GUJRANWALA: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid a surprise visit to Gujranwala and reviewed works in areas adjacent to GT Road.Initially scheduled to attend a briefing on cleanliness projects, CM Maryam instead opted for a direct inspection of the area's infrastructure and public concerns. While on her way back from Sialkot to Gujranwala, CM Maryam Nawaz had initially planned to attend a briefing on current cleanlines projects at a local hotel.Upon her arrival, all stakeholders were present, and preparations for the briefing were underway. However, she surprisingly announced that the briefing would be replaced with a direct inspection of the infrastructure of the area, conditions, and public concerns.Officials rapidly arranged the visit, and the Chief Minister travelled from GT Road to Gujranwala's main market, where she evaluated the situation.CM Maryam Nawaz applauded the responsible personnel for their praiseworthy efforts and expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness and infrastructure.During her visit, CM Maryam Nawaz met with shopkeepers and citizens, considerately listening to their concerns.One shopkeeper mentioned his delight, stating, "It is a great honour for us to have our leader at our shop."Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz specified the importance of keeping hygiene standards and reviewed the road conditions, traffic management, and encroachments.She advised the relevant authorities to address these issues instantly and efficiently.Read More: CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Directs to Develop Entire Rawalpindi DivisionEarlier, in the direction of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz, a grand operation was carried out for the beautification and uplifting of Murree Road, removal of encroachments and cleaning up of all illegal bus stands, including Pir Wadhai, Faizabad, besides eliminating drug peddlers.On the direction of CM Punjab, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presided over a three-hour-long review meeting being held at the Commissioner Office Rawalpindi.The CM Punjab also directed to ensure the beautification, cleaning and uplifting plan of the entire Murree Road.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and rejected India’s baseless allegations.Ishaq briefed them recent developments in Pakistan-India relations and cautioned against any further escalatory move by India and appreciated the efforts of Iran to diffuse the situation in the region.According to a post made by Ishaq Dar on X, he and his Saudi counterpart decided to continue coordinating and consulting on the current regional developments. In the conversation, Ishaq Dar wished all the success for the Iran-US dialogue to be held in Muscat on Saturday.

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Traders Association announced to support a nationwide strike on Saturday in solidarity with Palestine, ARY News reported.In a statement issued here, All Pakistan Traders Association President Ajmal Baloch said that over 10 million traders across the country will keep their businesses closed in support of the strike.He said that the traders will also stage a protest at Abpara Chowk in Islamabad at 5 pm. The All Pakistan Traders Association President also demanded the resignation of the UN Secretary-General over the Gaza issue.Earlier, the All Pakistan Private Schools Association in Rawalpindi also announced to support a nationwide strike on Saturday to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. In a statement issued here, the All Pakistan Private Schools Association in Rawalpindi said that all private schools in the city will remain closed on Saturday.The strike is aimed at showing solidarity with Palestine, according to the association’s president, Abrar Khan.Meanwhile, the Sindh government has declared May 1 as a public holiday on the eve of World’s Labour Day. All educational institutions and offices across the province will remain closed on May 1, according to the notification.

SUKKUR: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a stern warning to India over its recent rhetoric concerning the Pahalgam incident and the Indus Waters Treaty, ARY News reported.Speaking at a rally in Sukkur, the former Foreign Minister criticised India’s recent actions and rhetoric following the Pahalgam false flag operation.In a fiery address, Bilawal Bhutto condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for levelling baseless allegations against Pakistan to divert attention from his government’s failures.“According to the Indus Waters Treaty, even India accepts that the Indus River is ours,” Bilawal Bhutto said.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bTLkTJTTk8“They cannot simply walk away from the treaty. We are the protectors of this river and will defend it at all costs. Our armed forces are ready to give a befitting response at the borders.”The PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto went on to issue a blunt message to India: “The Indus is ours, and it shall remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or your blood.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDhrEkPZuYsBilawal Bhutto also alleged that India had launched another attack on the Indus and called upon every Pakistani to become an ambassador for the river and reject what he described as India's aggression.“All four provinces of Pakistan stand united against Modi’s tactics,” he declared, adding that the struggle will continue until India reverses its decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.Read More: Hafiz Naeem calls for APC, joint parliament session against Indian aggressionBilawal Bhutto expressed support for the federal government’s position on the issue and said that PPP would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Prime Minister in defending the people’s rights.Commenting on recent developments, Bilawal revealed that PPP and PML-N have reached an agreement that no new canals will be constructed on the Indus without mutual consent.“The federal government has now agreed not to move forward with any such projects without PPP’s approval — a clear victory for our supporters,” Bilawal Bhutto said.He added that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting has been called for 2 May, and any irrigation schemes not agreed upon will be rejected.“We will terminate any plans for new canals on the Indus at the CCI meeting,” Bilawal Bhutto concluded.

MIRPURKHAS: The Mirpurkhas Education Board has postponed intermediate examinations because of road closures in the region, causing delays in examinations. The exams were scheduled to start from April 28, but now they will begin on May 5, according to Controller of Examinations Anwar Aleem Khanzada.Students have been assured by the board that a revised schedule will be issued to adjust the changes.This postponement is the result of the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing road obstructions, which have disturbed transportation and convenience for students and examination staff.In recent times, the Mirpurkhas Education Board has had to face financial and administrative challenges, leading to delays in examinations.According to the reports, the board has faced hardship with funding shortages, upsetting its ability to conduct exams efficiently.Moreover, the board has previously been unsuccessful in conducting supplementary exams, leaving many students doubtful about their academic future.This decision is not just to postpone the exams, but it will lead to delays in examinations, following the delays in results, and admissions to the universities.The Mirpurkhas Education Board previously postponed exams too, with delays occurring due to financial problems and administrative inadequacies.The board continues to face challenges in conducting examinations smoothly, raising concerns among students and educators.Read More: Intermediate exams postponed for three weeksEarlier, the Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education postponed the inter exams that had been scheduled to start on April 22, 2025, due to unavoidable reasons.According to the Chairman of the Balochistan Board, the intermediate exams were postponed for three weeks. Meanwhile, sources revealed that the examinations had been delayed following the teachers’ announcement to boycott the exams. In reaction to the postponement, students criticised the board's decision, stating that it affected admissions into medical colleges in the following year.In a separate development, matric examinations were postponed in North Waziristan due to security concerns.

RIYADH: The Pakistan Mission located in Saudi Arabia is an operational Passport office that is Machine-Readable. It offers Pakistani passport renewal services for both normal and urgent types.Pakistani citizens who reside in Saudi Arabia can get their passports renewed at the Pakistani Consulate General and other regional offices in Jeddah.Documents required for Pakistani Passport RenewalFor all applicants: Valid CNIC, NICOP, Smart CNIC, or Smart NICOP (Original & Copy) Passport (Original & Copy) Iqama/Resident Permit (Copy) For minors (under 18 years): Original Children Registration Certificate, NICOP, or Smart Card issued by NADRA Copies of CNICs of both parents Birth Certificate copy (for newborns) Pakistani Passport Fee in Saudi Riyals – April 2025Following is the revised fee structure for passport renewal in Saudi Arabia: Passport Type Validity Normal Fee (SAR) Urgent Fee (SAR) 36-page 5 years 84 140 36-page 10 years 126 210 72-page 5 years 154 252 72-page 10 years 231 378 100-page 5 years 168 336 100-page 10 years 252 504 Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to get their passports renewed earlier to avoid delays.The Pakistan Mission in Saudi Arabia is accountable for consular services, such as issuing visas and passports, and other diplomatic functions. It guarantees effective processing for all applicants.Read More: Pakistanis to travel visa-free to Hungary with THIS passportEarlier, Pakistan and Hungary agreed to enhance their cooperation across various fields and strengthened collaboration at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.The understanding to this effect was reached at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Islamabad.Later, during a joint news conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that both sides had a common interest in cooperating in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, information technology, and industrial manufacturing, emphasising that there was a vast scope to enhance bilateral cooperation.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan security forces killed six Khwarij during an intelligence based operation in Bannu, ARY News reported on Friday, quoting Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).“On night 23/24 April 2025, Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Bannu District on reported presence of Khwarij,” the military’s media wing said.During the conduct of operation, the ISPR said security forces effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, six khwarij were killed, while four khawrij got injured.“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR added.Earlier on Monday, the ISPR said that security forces killed six khwarij in two intelligence based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.An intelligence based operation was conducted by the security South Waziristan and during the conduct of operation five khwarij were killed.Separately in another intelligence based operation conducted in North Waziristan, Khwarij Zabihullah alias Zakiran, who was involved in targeted killings of armed forces personnel and innocent civilians and was wanted, was killed by the security forces.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that Saudi Arabia’s authorities would be approached and requested to facilitate 67,000 Pakistanis, whose participation in Hajj 2025 seems unlikely due to delays in agreements and payments to the Saudi government.Chairing a meeting on the issue, the prime minister said that every possible effort would be made to resolve the issue and ensure the pilgrims' journey to the holy sites.Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, members of Senate’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, and the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) representatives also attended the meeting.PM Shehbaz expressed his displeasure over the Hajj crisis and directed the authorities to take all possible steps to resolve the issue. He assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with Saudi authorities to obtain permission for the pilgrims under the private quota.The prime minister expressed his distress over the issue, saying it was a matter of shame for them. He directed the authorities to contact Saudi officials to facilitate the pilgrims.The delegation apprised the prime minister of the situation and requested his intervention to send the pilgrims to Hajj 2025.Read More: 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims deprived of performing Hajj 2025On Friday, Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Secretary Dr. Attaur Rehman informed the Senate that the issue of sending around 67,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2025 is no longer in the government’s hands.The secretary also briefed the committee on the new policy introduced by Saudi Arabia, which states that no Hajj group organiser with a quota of less than 2,000 will be allowed. The policy also merged 904 Hajj group organisers into 45 large Hajj companies, Dr. Attaur Rehman said. Earlier in shocking details emerged in the Hajj 2025 scandal in Pakistan, the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) revealed that millions of Saudi Riyals in Hajj funds were transferred to the wrong account which jeopardized the pilgrimage of over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims..The major financial mismanagement was revealed during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, chaired by Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, in Islamabad.A HOAP representative claimed that despite not being officially informed of the October 23 deadline for submitting Hajj payments to the Saudi government, private tour operators sent the required funds five days before the deadline.

KARACHI: On account of International Labour Day, the Sindh government has officially announced a public holiday across the province on May 1st, ARY News reported. As per the notification, all government, semi-government offices, and educational institutions, which include schools, colleges, and universities, will remain closed on Thursday, May 12.Worldwide, on 1st May every year, Labour Day is observed to recognise the rights and what workers contribute.The day honours the Chicago protests, which took place in 1886, where workers asked for a reduction in working hours from 14 to 8 hours.The protests turned into violent clashes and resulted in the deaths of numerous workers. Globally, May 1st has been observed as Labour Day since then.Labour Day in PakistanLabour Day in Pakistan was officially recognised in 1972, when the first Labour Policy was introduced.To highlight the rights and challenges of the workers, the day has been marked with seminars, rallies, and events since then.The federal government has also announced May 1, 2025, as a public holiday, ensuring nationwide observance.Read More: Saturday holiday abolished in FBR officesEarlier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) abolished Saturday holidays in its offices across the country.According to FBR, the decision was part of a ‘broader’ strategy to meet the revenue collection target set for the fiscal year 2024-25. In this regard, a formal directive was issued to all Chief Commissioners, directing them to strictly adhere to official working hours and consider Saturdays as normal working days.The FBR abolished Saturday holidays in all tax offices until June 30, 2025. The FBR urged all its offices to adopt a comprehensive strategy that focused on maximum revenue collection to meet the target.The FBR has set a target to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11.2% for the upcoming fiscal year.

RAWALPINDI: The All Pakistan Private Schools Association in Rawalpindi announced to support a nationwide strike on Saturday to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.In a statement issued here, the All Pakistan Private Schools Association in Rawalpindi said that all private schools in the city will remain closed on Saturday.The strike is aimed at showing solidarity with Palestine, according to the association's president, Abrar Khan.Meanwhile, the Sindh government has declared May 1 as a public holiday on the eve of World’s Labour Day. All educational institutions and offices across the province will remain closed on May 1, according to the notification.

The federal government has relaunched the Prime Minister’s (PM) Youth Laptop Scheme for 2025, aiming to distribute 100,000 laptops to high-achieving students across Pakistan.The initiative forms a key part of the broader Digital Youth Hub programme, intended to bolster digital access and skill development among the country’s youth.Open to students from all academic disciplines, the scheme underscores a merit-based selection process, ensuring fairness and transparency in the distribution of devices.Applications under the PM laptop scheme must be submitted by 20 May 2025.Eligibility criteria for PM Youth Laptop SchemeStudents currently enrolled in public sector universities in Pakistan can apply. Selection is merit-based, with priority given to high-achieving and financially deserving students to ensure fair access to digital resources.Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif announces 1m smartphones, laptops for studentsApplication DetailsStudents can apply via the official Digital Youth Hub platform: Website: www.pmyp.gov.pk Mobile App: Available for Android and iOS Android User: tinyurl.com/3y9czkpj iPhone User: tinyurl.com/4hkykyx6 In August last year, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced one million smartphones, tablets, and laptops to top-performing students across the country.Speaking at an event marking the International Day of Youth, organised by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, PM Shehbaz said that the federal government would reward one million students across the country including those from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and remote areas of Balochistan with smartphones, tablets, and laptop.Additionally, each province has its separate programs to support students, he added. Moreover, the prime minister announced that he will personally fund the education of 1,000 agricultural graduates in China, aiming to equip them with modern technology to boost agri production.Huawei has also committed to sending 200,000 youth for IT training and advanced education, adding that he will unveil a comprehensive development plan for the country on August 14.

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued a warning on Friday, forecasting unstable weather conditions across several regions of Pakistan from May 1 to 7.According to the NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), heavy rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated hailstorms were expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Upper and Central Punjab, northern Balochistan, and southern Sindh.The NDMA had attributed the adverse weather to moisture influx from eastern regions and the Arabian Sea, coupled with rising temperatures and humidity.The authority had cautioned that low-lying areas in the affected regions could face waterlogging, while hilly areas were at risk of landslides.Authorities had advised relevant departments and the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.The NDMA had also urged citizens to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time weather alerts and advisories, particularly before traveling.The disaster management body had assured that it was closely monitoring the situation through NEOC in coordination with provincial and district authorities to ensure a prompt response and public safety.Citizens were reminded to follow official guidelines to minimize risks during the severe weather spell.Read More: PMD issues heatwave warning for April 26-30Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert, forecasting soaring temperatures across the country from April 26-30 due to the arrival of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.The weather system is expected to develop on April 26 and grip most parts of the country by April 27, leading to a significant rise in daytime temperatures.Day temperatures are predicted to remain 5-7 C above normal in the southern regions including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan from April 26 to May 1. Meanwhile, areas in the upper half of the country-central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan-are expected to experience temperatures 4-6 C above normal from April 27 to April 30. 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed on Friday that a PTI delegation recently met with the Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, ARY News reported.During the meeting, Barrister Gohar stated that they presented all of the party's concerns to the IHC chief justice.He also mentioned that PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, provided detailed information about family visits to Adiala Jail, emphasizing that for quite some time no meeting has taken place with Imran Khan.Barrister Gohar further revealed that he had requested the Acting Chief Justice to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and family members.Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar expressed optimism for positive outcomes and mentioned that a family and lawyer meeting with Imran Khan is expected to take place on Tuesday.Read More: US envoy meets PTI Chairman, discusses ‘political situation’Earlier, US Political Counsellor of the American Embassy, Zachary V. Harkenrider, called on Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday, and held detailed discussion on a wide range of issues.The US envoy visited the residence of the PTI chairman, where they discussed the political, economic, and security landscape of Pakistan, according to a PTI spokesperson.Both sides engaged in an open exchange of views on matters of mutual interest and expressed their commitment to maintaining communication in the future.Former PTI Information Secretary, Rauf Hasan, also attended the meeting.

Karachi/Dubai, April 25, 2025 – Today, the UAE Dirham (AED) held steady against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), trading at 76.46 PKR.This slight increase demonstrates the ongoing subtle fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, which are influenced by economic factors in both the UAE and Pakistan.The value of currency is determined by supply and demand in the forex market, influenced by aspects such as trade balances, inflation, and monetary policies. The UAE Dirham, which is pegged to the US dollar at a constant rate of 3.67 AED to 1 USD, benefits from stability due to the UAE's strong economy, supported by oil exports, tourism, and financial services. In contrast, the Pakistani Rupee operates under a managed float and is more susceptible to market fluctuations, with its stability often aided by interventions from the State Bank of Pakistan. Factors such as remittance inflows, export revenues, and foreign direct investment play a crucial role in determining the PKR's value.For the more than 1.2 million Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE, this exchange rate has practical consequences. Many are employed in sectors including construction, hospitality, and retail, and they send remittances back home to support their families. A stronger UAE Dirham increases the value of their earnings when converted to PKR. For instance, a remittance of 1,000 AED now converts to 76,460 PKR, up from 76,400 PKR earlier this week, when the rate was 76.40 PKR, providing a slight uplift to recipients’ purchasing power. However, for expatriates receiving PKR from Pakistan or maintaining rupee-based savings, the cost of converting to AED has seen a slight rise, marginally increasing living expenses in the UAE's costly environment. DOLLAR RATE TODAY IN PAKISTAN- LIVE Since its introduction in 1973, the UAE Dirham has become a symbol of the country's economic strength, bolstered by a diversified economy and its significant role in global trade. The Pakistani Rupee, which has been in use since 1948, faces challenges such as inflation and external debt but supports Pakistan's dynamic, remittance-focused economy. While today’s minor change in the AED-PKR exchange rate is not expected to create significant disturbances, it highlights the interconnectedness of global currencies and their direct effects on expatriate communities.Market analysts predict ongoing minor fluctuations, as remittances continue to be vital for Pakistani families and a significant factor in the performance of the PKR.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert, forecasting soaring temperatures across the country from April 26-30 due to the arrival of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.The weather system is expected to develop on April 26 and grip most parts of the country by April 27, leading to a significant rise in daytime temperatures.Day temperatures are predicted to remain 5-7 C above normal in the southern regions including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan from April 26 to May 1. Meanwhile, areas in the upper half of the country-central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan-are expected to experience temperatures 4-6 C above normal from April 27 to April 30.Relief is expected from May 1, as a new weather system may bring rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms to parts of Kashmir, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan beginning April 30.The general public, especially children, women, and the elderly, are advised to avoid direct sunlight during the day and stay well-hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.Farmers should plan their wheat harvesting activities accordingly and take measures to protect their livestock. Rising temperatures in the northern areas could also accelerate the snowmelt rate, particularly between April 27 and May 1.The citizens are urged to use water wisely across all sectors. Furthermore, strong winds, dust storms, and lightning may pose risks to structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels on April 30 and May 1.The authorities have been advised to stay alert and take all necessary precautions to minimize the risks associated with the heatwave.

LAHORE: Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, on Friday urged the government to convene a joint session of Parliament and an All Parties Conference (APC) in response to India's aggression following the Pahalgam attack.Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem announced a nationwide strike to be observed tomorrow on April 26, to protest against Indian aggression and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people facing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.He stated that the traders of Pakistan would demonstrate their support for both Palestine and Kashmir.Hafiz Naeem termed the Pahalgam attack a "false flag operation" orchestrated by India.Backing the National Security Committee’s response to the situation, Hafiz Naeem emphasized the importance of national unity. He also reiterated his longstanding position that trade with India goes against Pakistan’s interest.Read More: Hafiz Naeem appeals nationwide strike on April 26Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, led a historic Gaza March on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in federal capital, to express solidarity with Palestinians, ARY News reported.While speaking to the crowd, Hafiz Naeem emphasised the dilemma of Gaza’s people and condemned global negligence against Israel’s oppressions.Hafiz Naeem pointed out that Pakistan’s bonding with Palestine is deep-rooted in trust, faith and ideology.Hafiz Naeem condemned the government for being afraid of Israel and obstructing the march with containers. “No container can dare stop us if we announce.” He stated.Hafiz Naeem demanded that Pakistanis send Palestine a strong message of solidarity and called for unity among the nation.During his meeting, he indicated Pakistan’s first Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan’s words, “I cannot sell my soul against dollars”, referring to the government’s lack of response against Israel. Hafiz Naeem described the role of our leaders as “servants”.He urged the Gaza March participants to support and back the nationwide peaceful strike, which is planned for April 26, meant to raise awareness about the crisis in Gaza.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, urging him to take notice of alleged violations of the Constitution and fundamental rights, ARY News reported.As per details, the letter, delivered to the CJP’s chamber by PTI leader Salman Akram Raja, was addressed to both Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and the Acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court, the PTI founder’s sister, Aleema Khan, said that she has been denied access to her brother for the past five months. She stated that the purpose of seeking a meeting with the CJP was to restore the sanctity of the judiciary. “There was a time when even a magistrate could jail someone for contempt of court,” she added.Aleema also called for the digitization of court processes, urging the judiciary to modernize its operations to enhance transparency and efficiency.The development came after the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, along with other family members and lawyers, were prevented from entering Adiala Jail. Click here for latest updates on Imran Khan The family was barred on the designated day for visits with PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi however, authorities stopped them at Gorakhpur checkpoints.Bushra Bibi’s focal person, Mubashir Maqsood Awan, along with her sister-in-law Mehr-un-Nisa and Barrister Rae Salman Kharl, arrived at Adiala Jail to meet her. However, PTI founder’s sisters and cousins were intercepted by police at the Gorkhpur checkpoint.Similarly, PTI lawyers Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas and Usman Gul, as well as PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were stopped at the Dahgal checkpoint.Advocates Sameer Khosa and Tabish Farooq were also barred from proceeding at the Gorkhpur checkpoint.

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) has been convened on May 2 to ratify the decision made on the six canal project, ARY News reported on Friday.As per details, CCI meeting summoned on May 2 will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. Invitations have been dispatched to four chief ministers and three federal ministers, who are members of the CCI.The meeting will ratify the decision made by PPP and PML-N on six canals project on Indus River.It is to be noted that Sindh has been protesting against six canals project and lawyers have blocked Punjab-bound traffic from Sindh at Babarloi Bypass and other spots across Sindh.Read more: Govt halts canals project until inter-provincial consensusOn Thursday, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced to halt the canals on Indus River project until inter-provincial consensus on the issue.The prime minister made these remarks alongside Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari after their meeting in Islamabad.PM Shehbaz said that discussions were held with the PPP delegation on the issue of canals on Indus River and added that further progress on canals will not be made without consensus among the provinces.The premier said CCI meeting would be summoned soon.“Further canal construction will only proceed with mutual agreement on the canal issue,” the prime minister said.“The issue of canals on Indus River will also be resolved through mutual consent,” he added.

The second phase of the Punjab Dhee Rani Program has been launched in the Khushab district, with mass wedding ceremony of 80 couples, ARY News reported.The beneficiary families of the Punjab Dhee Rani Program hail from Sahiwal and Pakpatan.Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gifted each couple a ‘Salami’ (wedding gift) of one lakh rupees. Additionally, every couple is being provided with Rs120,000 via bank transfer for the purchase of furniture.Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal, Sohail Shaukat Butt, stated that the historic Phase 2 of the Dhee Rani Program, initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has now commenced across Punjab. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:– Age and Marital Status: The bride must be between 18-40 years old and unmarried. – Residency: The applicant must be domiciled in Punjab. – Family Background: The program prioritizes destitute, orphan, or disabled individuals, as well as daughters of disabled parents. – Match Confirmation: The bride must have a confirmed match (Rishta).Read more: Punjab Dhee Rani program: Here’s how to apply for marriage financial support Application Process Interested individuals can apply for the program through three convenient methods:1. In-Person Registration: Visit the nearest Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal office. 2. Online Application: Fill out the application form on the official website ((link unavailable)). 3. Helpline: Call 1312 for information and guidance on the application process. Benefits of the Program Successful applicants will receive:– Dowry/Gift: A package worth Rs. 206,000, including essential items. – Venue Arrangements: The government will cover wedding ceremony expenses. – Cash Gift: A Rs. 100,000 gift, transferred to the bride’s bank account via an ATM card from the Bank of Punjab.The Punjab Dhee Rani Program is a major initiative to support underprivileged families in Punjab, promoting dignity and financial stability in marriage celebrations.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the relevant authorities to ensure privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) within the given time frame, ARY News reported.Chairing a meeting to review the ongoing process of privatization of PIA here, the prime minister stressed that transparency must be central to the procedure for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines.The prime minister emphasizing the importance of roadshows and fully engaging investors in the privatization process, directed that in order to ensure transparency, the privatization of PIA and all future state-owned enterprises must be broadcast live on television and digital platforms.The meeting was told that a comprehensive investor outreach strategy had been developed in collaboration with the consultant and was being fully implemented.The prime minister was also informed about the criteria of the bidding, required time period and the conditions to participate in the bidding process.Also read: PIA announces direct flights From Lahore to BakuThe meeting was attended by federal ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Advisors Muhammad Ali, Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, National Coordinator of the Special Investment Facilitation Council Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ahmed, and other senior officials.Earlier, the federal government officially issued an advertisement for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines, opening the process for interested parties to submit bids.This marks the second time the government has released an Expression of Interest (EOI) for PIA under the current administration.According to officials, the government is offering to sell between 51 percent and 100 percent of its shares in the national carrier.Interested buyers must submit their applications by 3rd June, accompanied by a non-refundable fee of Rs 1.4 million.