ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has noted reports regarding Pakistani journalists traveling to Israel.This was expressed by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan while responding to the reports regarding Pakistani journalists traveling to Israel.He clarified that Pakistani passports explicitly state they are not valid for travel to Israel, therefore, no such visit is possible under existing regulations.that Pakistan's position on Israel remains unchanged, emphasizing that Pakistan does not recognize Israel.He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.Pakistan reiterated its unwavering commitment to a just and peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Palestinian people, the Foreign Office added.The secret visit of a delegation of Pakistani journalists and influencers to Israel has triggered an uproar in Pakistan.Read More: Palestinian behind Oscar-winning documentary arrested by Israeli armyMeanwhile, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” was attacked by settlers and arrested by the Israeli army on Monday in the occupied West Bank, according to his co-director Yuval Abraham.In a post on X, Abraham said a “group of settlers” had set upon Ballal.“They beat him and he has injuries in his head and stomach, bleeding. Soldiers invaded the ambulance he called, and took him. No sign of him since,” Abraham wrote.The incident took place in the southern West Bank village of Susiya, according to the anti-occupation NGO Center for Jewish Nonviolence, whose members said they filmed the events first-hand.The army said it was verifying the information when questioned by AFP.Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.

KARACHI: In an important update, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has issued a clarification regarding the ban on flying to UK, ARY News reported.According to a spokesperson of PIA, the UK Department for Transport has not made any decision on reviving UK flights from Pakistan. The spokesperson added that the UK Department has neither issued a statement nor sent any formal communication.The spokesperson further emphasized that all relevant Pakistani aviation authorities are in continuous contact with the UK Department, working in a coordinated manner, and urged the need to refrain from spreading rumors.PIA authorities expressed strong hopes of resuming UK flights, citing their achievement of all targets set by the DFT audit.However, there are conflicting reports. Some media outlets claim that PIA will remain banned from flying to and from the UK, as the UK Department for Transport confirmed PIA's inclusion on the air safety list.This list bans all air carriers certified by Pakistani authorities from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK.The UK government website reads, “All air carriers certified by the authorities with responsibility for regulatory oversight of Pakistan are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the United Kingdom. Carriers include but are not limited to the following: Airblue Limited, AirSial, Pakistan International Airlines, SereneAir Private Ltd., Vision Air International (Private) Ltd.Read More: Federal govt approves PIA privatizationThis update comes just days after reports suggested that the Department for Transport (DFT) of the United Kingdom is likely to complete an audit of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), that will pave way for revival of the UK flights from Pakistan.Noteably, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on PIA in November 2024, paving the way for the airline's potential return to UK skies.

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly's parliamentary committee has decided to award grace marks to first-year intermediate students in Karachi who failed their annual exams, ARY News reports on Tuesday.This decision follows a report from a fact-finding committee, led by Dr. Sarosh Lodi, which raised concerns regarding the procedures and administrative structure of the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK).The Sindh Assembly’s parliamentary committee held a meeting regarding Karachi Inter students’ exam probe.After the committee's meeting, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah stated that the fact-finding committee, headed by Dr. Sarosh Lodi, had submitted an investigation report on the first-year exam results of BIEK. The report questioned several aspects of the board's procedures and administration.In light of the findings, Sardar Shah announced that grace marks would be granted to students who had failed their exams.He emphasized that there was clear evidence of injustice toward these students, pointing out that their matriculation marks were good but had significantly decreased in their first-year results.Sindh Education Minister said that students will receive 15% grace marks in Physics and Mathematics, while 20% grace marks will be given in Chemistry.This move aims to address the injustice done to students who performed well in their matric exams but saw a significant drop in their first-year intermediate results.Read More: Committee finalises report on Karachi inter-board exams issueThe minister assured that the board's structure and exam format would be revised, and action would be taken against those responsible for the students' failure. 

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited has announced the completion of the Reko Diq feasibility study, confirming investment of $627 million in the project, ARY News reported quoting OGDCL.According to spokesperson, the company holds an 8.33% stake in the $5.6 billion Reko Diq mining project, which is expected to yield 13.1 million tonnes of copper and 17.9 million ounces of gold over its 37-year lifespan.The project, a joint venture between OGDCL, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL), Barrick Gold Corporation, and the Balochistan government, is expected to commence production in 2028.The first phase of the project will process 45 million tonnes of ore per annum, with plans to increase capacity to 90 million tonnes per annum by 2034.The OGDCL board of directors has approved financing arrangements for the project, with shareholder equity contributions estimated at $349 million.The project's completion is expected to significantly boost Pakistan's copper and gold production, with the Reko Diq project anticipated to contribute to the country's mineral output for the next 37 years.Read more: Barrick Gold CEO speaks up on prospects of Reko Diq project“Reko Diq is one of the bigger copper-gold undeveloped projects in the world,” said Mark Bristow, chief executive of Barrick, which aims to start mining in 2028 subject to an ongoing feasibility study. “It’s a very big deal. Any copper mine right now is a big deal.”In December 2023, Pakistan and Barrick Gold Corporation signed $8 billion landmark agreement on Reko Diq project.Reko Diq is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold mines. The project is being restarted after remaining on hold since 2011.A delegation of Barrick Gold during meeting a with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif provided an update on the project and stated that the feasibility study will be finished by the end of 2024.

The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) remains one of the world’s strongest currencies, trading at an exchange rate of 909.21 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) today. This rate reflects the ongoing economic dynamics between Kuwait, a small but oil-rich nation, and Pakistan, a country with a significantly larger but more volatile economy. The Kuwaiti Dinar, introduced in 1961 as the official currency of Kuwait, is renowned for its high value, underpinned by the country’s substantial oil reserves and stable economic policies. Pegged to a basket of currencies rather than a single one like the US Dollar, the KWD maintains its strength through Kuwait’s robust foreign exchange reserves and prudent fiscal management. Today, it continues to command a premium in global markets, making it a symbol of economic resilience. The exchange rate of 909.21 Pakistani Rupee per KWD highlights the stark contrast between the two currencies. Currency valuation is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including supply and demand in the foreign exchange market, interest rates, inflation, and economic stability. For the KWD-to-PKR rate, the valuation is largely driven by Kuwait’s oil exports, which bolster its currency, and Pakistan’s economic challenges, such as inflation and trade deficits, which weaken the PKR. Central banks, like the Central Bank of Kuwait and the State Bank of Pakistan, also play a role by adjusting monetary policies to stabilize their respective currencies. In the open market, rates fluctuate hourly based on real-time trading, while interbank rates may differ slightly due to institutional agreements. Today’s rate of 909.21 PKR indicates a stable performance for the Kuwaiti Dinar against the PKR, offering a favorable exchange for Pakistanis working in Kuwait who remit earnings back home. As of early Tuesday, this rate underscores the KWD’s enduring strength and its significant purchasing power in Pakistan’s economy.CURRENCY RATES TODAY IN PAKISTAN

Government employees in Sindh are set to enjoy extended Eidul Fitr 2025 holidays as the provincial government has announced April 4 as a public holiday, ARY News reported.According to a notification issued on Tuesday, the Sindh government has declared Eidul Fitr holidays from March 31 to April 2, in alignment with the federal government’s decision. Additionally, April 4 will be observed as a public holiday to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.With weekends falling on March 29-30 and April 5-6, government offices will remain closed for a total of eight days.Read more: Sindh announces Eidul Fitr 2025 holidaysEidul Fitr 2025 is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the Shawwal crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of Sunday, March 30, provided weather conditions remain clear.Khalid Ijaz Mufti, Secretary General of the council, stated that the new moon will be born on Saturday, March 29, at 3:58 PM Pakistan time. By sunset on Sunday, the moon’s age will exceed 26 hours, making it visible to the naked eye.Mufti explained that the moon must be at least 18 hours old at sunset to be sighted, a requirement that will be easily met. The time difference between sunset and moonset, essential for visibility, will also exceed the minimum threshold of 40 minutes across different cities.

The federal government has decided to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), approving the sale of 51% to 100% of its shares, ARY News reported on Tuesday.The decision was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, here today.According to Ishaq Dar, the privatization of PIA will reduce the financial burden on the national treasury. He emphasized that the government aims to unlock the full potential of the airline.Following privatization, administrative control of PIA will also be transferred.The deputy prime minister stated that the decision has been taken in the national interest to ensure the airline's long-term sustainability.Read more: Transaction structure for PIA privatization approvedOn March 19, the Privatization Commission Board has approved the transaction structure for the second attempt to privatize Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited.This decision was made during a meeting of the Privatization Commission Board, chaired by Muhammad Ali, the adviser to the prime minister on privatization.The plan involves divesting 51% to 100% of PIACL’s share capital, along with management control.The Ministry of Privatization in a statement said that “The board recommended to CCOP (Competition Commission of Pakistan) the transaction structure proposed for the 2nd attempt of PIACL privatization based on divestment of 51 percent to 100 percent share capital of PIACL together with the management control of PIACL”.According to sources the Arif Habib Group, Taba Group, and YB Holdings are taking key interest in the privatization process of PIA.Key meetings have reportedly taken place in Islamabad among representatives of these groups to discuss the potential acquisition of PIA.

The UAE Dirham (AED) displays stability in global markets, currently valued at 76.31 Pakistani Rupees (PKR).This stability showcases the UAE’s robust economy and its growing global financial footprint. 1 AED= 76.31 Pakistani Rupee The UAE, known for its diverse economy, trade ties, and pro-investor policies, remains a key Middle Eastern economic anchor. The Dirham’s strong position against the PKR reflects the success of sectors like oil, tourism, real estate, and finance. Its innovative leadership reinforces its global economic prominence.AED TO PKR- Currency Valuation DynamicsForeign exchange markets, driven by supply and demand, dictate exchange rates. Factors influencing the AED’s value include:Economic Strength: A strong economy, like the UAE’s, attracts investment, boosting currency demand.Interest Rates: High UAE rates attract capital, strengthening the Dirham.Trade Surplus: Consistent surpluses from exports like oil support the Dirham.Political Stability: Stable politics increase investor confidence, aiding currency strength.Global Trends: Oil prices and geopolitics affect currency values.Pakistan’s exchange rate is shaped by its economy, including inflation, reserves, and deficits. The 76.31 PKR per AED rate reflects the UAE’s economic advantage. Remittance and Trade EffectsThe UAE’s large Pakistani diaspora benefits from the strong Dirham, receiving more PKR per AED sent. This also aids bilateral trade, allowing Pakistani importers to buy UAE goods at better prices.UAE’s Economic StrategyThe UAE’s economic success is deliberate. Led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it prioritizes innovation, diversification, and sustainability. Initiatives like Expo 2020, its Green Economy Strategy, and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 position it as a global hub.The UAE Dirham’s continued strength versus the Pakistani Rupee and other currencies reaffirms the UAE’s economic resilience and policies. For Pakistanis and global investors, the UAE remains a stable and promising global player. Currency Rates in Pakistan Today

The Qatari Riyal (QAR) to Pakistani Rupee (PKR) exchange rate has seen a little rise with the rate going up to 77.01 PKR per QAR, a crucial development for Pakistani expatriates in Qatar. This rate significantly impacts remittances, which are vital for supporting families and contributing to Pakistan’s economy. 1 Qatari Riyal= 77.01 Pakistani Rupee The exchange rate system is determined by the foreign exchange market, where supply and demand dictate currency values. Various factors, including economic stability and geopolitical developments, influence currency fluctuations. The QAR is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at 3.64 QAR per USD, making its value relatively stable. However, its exchange rate with the PKR depends on the PKR’s performance against the USD.When the PKR weakens against the USD, the QAR to PKR rate increases, allowing Pakistani expats in Qatar to send more Rupees home. This benefits their families in Pakistan but also reflects broader economic challenges.For over 200,000 Pakistani expats in Qatar, the current exchange rate brings relief. However, it also underscores the need for economic reforms in Pakistan to ensure sustainable growth and stability.Pakistan relies heavily on remittances, which are a critical source of foreign exchange. The current Qatari Riyal to PKR rate highlights the importance of the Pakistani expat community in Qatar. As the exchange rate fluctuates, experts advise expats to stay informed and use formal channels for remittances. CURRENCY RATES TODAY IN PAKISTAN

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a drought alert for Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab as the country's rainfall dropped by up to 62 percent, ARY News reported.Despite recent rain spells that alleviated drought conditions in central and northern parts of the country, drought conditions are expected to persist in Sindh, southern Balochistan, and the lower eastern plains of Punjab.The PMD stated that the average temperature in the lower half of the country was 2-3 degrees Celsius more than normal during the current month. Some areas in the southern region experienced consecutive dry days exceeding 200, intensifying the drought further.Affected AreasSindh: Moderate drought conditions are expected in Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi, while mild drought conditions are predicted for Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Sanghar.Balochistan: Moderate drought conditions are anticipated in Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur, and Awaran, with mild conditions expected in Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki, and Washuk.Punjab: The southern areas of Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan are likely to be the most affected.The PMD's National Drought Monitoring & Early Warning Centre (NDMC) is closely monitoring the situation. Flash droughts, which develop rapidly due to changes in temperature, precipitation, wind, and radiation, are also expected in the coming months due to the rainfall deficit and rising temperatures.It is important to note here that the overall rainfall from September 1, 2024, to March 21, 2025, was 40% below normal. The rainfall deficits across the country are as follows: Sindh (-62%), Balochistan (-52%), Punjab (-38%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (-35%), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (-29%), and Gilgit-Baltistan (-2%).

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday approached an Anti-Terrorism Court to seek custody of Armaghan, a suspect arrested in the Mustafa Amir murder case, in connection with a money laundering investigation, ARY News reportedThe FIA has requested the court to grant custody of Armaghan to investigate his alleged involvement in money laundering. The trial court; however refused to grant his custody to FIA, maintaining that the authority to grant remand lies with the administrative judge.Armaghan was previously booked for his alleged involvement in forgery and fraud. A case was registered against him at the FIA's Anti-Money Laundering Circle, which alleged that Arman was involved in suspicious transactions, including hawala and cryptocurrency dealings.According to the FIA, Armaghan was involved in a massive forgery scheme, earning between $300,000 to $400,000 per month . He allegedly used cryptocurrency to launder the money and even purchased several luxury cars with the illicit funds.Investigations have revealed that Armaghan operated a call center that targeted American citizens, scamming them out of their money, the FIR read. The suspect had also opened bank accounts in the names of his employees to facilitate the fraud.Read More: Mustafa Amir Case: FIA traces Armaghan’s merchant and cryptocurrency accountsAccording to FIR, Armaghan’s team consisted of 25 individuals, each of whom would scam at least five people per day. The suspect had also established a company in the United States with his father’s help to facilitate the hawala/hundi business.The authorities have recovered three luxury cars worth millions of rupees from Armaghan’s possession, and it is reported that he had sold five more cars. The brutal murder of Mustafa Amir, who was kidnapped and allegedly killed by his friends in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6, has sent shockwaves across the city. The police investigation has revealed that the perpetrators stuffed Amir's body in the trunk of his car and set it ablaze in the Hub area of Balochistan.The case has garnered widespread attention, with recent developments shedding light on the prime suspect, Armaghan. Investigators have uncovered a web of suspicious activities, including his business dealings, digital currency accounts, and other transactions, which are now under scrutiny.

CHINIOT: A large-scale fraud involving stamp papers has been uncovered in Punjab's Chiniot, ARY News reported on Friday, citing sources.https://youtu.be/K764OwG-FDIAs per details, millions of rupees have been embezzled through 'forged court fees' by showing 'fake stamp papers'.According to judicial sources, court fees submitted in local courts were allegedly found to be counterfeit. Stamp papers of Rs1,500, 1,200, 500, and 200 were allegedly tampered with and converted into stamps valued at Rs15,000.The alleged scam was exposed in multiple courts, with 36 counterfeit court fees discovered in the court of Civil Judge First Class Umar Farooq.Similarly, 22 'fake' submissions were found in the court of Chaudhry Fayaz, 19 in Shazia Kausar’s court, and 16 in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Javed Iqbal.Read more: E-Stamp paper system launched in KPSession Judge Zafar Iqbal’s court had 13 fraudulent fee submissions, while 13 were also detected in Muhammad Mazhar’s court and 8 in Waqar Ahmed’s court. Further investigations revealed 2 counterfeit fees in the court of Nadeem Anjum and 12 in the court of Umair Ali.The fraud was exposed through an online verification system, which led to the detection of the forged court fees.Following this revelation, District and Sessions Judge Shazia Rahman ordered the registration of cases in multiple police stations. Several cases, where fake court fees had been submitted over the past three years, have now been withdrawn.

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has announced plans to refund excess payments made by electricity consumers, likely to reduce electricity costs by 30 paisas per unit, ARY News reported.As per details, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) filed a petition for monthly fuel price adjustments for February.According to the CPPA, a total of 6.495 billion units of electricity were generated in February, while 6.666 billion units were supplied to power companies.The cost of electricity per unit was Rs 8.22, with a reference cost of Rs 8.52 per unit for February.In February, 27.12% of electricity was generated from water, 15.02% from local coal, 1.56% from imported coal, 10.32% from gas, 14.11% from imported LNG, and 26.59% from nuclear fuel.The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to hear the CPPA's petition tomorrow.Also read: NEPRA reduces electricity tariffs by Rs3 per unit under FCAEarlier, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reduced the power tariff by up to Rs3 per unit on account of Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA).According to notifications, a reduction of Rs2.12 per unit was announced for consumers of government-owned DISCOs. Additionally, a price reduction of Rs3 per unit was approved for K-Electric consumers.The benefit of reduction in electricity prices was passed on to customers in their March 2025 bills.The refunds were approved for Discos’ consumers for January 2025 and KE’s users in December 2024.Fuel Charge Adjustments incurred by utilities due to global variations in fuel prices used to generate electricity and changes in generation mix. These costs are passed through to the consumers following NEPRA’s scrutiny and approval.

[video width="720" height="576" mp4="https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Neagleria-Brain-Eatingspecies-in-Karachi.mp4"][/video]  A concerning report has highlighted that the primary cause of Naegleria cases in Karachi is the supply of underground water through illegal water tankers. Tests conducted on water samples from 50 union councils in the city revealed that 95% of them were contaminated with the deadly Naegleria parasite. Experts have attributed the alarming spread of Naegleria to the unauthorized extraction and sale of underground water, which is supplied through unregistered water tankers. More than half of Karachi’s population relies on tanker-supplied water for their daily needs. While the Karachi Water Board has only 400 registered tankers, over 7,000 tankers operate daily, supplying water across the city without proper regulation. Read more: Naegleria claims two more lives in Karachi What is Naegleria? Naegleria infection is caused by a 'brain eating amoeba' which is commonly found in fresh water lakes, rivers or hot springs. You can also become infected by it whilst swimming in pools and engaging in other fresh water sports. This amoeba usually travels through the nose and enters the brain where is causes severe damage. The symptoms start to show within 24 hours of contact and the amoeba can take your life within 7 days.Symptoms: Symptoms of Naegleria include high fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. At the final clinical stage, the virus can lead to coma.Precautionary measures: Chlorination is the key method to kill the germ and keep the life-taking disease at bay.Another way is to use boiled water while cleaning nose as the germ enters through the nasal cavity of its victim and attacks the brain.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Council has approved recommendations regarding fee regulations for private medical and dental colleges, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources.The recommendations have been forwarded to a special committee for review, while the final announcement will be made by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who is chairman of the special committee for medical education.According to the proposals shared by the sources, the minimum annual fee for private medical colleges is recommended at Rs1.8 million, while the maximum has been proposed at Rs2.5 million.Sources further revealed that, an earlier proposal suggesting annual fees between Rs1.2 to 1.5 million was rejected by private medical college representatives. Currently, private medical colleges are charging between Rs2.5 to 3.5 million annually, sources confirmed.Read more: PMDC ‘bans’ fee collection by medical collegesAn annual fee increase of 5% has been suggested. 35% of beds in private medical college-affiliated teaching hospitals will be allocated for social welfare patients.Private medical colleges will be obligated to offer five scholarships annually, the proposals suggest.A flexible installment plan for underprivileged students has also been recommended.The sources said that representatives of private medical and dental colleges have agreed to these recommendations.In 2012, the PMDC capped annual fees for private medical colleges at Rs500,000 with a five per cent annual increase, but this regulation was disregarded by many institutions.It may be noted that in July last year, the PMDC approached the health ministry seeking its legal opinion to bring uniformity to the fee structure. However, even after almost six months, the issue of exorbitant fees could not be addressed.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Police have solved a brazen cash van robbery case within eight hours, arresting the mastermind cash van driver and recovering Rs. 34.9 million.Armed robbers plundered over 30 million rupees from a cash van of the Bank of Punjab in Hashtnagri area of Peshawar on Monday.Reacting to the incident, the police responded promptly and the prime accused Fazal Wahab, the friver.According to SSP Operations, Masood Bangash, the driver, Fazal Wahab, had orchestrated the entire heist, cleverly concealing the money within the vehicle.The police had used CCTV footage and geofencing to nab culprits.The cash van, carrying large sums of money to various districts, was intercepted by the culprits, who made off with the loot. However, the police sprang into action, using advanced technology and forensic analysis to track down the culprits.Read More: Robbers snatch Rs 30 million from bank’s cash van in Peshawar"We have arrested the mastermind driver, Fazal Wahab, and recovered Rs. 3.49 crore," said SSP Operations, Masood Bangash. "The investigation revealed that the driver had previously been deemed untrustworthy and had been fired from his job at another location.The police have praised the swift action taken by the team, ensuring justice is served

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report on financial services in Pakistan, highlighting that millions of people in the country still lack access to banking facilities.According to the report, over 1 billion people in developing countries, including Pakistan, remain unbanked. In Pakistan, only 21% of adults have a bank or mobile money account.The ADB report states that many people rely on informal networks for financial transactions, and that women’s access to banking services is half that of men.However, digital finance presents a significant opportunity to bridge this gap. The ADB report also notes that Pakistan has seen rapid growth in financial services over the past 15 years.Between 2019 and 2024, the number of accounts in financial institutions increased by 127%, with 91 million adults in Pakistan now holding individual accounts, the ADB reported.Read more: Pakistan signs $200mn loan agreement with ADBIn December, last year, the Economic Affairs Division of Pakistan signed a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a financial assistance package of US$200 million.According to a spokesperson for the Economic Affairs Division, the funds will be utilised for the energy sector, aimed at improving infrastructure and services.The agreement to benefit several entities, including LESCO, MEPCO, and SEPCO, enhancing their capabilities in delivering energy services.The signing ceremony was officiated by Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz from the Ministry, while the ADB was represented by Deputy Country Director Asad Aleem.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to expand its E-Fine system to all relevant departments to digitise government affairs and promote e-governance in the province ARY News reported.The E-Fine system, initially launched in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, and Swat, has shown promising results. In Peshawar, 4,201 out of 4,219 challans have been paid under the E-Fine system, while in Dera Ismail Khan and Swat, 36 and 875 challans have been paid, respectively. In Abbottabad, 282 out of 289 challans have been paid online.The provincial government has directed all relevant departments to take necessary steps to implement the E-Fine system and ensure digital revenue collection.This digital system has generated over Rs30 million in revenue, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing transparency, accountability, and departmental performance.Read More: New car registration policy comes into effectOne of the key benefits of the E-Fine System is the convenience it offers citizens, who no longer need to visit government offices to pay fines and fees, saving them time and resources. Building on this success, the government plans to expand the system to all departments that impose fines, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for citizens.To achieve this goal, the government will establish an integrated coordination mechanism among relevant departments and develop a timeline-based implementation plan. This will enable the E-Fine System to be rolled out across the province quickly and efficiently, further enhancing the government's digital governance initiatives

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir’s mother has passed away. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and others expressed their condolences.President Asif Ali Zardari in a statement expressed his deep grief over the demise of the mother of the army chief. The president, in a statement, extended condolence and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.“We share the grief of General Syed Asim Munir over his mother’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the president said. He prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.PM Shehbaz Sharif also extended his heartfelt condolence over the passing General Asim Munir’s mother and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.The ARY family also expressed their condolences to General Asim Munir, praying for the deceased's soul and for the family's strength during this difficult time.Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed their condolences to the Chief of Army Staff and prayed for the forgiveness and higher ranks of the deceased.The heads and leaders of political parties have also expressed their condolences to the army chief on the death of his mother.

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to take strict action against government employees involved in anti-state propaganda and activities, ARY News reported.Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired a high-level meeting with administrative officers, which was also attended by the IG Balochistan and the Chief Secretary. The meeting focused on the law and order situation in the province.CM Sarfraz Bugti instructed all commissioners and district officers to take immediate action against government employees involved in anti-state narratives, propaganda, and activities.He added that anti-state elements would be included in the Fourth Schedule for close monitoring of their actions.The meeting also emphasized the importance of hoisting the national flag and reciting the national anthem in all educational institutions across the province to strengthen national unity.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIIQXYG2eSEChief Minister Bugti stated that heads of educational institutions failing to enforce these directives should resign.He also warned against extortion at any security checkposts, stating that any SHO or Levies officer found responsible for such activities would be terminated upon verified complaints.Furthermore, he mentioned that Baloch youth are being misguided into engaging in a futile conflict, and the government is taking steps to prevent this.Read More: President ensures sustainable peace, development in BalochistanEarlier, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the government’s resolve to defeat terrorist elements at all costs and ensure sustainable peace and development in Balochistan.Chairing a meeting on the law and order situation in Balochistan, the president underscored the threat posed by the terrorists who wanted to divide the nation.The meeting was attended by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Acting Governor Balochistan Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, IG Police Moazzam Jah Ansari and other high officials.