Author: Sajjad Ali

The repatriation of illegal Afghan immigrants from Pakistan has surged, with the total number reaching 493,648 by February 19, 2024. Between February 15 and 19, 3,396 Afghan citizens, including men, women, and children, returned to their homeland from various cities. Recent reports indicate an ongoing repatriation process, showing a significant movement of Afghan nationals leaving Pakistan. Among the returnees, 1,245 were men, 1,025 were women, and 1,914 were children, showcasing a diverse demographic returning to Afghanistan. Authorities have facilitated the journey back to Afghanistan, with 124 families accommodated in 124 vehicles for their homeward journey. This demonstrates a continued commitment…

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected 5.150 trillion rupees from July 2023 to mid-February 2024 against 3.973 trillion rupees over the corresponding period last fiscal year, showing growth of 30%. During the course of this period, tax refunds surged by more than 28%, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Tuesday. Overall growth in the domestic taxes has been around 40 percent, while import duty and related taxes grew by 16 percent over the July 2023 to January 2024 period. Notwithstanding, growth in import taxes dropped largely due to downward adjustments in import tariffs over…

WASHINGTON: The US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored that the formation of Pakistan’s new government remains an internal matter, affirming that the US will refrain from intervening in the country’s domestic affairs. This stance was reiterated during a press briefing in response to queries regarding alleged electoral irregularities in Pakistan’s 2024 general election held on February 8. Miller emphasized that the US has consistently advocated for the investigation of any claims of irregularities. These statements come amid ongoing discussions regarding the US position on Pakistan’s electoral process and its integrity during the 2024 general election. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of…

Mumbai: The famous actor of Indian drama industry Rituraj Singh died of a heart attack at the age of 59. According to Indian media, Rituraj Singh’s death has been confirmed by his co-star Amit Bahl. Actor Amit Bahl said that Rituraj had suffered a heart attack at home last night, after which he was being rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention, but he died on the way. Amit Bahl further said that Rituraj was suffering from pancreatic disease for which he stayed in the hospital for several days and returned home a few days ago after being discharged.…

Indian actor Vikrant Massey recently disclosed that his elder brother embraced Islam at the age of 17. The Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday that Massey shared insights into his family dynamics, revealing that his brother, Moeen, underwent a religious conversion. Massey himself hails from a diverse religious background, with his father being Christian and his mother Sikh. Explaining the circumstances, Massey expressed, “My brother’s name is Moeen, and I am called Vikrant. You might wonder about the name Moeen. Well, he converted to Islam, and our family supported his decision.” He further elaborated on the familial atmosphere surrounding his brother’s…

Another newly-elected member of the National Assembly from NA-62 in Sarai Alamgir, supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested by police near the Jhelum River. Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry was apprehended by authorities at a Jhelum River checkpost while en route to Islamabad, according to information shared on his official Facebook page. Ilyas secured his seat in the National Assembly as an independent candidate with the backing of PTI. However, the police have not confirmed his arrest. Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry emerged victorious in the NA-62 election with 97,436 votes, while his opponent, PML-N’s Chaudhry Abid Raza, secured 71,154 votes, securing the…

The lawyers for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have withdrawn the appeals filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against their convictions in Toshakhana and cipher cases. The PTI legal team took back the appeals after the court raised objections on the appeals filed in IHC last week. They said they will refile them after removing the objections. According to sources, the objections on the appeals were related to incomplete record and blurred copies.

ISLAMABAD:  The senators hailing from the opposition benches decried the alleged rigging in general elections held on Feb 8 across the country. Addressing the senate session, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-i-Islami demanded resignation of chief election commissioner and said that action must be taken against him under the Article 6 (treason). “It was a fake election. A judicial commission should be constituted to probe the election rigging,” JI’s senator said. He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to seek an apology from the nation as it failed to hold transparent election on Feb 8. “The election was already sold out…

Karachi: ‘Right To Protein,’ a dedicated awareness initiative powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), unveils “Solve With Protein” as the theme for Protein Day 2024, to be celebrated on 27 February, marking its fifth year. The initiative calls on individuals, businesses, and industry leaders to unite in addressing the surging demand for protein-rich foods, delivering protein solutions that are accessible to citizens across Pakistan and the larger South Asia region. The lack of understanding about protein as an essential macronutrient leads to inadequate levels of protein consumption. The Protein Day 2024 theme of “Solve With Protein” urges brands,…

More than 730 students in four countries graduated from the Aga Khan University on Saturday at ceremonies attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and other dignitaries and watched in-person and online by the University’s supporters around the world. “On graduating, you return to a world that is full of daunting challenges but also of endless possibilities,” Princess Zahra Aga Khan said in Nairobi, speaking on behalf of AKU’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan. “Continue to strive with courage and optimism to grasp opportunities to serve your communities and contribute to a more pluralistic and peaceful world.” 391…