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ISLAMABAD: Interim Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar says capital market reforms are critical component of the Caretaker Government’s economic revival program, ARY News reported. As per details, Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs Dr. Shamshad Akhtar extended her unwavering support to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP,s) initiatives aimed at establishing financial institutions backed private funds to serve as a catalyst for economic revival. She asked the fiscal and regulatory sides, including the Federal Board of Revenue, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the SECP, to extend complete support to the initiatives of seeking investments from local financial institutions, institutional investors, government DFIs, and corporate entities with the potential to attract foreign capital. The finance minister was chairing the meeting held by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to discuss proposals for establishing financial ins

The caretaker government on Saturday slashed the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre and that of high-speed diesel by Rs11 per litre for the next fortnight. According to a notification from the Ministry of Finance, the new price of petrol is Rs323.38 and Rs318.18 for HSD. It said the price revision was due to the variations in the international prices of petroleum products and the improvement in the exchange rate. Previously, the prices of HSD and petrol were estimated to be reduced by about Rs15-19 per litre for the Oct 1-15 period mainly because of the rupee’s appreciation. The Pakistani rupee appreciated throughout the outgoing week, seeing an improvement of 1.4 per cent against the USD in the interbank market, and is on track to be the best-performing currency this month. Last week, Caretaker Commerce and Industries Minister Gohar Ejaz had said he was hopeful that the nation would receive “ good news ” regarding petrol prices on October 1. The prices of the two essential fuels

JHANG: In a horrific incident, a man gunned down his sister for stopping him from playing Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), ARY News reported. As per details, the police officials said that the incident occurred in Athara Hazari Tehsil of Jhang where a youth killed his sister when she stopped him from playing PUBG. Earlier, Police recovered a teenage boy who fled home after stealing over 70,000 to play PUBG. As per details, the 13-year-old boy identified as Majid Rehman used to play PUBG with his friends. He stole more than 70,000 from his home and fled with his friends. The teen spent the money on buying PUBG costumes. Furthermore, the police recovered the teenager after three days and handed him over to his family. They had filed an abduction FIR in the city police station Arifwala. In a separate incident, a  Pakistani woman was arrested for ‘illegally’ crossing border  along with her four children to meet a man in India, she interacted on online game – PUBG Mobile. Accor

KARACHI: Smooth operation of electric buses, launched in the metropolis in January this year, has become a serious challenge for its management as the half of the total 40-bus fleet is gathering dust for past several weeks after one of the two power stations faced capacity issues and failed to charge all high-tech public transport carriers. Realising the complexity of the challenge, the authorities have decided to rebuild a new power station at the Mehran Depot near the Jinnah International Airport, closing down the one in Malir Cantonment. In this connection the process has been started to install machinery and acquire the required power supply system. A source privy to the current challenges said that the electric buses were plying three different routes. “Two power stations for total 40 buses are in Bahria Town and Malir Cantt. The one in Bahria Town is working fine and 20 electric buses dedicated for its route are operational. However, the one in Malir Cantt is constantly facing

The US government hurtled towards a shutdown Friday, with hardline Republicans creating disarray in their own party and President Joe Biden’s administration issuing increasingly dire warnings of everything from impending border chaos to travel disruptions. The closure, set to start after midnight Saturday (0400 GMT Sunday) if lawmakers fail to reach a deal, would be the first since 2019 — impacting millions of federal employees and military personnel while threatening the closure of national parks. The two chambers of Congress are deadlocked, with a small group of Republicans in the House of Representatives pushing back against any stopgap measure that would at least keep the lights on. On Friday, hardline House Republicans defeated a plan proposed by their own leader to keep funds flowing, with a bill to temporarily fund the government rejected in a 232-198 vote. The measure involved deep spending cuts and would unlikely have passed the Democratic-majority Senate. Office of Mana

A soldier was martyred while a wanted terrorist was killed in separate military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram and Mardan districts, according to a press release from the military’s media wing on Friday. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release said two engagements took place between security forces and terrorists in the province on the night between Thursday and Friday. An intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mardan district’s general area of Katlang, resulting in the killing of a “high-value target, terrorist ringleader Faisal”. The ISPR added he was actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and was “highly wanted by law enforcement agencies”. It said weapons and ammunition were also recovered from him. Separately, 33-year-old Lance Naik Ghairat Khan, resident of Kurram district, was martyred in an encounter with terrorists in the district’s general area Parachinar. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace o

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formulated a new strategy to curb financial losses to the exchequer from the Afghan transit trade, citing sources, ARY News reported on Friday. Sources told ARY News that Pakistan suffered an annual financial loss of Rs180 billion from the Afghan transit trade. To curb the financial losses, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) formulated a new strategy to stop smuggling of the transit commodities.  The documents mentioned that Pakistan would take 100% guarantee of all luxury items in the Afghan transit trade. The federal government decided to end the smuggling of luxury items through the Afghan transit trade following the recommendations of the Special Investment Facilitations Council’s (SIFC) apex committee. According to the documents, a ban was imposed on the exports of several luxury commodities including tyres, fabrics, cosmetics, tiles and other items until their clearance from the relevant authorities. Related: Afghan Transit Trade key reason of blac

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that the PPP is demanding an exact schedule from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding general elections in a transparent manner. Talking to a private news channel, he said there had been a consensus among the political parties to complete the census and delimitation process so that the next elections could be held in a proper manner. “We have asked ECP to organize free and fair elections without delay,” he said. Related: ECP reduces six KP seats in new delimitations In reply to a question about ambiguity in the general elections, he said his party is insisting on the election commission to announce a time frame and exact date so that we can participate in the elections with full preparation and without ambiguity. Yesterday, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) formed a legal team to challenge the new delimitations. As per details, the legal team headed by the president of PLF will ch

KARACHI: At least four Rangers personnel were injured, while three accused were injured in an exchange of firing during a joint operation of Pakistan Rangers Sindh and Police in Sakrand, Sindh, ARY News reported. According to a spokesman for the Rangers on Thursday, the operation was carried out based on intelligence information. The operation was conducted jointly by Rangers and Police on the report of the presence of miscreants and criminals. Explosives and weapons were reported to be in the possession of high-profile suspects. The accused, when they noticed forces approaching, opened indiscriminate firing, due to which four Rangers personnel were injured and three were killed in retaliatory action. Karachi police, rangers arrest three suspects in combing operation The Law enforcers earlier arrested three suspected criminals during a search and combing operation in Orangi Town area. According to the Rangers spokesperson, Karachi police and Rangers arrested three suspected crim

KARACHI: Karachi’s Port Qasim has received the largest-ever cargo vessel measuring 355 meters at one of its terminals for the first time, ARY News reported on Thursday. Karachi’s Port Qasim handled its largest-ever container-laden cargo vessel measuring 355 meters for the first time. The vessel was berthed at a private company DP World’s terminal and the unloading process is underway. The Singaporean vessel – APL LE HARVE – carrying import orders from across the country anchored at Port Qasim Karachi today from Jeddah after a two-day journey. The port administration said that the cargo vessel will depart for India after the unloading process is completed. In December 2019, the biggest container-laden ship in the history of Pakistan anchored down at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The ship, namely ‘Cosco Belgium’ was a giant container vessel that anchored down at the South Wharf area of Karachi Port. It was the largest ever vessel handled for the very first time at Karachi Port wi

Rifts have emerged among the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legal team where Sher Afzal Marwat called Shoaib Shaheen a ‘traitor’, ARY News reported. The PTI legal team member Sher Afzal Marwat took to X formerly Twitter saying that “Shoaib Shaheen is the only traitor in the PTI legal team, I tweeted about the traitors in PTI legal team but deleted the tweet after advice from seniors of core committee.” He further said “Shoaib Shaheen mysteriously emerged in the last week of April 2023 and I was surprised to see him at the legal committee meeting in Bani Gala. He had never been part of the ILF or PTI before and his access to Bani Gala reflected that he had the support of some in our ranks.” Sher Afzal Marwat added that he will inform the PTI chief tomorrow about the tweet. Responding to the Sher Afzal’s accusations, Shoaib Shaheen said that whoever creates a divide in the party cannot be part of PTI. He stated that the party has nominated five spokespersons and “I’m one of the spo

The city police on Wednesday said they were trying to locate a 16-year-old maid who was allegedly abducted from an apartment near Karachi’s Seaview. South Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told Dawn.com that the girl was allegedly kidnapped by an unidentified person from the apartment on August 15 and a complaint was subsequently registered by her father. The month-old incident came to public attention when the victim’s father brought it to the local media’s notice, subsequently drawing significant attention on social media. Darakhshan police had lodged a first information report (FIR) under Section 365-B (Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel for marriage etc.) of the Pakistan Penal Code on Aug 17. The FIR said the daughter had ventured out at 11pm on Aug 15 to buy something but did not return, adding that the family searched for her but could not find anything. The father said he suspected that some “unknown person” had abducted her for “unknown

Pakistan Cricket Team landed in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the pictures and videos of their arrival are going viral on social media. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv Babar Azam-led Pakistan side landed in Deccan, Hyderabad. They boarded the team bus and were taken to their hotel under tight security protocol. The pictures and video of the side’s arrival are making rounds on the social media platforms. #Pakistan cricket team touchdown in India! There’s a buzz in the air as contenders to the #GreatestGlory at the #CWC23 arrive ahead of the marquee tournament. Tune-in to the #NZvPAK Warm-up match at #WorldCupOnStar FRI, SEP 29, 12:30 PM onwards | Star Sports Network #Cricket pic.twitter.com/AVBF8iBOOQ — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 27, 2023 Great to see Babar and Shaheen landing in India Pakistan cricket team will be taken to hotel in India’s Hyderabad under heavy security. pic.twitter.com/QlqH3cqgmn — Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajaha

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Interior has enacted a substantial increase in penalties for traffic violations within the capital city of Islamabad with the main objective of maintaining traffic discipline and ensuring a safe road environment in the city, ARY News reported  This significant change in policy has been officially communicated to the public, and its primary objective is to reinforce the enforcement of traffic laws, ultimately leading to safer roads for all citizens, as stated by a spokesperson. As per the newly issued notification by the Ministry of Interior, the minimum fine for traffic violations has been raised to Rs 500. This adjustment represents part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring rigorous adherence to traffic regulations, which play a crucial role in preventing accidents and maintaining road safety. The updated notification provides specific fines for various violations. Motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit will be charged Rs 1,000, while moto

LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday interacted with the students at the prestigious Oxford Union, engaging with an enthusiastic audience of academics and students. The Oxford Union, known for hosting influential leaders and thinkers, warmly welcomed the prime minister. Oxford Union President Disha Hegde moderated an interactive Q&A session with the prime minister, providing valuable insights into his vision on important national, regional, and global issues. Following this engaging discussion, PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar took questions from Oxford University students, connecting with the next generation of leaders and scholars. Related: Elections can take place without PTI chief: PM Kakar During the interaction, the prime minister spoke in detail on Pakistan’s economy, politics, security, and relations with neighbours. At the Oxford Union office, the prime minister signed the Visitors’ Book, recognizing the institution’s pivotal role in shaping global d

India fans were shocked after former batter Gautam Gambhir’s disturbing video about legendary cricketer Kapil Dev went viral ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir shared the viral video on the social media application X, formerly Twitter. It showed the man in question, who highly resembled India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, being dragged into a house with his hands tied and mouth covered. Anyone else received this clip, too? Hope it’s not actually @therealkapildev and that Kapil Paaji is fine! pic.twitter.com/KsIV33Dbmp — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 25, 2023 Gautam Gambhir asked netizens if they received such videos. He hoped that it wasn’t Kapil Dev and he is fine. The video created buzz and has 3.3 million views. Social media said it was Kapil Dev’s doppelganger, while others believe it is a marketing stunt. Advertisment — Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) September

Handcuffed, a knife still sticking out of his overalls, the Chucky doll – made famous in the Hollywood film franchise ‘ Child’s Play ‘ – hunches against the wall as police hold him by his bright orange hair to take his mug shot. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv In a bizarre twist, Chucky and his owner were taken into lock-up in a town in northern Mexico earlier this week. The puppet master, identified only as Carlos “N” under Mexican norms, allegedly used the “demon doll” to scare people and demand money, local media reported. Both were charged with disturbing the peace and putting others’ integrity at risk. A Chucky doll and its owner were arrested in Mexico on September 11 for allegedly scaring people and demanding money from them, local media reported. The so-called “demon doll” was handcuffed and a mugshot was taken of it with its owner, a puppet master named Carlos “N,” who was… pic.twitter.com/rnKdfrw7W2 — TRT World (@trtworld) September 25, 2023 One officer at

ISLAMABAD: Former finance minister Miftah Ismail said Sunday that the country will be destroyed without taxing the elites, ARY News reported. While talking to the ARY News programme Sawal Yeh Hai, Miftah Ismail said that financial issues would not be resolved until elites go without taxes. He suggested the government to reduce expenses to improve the economy. The former finance minister said that 40% inflation has not only destroyed the middle class people but it is now affected the upper class people. He criticised that the leaders had not taken right decisions on the right time. “In 2017, the government increased the taxes on salaried persons by 15%, whereas, 261 billion are being taken from the salaried persons in terms of taxes today, whereas, only 61 billion of taxes are being received from big exporters.” Ismail said that the government is not imposing property and agriculture taxes in provinces. He opposed the imposition of taxes on retailers and wholesalers. Earlier, Mift

A 70-year-old paralyzed woman died after being slapped and smothered by her caregiver in India’s Kolkata city. A disturbing CCTV footage has also surfaced which showed the caregiver slapping and torturing the bed-ridden woman due to paralysis. On September 11, one of her caregivers found Kala dead in her bedroom, after which she informed her relatives. Assuming natural death, they cremated the body of the woman, reported India Today. However, the relatives later learnt that the woman was brutally tortured by her caregiver, Safia Khatun, after examining the CCTV cameras installed in the flat. In the CCTV footage, Safia could be seen slapping and torturing the woman for almost the entire night on September 10. Police arrested Safia after a relative of the woman filed a complaint against her. During interrogation, Safia confessed that she used to torture the woman as she was disturbed by her during sleep, a senior police official said. Another CCTV footage also confirmed that Sa

ATTOCK: The Attock jail administration has excused to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief in IHC over Cipher case, ARY News reported. As per details, the jail administration stated that shifting the PTI Chairman from jail to court could be a security risk. Furthermore, the Attock jail officials urged the court to exempt the former prime minister from court appearance on September 25. Cipher case: IHC to hear PTI chairman’s bail plea on Sept 25 Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixed for hearing the former prime minister and PTI chairman’s bail plea in the cipher case. The registrar’s office has issued the cause list and the PTI chairman’s bail application is scheduled for hearing on Monday (tomorrow), which will be heard by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. The PTI Chairman Imran Khan was sent to jail on August 5 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Cipher case It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI chief Imran Khan and vice chairman were booked for ‘d

Netflix has added a new K-drama – an action packed South Korean series – ‘Song of the Bandits’ to their catalog which made its way onto the list of the most interesting newcomers which shouldn’t be missed. Song of the Bandits is an original series from Netflix that was directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok and based on the screenplay written by Han Jeong-hoon. The first season consists of a total of nine episodes, all of which were released together. The series was launched on September 22 but it became a must-watch South Korean action series just hours after its premiere.  The action K-drama is expected to attract a large viewership in just a few days. The story takes place in the anarchic region of Gando in the 1920s, where fierce bandits will stop at nothing to fight for their beloved homeland and their loved ones… even if it means death. Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, You Chea-myung, Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Ho-jung and Kim Seol-jin are some of the stars who were chosen in the casting process to br

ISLAMABAD: The main runway of Islamabad International Airport will be unavailable from September 25 to 30 during early morning and specific night hours, ARY News reported. According to the spokesperson Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the runway will be unavailable due to the routine cleaning of rubber at Islamabad International Airport’s main runway. He said that in the morning rubber cleaning will take place from 05:30 to 08:30 hrs. The cleaning time of the main runway at night will be from 10:30 to 13:00 (till 1 am). Flight operations will continue uninterrupted while the rubber is being cleaned from the main runway, he added. He said that a secondary runway would be available for flight operations at all times. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/sJGcPQn https://ift.tt/Mvt9dil

Hollywood actress Emma Watson, known for playing protagonist Hermione Granger in the live-action adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book series ‘ Harry Potter ‘, created buzz by making a surprising life-saving decision. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv According to a foreign news agency, the ‘ Beauty and the Beast ‘ star is all set to pursue her post-graduation degree from Oxford. However, she came under the limelight after news of her hiring a security team for protection from fellow students. She will reportedly attend some lectures in Ivy League education and her security protocol would escort her during the visit. However, she would complete most of her degree virtually.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Emma Watson (@emmawatson) A source to the news agency that the course could be completed on a part-time basis, which is suitable as it would help her balance her academic and professional lives. “The course is for olde

A soldier was martyred during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district on Saturday, according to the military’s media wing. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release said security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the district’s general area of Mir Ali during which an “intense fire exchange” occurred against terrorists. “Own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location. However, during the operation, Sepoy Shakeel Shafqat, age 21 years, resident of District Khanewal, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom,” the ISPR said, adding that the area was being sanitised to eliminate any terrorists found in the vicinity. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said. On Thursday, eight terrorists were killed by security forces during two separate IBOs in the Jani Khel general a

KARACHI: Almost two medical stores were sealed in Karachi for selling unregistered and fake medicines on Saturday, ARY News reported. According to details, the district administration has launched a crackdown in South District against selling of unregistered and fake medicines, and hoarding of life-saving drugs. During the crackdown, the administration imposed Rs0.38 million on almost 20 medical stores and also sealed two shops in the Garden area. The raids were carried out in Clifton, Gizri, Lyari General Hospital, Chakiwara, Lea Market and other areas in South District. On September 4, Sindh’s Directorate General (DG) Health took note of drug price hikes and black marketing and directed the District Health Office (DHO) to take immediate actions under police supervision. DG Health in his letter to Drug Inspector sought a report from the drug officer for non-supply of medicines and sales of medicine in black-market. There are many medicines which are not available in the market.

NEW YORK: Caretaker Minister for Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani on Friday met his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov wherein they discussed the common challenges including Islamophobia and climate change. In the meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the two sides agreed to work together at the international fora, especially at the United Nations and the OIC. The two sides reviewed the recent developments in bilateral relations, especially in the domain of bilateral trade, defence, energy and IT cooperation. Welcoming the announcement of direct flight operations of Azerbaijan Airline (AZAR) to Pakistan, the foreign minister termed it a positive development to facilitate people-to-people exchanges for business and tourism. He thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent and valuable support to Pakistan on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at various international fora, including at the OIC Contact Group on J

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Friday proposed a hike in the power tariff by Rs3.2814 per unit for the months of October till March under quarterly adjustment. A notice from the authority said the decision, on requests by ex-Wapda distribution companies (XWDiscos) for periodic adjustment in the tariff for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022-23, was sent to the federal government for any intimation or action, after which Nepra would notify it. The decision said Nepra “allows the positive quarterly adjustments of Rs135,584 million pertaining to the fourth quarter of the FY2022-23, to be recovered from the consumers of XWDiscos in a period of six months i.e. October 2023 to March 2024” with an additional Rs3.2814 per unit to be charged. It added that the same terms would apply to K-Electric (KE) consumers as per the federal government’s policy guidelines for the authority to determine the same tariff rationalisation for KE consumers as consumers of XWDi

NEW YORK: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Friday that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is the key to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan. PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly today. The premier said that the establishment of peace is necessary to gain development and prosperity. Pakistan wants good ties with all neighbours including India. “The resolution of the Kashmir dispute is crucial to resolve all conflicts between Pakistan and India. The UN should implement its resolutions to resolve the Kashmir dispute.” Related: PM Kakar stresses global action to end regional conflicts, climate-driven disasters Kakar called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to secure the implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir, which, he said, was the key to peace between Pakistan and India. “India has evaded implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions which call for the ‘final disposition’ of Jammu and Kas

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has taken a swift action to address United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerns over sub-standard meat exports which led to the imposition of a ban, ARY News reported on Thursday. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) said that it is actively addressing the recent ban imposed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the export of fresh chilled meat (by sea) from Pakistan with effect from October 10, 2023. The ban follows the arrival of several containers of substandard fresh beef in Dubai, as reported by the Dubai Municipal Authorities. Related: UAE bans fresh meat imports from Pakistan via sea route Initial investigations have revealed that the sub-standard quality of the meat was allegedly due to the non-functionality of the refrigeration system installed in the containers, which is the responsibility of the shipping lines. It has also been learnt that the c