Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PM Shehbaz directs crackdown against human traffickers

PM Shehbaz forms high-level committee for talks with PTI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to take solid actions against human trafficking bringing defame to Pakistan and sought a report on the incidents of human trafficking during the last year involving Pakistani citizens.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to discuss the death of Pakistani nationals in a boat capsizing incident in Greece and the measures to curb human trafficking, called for strict action against the people involved in the trafficking of innocent people to other countries.

He recalled that 262 Pakistani nationals had lost their lives in another incident in the same area last year and expressed his displeasure over inaction against those responsible. The recurrence of such incidents is due to the sluggish actions against the people involved, he added.

The prime minister instructed the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor international travelers.

During the briefing, the prime minister was told that 174 people involved in human trafficking had been produced before courts with four of them convicted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz sought details on the public awareness campaign on human trafficking and asked the FIA and foreign ministry to furnish a report on the incidents involving Pakistani nationals over the last year.

[embedpost slug=”pm-forms-11-member-task-force-for-development-of-housing-sector”]

Read more

Vivo to launch smaller-screen mid-range smartphone in 2025

Vivo to launch smaller-screen mid-range smartphone in 2025

Vivo is planning to launch a new smaller-screen mid-range smartphone in 2025, following the success of its X200 Pro mini. The new device is expected to be powered by a Dimensity 9 series chipset, possibly the Dimensity 9300, making it an ideal choice for a mid-range phone. A recent leak from Digital Chat Station on … Read more

Kia, Hyundai, and Honda to launch new models in 2025

Kia, Hyundai, and Honda to launch new models in 2025

The year 2025 promises exciting developments for car enthusiasts in Pakistan, with several renowned automakers gearing up to launch new models, including hybrids and electric vehicles. Here’s a look at the expected releases: Kia Sorento Hybrid CKD Kia is set to introduce the Sorento Hybrid CKD in early 2025. Featuring a 1.6-litre turbo engine, it … Read more

LHC dismisses pleas against outsourcing govt schools

LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court(LHC) on Wednesday dismissed the petitions filed against the outsourcing of government schools in Punjab.

Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions of Aitzaz Ahsan and others against the outsourcing of government schools in the Lahore High Court, during which the petitioner and the government lawyer appeared in the court.

The counsel for the petitioners argued in the court that the Punjab government’s move to privatize government schools is against the law, as schools will be privatized and fees will be increased.

The petitioner demanded a halt to the decision to outsource schools, saying the children of the poor would miss out on basic education from government schools.

On this occasion, the government lawyer argued in the court that the closed government schools are being outsourced through public-private partnership. The outsourced schools will also remain under the Punjab government.

Later, the court dismissed the pleas against outsourcing to government schools.

[embedpost slug=”lhc-orders-to-formulate-work-from-home-policy-for-schools-offices”]

Read more

Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, marking the end of an illustrious career. The announcement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane. At a press conference, Ashwin expressed gratitude for his journey with the Indian cricket team. “This will be my last … Read more

President, PM pay tribute to Lance Naik Mahfuz on martyrdom anniversary

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on the 53rd anniversary of his martyrdom, recognizing his valor and sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, lauded the exemplary gallantry of Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed in the 1971 war when he repelled the enemy at the Wagah Border.

They prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of the rank of Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed in paradise.

“Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed fought the enemy with bravery. The entire nation salutes him for his exemplary valor and patriotism. The people of Pakistan recognise the sacrifices of the martyrs which they will never forget,” the president remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed defeated the enemy despite its overwhelming strength.

“Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed proved to be an indomitable symbol of duty and patriotism to protect the country from the evil intentions of the enemies. His commitment to the motherland and the spirit of sacrificing his life for its defense is a model for the new generation to follow,” he said.

The prime minister said that the entire nation was proud of the Pakistan Army’s martyrs and their families and will never forget the armed forces’ sacrifices for the country’s defence.

Similarly, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), the Service Chiefs, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate the 53rd martyrdom anniversary of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, a paragon of extraordinary courage and unwavering patriotism.

“The valor and self-sacrifice displayed by Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed during the 1971 war at the Wagah border epitomize the indomitable spirit of the Pakistan Armed Forces,” an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

[embedpost slug=”pakistan-navy-aircraft-participates-in-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise-in-turkiye”]

Read more

PCB chairman offers training for Saudi cricketers

PCB chairman offers training for Saudi cricketers

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered to train Saudi Arabia’s cricket players to promote the sport in the Kingdom. During his visit to Riyadh, Mohsin Naqvi met with Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation. The two leaders discussed strategies to develop cricket in Saudi Arabia and enhance player … Read more

FIA, NCB, Interpol arrest proclaimed offenders from UAE  

FIA

KARACHI: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) National Central Bureau (NCB), and Interpol Pakistan  arrested 6 proclaimed offenders(POs) wanted in murder and robbery cases.

FIA spokesperson said that the proclaimed offenders were arrested from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and transferred to Lahore Airport. The arrested accused were wanted by Gujranwala, Gujarat, Rajanpur and Multan police.

According to the spokesperson of FIA, the accused had fled abroad after the incidents, Federal Investigation Agency Immigration Lahore handed over the accused to the Punjab Police authorities.

[embedpost slug=”fia-warns-of-cybercriminals-targeting-whatsapp-accounts”]

Read more

WhatsApp Business to roll out AI-powered messaging

WhatsApp introduces new privacy controls for profile photos

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a groundbreaking AI-powered feature for users of its Business app, aiming to revolutionize customer support and engagement. According to WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned platform will soon enable businesses to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to manage customer messages when human teams are unavailable. This ensures uninterrupted support, improving the overall customer … Read more

PM forms 11-member task force for development of housing sector

PM forms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif formed an 11-member Task Force for the development of the housing sector.

According to sources, the 11-member task force formed for the development of the housing sector will give suggestions on urban planning policies and practical measures and propose a workable taxation system for the construction sector.

The 11-member task force will be headed by the Federal Minister for Housing Riyaz Hussain Pirzada. The Finance Minister, Minister of State for Revenue, DG Welfare and Rehabilitation Pakistan Army, Major General Dilawar Khan, FBR chairman and Federal Government Employees Housing Authority DG are included in it.

The experts from the housing sector have also been included in it. The task force will develop a comprehensive framework for the growth and development of the housing sector. It will prepare recommendations for changes in urban planning policies.

The task force will examine the impact of the current revenue regime on the sector and formulate a policy on reduction of taxes on imported goods and products related to the sector.

It will examine the possibilities of incentives for the sector and submit its final recommendations to the Prime Minister within a month.

[embedpost slug=”mqm-p-backs-maulana-fazl-ur-rehman-on-madrassa-bill”]

Read more

Government plans Rs12 per unit cut in electricity tariffs by March

Government plans Rs12 per unit cut in electricity tariffs by March

The government is considering a significant reduction in electricity tariffs by Rs12 per unit to ease the financial burden on consumers amid rising costs of essential commodities. The reduction is expected to be implemented by March 2025. This initiative involves renegotiating contracts with private Independent Power Producers (IPPs), government power plants (GPPs), and renewable energy … Read more

UAE ambassador highlights deep-rooted ties with Pakistan on National Day

UAE

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between the UAE and Pakistan, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a collective vision for regional peace and development.

Speaking at a reception to mark the UAE’s 53rd National Day – Eid Al-Etihad, Ambassador Al-Zaabi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

“The UAE sees tremendous potential for collaboration with Pakistan across various sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, economic diversification, and agriculture innovations,” he said.

The envoy stressed the importance of creating new opportunities for the youth of both nations, which would contribute to their mutual growth and benefit the wider region.

“As we celebrate this historic occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided our nations through challenges and triumphs,” he added.

[embedpost slug=”pakistan-saudi-arabia-vow-to-strengthen-security-cooperation”]

Read more

Varun Dhawan reveals how he manifested ‘Baby John’ and Atlee’s reason for casting him

Varun Dhawan reveals how he manifested ‘Baby John’ and Atlee’s reason for casting him

Varun Dhawan, a Bollywood star, revealed that he had a’mass film’ in mind before landing the project. He emphasized that he was waiting for a great filmmaker to trust him to make a mass film. Dhawan expressed gratitude to director Atlee for his determination to cast him in the film. Bollywood star Varun Dhawan is … Read more

Palestinians challenge US military assistance to Israel in federal court

Palestinians challenge US military assistance to Israel in federal court

In a groundbreaking legal challenge, five Palestinians from Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and the United States are suing the US government, seeking to halt American military assistance to Israel due to its involvement in alleged serious human rights abuses. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, accuses the US Department of State of failing to enforce … Read more

Nida Yasir teases Yasir Nawaz on second marriage “First become a Billionaire like Ambani”

Nida Yasir teases Yasir Nawaz on second marriage “First become a Billionaire like Ambani”

Nida Yasir and husband Yasir Nawaz engage in a playful conversation about marriage. The moment went viral, praising Nida’s humor and Yasir’s positive attitude. The couple is a beloved pair in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Popular TV host Nida Yasir and her husband, Yasir Nawaz, recently entertained fans with playful banter during a candid discussion. Yasir … Read more