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  • K-Electric seeks increase in base electricity tariff by Rs.10

    K-Electric seeks increase in base electricity tariff by Rs.10

    K-Electric has requested National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase the base electricity tariff in Karachi by Rs 10, taking it from Rs 33 to Rs 44.


    The request is part of K-Electric’s comprehensive investment plan, which includes establishing fourteen new grid stations and laying 550 kilometers of transmission lines in Karachi over the next seven years, reports Samaa.


    An online public hearing on K-Electric’s application was conducted by Nepra on Thursday in which it was laid out that a $2 billion investment strategy for improving the city’s electricity transmission, distribution, and supply system.


    During the hearing, K-Electric’s Director of Communication, Imran Rana assured NEPRA that the increase in the base tariff would not impact Karachi’s electricity consumers due to the uniform electricity rate policy implemented across the country.


    K-Electric emphasised that approving this tariff is crucial for maintaining a stable electricity supply and demand balance in the city.

  • Did a leading religious scholar try to repair relations between Khan and the military?

    Did a leading religious scholar try to repair relations between Khan and the military?

    Journalist Ansar Abbasi has revealed that one of the country’s leading religious scholars tried to repair fraught relations between the military establishment and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) head Imran Khan but failed in his task.

    The unsuccessful attempt to initiate the dialogue was made before the February 8 general elections in the country. Abbasi did not reveal who the scholar is.

    According to Abbasi, Khan has hit out hard at the military, its current and former army chief, since he was ousted from government in April 2022. This has hurt the credibility of Chairman PTI, who is now facing immense challenges.

    Ansar Abbasi stated that Khan has adopted an interesting two-pronged policy of criticizing the military leadership while pressuring them to pave his way to the Prime Minister’s office.

    He also revealed that Khan and other party leaders desperately tried to negotiate with the military with the help of former President Dr Arif Alvi during his tenure but received no response.

  • No military operation or evictions under Azm-e-Istehkam

    No military operation or evictions under Azm-e-Istehkam

    Geo News has reported that under the newly announced anti-terror operation Azm-e-Istehkam, security sources have emphasised that there will be no evictions or military operations under the new anti-terror campaign.

    Under Azm-e-Istehkam, a multidimensional strategy would be undertaken to effectively end the menace of terrorism along with effective legislation aimed at ensuring militants are duly punished in the court of law.

    Furthermore, policies would be made to prevent smuggling and drug money from being used to finance terrorism in the country.

    The clarifications came to light after various opposition political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insfaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Awami National Party (ANP) voiced serious concerns over the operation’s consequences in the country.

    Last week, the Prime Minister’s Office also clarified that “no large-scale military operation is being launched” that would cause internal displacement of the local population.

  • Provinces intensify security protocols ahead of Muharram

    Provinces intensify security protocols ahead of Muharram

    With Muharram approaching, security concerns loom large, exacerbated by recent terrorist activities across the country. Provincial governments have formulated plans to ensure peace.

    Punjab

    The Punjab Home Department has issued security guidelines that enforce Section 144 throughout the province. 502 locations have been identified as sensitive, with deployment of army and Rangers personnel at these sites.

    10,426 Muharram processions are scheduled across the province.

    The Punjab Interior Department has stipulated that processions and gatherings are permitted only along designated routes and locations.

    According to Punjab’s Interior Secretary, Noorul Amin Mengal, peace committees in each district are tasked with implementing all SOPs and monitoring assemblies and processions.

    Hate speech on social media is also strictly prohibited, and serious actions will be taken against violators; whereas unauthorized use of loudspeakers is also prohibited by law.

    Sindh

    The Sindh Home Department has also announced a province-wide curfew for the duration of Muharram.

    Starting from the first to the tenth of Muharram, a ban on motorcycle double riding has been imposed.

    Additionally, the display of weapons and the operation of drones are strictly prohibited.

  • Who will officiate the T20 World Cup final?

    Who will officiate the T20 World Cup final?

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced who will officiate the T20 World Cup final, scheduled to be played between India and South Africa on Saturday. The on-field umpires for the final will be Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffaney, while Richie Richardson has been appointed as the ICC match referee.

    Richard Kettleborough will be the TV umpire for the match in Barbados, and Rod Tucker will be the fourth umpire for the World Cup final.

  • Another PTI MNA resigns from core committee after Omar Ayub’s resignation

    Another PTI MNA resigns from core committee after Omar Ayub’s resignation

    After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub, another lawmaker has resigned from party’s core committee, ARY News reported on Saturday.

    Member National Assembly (MNA) Junaid Akbar resigned from the party’s core commitee, articulating that he is not part of any group and will never be.

    The MNA criticized mystery individuals without naming them, stating that some people are using the party for their personal benefits, adding that only these folks can approach incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    “These individuals meet Imran Khan, and they don’t let us meet him,” Akbar added.

    Juniad Akbar also said that party leadership is not ready to listen to his concerns and they don’t involve him in decision-making.

  • PTI hits out at Khawaja Asif for Afghanistan remarks

    PTI hits out at Khawaja Asif for Afghanistan remarks

    The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticised recent remarks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif about launching anti-terror cross-border attacks inside Afghanistan, saying, “We don’t allow any interference in our country, so we shouldn’t interfere in any other country.”

    In a recent interview, Khawaja Asif ruled out the possibility of “negotiations” with the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a policy undertaken by the PTI government previously.

    PTI leaders opined that such inflammatory statements can not only endanger “brotherly relations with Afghanistan” but regional peace as well.

    “Our ties with India are based on rivalry, and now we are trying to treat Afghanistan similarly. We cannot afford further escalation of the conflict and disorder,” remarked the former NA speaker Asad Qaiser outside the Assembly

    Leader of the Opposition in the NA, Omar Ayub, questioned the defence minister, “India is leading many terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. Why didn’t the defence minister remark about launching attacks inside India?”

    The PTI leaders emphasised that Pakistan shouldn’t be dragged into “someone else’s war.”

  • UK PM ‘hurt’ after being called ‘f***ing Paki’

    UK PM ‘hurt’ after being called ‘f***ing Paki’

    United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was hurt and angry that a supporter of the right-wing Reform UK party passed a racial slur about him.

    Sunak, Britain’s first ethnic-minority prime minister, currently campaigning for the July 4 national election that his Conservative Party is tipped to lose after 14 years in power, was responding to the comments broadcast by a man identified as Andrew Parker, calling Sunak a “f***ing Paki” – a British racial slur for people of South Asian descent.

    “My two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaign for Nigel Farage calling me an effing Paki. It hurts and it makes me angry, and I think he has some questions to answer,” Sunak told reporters.


    “I don’t repeat those words lightly, I do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is,” he added.


    Nigel Farage, the leader of right wing Reform party initially said he was dismayed by the language when the comments were first broadcast on Thursday. But on Friday he suggested, without providing evidence, that Parker was an actor involved in “a political setup” to undermine Reform during the election.
    Asked during a television debate when he would accept some responsibility, Farage said: “I am not going to apologise […] it is a setup, a deliberate attempt to smear us.”

  • Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif Honorary Appoints Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha as Ambassador-at-Large

    Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif Honorary Appoints Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha as Ambassador-at-Large

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the honorary appointment of Mr. Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha as Ambassador-at-Large. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Mustafa bin Talha’s exceptional dedication, hard work, and outstanding achievements in the business world at a remarkably young age.

    He is CEO in ACM group of companies and Director of Operations at Pakistan Accumulator Private Limited. Mustafa bin Talha’s remarkable accomplishments make him an excellent representative for Pakistan on the international stage.

    His unwavering commitment to promoting Pakistan’s exports and enhancing the nation’s image globally has been evident throughout his career. He has consistently prioritized national interests while striving to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the international business community. In addition to his impressive export of automotive and specialized batteries in more than 25 countries across the globe, Mustafa bin Talha has also played an exceptional role in the real estate business.

    His contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him several Best Export Merit awards from reputed organizations in Pakistan, including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). He has also received the Highest Taxpayers Award in Pakistan from the Prime Minister in 2024 and has been nominated for the Best Battery Manufacturer award from FPCCI.

    Beyond his business achievements, Mustafa bin Talha is deeply involved in giving back to the community through Muhammad Talha Mahmood Foundation Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. His dedication to social causes demonstrates his commitment to improving the lives of others and contributing positively to society.

    The appointment of Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha as Ambassador-at-Large is a commendable decision that underscores the importance of empowering young talent. His role will undoubtedly contribute to improving Pakistan’s image and fostering better export opportunities, benefiting the nation as a whole. This selection serves as an inspiring example of how young leaders can drive positive change and represent their country with distinction on the global stage.

  • No load shedding from 10pm to 6am in Sindh, Nasir Shah orders

    No load shedding from 10pm to 6am in Sindh, Nasir Shah orders

    Energy Minister in Sindh, Nasir Hussain Shah, has told K-Electric, Hyderabad-Electric, and Sukkhur-Electric that load shedding is unacceptable between 10pm and 6am in the province, adding that it will help citizens reduce their burden during crucial hours.

    He stressed that all power companies need to take initiatives to reduce load shedding.

    However, the minister said if load shedding is inescapable, the public must be informed in advance to avoid inconvenience.