Current Final

Category: National

  • $636 billion worth of gold reserves found in Tarbela Dam soil

    $636 billion worth of gold reserves found in Tarbela Dam soil

    Air Karachi chairman and former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Hanif Gohar has said that gold reserves valued at $636 billion have been discovered in the soil of Tarbela Dam.

    Speaking to reporters at the Karachi Press Club on Monday, Gohar said that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir have formally been informed about the discovery and have responded positively to the briefing.

    He went on to say that divers collected soil samples from inside the dam, which were then analysed in a laboratory to determine the gold content.

    “By extrapolating the results, the estimated total value of gold in the dam’s soil stands at $636 billion,” Gohar said, adding that it could pay off Pakistan’s national debt.

    He said the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) must undertake the project itself, but if not, his company was ready to invest, extract the gold and hand it over to the country.

    Gohar said his team was prepared and has already held discussions with dredging experts in Holland, as well as partners in Amsterdam and Canada. “If the government gives us the green light, we are ready to execute this project,” he said.

    Earlier, he also talked about Air Karachi, announcing that the airline’s domestic operations would commence on March 23, 2026.

    The airline will initially have a fleet of three to five Airbus aircraft and international flights would begin after a year of successful domestic operations.

  • ‘They don’t tell you about it’; Donald Trump claims Pakistan conducts secret nuclear tests

    ‘They don’t tell you about it’; Donald Trump claims Pakistan conducts secret nuclear tests

    US President Donald Trump has claimed that Pakistan is among a few countries conducting nuclear tests, saying he does not want America to be the only nation that does not.

    Speaking on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump said, “North Korea is testing, Pakistan is testing, but they don’t tell you about it.” The remark came when he was asked about his recent directive to the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing.

    Trump had recently posted on social media that he instructed the Department of Defense to “immediately” restart nuclear testing. His statement sparked confusion over whether he planned to authorize America’s first nuclear detonation since 1992.

    When asked about it, Trump said, “We have more nuclear weapons than any country. I think we should do something about disarmament. I’ve spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping about it.”

    He continued, “We have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world 150 times. Russia has many, and China likely does too.”

    When the interviewer asked why the US needed to test its weapons, Trump replied, “Because you have to see how they work. Russia announced it would test. North Korea keeps testing. Other countries are doing it. We are the only country that doesn’t. I don’t want us to be the only one not doing it.”

    The host pointed out that apart from North Korea, no country is conducting nuclear tests, as Russia and China have not tested since the 1990s. Trump disagreed, saying, “Russia and China do it, you just don’t know. They do underground testing where no one can detect it.”

    He added, “We are an open society. We talk about it. In Russia or China, there are no reporters to cover such things. You report it here, that’s why people know.”

    Trump said the US must continue testing. “We need to test our weapons; otherwise, we don’t know if they work. North Korea does it. Pakistan does it. They don’t tell you. They do it deep underground where no one knows. You just feel a little tremor.”

    He added that while he doesn’t want to use nuclear weapons, the US must remain prepared. “We don’t want to use them, but we have to make sure they work.”

    Pakistan has not yet commented on Trump’s remarks.

  • Lahore fintech owner with cars worth Rs2.741 billion, influencer who visited 25 countries land on FBR’s radar

    Lahore fintech owner with cars worth Rs2.741 billion, influencer who visited 25 countries land on FBR’s radar

    The Lifestyle Monitoring Cell of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated action against certain taxpayers who have been flaunting their lavish lifestyles but are declaring negligible amounts as income in their tax returns.

    According to reports, the watchdog has dispatched the details of the alleged tax-evaders to the headquarters and respective Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) to initiate formal proceedings against at least one Lahore-based fintech company owner, a travel vlogger and a social media influencer.

    The owner of the fintech company owns 30 latest-model luxury vehicles worth Rs2.741 billion, among which are two Lamborghini Aventadors worth Rs300 million and a Rolls Royce Phantom worth Rs250 million.

    On the other hand, social media content by the travel influencer showed she travelled to more than 25 countries between 2021 to 2025, but declared income between Rs442,046 to Rs3.79 million.

    Another influencer, model and content creator from Islamabad traveled to 13 countries and owns several luxury products but declared her income as between Rs3.5 million to Rs5.49 million over the past few years.

    Among her possessions are a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Handbag, Gucci apparel and accessories, Dior Book Tote Bag, Rolex Watch, high-end winter apparel, luxury resort wear accessories and expensive electric gadgets. She also transitioned from Honda Civic to a Toyota Land Cruiser V8.

    It may be noted that the action comes a month after it was reported that FBR has collected data of around 100,000 individuals flaunting their wealth on social media, with the revenue watchdog poised to take action against them.


     
    The tax watchdog made it clear that individuals who provide accurate and updated information in their income tax returns will not be penalised. However, those who fail to disclose their lavish spending or luxury assets risk facing strict legal consequences.


     
    Officials had urged citizens to update their tax returns promptly to avoid complications.

  • Four of same family killed as truck overturns on rickshaw in Lahore

    Four of same family killed as truck overturns on rickshaw in Lahore

    A tragic accident near M.O. College in Lahore claimed the lives of four members of the same family when a truck loaded with bottles overturned on a rickshaw.

    According to reports, the rickshaw was carrying eight passengers at the time of the accident. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital, while rescuers safely pulled out two children from the wreckage.

    The deceased were identified as 67-year-old Shafiq, his wife 60-year-old Shabana, their 35-year-old son Sajid, and Sajid’s 32-year-old wife Iqra.

    Police detained the truck driver and launched an investigation into the incident.

  • 18 booked in Rawalpindi for renting properties to illegal Afghan nationals

    18 booked in Rawalpindi for renting properties to illegal Afghan nationals

    Police in Rawalpindi have registered a total of 63 cases as part of an ongoing operation against illegal Afghan nationals, 18 of which were filed against individuals who rented out their properties to undocumented individuals. 

    216 Afghan nationals who were living in the garrison city illegally have been transferred to holding facilities in preparations of their deportation, officials have stated. 

    The crackdown, which has been underway for the past five days, follows directives issued by the Punjab government targeting illegal Afghans and other foreign nationals. 

    Citizens have been urged to share any information regarding undocumented foreigners with the police. A police spokesperson stated that the cases were registered across multiple stations, including City, Pirwadhai, Waris Khan, Bani, New Town, Sadiqabad, Ratta Amral, RA Bazaar, Race Course, Wah Cantt, Chaklala, Airport, Taxila, Saddar Wah, Civil Lines, Morgah, Naseerabad, Mandara, Jatli, Sadr Bironi, Gujar Khan, Dhamial, Kallar Syedan, and Rawat. 

    Authorities emphasized that undocumented people are not allowed to occupy homes, businesses, or any type of property and warned citizens against renting or selling property to illegal foreigners.

    They also advised against providing vehicles, rickshaws, or engaging in any form of business dealings, financial transactions, or employment with illegal foreigners.

    “No citizen should employ any illegal foreigners. Legally residing foreigners should ensure their registration at the relevant police station. All citizens are requested to stay vigilant and report any illegal foreigners to the police. Their identities will be kept confidential,” the police statement said.

    The government has instructed strict compliance with the measures, warning that violators will face legal consequences.

  • Atta Tarar addresses betting ads shown during England-New Zealand ODI

    Atta Tarar addresses betting ads shown during England-New Zealand ODI

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has clarified the air on betting ads that could be seen during the live broadcast of the England vs New Zealand ODI on a Pakistani sports channel.

    A social media user shared a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) of the England vs New Zealand ODI match being broadcast live on Pakistan’s Ten Sports channel, raising questions about betting advertisements appearing on the ground.

    The user tagged Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, writing, “Serious Qs are raised on the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s enforcement of its own declared ‘zero tolerance’ policy against betting advertisements as blatant promotion of betting companies is aired on Ten Sports every day.”

    Responding to the tweet, Atta Tarar clarified that the government maintains zero tolerance for betting promotions and strictly prohibits any such advertisements within Pakistan. 

    He wrote, “We spoke yesterday on this issue and I gave you the following version to publish as our official stance. There is zero tolerance against any ads of surrogate betting companies and it is strictly forbidden and illegal. When international broadcasters from whom rights are procured show any material in the stadium, it is at an international venue and from an international broadcaster on which the local channel which has procured broadcasting rights has no control or authority.”

    The minister explained that local channels like Ten Sports purchase broadcasting rights from international networks, which often show in-stadium visuals containing betting banners. Pakistani broadcasters, however, cannot alter or censor those feeds since they originate from international sources.

    Betting and gambling are strictly illegal in Pakistan, and the government has repeatedly taken action against individuals and platforms found promoting them.

    One month ago, popular YouTuber Ducky Bhai faced legal trouble after promoting a betting-related app on his channel, which drew public backlash and government scrutiny. Authorities later issued a clear warning to influencers and digital creators to avoid endorsing betting or gambling in any form.

  • Sohail Afridi ‘ignores Imran Khan’s instructions’ as KP forms 13-member cabinet

    Sohail Afridi ‘ignores Imran Khan’s instructions’ as KP forms 13-member cabinet

    The newly formed 13-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has reportedly ignored the instructions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

    According to reports, Imran Khan had directed that the provincial cabinet should not exceed eight members and should remain in single digits. However, a 13-member cabinet took oath from the KP governor on Friday. 

    Reports citing a senior party leader revealed that Imran Khan had clearly advised against including Asad Qaiser’s brother Aqibullah Khan, Shahram Tarakai’s brother Faisal Tarakai, and former provincial minister Shakeel Khan in the cabinet. Despite his instructions, all three were included.

    Reports added that Khan had also suggested including senior PTI members who had been previously overlooked.

    Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi, however, denied the claims and said Imran Khan did not issue any strict orders but only sent a message suggesting that the cabinet should be kept small. He added that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had the authority to select his own cabinet members.

    Meena Khan said changes could still be made to the cabinet, adding that Imran Khan could include or remove anyone he wanted. He said the cabinet includes both experienced ministers and young faces, ensuring a mix of expertise and fresh energy.

  • CM Afridi’s 13-member KP cabinet takes oath

    CM Afridi’s 13-member KP cabinet takes oath

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) newly formed 13-member cabinet of Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi has taken oath in a ceremony held at Governor House Peshawar. 

    The cabinet, which includes ten ministers, two advisers and one special assistant, will work under CM Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as the provincial chief executive earlier this month.

    The oath-taking ceremony comes hours after the cabinet was named following CM Afridi’s consultation with jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who gave him the nod to proceed with the appointments.

    Earlier, Afridi had repeatedly sought to meet the incarcerated former premier for guidance but was denied permission despite court orders.

    On Friday, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered oath to Mina Khan, Fazal Shakoor, Faisal Turkai, Aaqibullah, Arshad Ayub Khan, Aftab Alam, Dr Amjad, Khaliq Ur Rehman, Riaz Khan and Syed Fakhar Jehan as provincial ministers.

    The governor also administered oath to Muzammil Aslam and Taj Muhammad Tarand as advisers while Shafeeullah Jan took oath as a special assistant.

    While their respective portfolios will be announced later, CM Afridi’s cabinet is significantly smaller than Gandapur’s initial 33-member setup that was later reduced after a reshuffle.

    On Oct 13, Afridi had assumed office after securing 90 votes in provincial assembly session boycotted by the JUI-F, PML-N and PPP.

  • Can Pakistanis now travel to Israel? Info ministry addresses Indian media’s claims

    Can Pakistanis now travel to Israel? Info ministry addresses Indian media’s claims

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has dismissed Indian media reports claiming changes to the Pakistani passport for the removal of the clause banning travel to Israel.

    As per the details, the info ministry has rejected the reports as “completely baseless and laughable”, saying no such move has been discussed or is even being considered by the government.

    The propaganda started when Indian news channel Republic TV alleged that Islamabad had removed the clause from passports that declared them invalid for travel to Israel.

    Exposing the false reporting by Indian media, the ministry said that Pakistan’s position on Israel has always been crystal clear.

    “Pakistan has never recognised Israel, and there is absolutely no question of military cooperation […] Our support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is firm and principled, it has never wavered,” the ministry said, adding that Republic TV’s story was not picked up by any credible regional or international media outlet.

    Calling out what it described as a “habit of spreading lies”, the ministry said that this kind of propaganda was “Indian godi media’s” new normal. “We will continue to speak the truth and stand by justice, peace and the rights of the Palestinian people,” it added.

    While the foreign ministry and the directorate general of immigration and passports also clarified that the passport had not been changed in any way as the long-standing clause remained printed, this is not the first time Republic TV has ended up with an egg on its face due to fabricated reports.

    Earlier this month, the channel claimed that Pakistan was preparing to send 20,000 troops to Gaza under the supervision of Western countries and Israel. The claim, however, was also denied by Pakistani officials.

  • Pakistani astronaut to join China’s Tiangong space mission as payload specialist

    Pakistani astronaut to join China’s Tiangong space mission as payload specialist

    China has announced plans to include a Pakistani astronaut in its upcoming space station missions, according to state news agency Xinhua on Thursday. 

    The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) stated during a press conference that two Pakistani astronauts will train alongside their Chinese counterparts under this project, with one of them scheduled to participate in a short-term spaceflight mission as a payload specialist.

    According to CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo, China and Pakistan signed a cooperation agreement in February of this year, which marked the official start of the astronaut selection process. Similar to China’s own astronaut recruitment process, the selection process will be divided into three stages: preliminary, second-round, and final.

    Pakistan is now conducting the preliminary stage, and China will host the next two stages. According to Zhang, preparations for the second round are already underway, including creating training materials, assembling equipment, and setting up logistical support.

    “Two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts, and one of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist,” Zhang said. 

    “During the mission, the astronaut will not only participate in the crew’s routine work but also conduct scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan.”

    Chinese publication Global Times also confirmed that “China is currently selecting astronauts from Pakistan, with one expected to take part in a short-duration space mission at an appropriate time.”

    Zhang emphasized that since its inception, China’s manned space program has upheld the principles of peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit, and shared development.