Author: Sajjad Ali

In a bid to enhance the quality of education and tackle the issue of out-of-school children, the Punjab government has announced plans to outsource thousands of government schools across the province. This initiative aims to upgrade 13,219 schools with poor educational conditions, aligning them with the standards of private institutions under the government’s school restructuring programme. The outsourcing plan will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will focus on 5,863 schools with substandard conditions. The second and third phases will see the outsourcing of 4,453 and 2,903 schools, respectively. The primary objectives of this project are twofold: to…

Famous cricket player Virat Kohli recently expressed his desire to visit Pakistan to experience the country firsthand during a video chat with Pakistani mountaineer Shahroz Kashif. Kohli mentioned that Pakistan is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and hoped to visit soon. This conversation came to light when Shahroz Kashif shared a clip on his profile, revealing that back in 2022, while he was in Nepal, an Indian stranger complimented his efforts and promised to connect him with Kohli. To Kashif’s surprise, Kohli responded to his message, leading to their video chat. Although Shahroz’s recent reel suggests the conversation happened recently,…

Google has introduced new accessibility features across its services to enhance inclusivity for people with disabilities. Key updates include improvements to Google Maps, expansions to the Look to Speak app, and a significant upgrade to the Lookout tool for Android. The Lookout tool, designed for users with impaired eyesight or blindness, now boasts advanced AI capabilities. It offers real-time directional assistance and allows users to search for specific objects within seven categories, such as bathrooms and chairs. The Look to Speak app for Android, which enables communication using eye-controlled prewritten words, now includes a text-free option. This enhancement aims to…

KHYBER: The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain closed for three days from today (Friday). Torkham border will be closed from May 17 to 19 for pedestrian movement. However, the border will remain open for freight vehicles for import and export of goods. Officials have disclosed the reason of border closure as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration department is moving its operation system to new office. The Torkham border will be open for movement from Monday.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has taken action against Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal for their alleged disrespectful remarks towards the judiciary. In a suo motu case, a three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued contempt of court show-cause notices to both politicians following their press conferences on May 15 and 16, respectively. The court has demanded responses from Vawda and Kamal within two weeks and requested records of their speeches from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra). The contempt of court hearing has been adjourned until June 5. Chief Justice Isa…

KABUL: The Afghanistan national cricket team embarked from Kabul on Thursday, headed for the UAE to commence their journey in the T20 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the West Indies and the US and scheduled to commence on June 2nd. According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board, several players currently participating in the IPL will link up with the team in the UAE. Those players whose IPL commitments are ongoing will join their teammates in the West Indies. The early departure aims to allow the players to acclimate to the conditions and climate before the World Cup, stated the ACB chief.…

KABUL: Residents of Barlas village in Badakhshan’s Argu district have been under house arrest by the Taliban for the second consecutive day, sources report. The Taliban forces have also prohibited gatherings in the area. According to sources, the Taliban’s intelligence services have detained “several civilians” from the Argu district. Additionally, the telecommunication systems in Barlas village and other areas of Argu district have been cut off by the Taliban. Barlas village, situated 58 kilometers west of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, has seen the second round of protests against the Taliban in the region. Sources indicate that the Taliban…

Watermelon is one of the delightful fruits we eagerly await each summer for its sweet and refreshing taste. It’s suitable for everyone, even those on special diets. However, the tough rind can make choosing a ripe one feel like a gamble. Here’s how to pick a ripe and sweet watermelon: Examine the Stripes The outer color can hint at its quality. Look for a watermelon with dark green, well-defined stripes and lighter stripes that are pale yellow. A dull rind is preferable, as a shiny one often indicates it’s not fully ripe. Look for a Yellow Spot A yellow spot…

KARACHI: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concluded its meeting on Thursday to discuss the ban on Pakistani airlines’ operations in Europe. A high-level delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), led by the CAA secretary, briefed the European agency in Brussels on the measures taken to restore flight operations to European countries, sources said. The meeting, which started on May 14 and continued until May 16, involved the Pakistani delegation updating EASA on the steps implemented to resume flights to Europe. The delegation has now returned to Pakistan and will brief the authorities on the meeting’s details. Last…

Six, including two women and four children- drowned when a boat in which they were travelling capsized in Jhelum River near Pind Dadan Khan on Thursday. According to initial reports, there were more than 30 people on the boat and it was also loaded with a carry-van, motorcycles and other goods. The boat was in a dilapidated and was going to Nurpur Patan Malikwal from Sugharpur Patan. However, the local people started the relief operations on their own.