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 …

Aug 30(ABC): The much-awaited iPhone 14 series is just around the corner. Every day, there is a new rumor regarding pricing, design revisions, and other upgrades. Apple’s ‘far out’ event is scheduled to take place on September 7 where it is expected to reveal four models of the latest iPhone. While many are excited about the key features they want …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30(ABC): The government fears that the scale of this year’s monsoon floods may exceed that of the 2010 mega-floods as Pakistan suffers the brunt of climate change in the shape of extreme weather patterns. This was stated by Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Tuesday while addressing representatives of United Nations member states …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30(ABC): Government of Pakistan and the UN have jointly launched Flood Response Plan 2022 to meet the needs of flood-affected people. Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the international community to give its full backing to the flash appeal to help the people of Pakistan most in need. He encouraged them to contribute generously …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given one week time to Imran Khan’s counsel to submit reply in contempt of case. According to details, 4 member commission conducted hearing on the case. Imran Khan’s counsel argued that he needs more time to submit reply as he still has to go through copy of the accusations. On this, …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said that PTI is fighting against the worst media censorship and conspiracies on the judicial and legal fronts. Taking to Twitter, former Information Minister said that resources of billions of dollars are being spent to eliminate PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, adding, “but the hearts of …

SWAT, Aug 29(ABC): Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is visiting flood affected areas in Swat on Tuesday to get an on ground update about evacuation and relief operations of stranded people in Kurmat, Kalam and surrounding areas. According to the ISPR, eighty-two helicopter sorties have been conducted in flood affected areas of the country for rescue and …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): An Islamabad court on Tuesday disposed of senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s bail petition in the sedition case filed against him. The district and sessions judge announced the reserved verdict on Gill’s bail plea after hearing in-length arguments from both parties. The detailed verdict will be released shortly. Gill is booked in a sedition and arms recovery case …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said Monday that it might take five years to rebuild and rehabilitate the nation, while in the near term it will be confronted with acute food shortages. Unprecedented flash floods caused by historic monsoon rains have washed away roads, crops, infrastructure and bridges, killing more than 1,100 people …

LONDON, Aug 29(ABC): After Queen Elizabeth, her son Prince Charles Monday extended his heartfelt condolences over the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan as the country mourned the deaths of more than 1,000 people. In a message to the President of Pakistan, Prince Charles said, “My wife and I are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent floods …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): PTI chairman Imran Khan Monday held an international telethon for flood affectees in the country and during three hours long telethon, the former prime minister collected Rs5bn, Geo News reported. During the telethon, several celebrities joined Imran Khan. Chief Minister of Punjab Pervaiz Elahi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan and the former premier’s ex-assistant on social protection Sania Nishtar …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared the revival of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme a positive development for the economy of Pakistan. In a statement, he said restoration of the IMF programme ended the risk of economic default of Pakistan. “Thanks to Allah, Pakistan emerged successfully out of a difficult economic challenge,” he said, …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (ABC): Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail on Monday said that restoration of IMF program would help bring economic stability in the country. Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) regime and former Finance Minister Asad Umer could not make soft agreement with IMF but the PML-N government had received positive response from the IMF, he said while talking to …

CAPE CANAVERAL, Aug 29(ABC): NASA’s colossal next-generation rocketship was set for its long-awaited debut launch on Monday on an uncrewed, six-week test flight around the moon and back, marking the first mission of the space agency’s Artemis program, successor to Apollo. The 32-story-tall, two-stage Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and its Orion crew capsule were due for blast-off from the …

NEW DELHI, Aug 29(ABC):  As India’s capital of New Delhi prepares for winter—and the accompanying season of acrid smog—the government is promoting a motorcycle helmet fitted with filters and a fan at the back that it claims can remove 80% of pollutants. State agencies have pumped thousands of dollars into Shellios Technolabs, a startup whose founder Amit Pathak began work …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) board on Monday approved has approved the revival of our EFF program. In his latest Tweet, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that following the revival of program, Pakistan should now be getting the 7th & 8th tranche of $1.17 billion. He further said, “I want to thank the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC):The initial economic losses from floods in Pakistan could reach at least $10 billion, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal told in an interview on Monday. Unprecedented and historical flash floods caused by abnormal monsoon rains have washed away roads, crops, infrastructure and bridges, killing at least 1,000 people in recent weeks and affecting more than 33 million. “I think …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed solidarity with Pakistan as the country faces a catastrophic situation due to floods. Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to provide all possible assistance to Pakistan to deal with floods. Issuing a goodwill message to Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi, Xi …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Lashing out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders for writing a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has stated that “Imran Khan is not bigger than the state.” Addressing a press conference on Monday in Islamabad, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader said, “Asad Umar and Taimur Jhagra should be ashamed of …

BEIJING, Aug 29 (ABC):China will continue to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in disaster prevention and mitigation as well as global climate response and provide more assistance to Pakistan in its flood relief efforts and post disaster reconstruction, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian said on Monday. “Recently, on television, through newspapers and online, we have seen a lot of information …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): In a message to the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on Monday said that the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Pakistan as it recovers from these “terrible events.” “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the floods across Pakistan,” she said in her …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): A local court here on Monday reserved its judgment on post-arrest bail petition of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI)’s Leader Shahbaz Gill in sedition case. The decision would likely to be announced on Tuesday. At the outset of hearing, Special Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi argued that the sedition was committed clearly, adding that the words of the …

CHARSADDA, Aug 29(ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here Monday said all flood victims in the country, including Khyber Pakthunkhwa, would receive cash assistance of Rs 25,000 each through the Benazir Income Support Programme by September 3. The distribution of cash assistance among the flood-hit people was underway in all the provinces, including Sindh and Balochistan, as the federal government had …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Umar and Taimur Khan Jaghra have reacted to the alleged leaked audio of PTI’s Shaukat Tarin. While talking to media in Islamabad, Asad Umar said that this is not the first time that any kind of audio has been leaked as everyone’s phone has been tapped nowadays. He said, “cut pasting is …

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29(ABC): Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday suspended Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) order which banned live coverage of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan’s speeches on all satellite TV channels. The court observed that PEMRA exceeded authority by imposing ban on the PTI head. Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that under current circumstances, no reasonable justification …

CHARSADDA, Aug 29 (ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday assured that the coalition government would not sit idle until all of the flood-stricken people were rehabilitated, and urged the philanthropists to rise for supporting the distressed countrymen. The prime minister, talking to the newsmen during his visit to the relief camp established for the flood victims, said the Allah …