Pakistan News Urdu Fast

Justice Tahira Safdar took oath on Saturday as the first woman chief justice of a Pakistani high court. She was administered oath as the Balochistan High Court (BHC) chief justice by provincial governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai at a ceremony at the Governor House. Justice Safdar’s nomination as chief justice of BHC was confirmed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar in July. She has replaced Justice Noor Muhammad Meskanzai whose tenure ended on Friday. According to the BHC website, Justice Safdar was also the first woman civil judge in Balochistan and has the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed in all posts she has served on. She is the daughter of Syed Imtiaz Hussain Baqri Hanafi, a renowned lawyer and was born in Quetta on October 5, 1957. Justice Safdar did her Masters in Urdu Literature from the University of Balochistan and completed her degree in Law from the University Law College, Quetta. She was elevated as an additional judge of BHC in 2...

Alcohol bottle, cigarettes and drugs were found in the hospital room of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Sharjeel Inam Memon during a surprise visit by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday, sources said. According to sources, there was no nurse or doctor in Sharjeel Memon’s room on the first floor of Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi, where he was earlier shifted from jail owing to his ‘ill health’. In February, the chief justice took notice of Sharjeel Memon being shifted to the hospital from jail. He was then on judicial remand after being arrested in the Rs5.76 billion corruption case in November 2017, along with 11 others. The CJP also visited the rooms of other political prisoners in the hospitals of Karachi. A surprise visit was also paid to the room in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, where Omni Group Chairperson Anwar Majeed was admitted. He is under trial in a money laundering case. Anwar Majeed was put under trial over the case of more t...

Google is honouring the late Pakistani Urdu novelist and playwright Fatima Surayya Bajia on her 88th birth anniversary with a colourful doodle depicting her with her lifelong companions: a pen and a notebook. The doodle shows Bajia — as she was known to one and all — writing in a notebook, clad in her customary sari and surrounded by books. The renowned playwright had breathed her last on February 10, 2016 at her Karachi residence after a prolonged illness. The Mountain View, California-based Google frequently changes the colorful logo on its famously Spartan homepage to mark anniversaries or significant events or pay tribute to artists, scientists, statesmen and others. Remembering Bajia Bajia wrote several popular serials for PTV, including Shama (based on A.R. Khatoon' novel), Afshan, Aroosa, Aagahi, Ana and Zeenat. Besides, she had done historical plays, children's programmes, women's programmes and literary programmes such as Auraq. In recognition of her servic...

Pakistan on Friday shut down its Consulate General in Jalalabad City in Nangarhar province to protest local officials’ intervention in activities of the diplomatic office. The Pakistani embassy in Kabul said that the decision has been taken in reaction to provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat’s intervention in activities of the consulate. “The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul deeply regrets undue intervention of Governor Hayatullah Hayat in the functioning of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Jalalabad is complete violation of the Vienna Convention of the Consular Relations 1963.” The embassy said that the Consulate General will remain closed until the security arrangements are completed to the satisfaction of the embassy. The embassy said it has requested the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “kindly refrain the governor from interfering in the functioning of the Consulate General and to ensure restoration of security of the consulate office as it exist...

As Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday vowed to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties, the government expressed unequivocal support for Iran’s position on its troubled nuclear deal with the West that has been abandoned by the United States and urged the other parties to the agreement to remain committed to it. Talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after the assumption of office by the PTI-led coalition government, PM Khan recalled the “inseparable bonds” connecting Pakistan and Iran together and said that during his government he would make all efforts “to cement these relations in various areas to the benefit of both countries”. Emphasising the importance of Pakistan and Iran in the region, PM Khan said the two countries “remained the key to growth and prosperity in the region through enhancing connectivity and promoting people to people linkages”. Imran vows to strengthen ties with Tehran Iran made a special outreach ...

Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed on Friday that his government would not to accept any unjust demand by the United States. The prime minister said so during his meeting with TV anchors, which also had Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in presence. Khan welcomed criticism of his government telling TV talk show hosts that criticism does not puzzle him, it rather helps resolving issues. The premier, however, said that his government should be given three months to deliver and then be criticised openly. He noted that Pakistan's circular debts had reached Rs1200 billion, maintaining that the country could not progress without accountability. The prime minister said he had directed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief to carry out indiscriminate accountability and take action even if a member of the government was also involved in corruption. During the meeting, he openly supported Usman Buzdar saying that the Punjab chief minister...

The federal government has made a decision to put excessive vehicles of the Prime Minister House on auction immediately, sources informed on Friday. According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan under the policy of austerity has ordered the auction of surplus vehicles. Collectively, 33 vehicles will be advertised for auction. Sources further said that the vehicles include eight luxury BMWs and four latest Mercedes Benz as well. Other vehicles are 16 Toyota Corollas, three Suzuki cars, one Honda and one HTV car. Sources said that the rest of the cars are under use by the cabinet division, especially for the commute of foreign guests. PM Imran, in his first address to the nation, had emphasised on cost-cutting for the government expenditure and as a measure had announced auction of surplus PM House vehicles.

The PML-N on Friday issued a show cause notice to Uzma Qadri the wife of estranged PML-N leader Syed Zaeem Qadri to tender her resignation from a Punjab Assembly reserved seat for skipping elections for chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker as well as several party meetings. The party, in the notice addressed to the newly nominated MPA, reminded her that it had "honoured you by placing your name in the list of reserved seats for women". "The PML-N conducted several intra-party meetings prior to the formal oath-taking ceremony which you failed to attend without any leave of absence, just cause or valid reason," the PML-N, against whom Uzma's husband had rebelled before the July 25 polls, stated. "At the first sitting of the Punjab Assembly after the elections, the PML-N made it mandatory for all elected members to ensure presence which you willfully disobeyed." The party told Uzma that she stood "in sheer violation of party discipline...

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, having declared the travel expenses of Nawaz Sharifs' children to be in the billions, announced on Friday that a notification to recover the amount would be sent to Hassan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz. During a press conference held in Islamabad alongside Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Chaudhry said that Nawaz and his family's travel expenses ran in the billions. However, since Nawaz himself had prime ministerial privileges, the matter of his own expenses will be dealt with later, he added. The information minister alleged that Hasan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz had misused state funds and travelled illegally in two private planes and a helicopter. The use of two private jets, namely the G4 and G450, cost the state to the tune of Rs17.15 million. These jets were used by the ousted prime minister's children in his absence and for no state-related affairs, to travel in between their Jati Umra reside...

The PML-N on Friday issued a show cause notice to Uzma Qadri the wife of estranged PML-N leader Syed Zaeem Qadri to tender her resignation from a Punjab Assembly reserved seat for skipping elections for chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker as well as several party meetings. The party, in the notice addressed to the newly nominated MPA, reminded her that it had "honoured you by placing your name in the list of reserved seats for women". "The PML-N conducted several intra-party meetings prior to the formal oath-taking ceremony which you failed to attend without any leave of absence, just cause or valid reason," the PML-N, against whom Uzma's husband had rebelled before the July 25 polls, stated. "At the first sitting of the Punjab Assembly after the elections, the PML-N made it mandatory for all elected members to ensure presence which you willfully disobeyed." The party told Uzma that she stood "in sheer violation of party discipline...

The Punjab information minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, already tangled in controversies, said on Friday that provincial government has decided to revamp local bodies system. Briefing media over the provincial cabinet decision information minister said that during the cabinet meeting ministers were served with biscuit and tea following the PM Imran footsteps of being simple and austerity. Commenting over police reforms, the provincial minister said that it was decided to make Punjab police apolitical and for the purpose legislation will be made before November 30 so that police could be get pulled out from political influence. He also informed that health cars having the value of .5 million will be launched from November 30.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced that from now on it would not give any undue protocol to the VVIPs. The national carrier in a tweet from its official handle uploaded a picture stating that all its passengers are all equally important hence no protocol or seat blocking will be exercised by the authority. The announcement comes weeks after the new Pakistan Tehreek-=e-Insaf took over the reins of the country. The party has long been campaigning against unnecessary protocol of government functionaries and calling for a new Pakistan which gives equal. The step taken by the airline has been appreciated by the citizens all over the country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed the resolve to extend full cooperation to further improve law and order situation in Karachi. He was talking to Governor Sindh Imran Ismail who called on him in Islamabad on Friday. The prime minister said he is cognizant of the problems faced by the people of Karachi. He said it is a matter of concern that some areas in Karachi like important city lacks basic amenities. He assured the PTI government is committed to extend cooperation for the resolution of the problems faced by the people of Karachi. Meanwhile, a delegation of MQM called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today and discussed political situation including the upcoming presidential elections. They also discussed problems faced by Sindh province especially the people in Karachi and Hyderabad. The prime minister assured that the federal government will extend every possible cooperation for resolution of problems faced by the people of Karachi and Hyderabad. The MQM de...

Election Commission of Pakistan Spokesman Nadeem Qasim said on Friday that the overseas Pakistanis will be able to cast their votes through passports in the bypolls to be held on October 14. The ECP issued a schedule for overseas Pakistani voters after the Supreme Court in its verdict allowed Pakistanis living abroad to vote in by-elections. Speaking to media, ECP Spokesman Qasim said that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)will facilitate voters through its online system. Qasim said that the NADRA has also issued a video for guiding overseas voters and the registration process will begin from September 1 and end until September 15. He said that after the registration process, the polling lists will be given to the Returning Officers. Qasim added that the impression that illiterate people cannot cast vote is wrong. The report of the overseas voting will be presented before the parliament, said the ECP spokesman. According to the rules, it is mandatory that...

Minister for Finance Asad Umar told Senate on Friday that currently one million people are filling their tax returns and there is room to further enhance the figure to about three million. The Senate resumed its session at the parliament house in Islamabad today with Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla in the chair. Umar told the house during question hour that the new FBR chairman has been appointed and next week a meeting will be held with the FBR officials to discuss the implementation of the reforms strategy. The Finance Minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss issues relating to currency smuggling and money service providers. He said we have to take definite actions before the next meeting of FATF. Asad Umar said the government has decided in principle to launch Diaspora and Sukuk bonds. He said some other initiatives will also be taken to improve the flow of remittances to the country. Replying to a question, the Fina...

Former president and co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari joked about using a helicopter after appearing before a local banking court today in connection with the money laundering case. Zardari was granted interim bail in the case and while he was leaving the court, he was asked by a journalist why he was not using a helicopter to come to the court as it was "inexpensive". “You should wait here and I will return in a helicopter,” Zardari replied with a laugh. The question came in the backdrop of the recent debate over the use of a helicopter by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the cost associated with it. A day earlier, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Naeemul Haq said PM Imran only flew by helicopter twice and that an unnecessary debate was being created out of the issue on media. On Tuesday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had defended the use of the helicopter by PM Imran and said he "used Google to calculate" the Rs55 per kilo...

Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday. The military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Iranian foreign minister called on the army chief at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. General Bajwa and Zarif discussed regional security and matters of mutual interest, it added. The Iranian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region, ISPR added. Pakistan is taking sincere steps for peace and stability in the region, Zarif was further quoted as saying. Zarif, Qureshi discuss regional peace, stability Earlier today, Zarif called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said. Zarif and FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted. The two dign...

India has accepted Pakistan’s objections over the Pakal Dul and lower Kalnai power projects after Pakistan put forth concrete evidence against the projects India has started on the Chenab River, sources informed media on Friday. The development came during a two-day meeting between the delegations from Pakistan and India Water Commissions. Pakistan contended that the projects violate the Indus Waters Treaty signed between the two countries. According to sources, the nine-member Indian delegation accepted Pakistan's objections over the issue and signed a joint declaration after conferring with its ministry. Indian Water Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena and his Pakistani counterpart Syed Meher Ali Shah were present at the signing of the declaration. A two-member Pakistani contingent will be visiting India in September for the next phase of the talks, the sources added. According to officials, India wanted to place spillway of 1,000 megawatts of Pakal Dul Dam on Chenab River i...

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday assured the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) of the federal government’s support for resolution of problems plaguing Karachi. A delegation of MQM-P called on the prime minister in Islamabad earlier today, where the two parties discussed the political situation including the upcoming presidential elections, along with other matters. They also discussed problems faced by the Sindh province, especially Karachi and Hyderabad. PM Imran told the delegation that the federal government will extend all possible cooperation for resolution of problems faced by the mega cities. The MQM delegation included Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haq, Kanwar Naveed, Nasreen Jalil, and Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar. Prime Minister Imran Khan also met Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, who called on him earlier today. During the meeting, the premier expressed resolve to extend full cooperation to further improve law and order situation in Karachi....

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday dismissed petitions to suspend the conviction of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar in Avenfield reference case. A three-judge bench headed by LHC’s Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justice Aatir Mehmood and Justice Shahid Jameel Khan heard the appeals seeking the release of the Sharif family members. The petitioner had stated that National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), 1999, better known as NAB Ordinance, was initiated by former president Pervez Musharraf but lapsed after the 18th Amendment. A three-time prime minister was sentenced in accordance with a law which has lapsed, the petitioner said. The petition requested the court to declare the Sharif family’s sentences null and void as they were convicted through an ordinance which has lapsed. After hearing the arguments, the bench initially reserved its judgment. but announced it later. The bench dismissed petitions challen...

Australia’s former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull on Friday resigned from parliament, a source familiar with the matter said, stripping the government of its one-seat parliamentary majority. Turnbull last week said he would resign from parliament after he was ousted from office in a bitter party-room contest which ushered in the country’s sixth leader in the last decade. “The speaker of the house of parliament received a resignation letter from Malcolm Turnbull this afternoon,” said a source familiar with the matter. The source declined to be named as she is not authorised to talk to the media. Until a by-election can be contested, Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison is left relying on the support of independent lawmakers to pass legislation, inhibiting the government’s agenda just eight months out from an election. Besides no longer having a majority in the lower house of parliament, the government does not control the upper house Senate. According to the latest opin...

CM Baluchistan Jam Kamal said on Friday that the Peace situation in Baluchistan has improved now. He was chairing an overview meeting on Harnoi and Sahi district railway section restoration work. "All the development works will complete timely". He vowed  "The Harnoi and Sahi district Railway section restoration work is being done with cooperation of security forces and it will cost 2 Billion rupees". He added Addressing to the meeting He briefed that 50% of work has been done while remaining work will also complete soon.  

Students and teachers in South Korea will need to find new ways of staying alert through the long school day, after the government said Friday it will ban coffee sales in schools. Selling highly caffeinated drinks to students in schools has already been banned since 2013, but with coffee vending machines still available for teachers, wily students have been able to get around the rules and find their coffee fix. Now the government wants to rule out any possibility of children buying highly-caffeinated drinks on campus, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, warning that students were turning to caffeine to stay up late studying and preparing for exams. Under the move, which will take effect from September 14, coffee sales will be entirely prohibited from elementary, middle and high schools. "Coffee will disappear from cafeterias and vending machines installed at schools", the spokeswoman told AFP. South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo said students ...

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted. The two dignitaries discussed regional peace and stability. Zarif also conveyed best wishes from the Iranian leadership to the new Pakistani government under Prime Minister Imran Khan. Foreign Minister Zarif arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, the first foreign dignitary to visit the country since the new government took over. He was received by high-level Pakistani officials upon his arrival. Earlier today, Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane called on his Pakistani counterpart Qureshi. During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed areas of cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and sc...

Pakistan’s MMA fighter Mehmosh ‘The Renegade’ Raza lifts the featherweight title of Aspera Fighting Championship Asia by defeating Filipino fighter Adonis Sevilleno on Sunday. The Pakistani fighter down his opponent in the first round to claim the victory. The newly-crowned king of the Aspera featherweight division scored his biggest win yet, with that victory his career record has improved to 8-2 in MMA circuit.  The Islamabad based fighter has dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan, he said that it’s a gift to the entire nation on my behalf. Earlier this year, Raza outclassed Ukraine’s Igor Gryckiv only in five minutes in the third round at the Rebel FC-7 Fight for Honour featherweight class in Shanghai. Mehmosh is among the finest fighters of Pakistan in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) along with Ahmed Mujtaba and Uloomi Karim.

Former skipper Azhar Ali was unable to find a place in the 18-member training camp for the 2018 Asia Cup as the national selection committee on Thursday made the announcement. The team chosen for the tournament, scheduled to be played in the UAE from September 15-28, was announced after deliberation between selection committee, Head coach Mickey Arthur and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. The camp will take place from September 3 to September 10 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Opening batsman Shan Masood and all-rounder Imad Wasim have been recalled to the camp. Both the players have not played for Pakistan for almost a year. Pakistan is scheduled to play its most-anticipated encounter against Team India in Dubai on September 19. Players picked for training camp 1. Fakhar Zaman 2. Imamul Haq 3. Shan Masood 4. Muhammad Hafeez 5. Babar Azam 6. Shoaib Malik 7. Asif Ali 8. Haris Sohail 9. Sarfraz Ahmed 10. Shadab Khan 11. Muhammad Nawaz 12. Imad Wasim 13. Hassan Ali 14. Usman khan ...

A crew member of Pakistan Navy was martyred on Friday as their helicopter crashed in the Arabian Sea, a spokesperson said. The helicopter was on routine operation when it crashed, the spokesperson added.

An anti-terrorism court of Karachi awarded death penalty to two MQM workers in the murder case of PTI leader Zahra Shahid. MQM workers Rashid alias Tailor Master, Zahid Abbas Zaidi were convicted of killing the female politician while, Irfan alias Lamba and Kaleem were acquitted from the charge. The ATC-XVII judge was conducting the trial within the Central Prison premises on a daily basis. The court had on Monday reserved its verdict, after hearing the final arguments from the prosecution and defence side. Zahra Shahid murder: ATC issues arrest warrant of investigation officerEarlier, the four detained men had recorded their statements on Aug 2 denying their alleged involvement in the murder. The driver of the deceased leader was among the prosecution witness. The court had earlier heard a magistrate who conducted the identification parade. The magistrate confirmed that at the identification parade, the witnesses had identified the suspected killers. Hussain was shot dead on Ma...

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again reaffirmed Iran's full compliance with its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal in the second such report after the US stopped fulfilling its side of the bargain and left the multilateral agreement in violation of international law. On Thursday, Reuters cited a confidential report by the UN atomic watchdog to its member states as saying that Iran has stayed within the limits set in the nuclear deal on its enriched uranium level, its stock of enriched uranium and other items. "Timely and proactive cooperation by Iran in providing such access facilitates implementation of the Additional Protocol and enhances confidence," it said. Reuters also cited an unnamed senior diplomat as saying that, "The production rate (of enriched uranium by Iran) is constant. There is no change whatsoever." It added that the new quarterly report was similar in language to the one released in May, the same month that U...

Shares of Chinese video game companies plunged on Friday after the government unveiled plans to control the number of online games as part of an effort to prevent myopia among children. The plan is the latest move to tighten government oversight over the country´s fast-growing and highly popular video game industry — and a new blow to their stock market fortunes. The new regulations were announced late Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping issued an "important directive" to protect children´s eyesight. The education ministry said in a statement Thursday that the authorities will regulate and control the total number of internet games, as well as the number of new titles. The statement, which was signed by eight ministries, said the authorities will also explore an age-appropriate alert system and take actions to limit the amount of gaming hours among children. The news sent the shares of Chinese video game companies sharply down on Friday morning. Tencent droppe...

US President Donald Trump threatened in an interview with Bloomberg News on Thursday to withdraw from the World Trade Organization if “they don’t shape up,” in his latest criticism of the institution. Such a move could undermine one of the foundations of the modern global trading system, which the United States was instrumental in creating. “If they don’t shape up, I would withdraw from the WTO,” Trump said. Trump has complained the United States is treated unfairly in global trade and has blamed the WTO for allowing that to happen. He has also warned he could take action against the global body, although he has not specified what form that could take.

Cristiano Ronaldo can look forward to a return to Old Trafford in the Champions League this season after his new team Juventus came out in the same group as Manchester United in Thursday's draw in Monaco. Ronaldo, who was not in Monaco despite being nominated for an individual award, spent six years at United, winning the Champions League in 2008, before moving to Real Madrid in 2009. He will come up against his compatriot Jose Mourinho, under whom he played during his time at Real, while United midfielder Paul Pogba can also look forward to facing his old team. While those sides will be favourites to progress to the last 16 from Group H, they will have to be wary of Valencia, with the Spaniards returning to the group stage for the first time in three years. Swiss champions Young Boys, group-stage debutants, look to be the makeweights in the section. "It's a manageable group, but it all depends on us. Our destiny is in our own hands," said Juve CEO Giuseppe Mar...

Ethiopian state media are reporting that a military helicopter has crashed and killed all 18 people on board, including two children. Police official Aschalew Alemu tells the Ethiopian News Agency that the crash occurred Thursday morning in the Oromia region. The helicopter was traveling from the eastern city of Dire Dawa to an air base in Bishoftu town southeast of the capital Addis Ababa. Aschalew says the cause of the crash is under investigation. The state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reports that 15 military personnel and three civilians are dead. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari appeared on Friday before a local banking court in connection to a money laundering case. Zardari was accompanied by his counsel Farooq Naik. On August 17, the local banking court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Zardari and other absconding suspects in the ongoing probe. However, on August 18, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved the former president’s petition for protective bail in the case and ordered him to appear before the relevant court before September 3. Ahead of Zardari’s arrival, a bomb disposal squad scanned the court premises and gave the clearance. The FIA is investigating 32 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur. Zardari’s close aide Hussain Lawai was arrested in July in connection with the probe. The former president’s other close aide and Omni Group chairman Anwar Majeed and his son, Abdul Ghani,...

Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said. During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed areas of cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and science and technology, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted. MOS for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane paid a courtesy call on the FM.The two sides discussed cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and S& https://t.co/OwOb4fUkjj highlighted the new opportunities in Pakistan for trade and investment. pic.twitter.com/33h1L7dMl8 — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) August 31, 2018 The visiting minister also highlighted the new opportunities in Pakistan for trade and investment. Minister Nakane is set to hold meetings with high-level civil and military officials during his Pakistan visit.

Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that Pakistan will sign agreements of mega projects with China and Iran, which will stabilize the country economically. Addressing separate gatherings at Swabi Khas and Jamalabad, he said the CPEC project will generate employment opportunities for millions of people in different sectors. Asad Qaiser said that the abolition of deprivation and backwardness in all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the top priority of PTI government.

Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Home Service and General Administration has decided to stop misuse of government vehicles. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee presided over by its Chairman Imtiaz Haider in Gilgit on Thursday. The committee directed departments concerned to submit comprehensive report about government vehicles in the next meeting.

Azad Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan says government is focusing on promoting research, innovation and modern education at AJK universities to compete with national and regional universities. AJK President said this while chairing the 11th Senate meeting of University of Poonch, Rawalakot held at Jammu and Kashmir House on Thursday. Stressing on the need to build centers of academic excellence, Sardar Masood Khan stressed to focus on developing an environment of research and innovation at AJK universities. He said the universities must acknowledge the need in creating a close liaison with the industry to ensure appropriate placement of our graduates.

Weather has turned pleasant after early morning drizzle in various parts of Karachi. In the early hours of Friday, series of light rain and drizzle has turned weather picturesque and pleasant in multiple areas of metropolis, including Malir, Sher Shah, Lasbela, Gulshan and Gulistan-e-Johar. According to Met office, weather will remain cloudy and light drizzle will continue intermittently for the next 24 hours in Karachi. However, there is no foreseeing of heavy rains in the city. Met office has mentioned that humidity level in air is 76%, while, winds are blowing at the speed of 18km/h. Met department has forecast mercury to soar to 34 C maximum. Post-drizzle, IG traffic police has instructed commuters to stay cautious while driving. On the other hand, K-electric has also issue warning to citizens to stay alert during rainy season. According to spokesperson of k-electric, citizens should stay away fallen wires, and electricity PMTs, and should not use electronic devices with ...

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said late Thursday he has cancelled a planned blasphemous caricatures contest. Wilders, in a written statement late Thursday, said he has decided "not to let the cartoon contest go ahead." Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan's ambassador to Holland also confirmed cancellation of the controversial contest. The planned contest had earlier sparked protest demonstrations in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan, FM Qureshi and other Pakistani politicians voiced their concerns over the controversial contest. Khan on Thursday said he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations. Speaking in a video statement published on social media, the prime minister said the West doesn’t understand that our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs. "The matter of blasphemous caricatures is an issue o...

Seven people were killed in New Mexico on Thursday after a Greyhound passenger bus collided head-on with a semi-trailer truck that jumped a highway median strip, state police said. A tire blew out on the eastbound truck, which jumped the grass median to hit the bus traveling in the opposite direction, police officer Ray Wilson told a news conference. The bus was carrying 49 passengers, a Greyhound spokeswoman said. It collided with the truck around 12 pm on Interstate 40 near the city of Thoreau, about 100 miles west of Albuquerque, the state police said. All but six of those on the bus were taken to nearby hospitals, said Wilson, adding that their injuries were minor and treated at the site. Injuries to the driver of the semi-trailer truck were not life threatening, state police said. Greyhound Lines spokeswoman Crystal Booker said the bus was headed from Albuquerque to Phoenix, but deferred comment on the crash to the state police. The National Transportation Safety Board said...

The Supreme Court on Friday began hearing a suo motu notice of the transfer of Pakpattan District Police Officer Rizwan Gondal following an alleged altercation with the former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is hearing the suo motu case. The top court has summoned Pakpattan DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal, Inspector General Punjab Police and the Regional Police Officer in personal capacity. Meanwhile, inquiry officer has also been summoned along with his report on the matter. The inquiry report has also been forwarded to IG Punjab. According to the report, Gondal was responsible for not conducting an inquiry against officers who misbehaved with Bushra Bibi's ex-husband Khawar Maneka. Further, the report stated that the DPO 'twisted' the matter and shared it on social media. Reports of Gondal’s transfer sparked a controversy earlier this week, as speculation suggest...

Apple Inc said Thursday it will host an event on September 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater in the company’s Cupertino, California, campus, where it is widely expected to unveil new iPhone models. Analysts believe Apple plans to release three new smartphones this year, including one with a larger display than previous models. Analysts also expect Apple to release an iPhone with an edge-to-edge display similar to the iPhone X but using less-costly LCD screen technology. Apple’s event invitation made heavy use of the colour gold, fueling speculation on social media that the company plans to launch a gold-coloured successor to the iPhone X, which was made available only in silver and grey last year. Documents filed at the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unsealed earlier this year showed Apple had sought approval for a gold version of its iPhone X, but it never released the colour. A few hours after Apple’s announcement, 9to5Mac, a technology news website, posted photographs o...

Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Croatia on Thursday received the accolade of UEFA Player of the Year in Monaco after his Champions League exploits. "My father always pushed me to fight for my dreams, I owe him a lot for everything," said Modric, whose silky midfield skills helped Real to a third straight European crown and then propelled Croatia to the World Cup final. "It's an incredible moment for me, I feel really excited and proud of this great award," said the 32-year-old, who started out at Dinamo Zagreb and then had four years with Tottenham before Real prised him away six years ago. Modric, whose success sets him up as a favourite to win the Ballon d'Or world player of the year accolade, saw off former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah for the overall award. Real Madrid's achievement in winning the Champions League for the third season running was further recognised as Modric also won the UEFA...

Russian military has successfully test-fired a new interceptor missile at the Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan. In a statement, Russian Defense Ministry said new missile that can reach a speed of four km per second, has no equal in the world. The statement said this will mean that enemy's warhead will be successfully destroyed at the maximum height and distance. The statement said the missile will possibly start mass production in near future and gradually replace the models in service since 1995.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said it was a great moral victory of the entire Muslim Ummah that the Dutch anti-Islam damned lawmaker cancelled plans to hold a contest of blasphemous cartoons. He was addressing a news conference with leader of Tehreek Labaik, Pir Afzal Qadri late last night. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the new government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf immediately after coming into power raised the issue at all fora. He said the Parliament unanimously passed a resolution condemning the plans to hold the blasphemous caricature contest. He said the minority members were at the forefront in condemning this heinous act. The Foreign Minister said he discussed the matter with his counterparts from important Capitals and it was agreed to use the platform of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC to present a unanimous stance and seek an end to repeat of such sacrilegious acts. He also recalled his phone call to the Dutch Foreign Minister and said he was infor...

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations. Speaking via a video statement published on social media, Khan said: "The matter of blasphemous caricature is an issue of every Muslim," he noted, adding that it is close to every Muslim's heart. Disrespecting the sentiments of Muslims by targetting Holy Prophet (PBUH) was unacceptable, the premier said, adding that the only way this issue could be addressed was through a joint statement from all the Muslim countries in the United Nations through the OIC. The PM mentioned that the West had failed to understand "our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs". "We will be able to make the West understand that it's not just one Muslim country taking forward the issue or one Muslim country recalling their ambassador in protest," he said, but multiple M...

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that this time both civil and military leadership of the country are on the same page and shares the same book. Fawad Chaudhry said this in a TV show following the meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. The information minister said that the PM Imran Khan was briefed over the counter-terrorism operations during his meeting with the military high-command and said that the premier had a positive meeting with the army chief. “PTI’s government will take into account recommendation of security institutions in policy formation,” he said. “PM Imran will make the decision in view of the interests of Pakistan.” The information minister, when asked his comments over the coming US Secretary of State’s Islamabad visit, said that the United States is confused on whether it would stay in Afghanistan or not. “The secretary of state is coming. We will see how much clear he is in...

World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Patchamuthu Illangovan (Illango) has said that Pakistan is required to take additional steps to stop money laundering and terror financing so as to get out of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. Patchamuthu Illangovan (Illango), WB Country Director, said that Pakistan was added back to the infamous grey list since it had failed to take quick action on the anti-terror financing measures.Pakistan would need to take a decisive action in the upcoming months, Illangovan added, noting that there was progress seen on the 26 points stated in the National Action Plan (NAP). “Pakistan went back into the greylist because its progress slowed down,” the world bank representative said. Everyone understood that Pakistan’s new government under Prime Minister Imran Khan, too, has acknowledged the necessity of quick measures to stabilise the economy, Illangovan mentioned.Explaining that the World Bank was ready to help the Khan-led leadership ...

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said late Thursday he has cancelled a planned blasphemous caricatures contest. Wilders, in a written statement late Thursday, said he has decided "not to let the cartoon contest go ahead." Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan's ambassador to Holland also confirmed cancellation of the controversial contest. The planned contest had earlier sparked protest demonstrations in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan, FM Qureshi and other Pakistani politicians voiced their concerns over the controversial contest. Khan on Thursday said he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations. Speaking in a video statement published on social media, the prime minister said the West doesn’t understand that our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs. "The matter of blasphemous caricatures is an issue o...