Author: Admin

Senate body gives govt two-week time to introduce legislation to increase jail term, penalties ISLAMABAD’: A Senate panel on Monday expressed serious concern over failure of the ministries concerned to introduce legislation aimed at increasing imprisonment and penalties related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bowser and cylinder blasts, leading to several deaths. Senator Waqar Mehdi had taken up the matter in the Senate, which was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The panel warned that a private member bill would be introduced if the government was not serious about introducing the legislation. The standing committee, which met…

.Customs data. Photo: file LAHORE: Pakistan Customs and the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan have operationalised the electronic exchange of pre-arrival customs information, following the MoU signed between the two sides. As part of the initiative, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) played a central role in enhancing the WeBOC system, ensuring that customs officers can access the exchanged data for operational use, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. The system upgrades have streamlined the processing of customs declarations, strengthened risk assessment capabilities and reduced consignment dwell time at border stations.

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Tuesday addressed the Japan-Pakistan Business Forum, reaffirming that relations between the two countries are not limited to diplomacy but represent a strong, mature, and forward-looking economic partnership built on mutual trust and shared prosperity. Addressing the forum in the presence of Japan Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, and business leaders from both countries, Haroon Akhtar said that the message of Allama Iqbal continues to guide Pakistan’s national vision. Quoting Iqbal’s famous verse about looking towards the rising sun of the East, he remarked that Japan’s journey stands…

Billy Joel leaves loved ones worried with his ‘dangerous’ comebackBilly Joel has sparked concerned among his loved ones as he returns to the stage.The legendary Piano Man is said to be pushing himself too far, too soon, raising serious health concerns, as per Radar Online. Joel revealed last year that he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The disorder can affect balance, memory, and overall mobility and often requires long-term treatment and rest.However, Joel recently surprised audiences in Florida by joining tribute band Turnstiles for brief performance, earning standing ovations for classics like We didn’t start the Fire and…

Nepra officials warned Gepco over the illegal installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) on small meters. They said that the company was installing AMI without approval of the regulator and even without data backup. Photo: file ISLAMABAD: The government has projected the collection of an additional Rs132 billion annually from power consumers through fixed charges across various domestic categories. However, the net impact on cross-subsidy is estimated at Rs101 billion, as the government has reduced electricity tariffs by up to Rs1.53 per unit for CY2026. On Tuesday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) conducted a public hearing on a…

Further Rs30m lost due to loss of interest income, Rs15m overspent on salaries. PHOTO: REUTERS ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to clear liabilities of banks and employees of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) by disposing of the old stored wheat through competitive bidding. Passco has been holding stocks of imported wheat since 2022 and paying billions of rupees in interest costs. During discussions in a recent meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Ministry of National Food Security & Research explained the background of the case and the factors behind the decision to go for competitive…

Maximum limit per person, per calendar year, to buy foreign currency, in the form of cash or outward remittances, will also be reduced from $100,000 to $50,000. photo: file KARACHI: Pakistan received $3.46 billion in workers’ remittances in January 2026, maintaining strong external inflows despite mixed performance across major corridors, with Europe and Western economies showing robust growth while remittances from the United States and parts of Asia weakened, according to provisional data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The January inflows were slightly lower than the $3.59 billion recorded in December 2025, but significantly higher than $3.00…

US singer had been represented by ‘Wasserman’ which boasts other high-profile clients Chappell Roan. Photo: file WASHINGTON: US singer-songwriter Chappell Roan announced on Monday that she had left her talent agency, after its CEO was named in files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed overwhelmingly by Congress in November, compelled the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all of the documents in its possession related to the disgraced financier. Roan, 27, had been represented by “Wasserman,” an agency that boasts a number of high-profile clients, including Adam Sandler and Brad Pitt,…

Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan. Photo: file KARACHI: The trailer of the upcoming Pakistani film Aag Lage Basti Mein, starring Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, has been unveiled ahead of its scheduled Eid-ul-Fitr release, drawing attention from across the country’s entertainment industry. The film, written and directed by Bilal Atif Khan, blends comedy, action and romance, and is positioned as a commercial entertainer aimed at festive audiences. The story follows Barkat, played by Fahad Mustafa, an honest but struggling man, and his wife Almaas, portrayed by Mahira Khan, who grows frustrated with what she sees as his idealistic approach to life.…

. KARACHI: Aga Khan University Hospital organised a colourful and fun-filled event for children undergoing cancer treatment, giving the young patients a chance to enjoy games, face painting, and a magic show. The fair featured a variety of activities, including hand painting, target shooting, and play-dough sessions, bringing smiles to the children’s faces. Some children had butterfly and spider designs painted on their faces, while others created shapes like bears and flowers out of play-dough. The event not only entertained the children but also encouraged their creativity and imagination. Cancer survivor children were also invited to the event to share…