Author: Our Correspondent

By Anum Naseem KARACHI: In line with the Centre’s savings plan, the Sindh government on Tuesday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and curbing government expenditure amid soaring oil prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran. The provincial measures follow a nationwide austerity initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a day earlier. His plan included spending curbs and energy conservation steps to cope with the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Pakistan, like many other countries, is facing supply constraints after the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil transit…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Shaan-e-Pakistan, the initiative founded by Huma Haji Zakar Pardesi, hosted its annual Lamyaati Sahoor night earlier today, bringing together prominent figures from across the cultural and business community. This year’s program focused on inclusion, talent and unity, drawing a large gathering that included Jimmy Engineer, Ishtiaq Baig, Ikhtiar Baig, Ahmed Chinoy, Faisal Mehmood, Jawed Iqbal, Faizan Haqee, Mohammed Azmat, Asifa Ataka, Nadia Hussain, Seemi Pasha, Angie Marshal, Raheel Haroon and Nazia Malik. The evening opened with a busy red carpet reception before guests gathered for the Lamyaati segment, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami leader Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called on the Pakistani government to immediately withdraw from the so-called “Gaza Peace Board,” warning that public pressure would force action if the authorities fail to act. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made the remarks while addressing an “America and Israel Murdabad” public gathering and Iftar event in Gulshan-e-Maymar on 7 March 2026. He described the United States, India, and Israel as forming a “satanic alliance” against Muslims. He said divisions among Muslims, including sectarian differences, only serve their enemies. The JI leader also urged unity and collective resistance against what…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Security forces reported significant gains in their ongoing campaign against the Afghan Taliban, with 435 insurgents killed and more than 630 others wounded, according to updates from the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar. The operation, named Ghazab lil-Haq, has so far destroyed 188 Taliban check posts, while a further 31 were seized by Pakistani forces, demonstrating the scale and intensity of the offensive. Officials said 188 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery guns were also destroyed during the operation, crippling much of the Taliban’s military infrastructure. Air strikes targeted 51 locations across Afghanistan, further weakening…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and beyond during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad on Monday, as diplomatic channels remained active against the backdrop of a shifting regional landscape. Dar held talks with the Chinese envoy, Jiang Zaidong, at a time when tensions across parts of the Middle East and South Asia had placed renewed emphasis on strategic coordination between longstanding partners. According to officials familiar with the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader geopolitical…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A Khatam-ul-Quran ceremony took place at the residence of Big Buy Chief Executive Mohammed Sajid Mughal on the 10th of Ramazan in Karachi. The recitation was led by young scholar Qari Mohammed Fahad Yousuf and concluded with a collective dua. The 10th of Ramazan marks the completion of the first Ashra (ten days) of the holy month, a period considered especially blessed in Islam. Prayers were offered for the prosperity and unity of the Muslim Ummah, coinciding with the death anniversary of Hazrat Khadija-tul-Kubra (R.A). The event was attended by notable business figures, including Chairman of…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan held a large rally in Orangi Town No. 5 to express unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces. The event was attended by party workers, office-bearers, and members of the public, demonstrating the city’s strong commitment to national defence. Senior party leaders, including Farooq Sattar, addressed the gathering, highlighting Karachi’s historic role in standing for Pakistan’s security and stability. Sattar described the participants as “descendants of the founders of Pakistan,” emphasizing the city’s readiness to make sacrifices for the country. He also criticised India and Afghanistan, alleging a coordinated effort to destabilize Pakistan,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sohail University in Karachi launched its Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 with a dynamic roadshow and opening ceremony, creating a platform for young entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into practical ventures. The initiative, coordinated by the university’s Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), is part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills and supporting student-led projects. During the launch, founder Muhammad Mahad Arif and Managing Director Sheeza Zahid signed contracts with youth innovation fellows, providing merit-based employment opportunities for promising projects. Students received hands-on guidance from University President Dr. Waseem Laghari and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan are expected to increase from 1 March due to a rise in international fuel rates, sources confirmed on Friday. Petrol may see a hike of Rs4.58 per liter, while high-speed diesel is likely to increase by Rs4.73 per liter. Kerosene and light diesel oil prices are also expected to rise by Rs6.88 and Rs5 per liter, respectively. In the previous fortnightly review on 15 February, the federal government had already increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs5 and Rs7.32 per liter, bringing petrol to Rs258.17 per liter and diesel to…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has begun considering a proposal to replace the Rs10 note with a coin, a move officials say could save the national exchequer between 40 and 50 billion rupees over the next decade. The proposal follows a currency management review submitted to the cabinet. A high-level committee headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was tasked with examining whether the Rs10 banknote should be discontinued. According to sources, the committee has now submitted its currency management report to the cabinet after reviewing recommendations prepared under the relevant laws by the State Bank and the Security…