Author: Our Correspondent

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has imposed an immediate ban on the use of high-octane fuel in government vehicles as part of austerity measures to reduce public spending. In an official statement, the prime minister said the restriction would apply with immediate effect, adding that if high-octane fuel is deemed necessary, officials must pay for it from their own pocket. Shehbaz Sharif said the decision aims to ensure responsible and efficient use of national resources. He directed all federal departments, authorities and subordinate institutions to fully implement the order without delay. He added that austerity policies…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has urged political parties to avoid politicising national issues, stressing that challenges should be addressed through unity and collective efforts. Speaking to the media at Mazar-e-Quaid, Wahab paid tribute to those who made Pakistan a nuclear power, saying the country remains strong and secure. He added that Pakistanis are living in a free state and warned that no external threat can undermine the nation. Commenting on development work, he said all projects follow a technical process and continued even during Eid. He acknowledged potential challenges due to petroleum prices but said the…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: Former FBI Director Robert Mueller has died at the age of 81, according to US media reports. The cause and place of death have not been disclosed. Mueller was best known for leading the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Following his death, former US President Donald Trump reacted in a statement that drew attention, saying he was pleased Mueller had died and that he could no longer harm innocent people. #RobertMueller #Trump #FBI #USA #News

By our correspondent KARACHI: Marvi Malik, the daughter of Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman, has passed away after suffering a brain haemorrhage a few days earlier, according to the PPP secretariat. Her funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at 3:30 pm tomorrow in DHA Phase 8, Karachi. Party leaders expressed deep grief over the loss. PPP leader Shazia Marri said the news had left her heart deeply saddened, while offering condolences to the bereaved family. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed sorrow, calling it an unbearable loss and said he stood in solidarity with the family…

By our correspondent MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a significant statement amid the ongoing war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel, declaring that Russia stands firmly with Iran and remains a loyal friend and reliable partner to Tehran. Putin also extended greetings to Iranian leaders on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to its strategic ally during the escalating regional conflict. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has granted permission to the United States to use British military bases for strikes against Iranian targets, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. The authorization…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: March 20 marks the unique astronomical event when day and night become nearly equal in length across most parts of the world, including Pakistan, as the Spring Equinox occurs. The Vernal Equinox will begin at 7:46pm Pakistan Standard Time, the moment when the Sun crosses directly over the celestial equator while moving northward, resulting in approximately 12 hours each of daylight and darkness in most regions. The equator is an imaginary line drawn exactly midway on the world map, dividing the planet into two equal halves north and south. During the equinox, because the Sun sits…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Stocks fell on Thursday as a fresh spike in global oil prices stoked inflation fears and prompted profit-taking at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 152,740.37 points, down 1,551.88 points, or 1.01 percent, from Wednesday’s finish of 154,292.25. Intraday, the index ranged between a high of 153,322.96 and a low of 150,728.17. “PSX is under pressure today due to increased oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict,” said Ahfaz Mustafa, CEO of Ismail Iqbal Securities. He noted that attacks on Qatar’s LNG field had pushed oil up 5 percent, triggering selling…

By our correspondent MATIARI: A passenger coach travelling from Bahawalpur to Karachi overturned on the National Highway near Khyber Grid Station, resulting in four deaths and seven injuries. According to sources, the tragic accident occurred near the Sahito stop on the Matiari National Highway when the coach lost control and overturned, claiming the lives of four individuals and leaving seven others wounded. Upon receiving information, police and motorway police personnel rushed to the accident site and are participating in rescue operations. The bodies and injured persons have been transferred to Matiari Hospital and Hyderabad Civil Hospital for medical attention and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically rejected the statement issued by the US Director of National Intelligence regarding the country’s missile program, asserting that its deterrent capabilities are entirely defensive in nature. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s missile program is aimed at preserving national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that it is not part of any aggressive designs. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s missile program remains well below intercontinental range and adheres to the principle of credible minimum deterrence. The spokesperson highlighted that India’s missile capabilities, exceeding 12,000 kilometers in range,…

News Desk KARACHI: Rain has stopped in Karachi, but the Meteorology Department has forecast more showers after tomorrow afternoon, with no further rainfall expected during the night. The latest advisory said weather conditions remain unstable across parts of the city. According to the department, thunder and lightning activity is still ongoing in different areas, with chances of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds at isolated locations. There is also a possibility of hailstorms in some parts of the city. The Meteorology Department added that light rain is expected on the first day of Eid, while another western weather system between…