Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The examination, which was originally scheduled for August 16, will now be held on September 20, 2026, according to the PMDC. In a notification, the council said the date had been changed to ensure that the examination could be conducted in a more organised, secure, transparent and candidate-friendly manner. The PMDC said all other rules, eligibility requirements and examination arrangements would remain unchanged apart from the revised date. It added…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The two major political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had expressed support for the creation of new provinces, indicating a rare point of agreement between the government and opposition on a long-standing political issue. Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj said the establishment of new provinces would eventually become a reality. He said the process would take place under the supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He also rejected speculation about any immediate political reshuffle or sudden changes, saying the matter required a proper constitutional and administrative process. The…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Traders and shopkeepers from across Karachi participated in a solidarity rally organized by the Karachi Mobile and Electronics Dealers Association (KMEDA) on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir. The rally, led by KMEDA President Muhammad Minhaj Gulfam, was attended by office-bearers of the association, traders from different mobile and electronics markets and hundreds of shopkeepers. Carrying national and Kashmiri flags along with banners, participants expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and reaffirmed their support for their right to self-determination. Addressing the rally, KMEDA President Muhammad Minhaj Gulfam said August 5 reminded people of the decision through which the special status of…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) organized a solidarity rally on Wednesday to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day) and express support for the people of Kashmir. The rally was led by KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio and was attended by the university’s Registrar, deans, faculty members, students, officers and employees. The rally started from the KU Administrative Block and concluded at Azadi Chowk, where participants expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Carrying banners and placards, participants raised slogans in support of the Kashmir cause and against oppression and exploitation. Addressing the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Spokesperson for the Mayor of Karachi and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Karamullah Waqasi, said practical measures were being taken under the leadership of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab to resolve public issues across Baldia Town and other parts of the city. He said the provision of essential civic facilities, permanent solutions to water supply and sewerage problems, and timely completion of development projects remained among the top priorities of the city administration. Karamullah Waqasi said relevant departments had been directed to ensure quality, transparency and timely execution of development schemes…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet has approved the imposition of toll tax on heavy and commercial vehicles using the 135-kilometre Mehran Highway. The decision was taken during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. Officials briefed the meeting that the project to dualise the Mehran Highway was under way at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion. Once operational expenses are deducted, the toll system is expected to generate around Rs1.48 billion in net annual revenue. The cabinet also approved different toll rates based on the category and type of vehicle using the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Rain, wind and thunderstorms were expected across several parts of Pakistan over the next 12 hours, with the weather system likely to affect Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, upper and central Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, according to the weather forecast. The meteorological authorities said isolated heavy rainfall, and at times very heavy showers, could occur in some areas during the period. Residents in vulnerable regions were advised to remain alert as intense rainfall could lead to temporary disruptions in daily activities. The forecast indicated that southern parts of the country would experience hot and humid conditions.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to attract world-class investors for the privatization of electricity distribution companies, saying the process should be completed on the basis of transparency, efficiency and consumer protection. The prime minister issued the instructions while chairing a review meeting on the privatization of power distribution companies and the restructuring of the Privatization Commission in Islamabad on Wednesday. He said the ongoing institutional reforms in the Privatization Commission should be completed within one month. He described the successful domestic and international roadshows held to attract investors as…

By our correspondent KARACHI: St Patrick’s High School Karachi organized a Sabeel on the occasion of Chehlum (Arbaeen), marking 40 days after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), to pay tribute to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala. The initiative reflected the school’s commitment to compassion, interfaith harmony and service to humanity. The Sabeel, set up on the school premises, provided chilled drinking water and refreshments to passersby and members of the local community. The initiative highlighted the enduring values associated with Karbala, including faith, justice, sacrifice, generosity and compassion, while encouraging acts of…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized smuggled goods worth more than Rs915.5 million during a series of intelligence-based operations carried out last month, as authorities stepped up efforts to curb illegal trade and protect the country’s economy. The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Islamabad, conducted several operations following intelligence reports and confiscated a large quantity of smuggled items, including high-value vehicles, foreign cigarettes, cosmetics, tyres and other goods. Officials said 24 expensive smuggled vehicles were taken into custody during the operations. The seizures were part of a wider campaign aimed at preventing the movement of illegally imported goods and disrupting…