Author: Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to tap the domestic capital market by issuing Pakistan’s first Sustainable Investment Sukuk. This major move aims to raise funds for three clean energy projects that urgently need an additional Rs52 billion for completion. The bonds will be floated under the newly approved Sustainable Investment Sukuk Framework. The federal cabinet gave its nod to the framework earlier this month. Officials from the finance ministry said the size of the first Sukuk issue could be around Rs30 billion. According to sources, the funds raised through this Sustainable Investment Sukuk will finance the ongoing construction of three…

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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to form a high-level negotiations committee to address the concerns over the Indus Canals Project. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will lead this committee, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sources confirmed on Monday. The committee will consist of key ministers, including those handling planning, water resources, energy, and food security. It will also include the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, as well as experts on water and agriculture. Their main goal is to resolve the controversy surrounding the Indus Canals Project through dialogue. Massive protests have erupted across Sindh against the proposed canals on…

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A severe heatwave has taken over Pakistan, forcing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to announce a heat alert until April 27. The country braces for extreme heat and dry weather in the upcoming days. Karachi suffered the worst effects of the severe heatwave on Monday. The temperature soared to 41 degrees Celsius. Without the cooling effect of sea breezes, the real feel went beyond 44 degrees Celsius. This marked an increase of six degrees from the normal average for April. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted that sea breezes might return by Thursday. However, until then, Karachi and other…

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Karachi Kings pulled off a nail-biting two-wicket win against Peshawar Zalmi in a low-scoring clash at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Monday. Thanks to David Warner’s solid half-century and Khushdil Shah’s composed innings, the Kings chased down a tricky 148-run target. Chasing on a difficult surface, Karachi Kings sealed victory on the third ball of the final over. Hasan Ali smashed Hussain Talat for a boundary on the leg side to complete the tense run chase. The Kings’ start was disastrous. Tim Seifert fell for a golden duck on the first delivery, beaten by Luke Wood’s brilliant in-swinger. Things…

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After a break from acting, Aamir Khan is preparing for his grand return to the big screen. His upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. This news comes after several weeks of rumors about the movie’s release date. The film, directed by RS Prassana, is a blend of sports and drama with a slice-of-life approach. A source close to the development mentioned that Aamir Khan initially thought about releasing the film on May 30. However, he has now chosen June 20 for the release, allowing him a two-week clear window at the box…

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The federal and Sindh governments have taken a step forward towards resolving the dispute over the Six Canals Project on the Indus River. This breakthrough came after the first direct communication between the two sides. Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, initiated the contact by calling Sindh’s Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon. During the phone call, Rana Sanaullah assured Memon that the federal government is ready to open negotiations regarding the Six Canals Project. He also shared that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif have instructed that Sindh’s concerns must be properly addressed. They want…

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Islamabad United continued their unstoppable run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 with another strong performance. They crushed Karachi Kings by six wickets in the 10th match played at National Bank Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a low target of 129, Islamabad United crossed the line with 17 balls remaining and six wickets still in hand. Sahibzada Farhan and Azam Khan gave them a fast start. The opening pair added 34 runs before Hasan Ali broke through. Farhan smashed 30 runs from only 18 balls, hitting five fours and a six, before falling to Hasan. Hasan Ali struck again…

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The Department of Education in Tehran has officially declared that Afghan migrant students holding census registration papers or “return-to-Afghanistan” documents will no longer be allowed to enrol in Iranian schools for the 1404 academic year (March 2025 to March 2026). In a clear directive, the Education Department stated that all Afghan migrant students with these specific papers are now banned from accessing formal education in Iran. Yousof Baharloo, who serves as the Director General of Education for Tehran’s counties, issued strict instructions to school principals. He told them not to admit any migrant students possessing either census registration documents or…

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Almost eight years after its designation, the Astola Island Marine Protected Area (AIMPA) has an officially approved management plan. The Balochistan government has endorsed the plan to conserve Pakistan’s first marine protected site, also known as Jezira Haft Talar (Island of the Seven Hills). Pakistan, being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), committed to protecting its ecosystems. The 1992 Rio Earth Summit saw Pakistan join 150 countries to sign the CBD, which promotes conservation and fair use of biodiversity. In 1999, Pakistan drafted its first Biodiversity Action Plan to meet 2010 targets. However, the Global…

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Babar Saleem Swati, the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, has been cleared in a major Babar Saleem Swati corruption inquiry. An internal party investigation found no evidence to back the allegations against him, according to a detailed report. Qazi Anwar, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Internal Accountability Committee, led the investigation. His seven-page report dismissed all claims of corruption and misuse of power. The report has now been submitted to PTI’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja. The Babar Saleem Swati corruption inquiry investigated accusations made by PTI leader Azam Swati. These accusations included financial mismanagement and unlawful appointments.…

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