PTA registration fee for iPhones reduced

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reducecd the registration fee for older handsets of Apple iPhones following the announcement of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Following the FBR’s announcement to reduce taxes on Apple smartphones, the PTA reduced the registration fee for older iPhone handsets.

Related: Apple to compensate users amid iPhone performance slowdown

The PTA announced a reduction in the registration in two categories including passport-based and CNIC-based fees.

• The iPhone 8’s registration fee on passport was fixed at Rs38,922
• The iPhone 8’s registration fee on CNIC was fixed at Rs48,314
• The iPhone 8 Plus’ registration fee on passport was fixed at Rs40,951
• The iPhone 8 Plus’ registration fee on CNIC was fixed at Rs50,546

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General elections: ECP to hold consultations with political parties

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to hold consultations with the major political parties ahead of the general elections, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Sources told ARY News that the ECP decided to initiate consultations with the major political parties ahead of the general elections.

Sources added that the election commission will hold separate consultation session with the political parties to taken them in confidence regarding the general polls.

On Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) again cautioned the federal and provincial caretaker governments against getting involved in any political activities that might undermine the smooth conduct of elections.

Read More: ECP stops Punjab caretaker set-up from exceeding powers

In letters written to caretaker governments, the electoral watchdog affirmed that the regimes must refrain from any actions aimed at exerting influence on the elections or engaging in any activities that could, in any way, impact or compromise the integrity of free and fair elections.

“The caretaker governments, as apolitical bodies, are authorised to make decisions or take steps pertaining to ongoing bilateral or multilateral agreements, as well as projects that have been previously initiated under the Public Private Partnership Authority Act 2017.”

The ECP cautioned the caretaker administrations to confine themselves to the authority granted to them by the Elections Act, 2017.

Read: General elections: ECP constitutes high-powered oversight panel

The Commission cited an instance, in which it intervened to curtail the caretaker government in Punjab from exceeding its prescribed powers.

“A letter was penned by the Election Commission addressed to the caretaker Chief Minister (CM) and Chief Secretary of Punjab. The letter conveyed that the caretaker administration is restricted from making significant decisions, and its authority is limited to overseeing routine operations,” it added.

The ECP expressed concern over the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) to housing societies in green belt areas by deputy commissioners and cautioned the caretaker governments against making decisions that fall outside their purview and should instead be made by elected governments.

The Commission further directed the interim administrations to refrain from announcing or commencing any fresh development initiatives on both the federal and provincial fronts. This directive applies except for projects already underway or approved before the notification was issued.

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ACE booked another PTI MNA over corruption charges

LAHORE: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has booked another Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader (PTI) MNA over corruption charges, ARY News reported.

As per details, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) team conducted raids for the arrest of PTI MNA Mian Shabir Ali Qureshi but could not arrest him.

The raids were conducted by the ACE special team which was formed for the arrest of Mian Shabir Qureshi.

The PTI MNA is accused of receiving commissions in various developmental projects and allotting contracts to his favorite contractors.

Yesterday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former state minister Zartaj Gul was booked over ‘corruption’ charges.

Read more: PTI’s Zartaj Gul booked in corruption case

As per details, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) team conducted a raid at Zartaj Guls’ residence to arrest her but she was not at home.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) stated that was summoned several times in corruption cases but the PTI leader did not appear before the ACE.

She is accused of giving contracts for various developmental projects to her ‘frontmen’ at a lower rate by taking ‘bribes’.

Zartaj Gul and her husband Humayun Akhund used to take a ten percent commission for providing funds for development schemes in her constituency, the notice claimed.

The couple is also accused of revising the development schemes that cost heavy losses to the national kitty, the Punjab ACE said.

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Pakistan demands biometric exemption for elderly Hajj, Umrah pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani government has demanded the Saudi Arabian authorities to give exemption to the elderly Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from the mandatory biometric verification, ARY News reported on Monday.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said that the Saudi Arabia government is providing best facilities to the Pakistani Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

He demanded the Saudi authorities to give exemption to the elderly pilgrims aged above 65 years from biometric verification.

While addressing a joint press conference with the Saudi minister for hajj and umrah, Aneeq Ahmed said that best outcomes will be witnessed after the agreement between both countries enjoying historical and brotherly ties.

Ahmed said that Pakistan is the top country in term of sending Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Road to Makkah project is beneficial for Pakistani pilgrims, he added.

He further said that the pilgrims should be given facilities under the Road to Makkah project at all airports, as well as in Mina and Arafat.

Related: President Alvi calls for strengthening economic, cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

In another development today, the government of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed the Air Services Agreement (ASA) to enhance cooperation in the aviation sector.

Director General Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan Khaqan Murtaza and President General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz Al Duailej signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respectively to facilitate citizens of the two countries.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Caretaker Adviser to Prime Minister on Aviation Farhat Hussain Malik, Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Maliki and other officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The signed Air Services Agreement will further enhance and facilitate the cooperation in aviation sector between both countries. The cooperation in aviation sector will boost trade and economic growth.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umra Dr. Taufeeq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiya along with a delegation arrived in Islamabad on a four-day visit.

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Caretaker PM lauds Saudi interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday lauded Saudi Arabia for its interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), ARY News reported.

According to details, Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah called on caretaker PM in Islamabad.

The premier welcomed the delegation and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations with the Kingdom.

He lauded the vision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and said Pakistan would always remain a trusted partner of Saudi Arabia.

PM Kakar thanked the Saudi leadership for making excellent arrangements for Hujjaj from all over the world, including Pakistan during Hajj this year.

He expressed the hope that Pakistani Hajj and Umrah pilgrims would continue to receive special treatment from the Saudi side.

Read More: President Alvi calls for strengthening economic, cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

The Prime Minister also thanked Saudi Arabia for its interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The Saudi Minister thanked the Prime Minister for warm hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation during their maiden visit to Pakistan.

He said Saudi Arabia would extend all possible facilitation to Pakistani pilgrims and in addition to religious visits, the delegation will also try to promote Saudi tourism to Pakistan.

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Jaranwala incident: PUC, Church of Pakistan form joint committee

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) and Church of Pakistan on Sunday jointly established a 24-member committee in a concerted effort to address the tragic incident in Jaranwala, foster interfaith and interdenominational unity, and quell extremist narratives.

Co-chaired by PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshal, the committee comprises diverse leaders including Bishop Aleem Anwar, Bishop Arshad Joseph, Muswar Abbasi, Pastor Immanuel Khokhar, Zaheer Abbas, Pastor Shahzad Gul, Pastor Immanuel Lorraine, Bishop Leoradic Paul, Bishop Alvin Samorel, Mishaal Samorel, Sahil Advocate, Pir Naqibur Rehman, Sahibzada Hassan Haseebur Rehman, Maulana Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Allama Arif Wahidi, Allama Tahirul Hasan, Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Maulana Muhammad Aslam Siddiqui, Farzd Islam, Sardar Ajmal Advocate, Sajid Iqbal Advocate and other dignitaries.

READ: Jaranwala incident: Punjab govt announces Rs2m for affected families

Ashrafi emphasised during a media interaction that building a peaceful and resilient Pakistan required active participation from all segments of society, the state news agency reported.

He stressed the inclusion of leaders from various religions in the 24-member committee, bridging the gap between Muslim and Christian leaders.

“We must strive to cultivate tolerance, respect, and patience in our society and reject any attempts to exploit religion for personal or political gains,” he added.

READ: Jaranwala incident: Suspect booked for posting ‘blasphemous’ content online

He further noted that concerted efforts would be made across all levels to discourage illegal actions under the guise of blasphemy or religious insult.

Ashrafi said the PUC had pledged to provide assistance to the young victims of the Jaranwala incident, announcing their commitment to organize arrangements for the affected girls’ dowries as part of their ongoing support efforts.

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Man killed in his home in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar

KARACHI: A citizen namely Syed Murtaza was gunned down in his bedroom under mysterious circumstances in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar Block 15 area on Sunday, ARY News reported.

In a mysterious firing incident, a man namely Murtaza was killed in his bedroom in the Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi today. Police said that the slain man’s two brothers were also present at the time of the killing.

One of his brothers claimed that they witnessed an unidentified man running away from the home just after the firing. Police told the media that the killer did not steal anything from the house, however, the mobile phone of the slain man was missing.

Police detailed that Murtaza was an ex-employee of a bank who had left his job a few months ago. The body was shifted to the Jinnah Hospital for post-mortem.

They said that the slain man’s family members were insisting on not to conduct an autopsy. The police officials witnessed a bloody pillow and blood stains in a tub in the washroom, whereas, the bedsheet was missing.

Related: Karachi: Prime suspect of policeman murder arrested

They said that the bullet was fired at Murtaza’s head from the right side but the investigators did not find even a single shell from the room and the washroom. Police said that they are investigating the case to ascertain whether it was suicide, murder or a personal fight.

Superintendent Police (SP) Gulshan said that statements of Murtaza’s family members are being recorded.

Yesterday, unidentified assailants gunned down a policeman in Allahdad Ground near Sharafi Goth in Karachi.

The police spokesperson said that the martyred policeman who was identified as Zahid was deployed in Security Zone.

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