Author: Our Correspondent

New initiative streamlines property transactions for overseas Pakistanis, cutting reliance on middlemen and tackling long-standing fraud in the real estate sector By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, approved a series of far-reaching administrative, legal, and development measures on Tuesday, signaling the provincial government’s renewed focus on digitization, environmental protection, and judicial reform. The meeting brought together provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary, and senior officials from relevant departments, who collectively endorsed decisions expected to have long-term implications for governance and public services across the province. Among the most notable…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power and Energy Owais Laghari on Tuesday raised concerns over Pakistan’s current net metering rate of Rs27 per unit, questioning whether it is fair to ordinary electricity consumers. Speaking during a Senate session, he highlighted that solar-generated electricity costs just Rs5–6 per unit, pointing to a significant gap between production costs and the rate paid under net metering. The minister noted that Pakistan’s national grid serves 33.5 million electricity consumers, of whom around 466,000 are on net metering arrangements. He clarified that regulators had upheld all contract terms with net metering users, which…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar convened a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss strategies aimed at boosting Pakistan’s economic growth and expanding trade and investment opportunities. Officials and business representatives gathered to explore ways to strengthen the country’s economic framework and promote the interests of domestic industries and exporters. During the session, Dar emphasized the importance of collaboration with chambers of commerce and industry associations to identify new avenues for trade and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani businesses in international markets. Ishaq Dar underlined that supporting exporters and fostering a favorable…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced plans to strengthen its indigenous vaccine production capacity by 2030, aiming to reduce reliance on imported doses and collaborate closely with other member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The announcement came during the inauguration of the fourth meeting of the OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group in Islamabad, where health officials and international representatives discussed strategies to enhance vaccine availability and resilience across the Islamic world. Addressing the gathering, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan currently relies on thirteen imported vaccines, highlighting the urgent need to develop domestic capabilities.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has finalized a comprehensive roadmap for the revival of its long-struggling national steel producer, Pakistan Steel Mills, officials announced on Thursday. Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan said the plan aims to restore the mill as a viable and productive asset, reflecting the government’s broader vision of revitalizing key industrial sectors. Speaking to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia in Islamabad, Akhtar Khan highlighted that detailed discussions had been held on strengthening Pakistan-Russia cooperation, with a particular focus on the modernization and operational revival of the steel complex. He said the government was actively exploring partnerships…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi vowed that terrorists and their facilitators would not be spared. Speaking to reporters at PIMS in Islamabad on Thursday evening, he had just inquired about the condition of those injured in a terrorist attack on an Imambargah in the Tarlai Kalan area of the federal capital. The governor said terrorists belonging to the Balochistan Liberation Army, Fitna-al-Khwarij, and Fitna al-Hindustan were carrying out attacks with the support of their proxies. He described the assault on worshippers as a cowardly act but said such attacks would not intimidate the nation. Faisal…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a government employee accused of spreading extremist propaganda linked to “Fitna‑e‑Hindustan.” Officials said the suspect, Zafar Iqbal, had been employed as a junior staff member at Radio Pakistan. Following an internal inquiry, he was dismissed from his post. The NCCIA said Iqbal had obtained a stay order from the National Identity Registration Centre (NIRC) and posted 13 provocative messages on Facebook supporting a banned militant group. Action against the suspect was taken under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). A court approved a three-day physical remand…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, held a telephonic conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Maninder Sidhu, to review and advance bilateral trade and investment cooperation. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding partnerships for mutual economic benefit. The Canadian side welcomed Pakistan’s decision to facilitate the resumption of Canadian canola shipments, calling it an important step towards strengthening agricultural trade flows. The ministers also discussed the need for trade diversification and agreed to explore cooperation beyond traditional sectors. Pakistan highlighted its emerging focus on the minerals and mining sector as a new priority for investment…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was once known for its lush greenery. In recent years, however, the widespread felling of trees for infrastructure projects has triggered public anger and even legal action. Built in the 1960s, Islamabad was designed as a green city. Its planners envisaged wide avenues, parks and tree-lined residential sectors. Many residents now fear that vision is being steadily eroded. Concrete is increasingly replacing green spaces across the city. Muhammad Naveed took the authorities to court this year over what he described as “large-scale tree cutting” linked to infrastructure development. He accused officials of felling…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Farman Ali Bosan, brother of Dr Altaf Bosan, National Technical Advisor for the anti-polio program, was killed in the recent Tarlai suicide bombing during Friday prayers. A retired government officer of the Sindh Education Department, Farman Ali Bosan was attending prayers when the blast occurred. His son and several cousins were injured. Funeral prayers will be held in Islamabad, where he will be laid to rest. Upon learning of his brother’s death, Dr Altaf Bosan travelled immediately from Karachi to Islamabad, suspending official activities. In a statement, he condemned the attack, calling it a reminder of…