Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a special traffic plan for the federal capital, announcing a complete closure of the Red Zone and extended Red Zone, along with the suspension of traffic on the Islamabad Expressway from Korral to Zero Point. According to the advisory, traffic on the Srinagar Highway may also be halted at different times due to security arrangements. Iranian state media reported that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will depart on Friday for a three-nation tour, including visits to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow. “The purpose of this visit is to hold bilateral…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sources revealed that Executive Director Karachi Institute of Heart Disease Professor Dr Riffat Sultana had faced an incident of political interference in the government-run body. They claimed that some KIHD doctors and lower staff, under the umbrella of a political party, wanted to have their illegal demands fulfilled. Sources further said, on condition of anonymity, that the Executive Director of KIHD was convening an official emergency meeting in the institute’s boardroom when, during the meeting, Dr Kamal Nasir, a politically backed KIHD employee, forcefully entered without permission and approached Dr Riffat Sultana. He confronted her aggressively…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday announced that his government had approved a comprehensive financial package worth Rs7 billion for victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy, describing it as one of the most devastating commercial disasters in recent memory for Karachi’s business community. Speaking at a ceremony held at the CM House, he said Rs5.6 billion of the approved package had already been secured, while compensation cheques amounting to Rs511 million had been distributed among 200 verified affectees. The event was attended by provincial ministers and representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce…

FBR misses its end-December 2025 tax collection target, while data gaps leave two other indicative benchmarks unverified, officials say By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved 14 of the 17 quantitative performance and indicative benchmarks set under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program for end-December 2025, The News reported on Friday. The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax collection target for end-December 2025 could not be met, while for two other indicative targets the relevant data was not available. Income tax revenue collected from retailers could not be provided to the IMF, as the FBR had agreed with the Fund…

News Desk LONDON: Global oil prices slipped on Friday after markets reacted to signs that a second round of Middle East diplomatic talks could resume, raising cautious hopes of de-escalation in a conflict that has severely disrupted energy flows from the Gulf. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell back below the $100-a-barrel mark as traders adjusted positions on reports that Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi was due to arrive in Islamabad late on Friday. The development fuelled speculation that Pakistan’s capital could again serve as a venue for indirect engagement between Tehran and Washington, although it remained unclear whether US…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Employees Social Security Institution has said a reported case involving employees holding multiple government jobs is the result of its own audit efforts aimed at strengthening transparency and oversight. In a clarification issued on Thursday, the SESSI said the process was initiated under the direction of Saeed Ghani, the provincial minister for labor and human resources and chair of SESSI’s governing body. The exercise was overseen by commissioner Hadi Bux Kalhoro and his team. Sources on anonymity revealed that the incumbent management has decided to eradicate corruption and nepotism from the institution. They said…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The 17th meeting of the Executive and Finance Committee of the Sindh Education Foundation was held on 15 April 2026 at its head office in Karachi, where officials reviewed the organisation’s operational and financial performance. The meeting was chaired by Dr Kaiser Bengali, chairman of the committee and member of the board of governors of the Sindh Education Foundation. It was attended by Dr Qazi Masood, member of the SEF board of governors, Gahanwer Ali Laghari, managing director of SEF, Shahpara Rizvi, deputy managing director, Dr Fouzia Khan, chief executive adviser at the school education and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Cardiac Society Karachi Chapter convened a high-level strategic session titled “Clinical Innovation & Strategic Continuity” at the Tabba Heart Institute on Friday, bringing together some of the country’s leading cardiovascular specialists to chart an ambitious course for heart health in 2026. The session unfolded as both a reflective and forward-looking exercise, underscoring a growing urgency within Pakistan’s medical community to address the rising burden of cardiovascular disease through coordinated planning and innovation. The proceedings were moderated by Dr Aliya Kemal Ahsan, who also marked a key milestone during the event with the launch of…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against media outlets over the leak of classified details related to an F-15 rescue mission.He warned that journalists could face jail if they refuse to reveal their sources, citing national security concerns. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iran was unaware of the missing US airman until the news was published, adding that the leak made the rescue operation more dangerous. He stated that authorities would identify the source and could compel media organisations to disclose it. Trump further claimed that after the leak, Iran announced a…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Pakistan has shared a comprehensive ceasefire framework with the United States and Iran, according to a report by Reuters.The development comes amid escalating tensions and mounting global concern over the Strait of Hormuz situation. Sources familiar with the proposal said the framework consists of two phases, including an immediate ceasefire followed by a broader agreement. Both the United States and Iran have received the plan aimed at ending hostilities and initiating dialogue. Senior Iranian officials confirmed receiving Pakistan’s proposal and said it is currently under review, adding that Iran will not accept any deadlines or external…