NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is ready for composite dialogue with India, ARY News reported.Addressing a news conference in New York, he emphasized the dialogue will not be limited to the issue of terrorism alone. He reiterated Pakistan has been the biggest victim of terrorism and noted that the U.S. Secretary of State, in a meeting with him, acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.He said during this bilateral meeting, the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also raised, emphasizing that permanent peace is not possible in the region without resolution of this dispute. He recalled that the US President Donald Trump had also raised this issue multiple times.As regards Indus Water Treaty, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan's stance is very clear. He said the Indus Water Treaty is binding and no single party can terminate or amend it. He firmly stated that any attempt to divert or block Pakistan’s share of water would be unacceptable.Responding to a question, the Deputy Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan has no plan to recognize Israel. He demanded immediate ceasefire in Gaza and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.Describing his US visit as successful, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan has also raised voice for reforms in the UN Security Council emphasizing that the OIC should be given due representation in the world body.

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has finalized plans to provide 116,000 electric bikes on two-year installment plans under the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to announce the new EV policy on Independence Day. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and the Bank Association, aims to promote sustainable transportation.Under the scheme, each e-bike and rickshaw will receive a Rs. 50,000 subsidy. The estimated price per electric bike is up to Rs. 250,000, with the remaining amount—over Rs. 200,000—to be paid in installments. Eligible applicants must be aged between 18 and 65 years.Seventeen companies have successfully obtained licenses to manufacture electric bikes, supporting the policy’s goal of achieving 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030. To ensure the policy’s success, the government has allocated a total subsidy of Rs. 100 billion over five years.This includes Rs. 9 billion for the current fiscal year, Rs. 19 billion for 2027, over Rs. 24 billion for 2028, and more than Rs. 26 billion for 2029. In 2023, approximately Rs. 23 billion was allocated for subsidies.Also read: E-bike scheme in Pakistan: Major updates, including launch unveiledThe policy also sets a target of producing 2.213 million electric vehicles by 2030, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more affordable transportation in Pakistan.Earlier, the Sindh government decided to provide free e-bikes to women to ease their transportation during professional duties.According to details, the Sindh Transport Department proposed a plan to distribute electric bikes to women and requested Rs300 million from the Sindh government.The transport department urged that this amount be allocated outside the regular budget.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that now those taking tests from others would have to pass their test.Chief Minister was speaking at a ceremony in Karachi on Tuesday.He said that licensing teachers is a revolutionary move that will ensure both competence and accountability. "Every teacher has to get the license now", he said.Murad Ali Shah said that in the first test only 650 teachers have been passed from total 4000.He vowed to expand the teachers' license system to the private schools and special education institutions.He said that the teachers have been given status equal to other licensed professionals.Sindh CM reiterated his government's determination to uplift the education system to international standards. He said that an educational standard has been set with introduction of the teachers' merit-based test."The reforms represent the teamwork, harmony and determination," he said.He said that teachers are central to educational reforms, and no reform is possible without them.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the successful conclusion of the special meeting hosted by Malaysia on the Cambodia-Thailand situation as both countries agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire in an effort to resolve deadly border clashes.“Pakistan welcomes the successful conclusion of the special meeting hosted by Malaysia on the Cambodia-Thailand situation. We appreciate the spirit of dialogue and express hope for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and regional cooperation,” Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.Thailand and Cambodia entered into an unconditional ceasefire started, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced.“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows: One, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight on 28th July 2025, tonight,” Anwar said after mediation talks in Malaysia.Thailand and Cambodia began discussing a ceasefire in their festering border dispute on Monday, as the deadly skirmish dragged into a fifth day.More than 200,000 people fled the frontier as the two exchanged artillery, rockets and gun fire in the disputed area, which is home to a collection of ancient temples.A series of motorcades, including some sporting US and Chinese flags, arrived at Seri Perdana, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official residence, on Monday afternoon.A helicopter buzzed over the administrative capital as Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet met shortly after 0700 GMT.Monday’s meeting comes after US President Donald Trump intervened, making a late-night weekend call to both Southeast Asian leaders, who he said agreed to “quickly work out” a truce.Anwar, whose country currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is mediating, while US State Department officials and a Chinese delegation were also present.Ahead of the talks, Thailand and Cambodia traded fresh fire and accusations.Phumtham said Bangkok did not believe Phnom Penh “is acting in good faith.”Meanwhile, Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Monday was “the fifth day that Thailand has invaded Cambodia’s territory with heavy weapons and with the deployment of a lot of troops”.

MARDAN: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mardan has declared the results for the Matric Annual Examinations 2025, ARY News reported.Out of 76,900 male and female students who appeared, 57,880 passed, achieving an overall pass percentage of 75.27%. However, 19,020 students were unsuccessful. The results are now available online for students to check.A ceremony was held at the Mardan Board Auditorium to mark the occasion, where Commissioner Mardan Nisar Ahmad and Board Chairman Professor Jehanzeb awarded prizes to top-performing students.Muhammad Athar Khan from The Quaid-e-Azam Public School, Mardan, secured the first position with 1177 marks. The second position was shared by Sidra Ahmad (The Quaid-e-Azam Girls School, Swabi), Rooza Siraj (Ghazali School, Mardan), and Sania Falak, each scoring 1172 marks.The third position was jointly secured by Aroosa Anwar (The Quaid-e-Azam Girls Public School, Swabi), Khakan Ahmad (Iqra School, Chargali), and Aqsaa Rehman (Ghazali School for Girls, Mardan), each with 1170 marks.Addressing the event, Professor Jehanzeb emphasized that high marks alone do not define success. He encouraged students to pursue education with dedication and perseverance.How to Check BISE Mardan Class 9th Result 2025Students can access their results online by visiting the official BISE Mardan website https://web.bisemdn.edu.pk/, selecting the Class 9th result link, entering their roll number, and submitting the request. Matric results 2025 announced

LAHORE: All public parks across Punjab have officially been declared no-smoking zones, according to a notification issued by the Housing Department on the directives of Secretary Housing, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, ARY News reported.The notification states that Section 5 and Section 7 of the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002 will now be enforced in all parks.Under the new regulations, smoking and the sale of cigarettes at public places, especially parks, have been completely banned.This ban includes the use and sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes.In addition, tuck shops, cafes, and vending points located within park premises are also prohibited from selling tobacco products.To ensure public awareness and compliance, "No Smoking" boards and clear instructions will be installed in all parks across the province.Park staff have been directed to actively monitor and enforce the ban, the Housing Department said.This move aims to promote a healthier, smoke-free environment for families, children, and all visitors to public recreational spaces in Punjab.Also Read: Punjab govt launches Counter Narcotics ForceEarlier, the government of Punjab launched provincial Counter Narcotics Force.Addressing the inaugural ceremony in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said establishment of this Narcotics Force is essential to eliminate the scourge of drugs.Maryam Nawaz vowed that every possible step will be taken to make the province drug-free and announced a policy of zero tolerance against drug dealers saying there is no place for them in the province.On the occasion, the Chief Minister inspected the parade and presented the flag to an officer of the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force.Similarly, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for a digitally connected Punjab, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) significantly expanded its public Wi-Fi initiative, doubling its coverage across the province.According to PSCA officials, the number of free Wi-Fi access points in Lahore alone has risen from 230 to 430.The service, previously available in 11 districts, now spans 22, including key areas such as Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock, Hasan Abdal, Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree.This expansion follows a recent series of upgrades aimed at improving internet accessibility across both urban and semi-urban regions.As part of this initiative, Gujrat city was recently added to the growing public Wi-Fi network.

NAUSHAHRO FEROZ: A local court granted three days' physical remand of two accused in rape and murder of teenaged girl in Mohabbat Dero area of district Naushahro Feroz, ARY News reported on Monday.Police produced two accused, victim Faiza's close relatives, in a court in Kandiaro and sought their physical remand.The murder case has been registered against the victim's uncle Lal Dino Channa and cousin Abdul Jabbar Channa.The court granted three days' physical remand of two accused to police for investigation.Police sources said that the DNA tests of the accused will be conducted to move the trail of the accused.The family members said that the accused, raped the 13-year girl two weeks ago, the matter was taken to the local landlord to decide. The accused later kidnapped the girl, committed her murder, thrown her body outside the home and fled from the scene.The landlord who had held a Jirga to decide the matter, has not been nominated in the case.The family members informed the police, they had entrusted the landlord to keep the victim girl in his protection, the girl was kidnapped by the culprits near the landlord’s home.Local influential Azizullah Dahraj confessed to conduct a Jirga over the matter, adding that the girl’s father and brother have been his servants and they had insisted to him to decide the matter.A preliminary medical report said that the girl died of a large dose of sleeping pills.

KARACHI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has acquitted two suspects in the 1997 murder case of former Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) Managing Director Shahid Hamid, citing lack of evidence, ARY News reported.The prosecution failed to prove the charges against the two accused Minhaj Qazi and Mehboob Ghufran, who were allegedly linked to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London.The court ordered their immediate release, noting that neither suspect is named in any other pending cases.According to the defense lawyer, Mushtaq Ahmed, Minhaj Qazi had already been acquitted in all prior cases. He argued that the First Information Report (FIR) and the complainant’s statement were vague, with the complainant only mentioning seeing Saulat Mirza, another accused, outside the vehicle at the time of the incident.Also Read: Shahid Hamid Case: Suspect Minhaj Qazi identified as murdererAhmed stated that there was no mention of Minhaj Qazi in the FIR and no concrete evidence linking him to the crime.The prosecution stated that Shahid Hamid, along with his driver and guard, was killed in a targeted shooting in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority on July 5, 1997. Saulat Mirza, a key accused in the case and an MQM worker, was convicted and executed in 2015 at Machh Jail in Balochistan.Minhaj Qazi and Mehboob Ghufran were the remaining suspects in the case, which has now concluded with their acquittal after nine years of trial.

ISLAMABAD: The collection of expenses for Hajj 2026 is expected to begin in the first week of August, ARY News reported quoting sources.According to sources, Hajj 2026 expenses will be collected in two instalments. The first instalment, likely to be due in August, will range between Rs500,000 and Rs550,000. Only those who have completed their registration for Hajj 2026 will be eligible to submit the required payments.Sources further revealed that once the required number of payments has been collected in line with the available quota, the process of collecting additional Hajj 2026 expenses will be halted.Only banks authorised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be eligible to collect the Hajj 2026 expenses.More than 450,000 Pakistanis have registered for Hajj 2026 so far. The country’s combined quota for public and private Hajj schemes currently stands at 179,210. However, Pakistan is reportedly seeking an increased Hajj quota of up to 230,000 in accordance with its growing population.Also Read: 18 Pakistani pilgrims died during Hajj 2025Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that 18 Pakistani pilgrims, including 10 men and eight women, died during the Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia.Sources from the ministry revealed that the majority of the deceased were elderly individuals, with heart attacks and other health issues as the primary causes of death.The ministry further stated that all deceased pilgrims were laid to rest in Jannatul Baqi. This year’s death toll marks a significant decrease from 2024, when 35 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives during the hajj.It is worth mentioning here that this year, 1,673,230 pilgrims globally participated in the Hajj, with 1,506,576 international pilgrims arriving from 171 different countries.According to Saudi Arabia records, 166,654 domestic pilgrims participated Hajj this year, creating one of the most balanced gender ratios in Hajj history, with 877,841 men and 795,389 women.Saudi officials applied comprehensive cooling strategies following last year’s tragic 1,301 death toll due to intense temperatures reaching 51.8°C (125°F).Precautions included widened darkened areas, cooling stations, and medical teams to ensure the pilgrims’ safety.Moreover, a severe restriction on illegal pilgrims led to noticeably thinner crowds and enhanced security presence at holy sites.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has adjourned the hearing on bail pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in cases related to the May 9 riots until August 12, ARY News reported.As per details, A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, conducted the hearing and deferred the matter to August 12.The adjournment was granted following a request by Imran Khan's counsel Salman Safdar, During the proceedings, Salman Akram Raja, another lawyer representing the PTI founder, requested the court to schedule the next hearing for the following week and issue notices. However, the court rejected the plea for an earlier date and issuance of notices.Earlier, PTI founder, Imran Khan challenged the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict pertaining rejection of post-arrest bail in cases related to the May 9 riots.The LHC had previously dismissed the bail applications, prompting the PTI founder to seek relief from the apex court. Click here for latest updates on Imran Khan In his appeal, the PTI founder argued that the allegations of his involvement in the May 9 incidents are baseless, asserting that he was in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Islamabad at the time of the violence, making it impossible for him to be involved in the alleged crimes.Prior to this, the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected post-arrest bail petitions of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, in eight cases related to the May 9 riots.A division bench of the LHC, headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, announced the verdict.The bail petitions pertain to eight separate cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower case and Shadman Police Station arson attack.May 9 violenceViolent clashes were broken out across Pakistan after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023.The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their chairman’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.Army installations, including Corps Commander’s house in Lahore, had come under attack during the protests by PTI workers.

KARACHI: The land of the demolished Nasla Tower, located on Shahrah-e-Faisal, is now being auctioned to compensate the affected allottees, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling, ARY News reported.The Official Assignee of the Sindh High Court has published a public notice in newspapers inviting bids for the auction of the commercial plot located in Karachi.The auction process is being undertaken following the demolition of the Nasla Tower in November 2021, ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan due to its illegal construction.According to the Official Assignee, interested buyers can submit their sealed bids by 4th September 2025.The reserve price for the 780-square-yard plot has been set at Rs 811.2 million.The plot holds a commercial status, and construction of a ground plus nine-storey building, including a basement, is permissible.Bidders must submit 25 percent of the offered amount via pay order along with their application.The plot will be sold on the same day to the highest bidder whose offer meets or exceeds the reserve price.The Supreme Court had earlier ordered that the proceeds from the plot’s sale be used to pay compensation to the affected allottees of the illegal Nasla Tower structure.Also Read: Nasla Tower was subleased without completion certificate, investigation revealsEarlier, the investigation of the police and anti-corruption had unearthed the counterfeiting of the registration wing of the Board of Revenue Sindh as it sub-leased the Nasla tower without a completion certificate.The sub-lease was issued by the registration wing of the Board of Revenue Sindh after reportedly taking Rs20 million.Following the revelations, the anti-corruption team soughted record from the registration office.It is pertinent to mention here that the main accused in the case, including Manzoor Qadir Kaka and Khair Muhammad Dahri, obtained bail from the Sindh High Court, meanwhile the case was registered on the Supreme Court’s orders.

KASHMORE: The water level has been surging in the Indus River at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, and the river has been declared in medium flood.The inflow of the water at Guddu has been recorded at 4,23,200 cusecs while the outflow at the point has been 3,87,100 cusecs according to the Flood Forecasting Division.The river has also been in medium flood at Sukkur Barrage with 360,100 cusecs inflow and 300,900 cusecs outflow at the waterworks.The Indus has been in low flood at Larkana. The upsurge in water level eroding dyke at Nusrat Loop Bund near Naudero.The local residents have apprehended that the erosion of the riverbank could affect the residential area and agriculture lands if the authorities fail to strengthen the eroding riverbank.The river has been in below flood level at Kotri Barrage in the downstream.The river's inflow at Kotri Barrage has been 1,50,400 cusecs, while the outlow has been 1,07,900 cusecs.The Indus River has been in low flood at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa headworks.The water level has been 1537 feet at Tarbela reservoir, 87.07 percent of the maximum conservation capacity of the dam, which is 1550 feet.The water level has been 1198.75 feet at Mangla reservoir, 57.36 percent of the maximum conservation capacity of the dam, which is 1242 feet.

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur has surrendered before the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad in connection with a 2016 case involving the alleged recovery of liquor and illegal arms, ARY News reported.As per details, Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti presided over the hearing, during which the court canceled the arrest warrants previously issued against CM Gandapur.Additionally, the show-cause notice issued to his surety was also withdrawn. The case, dating back to October 2016, pertains to the alleged recovery of weapons and a bottle of liquor from a vehicle linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader near Bani Gala.Gandapur has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the bottle contained honey, not alcohol, and that the recovered firearms were licensed.Earlier, Islamabad court issued arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a 2016 case involving the alleged recovery of liquor and illegal arms.Read More: CM Gandapur challenges opposition with no-confidence dareAs per details, the court, presided over by Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti, ordered law enforcement to arrest and produce Gandapur before the court.The directive came after Gandapur failed to appear at the hearing, and his request for exemption from attendance was rejected.The court expressed dissatisfaction with the repeated absence of the accused and the lack of compliance with prior directives.It is important to note here that the police claimed to have recovered weapons and liquor from Ali Amin Gandapur’s car on 30th October 2016.According to the police, Ali Amin Gandapur’s car was stopped and searched at a check post at the Rukhsana Bangash road when he was going to the residence of Imran Khan in Bani Gala.The police searched the car and claimed to have recovered the weapons and ammunition from the vehicle.The weapons were displayed at Bara Kahu police station of Islamabad, which included four Kalashnikovs, ammunition, tear-gas fire gun and bullet proof vests.

WAH CANTT: Two female bandits posing as polio workers looted gold, cash from a house after trashing a housewife in the limits of Taxila Police station, ARY News reported quoting police sources.They said that two women knocked on the door of  Rana Zubair’s house claiming to be polio workers who needed to administer drops to the children.Trusting their identity, his wife opened the door, upon which both women forced their way inside.One of the women allegedly pulled a knife from her bag and grabbed his wife by the arm, assaulting her.They then opened a cupboard, stole gold jewelry weighing two tolas, and Rs. 15,000 in cash before fleeing the scene, they added.The sources said the police registered a case and launched further investigation into the incident.Earlier, In the separate Karachi PECHS robbery, a group of criminals pretending to be fake FIA officers performed a carefully orchestrated robbery, taking away with over Rs 130 million in cash and other valuables.Read More: Two robbers killed in Karachi shoot outAccording to the reports, the robbery occurred in the upscale PECHS Block 2 area of Karachi.The police authorities reported that the suspects, two men and three women who were dressed in burqas (masks), arrived at the home of a local showroom owner around 3:30 AM in a black car.One of the men was wearing a uniform that was almost like the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA), complete with a monogram. He waved a pistol to force the homeowner to allow entry into his home.As they entered, the fake FIA officers forced residents to open the inner doors and continued to rob the bedroom safe. They filled Rs 130 million in cash in their bags, along with 20 luxury watches, a smart watch, nine mobile phones, and two laptops.

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new digital convenience for Pakistani citizens through its Pak ID mobile app, allowing users to download digital versions of their vehicle registration and arms licence cards free of cost.In its latest update, NADRA has made it possible for users to securely access and save these important documents directly to their mobile phones, eliminating the need to carry physical copies.The move is aimed at enhancing digital accessibility and improving public service delivery.NADRA has also released an instructional video on its official YouTube channel to guide users through the process. Citizens can follow these simple steps to download their vehicle registration and arms licence cards free of cost. Download the Pak ID mobile app on your smartphone. Register your account and log in. Select the "Other Government Services" option. Tap "Show More" to expand available services. Choose either "Vehicle Card" or "Digital Arms Licence Card". Review the card details and press the download button. Navigate to "ID Vault". Select the card you want to view and save it to your phone. NADRA has confirmed that this digital service comes at no additional cost to the public.With this initiative, NADRA continues to lead Pakistan’s digital transformation by offering user-friendly and paperless solutions for essential public services.Also Read: NADRA simplifies B-Form process across PakistanEarlier, NADRA issued a comprehensive process to help parents get their Child Registration Certificate (CRC), also known as the B-Form, for their children.This initiative improves the efficiency of the registration process and ensures every child in Pakistan receives legal identification documents.Documents required:Parents need to submit several documents to obtain their children’s NADRA B-Form. Parents need to submit their original Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and the child’s birth certificate issued by the relevant Union Council or Cantonment Board.If the child is adopted, proof of legal custody must also be provided. Moreover, in the case of granting citizenship, a relevant certificate must be provided.Application requirementsThe presence of children who are under three years is neither required nor their picture to apply for the NADRA B-Form. For the children whose age is between three and ten years, their photograph is required only. For children whose age is between ten to eighteen, a photograph, fingerprints, and an iris scan are required.

KARACHI: K-Electric has commenced maintenance work at the Dhabeji Grid and Substation, which is expected to affect water supply in several areas of Karachi, according to a spokesperson from the Water Corporation.The spokesperson confirmed that the shutdown by K-Electric will last for a total of 9 hours, during which partial suspension of power to various feeders at the Dhabeji Pumping Station has been reported.As a result of the maintenance activity, a shortfall of 85 million gallons of water is expected in the city, potentially affecting daily supply to several major neighbourhoods in Karachi.Water supply will be reduced in different areas of Karachi including Landhi, Korangi, Shah Faisal, as well as Bin Qasim, DHA, and North Nazimabad, the spokesperson added.The Karachi Water Corporation has urged citizens to use water cautiously during the maintenance period and assured that supply will be normalised as soon as K-Electric completes its work at the Dhabeji facility in Karachi.Also Read: Power supply restored at Pipri water pumping station: KEEarlier, K-Electric confirmed that power supply was restored at the Pipri water pumping station, adhering to the maintenance schedule shutdown.According to the K-Electric spokesperson, the Scheduled Maintenance Shutdown was executing a completion with prior notice and following the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB), ensuring minimal disturbance to water pumping operations.The spokesperson highlighted that a scheduled maintenance shutdown is a serious part of infrastructure management, focused on ensuring long-term consistency of electricity supply across Karachi.“Infrastructure maintenance is important for distributing consistent and reliable power,” the spokesperson added.K-Electric also indicated that its technical teams continued in close collaboration with representatives from the Water Board through the process. This teamwork helped streamline operations and avoid prolonged outages.Similarly, a major fault at the Dhabeji Pumping Station led to a shortfall of nearly 100 million gallons of water due to a power breakdown.

ISLAMABAD: The IMF has endorsed the government's policy of Rs 100 billion subsidy for promotion of electric vehicles from 2025–30, sources said.The new electric vehicle policy for five years, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel imports, and promote local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).To promote EVs' adoption, the government has allocated Rs nine billion in subsidies for the fiscal year 2025–26.Under the EV policy Rs 50,000 subsidy will be given to each two-wheeler or three-wheeler, sources at the Ministry of Industries and Production said.This funding will help deliver over 116,000 electric bikes and more than 3,000 electric rickshaws in two years, sources said. Notably, 25% of the subsidy has been reserved for women to support affordable and eco-friendly mobility options for them.One of the major goals of the policy is to ensure that 30% of new vehicles by 2030 are electric.According to documents, the previous EV policy brought only 50,000 two or three-wheelers in market. Instead of the 1000 buses target, only 200 electric buses hit the market.Moreover, only 3-000 four-wheelers and 10 trucks came to market instead of the target of one lac electric vehicles fixed in the previous policy, as per the official papers.The government has allocated 19 billion rupees subsidy for year 2027, 24.16 bln for year 2028, 26.62 billion subsidies for year 2029 and 22.64 bln for year 2030, according to sources.The prime minister will announce enforcement of the new policy from August 14.The policy also includes infrastructure upgrades like installing 40 electric charging stations along motorways. New building codes will require EV charging points, and battery-swapping systems will also be introduced for ease of use in urban areas.

KARACHI: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) No 16 has received the challan in the kidnapping and brutal murder case of Mustafa Amir, naming accused Armaghan and Shiraz. The court has issued production orders for both suspects, ARY News reported.According to the interim challan, the statements of eyewitnesses, including the accused Shiraz, have been included.During interrogation, Shiraz confessed to the crime and provided a detailed account of the events.On 6 February, Mustafa Amir visited Armaghan's residence at 9 a.m., where he was allegedly tortured by Armaghan, according to Shiraz's statement.The victim was then tied up and placed in a vehicle by Armaghan, who personally drove him to Hub, Balochistan.Shiraz stated that Armaghan poured petrol on the vehicle and set it ablaze, killing Mustafa Amir.CCTV footage near the Northern Bypass checkpoint reportedly captured the suspects, and the statement of a waiter at a hotel where the accused had breakfast was also recorded.The DNA recovered from the body matched that of the victim, confirming his identity.Additionally, a mobile phone used during the crime was recovered on the accused’s indication. Both Armaghan and Shiraz recorded video confessions in front of the SSP.The challan also includes the statement of a girl injured by main accused, as well as testimonies under Section 164 from two of Armaghan’s employees.Armaghan has admitted to torturing Mustafa Amir and burning him alive inside the vehicle.The court has now ordered prison authorities to present both accused at the next hearing.Also Read: Armaghan booked in new case for allegedly attacking journalistEarlier, a case was registered against Armaghan, the prime accused in the Mustafa Amir murder case, for allegedly attacking a journalist.According to reports, the Jail authorities presented Armaghan before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi today.However, the hearing could not proceed due to the absence of the investigating officer (IO).The court expressed displeasure over the IO’s non-appearance and issued a notice, ordering him to appear at the next hearing.The court also instructed the investigating officer to bring copies of all case-related documents.

JAMSHORO: A passenger bus overturned in Jamshoro on the Sehwan Indus Highway killing at least three and injuring over 25 others, ARY News reported.According to rescue officials, the injured, including women and children, were swiftly shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.The rescue authorities stated that the bus, which was traveling from Larkana to Karachi, collided with a buffalo, causing the vehicle to overturn, rescue officials confirmed. Police are investigating the incident to determine further details surrounding the accident.Earlier, a passenger bus overturned near the Balksar Interchange on the M-2 Motorway, resulting in the deaths of at least eight and injuries to over 20 others.According to details, the ill-fated bus was travelling to Lahore from Rawalpindi when it met a deadly accident at Balksar Interchange due to a tyre burst.Rescue operations were swiftly launched, and the deceased and injured were transported to DHQ Hospital Chakwal.Read more: At least nine passengers dead in Thatta, Khairpur accidentsEarlier, in a tragic accident, 26 people died, as a passenger bus carrying wedding guests from Astore, GB, to Chakwal veered off the Thalichi Bridge and plunged into the river.As per details, a total of 27 people were on board the coaster, with only the bride, Malaika, surviving.The injured bride was taken to the hospital, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local residents, rescue teams, and police actively participating in the search efforts.Deputy Commissioner Astore, Muhammad Tariq, confirmed that the bodies of 14 victims were recovered and transferred to the Astore District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. “The accident-stricken vehicle was also retrieved from the river,” he added.

New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Ishaq Dar, delivered a powerful address at the United Nations (UN) conference on the two-state solution for Palestine, condemning the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, ARY News reported.Speaking at the high-level gathering, jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, Senator Dar described Gaza as "a graveyard of international human rights laws."DPM Ishaq Dar called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire along with guaranteed access to food and humanitarian aid for the suffering population.Highlighting the severity of the crisis, he demanded that war crimes committed in Gaza be punished accordingly and that the ongoing crimes against humanity come to an end.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIsp9nJdy7wIshaq Dar noted, “The Palestinian issue has remained unresolved for over 75 years. Its failure is not just political, but rooted in deeper structural issues.”Senator Ishaq Dar also expressed Pakistan’s appreciation to Saudi Arabia and France for organising the event and welcomed France’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine.He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to support the Palestinians' right to self-determination and urged the international community to act decisively.He added, “Justice delayed is justice denied. The time has come for the United Nations to grant full membership to the State of Palestine.”The conference has brought together major international stakeholders aiming to reinvigorate efforts toward a peaceful and just resolution to the Palestinian conflict based on the two-state framework.Also Read: Ishaq Dar clarifies remarks about Dr Aafia SiddiquiEarlier, Ishaq Dar addressed the controversy sparked by his recent remarks regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist currently serving a prison sentence in the United States.In a statement posted on X, Ishaq Dar said his comments about Dr Aafia Siddiqui were being taken out of context.“My remarks about the Dr Aafia Siddiqui case are being misinterpreted and taken out of context,” Dar stated.