Daily News Pakistan

The Naushero Feroz police have arrested two men whom they say are the killers of MPA Shahnaz Ansari. Shahnaz Ansari, a member of the PPP, was gunned down in Darya Khan Marri village on February 15. She was attending her brother-in-law’s chehlum. The Sindh IG has congratulated the Naushero Feroz SSP and his team for making the arrests and said that the investigation has been impartial and transparent. He said the police is going to see the investigation through till the end. The suspects have been identified as Waqar and Akhtar Khokhar. Read more:  MPA Sindh Assembly Shehnaz  Ansari  Murdered in Naushahro Feroze Earlier on 15 Feb, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of Sindh Assembly (MPA) Shehnaz Ansari had been shot dead in Noshero Feroz over a property dispute. According to police, the PPP leader had been shifted to NawabShah hospital in an injured condition where she had taken her last breath. The police had said that she had been attacked over dif...

The federal government has announced to close Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan amid apprehensions of outbreak of the novel coronavirus, on Sunday. The government has issued a letter with regard to closure of the Pak-Afghan border crossing at Chaman in the first phase. Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan will remain closed from March 02 (Monday) for seven days, according to a notification of the Ministry of Interior. The Chaman border crossing will remain closed for seven days in the first phase, the order said. The decision has been taken in view to avoid the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the letter said. The porous border with Afghanistan is a cause of concern for Pakistan after the new coronavirus erupted in neighbouring Iran.   The virus has spread to more than 25 countries, killing over 2,835 and infecting 85,000, mostly in China. But new outbreaks in Europe, the Middle East and in Asia have fanned fears of the contagion taking hold in poor nations which lack the heal...

Malaysia’s former interior minister sworn in as country’s new premier on Sunday amid deepening crisis that hit the Southeast Asian nation last week when Mahathir Mohammad tendered his resignation. Muhyiddin Yassin took the oath of office at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur, capping a week of political turmoil following the collapse of the former ruling coalition. The country was plunged into turmoil a week ago following the collapse of 94-year-old Mahathir’s reformist "Pact of Hope" alliance, which stormed to a historic victory in 2018 against a government mired in corruption allegations. Read more:  Mahathir , Anwar's power struggle leaves Malaysia in turmoil Mahathir -- the world’s oldest leader -- then quit and triggered a race for the premiership, which he lost to little-known Muhyiddin, who heads a coalition dominated by the country’s ethnic Malay Muslim majority. The decision by the monarch to pick Muhyiddin on Saturday caused widespread anger that the dem...

The first fatality from the novel coronavirus on US soil was confirmed on Saturday as President Donald Trump on Saturday urged Americans not to panic. Health officials said the man who died in Washington state was one of a handful with no known links to global hot zones to have contracted the virus — indicating that the pathogen was now likely spreading in communities. The death occurred in King County, the most populous in the state and home to Seattle, a city of more than 700,000 people, officials told AFP. The victim was in his 50s and had "underlying health conditions," said Jeff Duchin, public health officer for Seattle and King County. "It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19," Washington state Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement, sending condolences to the victim's loved ones. Inslee declared a state of emergency over coronavirus, freeing up funding for state agencies and allowing the use of the Wash...

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020’s 13th match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020’s 13th match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United was called off due to rain in Rawalpindi. After the washout, both teams, Islamabad and Peshawar, have five points, each, after five games and are currently placed on third and fourth position on the points table, respectively.

The Multan Sultans defeated the Quetta Gladiators by 30 runs despite Australian Shane Watson's heroics to bring his team closer to the 200 rund target set by the host team. Quetta were locked good to take the game down to the wire after the start they gt from openers Jason Roy and Shane Watson. However, the opening partnership was shattered when Bilawal Bhatti dismissed the former on 30 off 27 balls. He was caught in the deep by Moeen Ali as he attempted to slog Bhatti. Watson continued to lead the onslaught, scoring a half-century as he battered the Multan Sultans' bowlers for sixes and fours. Ahsan Ali wasn't able to stick around for long, as he was caught by Vince off a Khushdil Shah delivery, scoring an unimpressive 14 off 16 balls. After a couple of impressive innings in the tournament, Azam Khan seems to have lost his magic touch as he was caught out off an Imran Tahir delivery, scoring just 6 runs from an equal number of balls. Tahir claimed his next victim, th...

The United States and the Taliban have signed an agreement for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan during a historic ceremony in the Qatari capital of Doha. The agreement was signed between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Addressing the historic event, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington will closely watch the Taliban compliance to the agreement to be signed between the two parties. He said the Taliban have shown that they have the will to be peaceful during the recent ‘reduction in violence’ period. He added that the agreement will mean nothing “if concrete actions are not taken on commitments and promises”. Pompeo called on the Taliban to keep their promise to cut ties with Al Qaeda and keep fighting the militant Islamic State group. Representatives from fifty countries, foreign ministers of different countries including Pakistan's Shah Mahmood Qureshi, ar...

Multan Sultans set 200 run target for Quetta Gladiators. “Coming from a strong batting performance and the conditions are favorable so we have decided to bat first, spinners will come underway at the end,” skipper Multan Sultan Shan Masood said. “No regrets on losing the toss, we had to bowl first because of the combination we are going with,” Sarfaraz said, Quetta Gladiators said.  

Multan Sultans are struggling after deciding to bat first against Gladiators, They are 65/3 after ten overs at Multan Cricket Stadium. “Coming from a strong batting performance and the conditions are favorable so we have decided to bat first, spinners will come underway at the end,” skipper Multan Sultan Shan Masood said. “No regrets on losing the toss, we had to bowl first because of the combination we are going with,” Sarfaraz said, Quetta Gladiators said.  

Hira Mani, who turned 31 on February 27 and threw a birthday party on Friday, looked super excited as the family and fellow showbiz stars joined on her big day. The parents of the Mere Paas Tum Ho actress also attended her 31st birthday bash. Later, she took to Instagram and shared some adorable photos from the star-studded birthday party.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has installed a thermal scanner at the Islamabad airport to detect coronavirus in passengers. Compared to a thermal gun, the automatic scanner can screen passengers in a shorter period of time. The scanner can detect symptoms of flu and fever with more accuracy. Previously, passengers were being scanned manually using thermal guns which took more time. Some of the symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to those of the flu, such as coughing and fever. Breathing difficulties and in some severe cases organ failure have also been reported. Preventive measures include washing hands with soap and water every day, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs and avoiding crowded areas and contact with those showing signs of the illness. In Punjab, the director-general of health services has directed the authorities to visit Chinese settlements and camps to screen them for symptoms of the new virus. Paki...

Multan Sultans have won the toss and decided to bat first against Quetta Gladiators today. “Coming from a strong batting performance and the conditions are favorable so we have decided to bat first, spinners will come underway at the end,” skipper Multan Sultan Shan Masood said. “No regrets on losing the toss, we had to bowl first because of the combination we are going with,” Sarfaraz said, Quetta Gladiators said.  

Balochistan's health officials on Saturday declared 252 pilgrims from Iran free from coronavirus after putting them under quarantine for 15 days. According to Levies officials, the pilgrims were cleared after they were screened by the health officials. Meanwhile, District Health Officer Abdul Ghani said the new pilgrims which arrived last night have been shifted to Pakistan House, adding that their screening will be conducted after 48 hours. Read more: Hundreds of stranded at Iran border, Pakistan decides to bring back after screening Remember, Pakistan-Iran border crossing at Taftan on Friday remained close for the sixth consecutive day as immigration and crossings from both sides remained halted amid confirmation of two virus cases in the country, both of whom had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage.  

Multan Sultans have won the toss and decided to bat first against Quetta Gladiators today. “Coming from a strong batting performance and the conditions are favorable so we have decided to bat first, spinners will come underway at the end,” skipper Multan Sultan Shan Masood said. “No regrets on losing the toss, we had to bowl first because of the combination we are going with,” Sarfaraz said, Quetta Gladiators said.  

At least 19 people were killed and more than 30 others seriously injured on Friday night after a bus crossing an unmanned railway crossing was crushed by the Lahore-bound Pakistan Express train coming from Karachi. According to initial reports, the driver of the bus, which was going to Khushab from Karachi and carrying 52 passengers, tried to cross the railway crossing near Jarawah (Begmaji), an area between Khairpur and Rohri, but failed to do so in time. The train smashed the vehicle, tearing it into three parts. According to witnesses, the sound of the collision was so loud they thought it was a bomb blast. After the accident, screams and cries of bus passengers rent the air. The Edhi Ambulance Service said 12 bodies, including that of the bus driver and the cleaner, were taken to Rohri Taluka Hospital and five seriously injured people were taken to Sukkur Civil Hospital.According to doctors at Rohri’s Taluka Hospital and Sukkur Civil Hospital, they immediately provided medical...

At least 19 people were killed and more than 30 others seriously injured on Friday night after a bus crossing an unmanned railway crossing was crushed by the Lahore-bound Pakistan Express train coming from Karachi. According to initial reports, the driver of the bus, which was going to Khushab from Karachi and carrying 52 passengers, tried to cross the railway crossing near Jarawah (Begmaji), an area between Khairpur and Rohri, but failed to do so in time. The train smashed the vehicle, tearing it into three parts. According to witnesses, the sound of the collision was so loud they thought it was a bomb blast. After the accident, screams and cries of bus passengers rent the air. The Edhi Ambulance Service said 12 bodies, including that of the bus driver and the cleaner, were taken to Rohri Taluka Hospital and five seriously injured people were taken to Sukkur Civil Hospital.According to doctors at Rohri’s Taluka Hospital and Sukkur Civil Hospital, they immediately provided medical...

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will attend the signing ceremony of peace agreement between the United States and Afghan Taliban as representative of Pakistan in Doha today (Saturday). Representatives from fifty countries, including foreign ministers of different countries, will attend the signing ceremony of the agreement. Meanwhile, talking to Pakistani community in Qatar, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said peace agreement between the United States and Afghan Taliban will open new avenues of development in the region. He said peace in Afghanistan will open up our links with Central Asia. FM Qureshi said with peace and stability, there will be numerous opportunities for promoting bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.  

The United States and the Afghan Taliban are expected to sign on a historic peace agreement today in Doha that could possibly see America end its longest war ever. Today’s Afghan Taliban peace agreement will be followed by resolution of more serious challenges; how to move forward in Afghanistan after the US withdraws from the country. A few days ago Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had stated that the intra-Afghan negotiations would begin after the agreement that would ultimately result in US troops pulling out of the country and a permanent ceasefire. Role of Pakistan in Afghan Peace Process The agreement is an important step towards peace not only in Afghanistan but also in neighbouring Pakistan. Islamabad has been using its good offices to ensure the Taliban and Washington chalk out a future political roadmap for Afghanistan. The negotiations hit a wall in September 2019 when a US soldier was killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The death of the US soldier resulted in Trump ...

The Indonesian government has conveyed its concerns over the recent deadly riots in New Delhi, as anger mounts in the predominantly Muslim country over what local Islamic groups say is anti-Muslim violence in India. The Foreign Ministry of Indonesia said on Friday that it had called the Indian Ambassador in Jakarta to discuss the riots that have claimed dozens of lives. “The government of Indonesia has complete confidence that the government of India will be able to manage the situation and ensure the harmonious relations among its religious communities. Moreover, both countries share similar characteristics, as pluralistic countries that uphold democratic values and tolerance,” the ministry said. The statement came hours after the Religious Affairs Ministry uncharacteristically issued a statement condemning the sectarian “violence against Muslims". Read more:  Delhi violence: 13 killed and curfew imposed in four areas Remember, violence over the Citizenship Amendment Ac...

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been temporarily banned from entering Saudi Arabia’s holy cities Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement. The Saudi government is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis. Further to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 26, 2020, regarding the developments in the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), and based on the recommendations of the competent health authorities to apply the highest precautionary standards to surround the virus and prevent its spread locally and globally, and to promote existing preventive measures to provide the maximum degree of protection as well as the application of safety standards to preserve the health of visitors of the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque. It was decided - in light of the exceptional health considerations currently in place in some of the Gulf Coope...

Federal Board of Revenue says there would be no further extension in the deadline for filing the income tax returns for the tax year 2019. According to a press statement, the FBR would replace the Active Taxpayer list of 2018 with the list of 2019, and those who did not file returns in tax year 2019 would be removed from the list. Meanwhile, the FBR spokesperson said the number of tax filers has risen by 45 percent this year, as compared to previous year. Read more:  FBR detects Rs9.5 billion worth of tax evasion by marriage halls Remember, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has detected around Rs9.5 billion worth of tax evasion by marriage halls in the past four years. Tax evasion was found in the recently conducted physical survey of banquet/marriage halls by the Inland Revenue department as part of an ongoing broadening of tax base.    

The federal cabinet on Friday approved the appointment of Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar as the new Sindh inspector general, effectively replacing Dr Syed Kaleem Imam. In an official notification issued by the Establishment Division, Mahar, "a grade 22 officer serving as the inspector general of the Pakistan Railways police, has been transferred and posted as the provincial police officer, government of Sindh, with immediate effect". Mahar had also served as Karachi's police chief in the past. On January 27, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to replace Imam during a one-on-one meeting with the premier. The prime minister had given a "positive response" to the CM's request. The shift in the federal government’s stance came after Islamabad had categorically told the Sindh government that it could not unilaterally repatriate or transfer IG Imam. The establishment division in a letter to the Sindh chief secretary had stated ...

Federal Minister for Law Farogh Naseem called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad here on Friday. During the meeting, the prime minister assured his full trust and cooperation to Farogh Naseem and said that the entire cabinet stands with you. “You’re doing a great job and representing government perfectly as a law minister, said PM Imran Khan while lauding his performance. “Entire cabinet stands with you. I appreciate your performance as a law minister,” PM Khan tells Farogh Naseem. Matters pertaining to important legal affairs were also discussed in the meeting. Federal Law Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem on February 24 refuted rumours of his resignation and opposition towards the appointment of the newly-appointed Attorney General Khalid Javed. “Neither I am resigning from my post as law minister nor I have any reservations towards the appointment of Khalid Javed,” he said. The law minister said that he has a brotherly relation with Khalid Javed as their fathers had a ...

Dozens of Turkish soldiers have reportedly been killed in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib as Syrian government forces, backed by allied fighters from popular defense groups, continue to score territorial gains in battles against foreign-sponsored militants in their last major bastion in the country. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 34 Turkish soldiers had been killed in airstrikes in the area on Thursday. The Britain-based monitor further noted that the casualties took place in a district located between the town of al-Bara, located in the Zawiya Mountain, and Billion town. The report came hours after Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech aired on the private Turkish-language NTV television news network that three Turkish troops had been killed in Idlib. “The developments in Idlib are now in favor [of Turkey],” he added at the opening ceremony of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s Politics Academy conference. T...

England's Mark Wood is ruled out of Sri Lanka tour with injury,fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of England's Test tour of Sri Lanka with a left side strain. The Durham player sustained the injury at the end of the South Africa tour earlier this month. He had several scans in London, which confirmed a small tear to his left side - the same side he injured in July's World Cup final, which meant he missed the Ashes.  Saqib Mehmood the Lancashire Seamer will replace Wood in the Test squad. The England Test squad travels to Sri Lanka on Monday before two Tests later in March. Wood will now start an injury rehabilitation programme, working with England and Durham medical teams.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said on Friday that the government now has a plan to deal with the situation of pilgrims coming to Pakistan from Iran, which has been hit with the coronavirus epidemic. Dr Mirza said he has reviewed the situation at the Taftan-Zahedan border. During his visit, the health adviser said that the over next few days the authorities will gradually allow Pakistani ‘zaireens’ or pilgrims returning from Iran to enter the country, after full health screening. He further said that the point of entry is being strengthened. Pakistan on Sunday had sealed its border with Iran and declared emergency in border districts. On Wednesday, Pakistan recorded its first two cases of coronavirus, with one each being in Karachi and Islamabad. The patients had returned recently from Iran. Earlier, Dr Mirza said that the two patients were stable and their condition was improving. "Contacts traced until now and tested are all negative," ...

Israeli military helicopters have attacked Syrian army positions in the Arab country’s southwestern province of Quneitra near the occupied Golan Heights as tensions soar between the Tel Aviv regime and the Damascus government over an earlier airstrike. Syria’s official news agency SANA reported the aircraft fired missiles at the positions of Syrian government troops in the city of Quneitra, located some 65 kilometers south of the capital Damascus, and the nearby towns of al-Qataniyah and al-Hurriyet. Three soldiers were injured in the aerial attacks that were carried out late on Thursday night. There was no immediate response from the Israeli army, which rarely acknowledges strikes conducted in Syria. Syria’s state-run al-Ikhbariyah Syria television news network said the helicopters came from above the Golan Heights. The bombings came hours after one person was killed in an Israeli drone attack in the same Syrian province. “A civilian was martyred when his car was targeted by ...

Multan Sultans set target of 186 runs for Karachi Kings. Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans clash began at 3:00 PM Multan Sultans have four points while Karachi Kings only have two points. Earlier, Sultans had defeated Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi in two of their three games. Karachi Kings have played just two matches and have won their game against Zalmi. Read more:  PSL 2020: Bad weather leaves enthusiastic cricket fans dejected The Met Office has forecast a spell of rainfall with Wind or thunderstorm from Friday to Saturday in the country including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is to host Peshawar Zalmi-Lahore Qalandars match on February 28 (today) and Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi on February 29. Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET Office) on Wednesday had informed that a westerly weather system is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Thursday evening and persist till Saturday.

Amid coronavirus threat, the district administration in Islamabad has urged its employees to avoid embracing and handshakes. In the coronavirus advisory, the employees have been barred to mark biometric attendance at offices. The advisory has urged the citizens to avoid crowded areas and to maintain distance of two meters from those suffering from the flu. The workers who operate computers at offices have been directed to use gloves to avoid coronavirus which may spread through breathing and coughing. Earlier this month, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had also issued a travel advisory for its crew members working on the national flag carrier’s flights to Beijing and Tokyo.

Pakistani actor Feroze Khan has termed Chinese video sharing social networking service TikTok a ‘cancer’. The Khaani actor, who has embarked on a spiritual journey, took to Twitter sharing two stories of the Tiktokers and said “TikTok is cancer. I repeat, cancer!”. Fans and followers of Feroze Khan commented in his support. A fan commented that TikTok should be banned in Pakistan. Another said agreed, it’s a cancer in new generation. Totally agreed. It's not only waste of time but it's distracting our youth from their main goals.

Multan Sultans loss one wicket early, Batsman Zeeshan Ashraf scored 23 runs. Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans clash began at 3:00 PM Multan Sultans have four points while Karachi Kings only have two points. Earlier, Sultans had defeated Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi in two of their three games. Karachi Kings have played just two matches and have won their game against Zalmi. Read more:  PSL 2020: Bad weather leaves enthusiastic cricket fans dejected The Met Office has forecast a spell of rainfall with Wind or thunderstorm from Friday to Saturday in the country including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is to host Peshawar Zalmi-Lahore Qalandars match on February 28 (today) and Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi on February 29. Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET Office) on Wednesday had informed that a westerly weather system is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Thursday evening and persist till Saturday.

Karachi Kings take on Multan Sultans in the 10th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 at Multan Cricket Stadium. Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans clash will begin at 3:00 PM Multan Sultans have four points while Karachi Kings only have two points. Earlier, Sultans had defeated Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi in two of their three games. Karachi Kings have played just two matches and have won their game against Zalmi. Read more:  PSL 2020: Bad weather leaves enthusiastic cricket fans dejected The Met Office has forecast a spell of rainfall with Wind or thunderstorm from Friday to Saturday in the country including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is to host Peshawar Zalmi-Lahore Qalandars match on February 28 (today) and Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi on February 29. Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET Office) on Wednesday had informed that a westerly weather system is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Thursday evening and...

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Friday remarked that it is the government's responsibility to decide about Pakistani students who are trapped in Wuhan as the 'situation is serious'. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah passed the remarks while hearing a petition filed by the parents of the Pakistani students stuck in Chinese city of Wuhan due to coronavirus outbreak. During the hearing, the parents told the court that there was a “clear difference” in the stance of the government and the students trapped in China. “The government is not giving us any answers,” said the parents. After hearing the parents, IHC CJ remarked that the government should satisfy the parents on the measures they have taken. “This is a serious situation and the government of Pakistan needs to make a decision on this,” added IHC CJ Athar Minallah. Earlier in the hearing, an official of the health ministry informed the court that they have set up a committee to provide as...

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan(DRAP) is making all out efforts for prevention of coronavirus in the country. In a statement, Spokesperson for Ministry of Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza said that the Authority is also ensuring availability of masks and other protective items in this regard. The Spokesperson said companies have been directed to ensure provision of masks in the market at the prices fixed in December last year. New stock of masks is also being provided in markets. Read more:  “Who said wearing mask is mandatory to get safe from coronavirus”: Justice remarked Remember,  Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday heard plea related to shortage and inflated rates of the surgical masks amid detection of two coronavirus cases in Pakistan. At the outset of the hearing, the lawyer of the applicant stated that prices of surgical masks are skyrocketing in the across the province, including Karachi, while there is an acute shortage too.  

An accountability court on Friday extended the judicial remand of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) stalwart, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, till March 13, in assets beyond means. Hamza Shehbaz Sharif was presented before the court of Judge Jawad-ul-Hassan under tight security. The court had to indict PML-N leader today but due to the absence of duty judge, the Punjab Assembly opposition leader will now be inducted on March 6. The accountability court has summoned PML-N leader to appear before the court on March 6 and extended his judicial remand including six other accused in money laundering case till March 13. The court was then adjourned till March 6. It must be noted that the NAB had arrested PML-N leader in the assets beyond income case on June 11, 2019, after LHC had turned down his applications for extension in interim bail. The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz in assets beyond means case. A...

The Pakistan-Iran border crossing at Taftan on Friday remained close for the sixth consecutive day as immigration and crossings from both sides remained halted amid confirmation of two virus cases in the country, both of whom had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, an emergency has been declared in the provincial areas bordering Iran and screening process of 270 pilgrims who returned to Pakistan was undergoing at Pakistan House in Taftan. “The authorities have already closed down educational institutes in the province till March 15,” they said. The PDMA further said that the authorities have prepared the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be followed for the pilgrims who will be returning from Iran. “Currently there are hundreds of Pakistanis stranded at the Iran border and we have decided to bring them back in groups of 1000 people after screening process on a daily basis,” they said. “Those return...

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday heard plea related to shortage and inflated rates of the surgical masks amid detection of two coronavirus cases in Pakistan. At the outset of the hearing, the lawyer of the applicant stated that prices of surgical masks are skyrocketing in the across the province, including Karachi, while there is an acute shortage too. “Who said wearing mask is mandatory to get safe from coronavirus”, Justice Muhammad Ali remarked. Have you not saw the press conference of the doctors in this context, yesterday?, he asked the lawyer of the applicant. The SHC bench observed that masks are available in Karachi after observing a girl wearing mask in the court room. Upon asking, the girl replied, she bought the mask from the city but after facing so much difficulties. A panic has been created under the name of coronavirus in the city, the judge remarked. Following the detection of two cases of coronavirus in Pakistan, the prices of surgical masks were surged in v...

Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their robust political and economic partnership. The agreement reached during the meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. The two sides also agreed to further enhance economic cooperation especially in the energy sector. The two countries also agreed to immediately activate the bilateral Joint Working Group on Commerce and Investment and the MoU on Cooperation in the fields of Tourism and Business Events. During the talks, the Prime Minister appreciated Qatar's valuable role leading to the US-Taliban peace agreement to be signed tomorrow. Imran Khan reiterated Pakistan's continued support for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. The two leaders expressed the hope that all Afghan stakeholders would seize this historic opportunity to reach an inclusive political settlement for the establishment of durable peace and stability in Afghanist...

Occasionally rain continued in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi since last night and likely to disturb the Pakistan Super League (PSL 5) Pindi fixtures, on Friday. The Met Office has forecast a spell of rainfall with Wind or thunderstorm from Friday to Saturday in the country including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is to host Peshawar Zalmi-Lahore Qalandars match on February 28 (today) and Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi on February 29. Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET Office) on Wednesday had informed that a westerly weather system is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Thursday evening and persist till Saturday. In Punjab rainfall with hailstorm at few places expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi-Bahuddin, Gujrat, Sialkot from Friday to Saturday. Rainfall with dust storm also likel...

Hopes the coronavirus would be contained to China vanished on Friday as infections spread rapidly around the world, countries started stockpiling medical equipment and investors took flight in expectation of a global recession. Share prices were on track for the worst week since the global financial crisis in 2008 as virus-related disruptions to international travel and supply chains fueled fears of recession in the United States and the Euro zone. The U.S. stock market fell into correction territory with the benchmark S&P 500 index down more than 4% on Thursday, extending a market rout that has now sliced more than 10% off of its closing peak on Feb. 19. Asian stocks on Friday tracked Wall Street’s plunge. “The coronavirus now looks like a pandemic. Markets can cope even if there is big risk as long as we can see the end of the tunnel,” said Norihiro Fujito, chief investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. “But at the moment, no one can tell how long ...