Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent CHAKWAL: The ambitious “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has run into serious challenges as skyrocketing prices of cement, bricks, sand, gravel, steel, and other construction materials have left many borrowers struggling to complete their homes.Under the scheme, hundreds of homeless residents across Punjab, including Chakwal, received interest-free loans of PKR 15 lakh to build their houses. Despite spending the funds diligently, many borrowers have been unable to complete construction due to soaring material costs, with brick prices reaching PKR 18,000 per thousand, and sand, gravel, steel, and other essentials…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Vice-Chairman of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H), Shaukatullah Farooqi, has strongly condemned the Sindh government’s report on the Gul Plaza fire, calling it an attempt to hide facts and protect the real culprits.Farooqi described the report as a paper exercise aimed at making poor shopkeepers scapegoats while covering up institutional corruption and negligence. He emphasized that the tragedy was not an accident but a case of “collective murder,” resulting from governmental incompetence, corruption, and systemic failure.The MQM-H leader said the report deceives the affected families and fails to deliver justice, highlighting the criminal negligence of the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said that Pakistan is actively working to promote dialogue between US and Iran and is keen to prevent any military or coercive action, as tensions continue to simmer in the region.Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, the ambassador said there was sustained high-level contact between Iran and Pakistan. He praised Islamabad’s role, saying Pakistan had played a sincere and constructive part in efforts to de-escalate tensions. Iran, he added, had appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, warning that any further escalation could cause serious harm to the wider…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar has firmly ruled out negotiations with individuals or groups responsible for attacks on the party. Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, he said that compromise or leniency on matters of terrorism is unacceptable, warning that internal conflicts could allow extremists to gain the upper hand. “Those who are attacking us are not parties we will negotiate with. In our internal struggle, the terrorists will emerge victorious if we show weakness,” he said. Gohar stressed that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the shared responsibility of both federal and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: An internal investigation has revealed that employees of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) were involved in the theft of gas pipes, resulting in losses exceeding PKR 410 million. The disclosure came during a meeting of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Syed Naveed Qamar. Audit officials reported that pipes worth over PKR 410 million were stolen from the SNGPL store in Manga Mandi. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated 41 separate inquiries into the thefts. According to the audit briefing, the stolen material was transported in trucks directly…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Concerns over rising drug use among students have prompted calls for routine screening and counselling in Pakistan’s schools, colleges, and universities. She urged authorities to introduce screening programs with parental consent. Speaking at a committee meeting chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz, Kamran called for trained psychologists to be appointed in institutions to provide counselling and support for students struggling with drug use. “We currently have no system for rehabilitation within educational institutions. It is time to act before more children are harmed,” she said. “From colleges to the National Assembly, this should apply universally. Children’s lives…

By our correspondent KARACHI: With online shopping becoming an everyday habit in Pakistan’s fast-expanding digital economy, fraud linked to e-commerce is emerging as a serious and persistent concern. Against this backdrop, the Karachi Press Club, in collaboration with the online marketplace Daraz, organized a one-day workshop for journalists focusing on online shopping, digital scams and ways to stay safe. The session aimed to raise awareness about common fraud tactics and highlight the precautions consumers and media professionals should take in the digital marketplace. During the workshop, participants were briefed on how fraudulent sellers operate, the warning signs of online scams…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The fashion industry holds significant potential to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and earn substantial foreign exchange, according to Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, Honorary Consul General of Morocco in Pakistan. Speaking at an event held at Baig House in honor of internationally acclaimed fashion designer Mahmood Bhatti, he emphasized the role of Pakistani fashion in promoting the country globally and creating opportunities for young talent. The event was attended by Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, film star Javed Sheikh, fashion designers Nadeem Maazji and Mahmood Bhatti, Hameed Aslam, Azhar Zia, Zulfiqar Halipota, Athar Javed Sufi, Chairman of the Pakistan Film and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, has claimed that Pakistan is the fifth-largest country in the world and that Lahore is safer than London. The discussion also touched on the use of tinted car windows, which are subject to additional fees abroad. The committee chairman noted that despite prior guidance to refrain from enforcement until a formal policy was established, fines of PKR 50,000 had been imposed on vehicle owners. Chaudhry explained that action was being taken under an excise act, and defended the fines, noting that tinted windows had become a fashion trend,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The mercury in Karachi has fallen to single digits as the city experiences a persistent cold spell. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the weather is expected to remain dry and chilly over the next 24 hours. The department has forecast a minimum temperature of 9°C, while the maximum is likely to reach 23°C. Earlier today, the minimum temperature was recorded at 12.8°C, with humidity at 47%. Winds from the east are currently blowing at 8 kilometers per hour, intensifying the cold and making the chill more noticeable. Residents are being advised to take precautions as…