Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Sep 25: Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari announced on Tuesday that the government is actively pursuing power sector reforms aimed at providing affordable electricity to consumers. Speaking on a private television channel, the minister assured that consumers could expect positive news about lower electricity costs in the coming months. Leghari also mentioned ongoing discussions with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to improve energy pricing. He acknowledged that the high cost of electricity in Pakistan is primarily due to elevated interest rates and currency devaluation but emphasized that the government is taking all necessary steps to ease the…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: Mark Robinson, the GOP gubernatorial nominee for North Carolina, faced mounting political challenges as his campaign staff resigned following reports of his controversial past comments on an online pornography forum. Allegations of antigay and racist remarks, coupled with his admission of paying for an abortion for his now-wife, have created a scandal-filled backdrop for his candidacy. Robinson, known for his staunch anti-abortion stance, is now navigating a turbulent political landscape in a key swing state. North Carolina, which Donald Trump narrowly won in 2020, reflects the complex dynamics of modern American politics. The state’s mix of rural…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: Qist Bazaar, Pakistan’s leading Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) fintech startup, has successfully raised $3.2 million in its Series A funding round. This round was led by Indus Valley Capital, with contributions from Gobi Partners, a notable Asia-focused venture capital firm with $1.6 billion in assets under management. Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks, had previously led Qist Bazaar’s seed funding round. This funding marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s consumer financing sector, as it represents the first collaboration between an international venture capital firm and a major Pakistani commercial bank to invest in a…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: In an exhilarating match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the New Zealand Women faced off against the Australia Women, showcasing their skills and determination on the cricket field. Fans gathered at the stadium, eager to witness this highly anticipated clash between two of the top teams in women’s cricket. The match began with New Zealand Women winning the toss and opting to bat first. Openers Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates forged a strong partnership, setting a solid foundation for their innings. Their aggressive approach kept the Australian bowlers on their toes. However, the Australia Women’s…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: The highly anticipated cricket match between the United States and the UAE lived up to its expectations, delivering thrilling moments that captivated fans. The UAE’s bowling attack was formidable in the early stages, putting the United States under significant pressure by keeping their run rate low. Despite this, the United States responded with key batting performances, hitting some spectacular boundaries that shifted the momentum. A pivotal moment occurred when the UAE secured a crucial wicket, which briefly gave them the upper hand. However, the United States regained control through strategic partnerships, battling back into contention. The game…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal stated that no decision had been made regarding a potential military trial for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The IHC had previously asked the government to clarify its position on the matter. Imran Khan’s petition, filed in relation to the May 9 incident, sought to prevent his trial in a military court after vandalism at military installations occurred following his arrest in a corruption case. The rumours of a possible military trial stemmed from public statements made by…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: During the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ in New York, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that no sustainable development could occur as long as tragedies like Gaza persist, condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks that have resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths. His speech, part of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), highlighted the need for global cooperation to address challenges of security and development. Asif called for the implementation of the ‘Pact for the Future,’ a strategy to revitalize development and reform the unequal international financial system. He stressed the importance of fulfilling…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on Tuesday for a five-day visit to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His schedule includes addressing the General Debate on September 27, as well as participating in multiple high-level meetings and events. Upon his arrival, he was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram. Throughout his visit, the prime minister will attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where he will engage in informal meetings with various heads of state. He will also meet Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: The RUYI Group from China has committed to establishing international-standard Textile Parks in Pakistan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan’s Board of Investment and RUYI Shandong Group in Islamabad, witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The group plans to invite around 100 large Chinese textile industries to invest in these parks, which will be located in Sindh and Punjab. The parks aim to boost Pakistan’s textile exports, positioning the country as a global textile and garment hub. These facilities will operate with zero carbon emissions using solar energy and advanced automated technology. The first…

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Islamabad, Sep 25: The Sindh Assembly was informed that 81 industrial units, including textile and sugar mills, had been closed over the past five years due to the electricity crisis. The Parliamentary Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Ali Ahmed, acknowledged that industrial activity had been severely impacted by power shortages, with industrialists expressing concerns. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi criticized the unsatisfactory responses, requesting more detailed information on closed and newly established units from 2018 to 2023. Minister Saeed Ghani clarified that some questions related to the labor department, not the industries department. Additionally, the assembly unanimously passed the Sindh Control…

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