Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Pakistan Railways has reported record earnings of over Rs1 billion from passenger train operations during the three days of Eid, officials said. According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, the department generated Rs110 million on the first day of Eid, Rs170 million on the second day, and more than Rs200 million on the third day. Overall, passenger train services brought in over Rs1 billion in revenue over the past week.Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the record revenue was the result of effective policies and praised the administration for its performance. He added that improving passenger facilities…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s space agency Suparco launched its Space 4 Climate Initiative. The move promised sharper eyes on the climate crisis. Satellite technology took center stage. Disaster response stood to gain the most. The initiative rolled out a new digital platform. It fused satellite data with geo-analysis. Pollution levels came under close watch. Greenhouse gases faced scrutiny. Forests received mapping. Glaciers drew focus. Coastal shifts raised alarms. River systems tracked changes. ISPR announced the details. The platform aimed high. It flagged weather risks early. Floods loomed large in Pakistan’s memory. Droughts parched the land. Heatwaves scorched cities. Rising…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Experts in international affairs said Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt were making sincere and intensified efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a positive sign amid escalating regional tensions. They said the diplomatic push by these countries showed a growing urgency to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further instability in the Middle East. According to analysts, backchannel contacts and formal engagements were being pursued simultaneously to bring both sides closer to dialogue.The experts noted that Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt had historically played important roles in regional diplomacy and were…

By our correspondent NEW YORK: The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet were killed after the aircraft collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York, US media reported. The incident occurred late on Sunday and forced the temporary closure of the airport. According to reports, dozens of people were injured in the collision involving the Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft and a fire truck reportedly manned by police officers. US media outlet NBC News said that several first responders were also injured, with earlier reports indicating that two officers suffered broken…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and eliminating threats to internal and external security, saying the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter terrorism and extremism. In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on the occasion of Pakistan Day, the military said the country continues to face challenges from terrorism but remains steadfast in coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure national stability. The statement highlighted the significance of March 23, 1940, describing it as a defining moment that led to the creation of Pakistan. It said the…

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…