Author: aqdas

ISLAMABAD (Mudassar Ali Rana) – Virtual negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are ongoing as both sides work toward reaching a staff-level agreement, with discussions currently focused on four major points. According to sources in the Ministry of Finance, provinces have requested more time to implement agricultural income tax, citing the devastating impact of recent floods on the agrarian economy. Due to the damage, provinces are not immediately willing to enforce this tax. The official wheat procurement policy is now being included in the IMF’s Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP). The IMF has asked Pakistan…

RAHIM YAR KHAN (Dunya News) – Crime control department (CCD) claimed on Saturday that Khawaja Tareef Gulshan, alias Teefi Butt, who was a prime suspect in Ameer Balaj murder case, was killed in the firing by their own accomplices during an encounter in the Kot Sabzal area of Rahim Yar Khan. According to sources, Teefi Butt had been in police custody and was being transported to Lahore when his accomplices ambushed the police convoy, freeing him from custody. The police immediately launched a chase, and a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between law enforcement officers and the armed gang.However, during…

The Nobel Committee recognized her courageous efforts against authoritarian rule, highlighting her commitment to peaceful political reform and democratic values despite facing severe repression and personal risk. Last year, the European Union awarded its top human rights prize to Maria Corina Machado along with another Venezuelan opposition politician, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The European Parliament said the winners of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought were “representing the people of Venezuela fighting to restore freedom and democracy”. Profile Born 7 October 1967, Maria Corina is a Venezuelan politician and industrial engineer who is currently opposition leader in Venezuela. She served…

According to DRAP, the two counterfeit medicines are: Efaston Tablets (Dydrogesterone 10mg) Paracare Suspension 60ml (Paracetamol 120mg/5ml) A statement issued on Wednesday revealed that laboratory testing confirmed that these products contain no active pharmaceutical ingredients, making them dangerous for human health. DRAP warned that such fake drugs pose a serious threat to public safety. They can cause treatment failure, worsen diseases, and even lead to life-threatening complications, especially for patients who depend on these medicines for essential treatment. The authority urged the public to take the following precautions: Stop using these medicines immediately. Consult a doctor if any negative effects…

The federal government has suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting from midnight, following a protest call by the religious-political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The suspension is for an indefinite period and comes amid heightened security concerns in the federal capital. TLP has announced a protest march titled “Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March”, scheduled for October 10 in Islamabad. In anticipation of the rally, the Ministry of Interior issued a directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile and internet services in the twin cities. The directive was approved by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and sent…

According to reports, UAE’s Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, revealed that the new initiative, known as the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” will be launched in late 2025 under a pilot phase before full implementation. Officials from the Emirates Tourism Council said that all necessary administrative and digital systems are being finalized to ensure smooth coordination between the six member countries. The visa process will be fully digital, allowing travelers to apply and receive approvals online. Once operational, the unified visa will enable both international tourists and GCC residents…

According to official documents from Washington, Pakistan will receive AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) by 2030. This model is the most advanced version of the AMRAAM family, offering longer range, better precision, and stronger electronic warfare capabilities. The $2.5 billion contract, awarded to Raytheon Company, will supply AMRAAMs not only to Pakistan but also to Türkiye and other US allies. These new missiles are set to replace the older AIM-120C-5 models currently in use by Pakistan’s F-16 Block 52 fighter jets. Defense experts say the new missiles will boost Pakistan’s air combat abilities, especially in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. Analysts…

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US First Lady Melania Trump said Friday she had been communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the fate of children abducted by Russia in the Ukraine war. In an announcement at the White House, the 55-year-old said eight children had been reunited with their families in the past 24 hours following negotiations between her team and Putin’s. Melania Trump said that Putin had responded to a letter she sent via her husband, President Donald Trump, at a summit in Alaska in August that otherwise failed to provide a breakthrough in ending Russia’s invasion. “Much has unfolded…

GAZA (AFP) – As the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel came into force in Gaza at midday local time on Friday, Palestinians are torn between cautious hope and disbelief – while medical charities stress the need for urgent humanitarian aid. As Israel started pulling back troops from sectors of Gaza City and areas in the south of the Gaza Strip, thousands of displaced Palestinians began the slow and difficult process of returning to what remains of their homes. “We’re going home and we’re facing a pile of rubble,” Muhanad, displaced from Tal al-Hawa in Gaza City and now living further…

The announcement comes soon after President Donald Trump signed an executive order vowing to defend the Gulf Arab state against attacks, following Israeli air strikes targeting Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital Doha. “We’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a ‘Qatari Emiri Air Force facility’ at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho,” Hegseth said at the Pentagon, with Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at his side. “The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training,” as well as “increase lethality, interoperability,” he said. “It’s just another example…