Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced two modern features in the latest version (5.5.7) of its Pak ID mobile app to better facilitate citizens, ARY News reported. The updates include passport capture and upload, as well as swift biometric verification, both aimed at streamlining the application process. The new features allow citizens from 193 countries to apply for any visa category more easily. Users can now upload a photo of their passport or capture it directly through the app, with the system automatically extracting essential information such as the user’s name, passport number,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Afaq Ahmed, Chairman of the Muhajir Qaumi Movement Haqiqi (MQM-H), has strongly condemned the severe mismanagement and poor arrangements of the annual exams for classes 9 and 10. He stated that the exams scheduled to begin on April 7 cannot be accepted under any circumstances and must be postponed immediately. Speaking to parents of affected students at his residence, Afaq Ahmed said the issue of matriculation board exams reflects not just administrative weakness but also a biased mindset. According to him, this mindset effectively deprives Karachi students of higher education and closes the doors to their…

By our correspondent PESHAWAR: At least 45 people have been killed and 105 injured after heavy rains triggered the collapse of roofs and walls across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 25 March, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. According to the PDMA’s latest report issued on Sunday, the casualties were caused by collapsing structures amid persistent heavy rainfall. Those killed include 23 children, 17 men, and five women, while the injured comprise 45 men, 16 women, and 44 children. A total of 442 houses have been damaged, of which 382 were partially and 60 completely destroyed. The incidents…

By our correspondents PESHAWAR/QUETTA: The provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have ordered the early closure of markets, wedding halls, and restaurants as part of energy conservation measures. In a notification issued by the KP chief secretary, markets, shopping centers, commercial establishments, and night-time sports activities in divisional headquarters were directed to close by 9pm. Markets, shopping centers, and commercial establishments in other districts will close by 8pm, the notification said. Balochistan announced similar measures, with the Home Department saying the move follows decisions on fuel subsidies and energy conservation, implemented under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Director General Political at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ed Llewellyn CVO OBE, visited Islamabad this week for a series of high-level engagements aimed at reinforcing the relationship between the United Kingdom and Pakistan. During his visit, Llewellyn engaged with senior Pakistani officials to discuss a wide range of issues, encompassing security, regional stability, and long-term economic cooperation. Speaking publicly, Llewellyn reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to promoting peace in South Asia and praised Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East. DG Political UK emphasized the urgent need for a cessation…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan is preparing to borrow more than Rs56 billion from the Asian Development Bank as part of an ambitious initiative to modernize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and overhaul the country’s tax administration. The move, outlined in official planning documents, forms part of a broader strategy to address longstanding inefficiencies in revenue collection, improve transparency, and strengthen governance across the fiscal system. Under the proposed plan, approximately $200 million of the loan will be directed towards digitizing Pakistan’s revenue infrastructure. Officials said the aim is to introduce a more streamlined and accountable…

Officials hailed the session as a thorough review of national and international youth initiatives, underscoring Islamabad’s drive to equip young Pakistanis for the global job market By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review and accelerate efforts aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, underscoring the government’s stated commitment to skills development, job creation, and innovation. Officials described the session as a detailed appraisal of initiatives both within the country and abroad, reflecting Islamabad’s focus on equipping young people to compete in global job markets. During the meeting, the prime minister…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, held a high-level meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the latter’s residence in Islamabad to deliberate on pressing political and parliamentary matters. The consultations, according to sources, provided a platform for both leaders to discuss developments within Pakistan’s political landscape and explore avenues for coordination between their parties. According to sources, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed Maulana Fazlur Rehman on his recent consultations and ongoing political developments, outlining possible paths for collaboration. Senator Kamran Murtaza noted that the meeting had been constructive, focusing on areas where the parties…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced plans to target US technology companies in retaliation for perceived attacks on Iran, prompting a swift response from the White House. According to international media reports, a White House official stated that the US military is prepared to prevent any Iranian strikes. The official highlighted that recent ballistic missile and drone attacks by Iran have declined by 90 percent, signalling a reduction in immediate threats. The Revolutionary Guards declared that starting from 8:00 PM local Iranian time on April 1, American firms in the region, including major tech companies…

By our correspondent BEIJING: China has reaffirmed that it remains a strategic partner of Pakistan under all circumstances, emphasizing close cooperation on international and regional issues. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both countries share similar positions on key global and regional matters. The spokesperson added that Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers will work to strengthen strategic cooperation on the situation in Iran. The spokesperson said that both nations will make joint efforts to promote peace and reduce tensions in the region, with China continuing to play a constructive role. They confirmed that three Chinese…