Karachi: Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs, Senator Faisal Vawda, assured the customs agents that he would address their concerns, ARY News reported on SaturdayAfter Senator Vawda's assurance, the Customs Agents Association announced to call off their planned strike. During the press conference, representatives from the Pakistan Customs Agents Association (PCAA) expressed their concerns about the suspension of licenses and the introduction of a new point-based performance system.Speaking to the media at the Customs Agents' office, Senator Faisal Vawda said that the maritime sector can pay off the entire country's debt.The involvement of Senator Faisal Vawda offered a flash of hope for a possible resolution in the coming days.Senator said that he was grateful to the customs agents who ended the strike at his request.He also said that customs agents pay 400 billion rupees in customs duty monthly, and their strike could cause damage to the country and the economy.Senator Vawda also said that customs agents have been called for a meeting on Wednesday, their issue will be resolved, and a list of corrupt officers has been sought from the customs agents.READ MORE: Petroleum dealers threaten strike against deregulation of petroleum pricesEarlier, the Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, Abdul Sami Khan warned a nationwide strike of petrol pumps due to the deregulation of petroleum prices.Abdul Sami Khan explained that the deregulation would result in smuggled products being sold. He warned a nationwide strike of petrol pumps against the decision.
KARACHI: In a shocking turn of events, renowned actor Sajid Hasan's son, Sahir Hasan, has been arrested in connection with the Mustafa Amir murder case in Karachi, ARY News reported.The investigation team conducted raids in various areas of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), targeting drug peddlers and addicts.During these operations, police apprehended at least four youths, including Sahir Hasan, and seized drugs from their possession.Sahir Hasan, during the investigation, made startling revelations about the drug wave among the youth in the upscale DHA area.He confessed to selling drugs for two years to several individuals, including Armaghan, the prime suspect in the Mustafa Amir murder case.CIA Police claimed to have recovered drugs, including foreign brands, worth Rs 5 million from Sahir Hasan's possession.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc7znwTU98cMeanwhile, the trial court extended physical remand of two accused in Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case.The court today granted five days extension of physical remand of two accused Armaghan Qureshi and Sheeraz.Read More: Mustafa Amir murder: Court extends physical remand of accusedPrime accused Armaghan fall to floor of the anti-terrorism court during hearing of Mustafa Amir murder case. The accused told he was beaten when the court asked him.“Why you have required further remand,” the court asked the investigation officer. “We have found 62 laptops and USBs, which required to be decoded and forensic tests,” the IO told the court.The court rejected meeting requests of accused Armaghan’s mother Saira and co-accused Sheeraz’s sister.On the court orders, Sindh health department’s medical team exhumed body of Mustafa Amir for DNA samples on Friday.Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed has said that 11 samples of the body have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Lab. “It is difficult to determine the cause of death,” Dr. Syed said. “In absence of fingerprints, we only have the DNA option,” police surgeon further said.
Oman, with a population of 5 million residents has emerged as a prime destination for students. Its top-tier universities offer high-quality education and varied cultural experiences, all taught in English.To attract more international students and travellers, the Middle Eastern nation has reintroduced its E-Visa program for 2025. This revamped program promises a faster, more efficient, and accessible visa application process, benefiting students and tourists alike.Oman E-Visa ProgramPakistani Students who want to go to Oman for college admissions or short-term visits can now apply for their visas online through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) E-Visa portal. The updated platform allows applicants to submit their applications, make payments, and receive approvals without the need to visit consulates or endure long queues.The newly launched unsponsored tourist visa is particularly advantageous for Pakistani students. Eligible individuals can directly apply for a visa to explore Oman or attend educational events, offering a convenient solution for those planning short visits during breaks or post-graduation.READ MORE: Germany Schengen visa; Minimum bank statement for Feb 2025Eligibility CriteriaThe Oman E-Visa program now extends to citizens of over 100 countries, as part of Muscat's strategy to attract more visitors, and students.Work Visa and Immigration Changes Aspect Details Work Visa Changes Restrictions on student work visas, particularly in construction and hospitality. Omanization Policy Focus on hiring Omani nationals, thereby creating more opportunities for international students. Health Insurance From 2025, expatriates, including students, must have employer-provided health insurance. These updates mean Pakistani students now have increased opportunities to study, visit, and work in Oman.Apply OnlineInterested applicants can check their eligibility and submit their E-Visa applications online at evisa.rop.gov.om.READ MORE: Germany Schengen visa; Minimum bank statement for Feb 2025 Earlier, the updated fee to get a Portugal Visit Visa was updated for the travelers.The general processing fee for a Portugal Schengen visa is 90 euros. As of February 20, 2025, with an exchange rate of Rs290.75 per euro, the visa fee in Pakistani rupees amounts to Rs26,167. The visa application is considered admissible once the current fee is paid.
Karachi: The petroleum dealers have warned the government against deregulation of petroleum prices, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to details, Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, held a press conference. He stated that efforts to deregulate petroleum prices had been ongoing for the past three years.The Chairman mentioned that he received threats but would not back down.He emphasised that the decision of the deregulation of petroleum prices was made without consulting them.Abdul Sami Khan explained that the deregulation would result in the sale of smuggled products. He warned a nationwide strike of petrol pumps against the decision.Abdul Sami Khan revealed that deregulation would lead to an increase in smuggling. He strongly opposed this move and demanded a review of the decision.Previously, petroleum dealers had written a letter to the Federal Minister of Petroleum, Musadiq Malik.Khan also demanded a meeting with the Minister of Petroleum to discuss the matter with the PPDA delegation.READ MORE: Sugar price jacked up by Rs 23.42 in 12 weeksEarlier, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported a significant increase in sugar prices over the past 12 weeks.The report highlights a prominent rise in sugar prices across various cities in Pakistan, with the highest prices observed in Islamabad and Peshawar.The data indicates that sugar is most expensive in Islamabad and Peshawar, while it is slightly more affordable in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur compared to other major cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi.
KARACHI: Shiraz, the co-accused in the Mustafa Amir murder case, has come forward with disturbing details about the prime suspect Armaghan, ARY News reported.According to Shiraz, Armaghan was driven by a fit of rage after a dispute with a girl, which ultimately led to the brutal murder of Mustafa Amir.Shiraz revealed that Mustafa Amir was subjected to hours of torture, bound with ropes, and eventually set on fire in his car. He claimed that Armaghan's anger was fueled by his luxurious lifestyle.The co-accused also disclosed that he and Armaghan had been friends since childhood and had even studied together. However, their friendship had ended some time ago, only to be rekindled when Armaghan visited Shiraz's home.Shiraz admitted to being influenced by Armaghan's lavish lifestyle and had even attended several parties with him. He also revealed that Armaghan had a strained relationship with his parents.Armaghan was not Mustafa Amir's friend however he used to provide drugs to the former.In latest development, a trial court extended physical remand of two accused in Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case.The court today granted five days extension of physical remand of two accused Armaghan Qureshi and Sheeraz.Prime accused Armaghan fall to floor of the anti-terrorism court during hearing of Mustafa Amir murder case. The accused told he was beaten when the court asked him.“Why you have required further remand,” the court asked the investigation officer. “We have found 62 laptops and USBs, which required to be decoded and forensic tests,” the IO told the court.The court rejected meeting requests of accused Armaghan’s mother Saira and co-accused Sheeraz’s sister.DNA Samples On the court orders, Sindh health department’s medical team exhumed body of Mustafa Amir for DNA samples on Friday.Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed has said that 11 samples of the body have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Lab. “It is difficult to determine the cause of death,” Dr. Syed said. “In absence of fingerprints, we only have the DNA option,” police surgeon further said.Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6. According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan. Confessional statement On Thursday, police claimed that the suspect, Armaghan, has confessed to the murder of Mustafa Amir during interrogation.According to police authorities, Armaghan’s statement was recorded on video.In his confessional statement to police, Armaghan revealed that he drove Mustafa Amir’s car from Khayaban-e-Mohafiz to Dareji.He later set the vehicle on fire while Mustafa was still alive and semi-conscious. The suspect admitted to assaulting his friend, firing three warning shots with a rifle that did not hit him.Armaghan also disclosed that on February 8, he saw the police entering his bungalow late. He claimed that had he spotted them earlier, a prolonged exchange of fire could have taken place, the police said.It's worth mentioning here that Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6. According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.The exhumation of Mustafa Amir’s body for samples was conducted under the supervision of medical team formed under leadership of Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, comprising Dr. Shri Chand and Medico-Legal Officer Dr. Kamran Khan at Mawach Goth graveyard.The team collected 11 samples from body, which would be sent to a forensic laboratory of Karachi University for DNA report. The report will get ready in three to four days, the board added.Till then, the body will remain in the morgue of Edhi Foundation. Click here for latest developments in Mustafa Amir murder case
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has released data on sugar prices, stating an increase over the past 12 weeks, ARY News reported quoting PBS. According to PBS, sugar prices have surged by Rs 23.42 per kilogram during the past 12 weeks.The data shows that sugar prices have risen from Rs 131.85 per kilogram to Rs 155.27 per kilogram. In some cities, prices have reached as high as Rs 165 per kilogram.Consumers in Islamabad and Peshawar are paying the highest price for sugar, with rates standing at Rs 165 per kilogram. In Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi, sugar is available at Rs 160 per kilogram.The PBS data also revealed that sugar prices vary across different cities, with Quetta, Sialkot, and Khuzdar recording prices of Rs 160, Rs 158, and Rs 158 per kilogram, respectively.In other cities, including Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur, sugar prices stand at Rs 155 per kilogram.Read More: Govt ‘fails’ to convince millers to lower sugar pricesThe development came after, the federal government decided to provide sugar at Rs130 per kg during Ramadan.Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain directed Chief Secretaries of all provinces to establish sugar stalls at the municipal council level and ensure uninterrupted supply of the commodity at Rs130 during the holy month of Ramadan.Earlier, a report said that the government has reportedly failed in convincing millers to lower sugar prices ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.As per details, the Pakistan government is trying to lower the sugar prices, but millers are not interested, the sources said.Currently, the sugar is being sold at Rs155 per kg, but the government wants to lower the prices of the commodity to Rs120 per kg. However, the sugar millers are of the view that the per kg cost of the commodity is Rs170.They further say, the sugar millers demanded that the government should abolish 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on sugar as this is the only way to lower the prices by Rs25 per kg.
KHAIRPUR: An eight-year girl killed, and her two minor brothers were injured when a speedy van hit them near Ranipur in Khairpur district on Saturday, ARY News reported.Rescue department officials said that the van struck three school children near Aliabad Wassan village at the highway. "Eight years' old girl identified as Aalia Solangi died in the incident on the spot while her seven year and 10 years' brother were injured in the mishap".Police has arrested the van driver and taken the van in its custody.The police, however, yet to register the case of the fatal accident.Last Saturday, a bus carrying Sehwan shrine devotees from Punjab was upturned at Gadeji near Ranipur, leaving 11 passengers dead and 14 other injured.The ill-fated bus was carrying devotees of Lal Shehbaz Qalandar’s shrine to Sehwan when it was upturned in Gadeji in Khairpur district resulting in death of 10 passengers on the spot.Deputy Commissioner Khairpur said that 36 bus passengers including women and children were injured in the deadly road accident. “The accident took place due to overspeed,” DC said.
KARACHI: Trial court extended physical remand of two accused in Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case, ARY News reported on Saturday.The court today granted five days extension of physical remand of two accused Armaghan Qureshi and Sheeraz.Prime accused Armaghan fall to floor of the anti-terrorism court during hearing of Mustafa Amir murder case. The accused told he was beaten when the court asked him."Why you have required further remand," the court asked the investigation officer. "We have found 62 laptops and USBs, which required to be decoded and forensic tests," the IO told the court.The court rejected meeting requests of accused Armaghan's mother Saira and co-accused Sheeraz's sister.On the court orders, Sindh health department’s medical team exhumed body of Mustafa Amir for DNA samples on Friday.Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed has said that 11 samples of the body have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Lab. "It is difficult to determine the cause of death," Dr. Syed said. "In absence of fingerprints, we only have the DNA option," police surgeon further said.Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6. According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.On Thursday, police claimed that suspect Armaghan, has confessed to the murder of Mustafa Amir during interrogation.According to police, Armaghan’s statement has been recorded on video.In confessional statement, Armaghan revealed that he drove Mustafa Amir’s car from Khayaban-e-Mohafiz to Dareji.He later set the vehicle on fire while Mustafa was still alive and semi-conscious.
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to terminate employees hired during the caretaker government’s tenure, ARY News reported.As per details, a letter has been issued to Chief Secretary and other department heads, urging the termination of government employees hired between January 22, 2023, and February 29, 2024.The notification stated that the termination process should be completed with in thirty days.Earlier, a bill, titled the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Employees Bill 2025, was drafted to facilitate the dismissals, which will affect employees hired between January 22, 2023, and February 29, 2024.The proposed bill exempted employees hired through the commission, including those recruited under the children and minority quotas. A seven-member committee, headed by the Secretary Establishment, will be formed to oversee the process and address any obstacles that may arise during the terminations.Also read: KP abolishes quota-based job appointments following SC ordersThe committee’s decisions will be final, and all departments will be required to submit reports on the recruitments within 30 days. The bill aims to declare the caretaker government’s recruitments illegal and pave the way for the termination of affected employees.This development comes after an inquiry exposed 566 illegal posts created during the caretaker government’s tenure, resulting in an annual loss of PKR 480 million to the public exchequer.Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued a stern warning to government employees for skipping official office hours. Negligence may result in salary deductions, transfers, or disciplinary actions.In response to public complaints, a notification was sent to all provincial offices and departments, instructing employees to strictly follow office timings from 9 AM to 5 PM.The directive emphasizes that negligence in fulfilling official responsibilities will not be tolerated, and strict actions will be taken against violators.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported the third polio case of 2025 as confirmed by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication.The new polio case was reported from Sindh’s District Larkana and was verified by the lab. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district reported the year’s first case, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication.There were 74 polio cases recorded in 2024, the previous year. Of them, one each came from Punjab and Islamabad, while 27 came from Balochistan, 22 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 23 from Sindh.According to authorities, the first nationwide polio campaign of 2025 was successfully concluded, with 99% of the targets achieved across the country.The campaign was conducted from February 3 to 9, 2025. During this campaign, more than 45 million children were administered the polio vaccine.Read More: Parents held for refusing polio vaccination in QuettaIn every campaign, the program ensures that children under five years receive polio drops, to protect them from the crippling effects of the polio virus.It is important to note here that Quetta administration arrested five individuals who refused to allow their children to be vaccinated against polio.Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamooun, accompanied by a polio team, visited various areas of Sariab and 15 children of reluctant parents were administered the polio vaccine after persuasion, according to district administration.Despite repeated warnings, five parents who continued to refuse vaccination were taken into custody.
PESHAWAR: At least 48 miscreants in Kurram tribal district has been arrested and further actions would continue to ensure lasting peace in the region.This was told during a meeting attended by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed in Kohat district where they chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall security situation in Kurram.The meeting assessed the latest law and order developments, recent incidents, and the measures taken to address them, said an official communique issued here.It was decided during the meeting that operations against terrorist elements involved in recent incidents would be further intensified.The protection of citizens’ lives and property, along with efforts to improve their quality of life, will remain a top priority, and peace will be restored in all circumstances.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies are implementing a comprehensive strategy to eliminate miscreants effectively. Additionally, the crackdown on those providing support and facilitation to such elements is being tightened.The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reiterated that there was no room for miscreants or their facilitators, and all individuals involved would be held accountable under the law.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court Bar has moved the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the judges' seniority list, ARY News reported on Saturday.President IHC Bar Riasat Ali Azad has filed the petition under Article 184(3). "The President is not enjoying unlimited powers to transfer judges' under Article 200 clause (i)," according to the petition.Petitioner has also argued that the judges could not be transferred from one high court to other without public interest.Earlier, five judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) have also challenged the seniority list of judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.A 49-page petition, filed under Article 184(3), stated that the President’s powers to transfer judges are not absolute and should be conditional upon the Judicial Commission’s approval.The petition, filed through lawyers Munir A. Malik and Barrister Salahuddin, named the federal government, transferred judges, and high courts as respondents. It also seeks a stay order against the transferred judges, including Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, who recently took oath as the acting chief justice of the IHC.The petitioners, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Rafaqat Imtiaz, and Justice Saman Rafat, have raised 13 pleas before the court. They contended that judges cannot be transferred from one high court to another without public interest.This move comes after IHC judges wrote a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi, expressing concerns over the appointment of the chief justice of the IHC. They had requested that the chief justice be appointed from among the three senior judges of the court itself.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering imposing a carbon levy in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, the proposal will be discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation during their upcoming visit.The IMF team, scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on February 28, will hold technical talks with federal and provincial authorities from February 24 to 28. The discussions will focus on green budgeting, climate spending, and the imposition of a carbon levy.Additionally, the IMF delegation will provide proposals for expanding green budgeting in the upcoming budget. Pakistan is expected to secure a concessional loan program worth $1-1.5 billion, subject to negotiations with the IMF.Earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirmed that a delegation will visit Pakistan in mid-March to review the country’s $7 billion loan program.According to IMF representative, Mair Benitez, the delegation will hold discussions with Pakistani authorities on the first review under the loan program.Also read: Pakistan restructures FBR on IMF demandIn addition to reviewing the loan program, the IMF delegation will also discuss Pakistan’s request for climate financing. Furthermore, a technical team from the IMF will visit Pakistan at the end of February to discuss technical aspects of climate financing.The technical team will assess potential arrangements for climate financing and engage in discussions on related technical matters.Pakistan made a formal request in October last year for around $1 billion in funding from the IMF under the trust, to address the nation’s vulnerability to climate change.The country’s economy is on a long path to recovery after being stabilized under a $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility it secured late last year.The Global Climate Risk Index places Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.Floods in 2022, which scientists said were aggravated by global warming, affected at least 33 million people and killed more than 1,700. The country’s economic struggles and high debt burden impinged its ability to respond to the disaster.
KARACHI: The DNA samples of Mustafa Amir's body sent to the forensic lab for tests as murder accused Armaghan and Sheeraz will be produced in court on Saturday (today).Meanwhile, the SHO of Dureji police station has been suspended over negligence. It is to be mentioned here that the dead body of Mustafa Amir was found in Dureji police jurisdiction.SSP Aneel Haider has said that two different identity cards have been recovered from Armaghan, the key accused in the murder case. "An identity card has been fake and being tampered," police official said.Following the court orders, Sindh health department’s medical team exhumed body of Mustafa Amir for DNA samples on Friday.Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed has said that 11 samples of the body have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Lab. "It is difficult to determine the cause of death," Dr. Syed said. "In absence of fingerprints, we only have the DNA option," police surgeon further said.She said that the burnt bodies generally used to be incomplete, "All parts of the body were not available," official said. "Some samples have been taken for chemical analysis, while some extra samples of the have also been taken," the doctor said."Generally, one or two samples used to be sufficient", police surgeon added.SSP AVCC has said that the investigation will move ahead after the DNA report.Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6. According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.The exhumation of Mustafa Amir’s body for samples was conducted under the supervision of medical team formed under leadership of Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed, comprising Dr. Shri Chand and Medico-Legal Officer Dr. Kamran Khan at Muwachh Goth graveyard.Confessional statementOn Thursday, police claimed that suspect Armaghan, has confessed to the murder of Mustafa Amir during interrogation.According to police, Armaghan’s statement has been recorded on video.In his confessional statement, Armaghan revealed that he drove Mustafa Amir’s car from Khayaban-e-Mohafiz to Dareji.He later set the vehicle on fire while Mustafa was still alive and semi-conscious. The suspect admitted to assaulting his friend, firing three shots with a rifle that did not hit him.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wherein they engaged in comprehensive discussions to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral fraternal ties.In the meeting held in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the two sides explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections, a Foreign Office press release said Saturday.The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity.Senator Ishaq Dar congratulated the UAE leadership on the successful organization of the World Governments Summit 2025, in Dubai from February 11-13, 2025, and commended the UAE’s visionary initiatives in fostering global dialogue and cooperation.He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the UAE and highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a bridge between the two nations.Senator Dar also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic development and progress.In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan.He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development.The two leaders agreed to maintain a regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern.The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both dignitaries expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and stable region.
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) took to the streets, holding demonstrations against the rising number of fatalities caused by heavy traffic in Karachi, ARY News reported.Protest sit-ins were held at 15 spots in the city including Liaquatabad, Hub River Road, University Road, Orangi town, Korangi road, Ahsanabad, Quaidabad, Sher Shah Suri Highway, Rashid Minhas Road, Kala Pul, Garden, Hydari bus Stop, Power House Chowrangi and North Karachi.The protests aimed to pressure the Sindh government into taking immediate action against the deaths by heavy traffic.Addressing to protest at Liaquatabad, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief Monem Zafar said 110 residents of Karachi have been killed and 1,500 others injured in traffic accidents during the first 50 days of 2025 while 775 citizens lost their lives due to accidents involving dumpers and tankers.Monem Zafar rejected Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s stance that the killings are merely an administrative matter, emphasizing that the government’s incompetence is the reason behind the deaths in accidents.He also highlighted the rampant street crimes and armed robberies in the city, which claimed the lives of 70,000 citizens last year.Read More: Karachi traffic accidents claim 107 lives this year“Street crimes and armed robberies are rampant in the city, as last year more than 70 thousand citizens were killed in street crimes. Children are dying falling into the open manholes”, Monem added.The JI chief demanded that heavy traffic should be diverted to the northern bypass, rather than allowing it to pass through the city.Meanwhile, according to a report, Karachi has witnessed a disturbing surge in traffic accidents, with a total of 107 lives lost in just the first 45 days of 2025, the rescue service said. The victims include 78 men, 14 women, 11 children and 4 girls.According to a report by the Chhipa Welfare Association, in addition to the fatalities, at least 1493 citizens were injured in these accidents. The injured include 6290 men, 193 women, 42 children and 18 girls.The traffic police said that most accidents involved heavy vehicles, including dumpers, trailers, and oil tankers.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif presided over an inter-ministerial meeting on a three-year plan for professional training for youth and employability.Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz said the capable manpower of Pakistan is a real asset, adding that it is a priority of his government to equip the youth with professional training according to the demand at the international level, he added.He directed an increase in the institutions for training of nurses.He said training of nurses according to international level should be ensured, adding while providing professional training to youth in different fields, the demand in local industries and international market should be kept in view.He assured that National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) would be given all required funding for the professional training of youth.PM Shehbaz said NAVTTC should blacklist the training institutions which had bad performance and encourage those showing good results, he added.Meanwhile, the NAVTTC, ministries of information technology, overseas Pakistanis and health presented their programmes for the professional training of youth.The meeting was informed that during the current year, NAVTTC had provided training to 60,000 youth and by June 2025, it would impart training to 141,000 more youth. While in 2026, 250,000 and in 2027, 337,000 youth would be trained in different fields.It was also told that under NAVTTC, more than 29000 persons were trained and subsequently they got jobs in Saudi Arabia while a target is set to provide professional training to 40,000 youth in 2025, 100,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027 for acquiring jobs in Saudi Arabia.Similarly, according to the target, by December 2025, 50,000 trained Pakistanis would get jobs in other countries while 100,000 would be employed abroad in 2026 and 200,000 in 2027.It was briefed that the accreditation of Pakistani training institutes under NAVTTC, with international institutions is continuing rapidly.Read More: PM Shehbaz urges prioritising youth education, skill developmentBy June 2025, according to the target, accreditation from 72 institutions would be acquired.The meeting was apprised about the progress regarding the survey for demand of skills in the industries and professional training, application of modern curriculum, accreditation of local institutions and licensing of trainers.More than 2500 students of madaris were given training in different programmes while professional training would be ensured to 3,000 students of seminaries by June 2025, 20,000 in 2026, and 30,000 in 2027 in different fields.These training programmes were also made available in the four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.The ministry of information technology informed it was taking steps to meet the target of training more than 92,000 youth in the latest IT courses and training of 2.1 million freelancers in the next three years.The meeting was also given detailed briefing about the establishment of National ICT Skills ecosystem which would help youth in getting jobs in the local industry and abroad.Detailed briefing was also given about the training programmes in the nursing field, demand for nursing and the employability of Pakistani nurses abroad.A roadmap for reforms in the nursing field was also laid down. Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and high level officers attended the meeting.
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Education Department has banned educational field trips and picnics for government school students, ARY News reported on Friday.Through a notification issued here, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed all government schools in the province not to take students on educational field trips, tours, or picnics.As per the notification circulated to all DEOs and the merged districts, government school authorities are not allowed to take students to educational field trips, tours or picnics.All District Education Officers have been instructed to strictly enforce the ban.Read more: Sale of Junk food banned near schoolsEarlier in Peshawar, keeping student’s health concerns in consideration, the Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar enforced Section 144, prohibiting the sale of junk food within a 150-meter radius of schools.The enforcement of those regulations was a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of students and residents. The district administration’s actions reflected their promise to address public concerns and maintain command in the region.It was also stated that Legal action would be taken against vendors selling substandard chips and other junk food items under Section 144, the notification read. “This order will remain in effect for 30 days.”
NEW DELHI: Pakistan has issued visas to Indian pilgrims for the Katas Raj visit.High Commission for Pakistan, New Delhi has issued 154 visas to a group of pilgrims for their visit to the sacred Shree Katas Raj Temples in the Chakwal district.The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 February to 02 March 2025.Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d’ Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually rewarding and fulfilling journey.The Charge d’ Affaires reaffirmed that the government of Pakistan will continue to facilitate such visits as per its policy to promote interfaith harmony and mutual understanding.Under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, each year thousands of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan to attend various religious festivals.Pakistan regularly issued visas to Indian pilgrims for holy visits but the Indian government's attitude towards Pakistani pilgrims is always unwelcoming as last month New Delhi denied visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims for Urs at Ajmer Sharif.Read More: India denies visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims for Urs at Ajmer SharifThe Indian authorities issued visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Sharif, significantly below the allotted quota of 500.According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Muhammad Umar Butt, this year, India has restricted the number of visas issued, denying travel to 400 potential pilgrims.Earlier, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for their visit to Pakistan to participate in the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Stguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi, Sindh from January 5th to 15th.On the occasion, Charge d’ Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a rewarding and fulfilling journey.
ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday met the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to provide input on the reform agenda.The Chief Justice invited the Opposition leadership in the Parliament, as part of his endeavors to take wider stakeholders consultation on the reform agenda, said a press release issued by Supreme Court.The PTI leadership met the Chief Justice at his residence and the meeting lasted for two hours. The Chief Justice welcomed the PTI delegation and apprised them of the planned meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC).CJ informed that he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and requested him to provide the government’s input on the reforms agenda. He said the Prime Minister was very positive and assured full support to the policy formulation and implementation process.The Chief Justice also informed that the Law and Justice Commission has received input from the different Bars of the country, feedback of the citizens as well as the District Judiciary, while input of the registrars of the High Courts and provincial judicial academies is expected soon.CJ Yahya Afridi said the prime minister was concerned with the Tax cases pending at various judicial forums, stating he assured the prime minister that quick disposal of Tax cases and reduction of overall pendency in the Supreme Court is his high priority.The Chief Justice suggested that the judicial reform should become a minimum common national agenda and the same should have a bipartisan support.Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, highlighted various issues faced by the incarcerated PTI leader, Imran Khan, other leaders and workers of the party.Read More: PM Shehbaz meets CJP Yayha AfridiHe complained that cases of the opposition leadership are fixed at different locations at the same time deliberately so that appearance before courts become impossible, lawyers defending cases of the party leadership and the workers are being harassed, jail authorities are not complying with the orders of the courts, terrorism cases are registered against PTI lawyers and their right to assembly and expression is being suppressed.Omar Ayub further added that economic stability of the country hinges upon rule of law and economic recovery is only possible if the judiciary asserts itself and the executive is made accountable.Other participants also added similar views and voiced their concerns for the deteriorating condition of law and order.They however recognized the fact that the judiciary needs reformation and relief to the people is possible if the District judiciary proactively deals with its pendency.Ali Zafar requested that they need time to respond to the policy proposals shared by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.They have provided valuable suggestions for improving the criminal justice system and civil dispensation. Additionally, they have indicated that further recommendations will be shared in due course.Leader of the opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khosa, Dr. Babar Awan also attended the meeting.The Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan Muhammad Salim Khan and Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, Tanzeela Sabahat assisted the Chief Justice.
