KARACHI: Imad Wasim’s all-round performance powered Islamabad United to clinch Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after five-long years by defeating favourites Multan Sultans in the ninth edition final at National Bank Stadium here on Monday.Set to chase 160 for their third PSL title, Islamabad United had a flying start to the pursuit as their new opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill scored 20 off the first two overs.But the duo failed to continue the flying start as Munro fell victim to Khushdil Shah on the first delivery of the fourth over. He made 17 off 13 with the help of four boundaries.The United then lost two more wickets in quick succession as Salman Ali Agha (10) and Shadab Khan (4) perished after scoring cheaply.But Guptill remained firm and kept the scoreboard ticking in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Azam Khan before a mix-up drew curtains on his tremendous knock.He remained the top-scorer for the United with a 32-ball 50, peppered with four boundaries and three sixes.Azam then partnered with Imad Wasim for a brief 19-run partnership, which lasted in the 16th over, courtesy of a brilliant DRS by Mohammad Rizwan off Usama Mir.He smashed four boundaries and a six on his way to a 22-ball 30.The United then sustained another massive blow to their pursuit as in-form Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf walked back in consecutive overs, bringing the equation down to 129/7.The two-time champions then needed 31 off 17 deliveries with Imad and Naseem Shah at the crease.The duo batted sensibly and brought the United in touching distance before Mohammad Ali dismissed Naseem Shah with a bumper on the penultimate delivery.Islamabad United needed one run off the final delivery with Hunain Shah on the strike. The No.10 batter sensibly guided the ball towards the third-man region to steer his team over the line.For the Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah bagged two wickets each while Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali and David Willey struck out a batter apiece.Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans managed to register a subpar total on the board in the PSL 9 final despite Usman Khan's anchoring half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed's late onslaught.The Sultans got off to a dismal start to their innings as their young opener Yasir Khan (6) fell victim to Imad Wasim in the second over.Promoted to bat at No.3, vice-captain David Willey (6) had a brief stay at the crease as he too, fell victim to Imad after hitting the latter for a six.Following the slump, Usman Khan then joined his skipper Mohammad Rizwan in the middle and the duo launched recovery.The pair added 53 runs for the third wicket before Rizwan fell victim to his United counterpart Shadab Khan in the 10th over after scoring a run-a-ball 26.Usman then took reigns of the Sultans' batting expedition and put together brief partnerships with Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah before perishing in the 16th over.He remained the top-scorer for the Sultans with a gutsy 57 off 40 deliveries, laced up with seven boundaries and a six.His dismissal sparked a lower middle-order collapse, triggered by Imad Wasim's sensational last over, who returned with tremendous bowling figures of 5/22 in his four overs.Consequently, the Sultans had been reduced to 127/9 in 17 overs before Iftikhar Ahmed launched a counterattack.The right-handed batter smashed three boundaries and as many sixes on his way to a blistering 32-run cameo which came off just 20 deliveries.Besides Imad, skipper Shadab chipped in for the United with the ball, picking up three wickets for 32 runs in his quota of four overs.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat on Monday claimed that he had submitted evidence against Maryam Nawaz to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as he accused the latter of orchestrating an assassination plot against him, ARY News reported.Marwat had asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader had hired 'contract killers' to assassinate him. According to Marwat, the alleged contract to assassinate him was not just a verbal threat but involved tangible financial transactions.The PTI leader suggested that the chief minister's involvement came to light through intercepted telephone conversations, which he intended to share with relevant investigation authorities.Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Off The Record’, Sher Afzal Marwat clarified that the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) had not summoned him regarding his press conference against Punjab Chief Minister, but for a tweet against her.Read More: Sher Afzal Marwat levels ‘serious allegations’ against CM Maryam NawazThe PTI leader alleged that Maryam Nawaz authorised $100,000 to payment for the sinister plan, and the transaction had taken place in Dubai. “Evidence in this regard has been submitted to FIA today,” he added.Responding to a question, Marwat said that PTI founder Imran Khan expressed his disappointment when Mahmood Khan and Asad Umar left the party. However, Imran Khan was happy when Ali Zaidi and Imran Ismail quitted, he claimed.He opined that no member, who left the PTI, should be taken back. “Parvez Khattak once told him that he will return to PTI in 20 days after fixing some issues. When this message was conveyed to Imran Khan, he denied,” he alleged.Marwat also claimed that PTI founder wasn’t happy with former president Arif Alvi as “he did not fulfill the responsibility he should have”.
Punjab finance minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Monday presented the provincial budget for fiscal year 2023-24 worth Rs4480 Billion was tabled during the Punjab Assembly session in Lahore.While presenting three three-month budget for the year 2023-24 in Punjab Assembly, he said that in last 21 days, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz had started 28 big projects.He said this three-month budget was aimed at progress and prosperity of people of the province.He said that ‘Ramazan Nigheban package’ was being implemented successfully with a cost of Rs 30 billion.He said the Punjab government had made price control system fully active and prices and supply of essential items were also being monitored.The Punjab Finance Minister said that zero tolerance policy had been adopted to overcome hoarding, adulteration and illegal profiteering.Demand and supply of agricultural and essential items were also being improved, Mujtaba Shuja, added.He said that funds had been allocated for 28 big projects, adding that these projects included setting up of Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore at a cost of Rs 10 billion, IT Infrastructure Investment Programme, Punjab IT Graduates Internship Programme, Global IT Certification Programme, Punjab Chief Minister Helpline, Provincial Database Authority, Free Wi-Fi in Punjab, Punjab Dastak Programme, Overhauling of Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Centres, Health Sector Development Programme, Ambulance Service on Motorways, Air Ambulance, Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Hospital in Lahore, Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha, Punjab Education Programme, Free Laptops for Students, CM Internship Programme, CM ‘Hunarmandi Programme’, Punjab Agriculture Transformation Programme, Model Agriculture Malls, Aquaculture Shrimp Farming Programme, Construction and Maintenance of 82 roads, Punjab Road Infrastructure Programme, ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme’, Smog Free Punjab, Electric Buses and Electric Bikes and etc.He said that total volume of three months budget for the year 2023-24 is Rs 4480.7 billion. The total income was estimated at 3331 billion 70 crore rupees. As many as 2706 billion 40 crore rupees would be obtained for Punjab from the distributable income of the federation under the NFC award.While the provincial revenue had been estimated at 625.30 billion rupees with an increase of 25 percent from last year in which 240 billion rupees were expected to be collected from the Punjab Revenue Authority with a 26 percent increase, 99.20 billion rupees from the Board of Revenue with a 4 percent increase and 45.50 billion rupees from the Excise Department with a 5 percent increase, he added.He said that the non-tax revenue had been estimated at 231.80 billion rupees with an increase of 42 percent. In the current financial year, 513.73 billion rupees for salaries, 392.10 billion rupees for pensions and 627.70 billion rupees had been allocated for local governments.The development budget for the financial year 2023-24 was estimated at 655 billion rupees, while the amount allocated for projects / programs / grants supported by foreign aid was 113.2 billion rupees. 36 percent of the development budget consisted of social sector, 39 percent infrastructure, 8 percent production sector and 4 percent services sector, he added.Similarly, he said, 13 percent of the development budget had been allocated for various programs and public welfare special initiatives. He said social security measures were estimated at 20 billion rupees, the rate of increase in salaries and pensions of provincial employees was 35 percent in the basic pay scale for grades 1 to 16.Whereas, according to the basic pay scale of grades 17 to 22, the salaries had been increased by 30 percent and the pension had been increased by 17 percent, he added.He said that a provincial database authority would be established with Rs 50 crore to have accurate data for various sectors.A total of Rs 473.62 billion had been earmarked for the health sector. The provincial government would start four programs for complete overhauling of rural health centers and primary health centers with 40 billion rupees so that no citizen was deprived of the right to health, he said and added that Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research would be constructed in Lahore with 30 billion rupees for which an initial amount of Rs 50 crore had been kept in the development budget of the last three months of the current financial year.He said that 45 billion rupees had been set aside for the public-friendly and poor-promoting health insurance program in the current financial year. New day care centers for working women would be established across Punjab with one billion rupees.The minister said that an amount of 1.40 billion rupees had been allocated in the development budget for the welfare of minorities. He said that a total of 79.12 billion rupees had been allocated for the development of the agriculture sector.A total amount of 25.75 billion rupees had been allocated in the transport sector for travel facilities, he said and added that a journalist endowment fund of one billion rupees would be established so that media works could be provided with the best medical treatment as well as support for the families of martyred or deceased media works. Along with this, he said, a big program of construction and repair of 82 roads and highways was being started with 320 billion rupees, through which 2659 km long roads would be repaired. He further said that Rs 5 billion would be spent on the project of “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program, Rs. 2 billion will be spent on selected buses and Rs. 1 billion on the project of electric bikes for smog-free Punjab.Under Suthra Punjab, a program of 2 billion rupees for solid waste management, 5 billion rupees for repairing streets and sewers, and a project of CM Plant for Pakistan would be started with 1 billion rupees. He said that the Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore would be started with 10 billion rupees, the Global IT Certification Program with 1 billion rupees and the Punjab Dastak program with 25 crore rupees. By which people would be able to benefit from 43 government services sitting at home.Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the Punjab government had allocated 236.37 billion rupees for important social sectors such as education, health, water supply and sanitation, women’s development, sports and youth affairs, population welfare and social security which was 36 percent of the current financial year’s development budget.He said that a total of 595.8 billion rupees had been set aside for the education sector in the current financial year. Out of which 537.40 billion rupees had been kept under non-developmental budget which was 26 percent of the total non-development budget of the current financial year.He said that 57.68 billion rupees had been allocated for the development budget of the education sector, which was 9 percent of the total development budget.Out of the overall development budget allocated for the education sector, 44.41 billion rupees had been earmarked for school education, 9.36 billion rupees for higher education, 2.99 billion rupees for the literacy and non-formal education department, and 92 crore rupees for special education, he added.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali said that the party stood by its decision to ally with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), ARY News reported.In a statement issued here, Barrister Gohar Ali said that some of the party leaders had a 'difference' of opinion in allying with the SIC, adding that the majority approved the decision.The PTI chairman termed the decision a 'right' one. He said that 'unlike' Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the PTI takes decision in consultation with the party's members."The PTI's core committee holds many meetings to make a final decision," Barrister Gohar Ali added.Responding to Sher Afzal Marwat's statement in which he termed alliance with the SIC a mistake, the PTI chairman said that it was Marwat's opinion.He said that the PTI would fully participate in parliamentary politics and would neither boycott any elections nor resign from the assemblies.Read More: Sher Afzal Marwat Calls PTI-SIC merger ‘a Mistake’Earlier on March 15, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat called his party’s merger with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) ‘a mistake’ while demanding an investigation into the party’s ‘wrong decisions’.Speaking to a private news channel, Afzal Marwat said that his party’s alliance with Sunni-Ittehad Council (SIC) was ‘a mistake’ and is now paying the price in the form of losing its reserved seats.PTI sealed its alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in a bid to claim its share of reserved seats in the national, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.
KARACHI: Multan Sultans scored 114 runs for the loss of four wickets after 15 overs against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 Final here at National Bank Stadium on Monday.Batting first after winning the Toss, Multan Sultans managed to put 111-4 runs on the scoreboard after 15 overs thanks to Usman Khan's unbeaten fiftyUsman Khan* (57 off 39) and Khushdil Shah (9 off 11) are at the crease. Yasir Khan (6), David Willey (6), Captain Muhammad Rizwan (26) and Johnson Charles (4) are the batters to be dismissed so far.For Islamabad United Imad Wasim took three wickets, giving away 20 runs in his three overs. Shadab Khan also picked up a wicket for 22 runs in his three oversAlex Hales has been benched and Colin Munro is back in the side while Multan Sultans are unchanged.Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Obed McCoy.Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali, Abbas Afridi.HEAD TO HEADMatches 15, Islamabad United 7, Multan Sultans 8
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday okayed interest-free electric bikes for students on instalments.While chairing a meeting in Lahore, the provincial administration chalked out plan to provide over 20,000 electric and petrol motorbikes for citizens on interest-free loan.CM Maryam along with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif hold meeting about up-gradation of transport facilities for students across the province.Read More: CM Maryam Nawaz announces metro bus project in these Punjab citiesTop PML-N leaders also decided to introduce relief measures for students including launch of hybrid bus services. E-bikes scheme The PML-N government has decided to provide 19,000 petrol and 1000 e-bikes to the students, without charging interest on monthly installments.The two-wheelers will be distributed among students through partnership with Bank of Punjab BOP. The installment for petrol bikes will be Rs5000, and for e-bikes, the monthly payment will be Rs10000.The government planned to conduct a draw in May this year, and bikes will be delivered starting in the same month.The quota will be 50/50 percent reserved for male and female students, in urban areas. In rural areas, 70pc of the quota will be reserved for male students and 30 percent for female students.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the decision in principle to start the metro bus project in three cities of Punjab.She gave this approval while chairing a meeting in Lahore today. PML-N supremo Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was also present in the meeting.The meeting reviewed the transport sector projects in Lahore. The Chief Minister also sought the plan for an underground train project in Lahore.On this occasion, Nawaz Sharif directed to increase the number of bikes for students. He said that the monthly instalment of the bike should be kept to a minimum for the students.The meeting was briefed about a project involving 20,000 electric and petrol bikes and a 657-bus service project in five cities.The meeting was informed that the delivery of bikes will start in the same month after the draw in May.
KARACHI: The ban imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operations is expected to be lifted soon, ARY News reported citing Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA) sources.According to the details, the Director General of Civil Aviation chaired a 43rd E-Kachehri on Monday, in which it was hoped that a positive update regarding the lifting of the ban may emerge by May.The E-Kachehri was informed that a comprehensive policy on drones will be finalised soon. A policy document on drone policy is being prepared which will be available on the PCAA website when finalised. Accountability in air accidents has specific procedures and requirements that must be followed.The Additional Director General in Kachhari emphasised making passengers aware of their rights and said that it is not enough for airlines to cancel a flight based on a 'technical' issue.Documentation would be done for the airlines concerned about flight cancellation or delay and then reporting the cancellation. The E-Kachehri was informed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is responsible for assigning an adequate number of personnel to immigration counters.The issue of insufficient personnel at counters has been raised several times and further action would also be taken.Instructions were also issued to allocate spaces for special persons at the Quetta International Airport parking lot and install clear signs.
LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday handed over three accused, involved in harassment of a woman wearing a dress with Arabic calligraphy print in Ichhra Bazar here, to the police on a 3-day physical remand, ARY News reported.The police produced the accused, Muhammad Nadeem, Adil Sarwar, and Al Tamash Saqlain, before ATC Judge Arshad Javed and sought their physical remand for investigations.The investigating officer submitted that the accused had gathered a mob and not only harassed but also attempted to kill a woman for wearing an Arabic print dress after accusing her of disrespecting religion.He further submitted that the police timely intervened and rescued the woman.Subsequently, the court handed over the accused to the police on a 3-day physical remand and directed for their production on expiry of the remand term.It is pertinent to mention here that the incident took place a few weeks ago, and Ichhra police had lodged an FIR against dozens of identified and unidentified suspects, including those who raised religious slogans threatening the life of the woman.Read More: FIR registered over harassment of woman in Lahore’s Ichhra BazarA charged mob gathered outside a shop in Lahore’s Ichhra Bazar after someone alleged that a woman’s shirt had Quranic verses printed on it. The woman, who was accompanied by her husband, sought refuge in a nearby shop.As per eyewitnesses, most of the people in the mob were either customers, visitors or passersby. The garment traders – who gave shelter to the woman – were aware of the calligraphy print being available in the market. But despite the traders’ explanation, the angry mob insisted on a “blasphemy” charge.The woman’s dress had the word “Halwa” printed in Arabic letters on it, meaning “beautiful or sweet” in Arabic.Upon receiving information about the incident, the Punjab Police — led by ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi — arrived at the scene and took the woman into their custody, saving her from the charged crowd.A video clip showed the girl hiding in a shop and shivering with fear. In a video shared by the Punjab police on X, the ASP could be seen rescuing the woman from the bazaar while a mob hurled abuses in the background.
ISLAMABAD: In a step towards taking measures to provide a healthy environment to the citizens, Capital Development Authority (CDA), has decided to construct bicycle lanes along the highways in different sectors and areas of Islamabad, ARY News reported.According to the details, under the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Bicycle Lab Project (BLP), 374 km long cycling track would be constructed in different areas and sectors of Islamabad in a period of 18 months at a cost of Rs2.4 billion.This cycling track will be constructed on highways connected to Purple Line Metro Bus project including Khayaban Iqbal, Sector G-6, G-7, G-8, Green Double Lane, Jinnah Avenue, Red Double Line, so that the passengers leaving the metro bus could also use the cycling track.Similarly, under this project, every sector of Islamabad would be connected with a cycling track. Moreover, 150 parking stands will also be constructed under the Bicycle Lab Project (BLP) so that the citizens can benefit from the facilities like bikes on cheap rent.Apart from this, under the said project, proper lighting, security and other necessary arrangements would also be made to facilitate the citizens.
ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) termed the association's increase in the pricing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as unlawful,asking the provincial governments to ensure that LPG is available to customers at prices set by the government.According to the OGRA spokesperson, there is ample storage of LPG molecules in the country, adding that increasing the prices is illegal."Illegal hoarding of LPG is the main reason behind the hike in prices," the spokesperson added.He said that some elements are creating an artificial shortage of LPG and the OGRA also informed the provincial chief secretaries regarding the artificial shortage.The OGRA also asked the provincial governments to ensure the provision of gas to consumers at authorities fixed prices.Read More: LPG price witnesses massive hikeEarlier on March 15, Chairman LPG Association Irfan Khokhar announced to increase in LPG price by Rs30 per Kilograms.In a statement, the Chairman LPG Association Irfan Khokhar claimed that the OGRA increased the LPG price by Rs30 per kilogramme. He claimed that the OGRA has not issued a notification in this regard.Irfan Khokhar blamed the LPG quota holders and importers for the massive increase in prices, saying that an artificial shortage of the commodity was created across the country.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday met US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and underlined the need to enhance trade and investment relations with the United States, besides exploring collaborative opportunities in diverse sectors.He said that American enterprises should be encouraged to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange as well as bring innovative business ideas to the country’s economy.During the meeting, the president said that Pakistan had enjoyed a long-standing and broad-based relationship with the USA spanning over seven decades, which needed to be further strengthened.He said that the top priority of Pakistan was to put its economy on the right track and overcome economic and security challenges. He highlighted that climate change was a global issue, and Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to its adverse impacts.President Asif Zardari also said that Pakistan wanted to improve its agricultural sector by adopting modern irrigation techniques to conserve water and reduce reliance on flood irrigation.Ambassador Donald Blome said that Pakistan and the US could enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of trade & investment, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and security.He informed that the US had completed the Sindh Basic Education Programme to build climate-resilient schools to strengthen Pakistan’s education sector. He also congratulated the president on assuming the office for a second time.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government on Monday chalked out a new foreign travel policy, placing restrictions on ministers and government officials travelling abroad, ARY News reported.According to details, the Cabinet Division issued the foreign travel policy to regulate overseas visits while emphasising austerity measures and accountability.Sources told ARY News that the policy imposes a ban on simultaneous foreign trips by ministers and secretaries, except under unavoidable circumstances. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce have been exempted from this ban.The officials were encouraged to opt for teleconferencing over in-person foreign visits whenever possible, with a strict prohibition on staying in five-star accommodations.Approval for official visits by federal ministers, advisors, and others must be sought from the prime minister’s office, according to the policy.Delegations comprising three officers and Grade 20 officers will be allowed foreign travel by the minister concerned, with permission for larger delegations sought from the prime minister through the ministries of finance and foreign affairs.Moreover, official and semi-official relations with Taiwan can be conducted under the 'One China Policy', while special permission has been made mandatory for contacts with Korea. Permission has to be sought from the interior and foreign ministries for visiting India.On the other hand. hosting of foreign companies has been discouraged, while experts and consultants will be authorised to visit only during bilateral discussions, the policy stated.The policy also outlined the travel entitlements; the president and chief justice eligible for first-class travel facilities, while the PM, senate chairman, speaker of the national assembly, foreign minister, and federal ministers are entitled to business class accommodations.
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed the commitment to ensure the timely completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor's (CPEC) phase II. According to the details, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and both leaders agreed to further expand cooperation between Pakistan and China in different sectors.Speaking on the occasion, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan-China's all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is indispensable for the progress and prosperity of the two countries and an anchor of regional peace and stability.The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to making joint endeavours for further deepening bilateral relations and to advance phase II of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as envisaged by the leadership of the two countries.Ambassador Jiang underscored the special importance China accords to Pakistan and its firm support for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, and industrial and agricultural cooperation.He also agreed with the Foreign Minister for high-quality development of phase II of CPEC.Read More: Pakistan, China to march toward shared development: PM ShehbazEarlier on March 13, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and China will march toward shared development and prosperity with joint investments in diverse projects.In an interview with a Chinese news agency, PM Shehbaz said the friendship between Pakistan and China spanned more than 70 years and has been nurtured by both countries’ leadership to promote friendly relations.He added that the two countries have developed as all-weather, “Iron Brothers” and have unique associations of friendship that have stood the test of time. “This friendship now must achieve higher heights,” he added.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited the residence of Captain Ahmed Badr Shaheed who sacrificed his life while gallantly fighting the terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) North Waziristan district. Expressing sympathies with the bereaved family, the prime minister said he was very impressed by their patience and determination. He said the whole nation is proud of the sacrifice, Captain Ahmed has rendered for the cause of the country.Later, talking to the local elders, PM Shehbaz said these martyrs are the pride of the nation and the entire nation is indebted to their sacrifices.Reaffirming the national resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, the prime minister said the sacrifices of our martyrs will not be in vain.He especially acknowledged with pride, the courage and patience of Shaheed Captain Ahmed's parents.On the occasion, the Prime Minister announced to establish a school in the area which will be named after the Shaheed Captain as per the desire of his father.Earlier, the prime minister also visited the residence of Lt. Colonel Syed Kashif Ali Shaheed in Rawalpindi and offered his heartfelt condolence to the family.He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the martyrs and patience to the bereaved families to bear the loss with courage. He said the brave jawans and officers of Pakistan Army had sacrificed their lives to safeguard their motherland.PM Shehbaz further said that the entire nation including himself pay tributes to them. “The families of martyrs are a matter of pride for the entire nation”, he remarked.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces till complete eradication of the menace of terrorism.Read More: Terrorists inside Afghanistan pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security: FOIt is pertinent to mention here that seven Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces’ post in North Waziristan.A group of six militants stormed the Frontier Corps’ post in the Khaddi market area in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area. The militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate, followed by multiple blasts, including a suicide bombing, said local officials.Seven soldiers — including Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali Shaheed, 39, resident of Karachi and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar Shaheed, 23, resident of Talagang — were martyred in the attack. Six terrorists were also neutralised in the subsequent clearance operation.A group affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur, previously a government contractor and a good Taliban-turned-militant leader, claimed responsibility for the attack. Bahadur’s outfit is the strongest militant group in North Waziristan. He was flushed out in Operation Zarb-i-Azb in 2014 and fled to Afghanistan.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan carried out intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan on Monday morning and targeted terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Foreign Office said.Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, along with the TTP is responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials. The latest attack took place on 16 March 2024 at a security post in Mir Ali in North Waziristan and claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers."Over the past two years, Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its serious concerns to the Interim Afghan Government over the presence of terror outfits including TTP inside Afghanistan. These terrorists pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security and have consistently used Afghan territory to launch terror attacks inside Pakistani territory," the Foreign Office added.The statement read that Pakistan accords prime importance to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. It has, therefore, always prioritized dialogue and cooperation to confront the terrorist threat."We (Pakistan) have repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective action to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan. We have also called on them to deny safe havens to TTP and to hand over its leadership to Pakistan," it added.The Foreign Office maintained that Pakistan has great respect for the people of Afghanistan. However, certain elements among those in power in Afghanistan are actively patronising TTP and using them as a proxy against Pakistan."Such an approach against a brotherly country, which stood with the people of Afghanistan through thick and thin, manifests shortsightedness. It ignores the support extended by Pakistan to the people of Afghanistan over the last several decades. We urge these elements in power to rethink the policy of siding with Khwarij terrorists shedding the blood of innocent Pakistanis and to make a clear choice to stand with the people of Pakistan," the Foreign Office added.The statement read that terrorist groups like TTP are a collective threat to regional peace and security. Pakistan fully realise the challenge Afghan authorities face in combating the threat posed by TTP."Pakistan would therefore continue to work towards finding joint solutions in countering terrorism and to prevent any terrorist organization from sabotaging bilateral relations with Afghanistan," the statement concluded.Read More: Six terrorists killed in North Waziristan operationIn the early hours of 16 March, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the general area of Mir Ali of North Waziristan District.the troops foiled the initial attempt of the attack, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by multiple suicide bombing attacks, which led to the collapse of a portion of a building, resulting in the Shahadat of five soldiers.The Shuhada include Havildar Sabir (resident of District Khyber), Naik Khurshid (resident of District Lakki Marwat), Sepoy Nasir (resident of District Peshawar), Sepoy Raja (resident of District Kohat) and Sepoy Sajjad (resident of District Abbottabad).During the conduct of the ensuing clearance operation, troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Kashif, effectively engaged and sent to hell all six terrorists.However, during an intense exchange of fire, leading his troops from the front, Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali (age: 39 years, resident of Karachi) and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar (age: 23 years, resident of District Talagang), having fought gallantly and embraced Shahadat.
Eidul Fitr 2024 is likely to be celebrated on April 11 in Pakistan, according to a prediction made by the MET office. For Muslims, Eidul Fitr is a deeply spiritual, cultural, and religious day that represents community togetherness and thankfulness. Muslims congregate for special prayers on the day of Eidul Fitr, known as Salat-Al-Eid, which are held in mosques, open spaces, or sizable communal locations.As per details, Pakistanis will have 30 fasts during the Holy month of Ramazan this year as the Shawwal month will likely be sighted on April 10 (Wednesday).The experts said the Eidul Fitr will likely fall on April 11 in Pakistan.Read more: UAE: Eidul Fitr 2024’s possible date revealedSeparately, the people of the United Arab Emirates are likely to observe the first day of Eidul Fitr on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.According to Gulf News, the Emirates Astronomy Society’s chairman of the board of directors, Ibrahim Al Jarwan said that the Shawwal moon is likely to be sighted on April 9.Ibrahim Al Jarwan said that the Muslims in the region will therefore would observe a 30-day holy month of Ramadan.
RAWALPINDI: The former Tehsildar Najaf Hameed on Monday sent on a 14-day judicial remand by the court in a fraud case, ARY News reported.According to the details, the anti-corruption establishement (ACE) presented Najaf Hameed before the court and requested his judicial remand in Adiala jail.The Senior Criminal Judge, Waqar Hussain Gondal, responding to the plea approved 14-day judicial remand, and sent the accused to Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.The court directed the accused to be present before the court on 1 April.Earlier in the day, the Anti-Corruption Department arrested a former Deputy Tehsildar, Sardar Najaf Hameed, from Rawalpindi in a fraud case.According to the details, after the cancellation of bail in the fraud case, efforts were made by the Anti-Corruption to arrest Najaf Hameed, the former Deputy Tehsildar of Chakwal but he fled the scene.However, he was apprehended again and presented before the Anti-Corruption Court, where his pre-arrest bail plea was rejected, and was handed over to the Anti-Corruption authorities for two days.Former Deputy Tehsildar Najaf Hameed had approached Senior Sessions Judge for pre-arrest bail.It's worth noting that Najaf Hameed had appeared before the Special Judge of the Anti-Corruption Court. In 2023, he was implicated in a case of land fraud filed by the Anti-Corruption authorities, meanwhile, Najaf had secured pre-arrest bail to evade the arrest.
ISLAMABAD: Preparations are underway for the visit of a high-level Iranian delegation to Pakistan in April, citing diplomatic sources, ARY News reported on Monday.Sources said that the Iranian delegation will comprise of 20 to 25 officials and two to three senior ministers. "Two sides working over the high-level Iranian delegation's visit to Pakistan"."The delegation from Iran is expected to attend inauguration of the Pakistan chapter of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline," sources said.The delegation also expected to sign scores of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with regard to bilateral trade, energy, security, investment and defence, sources said.Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is also expected to visit Pakistan this year.According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan and Iran free trade agreement has been expected during the visit of President Ebrahim Raisi.The free trade agreement between the two countries could manifold enhance the volume of mutual trade, sources said.Iranian President will hold meetings with Pakistan's political and military leadership during his visit.The officials of Pakistan and Iran are working over mutual agreements with regard to the visit.The countries will give preferential tariff and other concessions to their products, diplomatic sources said.An inter-ministerial session will be held in Pakistan before the visit.
KANDHKOT: A school teacher was shot dead while resisting robbery in Sindh's Kandhkot, ARY News reported on Monday, citing police. Allah Rakhyo, whose video of keeping a gun with him while travelling to school for safety went viral on social media, was intercepted by bandits at Magsi-Karampur Road.Allah Rakhyo lost his life while resisting dacoits while returning to his home from school, the police said.It is to be noted that a week ago, the school teacher's video of holding a gun while travelling to school for safety went viral on social media. Intetior Sindh is the New Wazirstan! Allah Rakho Nidwani, a primary school teacher in Kandhkot, Sindh, carried a licenced gun while carrying out his duty murdered in broad daylight by criminals. Sindh is witnessing a mass exodus of thousands due to worst law and order situation! pic.twitter.com/0M3KZh1Omp — Iqbal Hussain (@Iqbalanzar) March 18, 2024 In the video, he raised concerns about the worsening law and order situation in the area. The devoted teacher said he could not skip school and put the future of children at stake.He said despite informing the police and relevant authorities no one took action so he decided to keep a gun with him while going to school.
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