LAHORE, Sep 1(ABC): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Thursday snapped back at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan for calling diamonds ‘cheap’ and said he does not even spare ‘cheap’ items. The PML-N leader shared her views on Twitter. Responding to a video clip of Imran Khan’s cheap diamond remarks, Maryam said, “He even does …

PESHAWAR, Sep 1(ABC): Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastagir Khan on Thursday said that electricity had been restored in almost all flood hit areas of Khyber Pakthunkhwa. The Minister expressed these views during a press conference after presiding over a high-level meeting regarding flood damages to electricity infrastructure including grid stations, feeders, transmission lines and poles besides rehabilitation and reconstruction …

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1(ABC): Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said despite financial constraints, the government was trying its best to provide maximum relief to people. Addressing a news conference, he said persistent efforts were underway to stabilize the economy and provide solace to people. Optimum efforts were being made to help …

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1(ABC): Pakistan is weighing the option to seek an emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund, as preliminary estimates suggest that devastating floods might have caused nearly Rs2.5 trillion in losses and the economic growth rate could slow down to just 2% in the current fiscal year. The initial assessment by the Ministry of Finance showed that due …

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1(ABC): The government has approved a decision to generate electricity from solar instead of expensive imported fuel to save valuable foreign exchange. The approval was given at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday. The Prime Minister directed to ensure early construction of solar power plants. He asked the relevant departments to initiate …

DERA GHAZI KHAN, Sep 01 (ABC): President Dr. Arif Alvi Thursday stressed the need to improve flood warning system and highlighted the importance of building big dams to control floods and enhance water storage capacity. President Alvi expressed his views during a visit to flood hit areas of Dera Ghazi Khan where district administration briefed him on floods and the …

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1(ABC): The anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday extended former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s interim bail till September 12 in the the terrorism case registered him. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has been granted bail on already submitted surety bonds. While police have also been directed to appear before court for the arguments in the …

Sep 1(ABC): A flying car that was developed in the United States has been given permission to take off, reported. The FAA, the American government’s aviation authority, has officially given a go-ahead to Samson Switchblade to begin flight testing. The Switchblade took 14 years to develop and will be testing its high-speed taxi. Samson Sky said that 2,100 people had made …

Sep 1(ABC):The latest feature on popular microblogging site Twitter lets users choose who they want their tweets to be seen by. With this feature called Twitter Circle, users can choose if everyone or only those in their circles can view their tweets. It was rolled out on Tuesday. The statement for the release said that the reason behind the creation …

RAWALPINDI, Sep 1(ABC): Senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s health condition deteriorated in Adiala jail, after which a medical team was called in prison for his checkup, reported citing sources. PTI chairman Imran Khan’s chief of Staff Shahbaz Gill felt pain in his chest as he was facing breathing issues, said sources. Because of Gill’s deteriorating health, the Pakistan Institute of …

WASHINGTON, Sep 1(ABC): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s adviser Derek Chollet said that there is no truth to PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s “conspiracy” allegations, and bilateral relations between the two nations will continue. Pakistan is a significant country for the US, he said while talking to Geo News. The US government will continue its relations and cooperation with the country, …

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1(ABC): The federal government early Thursday once again announced increasing the price of petrol by Rs2.07 per litre for the first half of September, a statement issued by the Finance Division said. Following the changes in the prices, petrol will now be available for Rs235.98 per litre. Meanwhile, there is also an increase of Rs2.99 in the price …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to rehabilitate the flood-hit roads and communications infrastructure by Friday, and asked the Power Division to submit a report on work for power supply restoration since August 25. The prime minister, who chaired an urgent meeting to review work on the rehabilitation of flood-damaged power and roads …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday said that the federal government has decided to conduct a forensic audit of audio leaks attributed to PTI Senator Shaukat Tarin regarding the crucial International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. On Monday, two audio clips surfaced via TV channels and social media in which a man said to be Tarin can …

LAHORE, Aug 31(ABC): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the donations received from the portal exceeded $2m within 24 hours. Taking to Twitter, the former premier said, “I am asking our Overseas Pakistanis to continue donating for flood victims through the portal. PTI Chairman said that he want to thank all those who …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan looked forward to the friendly countries seeking their help for the flood-stricken people. The prime minister, in his response to the message of sympathy from the United Kingdom counterpart Boris Johnson, tweeted that Pakistan was a ground zero for climate-induced catastrophe. He said Pakistan gratefully acknowledged the British …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved on Wednesday a $3 million grant to support the Government of Pakistan’s emergency relief efforts amid widespread floods across the country. The grant, financed from the?Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF), will help fund the immediate purchase of food supplies, tents, and other relief goods to support flood victims across …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Miftah Ismail said here on Wednesday that Pakistan has been trying to maintain an optimum level of foreign exchange reserves amid flood damages to ensure exchange-rate stability and control inflation. During a meeting with a delegation of Coca Cola Icecek Pakistan, led by its General Manager, Ahmet Kursad Ertin, the …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has approached the Supreme Court against the recent amendments to laws governing the apex anti-graft body, contending the changes would render the body toothless to prosecute white-collar crime by public office holders. In the 94-page petition, Imran contended that amendments made by the parliament in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): A team of experts from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the anti-terror finance and anti-money laundering watchdog, has arrived in Pakistan for an onsite visit. The FATF experts will stay in Pakistan until Friday, September 2, reported. They will meet officials and others to verify the measures Pakistan has taken for countering terror finance and stopping …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday said full fledge rehabilitation efforts would be initiated after complete damage assessment which was underway. In a joint news conference, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira and Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said the …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC):  The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed on Wednesday PTI Chairman Imran to resubmit his response within the next seven days in the contempt of court case against him for threatening a female judge. A five-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, and Justice Babar …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (ABC): Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would roll out a detailed rehabilitation and reconstruction plan for the flood-hit areas after consultation with the coalition partners soon. Addressing a press conference along with Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, he said the …

KANJU, Aug 31 (ABC): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced Rs10 billion grant for the flood-affected populace of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as flood relief assistance. Addressing a gathering of flood-affected people here, the prime minister said that the amount would be spent for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood-hit people of the province. The federal government, National Disaster …

Aug 31(ABC): In an unfinished part of his basement, 95-year-old Richard Soller zips around a makeshift track encircling boxes full of medals he’s won for track and field and long-distance running. Without a hint of breathlessness, he says: “I can put in miles down here.” Steps away is an expensive leather recliner he bought when he retired from Procter & …

PESHAWAR, Aug 31(ABC): Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is on his visit to flood-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Wednesday. He is visiting Kalam and Kanju in district Swat, while the PM will also be going to Patan village in district lower Kohistan. During the visit, the Prime Minister will be briefed about flood relief activities and …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): Former Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan will appear before Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the contempt of court case after a show-cause notice. The Islamabad police have made security arrangements at the IHC for PTI Chairman Imran Khan. People will only be allowed to enter the premises of the court holding entry …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday approved another increase in electricity tariff by Rs4.34 per unit on account of monthly fuel adjustment (MFA) for July 2022. The power regulator held a public hearing to consider the monthly fuel adjustment (MFA). The Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee had submitted an application for an increase in electricity …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): Flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across much of Pakistan as 36 more died in 24 hours, taking the death toll from calamity to 1162. According to the National Disaster Management report, the heavy rains and flood have killed 249 people in Balochistan, 405 in Sindh, 187 in Punjab, 257 in Khyber …

WASHINGTON, Aug 31(ABC): The James Webb space telescope has revealed dazzling new detail of a previously known slice of the cosmos 32 million light-years away, in a new picture released by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The infrared technology of the telescope, launched in December 2021, has allowed for an even clearer view of the so-called Phantom Galaxy …

CHICAGO, Aug 31(ABC): Scientists in Spain have unlocked the genetic code of the immortal jellyfish — a creature capable of repeatedly reverting into a juvenile state — in hopes of unearthing the secret to their unique longevity, and finding new clues to human ageing. In their study, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Maria …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said Wednesday the federal government will consider importing goods from India as the cash-strapped nation looks for options to cushion the impact of the devastating floods. The idea to import edible goods from India was first floated by the finance minister Monday, when the country’s death toll crossed 1,100, hundreds of thousands of …

ABU DHABI, Aug 31(ABC): As a twin-turboprop aircraft takes off under the burning desert sun with dozens of salt canisters attached to its wings, United Arab Emirates meteorological official Abullah al-Hammadi scans weather maps on computer screens for cloud formations. At 9,000 feet above sea level, the plane releases salt flares into the most promising white clouds, hoping to trigger …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31(ABC): The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet Tuesday approved Rs103.125 billion as a technical supplementary grant (TSG) under the Benazir Income Support Program for flood-affected families. Under the programme, financial assistance of Rs25,000 will be disbursed among households in the flood-affected areas. Keeping in view that the BISP has to release its regular quarter tranche in the …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30(ABC): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday received a telephone call from Charles Michel, President of the European Council. The President of European Council offered his condolences on the loss of precious lives and material damage as a result of devastating floods in Pakistan. The Prime Minister thanked the EU President for his expression of solidarity and …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30(ABC): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that the inflation in the country will further increase after the catastrophic floods. Addressing a seminar in Islamabad, the PTI Chairman said that the inflation in the country continues to increase. Lashing out at the PML-N bigwigs, the former premier said that first PML-N …

LAHORE, Aug 30(ABC): Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Tuesday said that trade with India is under consideration, saying at this time tomatoes and onions should be imported from the neighboring country. The federal finance minister said that at least by going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country is saved from bankruptcy, saying that the prices of goods …

NEW DELHI, Aug 30(ABC): India’s telecom leader Reliance said on Monday it is working with Alphabet Inc’s Google to launch a budget 5G smartphone as it laid out a $25 billion plan for introducing the next-generation wireless services within two months. Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting, Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani said Jio’s 5G network will be the world’s …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30(ABC): Former prime minister and PTI Chairperson Imran Khan on Tuesday did not apologise for threatening additional sessions judge of Islamabad, Zeba Chaudhry, offering however, to withdraw remarks “if they were inappropriate.” The PTI chief submitted a response to the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) show-cause notice in the terrorism case registered against him for threatening the additional sessions …

RAWALPINDI, Aug 30(ABC): The United Arab Emirates has established an air bridge of humanitarian assistance to transport relief aid and shelter materials for those affected by torrential rains and floods in Pakistan. UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi said the bridge was established at the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This assistance includes tonnes of food …