Infostarr

DIAMIR: At least 20 persons were killed and 21 more were wounded when a bus fell into a deep ravine in Diamer, a city in Gilgit-Baltistan province in the wee hours of Friday

According to details, the accident occurred on the Karakoram Highway in Yashukhaldas area of Diamer. The bus was travelling to Hunza from Rawalpindi when it fell into a gorge after the driver lost control.

Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the dead and injured to Chilas Hospital. Rescue sources said the death toll might rise further as the majority of the injured were in critical condition.

Giltgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said an emergency was declared at Chilas Hospital after the accident. He also confirmed the death toll and said the bus was carrying more than 35 passengers to Hunza.

Earlier, seven people including a folksinger Sharafat Ali were ‘dead’ after the car they were travelling in fell into a canal in Mianwali.

Rescue sources said seven people were travelling in the ill-fated car when it plunged into a canal near Paka Kanjhera in Mianwali. Singer Sharafat Ali was going to his home after attending a marriage ceremony when the accident took place.

RAWALPINDI: The security forces on Thursday gunned down three terrorists involved in numerous terrorist activities including the recent abduction of District and Sessions Judge in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank District, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The militANN(Asian News Network)’s media wing in a statement said that the security forces conducted a joint operation on the reported presence of terrorists on 2nd May 2024.

“During the conduct of the operation, after an intense fire exchange, three terrorists were gunned down. The killed terrorists have been identified as, ringleader Azmat alias Azmati, Karamat alias Hanzla and Rehan,” the ISPR added.

It said that the killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including the recent abduction of the District & Sessions Judge of South Waziristan District.

Security forces remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.

Earlier on April 29,  Four terrorists were gunned down in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Khyber district.

The security forces conducted an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Khyber district on reported presence of terrorists.

During an intense exchange of fire, the security forces killed four terrorists, including Qari Wajid aka Qari Biryal and Raziq. Meanwhile, the troops also destroyed hideouts of the terrorists.

“Locals of the area appreciated the operation by the Security Forces, who remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country,” it added.

KARACHI: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s appointment to the post has been challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC) as the hearing has been fixed for Friday, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

According to the details, the SHC two-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of the SHC Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi will hear the petition on Friday.

The petition was filed by Tariq Mansoor who argued that Ishaq Dar’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister was ‘unlawful’ and unconstitutional. The petitioner maintained that a deputy prime minister slot is not mentioned anywhere in the constitution.

It is pertinent to mention here that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was assigned the additional responsibility of deputy prime minister, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday.

Read More: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to lead Pakistan delegation at OIC summit

The announcement coincided with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where they attended the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) special meeting on global collaboration, growth, and energy.

According to the notification, PM Shehbaz appointed Ishaq Dar as his deputy with immediate effect and until further orders. Before Ishaq Dar’s appointment to the post, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who was then with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid was appointed as the first deputy prime minister of  Pakistan in June 2012.

Earlier on on Wednesday the Foreign Office said in a statement that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will lead the Pakistan delegation at the two-day 15th OIC summit being held in Banjul, the Gambia on May 4-5.

The Deputy Prime Minister Dar will also attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting preceding the Summit on 2-3 May where the ministers will discuss and finalize the agenda and outcome documents for the Summit.

The summit is being convened at a critical time for the Muslim ummah as the war on the people of Gaza continues unabated. It would be an important occasion for the OIC leaders to deliberate upon the dire situation in Gaza and project a strong, collective and unified stance on the Palestinian question.

KARACHI: Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a decision has been made to extend the deadline for submission of declarations of interest by 15 days.

The Federal Minister for Privatisation, Abdul Aleem Khan, in his statement asserted that there will be no further extension beyond this deadline for the submission of declarations of interest for national flag carrier.

A total of 10 companies have already shown interest in the privatization of PIA, Aleem Khan stated.

The federal minister revealed that the three local airlines are keen on forming a consortium with international companies.

READ: Only 2 companies show interest in buying PIA

“Those responsible for causing Rs 830 billion loss to PIA are not showing interest in its privatization,” he added.

He emphasized that institutions like PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills, and DISCOs are burdens on the country’s economy which hindering Pakistan’s development.

Aleem Khan remains optimistic about convincing Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leadership regarding the privatization plan.

Highlighting PIA routes, he stated that the airline international routes including destinations like Jeddah, Madinah, China, Hong Kong, London, Washington, and Toronto.

Expressing confidence, the federal minister stated that with the arrival of new planes, PIA will become profitable, as the private sector and capital understand the potential profits in the national flag carrier.

Assuring transparency, Aleem Khan stated that the privatization of PIA will be conducted openly before the media, reassuring that PIA employees will not face any issues, as Pakistan has the best pilots and crew in the world.

Following the announcement of the squad for the T20 World Cup, Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s epic response on a question regarding Virat Kohli’s strike rate surprised everyone.

He along with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar was addressing a press conference at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday.

When asked about Indian star batter Virat Kohli’s scoring rate, both Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar gave a smile as the latter went on to respond to the question.

“We are not the ones who talked about Virat’s strike rate. Look at his stats, he is performing exceptionally well in the IPL. He is someone who can walk in into any situation and take us to victory,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that despite playing several high-scoring knocks in IPL 2024, Kohli’s strike rate which is around 147.49 has triggered a debate in India ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Several cricket experts bashed Kohli over his low strike rate against spinners in the middle overs.

According to Agarkar, the Indian batter was in top form and a proven match-winner.

“I believe there is no point in overthinking about it. In the end, when you play in the World Cup, the pressure is different,” he said.

Reacting to criticism on his strike-rate, Kohli had earlier said that it was easy to comment from the box.

“I have been doing this for 15 years. It’s like a muscle memory for me now,” he added.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that the inflation rate reduced to 17 percent from 39 percent during the last two years, terming it better economic indicators, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

In a statement issued here, the prime minister said that the recent decrease in inflation is good news for the people. “Decrease in inflation is a result of the hard work of sixteen-month previous government and the caretaker setup that continued the efforts initiated by the government,” he added.

PM Shehbaz also directed the provincial governments to take necessANN(Asian News Network) measures to ensure the implementation of the reduced prices of petroleum products and the sale of edible items at government rates.

The prime minister said bringing down inflation is the top priority of the government and the people will get more relief as soon as economic activities pick momentum.

He said slashed petroleum rates will provide a respite to the public as oil prices in the international market have decreased.

Read More: PM Shehbaz asks industrialists to prioritise improving conditions of labour class

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve to continue heading in the same direction to improve people’s lives. He said that the government is striving hard to provide maximum relief to the people.

Earlier on May 1, the prime minister said that they were fully cognizant of the value of the labourers and workers in the national economy and stressed upon the wealthy, businessmen, investors and industrialists to prioritise improving the conditions of the workers.

Addressing a gathering of labourers and workers from different sectors at his residence in connection with the observance of International Labour Day, the prime minister said that country’s economic situation was challenging but they were striving to turn it around, with collectively efforts and sincerity.

He said that Pakistan would soon become a powerful country through a functioning of a fair system and on the basis of hard work by the employers and the employees including workers.

Hrithik Roshan is set to return as superhero Krrish in the fourth installment of one of Bollywood’s most successful franchises.

Responding to a tweet on X, formerly Twitter, filmmaker Siddharth Anand confirmed that Hrithik Roshan will be playing the role of Krrish, an Indian media outlet reported.

After a social media page shared a poster of the actor in his Krrish get-up and wrote, “He’s coming”, Siddharth Anand reacted “Yep, he is.”

Hrithik Roshan, along with his father Rakesh Roshan, is reportedly planning to finalise the concept of Krrish 4 this year.

Read more: LEAKED: Hrithik Roshan’s pictures from ‘War 2’ sets go viral

While he is currently busy shooting War 2, the actor will be involved in giving insights for Krrish 4 which is in advanced stages at present, a source said.

“Hrithik has scheduled brainstorming sessions throughout the summer. Both Rakesh and he wants to deliver a story that will exceed expectations,” the source added.

According to reports, the makers are planning to finalise the basic idea this year and begin shooting in 2025.

Earlier, Rakesh Roshan had said that he would not begin working on Krrish 4 till he was satisfied from inside.

“We have got the script ready, but we keep on improvising. I still feel, there is some scope for improvement. We can’t make films on budgets as high as Hollywood and hence, our content has to be strong and new in this world of superheroes. We have got a great story, and we are now just retouching it,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the superhero story began in Koi Mil Gaya released in 2003, Rakesh and his son later released Krrish and Krrish 3 in 2006 and 2013 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Krrish actor is currently filming Yash Raj Films’ War 2 with director Ayan Mukerji following War that was released in 2019.

The Siddharth Anand (of ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Fighter’ fame) directorial was the third film of YRF’s ambitious spy universe.

KARACHI: Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon transferred Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Malir Taiq Elahi Mastoi and Counter Terrorism Department’s SSP Fida Shah, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

According to the details, Ghulam Nabi Memon appointed Kashif Aftab Abbasi as SSP while the outgoing SSP of the district Malir Taiq Elahi Mastoi has been transferred to the Counter Terrorism Department’s (CTD) investigation wing.

In another transfer, CTD’s SSP Fida Shah has been directed to report to the CPO. The notification has been issued in this regard

Meanwhile, the IGP presided over meeting at CPO Karachi in which monitoring system for internal and external routes of Karachi was discussed.

Ghulam Nabi Memon was briefed that a monitoring system is inevitable in Karachi to prevent the movement of criminals.

Read More: Transfers, postings: Sindh police undergo major reshuffle

The IGP was told that suspects managed to flee after committing the crime entering the city. The monitoring system would help stopping the movement of criminals.

The provincial police chief directed district police officers to activate police checkpoints in their respective areas. He directed deployment of personnel on internal and external routes, including the Northern Bypass

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Additional Inspectors General (AIGs).

Earlier on March 16, the Sindh government on Friday notified a major reshuffle in Sindh Police and transferred several SSPs of different districts.

According to the notification, SSPs of Sukkur, Khairpur, Badin, Thatta, Sujaeal, Sanghar, Naushehro Feroz, Ghotki, Tando Muhammad Khan, Jacobabad and other districts were transferred and posted with immediate effect. Hazeez Rehman Bugti was transferred and posted as SSP Karachi West vice Shad Ibne Masih transferred.

Mir Rohal Khan, an officer of Police Service of Pakistan (BS-18) presently posted as SSP Badin was transferred and posted as SSP Ghotki vice Muhammad Anwer Kheyran transferred and directed to report to Central Police office.

KARACHI: In a bid to enhance security for the citizens of Karachi, authorities are considered to install fencing around the Northern Bypass, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported on Thursday.

Inspector General of Sindh (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon led a meeting, comprised of high-ranking officials including Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) and Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs), at the Central Police Office (CPO) to discuss various security measures ahead of Eidul Azha.

During the briefing, IG Sindh emphasized the importance of a monitoring system on entry and exit routes of Karachi, including the Northern Bypass, which could prevent criminals from absconding following criminal activities, including illegal importation.

READ: Karachi Cattle Market: Location, date, other major details

Ghulam Nabi Memon directed to establish police checkpoints and deploy police personnel, equipped with body-worn cameras, at the entry and exit routes of Karachi to ensure effective surveillance and response.

Additionally, he sought proposals regarding the installation of fences on roads to further enhance security measures in the city.

He expressed confidence that with the deployment of police personnel and the implementation of the aforementioned measures, a significant reduction in crime could be achieved in Karachi.

Furthermore, District Police Officers were instructed to activate checkpoints in their respective districts to strengthen security at the local level.

Last year, several customers and traders returning from the cattle market become victims of snatching at gunpoint due to poor security measures in the area.

People in large numbers get together a few weeks before Eidul Azha to visit cattle markets set up in different parts of the city annually to buy sacrificial animals.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday released the Official Anthem, titled Out of this World, for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 featuring Grammy award winning artist Sean Paul and Soca superstar Kes.

With just 30 days to go until the biggest anticipated cricket tournament begins, the release of the anthem sets the tone for what will be the biggest cricket carnival spectacle ever, with 20 international teams playing 55 matches across the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June.

The anthem of the tournament, produced by Michael “Tano” Montano, was launched along with the music video, featuring notable figures such as eight-time Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt, cricket legends Chris Gayle, Ali Khan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and other Caribbean personalities.

The video serves as a visual celebration of cricket, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and energy that fans around the world can expect while attending ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches.

Furthermore, additional hospitality opportunities and tickets for all ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches are set to be released, with fans encouraged to secure their tickets promptly.

Fans are encouraged to secure their World Cup tickets to avoid missing out on this historical event. Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com for details or email hospitality@t20worldcup.com.

Box office locations and operating hours are available here.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s headline inflation clocked in at 17.3% on a year-on-year foundation in April, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) mentioned on Thursday.

“That is the bottom studying within the final 23 months (after Might 2022),” mentioned Mohammed Sohail, CEO Topline Securities, in a be aware.

In its month-to-month report, the ministry mentioned the inflation outlook for April 2024 maintains a downward trajectory, attributed to the favorable base impact from the earlier 12 months and enhancements within the home provide chain of important objects.

As per the Finance Division, the inflation outlook “seems average as the federal government is set to cut back inflation by actively taking strict administrative measures”.

“Inflation is projected to hover round 18.5- 19.5% in April 2024. Nevertheless, there are expectations of a gradual easing additional to 17.5-18.5% in Might 2024.”

City, rural inflation

The PBS mentioned CPI inflation city elevated to 19.4% on year-on-year foundation in April 2024 as in comparison with a rise of 21.9% within the earlier month and 33.5% in April 2023.

On a month-on-month foundation, it decreased to 0.1% in April 2024 as in comparison with a rise of 1.4% within the earlier month and a rise of two.0% in April 2023.

CPI inflation rural stood at 14.5% on year-on-year foundation in April 2024 as in comparison with a rise of 19% within the earlier month and 40.7% in April 2023.

On month-on-month foundation, it decreased to 0.9% in April 2024 as in comparison with a rise of two.1% within the earlier month and a rise of three% in April 2023.

KATHMANDU, Nepal: Firefighters and native residents battled a large wildfire on the outskirts of Nepal’s capital Thursday because the Himalayan republic endures a extreme hearth season authorities have blamed on a heatwave.

Nepal sees a spate of wildfires yearly, often starting in March, however their quantity and depth has worsened lately, with local weather change resulting in drier winters.

Emergency crews labored by the night time to battle the blaze which engulfed a forested space in Lalitpur, on the southern periphery of the Kathmandu valley.

Greater than 4,500 wildfires have been reported this 12 months throughout the nation, almost double in comparison with final 12 months in accordance with authorities knowledge however lower than the worst hearth season on document in 2021.

“Wildfires have elevated in an unimaginable ratio, and the season is predicted to final for a month extra,” Sundar Prasad Sharma of the Nationwide Catastrophe Danger Discount and Administration Authority advised AFP.

“It’s difficult to place out fires due to our troublesome terrain,” he added.

Atmosphere ministry spokesman Badri Raj Dhungana mentioned the rise within the variety of wildfires this 12 months was due to a prolonged drought and heatwave circumstances in Nepal’s southern plains.

“Typically, wildfires peak late April however this 12 months they’re nonetheless growing due to rising temperatures,” he mentioned.

In depth scientific analysis has discovered local weather change is inflicting heatwaves to change into longer, extra frequent and extra intense.

Giant swathes of South and Southeast Asia have sweltered by a heatwave since final month, with the El Nino phenomenon additionally driving this 12 months’s exceptionally heat climate.

Temperatures have risen above 40 levels Celsius within the Buddhist pilgrimage metropolis of Lumbini and different elements of the south, with extra sizzling climate forecast within the days forward.

Greater than 100 colleges within the southern metropolis of Butwal have been closed on Thursday for 2 days out of fears the heatwave would influence the well being of scholars.

In response to market sources, the value of a 10-kilogram flour bag has dropped by Rs 270 from Rs 1470 to Rs 1200.

Equally, the value of a 15-kilogram flour bag has decreased by Rs 600 to Rs 1650, whereas a 20-kilogram flour bag now prices Rs 2250, down from Rs 2880, sources added.

Sources stated the costs of small and enormous double roti (bread) have additionally decreased by Rs 10 to twenty. A small double roti now prices Rs 120, down from Rs 130, whereas a big double roti prices Rs 230 to 220, down from Rs 240.

The value of first-grade flour has decreased from Rs 170 to Rs 160 per kilogram, whereas second-grade flour now prices Rs 150 per kilogram, down from Rs 160.

Furthermore, Chakki flour costs have dropped to Rs 140 per kilogram, down from Rs 150 within the surrounding areas of Islamabad.

On April 22, the value of flour was dropped by Rs5 per kg by Chakki Ata Affiliation.

As per particulars, the affiliation diminished the flour costs following a lower in wheat charges. The affiliation slashed the value of flour by Rs 5 per kilogram, from Rs 170 to Rs 165 per kilogram.

ISLAMABAD: The per tola fee of 24 karat gold decreased by Rs 900 and was offered at Rs 241,000 on Thursday in comparison with its sale at Rs 241,900 on final buying and selling day, ANN(Asian Information Community) Information reported.

The worth of 10 grams of 24 karat gold additionally decreased by Rs 771 to Rs 206,619 from Rs 207,390 whereas the costs of 10 gram 22 karat gold went right down to Rs 189,400 from Rs 190,108, the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Affiliation reported.

The worth of per tola silver decreased by Rs.10 to Rs.2,620 whereas that of ten gram silver went down by Rs.8.58 to Rs2,246.22.

The worth of gold within the worldwide market decreased by $8 to $2,308 from $2,316, the affiliation reported.

On April 30, Gold costs declined in Pakistan as per tola value slashed by Rs 2000.

In line with the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Affiliation (APGJSA), the value of 24-krat gold declined by Rs2000 to achieve Rs241,900 within the home market.

Equally, the ten grams of gold stood at Rs207,390 following a decline of Rs1715.

In worldwide market, spot gold was down 1% at $2,312.17 per ounce, pressured by firmer greenback that makes the steel costlier for abroad patrons. U.S. gold futures fell 1.4% at $2,324.80.