Author: Admin

Pulses, traditionally considered an affordable source of protein for low-income families, also became significantly more expensive. PHOTO: FILE FAISALABAD: Agricultural experts have raised alarm over the continuous decline in Pakistan’s pulse production, warning that the country is spending nearly $980 million each year on imports to meet domestic demand. Rana Muhammad Tayyib, President of the Punjab Pulses Importers Association and Chairman of the Grain Market, said that until 1998, Pakistan was a leading exporter of pulses. However, the export ban imposed during the Musharraf era disappointed farmers as pulses became a low-earning crop. He added that Pakistan’s annual domestic demand…

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has disposed of a petition challenging solar net metering after the petitioner opted not to pursue the matter further, directing that existing regulations will remain in force until new rules are implemented in 2026. Justice Abid Hussain Chattha issued a two-page written order on a petition filed by Syed Azhar Hussain. During the proceedings, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) informed the court that the Ministry of Energy had directed consumers to continue being billed under the NEPRA Regulations 2015. The ministry also instructed all distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO),…

Ramazan Bazaar. PHOTO: RIAZ AHMAD/EXPRESS LAHORE: Despite official claims of sharp price reductions during Ramazan, a market survey across Lahore found that most essential commodities continued to be sold well above government-notified rates, raising questions about the effectiveness of price control measures. At a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, officials claimed that prices of essential commodities had dropped by more than 50 per cent for the first time in Punjab’s history during Ramazan. According to a handout, the chief minister reviewed prices of fruits, vegetables, flour, chicken and other items across the province and lauded the…

Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation holding pay, pensions for over 17 months HYDERABAD: The Mehran Workers Union of Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation has threatened to suspend the city’s water supply and drainage system from the 20th of Ramadan if pending salaries and pensions are not released. If this happens, it will be quite an Eid with no early morning showers for Eid prayers and overflowing sewers in the streets. Union General Secretary Mujtaba Aslam Abbasi, along with other office-bearers, said in a statement that employees have been deprived of salaries and pensions for 17 months. With Ramazan underway and…

Report finds thousands of fake accounts boosted Nicki Minaj’s conservative posts on X Nicki Minaj’s social media activity was amplified by more than 18,000 fake accounts during a recent surge in conservative political commentary, according to an analysis shared with POLITICO. The report, compiled by disinformation detection company Cyabra, examined activity on X between November 11 and December 28. It identified 18,784 profiles assessed as inauthentic, representing 33 per cent of the total profiles evaluated. Cyabra said it is about 85 per cent confident the accounts are fake, with confidence levels rising into the 90s under narrower criteria. The analysis…

. LAHORE: Punjab has become the country’s first province to establish a Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC). During a briefing to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, it was decided with her approval to establish an anti-drone unit in Punjab. She also ordered the immediate establishment of a cybercrime cell and continued combing operations across the province. She directed authorities to take immediate steps for installing modern digital scanners at all entry and exit points of the province. A dashboard has been set up for deputy commissioners of all districts to ensure effective monitoring and protection of citizens’…

Louvre museum director resigns after $104m crown jewels theft- Photo: Mathias Reding/Pexels The director of the Louvre museum in Paris has resigned months after a major theft of France’s historic crown jewels from the world-famous gallery. Laurence des Cars submitted her resignation to Emmanuel Macron, who praised the move, saying the museum now needs to improve ahead with security upgrades and modernisation, according to BBC. The theft happened on the morning of 19 October last year when suspects used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach a balcony overlooking the River Seine and break into the museum. Four main suspects…

Bidding war for one of Hollywood’s most coveted assets raises stakes for dominance in streaming marketParamount sign outside of their offices at 1515 Broadway in New York City, U.S., February 17, 2026. REUTERS Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O) submitted a higher offer for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday, ratcheting up efforts to derail the HBO Max owner’s deal with Netflix. The bidding war for one of Hollywood’s most coveted assets, including the “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones” franchises, has raised the stakes for dominance in the streaming-led market. Paramount’s new bid, which…

22-time winner earns Rs1,000 lifting marble, hopes for govt job to build academy for tribal youthRizwan Pathan with winning shields. PHOTO: EXPRESS PESHAWAR: By day, 27-year-old Rizwan Pathan hauls heavy slabs of marble in a factory, earning barely enough to keep his children fed. By night, despite aching limbs and exhaustion, he heads to the sports ground to train. “I work so my children don’t sleep hungry,” he says. “And I train so the sportsman inside me doesn’t die.” Rizwan is not just a labourer. He is a 22-time award-winning athlete in mixed martial arts and gymnastics. Yet his daily…

.A general view of the residential area of Rawalpindi city. Photo: AFP/ File RAWALPINDI: Authorities have approved a mega project to develop 17 villages in Rawalpindi Division as “Model Villages.” The project will be launched under the Annual Development Programme with a total estimated cost of Rs2,22 billion. Under the project, drinking water supply schemes, sewerage systems, drainage, roads, streets and drains in these 17 remote villages will be constructed and paved. Water filtration plants will be installed to ensure the provision of clean drinking water. New sanitary workers will be recruited for proper waste disposal, while new dispensaries and…