Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court building in Hong Kong. In an official statement, a Foreign Office spokesperson conveyed Pakistan’s sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people for the tragic loss of life. The spokesperson also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident. The statement underlined Pakistan’s solidarity with China in the wake of the disaster, which has been described as one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong’s history. Reports indicate that 128 people were killed, 79 were injured, and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has expressed serious concern over recent terrorist incidents in the United States and Tajikistan, describing them as part of a worrying global resurgence of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said repeated attacks from Afghan soil and the continued presence of militants in the country posed “a grave threat to regional and international peace.” Andrabi said Pakistan had endured decades of attacks linked to Afghan-based groups and called on the international community to take concrete steps to curb terrorism emanating from the region. “We are committed to working with the United…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has moved to address long-standing concerns among both salaried workers and the corporate sector, signaling a possible shift in its approach to taxation. Rashid Mahmood Langrial, chairperson of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), said on Friday that authorities had begun work on providing tax relief to the country’s salaried employees, following direct instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Pakistan Business Council, Langrial highlighted that the prime minister had also directed officials to reconsider the super tax levied on large corporations, a move that corporate…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, has directed that all vehicles with dark-tinted windows be immediately brought into compliance with the law. A police spokesperson said the order also targets vehicles and motorcycles without registration plates, with strict action to be taken against any violations. The directive applies equally to civilians and police officers, ensuring that traffic laws are enforced without exception. The spokesperson added that responsibility for enforcement will lie with local station officers, in-charges, district officials, and unit or formation heads. Any officer or official found violating the rules will face departmental…

By our correspondent ISLAMABD: Pakistan joined a global chorus of solidarity on Friday as the country observed Palestine Solidarity Day, with rallies, marches, and demonstrations organized to highlight what campaigners described as the ongoing brutality faced by civilians in Gaza. Across major cities, activists, community leaders, and members of the public took to the streets to call for an end to the violence and to show support for the Palestinian people. In statements released on the occasion, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinians “until the very end.” President Zardari…

By our correspondent KARACHI: As part of its mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to the public, the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has announced plans to formally launch a full-fledged dialysis and lithotripsy center in a recently acquired building on Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi. In 2024, SIUT acquired a multi-storey hotel building in one of the city’s most central locations to address the pressing issue of space. Its existing facilities were struggling to cope with the ever-increasing flow of patients, making the acquisition of a larger, strategically located property a critical step for the institute. Soon after taking possession, the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi carried out an unannounced inspection at Islamabad Airport, during which he ordered action against a visa agent involved in irregularities. According to airport sources, the minister reviewed the operations of the FIA Immigration at the departure lounge, closely examining the immigration process and procedures. Minister Naqvi directed all agencies operating at the airport to ensure smooth facilitation for passengers, emphasizing that the use of fraudulent documents or other illegal means to travel abroad damages the country’s reputation. He warned that such practices could not be allowed to continue under any circumstances. “Travel…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with countries around the world, marked a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. On the occasion, President Arif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued separate messages reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Palestine. President Zardari stated that Pakistan would continue its political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and moral support for Palestinians. He noted that Pakistan played a constructive role in the Gaza peace agreement, hoping it would help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, expressing solidarity with Palestinians, emphasised that Israel’s complete withdrawal from Palestinian territories is essential and that…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A woman from Karachi has alleged that she was sold for 600,000 rupees in Jacobabad, prompting her to seek immediate protection from the police. According to the woman, her father sold her to a man in Goth Kando Jatoi with the intent of forcing her into marriage. She told authorities that she is already married and a mother of one. Fearing for her life, she rushed to the Saddar police station to request protection. Police confirmed that the woman is being safeguarded and will be presented in court under the relevant legal procedures.

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in gender-based violence in Pakistan, revealing that 32,617 cases were reported in 2024 alone. She highlighted that, on average, daily reports included 67 kidnappings, 19 rapes, six cases of domestic abuse, and two honor killings. Rehman said that in Punjab, of 4,641 rape cases, only 0.4 per cent resulted in convictions, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa just two of 134 honor killings led to punishment. Sindh saw no convictions in 134 honor killings, 243 rape cases, or 375 instances of domestic violence. In Balochistan, 21 rape…