The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 22 people were killed in shelling that damaged its Gaza office on Friday, as the Israeli army intensified strikes in the besieged Palestinian territory. Hostilities between Israel and the powerful Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah have also escalated along the Lebanese border in recent weeks, raising fears of a broader conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday that the cross-border hostilities must not turn Lebanon into “another Gaza,” cautioning against the risk of triggering a catastrophe “beyond imagination.” His warning came as Israel increased its strikes in the Gaza Strip,…
Author: Sajjad Ali
Sajjad Ali
Sajjad Ali is ‘Online Web Editor of Khyber News. He is a journalist by profession and working in field for the last ten years. Previously he worked for national media organizations including ‘The Nation’ Daily Pakistan Today, Khyber News. He also worked in media development sector. He can be reached at sajjad.sovereign@gmail.com
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PESHAWAR: Five Pakistani soldiers were martyred when a bomb exploded in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military announced in a statement. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said that an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a security forces’ vehicle in the general area of Sadda in the Kurram district on Friday. As a result, five soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred. The martyrs include Havaldar Aqeel Ahmed, Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer, Sepoy Anush, Sepoy Haroon William, and Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan, according to the ISPR statement. “Sanitisation of the area is underway…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified its efforts against mobile phone fraud, blocking over 1,500 SIMs linked to fraudulent activities. As per details, the PTA recorded a significant number of complaints this year, including 6,298 fraud calls and 4,838 SMS complaints. Among these complaints, 782 were related to fraud via WhatsApp, while 487 involved scams using the Benazir Income Support Program’s name. Additionally, citizens reported 191 instances of fraudulent calls and messages associated with the Bol game show. Besides blocking SIMs, the PTA also took action against mobile phones by blocking the IMEI numbers of 1,401 devices. A…
According to the Russian TASS news agency, Armenia recognized Palestine as a state on Friday morning, as announced by Armenia’s foreign affairs ministry. Earlier, Norway, Ireland and Spain had formally recognised Palestine as a state. In response, Israel’s foreign affairs ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador to Israel for a formal reprimand. “Always being a supporter of the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Armenia has decided to recognize the independent state of Palestine,” wrote Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan in a post on X. The severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing military conflict are major international issues that…
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has commenced issuing Umrah visas for the post-Hajj season, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This follows the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday. The ministry is actively implementing directives from the leadership to accommodate a growing number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, ensuring their needs and expectations are met. Issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk application was paused for a month starting May 23 to allow Hajj pilgrims to perform their rituals comfortably. The Nusuk App will resume issuing Umrah visas from Zilhajj 15, which is June 21.…
PESHAWAR: During the recent Eidul Azha holidays, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a notable surge in tourism, with over 400,000 visitors flocking to its scenic destinations from June 17 to 19. Naran Kaghan stood out as the top attraction, drawing more than 174,000 tourists. Its picturesque valleys and serene landscapes continue to captivate those seeking a break from urban life. Galiyat attracted 162,000 tourists, who enjoyed its cultural sites and historical landmarks, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Malam Jabba in Swat welcomed over 46,000 visitors, and Upper Dir saw 23,000 tourists exploring its natural beauty. This increase in tourist numbers highlights Khyber…
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a new electricity tariff design, introducing monthly fixed charges for residential consumers starting July 1, 2024. Under the new proposal, residential consumers using 301-400 units per month will incur fixed charges of Rs. 200 monthly. Consumers in the 401-500 units bracket will pay Rs. 400, while those in the 501-600 units range will face Rs. 600 in fixed charges. Usage exceeding 600 units will see charges increase to Rs. 800 for 601-700 units and Rs. 1,000 for consumption above 700 units per month. Additionally, residential consumers with ToU (Time of…
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises has given approval to dissolve the boards of nine government-run power distribution companies on Friday. The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, endorsed the recommendation from the Board Nominations Committee, led by the Federal Minister for Power. Following the Cabinet’s ratification, a formal notification for the dissolution of these boards is expected. New boards will be established for nine out of eleven state-owned power companies, including LESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO, and ISECO. Additionally, boards will be formed for PESCO, QESCO, TESCO, and HESCO, as disclosed by government sources. Notably, Prime Minister Shehbaz…
SWAT: A mob lynched a local tourist—who had been arrested for the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran—inside the Madyan police station in Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday night, police said. The man was apprehended by individuals and handed over to the police after some people announced in a market that he had committed blasphemy. The police brought him to the Madyan police station. But shortly afterwards, announcements were made from mosques in Madyan, a known tourist destination in Swat, mobilizing people towards the police station in anger, which was later stormed by the mob, said the police…
ISLAMABAD: In a determined effort to revive the economy and address the ongoing power crisis, the government has launched an extensive campaign against electricity theft. This initiative has led to the recovery of Rs95 billion nationwide and the arrest of over 78,000 individuals involved in such activities. During an intensive operation from June 2-9, significant sums were recovered from key cities: Rs35 million from Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, and Islamabad, and Rs15 million from Peshawar, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Quetta. The crackdown remains relentless, with an additional 250 arrests made since June 9. Authorities are steadfast in their commitment to continue…
