Author: Saifullah

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during its annual session on September 26, as per a provisional list of speakers released by the UN. The high-level debate of the 193-member Assembly’s 79th session will be held from September 24 to 30. This marks the second time PM Sharif will deliver a speech to the General Assembly, with his previous address occurring in 2022. UNGA Spokesperson Monica Greylay stated that over 130 world leaders have confirmed their participation in the debate. The session, set to open on September 10, will take place…

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KARACHI: A recent medical report has confirmed the mental stability of the female driver involved in the tragic Karsaz traffic accident, where a father and daughter lost their lives, and five motorcycles were damaged. The report, released by the psychiatry department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) in Karachi, confirms that the accused is mentally sound. Dr. Chuni Lal, head of the psychiatry department at JPMC, stated that although the accused was initially in poor condition when she arrived at the hospital on August 19, an assessment revealed she was mentally stable. Despite claims from the accused’s family about her…

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Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the government’s commitment to digital transformation while addressing the “Empowering Digital Pakistan” conference organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR). He stated that the government is working with all stakeholders to bring about a digital revolution in Pakistan, highlighting the need for cooperation and collaboration as the only path to prosperity. He also acknowledged the immense potential of the country, particularly its youth, to propel Pakistan forward through digitalization. However, he stressed that this can only be achieved…

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ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced plans to replace old banknotes with newly designed currency, including the introduction of plastic notes. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, during a briefing at the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, stated that the new currency design, incorporating advanced features, will be finalized by December after receiving approval from the federal cabinet. Governor Ahmad mentioned that the SBP would test the durability of the plastic notes before fully rolling them out. He also assured that the Rs 5,000 banknote would remain in circulation, with no plans for discontinuation. The introduction of plastic notes…

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LAHORE: The Punjab government has removed the seniority number requirement for teacher transfers, making the process easier for educators. The announcement, made on Wednesday, has been well-received by teachers. Teachers have until August 31 to submit their transfer applications online. However, the online portal has faced technical issues due to a high volume of applicants. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat acknowledged the problem, stating that the system was overwhelmed but assured that the link would be restored with the help of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). He promised that all teachers would be able to apply for transfers…

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ISLAMABAD: Security sources have strongly reacted to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and chief, Imran Khan’s demand for an open trial of former spy chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. The former prime minister’s remarks, made during an informal discussion with journalists at Adiala Jail, have drawn criticism from security circles. In response to Khan’s call, security sources questioned his authority to demand an open trial for Lt Gen Hameed, asking, “Who is the founding chairman to decide whether Faiz Hameed’s trial should be open or not?” They emphasized that if Imran Khan himself faces trial in connection with the ongoing…

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Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday addressed concerns regarding the ongoing slow internet across the country, attributing it to a “faulty submarine cable” rather than the installation of firewalls. PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT that the submarine consortium had reported the issue, assuring that it would be resolved by August 27. Rehman explained that Pakistan is connected by seven fiber optic cables, one of which is currently damaged, leading to the noticeable decline in internet speeds. Over the past few weeks, users have experienced difficulties in sending or…

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Karachi: Police have filed charges against a woman driver involved in a fatal accident on Karsaz Road in Karachi on Monday. The First Information Report (FIR) was launched against the driver, Natasha Danish, on murder charges following the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of Imran Arif and his daughter Amna Arif, both of whom were on a motorcycle when the accident occurred. The FIR, filed by Imran Arif’s brother, Imtiaz Arif, invoked several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including those related to negligent driving and causing death. According to the complaint, Imtiaz was informed that his brother…

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the electricity subsidy and relief provided by the Punjab government are entirely funded by the provincial government’s resources, with no involvement from the federal government. During a federal cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that the relief offered by the Punjab government, which includes a subsidy of Rs14 per unit for electricity usage up to 500 units for two months, is fully financed by the province’s own funds. To support this initiative, the Punjab government has allocated Rs45 billion from its development funds, without any contribution from the federal government. He described this…

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Dera Ismail Khan: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), announced on Tuesday that his party would launch a mass movement against the current government’s policies without relying on external support or alliances with other political forces. Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed dissatisfaction with the results of past political alliances, stating that the party would now pursue an independent movement. He emphasized that his party no longer wishes to cause embarrassment to anyone, nor be embarrassed themselves. He also mentioned that JUI will play the role of opposition…

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