PM Imran commends FBR on record tax collection of Rs384b in April

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday commended the efforts of The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on achieving a record tax collection of Rs384 billion during the month of April. "I commend FBR efforts on achieving growth of 57 per cent," the prime minister said in a tweet comparing the collection of Rs240 billion during the same month in 2020. PM Imran added that the current government's policies had led to " broad-based econ[omic] revival." "During July-April, the collections reached 3,780 billion rupees, 14 per cent higher than the same period last year," the premier added. I commend FBR efforts on achieving growth of 57% in April 2021 with collections recorded at Rs.384 bn compared to Rs.240 bn in April 2020. During Jul-Apr collections reached Rs.3780 bn - 14% higher than same period last yr. Shows our policies have led to broad-based econ revival. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 1, 2021 Earlier it was reported that the tax collection body maintained a steady momentum and received Rs3.78 trillion in taxes in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year but its dependence on indirect taxes further increased to 64% of the total receipts. Read more: Indirect taxes drive FBR revenues Provisional results for July-April showed that FBR collected Rs143 billion more than its revised target. The collection was almost equally made at the import stage where nearly one out of every two rupees was collected. The FBR collected Rs3.78 trillion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as against Rs3.32 trillion in the same period of last fiscal year, registering a growth rate of nearly 14%, according to the provisional results. The collection was Rs460 billion higher as compared to the same period of last fiscal year. The FBR managed to exceed the sales tax and customs duty collection targets, but missed the targets of income tax and federal excise duty.

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146 more die of Covid-19, 4,696 infected across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Covid-19 pandemic claimed 146 more lives across Pakistan over the last 24 hours, taking the death toll from the disease to 17,957.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, 4,696 new infections were detected when 48,740 samples were tested during this period. The positivity rate of new cases was recorded at 9.63%, the NCOC said.

Also Read: Over 5,000 Covid-19 patients on oxygen in Pakistan: Asad Umar

The countrywide tally of confirmed cases climbed to 825,519 with the addition of 4,696 new cases. Thus far, 717,009 patients have recuperated from the disease.

Statistics 1 May 21:
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 48,740
Positive Cases: 4696
Positivity % : 9.63%
Deaths : 146

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) May 1, 2021

The number of Covid-19 patients in critical care across the country has climbed to 5,490.

Thus far, Punjab has reported 303,182, Sindh 283,560, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 118,413, Islamabad 754,98, Balochistan 22,369, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 17,187 and Gilgit Baltistan 5,310.

Also Read: NCOC announces six-day Eid holidays amid COVID surge

Earlier, NCOC chief Asad Umar said the number of critical Covid-19 patients on oxygen reached 5,360 on Thursday. “This is 57% more than the peak last June,” he said in series of tweets.

“Alhamdulillah [we] have so far managed to cope with this huge increase because of proactively building capacity of the entire system from oxygen production to beds,” he added.

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Biden bans most travel to U.S. from India to limit COVID-19 spread

US President Joe Biden on Friday imposed new travel restrictions on India in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, barring most non-U.S. citizens from entering the United States.

The new restrictions, which take effect on Tuesday, May 4 at 12:01 am ET (0401 GMT), are on the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and were imposed because “the magnitude and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic” in India was “surging,” the White House said.

Biden on Friday signed a proclamation implementing the restrictions.

The proclamation said India “accounts for over one-third of new global cases” and added that “proactive measures are required to protect the nation’s public health from travelers entering the United States” from India.

In January, Biden issued a similar ban on most non-U.S. citizens entering the country who have recently been in South Africa. He also reimposed an entry ban on nearly all non-U.S. travelers who have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in Europe that allow travel across open borders. China and Iran are also both covered by the policy.

The policy means most non-U.S. citizens who have been in one of the stated countries within the last 14 days are not eligible to travel to the United States. Permanent U.S. residents and family members and some other non-U.S. citizens, such as students, are exempted.

The decision to impose the latest travel restrictions came about quickly and was only reached in the last 24 hours, sources said.

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.

Second only to the United States in total infections, India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for nine days in a row, hitting another global record of 386,452 on Friday.

Total deaths have surpassed 200,000 and cases are nearing 19 million – nearly 8 million since February alone – as virulent new strains have combined with “super-spreader” events such as political rallies and religious festivals.

Medical experts say real numbers may be five to 10 times higher than the official tally.

Other countries have imposed similar travel restrictions on India, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Singapore, while Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand have suspended all commercial travel with India.

On Wednesday, the White House said the United States was sending supplies worth more than $100 million to India to help it fight the COVID-19 surge.

The supplies include oxygen cylinders, N95 masks and rapid diagnostic tests. The United States also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca manufacturing supplies to India, which will allow it to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the White House.

AIR TRAVEL

Nearly all travelers to the United States by air must show proof of a negative coronavirus test or recovery from COVID-19.

In recent weeks, the White House and U.S. agencies have begun holding conversations about how to eventually unwind the policy as vaccination campaigns are rolling out and cases are declining in some countries.

U.S. international air travel remains down 60% from pre-COVID-19 levels, while U.S. domestic air travel is down 40%, according to industry trade group Airlines for America.

U.S. airlines and travel groups have urged the White House to set benchmarks for the eventual loosening of restrictions.

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Help keep beautiful Islamabad clean: UK High Commissioner

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner on Friday has urged the residents of the federal capital to keep Islamabad clean by avoiding littering at open and green places. "Meals are for sharing not littering. Two bags of rubbish were collected on Margallas during Friday's morning walk - please help keep beautiful Islamabad clean," he tweeted along with the picture of two plastic bags stuffed with empty water bottles, tin cans and other waste material. He also drew the attention of Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat towards the issue of littering on green belts. The Twitter handle of the Capital Development Authority swiftly responded to the British High Commissioner's tweet and reminded citizens of their responsibility of keeping the city beautiful by avoiding littering in open and green spaces. "It's a collective effort in which citizens should take an active part to keep this beautiful city clean by avoiding littering. Because #TogetherWeCan," the CDA tweeted. Garbage disposal and littering are some of the major civic issues in the city. Neither most citizens are cognizant of their civic responsibilities, nor are the city managers who still rely on archaic method for garbage collection from the households and sensitising masses for littering prevention. Hence, the city gives an uncivilised look in certain areas with stuffed and open dumpsters are placed in the residential areas and that too are surrounded by piles of garbage due to the irresponsible attitude of some citizens who have a habit of throwing the waste out of the bins. "It is such a very painful act by our people that we throw food bags and bottles everywhere on picnic spots. It is really disappointing. We should try to avoid this kind of behaviour," Umair Aslam posted on Twitter following the tweet from the British High Commissioner on littering. APP

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FIA dismisses 48 ad-hoc employees

On the orders of the Supreme Court, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismissed 48 adhoc employees for deviating from the rules and regulations. FIA Director General Wajid Zia issued the orders. Among those who have been dismissed are 13 officers at the level of assistant directors and inspectors including Rasheed Ahmed, Zafirul Haq and others, 20 sub-inspectors, and 15 assistant sub-inspectors. On April 28, the SC ordered the FIA to immediately remove those employees, who were inducted without FPSC test and interview. A threemember bench, headed by CJ Gulzar, heard a contempt petition filed against FIA for making unlawful recruitments and not complying with the Supreme Court order dated 21-02-2001.

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Marina Khan tests positive for coronavirus

As the third wave of coronavirus continues to sweep across the country, veteran actor Marina Khan has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Khan shared the news with her followers on Instagram with a series of videos. “I have COVID, and this is my room and me, all alone for the next fourteen days,” she announced.

The renowned actor went on to share that she wasn’t really scared before contracting the virus, and urged people to not pay heed to people who aren’t taking it seriously. “It’s very real, it’s out there.”

Taking the diagnosis in stride, Khan seems determined to fight the disease in her videos and elaborated that she does not have any severe symptoms, except fatigue, and fever.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marina Khan (@therealmarinakhan)

“Please look after yourselves, stay safe,” she added, urging people to observe SOPs especially with Eid coming up. “Unfortunately a lot of us including me will observe the first Eid after COVID-related deaths of their relatives. Please don’t make your Eid a depressing one by violating SOPs and flocking towards malls and markets,” she wrote.

She also touched upon the “devastating” COVID situation in India, sending prayers for the country.

Khan is the latest in a new spate of celebs falling prey to the virus, with actor Ali Safina also announcing that he has tested positive.

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Before death in exile, Napoleon fought to save his legacy

As the bicentenary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death draws closer, an exhibition at Les Invalides in Paris sheds light on his death in exile and his efforts to save his legacy as military genius and visionary leader.

Banished by the British to the windswept, rat-infested island of Saint Helena in the south Atlantic, Napoleon, surrounded by a coterie of close confidantes, wrote his memoir, according historian Lea Charliquart, who co-curated the exhibition, called ‘Napoleon is no more’.

“Napoleon might have sunk into oblivion. However, he uses this period in exile to write his story,” said Charliquart. “(He) transforms himself into a martyr. He becomes almost saintly.”

Napoleon, who died on May 5, 1821, aged 51, still divides opinion. To some he was a celebrated commander who built a vast empire and in France constructed a modern centralised state. To others he was a despotic tyrant who succumbed to the British at Waterloo.

Among the more-than 200 artifacts on display is an oil painting of an ashen-faced Napoleon lying propped up on pillows, his eyes closed, a hand placed over his stomach and his sword beside him.

There is also his death bed: a plain iron military cot which perhaps was meant to symbolise that the one-time emperor was a soldier to the end.

Napoleon wanted to be remembered as a “fallen emperor who died thousands of kilometres from France on a small volcanic rock,” Charliquart said.

“Obviously that’s a better look than dying in captivity in a musty-smelling house.”

Buried on Saint Helena at the demand of the British, Napoleon’s wish had been that he be laid to rest “on the banks of the river Seine, amongst the French people that I loved so much.”

Nearly two decades later, his body was exhumed in a remarkably preserved state.

“This episode completes the legend. It’s as if Napoleon is so powerful he can overcome nature’s force,” Charliquart said.

The exhibition is not yet open to the public due to coronavirus restrictions.

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Govt forms committee to decide TLP plea against ban

ISLAMABAD: The government decided on Friday to form a three-member committee to decide the outlawed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) plea seeking review of its April 15 decision of banning the party over countrywide violent protests.

The decision was taken during a meeting presided over by Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.

The meeting deliberated the TLP’s review application from all legal aspects and decided to constitute a three-member committee comprising senior officers of the ministries of interior and law to decide it.

The banned party submitted an appeal to the interior ministry the other day, requesting it to revisit the decision to ban it.

Also Read: Ban on TLP is not being reversed, says Sheikh Rasheed 

On April 15, the federal government banned the TLP after its supporters staged violent protests across the country after the arrest of their leader. A notification declaring TLP as a proscribed organisation was issued by the Ministry of Interior shortly after the federal cabinet approved a summary to ban the party.

Addressing a press conference on April 21, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had said the ban on the party was not being reversed. However, he added, it has 30 days to file an appeal against the government’s decision of banning it with the Ministry of Interior, after which a committee will be formed to decide the case.

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SC fixes PSM privatisation case for hearing

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) to hear Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) privatisation case on May 5, ARY News reported. 

A three-member bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed will take up the plea. Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muzahir Ali Naqvi will also be part of the bench.

Notices have been served to Federal Minister for Privitisation, Muhammad Mian Soomro, AGP, secretary commerce and industries and other concerned.

It is to be noted that the government has decided to privatised the PSM, citing heavy losses amid zero production. The then Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh had approved plan for golden handshake to the employees of the mills.

Read more: ECC approves golden handshake plan for PSM employees: sources

The plan was approved in the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). The committee had approved Rs19.65 billion funds for the golden handshake plan for PSM employees.

In the last hearing, earlier this year, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed had hinted that the Supreme Court would pass an order for closing down the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

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What is the Indian variant of novel coronavirus?

India has recorded the world’s sharpest spike in coronavirus infections this month, with political and financial capitals New Delhi and Mumbai running out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.

Scientists are studying what led to an unexpected surge, and particularly whether a variant of the novel coronavirus first detected in India is to blame. The variant, named B.1.617, has been reported in some 17 countries, raising global concern. Here are the basics:

WHAT IS THE INDIAN VARIANT?

The B.1.617 variant contains two key mutations to the outer “spike” portion of the virus that attaches to human cells, said senior Indian virologist Shahid Jameel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the predominant lineage of B.1.617 was first identified in India last December, although an earlier version was spotted in October 2020.

The WHO has described it as a “variant of interest”, suggesting it may have mutations that would make the virus more transmissible, cause more severe disease or evade vaccine immunity. Other strains with known risks, such as those first detected in the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa, have been categorised as “variants of concern,” a higher threat level.

ARE VARIANTS DRIVING THE SURGE IN CASES?

It’s hard to say.

The WHO says more study is urgently needed. Laboratory-based studies of limited sample size suggest potential increased transmissibility, it concluded.

The picture is complicated because the highly transmissible B.117 variant first detected in the U.K. is behind spikes in some parts of India. In New Delhi, UK variant cases almost doubled during the second half of March, according to Sujeet Kumar Singh, director of the National Centre for Disease Control. The Indian variant, though, is widely present in Maharashtra, the country’s hardest-hit state, Singh said.

Prominent U.S. disease modeller Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an “escape variant” may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations.

“That makes it most likely that it’s B.1.617,” he said. But Murray cautioned that gene sequencing data on the coronavirus in India is sparse, and that many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.

Carlo Federico Perno, Head of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics at Rome’s Bambino Gesù Hospital, said the Indian variant couldn’t alone be the reason for India’s huge surge, pointing instead to large social gatherings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticised for allowing massive political rallies and religious festivals which have been super-spreader events in recent weeks.

DO VACCINES STOP IT?

One bright spot is that vaccines may be protective. White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said earlier this week that preliminary evidence from lab studies suggest Covaxin, a vaccine developed in India, appears capable of neutralizing the variant.

Public Health England said it was working with international partners but that there is currently no evidence that the Indian variant and two related variants cause more severe disease or render the vaccines currently deployed less effective.

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ECP rejects allegations of slow vote count in NA-249 by-polls

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday rejected allegations of the slow vote count in the NA-249 by-poll that saw PPP candidate Qadir Mandokhel securing the seat, ARY NEWS reported.

“All presiding officers timely reached the office of returning officer and submitted the form 45 of each polling station,” the election body said adding that the results were compiled using the form 45.

The ECP said that speculations regarding a delay in vote count were not true. “Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja was supervising the by-poll from the central control room,” the ECP spokesman said adding that Form-47, comprising of a consolidated result, would soon be issued after the final compilation of results as per Form-45.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won the by-poll in the National Assembly constituency in Karachi NA-249 with its candidate Qadir Mandokhel bagging  16,156 votes, followed by PML-N candidate Miftah Ismail who got 15,473 votes.

Nazir Ahmed bagged 11,126 votes and came third. Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal received 9,227 votes. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Amjad Afridi secured fifth position by obtaining 8,922 votes.

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said the election had been “stolen” from her party. “The Election Commission should have withheld the results of this controversial election,” she said.

“Even if it doesn’t withhold the result, this win will be temporary. This seat will return to PML-N soon,” Maryam claimed.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday rejected NA-249 by-election unofficial and unconfirmed results.

The polls were rigged with the alleged help of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Sindh police, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Karachi chapter leader MPA, Khurram Sher Zaman.

ECP utterly failed to conduct transparent by-polls in Karachi and played a partial role during the process, the PTI leader accused.

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Govt to import 6,000 tons of oxygen: Umar

National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar said on Friday that the federal government is set to import 6,000 tons of oxygen, 5,000 cylinders and 20 cryogenic tanks in a bid to build Pakistan's capacity as a third Covid-19 wave rages on in the country. This was decided during the NCOC meeting the previous day, Umar wrote on his official Twitter account. According to the NCOC chief, it was this kind of "proactive decision making" that helped Pakistan "avoid the kind of scenes being witnessed in some other countries". Umar further revealed that the total number of critical care Covid patients on oxygen reached 5,360 on Thursday – 57% more than June last year, when the country last witnessed a peak in cases. Total number of critical care covid patients on oxygen reached 5360 yesterday. This is 57% more than the peak last june. Alhamdulillah have so far managed to cope with this huge increase because of proactively building capacity of the entire system from oxygen production to beds — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021 However, Pakistan has so far managed to cope with this current surge due to proactively building capacity of the entire system, from oxygen production to beds, the NCOC chief maintained. Read Pakistan to get over 15m doses of Covid vaccine in next two months “Total oxygen production operational capacity in Pakistan last year was 487 tons/day. It has been increased to 798 tons,” he wrote. “Oxygen production has gone up from 465 tons/day last jun to 725 tons currently. We also imported 19,200 oxygen cylinders last year to ensure distribution,” Umar added. Total oxygen production operational capacity in Pakistan last year was 487 tons/day. It has been increased to 798 tons. Oxygen production has gone up from 465 tons/day last jun to 725 tons currently. We also imported 19,200 oxygen cylinders last year to ensure distribution — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021 He further stated that despite there being more than 2,000 additional Covid patients on oxygen compared to June last year, Pakistan has not seen the kind of tight supply situation it saw then. Federal govt 2811 oxygen beds all over Pakistan last year. The provinces added more. Hence despite there being more than 2,000 additional covid patients on oxygen vs last jun peak you have not seen the kind tight supply situation we saw last jun — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021   Continuing to build capacity, in yesterday's ncoc it was decided to import 6,000 tons oxygen, 5,000 cylinders and 20 cryogenic tanks. It is this proactive decision making which has with Allah's blessings help us avoid the kind of scenes being witnessed in some other countries — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021 Furthermore, Umar asserted that even though the nationally coordinated proactive decision making based on data analytical approach has been helpful to the nation’s fight against coronavirus. However, he added that the challenge is still far from over. “The need for precautions and following SOPs is vital at this point in time. Next few weeks are critical,” he wrote, adding that, “No system can cope if we allow the disease to spread rapidly.” However, the challenge is not over and Infact is continuing to increase. The need for precautions and following sop's is vital at this point in time. Next few weeks are critical. No system can cope if we allow the disease to spread rapidly. May Allah be with us and protect us — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021 Read more Pakistan records 5,480 new Covid-19 cases, 151 deaths in 24 hours Earlier on Thursday, the NCOC chief said that vaccinations of people aged between 40 to 49 years will start from May 3. He also stated that the country recorded over 100,000 vaccinations for a second successive day, adding that it was encouraging to see the pace of vaccine registration also picking up. Restrictions In order to tackle the third wave of the pandemic hitting Pakistan with full force, the federal government announced a new set of restrictions, including a blanket ban on tourism and inter-provincial transport, in an attempt to contain a further rise in the mounting coronavirus cases during the upcoming Eidul Fitr holidays. According to the Ministry of Interior, fresh restrictions also included the closure of all tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, parks, beaches and other public places from May 8 to 16. There will be a complete ban on inter-provincial and inter-city transport during Eid holidays, except for the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, who will be allowed to travel to their hometowns.

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Court acquits all suspects in Pakistan Steel Mills corruption case

KARACHI: After a lengthy trial spanning 11 years, an accountability court on Friday acquitted all suspects in the Pakistan Steel Mills corruption reference.

The accountability court-IV judge Suresh Kumar exonerated the suspects from all charges, giving them the benefit of doubt.

The accused include Sameen Asghar, Asghar Jameel Rizvi, Chaudhry Shafiq Abbas, Tariq Irshad.

Also Read: NAB challenges acquittal of Moen Aftab, others in PSM corruption case

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed the reference in 2012.

According to the reference, the accused embezzled funds in the award of contracts, causing a loss of over Rs13 million to the Pakistan Steel Mills.

Last year, an accountability court had acquitted former chairman of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) Moeen Aftab Sheikh over lack of evidence in a corruption reference involving Rs490 million.

Ex-PSM chief Moin Aftab Shaikh along with ex-director (commercial) Sameen Asghar had been accused of misuse of authority which caused a financial loss of Rs0.49 billion to the national exchequer.

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Hungary desires to boost economic ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Hungary has desired to boost its economic ties with Pakistan.

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto while addressing the Pakistan-Hungary Economic Diplomacy event in Islamabad today (Friday).

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said his country attaches special importance to this region because of cultural and historical similarities as well as security reasons. He said Hungary really values and respects the contributions that Pakistan has been making to ensure the security and stability of the region.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister also commended the efforts undertaken by Pakistan to check the spread of Covid-19.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed the confidence that the visit of the Hungarian Foreign Minister accompanied by a business delegation will mark a new era in the bilateral economic relationship. He said a Pakistani business delegation will also soon visit Hungary.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan is eager to have a detailed engagement with Hungary at the experts’ level to benefit from its experiences in different areas including agriculture, water resource management, environment and urban development solutions.

He said Pakistan is a huge market for Hungarian companies to expand their businesses. There is opportunity for Hungarian waste management companies to invest in Pakistan. He hoped the business community of both the countries would engage profitably with each other to bolster the bilateral trade.

Referring to the investment-friendly policies of the government and the country’s economic performance, Foreign Minister Qureshi said we have further liberalized the investment policy for the benefit of investors. Nine special economic zones are in different stages of development under the CPEC and are open for investments including for the Hungarian companies.

Later, the businessmen from both sides signed a number of MOUs for cooperation in different fields.

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61 cops face probe for ‘extorting money’

An Inquiry has been started against 61 officers and employees of Faisalabad police who allegedly received monthly from gas refilling shops in Faisalabad. LPG Industrial Association of Pakistan chairman, in his application to IG Punjab, RPO, Faisalabad CPO, said that there is direct police interference in the LPG business. Officials of all police stations in Faisalabad receive extortion of millions of rupees monthly from shops in Faisalabad. LPG Industrial Association of Pakistan chairman has given the phone numbers of Faisalabad police officers and employees and video of receipt of money and also a list to senior officers. On which the CPO has appointed SSP Operation as Inquiry Officer. According to police, 24 employees including an Circle Factory Area SHO, two gunmen, three ASIs of Sargodha Road police station, four drivers and two clerks, 22 employees including security officer and two ASIs of Madina Town PS, clerks of Kharrianwala police station, five employees including an ASI, two from City Samandari Police Station, six employees, including a driver from Mansoorabad, two ASIs and two security officers are included. Published in The Express Tribune, April 30th, 2021.

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Man impersonating judge booked in Thikriwala

A case has been registered against a fraudster who made calls to Sammundari SHO by posing himself as an additional and sessions judge. A case has been filed by SHO Roy Farooq Ahmed which states, “I received a call from a man who introduced himself as an additional and sessions judge Shujaabad and said that there was a riot at THQ Hospital Sammundari and I should immediately go there and rescue Irfan who is being tortured by a mob.” However, after that he called repeatedly. When SHO asked the caller about the posting, he again introduced me as Additional Registrar HR High Court Multan. Upon my confirmation, Ahmed found out that he neither was the Additional Registrar nor the District and Sessions Judge. Meanwhile, the data of the mobile phone SIM revealed that it is was registered in the name of Muhammad Asif Sarwar, a resident of Sammundri Mohalla Sheikhanwali Basti who often does these things and gives fake news by becoming a fictitious Additional and Sessions Judge. Police registered a case against the suspect Asif under 29D Telegraph Act 1885, 419(Punishment for cheating by personation) PPC and started raids for his arrest. Incidents of arrests over fake identity have been reported frequently across the province. Last month, police have arrested a man suspected to receiving bribe from people seeking employment in the anti-corruption department. The suspect was allegedly caught collecting money from a citizen for recruiting a sub-inspector in the department. Published in The Express Tribune, April 30th, 2021.

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Ventilator occupancy reaches 96pc in Lahore’s govt hospitals

LAHORE: Amid an increasing number of critical COVID patients, the ventilator occupancy at Punjab government hospitals has reached 96 per cent, ARY News reported on Friday. 

As per the official figures, the bed occupancy situation in the intensive care and high dependency units of the public sector hospitals in Lahore was alarming. The people are finding it difficult in acquiring a ventilator at the eight hospitals of Punjab, allocated for the coronavirus patients.

The data shows out of 84 ventilators at Mayo Hospital, 80 are currently in use of critically ill patients. 32 ventilators allocated for the COVID critical patients at the Services Hospital are also occupied.

All the ventilators designated for the critical COVID patients at Kot Khawaja Saeed and Mian Nawaz Sharif (Yakki Gate). 33 out of 40 ventilators at Jinnah Hospital are currently occupied, 28 out of 30 at General hospital and 16 ventilators out of 20 at Ganga Ram Hospital have also been occupied.

Read more: Covid-19: Punjab notifies ban on hoarding of oxygen cylinders

Only 16 ventilators are currently vacant for critically ill COVID patients in the city with a population of 12.5 million.

Meanwhile, the six hospitals of Lahore are only left with oxygen stock of 16 to 24 hours.

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WATCH: Hare swims across lake, viral video leaves viewers amazed

A video of a hare swimming across a lake has gone viral on social media.

Hares are classified in the same family as rabbits, and are fast-running, long-eared mammals.

Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda tweeted a short clip showing a hare swimming across a lake before it hopped onto the grasslands and escaped into the forest.

“If you haven’t seen a hare swimming. Same as they run,” Susanta Nanda wrote on Twitter.

Watch the video here:

If you haven’t seen a hare swimming
Same as they run pic.twitter.com/6K1WAJRvXe

— Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) April 26, 2021

The video has been viewed more than 9,000 times so far. Since being shared, users took to the comment section and called the hare’s swimming stunt “Unbelievable”.

“So cute. Never knew a hare can swim,” one comment reads.

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PTI rejects NA-249 by-election results

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday rejected NA-249 by-election unofficial and unconfirmed results, ARY News reported. 

The polls were rigged with the alleged help of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Sindh police, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Karachi chapter leader MPA, Khurram Sher Zaman.

ECP utterly failed to conduct transparent by-polls in Karachi and played a partial role during the process, the PTI leader accused.

Zaman said Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz were not campaigning for the by-polls and the survey was showing PTI is going to win.

But all of a sudden Pakistan People’s Party won the seat.

Read more: PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhail wins NA-249 by-poll

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has bagged the by-poll in the National Assembly constituency in Karachi NA-249.

According to unofficial results of all 276 polling stations released by the District Returning Officer (DRO), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Qadir Khan Mandokhail secured 16,156 votes to win the NA-249 Karachi West-II by-election, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Miftah Ismail got 15,473 votes to remain second.

Nazir Ahmed grabbed 11,126 votes and came third. Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal received 9,227 votes to remain fourth. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Amjad Afridi secured fifth position by obtaining 8,922 votes.

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Punjab reports 2,296 new Covid infections, 83 deaths

LAHORE: Punjab reported as many as 2,296 new cases of the novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours, taking the tally of confirmed infections in the province to 301,114.   

According to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, 83 more people died of the virus during this period, pushing the death toll to 8,410.

Also Read: Stay home, stay safe: NCOC announces six-day Eid holidays amid COVID surge

Of the 2,296 new cases, Lahore reported 1,086 while 30 more people succumbed to the disease in the provincial capital.

A total of 18,962 samples were tested, out of which 2,296 turned out to positive.

Also Read: Punjab govt mulls complete lockdown in some cities before Eid: sources

Pakistan recorded 131 more COVID deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally of fatalities to 17,811.

According to the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) data,  5,112 persons tested positive for COVID-19 during the same period, taking the number of positive cases to 820,823. A total of 49,099 tests were conducted.

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Prices of petroleum products likely to go up by up to Rs6

ISLAMABAD: The government is likely to increase prices of petroleum products by up to Rs6, ARY News reported, quoting sources.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has forwarded a summary to the Petroleum Division seeking upward revision of fuel prices for the next fifteen days starting May 1 (Saturday).

Sources said the regulatory authority has recommended a Rs5.75 increase in per litre price of petrol while a Rs6 increase in that of diesel.

Also Read: Petrol crisis 2020: Government makes inquiry commission report public

The Ogra recommended the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel on the basis of current petroleum levy. The current levy on petrol is Rs11.23 while that on diesel Rs15.29.

The new prices of petroleum products are likely to be announced later today following approval of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On April 15, the federal government had slashed prices of petroleum products by up to Rs2 per litre. According to a notification, the government reduced the price of petrol by Rs1.79 per litre, high speed diesel by Rs2.32, kerosene by Rs2.06, and the rate of light diesel oil has been slashed by Rs2.21 per litre.

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India posts record daily rise in COVID-19 cases of 386,452

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

India has added about 7.7 million cases to its total caseload since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases.

Even with vaccine rollouts underway, fatalities are still speeding past major milestones across the globe, such as in Brazil where total deaths have now surpassed 400,000 people since the start of the pandemic.

On Thursday, the south Asian nation reported 3,645 deaths over the past 24 hours, while confirmed new cases were more than 379,000. The official numbers are widely believed to be far below reality.

In many Indian cities, hospitals are running out of beds as relatives of the sick jostle for medicines and oxygen cylinders.

“We rushed to multiple hospitals, but were denied admission everywhere,” said the son of an 84-year-old woman who died at home this week after a desperate search for a hospital bed and oxygen in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state.

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Cabinet strength expands to 50 members

With the inclusion of three new members, the size of the federal cabinet has expanded to 50 members. So far in over two years of rule, Prime Minister Imran Khan-led cabinet has witnessed many changes, with members from previous governments and experts from different fields included. According to Express News, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s leader Farrukh Habib was appointed Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday. The cabinet has also issued a notification in this regard, which reads that Habib has been assigned the portfolio of information and broadcasting. Moreover, Usman Dar has again been appointed Special Assistant to the PM on Youth Affairs. The government has anointed Dr Waqar Masood the premier’s aide on finance and revenue. Earlier, Masood’s portfolio was limited to revenue. As per the notification issued related to the latest development, the cabinet members have been increased to 50 – including 27 federal ministers, four state ministers, 15 special assistants, and four advisers.     

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Action sought to stop projection of laser lights on planes at Peshawar airport

PESHAWAR: The administration of Peshawar airport has sought action against the responsible persons involved in projecting laser lights on aircraft, ARY News reported on Friday.

As per the airport administration, as many as eight incidents of projecting laser lights on the aircraft of foreign and domestic airlines were reported in the current month.

The airport administration raised concerns over the rising number of incidents from the flight safety point of view and has informed the district administration of Peshawar and police.

The district administration has imposed section 144 in areas surrounding Bacha Khan International airport Peshawar to prevent any mishap.

Meanwhile, four incidents of laser light projection were reported at Karachi International airport in the current month of April.  The pilots of many airlines raised complaints about the disturbance caused by subject technologies which affected the flight operations and distracted the maneuverability of pilots.

The incidents were reported in the city’s areas of Model Colony, Sohrab Goth and Memon Goth.

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WhatsApp to make it easier to shift between iOS and Android

WhatsApp will soon make it easier for you to transfer chats between Android and iOS. The social media giant is planning to let users officially transfer their chat history between the two different platforms.

At the moment if you are an iOS user and decide to shift to an Android device, it won’t be possible to export and import chat history without having to pay or use third-party apps which is against WhatsApp’s policy.

When you currently switch from iOS devices to Android devices, WhatsApp transfers your account information which includes your display picture, name, about, individual chats, group chats, and settings, but it doesn’t transfer your chat history.

According to reports, WhatsApp was found to be working on a new feature that would allow iOS users to export their chats. The latest version of the beta for Android has revealed that WhatsApp has included a new chat import feature according to a report by WABetaInfo.

The feature will allow iOS users to export their chats, maybe as an external file, and then the files can be loaded on Android devices and imported through WhatsApp. The report further states that the feature is expected to roll out once WhatsApp’s multi-device feature has been released.

The multi-device feature that WhatsApp is said to be working on will let you use WhatsApp on multiple devices at once, in addition to your smartphone and PC. The company has not confirmed when this feature could be released, so we will have to wait and see.

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ISS shares stunning images of ‘Super Moon’

April’s full moon called the “Super Pink Moon,” wowed skywatchers as it shone brightly in the night sky.

The images shared by International Space Station (ISS) on April 29 left netizens mesmerised.

“The ‘Super Moon’ was recently photographed from the station. It is a spectacular sight from space no matter what phase the Moon is in,” read a post on the ISS’s official Instagram page with stunning pictures of the celestial phenomenon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by International Space Station (@iss)

The ‘Super Moon’, also known as the ‘Pink Moon’, appeared on April 27-28, 2021 and is said to be the first of at least two such celestial events this year.

For the uninitiated, a ‘Super Moon’ occurs when the Moon is at or near its closest point to Earth at the same time it is full. This event makes the Moon look larger and brighter in the sky.

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131 more COVID deaths, 5,112 new cases reported in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has registered 131 more COVID deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally of fatalities to 17,811, ARY News reported on Friday.  

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC),  5,112 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 for the same period, pushing the number of positive cases to 820,823.

Pakistan has conducted 49,099 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 5,112 persons were tested positive for the disease. Overall 11,788,126 tests have been conducted so far to detect the deadly virus.

The COVID positivity ratio was recorded at 10.41 percent during the last 24 hours.

Read more: Drug regulatory approves ICU-ventilators made in pakistan

The recovery of the COVID patients is on the rise as many as 711,465have regained their health from a pandemic, with 3,272 people in the past 24 hours, while 5,360 patients are still battling for their lives at the country’s various hospitals.

On Wednesday, Pakistan-made ventilators were approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the federal information minister Fawad Chaudhry congratulated Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for the feather in its cap.

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PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhail wins NA-249 by-poll

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has bagged the by-poll in the National Assembly constituency in Karachi NA-249, ARY News reported on Friday.

According to unofficial results of all 276 polling stations released by the District Returning Officer (DRO), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Qadir Khan Mandokhail secured 16,156 votes to win the NA-249 Karachi West-II by-election, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Miftah Ismail got 15,473 votes to remain second.

Nazir Ahmed grabbed 11,126 votes and came third. Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal received 9,227 votes to remain fourth. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Amjad Afridi secured fifth position by obtaining 8,922 votes.

The National Assembly seat had fallen vacant due to the resignation of PTI MNA Faisal Vawda from the District West-II constituency.

Read more: NA-249 by-poll: PML-N’s Miftah, Zubair express concerns over ‘slow pace’ of vote count

Bilawal thanks people of Karachi

Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a message of Twitter has thanked the people of Karachi after PPP won the National Assembly constituency NA-249 by-election on Thursday.

Thank you Karachi. #NA249 pic.twitter.com/LwZGlvoH0k

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) April 29, 2021

 Election was stolen: Maryam Nawaz

After the final count was announced, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz vice president Maryam Nawaz said the election had been “stolen” from her party.

“The Election Commission should have withheld the results of this controversial election,” she said.

“Even if it doesn’t withhold the result, this win will be temporary. This seat will return to PML-N soon,” Maryam claimed.

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Sindh registers 7 pct positivity ratio, Covid-19 Task Force briefed

KARACHI: Sindh has overall seven percent coronavirus positivity ratio, a session of Sindh Coronavirus Task Force was briefed on Thursday, ARY News reported.

The Task Force meeting, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, was informed in a briefing in a week from April 22 to 28, the ratio of Covid-19 positive cases in Karachi was recorded 10.75 percent.

“In Hyderabad positive cases rate remained 20 percent and in Sukkur 9.48 pct in the week,” according to the briefing. In other districts of Sindh the positivity ratio recorded 2.79 percent.

“The situation is not good, we have to take strict measures against the coronavirus,” Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said.

“The administration should ensure enforcement of business hours schedule from 6:00 in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening.

CM Shah urged for implementation of the decisions taken in the previous session of the task force.

He also constituted a ministerial committee comprised of Syed Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani and Awais Shah, which will take strict steps after taking traders and transporters into confidence.

“We have to follow the SOPs, if avoiding a complete lockdown,” the chief minister warned.

The session was informed in the briefing that some private offices were not following the decision of lesser staff and the SOPs.

“The offices failing to enforce SOPs should be sealed,” chief minister directed.

“The inter-provincial public transport has been banned and from tomorrow inter-district transport will also be halted in Sindh,” Murad Ali Shah said.

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PM orders high-powered investigation into misconduct of staff at Saudi embassy

Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Thursday that a high-powered investigation has been ordered into the misconduct of the embassy staff in Saudi Arabia with the Pakistani laborers and workers.  Speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate Roshan Apni Car and Roshan Social Work services under the Roshan Digital Account, he said those found involved in extorting and mistreating Pakistani laborers will be given exemplary punishments. The premier expressed to overseas Pakistanis for sending in record remittances of $1 billion through the Roshan Digital Account, saying an enormous potential still needs to be tapped. "Pakistan's problem is that no one paid attention to increasing the exports, and that became the biggest obstacle in the country's progress." Terming the lack of long-term planning ironic, the premier said that until our exports surpass our imports, we only have one option and that is to tap the enormous potential of overseas Pakistanis. "We should brainstorm on how to close in on the gap through the remittances," he maintained. LIVE #APPNews : Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI addressing a ceremony to thank Pakistani expatriates on significant milestone of $1Billion deposits in #RoshanDigitalAccount . #Islamabad #1billionRDA https://t.co/YWKPK7qwnm — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 29, 2021 "Although we have broken all records related to remittances, it is just the tip of the iceberg as a lot still needs to be done." PM added that the strategy should be to not let the current account fall in deficit as it pressurises rupee and affects the growth rate, foreign investments, and economic growth. He observed that incentivising the construction sector and low-cost housing was picking up pace. "Banks will have to impart training to lend out loans to the people," he added. Read Farmers being strengthened to bring agricultural revolution: PM Imran Overseas Pakistanis’ confidence in the domestic economy is on the rise, as the volume of their foreign currency deposits with local banks and their investments in a number of schemes through the initiative surpassed a major milestone of $1 billion. These inflows have played a significant role in strengthening Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves to around four-year high of over $16 billion, improving the country’s capacity to make international payments, including the import bill as well as foreign debt repayments, and stabilised the rupee-dollar parity at around Rs153.

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German foreign minister arrives in Pakistan on official visit

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on an official visit. The European diplomat was welcomed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on his arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a meeting, the two ministers discussed issues of mutual interest including the challenges posed by the coronavirus, bilateral relations, situation in the region and the Afghan peace process. “When I met with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Berlin, we had a detailed discussion on bilateral relations,” said Qureshi. Read FM’s trip rejuvenates ties with EU powerhouse “Before leaving for Afghanistan, the German foreign minister deems it necessary to know Pakistan's point of view,” he said. “We discussed in detail the situation after the Biden administration announced the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.” “Pakistan wants a peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” the FM reiterated. “Peace in Afghanistan will bolster ties in the region and make construction and development possible,” said the minister. “We, under Afghan leadership, want a lasting political solution to the Afghan problem through a comprehensive dialogue acceptable to the Afghans.” The foreign minister also appreciated the visit from his German counterpart to Pakistan during the coronavirus pandemic. Qureshi also thanked the visiting minister for sending extra doses of the coronavirus vaccine to Pakistan. Read more Pakistan to receive 15m Covid-19 jabs under Covax by May: Qureshi The visit comes merely weeks after Foreign Minister Qureshi’s own official visit to Germany from April 11 to April 13. During the visit, the two ministers carried out delegation-level talks. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas last visited Pakistan in March 2019. This year, Pakistan and Germany are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Both countries are planning to undertake a number of activities in this context. Pakistan and Germany have been collaborating closely on regional matters and at the multilateral fora. Germany is the largest trading partner of Pakistan in the EU. Germany is also home to more than 100,000 Pakistani diasporas.

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PIA aircraft carrying COVID vaccine doses from China lands in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: One of three special airplanes of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carrying 300,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses from China on Thursday landed in Islamabad.

Three Boeing 777 PIA airplanes were sent to China by the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Health, yesterday, in a bid to accelerate the delivery of vaccines to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

As per details, the second plane of PIA with more doses will reach Pakistan today afternoon while the third flight is expected to land at 12:00 midnight.

Read more: ‘People are not coming for Covid vaccination despite availability of stocks’

Earlier on April 25, three PIA planes carrying a consignment of one million COVID-19 vaccine doses had landed in Islamabad as the country sees a sharp increase in new coronavirus cases.

The aircraft had left for China on Saturday. Two special planes and a PIA regular flight were used to airlift the Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine doses from Beijing.

Pakistan had purchased another 30 million doses of COVID vaccine from China that will soon arrive in the country to help in a drive to vaccinate its over 220 million population.

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TikTokers’ murder: Key suspect arrested after court rejects bail

KARACHI: A court on Thursday dismissed a pre-arrest bail plea of the key suspect in four TikTokers’ murder case and ordered the police to arrest him.

The district and sessions court (South) rejected the bail plea of Abdul Rehman alias Shooter, after which he was taken into custody. The court sent him to prison on judicial remand.

Rehman, who had been on the run, approached the court the other day seeking pre-arrest bail.

Also Read: Karachi TikTokers’ murder case: Police probe comes up with startling revelations

Earlier, on April 21, the judicial magistrate (South) ordered an investigation officer (IO) to start process of proclamation and attachment of property of the main suspect.

The IO submitted a compliance report stating that non-bailable warrants issued for the arrest of suspect Abdul Rehman alias Shooter couldn’t be executed for his whereabouts are not known.

The court directed him to initiate the process of proclamation of the absconding suspect and attachment of his property.

Also Read: IO ordered to start proclamation process of key suspect

On February 1, four TikTokers identified as Muskan Sheikh, Amir Khan, Rehan Shah and Saddam Hussain were killed by unidentified armed men near Anklesaria Hospital. A female suspect, Sawera, who too is a TikToker, was arrested in the case but was later released on bail.

According to the police, Sawera was arrested on the basis of call data record (CDR) and location of her mobile phone. She was in contact with the main suspect, Rehman.

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PM Imran lauds overseas Pakistanis’ contribution to country’s economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday has lauded the contribution of overseas Pakistanis in uplifting the country’s economy, ARY News reported. 

This he said while addressing overseas Pakistanis in connection with Roshan Digital Account reaching a milestone of one billion dollars.

He also congratulated Governor State Bank of Pakistan Reza Baqir over the milestone achieved by the Roshan Digital Accounts.

PM Imran Khan expressed his wish to take the services of Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin in the project. “As far as I know, Tarin has vast experience of marketing.”

It is unfortunate that Pakistan approached International Monetary Fund (IMF) 20 times in the last 30 years and added that his government was compelled to start a new program with the fund over decreasing exports and low preservation of US dollars.

The prime minister Imran Khan said he has summoned an envoy in Saudi Arabia over not facilitating the Pakistani labors there and allegedly demanding money from them.

Read more: With $194m March deposits Roshan Digital crosses $1b mark

Under Roshan Digital Accounts, two initiatives ‘Roshan Apni Car and Roshan Samaaji Khidmat’ were launched by the prime minister.

Under Roshan Apni Car, the Roshan Digital Card Holders can avail financing at very attractive terms to purchase a car for their loved ones in Pakistan. Banks are offering both conventional & Islamic modes of financing at attractive mark-up rates starting from 7% with priority delivery.

Under Roshan Samaaji Khidmat, the Roshan Digital Account holders can give donations and Zakat very conveniently. They will also be able to make donations directly to the government’s landmark Ehsaas program.

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WATCH: Women have lucky escape after balcony collapses on them

Two women narrowly escaped being crushed by debris after a part of a balcony at an apartment building they were entering suddenly collapsed.

The incident that occurred in Russia’s Izhevsk city was caught on camera.

The footage shows the two women walking up a flight of steps in front of the building. As soon as they reach the door, sheets of slate come crumbling down above them from one of the floors of the high-rise building.

They immediately rush down as the slabs crash inches away from where they were standing a few seconds later.

Watch the video here:

One of the woman seemingly had her ankle hurt as a large piece of slab brushed past her leg as the two hurried down the stairs.

The incident occurred on April 23, just months after a similar accident was witnessed in Vladivostok when a man who was clearing ice from the windscreen of his car in the port city had to scurry after a concrete slab fell from 100 ft from a residential building.

In 2017, a similar crash killed a woman in St Petersburg, Russia.

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Three more PIA aircraft leave for China for Covid-19 vaccines

Three more aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) left for China late Wednesday to fly in a shipment of one million Covid-19 vaccine doses. “Three Boeing 777s were dispatched to China on Wednesday night. The planes will reach Islamabad with one million vaccine doses,” said PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan. According to reports, the first aircraft was to arrive back in Pakistan at 8:30 am today (Thursday) whereas the second at 12:30 pm and the third at 12 midnight. According to the spokesperson, the PIA aircraft are carrying out their duties at the behest of the government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Health. On April 25, it was reported that three planes of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carrying a consignment of one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine left China for Pakistan on Sunday amidst a sharp rise in new coronavirus cases in the country. Read more: Sindh orders 2m vaccine doses According to PIA Country Manager for China Qadir Bux Sangi, an additional two million doses of Covid-19 vaccine will also be transported from China by the national flag carrier on April 29. He said two special planes and a PIA regular flight was used to airlift the coronavirus vaccine doses from China. Previously, a total of 2.56 million vaccine doses had arrived in Pakistan from China and 1.5 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine were donated to the country. The vaccination of people in the age group 50 to 59 also began on April 21. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) started registering citizens above 50 years of age for Covid-19 vaccination from March 30. Pakistan began its vaccination more than a month ago with over a million doses of Sinopharm vaccines donated by China after Islamabad received its first Covid-19 vaccine consignment after a military aircraft airlifted it from Beijing in February 1, this year.

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Court summons Asif Ali Zardari in Rs8.3bn transaction reference

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Thursday has summoned former president Asif Ali Zardari in a reference related to a transaction of over Rs8.3billion through fake bank accounts, ARY News reported. 

Accountability court judge Asghar Ali has asked the Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman to appear before the court on May 20 along with stenographer Mushtaq Ahmed.

Asif Ali Zardari along with a former employee of the President House, Mushtaq Ahmed had been named accused in the reference filed before an accountability court by the NAB.

According to the reference, an illegal transaction of Rs8.3 took place between Mushtaq Ahmed and a private housing society. The amount was used to purchase properties in a posh locality of Karachi, it said. Zardari owns these properties.

 Read more: IHC confirms interim bail of Zardari in graft case

Ahmed remained an employee of the President’s House from 2009 till 2013. He was recruited as a stenotypist at the request of Senator Rukhsana Bangash.

Former president Zardari faces a number of graft references stemming from the fake bank accounts scam. He is currently out on bail in all these cases.

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