KARACHI: The search for the killer of seven-year-old Sarim, who was found dead from a water tank 11 days after he went missing, continues with the DNA samples of five suspects in custody sent to the Karachi University laboratory for analysis.According to police officials, the investigation team met with doctors to discuss the initial post-mortem report and gather their opinions on the evidence collected.The authorities are now awaiting the DNA test reports and the chemical examination report from the police surgeon.Once these reports are received, the investigation is expected to make significant progress. Additionally, the final post-mortem report will be issued after the chemical examination report is received.The police are working diligently to solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice.Sarim’s family had filed a missing person’s report, fearing abduction, after he failed to return from a nearby madrasa on January 7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=rTBv9EnutFs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Furdu.arynews.tv%2FThe police remained clueless and kept searching for the boy who went missing from the North Karachi area. The authorities had conducted an extensive search operation in the apartment complex, searching all 212 flats and checking the building’s four water tanks.Later, his body was found from un underground water tank in his apartment.Read more: Sarim: Minor boy’s post-mortem report findings releasedA post-mortem report of Sarim later confirmed sexual abuse and murder. SSP Anti Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) Anil Haider confirmed that Sarim was raped, tortured and murdered after being kidnapped.The medical report revealed that Sarim was strangled to death and his neck was broken. The medical report showed multiple injury marks on the minor boy’s body.As per SSP Haider, the child was murdered “five days ago” and then his body was thrown into the water tank.Following the harrowing findings, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Karachi West, Irfan Baloch formed a four-member committee to further investigate the matter.Led by the DSP Central Investigation, the committee will include officers from the Investigations Branch.Sources privy to the matter said that the probe committee will investigate the union of the apartment where Sarim’s body was found.According to sources in the police, the minor boy was kidnapped and murdered inside the apartment where his body was discovered.

KARACHI: Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah would also accompany with President Asif Ali Zardari during his upcoming visit of China, sources said.President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to visit China in the first week of February during which several agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries.Sources said that the Presidency has directed the chief minister to prepare proposals of Sindh's schemes for the CPEC.CM Murad Ali Shah has convened a high level meeting of the provincial government officials over the matter.Sources said that the Chinese authorities will be requested for specific CPEC projects for Sindh during the three day visit of President Zardari.Provincial sources said that the president will finalise agreements for key projects, including the 192km coastal highway connecting Keti Bandar and Badin via Shah Bandar, during his visit to China next month.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law, and has handed over the legal draft to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.https://youtu.be/O_uiSglMImIAs per details, PML-N has proposed a punishment of over ten years for spreading fake news, a suggestion that the PPP did not agree with. Despite the disagreement over the proposed sentence, both parties have reached an agreement on certain aspects of the PECA law, particularly regarding the control of social media.Under the expected legislation, a new authority will be established to regulate social media. This social media regulatory authority will determine fake news and will be empowered with the authority to impose punishments of up to three years in prison and fines for those found guilty of spreading fake news.The social media regulatory authority will be granted powers similar to those of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).The final draft of the amendments has been shared with all allied parties.Read more: Seven more booked for ‘propaganda’ against state on social mediaLast year, seven more people were booked for allegedly engaging in anti-state propaganda and spreading false narratives via social media platforms.The accused, identified as Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ehsan, and others, were reportedly using WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate propaganda.Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.

KARACHI: Emirates Airline has announced to establish a major cargo business hub at Karachi airport, following an increasing demand for cargo business, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.According to sources, Emirates has decided to make Karachi its cargo hub due to the growing demand for cargo services and has requested 90,000 square feet of land at the airport's cargo terminal.Currently, Emirates handles the largest share of cargo business from Karachi. In 2024, the airline transported more than 27,000 tons of cargo from the city.In contrast, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), due to lack of attention and proper planning, managed to handle only 2,000 tons of cargo business during the same period.Sources revealed that the Karachi airport authority has already initiated the process of allocating space at the cargo terminal for Emirates Airlines.Read more: Emirates to power 37% of its Engineering Centre operations with clean energy investmentEarlier, in a significant move towards enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability, Emirates has partnered with Etihad Clean Energy Development to launch a large-scale solar energy project at the Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai.The signing ceremony took place at the World Green Economy Summit 2024 in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a major coalition party in the centre, is 'unhappy' with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for 'consistently side lining' them in key matters, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.Pakistan People's Party has been complaining about neglecting their lawmakers in Punjab and in the centre and the recent canal issue has further heated the matters between both the parties.The recent disruption of quorum in the National Assembly was reportedly a deliberate move by the PPP to convey its dissatisfaction. Party insiders claim that the PPP leadership is frustrated by the lack of consultation on significant national issues.A major point of contention is the decision to draw a link canal from the Indus River, a move that has raised serious concerns within the PPP.Sources indicate that the party is prepared to explore all possible options to oppose the project.Read more: PPP, PTI’s jointly planned to ‘break’ National Assembly quorumThe PPP leadership has expressed a desire to meet with the Prime Minister to address these grievances. Reports suggest that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto is expected to hold key meetings in Islamabad later this week.Earlier it emerged that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) jointly planned to ‘disrupt’ National Assembly quorum during the ongoing session.According to sources, the disruption of quorum in yesterday’s National Assembly session, was orchestrated through a collaboration between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).The plan to break the quorum was a joint effort between PPP and PTI, the sources knowing the matter said and added on the instructions of Pakistan People’s Party, PTI ended its protest and pointed out the lack of quorum, which led to the collective decision to walk out of the House.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued alert about emerging drought conditions in country after scarce rainfall.Met Office stated that drought conditions emerging in country as Pakistan received below normal rainfall (-40%) from 01st September 2024 to 15th Jan 2025 period across the country.Sindh received 52% lesser rainfall during the period, the PMD said in its report about drought conditions.Recent rainfall spell in the country did not produce significant rain in plain areas of the country aggravating the drought conditions.After Sindh, Balochistan received 45% and Punjab 42% lesser rainfall, PMD said.Met department cautioned that mild drought like conditions have emerged over different areas of the country.In Punjab, mild drought conditions observed in Potohar region (Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi/Islamabad), Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and DG Khan districts.In Sindh province, drought like conditions have emerged in most areas of Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Padidan, Sukkur, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin and Karachi.In Balochistan drought like conditions have emerged in Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Awaran, Lasbella, Nokkundi, Dalbandin and adjacent areas.The PMD said that ongoing drought conditions are likely to aggravate further as no significant rainfall expected in rain-fed areas of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.The Met department has also viewed the second half of this season, January to March, as dry compared to the first half, also the above normal temperatures forecast may favor the turning of mild drought conditions to moderate drought, especially in the rainfed areas of country.

FAISALABAD: An anti-terrorism court has issued non bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz in connection with May 9 riots cases, ARY News reported.As per details, the court heard the case registered in Civil Lines police station Faisalabad and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Kanwal Shauzab and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhary.Earlier, PTI founder Imran Khan approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking post-arrest bail in several May 9 cases registered against him.The PTI founder maintained in the plea that he was in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) custody in Islamabad on May 9 and had nothing to do with the violence on the day. Imran Khan termed the cases against him as an act of ‘political revenge’.Imran Khan told the court that he has been subjected to ‘political victimization’ and facing several ‘fabricated’ cases for two years, requesting the court to approve his post-arrest bail.Read More: ATC denies bail to PTI founder in multiple May 9 riot casesThe PTI founder approached the LHC after his bail plea was rejected by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in eight May 9 cases including the Jinnah House attack.“The ATC has rejected the bail applications, contrary to the facts,” Imran Khan argued.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.It is pertinent to mention that the PTI founder is named as main accused in all the May 9 riots cases.

KARACHI: Thailand has decided strict action against Pakistanis found travelling on fake documents, ARY News reported on Wednesday.As per details, the Thai Consulate in Karachi has announced new guidelines for travelers, emphasizing strict action against those using fake documents to travel to Thailand.The consulate has instructed applicants for e-visas to submit original documents, including genuine airline tickets and hotel bookings. It has been made mandatory for all documentation to be authentic and verifiable.According to the Thai Consulate, applicants or travel agents found submitting forged documents will face blacklisting, and strict measures will be implemented against violators.Read more: Two passengers held over fake documents at Karachi airportIn October, last year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration team arrested two passengers and thwarted their attempt to travel abroad using fake documents at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.During the operation, the FIA immigration team arrested two passengers including a woman, identified as Nazar Abbas and Umme Salma, who were found fake visas affixed to their passports.As per the FIA spokesperson, the woman suspect was attempting to travel to Iraq on flight number IA-432, carrying a counterfeit Iraqi visa, while Nazar Abbas was bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands on flight TK-709 with a fraudulent Cuban visa.

LAHORE: The Punjab Acid Control Bill 2025 was moved in the provincial assembly by Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, Hina Pervaiz Butt on Wednesday.Hina Pervaiz Butt stated that the bill aims to regulate the sale and purchase of acid to prevent acid-related crimes.Under the proposed law, vendors will be required to obtain a license from the licensing authority, which will be administered by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district.Additionally, the bill imposes a ban on the sale and purchase of acid to individuals under the age of 18.The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs for review, with the committee expected to present its report within two months.Read more: Lahore school teacher comes under acid attackEarlier in January 2023, a seven-year-old boy suffered burns in an acid attack by his classmate in a government school in Sukkur.According to details, a seven-year-old boy – identified as Matiullah – suffered burn injuries when his classmate, Hasnain – a student of second grade – threw acid on him in the school.The seven-year-old victim suffered burns on the face, legs, and other body parts. Meanwhile, the victim’s father demanded authorities to take legal action against the school administration for ‘expressing indifference’ to the incident.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to increase the salaries of members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, the government is likely to approve a proposal to raise the salaries of MNAs by up to 200% from the currently salary of around Rs. 1.68 lac per month.The proposed salary hike will be presented to the National Assembly and Senate for approval. The government has already consulted with all coalition and opposition parties, and a consensus has been reached on the matter.In addition to the salary hike for MNAs and Senators, the government has also proposed an increase in the salaries of ministers and advisors. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate are also set to receive a significant raise, with their salaries potentially increasing to Rs. 15 lac per month.The development came after the government and opposition members of the National Assembly jointly demanded a salary increase, amid ‘rising’ inflation.Read More: Punjab Assembly approves massive 426% salary hike for MPAsAccording to sources, the members said that they are unable to make ends meet on their current salary. The lawmakers argued that their salaries have not kept pace with the increasing cost of living, making it difficult for them to sustain themselves.Sources revealed that the matter will be taken up by the Speaker National Assembly before the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. The lawmakers are demanding that their salaries be brought on par with those of their counterparts in the Punjab and Balochistan assemblies.Prior to this, the Punjab Assembly approved the manyfold increase in the monthly salaries of MPAs, provincial ministers, speaker, deputy speaker, parliamentary secretaries and other officials.Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman tabled the bill to increase the salaries of members of the assembly.Opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar raised some nominal objections before the House passed the bill with a majority vote.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday said achieving sustainable development is Pakistan's top priority. The finance minister, in his address on the increasing global debt burden on developing economies, stated that Pakistan's biggest issue has been the twin deficits in the current and fiscal accounts.He explained that the primary reason for the fiscal deficit is the unsustainable tax-to-GDP ratio, which stands at 9 to 10 per cent. Efforts are currently underway to increase this ratio to 13 per cent, the Finance Minister added.The government is focused on reducing its expenditures and minimizing the volume of debt repayments, the Minister further emphasized. He also shared that Pakistan's debt-to-GDP ratio has decreased from 78 per cent to 67 per cent.While acknowledging that borrowing itself is not problematic, the Finance Minister clarified that the crucial aspect lies in the proper utilization of loans. He suggested that loans should be used to enhance productive capacity and promote exports.Muhammad Aurangzeb concluded by noting that Pakistan's economic growth has experienced fluctuations over the years, indicating the challenges the country has faced in maintaining stable economic progress.Read more: Tax-to-GDP ratio to reach 13pc in three years, vows AurangzebEarlier on December 26, last year, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb vowed to take Tax-to-GDP ratio to 13 per cent in three years in Pakistan.He was addressing a news conference alongside Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik in Islamabad.Muhammad Aurangzeb said taxation reforms have a key role in fiscal stability. He said the country has been languishing between 9-10 per cent in terms of tax to GDP ratio but we have set a target of 13.5 per cent for next three years to improve this standing.

ISLAMABAD: "We have cleared to them, we didn't come for playing the committee-committee game," PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said in ARY News talk show "Khabar-Muhammad Malik Ke Sath"."It is simple, the commissions of inquiry used to be formed in the country under the relevant law," PTI's Secretary General said.He said the next round of the dialogue will not happen, if the government won't announce constitution of the judicial commission. "The government first announce the commission before the next sitting took place", he said. "Details will be discussed later," he said."We don't have any hope from the Constitutional Bench," he added.The government's negotiating committee with the PTI will hold a meeting today to discuss the opposition party's demands.The government's team in an earlier sitting had reportedly decided against forming judicial commission to probe May 9 riots, sources said.The next round of talks between the sides are scheduled on January 28.Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the government will present its stance over the PTI's demands in the next session of the dialogue. "A sub-committee will review the demands of the PTI to prepare reply".PML-N member Irfan Siddiqui has said that no decision yet made about the PTI's demand for constitution of a judicial commission. "We will give our reply in seven days," he said.The PTI handed over its written demands to the government during third round of talks.

The federal cabinet has decided to shut down the operations of the Utility Stores Corporation across Pakistan and has formed a committee to oversee the process, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.As per details shared by sources, the committee will be led by the federal minister for Industry and Production, and it will consist of a seven-member team.The committee includes the minister of state for Finance and Revenue, the minister of State for Information Technology, the Federal Secretary of Finance, and the Secretary of Industry and Production.Additionally, the committee will have the Secretary of Privatization and the Secretary of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as members.Sources indicate that the committee will establish the procedure for the immediate closure of operations at Utility Stores Corporation and outline measures for securing the corporation's properties and assets. It will also make arrangements for the maintenance and protection of these assets.Read more: 446 utility stores ‘closed’ after subsidy withdrawalThe committee is tasked with assessing how to integrate the corporation’s employees into a surplus pool and reviewing the possibility of merging them into positions within other government entities, the sources said. Furthermore, a coordination strategy with BISP will be developed to ensure the timely delivery of Ramadan packages.The Ministry of Industry and Production will provide secretarial support for the committee, which is expected to submit its report to the Federal Cabinet within seven days.Once the operations are shut down, the Utility Stores Corporation will no longer be able to engage in sales or purchases.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shared a major update on the launch of Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, in Pakistan, ARY News reported.During a briefing in National Assembly Standing Committee on IT headed by Senator Palwasha Khan, the PTA Chairman, stated that Starlink had applied for a license on February 24, 2022, and is currently in contact with the new regulatory body.Before launching its satellite services in Pakistan, Starlink must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the PSB. The PTA Chairman assured that once the registration process is complete, the authority will go for further proceedings.In addition to Starlink, Shanghai Space Technology is also entering the Pakistani market which is expected to enhance internet connectivity and drive technological innovation in the country.The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has further clarified that it cannot issue a license to Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, until it receives government clearance.Also read: PTA blames excessive VPN usage for internet slowdownThe chairman, said that Starlink has assured that it will comply with government policies and will not bypass the system.Moreover, the committee decided to summon the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to discuss the regulation of space technology. The committee also questioned why the PTA is delegating its responsibilities to other organizations.The SPACEX chief Elon Musk earlier said that he is awaiting approval from Pakistan government regarding the launch of Starlink in the country.As per details, a conversation took place on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) between Pakistani social media user Sanam Jamali and Elon Musk, regarding the launch of Starlink in Pakistan.As per details, Sanam requested Musk to introduce Starlink in Pakistan, stating that it could pave the way for a better future, providing internet connectivity and opportunities for citizens to move forward.Musk responded, stating that he is awaiting approval from the Pakistani government to launch Starlink in the country. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, provides internet services through a vast network of satellites.StarlinkStarlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk. The constellation aims to provide fast, reliable, and global internet connectivity through a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we access the internet, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional fiber-optic and cellular networks are limited or unavailable.The Starlink constellation is designed to offer high-speed internet connectivity with latency as low as 20 ms, which is comparable to or even better than many existing fiber-optic networks.Each Starlink satellite is equipped with a phased array antenna that allows it to communicate with multiple users simultaneously, providing a high-capacity and flexible network. With Starlink, users can enjoy fast and reliable internet access from virtually anywhere in the world, making it an exciting development for global connectivity and digital inclusion.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Wednesday said that United States of America (US) is Pakistan’s most important economic and strategic partner.Speaking to the US Congressmen Thomas Richard Suozzi and Jack Bergman, who belong to Democrat and Republican parties, respectively, in Washington, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan greatly valued the assistance the US had provided it in various sectors. “Pakistan attaches special importance to its ties with the USA,” he added.Naqvi went on to say that Pakistan wanted to further expand collaboration with the USA.He expressed the hope that the congressmen’s visit to Pakistan would help further strengthen the relations between the two countries.The interior minister invited the congressmen to visit Pakistan.Read more: NADRA to launch new mobile app, announces NaqviSpeaking on the occasion, Congressman Suozzi said that his country was committed to further improving relations with Pakistan. “I will visit Pakistan soon,” he added.Matters of mutual interest, including Pak-USA ties and the situation in Afghanistan, came under discussion at the meeting.The leaders decided to hold Pakistan Caucus in Washington on April 30.It is to be noted that Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi is currently in the United States, where he attended Donald Trump's inauguration.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued an advisory to strictly monitor passengers traveling from nine districts in Pakistan, to curb human trafficking, ARY News reported.According to the new advisory, the districts include Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bhimber Azad Kashmir, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, and Sheikhupura.The advisory directed immigration authorities to closely scrutinize passengers, particularly those traveling for the first time, aged between 15 and 40.Additionally, two private airlines have been instructed to conduct thorough checks on young passengers. The FIA has also directed immigration authorities to profile passengers traveling from 16 countries, including Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Iran, Mauritania, Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, and Kyrgyzstan.Passengers' documents, including return tickets and hotel bookings, will be subject to strict verification. Immigration officials have been instructed to conduct thorough interviews with suspicious passengers to determine their travel purpose and financial arrangements.Also read: Pakistani survivors recount horrors of Morocco boat tragedyThe FIA has also directed immigration officials to maintain detailed records of suspicious cases and report them immediately.Earlier, the government of Pakistan disclosed that 20 FIA officials are under investigation, with institutional action underway against 30 others. Dedicated courts will soon hear human trafficking cases to ensure swift justice, while task forces and monitoring systems have been established to oversee efforts.It is worth noting here that the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 21 Pakistani nationals survived the Morocco boat tragedy.The Foreign Office said that the boat carrying 80 passengers, including several Pakistani nationals, setting off from Mauritania, capsised near the Moroccan port of Dakhla.Migrant rights group Walking Borders said that 44 of those presumed to have drowned were from Pakistan.Later, the federal government formed the four-member committee to investigate the allegations of violence and murder against Pakistani citizens.

ISLAMABAD: The government's negotiating committee in dialogue with the PTI will hold a meeting on Wednesday (today) again to discuss the opposition party's demands.The government's negotiating team in an earlier sitting had reportedly decided against forming judicial commission to probe May 9 riots, ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources.The Law Minister and Attorney General presented their output in the sitting.The next round of talks between the sides will be held on January 28.Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the government will present its stance over the PTI's demands in the next session of the dialogue. "A sub-committee will review the demands of the PTI to prepare reply".PML-N member Irfan Siddiqui has said that no decision yet made about the PTI's demand for constitution of a judicial commission. "We will give our reply in seven days," he said.The PTI handed over its written demands to the government during third round of talks.The government will hand over the answer to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf during fourth round of talks, sources earlier said.The PTI presented its charter of demands during the third round of negotiations and called for the establishment of two Commissions of Inquiry. The first would investigate the events of May 9 and the legality of PTI’s chairman’s arrest, while the second examines incidents occurring between November 24 and 27.

KURRAM: A joint operation by the district administration, police, and security agencies was conducted in Bagan from January 19 to 21, and recovered large number of illegal weapons, ARY News reported citing security sources.According to security sources, the operation, which was carried out with the cooperation of local elders and residents, has been hailed as a step towards establishing lasting peace and eliminating criminal elements.Sources revealed that as a follow-up to the operation, a convoy carrying supplies is expected to depart for Para Chinar today.Furthermore, in line with the peace agreement, security forces will continue to take stern action against miscreants without discrimination, ensuring that the hard-earned peace is maintained, security sources added.Earlier, security forces taken control of Bagan Bazaar in Kurram, aiming to restore order in the region.Also read: Kurram: Body of driver found, killed in relief convoy attackSeveral bunkers, four each belonging to the Watezai tribe and Tori tribe in Irfani Kalay, have been vacated during the operation.In the light of attacks on convoys and unrest, a search operation has been launched to apprehend the culprits.On January 18, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud said that a major operation will be launched in four locations of the district to eliminate the terrorists.He said the displaced persons being relocated to Tal and Hangu for their safety.Days after a peace agreement between the warring tribes was finally reached, violence flared up in the restive region once more as Kurram DC sustained injuries in a firing incident.

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan authorities to present a mini-budget as the country recorded a revenue shortfall of Rs385 billion from July to December 2024, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.As per details, the IMF has recommended introducing a mini-budget to bridge the gap. However, sources report that the Prime Minister has rejected this proposal, instructing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address the shortfall through alternative measures.The FBR has already shared a comprehensive alternative plan with the IMF, aiming to enhance revenue collection without burdening the public with new taxes, the sources said.According to the plan, immediate clearance of containers and shipments stuck at ports will be prioritized to boost tax and duty revenues. Additionally, confiscated smuggled goods will be auctioned promptly under emergency measures to generate further income.Read more: IMF agrees for removal of 18pc GST on aircraft, NA body informedThe sources further say, efforts are also being intensified to improve enforcement capabilities against tax evaders, alongside enhancing tax collection from under-taxed sectors. To expedite the resolution of tax-related disputes, cases pending in courts will be cleared on a priority basis.Sources within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revealed that these measures are expected to be implemented before the IMF delegation’s arrival in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the FBR faces a daunting task of achieving a tax collection target of Rs960 billion in January.The alternative plan, aimed at offsetting the revenue shortfall, is expected to be fully executed by March.

KURRAM: Police said that the dead body of a driver killed in attack on a relief convoy has been found and death toll in the incident has soared to nine."The dead body of driver Tanveer Abbas has been found from Arawali area," police officials said. "The dead bodies of other drivers were also found from the same place few days back," according to police.The authorities have launched a search operation in Bagan and surrounding areas in Lower Kurram region.Earlier, Kurram district administration closed Tal-Para Chinar Road for one week owing to search operation in strife-torn Lower Kurram.A protest sit-in continuing at Mandori, as the central highway has been blocked for last 113 days.Local administration has said that arrangements being made for the internally displaced persons (IDPs).Yesterday, a convoy of 22 trucks carrying relief items including edibles, medicines and other essential commodities have reached Hangu.Earlier, security forces taken control of Bagan Bazaar in Kurram, aiming to restore order in the region.Several bunkers, four each belonging to the Watezai tribe and Tori tribe in Irfani Kalay, have been vacated during the operation.In the light of attacks on convoys and unrest, a search operation has been launched to apprehend the culprits.On January 18, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud said that a major operation will be launched in four locations of the district to eliminate the terrorists.He said the displaced persons being relocated to Tal and Hangu for their safety.Days after a peace agreement between the warring tribes was finally reached, violence flared up in the restive region once more as Kurram DC sustained injuries in a firing incident.