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LAHORE: Pakistan needs not a political, but an economic long march said federal minister Ahsan Iqbal in a ceremony over the National Economic Plan for the next five years that will be launched today. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal was addressing a ceremony in Lahore. The Minister said the ‘Udan Pakistan’ transformation plan will help achieve the sustainable economic development in the country. He said earlier PML-N governments also tried to transform the country into a sovereign nation. “Again, we are laying foundation of the economic development with this five-year plan”. He stressed on promotion of exports, e-commerce, human resource development, technological advancement, modernization of agriculture sector and energy efficient system for attaining sustainable development goals. Ahsan Iqbal also underlined the importance of peace, political stability and continuity of policies for durable progress in the country. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said tha...

The Lahore High Court (LHC) Monday ordered that all schools must re-register within one month, emphasizing that any school failing to comply with the school bus policy will have its registration suspended. The orders were passed by LHC Justice Shahid Karim while hearing petitions regarding the smog issues and steps to address it. The LHC also directed the Director-General of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to review the city’s roads and present a traffic plan to address congestion, particularly in light of the smog issue. Justice Shahid Karim acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle smog but stressed the importance of effective enforcement. He stated, “The matter of environmental protection is extremely serious, and further delay should not be allowed.” Read more:  Outdoor activities resume in Punjab as smog level decrease In today’s proceedings, Secretary of School Education Khalid Nazir presented proposed rules for private schools. Under the new policy, scho...

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KARACHI: Sindh Governor, Kamran Tessori, Sunday announced a spectacular fireworks display at Governor House to celebrate the arrival of the new year. In a bid to include the public in the celebrations, Kamran Tessori revealed that all five gates of the Governor House will be open to the people for the event. “We want to share the joy of the new year with everyone,” said Governor Tessori. He emphasized the importance of collective celebration and unity. The grand event will feature a 40-minute fireworks show, which is set to break an international record, he added. Expressing his wishes for the upcoming year, Governor Tessori prayed that 2024 brings peace, security, stability, economic growth, and welfare for the people of Pakistan. The fireworks display, scheduled for December 31, will be a grand spectacle aimed at creating a global record, offering a visual treat to the people of Karachi and beyond. Read more: Section 144 imposed in Karachi on New Year Eve Earlier, the Karachi...

South Indian superstar Allu Arjun appeared before the court virtually, for his bail hearing in the Sandhya theatre stampede case, during the premiere of his film ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ . To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu- Click Here For the unversed, actor Allu Arjun was taken into custody, by the Chikkadapally police of Hyderabad, on December 13, in connection with the death of a woman during the fatal stampede at his film ‘Pushpa 2’ premiere, at Sandhya Theatre. He was sent on a 14-day remand by Nampally court, however, was soon granted a four-week interim bail by the Telangana High Court and was released from the jail the next day. As his 14-day remand ended on Friday, December 27, Arjun appeared virtually before the Nampally court, citing security reasons, for the hearing of his bail plea. According to the details, the actor also filed a regular bail petition in the court, which has been posted for hearing on December 30. Sandhya Theatre Stampede Case Notably, Arjun’s sur...

ISLAMABAD: Karachi’s power utility K-Electric has filed plea to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for paying back additional recoveries to its consumers. The power company has confessed billions of rupees additional recovery from Karachi’s electricity consumers. Power consumers of the metropolis likely to get Rs. 4.98 per unit relief as per the KE petition submitted to the NEPRA. The electric power regulator has fixed hearing of the KE plea on January 15. The regulatory authority will fix the final amount of paying back, additional recoveries amount to the consumers of K Electric. The NEPRA in November approved 40 paisa per unit increase in the power tariff for K-Electric consumers. The hike was a part of the August 2024 monthly adjustment, and consumers will be billed extra in their January 2025 bills. Moreover, K-Electric consumers paid an additional Rs 3.17 per unit in November bills as part of the June adjustment. In December, consumers paying extra R...

In a startling scam case that emerged from India, a 23-year-old computer operator is charged with embezzling over INR 210 million from the account of a state-run sports department, local media reported. Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar, has been charged by Maharashtra Police with making fabricated documents to transfer millions of rupees from bank account of the governmental sports department According to police, Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar lived a luxurious lifestyle for several months, buying expensive stuff such as a four-bedroom condominium and fancy cars using the stolen money. According to media reports, the 23-year-old computer operator was a contract employee worker and was receiving 13,000 rupees a month, carefully planned the scam. He allegedly sent a bogus email to the bank asking for a change in the email address linked to the department’s account using an outdated letterhead from the sports facility. With just one letter separating them, his new email address was almost exactly ...

SHIKARPUR:  A 12-year-old boy lost his life during a robbery inside the house in the Garhi Yasin tehsil of Shikarpur, ARY News reported citing police. The dacoits entered the house, and when the owner resisted, they opened fire. Unfortunately, 12-year-old boy named Mujahid Ali was struck by a bullet and succumbed to his injuries, according to police reports. The robbers fled the scene, and a search operation is currently underway to apprehend them. The police are investigating the incident and working to bring the culprits to justice. Earlier in a similar tragic events in Karachi, a man was killed while resisting a robbery attempt at his tyre shop near the government Islamia College. Read More: CCTV footage captures online rider’s murder during robbery in Karachi According to reports, the incident took place near Islamia College roundabout, where the victim, Hassan Arif, was working at his tyre shop when armed assailants entered intending to rob him. Hassan, who was in the s...

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) ordered suspension of Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship entry test in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district due to the deteriorating security situation. The entry test was scheduled for December 26 (today), but the court has suspended it for the time being. According to the petitioner, the security situation in Kurram is unstable, making it impossible to hold the test in the district. The petitioner has also requested the court to arrange an examination hall in Sadda for students from Kurram. The court has issued a written order asking HEC officials to appear on December 31. Additionally, the court has ordered that the test be relocated to Sadda for students from Kurram and other areas, including Balochistan and FATA, who the HEC allocates 100 seats. Read more: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt declares Kurram disaster-hit On December 23, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Cabinet on Monday declared Kurram disaster-hit amid a severe shortage of ...

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ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court’s (SC) Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah has rescued himself from continuing to perform his duties as administrative judge, ARY News reported citing sources. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was assigned duties of administrative judge by then Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Esa. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was sent administrative files, which he refused to sign. The judge returned the files, stating that he has stepped down as the administrative judge. Earlier, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah in another letter to the Judicial Commission has given his overall opinion over the rules with regard to appointment of judges. In his letter to the Secretary Judicial Commission, the apex court judge has opposed getting report from the intelligence agency in judges’ appointment. “The role to the intelligence agency in appointment of judges can be misused,” Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah wrote. “Already the executive enjoying majority in the judicial commission. I have a...

Bollywood’s power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh reveal the face of their three-month-old daughter Dua to Indian paparazzi at a private event. To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu – Click Here As reported by Indian media, new parents of Bollywood, Deepika and Ranveer, who embraced parenthood for the first time in September, hosted a private event on Monday evening, to introduce their daughter Dua Padukone Singh to the paparazzi. According to the details, the new parents invited 15-20 selected paparazzi over lunch, organized at the clubhouse of their Prabhadevi Society, and revealed their daughter’s face to them at the event, however, requested the shutterbugs not to click any pictures of the star kid.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Paparazzi weren’t allowed their cameras or phones inside the premises, but the star couple made sure to click individual photos with each one ...

KARACHI: The buying rate for the Omani Rial to Pakistan Rupee (PKR) stands at Rs 719.5, while the selling rate was noted at Rs 728 in the open market on Monday, December 23, 2024. The information provided on the currency website indicated that the Omani Rial remained stable against the Pakistani Rupee and no change was observed in the open market. The Omani Rial denoted as OMR, serves as the official currency of Oman and is subdivided into 1,000 smaller units called baisa. Conversion of 500 and 1000 OMR to PKR On December 23, the prevailing exchange rate suggests that 500 Rial is equivalent to Rs.359,750 whereas 1,000 OMR amounts to Rs.719,500 in Pakistani currency. It is also important to highlight that the exchange rate of Rs 719.5 per OMR in the open market holds considerable significance for the large Pakistani expatriate population living in Oman, which is estimated to number approximately 250,000 individuals involved in various employment or business ventures. Related link...

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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two individuals, including a human smuggler in Gujranwala, in connection with Greece boat tragedy. On December 14, the foreign media reported that a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off the island of Gavdos in southern Greece, killing at least five of them.   According to FIA authorities, the arrested suspects, Mohammad Aslam and Saeed Ahmed, played a role in the human smuggling operation. According to the FIA, Mohammad Aslam is directly involved in the Greece boat tragedy and is a member of an international human smuggling gang. He exploited victims by promising to send them to Europe, collecting millions of rupees from them. The suspect has reportedly swindled a total of Rs8.5 million from the victims. He, along with other members of the gang, first sent the victims to Libya and then attempted to send them to Greece by boat. In a separate operation, the FIA arrested another human smuggler in Gujarat. The individua...

RAWALPINDI: The Military Courts convicted 25 suspects of May 9 violence after examining all the evidence and completing the appropriate legal process, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. The suspects have been awarded up to 10 years imprisonment. “Field General Court Martial (FGCM) have in first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” the ISPR said. The verdicts were announced after the Supreme Court’s (SC) Constitutional Bench conditionally allowed military courts to do so in 85 trials. “These blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underscored necessity of checking this unacceptable attempt of political terrorism to impose own perverted will through violence and coercion,” the ISPR’s statement read. ‘Justice will truly be served once mastermind, planners are punished’ Terming the sentences an important milestone in providing justice to the nation, the military’s media wing maintained that the justice will truly be served...

Rising starlet Yashmeera Jan, daughter of veteran actors Shabbir Jan and Fareeda Shabbir, confirmed that the on-air serial ‘Ghair’ will be her final project, as she is leaving showbiz to focus on her marital life. To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu – Click Here In his recent YouTube vlog, actor-director Yasir Nawaz disclosed, “ Ghair is the final project of Yashmeera Jan,” to which she confirmed saying, “Yes.” Nawaz continued to reveal, “She is married, and will soon be starting a new phase of life with her husband, so she will not be seen on screen anymore because of a promise to him.” “Remember her in your prayers,” he added. “There are multiple reasons for my departure,” Jan added in response. “But one of them and the biggest reason is to focus on my studies.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylollywood) “And yes, I also have some commitment towards my new family,” maintained the ‘Khuds...

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated exceptional performance in tackling labour-market issues and promoted initiatives to improve skills, according to the first annual report published by the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC). The progress in addressing labour-market challenges is in line with ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which center on improving workforce requalification, developing national competencies, and lowering unemployment rates. The GLMC report, which was prepared with the participation of 14,000 people from 14 countries worldwide, solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a leading force capable of effectively addressing both local and global challenges. The report emphasised the significant changes that are occurring in labour markets throughout the world, including demographic transitions, economic globalisation, and the quick development of technology. The GLMC report highlighted how crucial skill development and ongoing education are to adjust...

KARACHI: The buying rate for the Omani Rial to Pakistan rupee (PKR) rose to Rs 719.5, while the selling rate was noted at Rs728 in the open market on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Data from the currency website indicated that the Omani Rial experienced an appreciation of 65 paisas relative to the Pakistani Rupee in the open market. The Omani Rial denoted as OMR, serves as the official currency of Oman and is subdivided into 1,000 smaller units called baisa. Conversion of 500 and 1000 Omani Rial to PKR On December 18, the prevailing exchange rate suggests that 500 Rial is equivalent to Rs.359,750 whereas 1,000 OMR amounts to Rs.719,500 in Pakistani currency. It is also important to highlight that the exchange rate of Rs 719.5 per OMR in the open market holds considerable significance for the large Pakistani expatriate population living in Oman, which is estimated to number approximately 250,000 individuals involved in various employment or business ventures. Related link: Currenc...

KARACHI: A police official in Karachi has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him allegedly setting bribes for dance parties and other illegal activities. According to sources, the suspended official, Head Moharar named Hamraz posted Darakhshan Police Station, can be heard in the video setting rates for various illegal activities, including guest house dance parties and illegal tea cafes. He allegedly demanded Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per week from each tea cafe operating within the police station’s jurisdiction. The video also shows Hamraz offering a discount of Rs. 25,000 for new businesses, stating that as long as they paid the bribe, they could operate freely. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police South Asad Raza took immediate action after the video surfaced, showing the policeman setting bribe rates. The DIG South ordered Superintend of Police (SP) Investigation South to suspend Hamraz.   View this post on Instagram ...

Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its officials following quitting as head coach. Speaking to Australian media, Jason Gillespie expressed disappointment over PCB’s decision not to extend the contract of his assistant coach, Tim Nielsen. Gillespie accused PCB of poor management and lack of communication. Replying to a question regarding skipping South Africa tour, Gillespie said: “I chose not to tour South Africa because of Nielsen’s exclusion.” Gillespie further revealed his frustration with the selection process, stating, “Even a day before matches, I was unaware of the team selection details.” Despite his grievances, Gillespie acknowledged his strong bond with the players, adding, “There was great harmony among the squad. Players affectionately called Nielsen ‘Grandpa’ due to his rapport with them.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not responded to the allegations raised by the former Aussie pacer, yet. Read more...

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ISLAMABAD: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT 2024) will be conducted once again in Islamabad on December 22, ARY News reported, quoting sources. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has been informed about the updated MDCAT 2024 schedule. Decisions regarding the roll numbers of candidates and examination centers are expected to be made next week, sources added. Sources further said more than 30 examination centers across Islamabad for the test will be established for 17,597 candidates registered for the MDCAT 2024 retake. The recent registration has shown a drastic decrease in the number of candidates willing to take the test. Earlier 53,105 candidates were registered for the MDCAT but now only 17,597 have registered themselves. It may be noted in October, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 results and ordered to reconduct it. Read more:  IHC nullifies MDCAT results, orders retest wi...

TEXAS: A Pakistani delegation comprising parliamentarians and a psychiatrist met imprisoned Pakistani citizen Dr Aafia Siddiqui at Texas jail in the United States. A delegation, which included Senator Bushra Anjum, Senator Talha Mehmood, and psychiatrist Dr Iqbal Afridi held almost three-hour-long meeting with Dr Aafia in jail on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Dr Aafia informed delegation of the difficulties she was facing and expressed hope to get justice, a member of the visiting team said. The delegation’s visit is part of Pakistan’s efforts to secure release of Dr Aafia, which has time and again urged the US authorities to consider and revisit her case. The Pakistani delegation also met Congressmen and State Department officials to plead Aafia Siddiqui case to convince the authorities to release her on humanitarian grounds. The delegation has also appealed President Biden to release her before the end of his Presidential term on January 20, 2025. Siddiqui...

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The rate of 24-karat gold in Saudi Arabia surged to 3,815 Saudi Riyals (SAR) per tola on Fri day, December 13, 2024. As reported by Forex.pk, the price for 10 grams of 24-karat gold in Saudi Arabia is SAR 3,274. Furthermore, the price for an ounce of gold is noted to be SAR 10,183. It is crucial to recognize that gold prices are influenced by global fluctuations, including those occurring within Saudi Arabia, and the figures provided were last updated at 10:20 am on December 13, 2024. This modification reflects the current trends in the global gold market, which are influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, geopolitical events, and changes in investor sentiment. Gold Rates Today in Pakistan Gold, recognized as a highly esteemed precious metal, has held significant value for centuries and is integral to the global economy. Its worth is derived from its rarity, resilience, and universal attraction. Often viewed as a safe-haven asset, gold is utilized to safeguar...

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ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court adjourned hearing of intra court appeals against the military courts’ verdict till tomorrow (Friday), ARY News reported. The seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the case. Earlier, government’s counsel Khawaja Haris told the court that the Army Act could also be enforced over civilians in specific circumstances. Justice Jamal Mandokhail said that the entire military courts’ case has been confined to the Article VIII. “Any person, if not been the part of the armed forces, how could he/she come under their discipline,” the judge questioned. “If the law grants, the discipline will be implementable,” Khawaja Haris replied. “If someone has been in agriculture department, the department’s discipline will be enforced to that individual. Bringing an unconcerned person under the discipline won’t be violation of Article VIII,” Justice Mandokhail asked. “It means the Army Act will be implementable to a person if the individual eve...

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has officially been granted authority to take action against crimes committed on social media platforms, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of IT on Wednesday. According to the notification, the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency’s rules have been annulled, and its powers have been transferred to the FIA Cybercrime Wing again. The National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency was established in 2023, but its responsibilities will now be managed by the FIA. It is to be noted that the government of Pakistan has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of false information and fearmongering on social media, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Read more: UC chairman arrested for anti-state social media posts According to reports, any content that targets national institutions or individuals, or spreads fear, will be removed in Pakistan....

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday announced the resumption of Turbat flights from Karachi, ARY News reported. According to PIA spokesperson Abdul Hafeez Khan, flights from Karachi to Turbat will resume on December 16 and in this context flight schedule has also been updated. The PIA will operate two weekly flights (Monday and Wednesday) to facilitate the passengers on the route. The PIA spokesperson further said that the Turbat and Gwadar flight operations are given priority. In a separate development, Pakistan International Airlines announced that it will resume flights to Europe in January, starting with Paris, after the EU aviation regulator lifted a ban on the national flag carrier. PIA’s authorisation to operate in the EU was suspended in June 2020 over concerns about the ability of Pakistani authorities and its Civil Aviation Authority to ensure compliance with international aviation standards. Also read:  PIA announces discount on THESE internat...

TAIPEI: Taiwan said its military was on high alert Monday as it launched combat readiness drills after detecting Chinese warships and coast guard vessels in waters around the island. The exercises were also in response to Beijing’s army restricting the airspace off the Chinese coast. “In response to these actions by the PLA, the MND has initiated combat readiness drills, factoring in enemy threats, weather conditions, and tactical positioning,” the defence ministry said in a statement, adding that military units were on “high” alert. There has been intense speculation about the possibility of China launching military drills in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s Pacific tour last week that included two stopovers on US soil. The ministry said on X its forces had “identified PLA Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Command naval formations, along with Coast Guard vessels, entering areas around the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific.” There was no immediate public anno...

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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Sunday offloaded three female ‘beggars’ travelling to Saudi Arabia in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims at Karachi airport, ARY News reported. According to the FIA spokesperson, females were arrested by FIA Immigration upon checking at the Karachi airport. During the checking, the FIA team found that the females did not have return tickets and hotel booking while travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The authorities said prior to this, the females were also offloaded at the Lahore airport. The arrested ‘beggars’ were handed over to the FIA Anti-Smuggling Circle for probe. Read more:  Beggars offloaded Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 24 alleged beggars in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia-bound flight at Multan airport. The FIA officials during the immigration process questioned the passengers who confessed that they were going to visit the KSA to seek alms. The arrests came after the Ministry of O...

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has extended the interim bail of PTI founder’s sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and party leader Salman Akram Raja until January 18 in a protest case, ARY News reported. As per details, the case pertains to a violent clash between PTI workers and police on October 5. The court also granted an extension in the interim bail of Ali Imtiaz Warraich and others. The PTI leaders had filed bail applications in four different cases. The extension of their interim bail provides them with temporary relief as they face charges related to the protest. On the other side, PTI founder Imran Khan, warned the government of launching a civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met. Read More:  PTI founder not moved from Adiala Jail, says Salman Akram Raja Addressing media persons outside jail, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema said that former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated, has announced two key demands: the release of “political p...

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Seven more people have been booked for allegedly engaging in anti-state propaganda and spreading false narratives via social media platforms, ARY News reported on Friday, quoting sources. The accused, identified as Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ehsan, and others, were reportedly using WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate propaganda. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects. This development follows the registration of cases against 12 individuals a day earlier, whose identities have also been confirmed, according to sources. It is to be noted that the government of Pakistan has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of false information and fearmongering on social media, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. According to reports, any content that targets national institutions or individuals, or spreads fear, will be removed in Pakistan. Read more: Socia...

LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Yasmin Rashid, Hammad Azhar, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, ARY News reported. As per details, the warrants were issued after the PTI Punjab leaders failed to appear before the court for the trial of the Wazirabad attack case. Other PTI leaders, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Sarfraz, Shakeel Zaman, Amna, Shaneela Ali, and Hamza Altaf, have also been issued non-bailable arrest warrants. The ATC has directed the SHO of Wazirabad to arrest the PTI leaders and present them in court as witnesses. The court has already recorded the statements of 37 prosecution witnesses, and five doctors who treated the injured are scheduled to testify on December 11. Last year, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe the attack on former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan in Wazirabad, revealed that the Prime suspect Naveed Meher was t...

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Sajjad Mustafa Syed, has stated that the current internet speed issues are expected to be resolved within a three-month timeframe, amidst concerns that the implementation of a firewall may cause connectivity problems. He remarked, “If a message is being sent via WhatsApp but images are not transmitting, it may indicate that monitoring is taking place.” Users in various regions of Pakistan are experiencing intermittent internet outages and reduced speeds, which hinder their ability to browse, download, and share media effectively. Reports suggest that both Wi-Fi and mobile data services are suffering from significant slowdowns, rendering it extremely difficult for users to send or receive media files, including images, videos, and voice notes on widely used platforms like WhatsApp. The current government has officially acknowledged that it is enhancing its ‘web management system’ while conducting multiple test...

BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers looked set to rebuff Tuesday a push from Ukraine for progress on joining their alliance ahead of Donald Trump taking power in the United States. The incoming US president has vowed to press for a quick deal to end Russia’s war — leaving Kyiv scrambling to position itself ahead of his January inauguration. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said getting security guarantees from the Western alliance and supplies of key weaponry are prerequisites for Kyiv to start talking about halting its fight. Zelensky said Sunday that Kyiv was hoping NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels with Ukraine’s top diplomat would issue “recommendations” to grant his country a membership invitation. “But we have no illusions — there are some sceptical countries,” he said. Until now, the leaders of NATO heavyweights the United States and Germany have backed away from Ukrainian membership out of fear it could drag the alliance into a war with Russia. Diplomats ...