Oct 14(ABC): Imaam-e-Kaaba Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa on Friday expressed his deep sorrow and pain over flood devastations that have affected millions across the country. He said this while giving his Friday sermon at Lahore’s Badshahi mosque. Imam Kaaba expressed the hope that his visit at this juncture will help strengthen Pakistan-Saudi ties. During his sermon, he urged listeners …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 14(ABC): President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday approved Presidential Iqbal Awards of years 2015-20 in recognition of the literary and research work of three authors on the country’s national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Muhammad Ikram Chughtai has been given presidential award on his book ‘Iqbal Aur Germany’ (Iqbal and Germany) authored in Urdu language. Dr Abdul Khaliq has …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 14(ABC): The Supreme Court on Friday said that the counting of votes against the party policy is a threat to the democratic system. The Supreme Court issued a detailed written decision on the interpretation of Article 63-A, the said decision was written by Justice Munib Akhtar, while the decision consists of 95 pages. In the written judgment issued …

MULTAN, Oct 14(ABC): Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Head of Anatomy Department, Dr Mariam Ashraf on Friday said that the impression about 500-5.000 dead bodies are being kept on the hospital’s rooftop is wrong. Professor Dr Mariam Ashraf said that such bodies which are being kept by the police in Nishtar Hospital, are abandoned and unidentifiable are kept on the rooftop …

LAHORE, Oct 14(ABC): Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Friday lashed out at his political opponents, saying that their [opponents] dream to topple the Punjab government would not come true. On the occasion of inaugurating the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at  the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institue (PKLI), CM Elahi slammed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said that he …

ISLAMABAD Oct 14 (ABC): The newly appointed Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari has ordered an inquiry into alleged nepotism and embezzlement in award of a tender worth Rs 50 million for procurement of certain non-food items for emergency response. According to the documents available with this scribe, a three-member committee has been constituted by …

BEIJING, Oct 13 (ABC): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is all set to start its direct weekly passenger flights on Beijing-Islamabad-Beijing route by end of October after an approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). At present, the national flag carrier is operating a weekly flight on Islamabad-Xian-Beijing-Islamabad sector. The PIA plane leaves Islamabad on Saturday and arrives in …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 13(ABC): Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman on Thursday said incentivisation of consumers was guarantee to end single-time use plastics pollution as South Asian states owing to their large population sizes could not ensure large scale policing and penalisation. Addressing the inaugural session of the high-level national consultative event: “Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South …

LAHORE, Oct 13(ABC): The newly elected Punjab Home Advisor, Omar Sarfraz Cheema on Thursday warned the political opponents of strict action, saying that the interference in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march is not acceptable. Talking exclusively to Dunya News, Punjab home advisor Omar Sarfraz said, “Taking the responsibility of the portfolio entrusted to me is a difficult task.” The …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 13(ABC): Federal interior ministry on Thursday filed a contempt of court application before the Supreme Court of Pakistan against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, requesting the apex court to implement its guidelines in the May 25 Dharna case. During the protest rally, the court had issued a verdict directing Imran to keep his party’s protest peaceful, and …

CHARSADDA, Oct 13(ABC): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of ruling parties, will defeat PTI chief Imran Khan in the upcoming by-elections. By-polls are set to take place on October 16 in various national and provincial assemblies’ constituencies. “October 16 will be the day of accountability for Imran Khan …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (ABC): Ensuring the government’s commitment and full support towards the rehabilitation of flood-affected communities, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said:  “Government is moving all available resources to get out of this natural crisis caused by the devastating floods and for this purpose we desperately need sustained and regular support of all kinds …

His Eminence the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, received today, Wednesday, at his office Mr. Abdul Qadir Bateel, Pakistan’s Minister for Health, to review the latest developments of the flood crisis in Pakistan. The Pakistani Minister of Health briefed Sheikh of Al-Azhar about the dimensions of the crisis caused by floods and monsoon rains which claimed the lives …

LAHORE, Oct 12 (ABC):Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday said that politics of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan was based on lies.Talking to the media after appearing before an accountability court here, he said that under the draconian National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), a false case was made against him and his brother, Khawaja Salman Rafique, and …

Oct 13(ABC): The Sindh government on Wednesday seemed to accept the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) directives to hold local government elections in the metropolitan center of Karachi later this month. But it has suggested holding them in phases. The Sindh Services, General Administration and Coordination Department Section Officer Faiz Ahmed Pitafi wrote to the provincial election commissioner regarding the …

Oct 13(ABC): Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that if Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) desired army chief is not appointed, the “partnership” it is having will break, in an apparent reference to the establishment. “The law will bring Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan or drive away more criminals, we need to wait for it. With NAB’s amendment, thieves …

Oct 13(ABC): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Amir Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was not removed via a conspiracy rather it was “brought” through a conspiracy, saying that the former prime minister Imran Khan will never be able to get into power again. “We removed him from power… Imran Khan’s anti-national agenda will never be fulfiled. …

Oct 13(ABC): With hundreds of thousands of flood survivors still displaced, the government has nearly exhausted its initial allocation for handing cash grants to affected people. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), in a statement on Wednesday, said that they are providing financial assistance of Rs25,000 to flood-affected families under the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Cash Assistance program. Thus far, …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (ABC): President Dr Arif Alvi Wednesday stressed upon focusing on reality-based issues instead of frittering away the country’s time on irrelevant debates as time was a precious commodity. In an interview with a private Tv channel, the president said that his remarks over the ‘cipher issue’ had been quoted out of the context. He said that it …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11(ABC): The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted rain-wind and thunderstorm for northeast Punjab, Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir during the next 24 hours. However, mainly dry weather was expected in the remaining parts of the country. During the past 24 hours, the weather remained hot and dry in most parts of the country. While, …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11(ABC): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for UN peacekeeping including the country’s commitment to promoting gender perspective in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The minister of state, in a meeting with the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for UN Department of Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix here at Foreign Office, underscored Pakistan’s unique role …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11(ABC): Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday asked the citizens across the country to generously donate blankets and quilts for the flood-stricken people to save them from cold as the winter season was fast approaching. Speaking on a point of order at the Joint Sitting of the Parliament, he said generous donations should be given …

Oct 11(ABC): Ride-hailing app Uber announced on Tuesday that it will only be operating in Lahore and will no longer be available in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad. “We’ve made the decision to cease operating the Uber app in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad. Uber remains committed to Pakistan – we will continue to serve these five cities with …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11(ABC): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to conduct the post-fire structure stability audit of all the high-rises in Islamabad, after a popular mall in the Capital caught fire on Sunday. The decision was taken in a meeting headed by CDA Chairman Captain (r) Muhammad Usman Younis on Monday, which decided that all the buildings with heights …

Oct 11(ABC): Pakistan and China held the Spokespersons’ Dialogue — an institutionalised interaction between the ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries — virtually, shared the Foreign Office on Tuesday. The Spokespersons’ Dialogue showcases the strength of the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and reinforces the commonality of views and interests between the two countries. The Pakistan delegation was steered by Spokesperson Asim …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11(ABC): The health ministry was given go-ahead Tuesday to purchase 6.2 million mosquito nets from India as the country battles with mosquito-borne diseases due to floods. According to health officials, the World Health Organization (WHO) is using financial resources provided by Global Fund to acquire the nets for Pakistan. The officials said that they are planning to obtain the nets …

KARACHI, Oct 11(ABC): Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai arrived in Karachi on Tuesday to visit the flood-stricken areas of Pakistan. Yousufzai is being accompanied by her parents during the trip amid strict security. Nobel laureate and girls’ education campaigner is visiting the flood-affected areas to raise international awareness regarding the devastation caused by climate change in the South Asian nation. Pakistan witnessed more than …

SWAT, Oct 11(ABC): The relatives of the slain van driver continued their protest on Tuesday for the second consecutive day after the attack on a school bus killed their family member. The protesters said that the demonstration will continue till the culprits are brought to justice. They said that the terrorist attacks and the unrest in the province are intolerable. “We …

CAIRO, Oct 11(ABC): The Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel met Saudi Arab’s Minsiter for Health Fahad Bin Abdur Rehman Al-Jalaja here on Tuesday. The Federal Minister briefed the Saudi Minister over the issues of recognition and degrees accreditation related to Pakistani Medical Universities including MS, MD, PHD awarded by Pakistani Medical Universities. The Minister said Pakistani Medical Universities are …

ISLAMABAD Oct 10 (ABC): Centre for Law & Security (CLAS), in collaboration with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), held a one day conference on Pakistan’s Maritime Security & Blue Economy at TMUC Forum, Islamabad says a press release. The speakers at the conference focused on providing concrete recommendations concerning the way forward for Pakistan regarding the full potential …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 9(ABC): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed its concern over the second wave of disease outbreaks grasping the flood-stricken areas of Pakistan. Urging the international community to “do a lot more” to help save lives in Pakistan, WHO’s representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Mahipala Saturday said that they were expecting 2.7 million malaria cases in 32 districts by January …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 09 (ABC):To ensure public safety, the passenger vehicles lacking emergency gates or its proper functioning, would be barred to travel on motorways after October 10. “The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) wants to ensure public safety by all means on highways and roads across the country,” a NHMP official told APP. He said special instructions have also …

BEIJING, Oct 9 (ABC):Tang International Education Group signed an MoU with National Skills University (NSU), Islamabad on dual-degree joint education programme and the establishment of the China-Pakistan International Industrial Academic Integration Alliance. According to Tang International Education Group, the two sides will also carry out in-depth cooperation in the development of information-based vocational and technical courses and the introduction and …

ISLAMABAD, Oct 9 (ABC): President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday said that Pakistan could emerge as a strong and prosperous nation by following and promoting the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as it was the best solution to overcome the socio-economic evils and challenges faced by the society. Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day International Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference, …

LAHORE, Oct 9(ABC): Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister on Anti-Corruption Brigadier (retd) Mussadiq Abbasi on Saturday said that it has been proven that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had “committed a crime”. He said this while addressing a press conference in Lahore, hours after Rawalpindi court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the federal security czar in a corruption case. Providing the …

RAWALPINDI, Oct 9(ABC): Awami Muslim League Pakistan (AMLP) leader Sheikh Rashid on Saturday said that audios, videos and cypher are not a concern of the poor. Taking to Twitter, the former Interior Minister Rashid said that inflation has further increased by 30 percent. He said that that it is expected that the long march will be announced by October 10 …

MIRPUR (AJK), Oct 8(ABC): The 17th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, a day 16 years ago in 2005, was commemorated across Azad Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday.  Azad Jammu and Kashmir flag remained at half-mast on all public buildings of the state to mark the anniversary.  The anniversary was observed as the ‘Day Of Patience’ besides as National Day for Raising Awareness …

LAHORE, Oct 08 (ABC):Students of a private school called on Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman and presented a cheque of Rs 3 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund, at the Governor’s House, here on Saturday.The student delegation from Social Welfare Society School Mughalpura was led by Principal Mrs. Tahsin. President Social Welfare Society Mughalpura Major General (retd) Muhammad Saleem Khan …

MULTAN, Oct 08 (ABC): Former prime minister and central leader of Pakistan People Party Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that the incumbent government was taking steps on an emergency basis for the welfare of masses.He was addressing a meeting at the residence of Syed Nasiruddin Gardezi at Bingalwala. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani remarked that Rupee was being strengthened …

LAHORE, Oct 08 (ABC): Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has ordered for ensuring effective implementation of a plan to reduce smog in the provincial capital and other cities. The CM directed the provincial administration to initiate an action in order to overcome the factors causing smog, said a handout issued here. He directed the officials of Environment Protection Department, …