ISLAMABAD: The federal government has prepared a landmark proposal to transform the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) into an autonomous federal unit with its own elected assembly and local chief executive, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposal has been developed by a special committee led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The committee has…
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the abolition of 31 Deputy Secretary posts across 20 provincial departments as part of the government’s ongoing austerity and administrative reform drive. The decision was communicated through an official notification issued by the General Wing of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD). The move is aimed…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has ruled out any change in its policy towards Afghanistan’s Taliban government, with officials describing recent diplomatic and institutional contacts as routine engagements rather than signs of renewed political dialogue. The clarification comes amid speculation that Islamabad could be reconsidering its approach following reports that Afghanistan’s acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani had offered…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited international buyers to submit bids for the export of 107,739 metric tonnes of white refined sugar as the country moves to manage excess domestic stocks. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), the state-run trading agency, has issued an international tender for the sale and export of the sugar, according to European…
KARACHI: A ceremonial change of guards was held at Mazar-e-Quaid on Defence and Martyrs’ Day to honour the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives in defence of Pakistan. Cadets from the Pakistan Air Force assumed guard duties at the mausoleum during the ceremony, paying tribute to the country’s armed forces and fallen heroes. Air…
KARACHI: Coke Studio Pakistan’s newly launched Nu.WAV platform has made its debut with the release of its first song, Dil, receiving a mixed response from listeners on social media. The debut track brings together contemporary Pakistani artists including Afusic, Ali Soomro and Zoha Waseem. Afusic and Ali Soomro are known for their viral hit Pal…
MATIARI: Three young men drowned in a canal along Sugar Mill Road in Matiari while they were gathered near the water to perform religious rituals, police said. The victims were identified as Kumar, Anil and Rithik. According to police, the three youths had gathered along the canal as part of their religious observances before reportedly…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Defence and Martyrs’ Day on September 6 to honour the courage, sacrifices and resilience of the armed forces and the nation during the September 1965 war. The day commemorates September 6, 1965, when Indian forces launched attacks on Pakistan’s international border, leading to a major conflict between the two countries. Pakistani…
ISLAMABAD: Punjab has the largest reported sugar stock among the three provinces for which figures were presented to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), with more than 1.58 million metric tonnes available as of Friday, September 4. According to figures presented to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Punjab had 1,588,542 metric tonnes of sugar in…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to retain the existing age limit and number of attempts for candidates appearing in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, rejecting proposals to provide greater flexibility to aspirants. The Establishment Division and the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) opposed recommendations seeking changes to the current CSS eligibility rules. Their…
