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04/10/2023

Caretaker federal health minister Dr. Nadeem Jan launched the National Health Card App in Islamabad on Wednesday, aimed at empowering the people to organize their visits to hospitals.
Addressing the ceremony, the minister said the app was developed in cooperation with NADRA.
Highlighting its feature, the minister said the national health card app will get feedback from patients on the services they received.
“We are trying to bring innovation in the health insurance scheme. It is our effort to come up with a universal health insurance scheme after consultations with the provinces,” Nadeem Jan said.
He said the government has also planned to incorporate OPD services in the health insurance scheme. “For the poorest of the poor, these services will be free of cost but those who can afford will have to make co-payments.”
He, however, clarified that this contribution will be modest in size.
The minister further said that a two-day global health security summit is being hosted by Pakistan on December, 1 with the aim to collectively respond to the pandemic..
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04/10/2023

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was returning to take Pakistan towards the path of prosperity once again.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Lahore, the PML-N president said that Nawaz Sharif’s ouster halted the country’s growth.
During Nawaz’s tenure, Shehbaz said, there was nothing known as inflation as the rate of flour and sugar was Rs35 and Rs52. “He [Nawaz] took the country out of the darkness by addressing the problems in line with the power outage and unemployment,’’ he added.
“His only crime was that he worked tirelessly for the country’s development, made Pakistan a nuclear power, and established schools and colleges for the youth,” he added.
He also slammed the ‘rigging’ in 2018 elections, saying that Nawaz Sharif wasn’t ousted but the nation’s children were deprived of education, medical treatment, prosperity and development.
“If God wills, Nawaz Sharif will return on October 21,” the PML-N president said, vowing that he would return to take Pakistan on the path of prosperity. He also urged the crowd to show up at Minar-i-Pakistan on October 21 for Nawaz’s welcome.
“Nawaz Sharif is making his way back to the country to restore its past journey, not indulging in the political vendetta,” he added. Shehbaz pointed out that “those characters” who did injustice with him, the nation knows them very well.
Two days earlier, it was reported that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had got his flight ticket booked for Pakistan.
The former premier is embattled in various cases, including the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Avenfield, Al-Azizia and Hill Metal and the Flagship references, had left for London in Dec 2019 on medical grounds after the Lahore High Court had granted him permission to travel abroad for four weeks.

04/10/2023

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday barred its employees infected with the pink eye disease (conjunctivitis) to enter the office.
“The employees infected with conjunctivitis should not arrive in the office unless they fully recover from the infection,’’ stated the ECP in its circular.
The electoral watchdog further maintained that the infected employee will have to submit the health certificate after recovering from the eye disease.
“No recovered person will be allowed to enter the ECP office without the health certificate,’’ it stated.
‘NIH diagnoses conjunctivitis epidemic’
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has diagnosed the epidemic of conjunctivitis.
In a statement, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan said that the National Institute of Health was a scientific and technical institution.
He added that the National Institute of Health was responsible for diagnosis and monitoring of epidemics.
According to the National Institute of Health, the recent outbreak was caused by Coxsackievirus A24, Dr Nadeem Jan added.
He said that due to this virus, there was a medium outbreak in different countries. “People need not worry and take precautionary measures,” Dr. Nadeem Jan said.
He said that citizens should follow the SOPs issued by the federal and provincial governments to prevent conjunctivitis.
Dr. Nadeem Jan said that the government was ensuring coordinated measures to keep people safe from epidemics..

04/10/2023

The Supreme Court of Pakistan directed the KMC and K. Electric to reconcile their billions of rupees arrears by mediation.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa heard the case of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the KE pertaining to billions of rupees arrears against each other.
The bench directed the parties to suggest the name of mediator for dispute resolution.
The KMC’s lawyer told the court that the KE has to pay 5.7 billion rupees to the municipal corporation in outstanding arrears. “There are 1.1 bln rupees bill of the KE, outstanding against the KMC,” lawyer Abid Zuberi said.
“The KMC has claimed that the K.Electric has disconnected its power connection,” Justice Faez Isa said.
“Isn’t it better for both entities to reconcile the matter,” the CJP suggested. “The KMC could not get free power supply. What is problem in payment if the KE not issuing inflated electricity bills,” the chief justice questioned.
“The descent of Karachi in darkness would also have political implication,” Justice Isa remarked. “Mayor Karachi himself is a lawyer. It will be better to reconcile the matter while taking the mayor into confidence,” CJP said.
“Karachi have to suffer if the KE will suspend the electric supply,” he added.
The court ordered the sides to suggest the name of mediator and adjourned further hearing of the case till October 12.

30/09/2023

Caretaker Information Technology Minister Umar Saif on Saturday left for an official visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss job opportunities for skilled Pakistanis in the kingdom’s thriving IT sector.
“Taking Pakistan’s delegation of IT companies to KSA. InshAllah this will result in investments in Pakistan and big business for Pakistani IT companies in Saudi Arabia,” the minister wrote on X.
During his visit, Umar Saif will get an update on a $100 million Saudi-Pakistan Tech House project announced earlier this year.
The project aims to foster a strategic partnership between IT firms and enterprises based in the two countries. It was first mentioned by Prince Fahad bin Mansour at Future Fest 2023, organized in Pakistan in January.
Earlier, Umar Saif said that talks were underway with both PayPal and Stripe regarding offering services in the country.
Talking to media, the IT minister said that government intends to convince PayPal to provide service through a third party in Pakistan on similar lines to Egypt where PayPal offers its services through a third party.
He said that the ministry has requested PayPal to allow Pakistani freelancers to bring money to Pakistan through a one-way service. “Talks will be held with PayPal in this regard in a week’s time,” he said.
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30/09/2023

A Special Central Court in Lahore on Saturday issued arrest warrants of former federal minister Moonis Elahi in a money laundering case, registered by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
According to details, the special court issued the former minister’s arrest warrants on a petition filed by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) due to his non-appearance before the court.
Speaking during the hearing, FIA prosecutor said that Moonis Elahi did not attended the court hearings deliberately. “FIA sent court orders on Elahi’s addresses in Lahore, Gujrat, Spain and England,” the prosecutor said.
On July 22, the Lahore district court declared Moonis Elahi – son of PTI President Parvez Elahi – an absconder over his continued absence in the money laundering case.
Moonis is currently living in Spain.
The FIA had pleaded to declare Elahi an absconder for not appearing before the investigation agency even after issuing a non-bailable arrest warrant against him.
The court also started to freeze his assets, computerized national identity card, passport, and bank accounts.
Last month, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) lodged a case against Parvez Elahi and his son Moonis over alleged money laundering in the Panama scandal..
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30/09/2023

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Saturday claimed that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s intelligence agency, was involved in the recent terror attacks.
A day earlier, the country was rocked by two su***de blasts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Hangu District and Balochistan’s Mustang, which caused several casualties and left many others injured.
At least 55 people including a cop died and 100 others sustained injuries when a su***de bomber targeted an Eid-Milad-un Nabi (PBUH) procession in the remote district of Mastung, Balochistan.
Meanwhile, another su***de blast ripped through a mosque in KP’s Hangu, leaving five dead — including a policeman — and 12 injured.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta today, the caretaker minister said that the government knew well that anti- state elements were supporting terrorists in the country.
“RAW and the forces that want to destabilise Pakistan were involved in all incidents that took place before this in Balochistan,” he said, adding “We have adopted zero tolerance policy against terrorism”.
He said that complete and comprehensive investigation was underway to find out who are sponsoring these terrorists.
He added that stern action against terrorists and saboteurs will remain continued till the elimination of terror in the country and total enforcement of the writ of the state.
Sarfraz Budgti also vowed to carry out raids on the hide outs of the terrorists. “Under the directives of the Army Chief, all possible medical facilities are being provided to the injured of the blasts,” he added.
He said that entire nation stands united against miscreants and terrorists.
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30/09/2023

Pakistani rupee (PKR) continues its merry run as US dollar (USD) dropped by 4.02 rupee in interbank trading this week amid crackdown against hoarding and smuggling.
The greenback was closed at 291.76 rupee in previous week. It lost 4.02 rupees in interbank trading this week and closed at 287.74 rupee.
The US currency consistently going down against Pakistan rupee in open market for last few weeks since beginning of September. In a week USD dropped by 5.50 rupee in the open market from 293.50 to 288 PKR.
Other foreign currencies also shedding their value in open currency market, as US dollar going down. In a week Euro dropped by 9 rupees from 315 and sold at 306 Pakistani rupees.
British Pound Sterling lost 18 rupees and reached to 353 from 371 rupees.
Saudi Riyal dropped by 2.50 rupees to 76.20 from 78.70 rupees. Emirates dirham also shed three rupees to settle at 79.80 from 82.80 rupees at the weekend.
The Pakistani rupee gaining against US dollar in the open market as gap with the inter-bank market continued to stay narrow and within the limits prescribed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The rupee’s upward move against dollar comes on the back of a countrywide crackdown against illegal currency business by the law enforcement agencies.
The State Bank of Pakistan has also directed commercial banks to establish their own exchange companies as fully owned subsidiaries.
In August, the Pakistani rupee had witnessed continuous devaluation. The buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market were reached as high as Rs322 and Rs325 respectively..
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30/09/2023

Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight operations have been disrupted as five Boeing aircraft were grounded.
As per details, three Boeing 777 aircraft were grounded because of maintenance while two others were permanently grounded as they had no engine.
Currently, out of 12 PIA Boeing aircraft seven are operational as one aircraft is dysfunctional in Jeddah. The national airline needs $60 million for the maintenance of aircraft.
Earlier, it was reported that due to the lack of maintenance and repair work, several Boeing 777 aircraft of the national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) developed technical faults during international flights.
The technical faults in PIA aircraft are continuously rising due to the lack of maintenance and repair works by the airline’s engineering department, sources told ARY News.
The technical faults have not only increased the flight safety risks but they also caused difficulties for passengers and financial troubles for the airline.
According to sources, several Boeing 777 aircraft developed technical faults during Saudi Arabia flights and millions of dollars were spent on their repair.
It is pertinent to mention here that in May this year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) report revealed that a total of eight Pakistan International Airline (PIA) aircraft are grounded.
As per details, the report submitted to National Assembly Standing Committee stated that out of eight aircraft seven are repairable while one aircraft is not usable. Three Boeing 777, two airbuses, and three ATRs are grounded because of no service and one PIA aircraft is unusable.
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29/09/2023

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has continued crackdowns on illegal hawala hundi networks and recovered overall $13,000, two vehicles, mobile phones and benami accounts cheques during Karachi raids.
The FIA spokesperson told the media that six suspects have been arrested in two separate raids in Karachi during ongoing crackdowns on illegal hawala hundi networks.
The first raid was conducted near Karachi’s Star Gate area and five suspects were arrested for allegedly running hawala hundi network and illegal currency exchange. The arrested men include Khurram, Usama, Furqan Ahmed, Muhammad Afzal and Muhammad Ali.
“$8,000 and a vehicle were recovered from their possession. Additionally, the FIA team also recovered messages related to the hawala hundi business from a mobile phone.”
The second raid was conducted by the FIA team near Mashriq Centre in which a prime suspect of an organised network was arrested. The arrested man was identified as Amir Majeed and $5,000 and a luxury vehicle were recovered from his possession.
The FIA spokesperson detailed that they also recovered signed cheques of a benami foreign currency account from his possession. “The said foreign currency bank account was being used by the suspect Amir Majeed.”
The agency lodged two separate cases against the arrested men. The spokesperson added that raids are being conducted to arrest the Majeed’s accomplices.
A few days ago, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials raided the residence of a businessman Aziz Seekha in Karachi in which they recovered a huge amount of foreign and Pakistani currency and prize bonds.
FIA raided businessman Aziz Seekha’s house in Karachi on September 26 at 8:45 pm. The joint raid was conducted by the FIA, police and the officials of the sensitive agency.
During the raid, the security officials recovered 23,000 US dollars, over 26 million Pakistani currency, prize bonds worth 5.4 million and two mobile phones.
According to the FIA, the recovered money and mobile phones were handed over to the agency’s financial crime circle and an FIR will be lodged against the accused..

29/09/2023

At least four soldiers were martyred when an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists was thwarted, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Friday.
According to the army’s media wing, the skirmish took place near Sambaza in District Zhob, a region close to the Pak-Afghan border.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Havildar Sattar, Lance Naik Sher Azam, Lance Naik Adnan and Sepoy Nadeem, the ISPR added.
The military’s media wing further said that three TTP militants were also killed in the exchange of fire, while several others sustained injuries.
“Security Forces of Pakistan will continue to thwart efforts of the enemies of peace and prosperity in the country,” said ISPR.
Earlier this week, security forces killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general area of Tirah, Khyber District.

29/09/2023

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced Commonwealth Scholarships for masters and PhD programmes for the year 2023.
The CSC has funded more than 30,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge, and build networks to tackle global development challenges.
According to the HEC’s website, there are 26 nominations available for masters, 30 for PhD and 10 for teaching faculty PhD.
Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) students can apply for the scholarships till October 17 (Tuesday) on the CSC portal.
Applicants can apply for the masters, PhD and teaching faculty (PhD) scholarships by visiting this link: Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s Commonwealth scholarship scheme led by international development objectives..

29/09/2023

As Eid Miladun Nabi (peace be upon him) was being celebrated with religious zeal and fervour across the country on Friday, President Arif Alvi and PM Kakar cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example and called upon the nation to promote unity.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in all the provincial capitals.
In a message on the occasion, President Arif Alvi termed the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as good tidings for relieving the suffering of humanity.
He said the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was the greatest and the most blessed event in history, adding that humanity was honoured with the reward of guidance and mercy from God due to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival.
PM Kakar’s message
Separately, Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar urged the nation to obey the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings of brotherhood and compassion besides following his message of unity to become an example of tolerance and coexistence.
The premier extended his greetings to the nation as well as the Muslim world. He said the Muslims were fortunate to be the followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who was the embodiment of all traits being imitable for every human being.
Kakar said the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life was a shining example of compassion, tolerance and love, with his character teaching kindness, justice and mercy to become a ray of hope in today’s divided world.
The prime minister called for turning to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings, particularly at a time when Pakistan was faced with different challenges.

29/09/2023

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi on Friday condemned the terrorist attacks in Pakistan in which at least 54 people were killed and over 100 got wounded in bombings at two mosques in Balochistan’s Mastung and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Hangu, News quoted the Iranian state media.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi said Tehran is firmly ready to counter extremism in all its forms.
In a message to his Pakistani counterpart President Dr Arif Alvi, Raesi said that the “blind” action once again showed the terrorists, who have no understanding of the merciful teachings of Islam, pursue “no goal but to sow discord among Muslims.”
In a message to Pakistani President Arif Alvi on Friday, Raeisi said the “blind” action once again showed the terrorists, who have no understanding of the merciful teachings of Islam, pursue “no goal but to sow discord among Muslims.”
“However, this time they will also fail to achieve their illegitimate and inhumane objectives,” the Iranian state-owned news network Press TV reported.
The Iranian president condemned the “terrorist, anti-religious and anti-human” move and expressed his sympathy and condolences to his Pakistani counterpart and the Muslim nation of the country.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolutely ready to cooperate with Pakistan in the fight against any form of terrorism and extremism,” Raeisi said.
He urged the international community, especially the Muslim countries, to “seriously react to this criminal act and prevent the recurrence of such bitter events.”
The Iranian president expressed hope the perpetrators would be identified and punished as soon as possible.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani also condemned the acts of terrorism and said the attacks are “a clear example of terrorists’ aloofness from the merciful teachings of the Prophet of Islam”.

28/09/2023

Apple on Thursday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down an order requiring changes to its App Store rules stemming from an antitrust case brought by “Fortnite” owner Epic Games.
The iPhone maker has been in a legal battle with Epic since 2020, when the gaming firm alleged that Apple’s practice of charging up to 30% commissions on in-app payments on iPhones and other devices violated U.S. antitrust rules. Epic lost on those claims at trial in 2021, but a U.S. District Court judge ruled that Apple’s practice of banning software developers from telling customers about alternative payment methods violated a California unfair competition law.
Apple Fortnite Epic Games
After the ruling, the trial court judge ordered that Apple must change those rules for all developers in its U.S. App Store. The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal upheld the orders, though they remain on hold until the Supreme Court either makes a decision or declines to hear the case.
Apple on Thursday argued the lower court orders violate the U.S. Constitution because they overstep the powers of a federal judge. Apple argued that the trial judge relied on a case brought by a single developer – rather than a broader class of developers – to justify a nationwide ban, without proving that the nationwide ban was needed to remedy the harm caused to Epic.
“That approach eviscerates the constitutional limitations on federal courts’ authority and, unless corrected by this Court, would render universal injunctions the default remedy in single-plaintiff cases challenging a generally applicable policy,” Apple wrote in its filing with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Epic on Wednesday also appealed lower court rulings in the Apple case. The Supreme Court will likely decide either late this year or early next year whether to hear the case.

28/09/2023

Journalist Khalid Jamil has been released from Adiala Jail – Rawalpindi today after the local court granted bail to him.
Earlier in the day, a local court in Islamabad granted post-arrest bail to journalist Khalid Jamil in a case pertaining to spreading a “provocative narrative against the state institutions through social media platforms”.
The hearing of Jamil’s bail plea was conducted by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand. After receiving the mandamus [robkar], the jail authorities released the journalist.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand granted post-arrest bail to the journalist against a surety bond of Rs50,000.
On Sunday, Khalid Jamil was sent on judicial remand of 14 days in the case. The journo had challenged his arrest.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused was found “sharing and spreading highly intimidating content/tweets on social media platforms, including X”.
The FIR invoked Section 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). It also included Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).
The FIR asserted that the journalist was found to cause “harm to Pakistan”.
On Monday, anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan was “recovered” and reached his home safely, according to Sialkot police, after going missing for nearly five months.
Imran Riaz was arrested on May 11 from the Sialkot Airport under 3MPO after the May 9 protests that broke out throughout the country following the PTI chairman’s arrest from Islamabad High Court.
In a post on X/Twitter — the Sialkot police said: “Journalist/anchor Mr Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”
The family of Imran Riaz has also confirmed his recovery.

28/09/2023

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said the law enforcement actions against a spectrum of illegal activities will continue with full force.
The Army Chief visited Lahore and attended meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee along with Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Raza Naqvi. During the Apex Committee meeting, the COAS was briefed about overall security situation, including Law Enforcement Actions against electricity and gas theft, hoarding and foreign currency smuggling, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.
He said that actions will continue full force in collaboration with the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the government departments concerned to rid the country of substantial economic losses it suffered persistently due to pilferage done by different methods.
The Forum was also briefed on measures taken for the protection of minorities and the progress of operations in the Kacha area. The forum also reviewed the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals.
The Forum was also apprised on progress on SIFC and Green Punjab initiatives. COAS underscored the need for synergy among all relevant departments for the gainful effects of the landmark initiatives.
The participants affirmed that state institutions, government departments and people are united for progress and prosperity of the province. Earlier, upon arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Lahore Corps..

27/09/2023

There was good news for Pakistan cricketers ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they saw an exuberant salary increase according to the fresh central contracts announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, 25 players have been divided into four groups with Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, and star pacer Shaheen Afridi placed in Category A.
Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah got placed in Category B. Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique were in Category C.
Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Shan Masood, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Iftikhar Ahmed are in Category D.
The cricket board has revised the payment criteria. Those in Category A saw their salaries increase by 202 per cent. The remuneration of players in the B, C, and D got hiked by 144, 135 and 127 per cent respectively.
The PCB said player match fees will also be hiked by 50 per cent for Tests, 25 per cent for ODIs, and 12.5 per cent for T20I matches.
The deal comes after four months of deadlock between the PCB and players, and for the first time will see them get a share of the country’s payout from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan captain Babar Azam the deal was “historic” and expressed his happiness and satisfaction over it.