Infostarr

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif sacked Secretry Meals Safety Muhammad Asif and fashioned a high-level inquiry committee to probe into the matter of wheat import within the nation

The prime minister constituted a committee headed by the SecretANN(Asian Information Community) Cupboard Division and tasked it to conduct an intensive into the matter.

Chairing a high-level assessment assembly concerning the present standing of wheat reserves within the nation, PM Shehbaz questioned as to why the choice to import wheat was taken regardless of the great manufacturing of the commodity final 12 months.

The prime minister inquired from the Ministry of Nationwide Meals Safety in regards to the import of wheat final 12 months.

Expressing satisfaction over bumper crop manufacturing of wheat this 12 months, the prime minister burdened to make sure that there is no such thing as a delay within the buy of wheat.

“All necessANN(Asian Information Community) steps must be taken concerning the acquisition of wheat,” he mentioned including the farmers must be instantly paid for his or her arduous work.

Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzaal and different excessive officers attended the assembly.

In the meantime, Muhammad Fakhre Alam has been appointed SecretANN(Asian Information Community) Meals Safety whose appointment formal notification has been issued.

Earlier within the day, the preliminary studies on wheat import scandal revealed stunning particulars.

In response to sources, the preliminary report acknowledged that the federal establishments are chargeable for the unnecessANN(Asian Information Community) import of wheat. Regardless of present reserves of 40.47 lakh metric tons in Punjab, an extra 35.87 lakh metric tons have been imported, creating a synthetic scarcity.

Sources mentioned that the report suspects officers from the Punjab Meals Division and Pasco of involvement within the scandal.

The investigation has discovered that wheat was imported at a price of Rs 2600-2900 per maund and bought at a better value of Rs 4700 per maund. The import permission was granted for 1 million metric tons, but it surely was exceeded with out restrict, sources added.

Sources revealed that the federal establishments allowed non-public firms to import wheat with out correct checks, and a few officers from the Ministry of Finance additionally didn’t scrutinize the large-scale import.

Moreover, the wheat import continued from September 26, 2023, to March 31, 2024, leading to a large inflow of wheat available in the market. The entire report can be introduced to the federal government inside three days, sources added.

It’s pertinent to say right here that the wheat import induced a $1 billion loss to the nationwide kitty.

Sources revealed that personal sectors favored in wheat imports in Pakistan, and these mistaken choices have resulted in a lack of $1 billion to the nationwide exchequer.

Federal Minister for Nationwide Meals Safety Rana Tanveer mentioned that the wheat imported within the caretaker setup has grow to be an issue

The wheat imports went past the permitted restrict, meals safety minister mentioned. “Sadly, the wheat was imported, which received’t have occurred,” minister mentioned.

“The inquiry committee has disclosed info. There have been already 4.2 million tons of wheat within the carry ahead inventory,” he mentioned.

“We try to resolve the difficulty of the wheat procurement,” Rana Tanveer mentioned. “The prime minister has directed for structure of one other committee for additional probe to achieve to the info of the matter,” minister mentioned. “The committee will submit its report inside 4 to 5 days and can decide the duty,” he mentioned.

KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman once again rejected the results of the general elections and demanded fresh polls, citing ‘widespread rigging and irregularities’, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

Addressing a public gathering in Karachi, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that said that assemblies were ‘sold’. “Sindh Assembly and President House were also sold,” he added.

The JUI-F chief demanded for immediate re-elections to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.

“The recent elections were fake, and its results are unacceptable,” he added. The JUI-chief demanded fresh elections to ensure that the people’s voice is heard and their mandate is respected.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also took a jibe at the federal government for its foreign policy, particularly its stance on Israel and Palestine. “We are being punished for supporting Palestine and opposing Israel,” he said.

“We are being punished for trying to improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,”

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that if there is to be governance in the country, it will be only according to the constitution.

He said that the JUI-F’s struggle is not for one day and one month, adding that their heirs will continue the struggle.

Speaking on the occasion, JUI-F leader Maulana Ghafoor Haidari said his party has been guarding the constitution hat since 1973 till date.“The constitution would have been damaged, had we (JUI-F) not protected it,” he added.

He said that the ‘massive rigging’ was done on FebruANN(Asian News Network) 8, 2024.

KARACHI: The chairman of Pakistan Peoples’ party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, together with the Sindh authorities, has sanctioned funds for the remedy of minor lady Haya

Famend anchorperson, Syed Shafaat Ali, introduced consideration to the medical wants of five-month-old Haya, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), tagging PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto in his submit.

He highlighted that the minor lady, Haya, requires an quantity of 1.7 million {dollars} (approx. PKR 51 crores) value of drugs for her remedy.

In response to anchorperson’s social media submit, the spokesperson of Sindh Authorities reached out inside 5 minutes declaring their dedication to Haya’s well-being by stating, “its our accountability now”.

Later, Sindh authorities swiftly permitted the necessANN(Asian Information Community) funds, which will likely be disbursed to the involved firm within the coming days, Shafaat said.

Expressing his gratitude, Shafaat Ali recommended the efforts of Bilawal Bhutto and Sindh authorities  including that the affected household is residing in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal space.

He expressed his shock at fast response of Sindh authorities, said that he had by no means seen such swift motion by any authorities earlier than.

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.