani and Afghan officials.As per the agreement, all types of trade activities will resume at the Torkham border from 4 pm today. Additionally, patients will also be allowed to cross the border and pedestrian movement will also commence from Friday.The reopening of the border has brought joy to traders, transporters, and travelers who had been affected by the closure.Pakistan-Afghan Torkham border was closed due to a dispute over the construction of a new checkpoint on the border.Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan share 18 crossing points, the busiest of which are the Torkham and Chaman, which connect Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province with Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province.Pakistan has seen an uptick in terrorist attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.Meanwhile, Interim foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, sent a demarche to the Afghan charge d’affaires in the wake of a terrorist attack on two military posts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral district in 2023.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, accompanied by a high-level delegation.According to a PM Office press release, the visit aims to fortify bilateral relations, boost economic cooperation, and attract investments between the two nations.During his stay, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strategies for enhancing trade, partnerships, and economic collaborationMatters of mutual interest and concern, including global and regional developments, particularly the Gaza situation, evolving Middle East dynamics, as well as issues related to the Muslim Ummah, will figure high on the agenda.Read More: PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince vow major transformation in bilateral ties“The prime minister’s visit underscores the deep-rooted historical relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and will pave the way for increased mutual understanding, enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and greater diplomatic coordination on bilateral, regional and global matters," the Foreign Office said in a statement.It's worth noting that PM Shehbaz had visited Saudi Arabia several times after assuming the office for second time. PM Shehbaz Sharif made his inaugural official visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2024, following his assumption of office.During the trip, he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to accelerate the initial phase of a proposed $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan. Later in the same month, the prime minister visited the Kingdom to attend the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) special meeting on Global Collaboration.PM Shehbaz also attended the 8th Future Investment Initiative summit and water summit held in Saudi Arabia In October and December 2024 respectively.

The UAE Dirham (AED) continues to showcase its strength and stability in the global currency market, with its exchange rate against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) hitting 76.30 PKR today.This latest development highlights the solid economic foundations of the United Arab Emirates and its expanding influence in the global financial arena. 1 AED= 76.30 PKR Renowned for its diversified economy, strategic trade alliances, and investor-friendly policies, the UAE has consistently been a pillar of economic stability in the Middle East. The Dirham’s robust performance against the Pakistani Rupee underscores the success of the UAE’s key sectors, such as oil and gas, tourism, real estate, and finance. The nation’s forward-thinking leadership and dedication to innovation have further cemented its status as a global economic leader.AED TO PKR- How Currency Valuation WorksExchange rates are determined by the foreign exchange market, where currencies are traded based on supply and demand. The value of a currency like the UAE Dirham is shaped by several factors, including: Economic Performance: A strong economy, like the UAE’s, attracts foreign investment, increasing demand for its currency. Interest Rates: Higher interest rates in the UAE can draw foreign capital, boosting the Dirham’s value. Trade Balances: The UAE’s consistent trade surplus, fueled by exports like oil and refined products, supports the Dirham’s strength. Political Stability: The UAE’s stable political climate enhances investor confidence, contributing to a stronger currency. Global Market Trends: Shifts in global oil prices and geopolitical developments also impact currency valuations. For Pakistan, the exchange rate is influenced by its own economic conditions, such as inflation, foreign reserves, and trade deficits. The current rate of 76.25 PKR per Dirham reflects the relative strength of the UAE’s economy compared to Pakistan’s economic challenges.Impact on Remittances and TradeThe UAE hosts a significant Pakistani expatriate community, and the strong Dirham is positive news for those sending remittances home. A higher exchange rate means more Pakistani Rupees for every Dirham sent, offering financial support to families in Pakistan. Moreover, the favorable rate benefits bilateral trade, as Pakistani importers can acquire UAE goods at competitive prices.The UAE’s Economic VisionThe UAE’s economic achievements are no coincidence. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the nation has championed innovation, diversification, and sustainability. Initiatives like Dubai’s Expo 2020, the UAE’s Green Economy Strategy, and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 have established the country as a global hub for business, tourism, and technology.As the UAE Dirham maintains its strength against major currencies, including the Pakistani Rupee, it reaffirms the nation’s economic resilience and progressive policies. For Pakistanis and global investors alike, the UAE remains a beacon of stability and opportunity in a rapidly evolving world.

ISLAMABAD: Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) initiated suo moto contempt of court case over removal of Mishal Yousafzai case from the cause list."Under which law the miscellaneous petition for transfer of the case was filed," Justice Ejaz Ishaq questioned the state counsel. "If the state supports transfer of the case to a larger bench without consent of the judge," IHC judge asked."Instead of doing this, you would have detonated the foundations of my court with explosives," the judge remarked."Who ordered to cancel the cause list," Justice Ejaz Ishaq asked the Deputy Registrar Judicial. "We have received instructions from the Chief Justice's Office," the official replied."Chief Justice's office had ordered to cancel the cause list as a larger bench has been constituted for the case".Consul Mishal Yousafzai said, "If it is happening with us, how the other people being treated by them"."We have concerns about our institution, the guided missile that was going towards you, has now directed towards us. It is not the issue of my person or my authority, it is the issue of the dignity of the high court," Justice Ejaz Ishaq said."I am initiating these proceedings to decide these all questions," he added.The bench adjourned further hearing of the case till tomorrow.

A former Quetta commissioner, Iftikhar Jogezai, and his daughter were offloaded from a Quetta-Islamabad flight after misbehaving and assaulting a flight attendant.The incident began during check-in when the father-daughter duo reportedly engaged in misconduct with airline personnel.Matters escalated mid-flight when a female flight attendant instructed them to fasten seat belts and stop meal service. The former commissioner’s daughter used 'inappropriate language' and caused a disturbance.Upon being informed, the pilot contacted air traffic control and brought the aircraft back to the runway. Airport Security Force (ASF) was called in, and the two passengers were asked to disembark. However, the woman refused to leave and 'punched' the flight attendant, causing injuries.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARY News (@arynewstv) Later, Airport Security Force (ASF) detained both individuals.The ex-commissioner and his daughter were allowed to leave after a written apology on the incident.Read more: PIA flight attendant offloaded for consuming alcoholEarlier, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cabin crew was offloaded from a Lahore-bound flight for being under influence of alcohol.According to PIA officials, flight attendant Ghulam Muhammad Sarwar Chandio was tested positive for alcohol after a medical team paid a surprise visit to the flight (PK-31) and conducted his blood test.He was subsequently offloaded from the flight.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have filed petitions in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking suspension of conviction in the £190 million case, ARY News reported.The petitions, filed through their lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar, argued that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had misused its authority and the conviction was based on incomplete investigations.The petitions stated that the failure to obtain a declaration from the National Crime Agency (NCA) was a significant omission and that the NCA officials were not even investigated.Furthermore, the petitions claimed that the prosecution had failed to present complete evidence and the conviction was rushed. The petitions requested that the conviction be suspended and that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi be granted bail until the final decision on their appeal.The petitions assured the court that the accused would be present at every hearing of the appeal after the suspension of their conviction.Read more: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi convicted in £190m Al-Qadir Trust caseIt is important to mention here that an Accountability Court in Rawalpindi earlier awarded a 14-year jail term to Imran Khan in a £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case.Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has been jailed for seven years. Judge Nasir Javed Rana pronounced the verdict at Adiala Jail where accused Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were presentThe court also imposed fines of Rs. 1 million and Rs. 500,000 on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi respectively. Both individuals would have to face additional prison time if they fail to pay the fines.Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi would have to face additional face six-month and three-month imprisonments in case of non-payment. Bushra Bibi was taken into custody from the courtroom in Rawalpindi.The accountability court also ordered to take Al-Qadir University into government custody.Al-Qadir University caseThe National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched an investigation against Imran Khan and his wife and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.As per the charges, the former prime minister and others accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — 190 million pounds at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government.The NAB filed a corruption reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the Al-Qadir University.

After being left out for the T20I series against New Zealand, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah entered the National T20 Cup 2025, representing Lahore Blues.Initially, there were reports that both players had opted out of the National T20 Cup. However, Naseem and Babar featured in the playing XI of Lahore Blues for their match against Karachi Whites.In a match against Karachi Whites, both star players, who were once regular part of Pakistan’s team in each format of the game, failed to make an impact as Lahore Blues suffered 37-run defeat.Naseem Shah had a disappointing outing going wicketless in his four-over spell and conceding 41 runs. His inconsistent line and length favored Karachi Whites, and he was unable to strike at crucial junctures.Karachi Whites, the defending champions, set a formidable 172-run target for Lahore Blues, which ultimately proved too steep a mountain to climb.Read More: Umar Akmal claims he helped Babar Azam beat spin challengesBabar Azam, who opened the innings for Lahore Blues, started off promisingly, scoring 22 runs off 17 deliveries, including three fours. However, he failed to convert his innings into a substantial one, leaving his team's hopes of a successful chase in tatters.It is worth noting that Babar Azam was initially not part of the Lahore Blues squad, and his participation in the tournament was uncertain.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated an inquiry into the recent surge in sugar prices across the country during Ramadan, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's notice of the issue, ARY News reported.The FIA's Anti-Corruption Circle has sought assistance from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to investigate the matter. In a letter to the PTA, the FIA requested data of 11 individuals, including sugar mill administrators and businessmen.The individuals whose data has been requested include prominent figures such as Aneeb Faraz, Muhammad Arshad, and Muhammad Anwar. The FIA is also investigating individuals involved in the illegal buying and selling of sugar.The ongoing dispute between sugar mill owners and the government over sugar pricing remains unresolved as sugar millers refused to drop the rates.Read more: Sugar price hike: Mill owners, major dealers ‘summoned’ to IslamabadAs per details, the government and sugar millers failed to reach consensus on the prices as the millers refused to sell sugar at Rs140 per kg, the sources said and added that sugar prices are expected to rise further ahead of Eidul Fitr due to shortage.Currently, sugar is being sold in retail markets at Rs170 to Rs175 per kg. Despite the government’s efforts to stabilize prices, no significant reduction has been observed.It is to be noted that Pakistan government allowed sugar millers to export sugar on the assurance of stability of the rate.Sources said on March 14 that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif took notice of inflating prices and ordered a crackdown on sugar hoarding.The direction came during a high-level meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz to review sugar prices and the commodity’s supply across Pakistan.

The federal government on Wednesday announced holidays on the occasion of Eidul Fitr 2025, ARY News reported.https://youtu.be/GBUTrUT14wEAccording to a notification issued by Cabinet Division, Eidul Fitr 2025 holidays will be observed from Monday (March 31) to April 2.Eidul Fitr 2025 is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the Shawwal crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of Sunday, March 30, provided weather conditions remain clear.Read more: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet for Shawwal moon sighting on March 30Khalid Ijaz Mufti, Secretary General of the council, stated that the new moon will be born on Saturday, March 29, at 3:58 PM Pakistan time. By sunset on Sunday, the moon’s age will exceed 26 hours, making it visible to the naked eye.Mufti explained that the moon must be at least 18 hours old at sunset to be sighted, a requirement that will be easily met. The time difference between sunset and moonset, essential for visibility, will also exceed the minimum threshold of 40 minutes across different cities.With favorable conditions, the council anticipates no difficulties in confirming the crescent sighting, paving the way for Eid celebrations on March 31.

KARACHI: Police has decided to include prime accused of Mustafa Amir murder case, Armaghan's father, Kamran Qureshi, in the murder investigation.Police has submitted progress report of the investigation in the court.Accused Armaghan's confessional statement has been recorded in a video and police has confirmed it in its remand report."The accused has confessed that he had informed his father Kamran Qureshi after murder," according to the police report."Police has to question the father of the accused in the light of his statement," police report said."Armaghan's laptop and mobile phones have been sent to Punjab forensic lab for forensic tests," police said.The accused has got recorded his confessional statement in presence of the SSP Anti-Violent Crimes Cell (AVCC).Police said that the investigation has still been incomplete and requested further extension of physical remand of the accused until March 24.An Anti-Terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi in previous hearing of the case extended physical remand of prime accused Armaghan in Mustafa Amir murder case for seven days.The court also directed the investigation officer to submit a progress report on the case by the next hearing.Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 06.According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.The case has garnered widespread attention, with recent updates shedding light on the prime suspect, Armaghan. Investigators have uncovered details regarding his business dealings, digital currency accounts, and other activities.

K-Electric consumers likely to get a big relief in their electricity bills as the city's power utility has proposed a reduction of Rs4.84 per unit in rates under its monthly fuel adjustment for January.As per details, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) will conduct a hearing on the K-Electric's request tomorrow.If approved as requested, K-Electric consumers could benefit from a collective relief of Rs 4.695 billion.In February, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that electricity tariffs would further be reduced for domestic consumers and industries through reforms in the electricity sector.Read more: Electricity tariffs will further be reduced: PM ShehbazHe expressed satisfaction with the current changes in the electricity sector, stating that they are producing great results, while chairing a review meeting of the sector in Islamabad on Friday.PM Shehbaz said that he has pledged to guarantee the supply of affordable and sustainable power. He said revising agreements with IPPs is saving the national treasury and reducing electricity prices for consumers.The Prime Minister made reference to the campaign against power theft and pledged to speed it up even further in order to completely eradicate the losses incurred by all distribution firms in this area.

The World Bank (WB) on Wednesday approved $102 million in financing for the Resilient and Accessible Microfinance (RAM) Project in Pakistan, which aims to enhance access to microcredit and support the resilience of the microfinance sector and its borrowers, particularly in the face of climate-related shocks.World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said, “Microfinance is a critical tool for supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations in Pakistan. This project will help strengthen the resilience of the microfinance sector, particularly in the face of growing climate risks, ensuring that the sector can continue to provide essential financial services to those who need them most, especially in rural areas"Najy Benhassine said that this project is part of our broader commitment to promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan and to increasing resilience to climate change, as spelled out in our new 10-year Country Partnership Framework.”According to World Bank’s statement, the RAM Project is expected to benefit nearly 1.89 million people (including more than 1 million women and over 350,000 youth), especially those in vulnerable and low-income rural communities in Pakistan.“By providing financial resources to microfinance institutions, the project ensures that they can continue to provide services even during climate-induced financial pressures. The project will provide increased access to microcredit for individuals and small businesses, providing them ‘recovery loans’ to help them gain financial stability.”Read More: Pakistan secures major funding from World BankThe statement added, "The Resilient and Accessible Microfinance Project has been designed based on lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2022 and is a significant step to bolster financial inclusion in Pakistan,” said Namoos Zaheer, Task Team Leader for the Project. “It will enhance economic empowerment and resilience of those at the bottom of the economic pyramid, particularly women, small farmers, and families in rural areas who are more prone to climate shocks.”The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Finance through the State Bank of Pakistan. It will be first in a series of interventions to support the sector, to be designed and phased in close partnership with other international financial institutions.