The News Of Pakistan

Islamabad: The government employees will enjoy a long break from work due to the extended holidays this Eidul Fitr.As the Islamic month of Shawwal is likely to begin on June 5 (Wednesday), the government has announced public holidays from June 4 (Tuesday) to June 7 (Friday) for the post-Ramazan festival.As Monday will be the only working day next week, many government servants have planned to take that day off to stay away from duty for more than a week i.e. from June 1 (Saturday) to June 9 (Sunday) including two weekends. Most of them have planned to go to hometowns to spend time with families, while the rest will go on excursion trips to Murree, Abbottabad, Swat and other hill stations. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2Whev8t

Islamabad: Pakistani students secured second position in Huawei ICT Competition 2018-2019 Global Finals, hosted by Huawei and featuring the theme of “Connecting Glory Future”.After fierce competition, the Pakistan team comprising of three students won the second prize while Malaysian and Algerian team shared the first prize of the practice competition in network track.Winning students Zohaib Anwar of Virtual University, Lahore, Shamim Iqbal of Virtual University, Lahore and Jawaria Abbas of Lahore Leads University mentored by Muhammad Ahsan Malik, Corvit Networks, Lahore attended the event.Since its launch in June 2018, the contest has attracted 61 countries from all over the world, 1600+ colleges and universities, and more than 100,000 college students participated in the competition. After the national and regional competitions, 49 teams from 30 countries were selected. 147 students entered the global finals.Huawei ICT Competition Pakistan 2018-2019 was launched on September 6, 2018....

If your eye hurts, you feel like there’s something stuck in your eye or you have tearing or redness, you may have scratched your eye. If you think that’s the case, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests:* See an eye doctor without delay.* Rinse your eye with saline solution or clean water using an eyecup or a small clean glass. The fluid may help flush any foreign object.* Blink repeatedly to rid your eye of small dust or sand.* Pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid.* Wear sunglasses.* Do not rub your eye or touch any object to it. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2WgWB66

Islamabad : As the World Bedwetting Day was marked on Tuesday, noted consultant paediatric urologist Dr Ijaz Hussain warned that punishing children for urinary incontinence would worsen the problem.“Unfortunately, the people subject the children suffering from enuresis (bedwetting) to physical punishment and rebuking without realising that this behaviour will do no good and instead, it will aggravate the medical condition causing more bedwetting and depression among minor patients. I suggest that the child be rewarded whenever dry and when required, the medication should be taken with the consultation of a paediatric urologist,” Dr Ijaz of the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, told ‘The News’.The bedwetting day was first observed by the International Children's Continence Society and the European Society of Paediatric Urology in 2015 with an aim to raise awareness among people and health professionals. This year, its focus was on highlighting the need for doing much more tha...

Islamabad : Photography is described as ‘the art, application and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.’ While there are millions of amateur photographers around the world, a small percentage of them have always practiced it as an art and made a name for themselves by producing memorable work.As in all artistic endeavors, photography is evolving into a fine art, with photographers experimenting with and using new techniques to create something different and unique.One such person is Eugenia Ivanissevich, daughter of the ambassador of the Argentine Republic, Ivan Ivanissevich and spouse Ana Walberg and they organised an exhibition showcasing her work as she was visiting Pakistan. The two-day exhibition was held at their residence and viewed by invited guests.Speaking on the occasion, Eugenia said her grand...

Islamabad : The National Incubation Centre (NIC) Islamabad and Beaconhouse School System on Friday inked a MoU with the aim to foster and establish entrepreneurial mindset in the young innovators of the country.MoU documents were exchanged between Nassir Kasuri, Executive Director Beaconhouse Group and Parvez Abbasi, Project Director of the NIC. Speaking at the ceremony Nassir Kasuri said ‘Beaconhouse envisages imparting 21st century skills to its students from the very start of their educational journey at schools.He said that we as educators have the responsibility to nurture and channelize the strength and abilities of our students and for that we need to move away from traditional learning style and focus on more hands on, project based style of learning. This Partnership hopes to develop programmes for the incubation of entrepreneurial mind-set in students.It is our intention for future to have this collaboration raise the level of success that aspiring entrepreneurs are able to a...

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday approved the merger of three projects related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and come up with an umbrella project (for 60-month period) at a revised cost of Rs2.618 billion from July 2019 to June 2024.All three projects have been merged into one and brought under the domain of CPEC Project Director at Ministry of Planning.The umbrella project merged three projects including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Support Project (CPECSP) at a cost of Rs1220.503 million, Center of Excellence China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (COE-CPEC) at a cost of Rs1350 million and China Pakistan Friendly Exchange Program at a cost of Rs306 million. The cost of three projects stood at Rs2.877 billion in totality.Now with the merger of three projects, the cost has been revised downward to Rs2.618 billion, saving Rs259 million.However, the researchers are not happy with the decision to bring Center of Excellence CPEC under the direct control of Project Director of...

KARACHI: The newly-appointed FBR chairman Shabbar Zaidi has attributed accumulation of untaxed wealth to bungled taxation policies and administrative flaws, saying the existing system poses threats to economy, it was learnt on Friday.“As a result (of) serious flaws in the policy and administrative aspects, there has been substantial accumulation of untaxed wealth,” Zaidi said in a letter to the Prime Minister Imran Khan.The FBR chief was critical of the tax collection’s reliance on indirect taxes. “Pakistan’s tax collection system generates less than 10 percent of GDP. Even that collection is made in form of indirect taxes, not being real income,” he said in the letter available with The News. “This system is not workable and it represents a serious economic threat for the country.”The country has been struggling to broaden the tax base with what the FBR chairman said only one percent of the people carrying the burden of the entire state. Despite all efforts and punitive taxation, less...

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday released sales tax refund bonds amounting to Rs7 billion to exporters to help them meet liquidity crunch.“In order to facilitate businesses, particularly exporters, and resolve the problem of long outstanding refunds, it was decided by the government to issue sales tax refund bonds to the claimants,” the finance ministry said in a statement.FBR made necessary arrangements for issuance of bonds through the Central Depository Company (CDC). Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Hafeez Shaikh transmitted the advice for issuance of bonds to the CDC system in a ceremony held at the ministry of finance.The bonds amounting to Rs7 billion are being issued in the first tranche. “This issuance shall benefit 90 claimants,” the ministry said. The bonds have been issued to claimants who opened their account with CDC.The finance adviser said the FBR is planning another issuance in June. He advised the claimants to exercise their op...

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected around Rs16 billion in tax revenue from rental properties during the first 10 months of the current 2018/19 fiscal year, up 26 percent year-on-year, as the authorities ensured collection on revised valuations, officials said on Friday.The collection of income tax from rented properties amounted to Rs12.7 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.FBR officials said the tax offices initiated monitoring of various businesses running on rented properties, including banks, private educational institutions, hospitals, and boutiques. The FBR issued valuation tables of immovable properties in 2016 and started monitoring of transactions of their sales and purchase.Subsequently, the FBR discovered that a large number of propertied in urban areas were rented out and agreements were made on the lower values to evade taxes, an official said. The official said the FBR also increased the withholding tax rates for rented prope...

US President I can tell you, China very much wants to make a deal, as China is becoming a very weakened nation from The News International - Business http://bit.ly/2WvW0N6

The rupee continued its upward march against the dollar in the currency markets on Friday, dealers said.The rupee gained 29 paisas to close at 147.92 against the dollar in the interbank foreign exchange market. It had ended at 148.21 in the previous session.In the open market, the rupee continued to rise and close at 149 to the greenback, compared with Thursday’s closing of 149.30.Dealers attribute a continual rise in the currency is to improved dollar supplies amid workers’ remittances. Overseas Pakistanis are sending home more cash ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Analysts said the rupee is being traded by demand and supply condition in the foreign exchange market.“The currency is stable. Dollar price and demand speculation has been curbed,” said Dr Salman Shah, the former finance minister.“The measure taken by the State Bank of Pakistan in the form of interest rate hike also eased pressure on the rupee,” he added. However, the foreign exchange reserves are also facing declining trend due to hi...

KARACHI: Cotton yield in the country has dropped by 2.84 to 752kilogram/hectare in 2017-18, compared with 774kg/hectare in 2013-14, resulting in huge losses to the economy, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCC) data revealed.It has caused a loss of nearly $350 million to the national economy in exports, which is three percent of the total cotton related textile exports in 2017-18.Naseem Usman, analyst and chairman, Karachi Cotton Brokers Association told The News that Punjab farmers were using a BT Cotton variety, which was not suitable to their climate. “BT Cotton variety being used in Pakistan is suitable for wet weather areas of Sindh. Thus, production in Sindh is increasing, while decreasing in Punjab,” he said.In order to increase the yield and production of the crop, he said, Punjab government was taking efforts but farmers needed more awareness.Punjab, producer of around 68 percent cotton in the country suffered the most during the last five years. Cotton yield in the province...

KARACHI: The Ministry of Industries and Production has opposed the commerical import of used cars, The News learnt on Friday.A meeting was held at Engineering Development Board (EDB) with the representatives of the Car Dealer Federation the other day to analyze the proposal regarding formulation of a ten year policy to enable and regulate commercial import/re=export of old and used cars.The meeting unanimously observed that the dealers were interested in commercial import of used/old cars.EDB opined the proposed plan will negatively affect existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), new entrants and auto part manufacturers.It is important to consider that Auto Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21 has attracted investment of more than $ 1.3 billion so far from foreign investors who are at various stages of setting up their projects Under ADP 2016-21.As many as fifteen new investors have been granted Greenfield status and under Brownfield category two closed down units have been revive...

KARACHI: The central bank issued updated guidelines on Friday to comply with the rules issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and sanctions against the individuals and entities subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.The UNSC’s successor resolutions oversee sanction measures to counter proliferation financing.Banks were required to issue a notice of freezing or seizure of the property to the concerned designated entity/individual and any other person affected by the freezing or seizure of the property, as set out in the UNSC (Freezing and Seizure) Order, 2019, the SBP guidelines said.“All banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks are advised to regularly access the consolidated lists to ensure compliance with measures in line with the UNSC resolutions,” it said.“SBP during the course of inspection would check the availability of these updated lists in banks/DFIs/MFBs and action taken ther...

ISLAMABAD: The government has slashed the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Rs15.40/kilogram for the month of June, an official statement said on Friday.A notification issued by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) said the LPG prices had been decreased by 11.43 percent from previous Rs133.91 per kilogram to Rs118.51.The decision brings the price of 11.8 kilogram (domestic) cylinder of this smokeless fuel down by Rs181 to Rs1399.39 for June 2019 from Rs1,580.14 in May.As a result, the price of commercial cylinder has reduced by Rs650 to Rs5,383.The notification shows the producers' price of LPG (propane 40 percent and butane 60 percent) has been determined at Rs61691.99 per metric ton (in May it was Rs74784.75 per metric ton). This producers’ price includes excise duty of Rs85/ mertric ton excluding Petroleum Levy. And under this head, the producers' price of 11.8 kilogram cylinder has been worked out at Rs727.97.Marketing/distribution margin has been set at Rs35,000...

In a major development, the federal cabinet has approved imposition of federal health levy on cigarettes at the rate of Rs10/cigarette pack carrying 20 sticks and Re1 on a 250 millilitre container/bottle of sugary drinks.As per the estimates shared by Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for National Health Services, Rs30 billion would be collected annually from this new tax imposed on cigarettes, while Rs8 billion expected from sale of sugary drinks. This tax is an addition to the taxes already imposed on these products.The anti-tobacco campaigners, health sector professionals and activists, citizens’ groups etc have hailed this decision.They think it will make these products expensive and less affordable for users, leading to a fall in their consumption rates.The suggestion to use this additional revenue exclusively to provide better health facilities to citizens is being also hailed.These stakeholders have attributed this success largely to an accomplished professiona...

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday amended the procedure for deposit of tax against foreign assets under Assets Declaration Ordinance 2019.“In partial modification of our notification no FD/1704/2498/2019 dated May 25, 2019, Para 5(ii) of the Procedure under section (9) of the Asset Declaration Ordinance, 2019 has been amended whereby, on the suggestion of stakeholders to facilitate the taxpayers, correspondent bank in United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified earlier has been changed,” the SBP’s notification said.“The new correspondent bank in the UAE would be United Bank Limited, Dubai.”The SBP, while describing method of conversion of value of foreign denominated assets into rupees said the asset held outside Pakistan and foreign currency held in Pakistan should be converted into rupee at such exchange rates as might be notified on daily basis by the SBP to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through dedicated email in respect of ten currencies ie AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, EUR,...

LAHORE: Adviser to the Prime Minister for Commerce Razak Dawood on Friday asked the fertiliser manufacturers to bring down urea prices to benefit the farmers.Dawood said it is very difficult for him to satisfy the lawmakers on account of higher urea prices. He was addressing a meeting of the fertiliser review committee, which was attended by the chief executive officers of fertiliser manufacturing companies, representatives of the Fertiliser Manufacturers of Pakistan Advisory Council (FMPAC), and other officials.The commerce adviser, citing lawmakers, said the industry has been irresponsive to the government and the issues and financial problems faced by the economy. The adviser said the government is taking unfavourable decisions to bring the economy back on track.Dawood said the industry needs to reduce prices voluntarily. The participants representing the industry said the budget would have impact on prices as upward revision in taxes and gas prices are in the offing. “Therefore, it...

KARACHI: PIA has been able to add another Boeing 777 aircraft in its fleet after remaining grounded by almost 18 months, a statement said on Friday.A Boeing 777 bearing registration number BHV which was completely neglected and considered abandoned for more than a year and a half was fully repaired and overhauled by the engineering and maintenance team which worked day and night for its restoration.The test flight was conducted successfully. PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik upon his joining in November 2018 instructed the engineering team to make the aircraft operational at the earliest to make it a revenue generator.With the BHV back in the fleet, the total operational Boeing 777 were now 12 and would be of great help in the forthcoming Hajj season. Malik, while congratulating the engineering team, said this showed the commitment and dedication that was required to bring PIA back on its revival track. He appreciated the untiring efforts of the engineering, supply chain, finance, fligh...

LAHORE: The construction activities in Mohmand Dam Project area, located in tribal district of Mohmand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have gained momentum in the wake of project’s groundbreaking by the Prime Minister in first week of May, an statement said on Friday.Muzammil Hussain, Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and a jirga of area notables, headed by Mohmand Sajid Khan, Member National Assembly from tribal district, visited project site to witness construction work on the permanent access roads on both banks of River Swat - one of the components of Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project.Speaking on the occasion, Hussain said that Mohmand Dam Project would provide more than 6,000 job opportunities during construction. “In addition to making lucrative compensation to the affectees for their land and assets, a sum of Rs.4.61 billion will also be spent for development of the project area as confidence building measures (CBMs) with special focus on education, health, water suppl...

Jakarta: Ratings agency S&P lifted Indonesia´s credit rating Friday, citing strong prospects for Southeast Asia´s biggest economy after the re-election of president Joko Widodo.The upgrade comes after the elections commission this month confirmed Widodo´s victory in polls held on April 17.His rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired military general, has challenged the results in court over allegations of widespread cheating.But S&P said it expected the battle would not disrupt Widodo´s second term, after his initial tenure featured a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure push, including Jakarta´s first mass-rapid-transit system. from The News International - Business http://bit.ly/2WI42CM

MAKKAH: Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday  delivered a keynote speech at the 14th OIC Summit  in Makkah, saying "Islam has nothing to do with terrorism."In his address to the Summit in the Kingdom,  PM Khan  said that  Kashmir dispute must be resolved as per UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiris, adding that   peaceful struggle of the people of Kashmir and Palestine must not label as terrorism. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2Z0VX9K

Pakistan: Today's Sehar and Iftar timingsToday is the 25th day of Ramzan 2019 in Pakistan. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between Sehar and Iftar time (dawn till dusk) during the holy month.Below are Sehar and Iftar timings for two major school of thoughts: Fiqa Hanafia (Sunni) and Jafaria (Shia) living in six major cities of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir on 25th Ramzan 2019.Karachi Sehar and Iftar TimingsHanafia Sehar: 04:15 am - Iftar 07:17 pmJafariaSehar: 04:05 am - Iftar 07:27pmLahore Sehar and Iftar TimingsHanafiaSehar: 03:22 am - Iftar 07:02 pmJafariaSehar: 03:12am - Iftar 07:12 pmRawalpindi Sehar and Iftar TimingHanafiaSehar: 03:18 am - Iftar 07:12pmJafariaSehar: 03:08 am - Iftar 07:22 pmPeshawar Sehar and Iftar TimingHanafiaSehar: 03:22am - Iftar 07:19pmJafariaSehar: 03:12 am - Iftar 07:29 pmQuetta Sehar and Iftar TimingHanafiaSehar: 03:57am - Iftar 07:28 pmJafariaSehar: 03:47 am - Iftar 07:38 pm from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2HObu76

Here are the prayers timings for Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta on May 31, Friday, 25th Ramadan. (Starting time)KarachiFajr: 4:15 am, Zohar: 12:30 pm, Asr: 3:53pm, Maghreb: 7:17pm, Isha: 8:44pmSunrise: 5:42LahoreFajr: 3:22am, Zohar: 12:01 pm, Asr: 3:40 pm, Maghreb: 7:02 pm, Isha: 8:39 pmSunrise: 4:58IslamabadFajr: 3:18am, Zohar: 12:06 pm, Asr: 3:50 pm, Maghreb: 7:13pm, Isha: 8:54pmSunrise: 4:59PeshawarFajr: 3:23 am, Zohar: 12:12pm, Asr: 3:57 pm, Maghreb: 7:19, Isha: 9:01pmSunrise: 5:04QuettaFajr: 3:58am, Zohar: 12:30, Asr: 4:06 pm, Maghreb: 7:28, Isha: 9:02 pmSunrise: 5:31 from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2HMBnUF

 MAKKAH: Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi has performed Umrah  along with his daughters. The cricketer Friday posted a video on his Tweeter handle,  carrying one of his daughters on his back. Soon after  getting the honour of performing an Umrah, the legendary cricketer - who is father to four daughters named Ansha, Ajwa, Asmara and Aqsa - shared a video on his Twitter account in which he can be seen along with his two daughters walking in   Masjid-ul-Haram.Sharing the blessed moments from The Great Mosque of Makkah, the Boom Boom Afridi also wrote some heartwarming lines on his Twitter account, "This sound of Allah o Akbar, this moment, this blessed night, I feel so blessed to be here & ask #Allah for forgiveness & bless my countrymen & all humanity & shower countless blessings on #Pakistan."He added: "Whosoever gets a chance, must visit Medina & Makkah & perform Umrah in Ramadan.". from The News International ...

KARACHI: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on Thursday recommended  to increase petrol price by Rs8.53 per litre for the month of June.Ogra, in its summary forwarded to Petroleum Division, has also purposed to increase prices of high speed diesel and kerosene oil by Rs8.99 and Rs1.69 per litre respectively. The new suggested price of kerosene oil after the hike will be Rs98.46 per litre.An increase of Rs1.68 in price of light diesel has also been suggested, hiking it to Rs88.62 per litre.Sources indicated that Ministry of Finance, after consulting with the Prime Minister, will finalize the proposed price hike. The new rates are expected to be applicable from June 1.It is pertinent to note here that the government had hiked the petroleum prices by as much as Rs9.42 before the start of Ramzan.  from The News International - National http://bit.ly/30UX7VZ

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday urged the countrymen to avail the tax amnesty scheme introduced by the government for avoiding any scrutiny in the future, and help steer the country out of prevailing economic crisis.“We have introduced a scheme for declaration of the assets. This is the easiest one. This is valid till June 30. This is an opportunity for you to declare your benami properties and bank accounts. You will not get such a chance after June 30,” PM Imran remarked in his televised message to the nation.Khan, who is in Saudi Arabia to attend the 14th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Makkah, said the institutions had access to and were collecting all the relevant data including the local and foreign bank accounts and assets. So, it was better to serve the country by declaring the assets.“By this, we can brighten the future of our children, make the country self-dependent and uplift our poor people. Above all, you will have sound sleep without an...

BEIJING: China and Pakistan militaries will continue to maintain a good momentum of relations and high-level exchanges and actively conduct cooperation in different services this year, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.“China and Pakistan are good neighbours who uphold peaceful coexistence. We are brothers, trusted friends and good partners who seek common development,” Spokesman of Chinese Ministry of National Defense Wu Qian said while responding to a question asked by APP during his monthly briefing held here.He informed that in the year 2019, China and Pakistan militaries would maintain a good momentum of relations and high level exchanges.“Both countries will actively conduct cooperation and exchanges in our different services and educational institutions,” he added.The spokesman said the two countries would also organize many joint exercises and training oriented towards real combat situation and work together to achieve more fruitful results across the bo...

KARACHI: Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi has said that he was proud of Pakistan Army for placing itself first and foremost on the line for accountability.Shahid Afridi took to Twitter saying “Death penalty and imprisonment to its senior officers on charges of spying is a difficult but bold decision. That’s why our Army is strong.”Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday endorsed punishment to two Army and one civil officer on the charges of espionage/leakage of sensitive information to foreign agencies prejudice to the national security.Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, in a statement said “The officers were tried under Pakistan Army Act (PAA) and Official Secret Act by separate Field General Court Marshal (FGCM) for separate cases.”Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal (retired) was awarded 14 years rigorous imprisonment, while Brigadier Raja Rizwan (retired) awarded death sentence, the statement said.While, doctor Wasim...

MADINA: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday paid respect at Roza-e-Rasool (S.A.W) and offered Nawafil there.PM Imran Khan also offered Namaz-e-Asar (Asr prayers in Masjid-e-Navbi S.A.W).Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and others were also present.PM Imran Khan is in Saudi Arabia to attend the 14th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit, being held in Makkah on May 31.The Prime Minister will represent the country at the summit titled ‘Makkah Summit: Together for the Future”, hosted by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, which aims at developing a unified stance of Muslim leaders on rising tension in the Gulf. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2MhGhx7

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the federal government was not serious in running the constitutional bodies which was evident from the fact that the prime minister left National Economic Council (NEC) meeting without getting the PSDP approved and the next day the national media carried the news that the PSDP was approved.This he said on Thursday while addressing a press conference here at Committee room of Old Assembly Building. He was flanked by Sindh PPP President Nisar Khuhro, Minister Excise Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Advisor on Information Murtaza Wahab and Advisor on Jails Aijaz Jakharni.The chief Minister said that the NEC was a 13-member constitutional body headed by the prime minister and constitutionally it has to meet twice in a year. It was first meeting of the year and the next meeting has to be convened.Mr Shah said that the federal government presented a five-year plan in the NEC meeting and with its presentation the prime minister loudly said a...

Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa has endorsed punishment to two Army and one civil officer on the charges of espionage/leakage of sensitive information to foreign agencies prejudice to the national security.Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, in a statement said “The officers were tried under Pakistan Army Act (PAA) and Official Secret Act by separate Field General Court Marshal (FGCM) for separate cases.”Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal (retired) was awarded 14 years rigorous imprisonment, while Brigadier Raja Rizwan (retired) awarded death sentence, the statement said. While, doctor Wasim Akram (Employed at Sensitive Organization) was awarded death sentence. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2W2D5Fk

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday dismissed a petition seeking action against former chief minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif for alleged corruption in Ashiana Housing Scheme Lahore.The bench declared the petition as non-maintainable and asked the petitioner to approach Lahore High Court (LHC) for relief.A divisional bench, comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, heard the petition filed by ex-finance secretary IHC bar association Raees Abdul Wahid.The petitioner had stated in his plea that he won a house in Ashiana Housing Scheme in balloting but the officials concerned had been demanding bribe from him.A fraud was done with him on the name of housing scheme, he alleged.He prayed the court to issue directives for registration of a first information report (FIR) against former CM Punjab.He had also given an application to Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) but nothing availed.The chief justice asked the petitioner whether he had...

ISLAMABAD:  Human Rights Minister  Dr Shireen Mazari on Thursday said  her ministry has inducted first transgender person.In a tweet, the minister  welcome Ayesha Moghul who she said is going to work in the Ministry of Human Rights as a resource person."Welcomed our first transgender Ayesha Moghul who is going to work in MOHR as a resource person - Thank you ," she tweeted.The announcement also accompanied a  picture of Ayesha Moghul in the office of Dr Shireen Mazari.Twitter users  have lauded doctor Mazari for hiring the transgender in her ministry ."Highly appreciated. They have a complete right to secure respectful place in society," said a user Azhar Butt while responding to the minister's tweet."Great step! welldone!!," said another tweet. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2I5nobs

KARACHI: Member National Assembly Mohsin Dawar has been arrested from North Waziristan days after  he was accused of launching  an attack on Kharqamar check post in the tribal district near border with Afghanistan.Dawar  went into hiding since a  group of men reportedly  led by him and MNA Ali Wazir  stormed a security check-post in North Waziristan on May 26.Mohsin Dawar was  among the nine people nominated in the FIR into the incident.At least three people  were reportedly killed when   they clashed with security forces  on Sunday.Ali Wazir was arrested following the attack while Mohsin Dawar was at large. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2W3xrm9

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday  left for Saudi Arabia to attend the 14th OIC Summit to be held in Makkah on Friday.The title of the conference is “Mecca Summit: Together for the Future.” Chaired by  King Salman, the conference aims to develop a unified stance on current issues and events in the Islamic world.Ahead of the Summit, a meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Jeddah. It deliberated on adopted outcome documents for the Makkah Summit. Speaking during the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi drew the participants' attention towards grave human rights violations taking place in occupied Kashmir.He sought support of the OIC member states for constituting a commission of inquiry under the UN to investigate the violations and excesses in the held territory. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also made a detailed reference to the situation in Palestine, strongly condemning the continuing Israeli atrocities against innocent Palestinians...

LAHORE: An accountability court on Thursday ordered NAB to file reference against Khawaja Saad Rafique and Salman Rafiuqe .The orders came during the hearing of a case pertaining to irregularities in Peragon Housing Societ. Salman Rafique attended the hearing while the  court was informed that Saad Rafique was in Islamabad to attend National Assembly session.A NAB officer told the court that NAB chairman has approved the reference which would be submitted soon.Khawaja Saad Rafique and Salman Rafique were arrested from court premises on December 11 last year after the Lahore High Court cancelled their bail   from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2XgN4rU

Islamabad : Centre for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organised a roundtable session on ‘Economic Resilience and National Character: Harnessing the Human Capital/Skilled Diaspora’ on Thursday, at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, says a press release.The session commenced with the welcome remarks by CGSS President Major General (r) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery.The participants argued that national character is a multidimensional issue and serves as strength of the nation. They said that we must learn from the past without dwelling into the past. Our own national character has transformed from inclusive to exclusive, tolerant to aggressive. Extreme polarization has divided us into segments which further leads to political, social and economic divisions. Pakistan is at the pivot of the world and we have converted our geostrategic asset to geostrategic curse. We need to start national character building and create sense of belonging to Pakistan. We are believing and hoping that God...

Islamabad : The Islamabad Police have arrested nine outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered narcotics, stolen bike and weapons from their possession, the police spokesman said.Following the directions of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Aamir Zulfqar Khan and DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed, all officials of Islamabad police have accelerated efforts to curb activities of anti-social elements and drug pushers.Bhara Kahu Police arrested Tahir Sajjad and recovered 160 gram hashish from him while police also arrested Aziz Khan and Muhammad for having two stolen mobile phones and wrist watches.Bani Gala Police arrested two persons namely Fahim and Fazal involved in illegal construction of houses in the areas prohibited under section 144. Golra police arrested accused Ali Raza and recovered one 30 bore along with ammunition from him.Tarnol Police arrested accused Nasir khan and recovered 1075 gram hashish from him.Koral Police arrested two accused Aurngzeb and Feeroze Khan and recovered...

Islamabad : The Islamabad police have devised a security plan for Yum-ul-Quds and Juma-tul-Wida and decided to deploy more than 500 policemen including police commandos at Masajd and Imambargahs to avert any untoward incident.DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed has devised a comprehensive plan following directions of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar and all police officials have been directed to take elaborate security arrangements and ensure strict security measures outside all Masajid including Faisal Masjid, Imambargahs and exit and entry points of the city.He has directed all Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers to improve the security plan and ensure checking of every person through metal detectors at Masajid and Imambargahs in their respective jurisdictions.Special contingents of police along with Rangers will perform security duties along with rallies in various areas to ensure security of the participants while police officials of various zones have been...

Islamabad : The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza has termed the approval accorded by the Federal Cabinet on Tuesday to his Ministry’s proposal for levying of health tax on tobacco products and sugary drinks as “unprecedented and historic.” On the contrary, TheNetwork for Consumer Protection believes there is still a slip between the cup and the lip because previously too such moves were shot down in the Parliament.In a statement issued Thursday, Dr. Zafar has complimented the PM for putting his weight behind the measure despite current economic difficulties. Terming the introduction of health tax as a big win for the people of Pakistan, he said the measure would have far-reaching impact in a country where tobacco kills 160,189 persons every year. Almost 15.6 million adults currently smoke tobacco in the country whereas 1,200 Pakistani children aged between 6-15 years initiate smoking every day. Moreover, the economic cost of smoking amounts to...

Islamabad : The officers and staff of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) expressed solidarity with Chairman NAB Justice (r) Javed Iqbal and vehemently rejected baseless, fabricated and false propaganda campaign spearheaded by some vested interests against the chairman.According to reliable source, the NAB staff was of the opinion that the performance of NAB remained excellent during the tenure of the incumbent chairman which was duly acknowledged by prestigious international and national institutions including Gilani and Gallup survey which had reported that 59 per cent people lauded NAB performance during the tenure of Justice Javed. The incumbent chairman has resolved the issues of staff.He significantly enhanced the salaries, allowances of NAB staff, besides the chairman also settled long awaited seniority list issue of staff and promoted the eligible officers as per law.Chairman also introduced ‘Accountability for All’ policy and slogans like 'Corruption Free Pakistan- Faith ...

Islamabad : The teachers of Islamabad's government colleges expressed happiness as the long-awaited meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) was held on Wednesday here at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training with additional secretary Anwarul Hasan Bokhari in the chair.As many as six promotion cases of lecturers (BPS-17) belonging to Federal Government Colleges (male) were considered for promotion as assistant professors.The promotion of these lecturers have been pending since November 2, 2017.The last DPC meeting was held on December 6, 2017, in which these six promotion cases of lecturers were discussed for promotion but after few weeks, the then Capital Administration & Development Division declared the promotions given to these lecturers null and void due to some seniority issue saying a fresh meeting of the DPC will be held to consider promotion of the lecturers.The DPC again met on May 16, 2018, but all other cases were considered for a ...

Islamabad: In connection with ongoing anti-encroachment drive, Capital Development Authority (CDA), ICT Administration and National Highways Authority (NHA) conducted a combined operation at Bahra Kahu along the Murree Road and removed several illegal encroachments from the vicinity.During this operation, conducted from Dhoke Jelani to Hafiz Kee Juhgee Stop, encroachments including handcarts and stalls were removed from the area. These encroachments which surfaced over the last many years were not only affecting traffic flow but also disturbing the pedestrian movement in the vicinity. Moreover, tourists, commuters using Muree Road to approach Muree Hill station have to face difficulties due to these encroachments and were the main cause of traffic jam in the area. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2WDbuia

With all of the warnings that insufficient exercise can be deadly, more must be better, correct?Not necessarily, warns the American Council on Exercise. The organisation mentions these emotional warning signs that you may be getting too much of a good thing:* Irritability.* Depression.* Apathy.* Difficulty concentrating.* Loss of self-esteem. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2KfYKHG

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has requested the Ministry of Interior, Islamabad, forward cases for issuance of red notices for the arrest of two accused through Interpol, The News has learnt.According to well-placed sources in the Home Department, two accused named Muhammad Waqas, son of Muhammad Mushtaq and Muhammad Atif Sana, son of Sanaullah, had fled the country.The Home Department has provided documents for the red notices attested to the Interior Ministry. Earlier, his letter to Home Department, the inspector general of police, Punjab, had mentioned that Muhammad Waqas was wanted in FIR No.318/18 registered under sections 302/324/148/149 PPC&7-ATA by Bhatti Gate Police Station, Lahore and Muhammad Atif Sana was wanted in FIR No. 1056/16 registered under Section489-F PPC by Johar Town Police Station, Lahore. The IG wrote that both had gone abroad after committing crimes in Lahore.To finalise the investigation of the cases, the IG requested the Home Department, Punjab, to ...

LAHORE: A French delegation along with Director of Lahore Biennale, Miss Qudsia, on Wednesday visited the Alhamra Art Museum at the Alhamra Cultural Complex, Qaddafi Stadium, to interact with the curators and to appreciate the collection of masters.The visit began with the delegation observing the great artworks of collection of paintings and sculptures, Director Lahore Biennale, Miss Qudsia Rahim, admired the Art Conservation Workshop currently held at the museum on the paintings of masters.The French delegate Rachid Koraichi interacted with curator Hajra Mehmood and took keen interest in paintings of Sadequain, Qudsia Nadir and A J Shamza. Rachid Koraichi said while observing the painting of "A J Shamza" that the technique and material (Oil and Cloth) had been derived from Africa years back ago. He adored the highly sculpt masterpieces at the museum. The delegation admired the art heritage. They also made a short film on museum’s architecture and collection at Alhamra Art M...

LAHORE: Dr Saeed Shafqat, professor and founding director of Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Forman Christian College (FCC), a Chartered University, was honoured with the Chevalier des Palmed Académiques by the French Embassy in Pakistan. Ambassador of France to Pakistan Mr Marc Barety conferred the award on Dr Saeed Shafqat during a ceremony held at FCC. from The News International - Lahore http://bit.ly/2X9fdBf

LAHORE: Lower Mall investigation police arrested seven persons who had allegedly killed two people when they were on their way back from Session Court. The arrested accused were identified as Muhammad Ali, Shahbaz, Ghulam Murtaza, Irfan Malik, Malik Babar, Babar Hussain and Razia Sultana. They had allegedly killed two persons, Zikria Mahmood and his driver Qaisar Khalil, when they were on their way back from Session Court. Meanwhile, Baghbanpura police arrested three youths on charges of firing in the air. The arrested criminals were identified as Abdul Rehman, Ali Haider and Bilal. from The News International - Lahore http://bit.ly/2EICl2j

ISLAMABAD: The longstanding stands of three principal political forces vis-à-vis National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (R) Javed Iqbal underwent a quick change after the surfacing of leaked audio-video tapes involving him.But neither the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nor the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concedes that it has taken a U-Turn, altering its respective stand concerning the NAB chief. However, their new policies clearly feature the adjustments for political expediency.The PML-N has been a harsh critic of Javed Iqbal and has been calling for his ouster, accusing him of discrimination and bias against it. It has been citing a number of its top leaders who have suffered at the hands of the NAB or are still facing grilling, fearing arrests anytime. Hardly a day passes when it has not been haranguing the NAB for its treatment of the Sharif family.However, when the present controversy exploded, the PML-N apparently amend...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for moving towards establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries to combat money laundering and terror financing.Pakistan is signing agreements with different countries for establishing cooperation in line with implementing FATF conditions.According to official announcement issued on Wednesday stating that a delegation from Pakistan led by Mansoor H. Siddiqui, Director General, Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) visited the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of United Kingdom from May 28 and 29, 2019 and held meetings with Ian Maynot, Head of UK Financial Intelligence Unit.The purpose of the visit was to familiarise with the role & functions of UK-FIU, especially use of suspicious activity reports linked with ML/TF, relationships between UK-FIU and UK law enforcement agencies involving International Corruption Unit, Police, HM Revenue and Customs and information...

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice deliberates upon at least five government bills for the first time on June 10 amid an environment when the official legislative business has been at a standstill due to ceaseless parliamentary wrangle.The meeting to be chaired by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Riaz Fatyana will also take into consideration an important constitutional amendment bill, seeking establishment of Bahawalpur and south Punjab provinces. Moved by Rana Sanaullah among other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPs, it prescribed changes in seven articles of the Constitution.The government bills coming up before the standing committee relate to the whistleblower protection and vigilance commission, enforcement of women’s property rights, the Muslim family laws and letters of administration and succession certificates.The entire legislative plan has been stalled because of absence of even working relations between the government and the ...

HERAT, Afghanistan: Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan’s historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday.The attack comes less than a week after the revered 12th-century minaret, located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor, was threatened by surging floodwaters. “The Taliban have captured some checkpoints around the minaret. We had to retreat because more fighting would cause damage to the minaret,” Sayed Zia Hussaini, the deputy police chief of Ghor said.Abdul Hai Khatebi, the provincial governor spokesman, said 15 pro-government militias and three policemen had been killed in the attacks, which started Monday. “The Taliban have shut off telecommunication towers and have cut any access to the area,” Fakhruddin Ariapur, the Ghor province director of information and culture said. “The cleaning-up work (from the flood) has stopped and we do...

LALAMUSA: Visitors Wednesday condoled with Chaudhry Qamar Zaman Kaira on the death of his son. PPP leader Mian Azhar Ahsan Dar, General Secretary PPP Gujranwala Irshad Sindho, MPA from Sindh Jam Madad Ali, former IGP Ikram, Prof Dr Abdul Waheed and others offered fateha. from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2KfcWkb

Respected Mr. Tarun Vijay Ex member Rajya SabhaCurrent member BJP, National ExecutiveSalutations,First and foremost, many congratulations to you that the people of India have again elected your party for five years giving it the right and authority to make decisions that affect their destiny. The decision of the masses is never without reason. The performance of the past five years may have appeared successful to them and hence they reposed their trust in the leadership of Mr. Narender Modi for the next five years also.But because of the events of the past concerns over the next five years have alleviated on this side of the border in Pakistan,. This success is being viewed as dangerous for the peace and stability in Pakistan. The learned class here say that secularism has been bid a permanent goodbye and our religious class thinks that Hindu supremacy will be encouraged to thrive and grow even more.I would like to convey all these concerns through you to the BJP leadership. You are a ...