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Canada announces $5m aid for flood affectees of Pakistan

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Canada has announced five million dollars aid for the flood victims of Pakistan. During a meeting with the office bearers of local Pakistani Canadian organizations in Ottawa, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Canada Zaheer Janjua thanked the Canadian government for its support. The envoy said our expatriate Pakistanis should also come forward  for the help of flood affected people. He pointed out that the floods have caused severe damage to public buildings and infrastructure. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/Rbw9ksf

Islamabad court dismisses Gill’s bail plea in sedition case

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A District and Sessions court of Islamabad dismissed the post arrest bail petition of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill on Tuesday. Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal pronounced the reserved verdict. Gill was arrested on August 9 in Islamabad after a sedition case was filed against him for inciting mutiny within the Pakistan Army. He was already facing sedition charges, but the Islamabad Police last week also registered a case against the PTI leader over possession of an illegal weapon. His bail in the arms recovery case has already been approved. Gill was booked in the case after police raided the incarcerated PTI leader's room in Parliament Lodges late Monday where they recovered weapons, a satellite phone, and foreign currency. The PTI has repeatedly demanded that the party leader be released on bail, alleging that he is facing humiliation, torture and sexual abuse in police custody. Gill, during the raid at his Parliament Lodge's residence, also told journalis

13 people dead due to the turn of the boat in sindh still now

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Deputy commissioner says death tolls rise to 13.Total of seven people, including children, drowned. Search for more people is underway. The death toll from a boat that capsized while carrying flood affectees near Sindh’s Bilawalpur earlier today is presumed to have surpassed 10 after officials said on Monday a search for more people is underway. The deputy commissioner said that the death tolls rose to 13; while eight people have been rescued. Rescue sources said that nearly 25 flood victims were being taken to the relief camps when the incident took place. A total of seven people, including children, drowned as the boat capsized, their bodies have been rescued and recovered. A huge relief operation is underway in Pakistan as the country struggles to deal with monsoon flooding that has affected more than 33 million people. Officials said 1,136 people have died since June when the seasonal rains began, but the final toll could be higher as hundreds of villages in the mountainous

Sindh Govt announces free medical facility for flood affectees

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Sindh government has announced free of charge medical facility for the flood-affected people at Dow Medical University Hospital in Karachi. This was stated in a news release issued from Commissioner Karachi office on Monday. In Sindh, so far 349 people have been killed by floods with over 170,000 houses destroyed and crops spanning 2,800,000 acres were severally damaged. Pakistan Army has joined the national and provincial authorities in responding to the floods and COAS on visited the areas which has been hit heavily by the rains. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/ExeFVt3

Shaukat Tarin allegedly directs Punjab, KP to withdraw from IMF deal

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Tarin has allegedly asked Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Ministers to backtrack from IMF commitments in order to pressurize federal government. According to details, an audio clip has surfaced in which former finance minister was allegedly giving directions to provincial finance minister to derail International Monetary Fund deal. In alleged audio, Shaukat Tarin said that they need to backtrack from Rs750 billion commitments and tell the lender that the commitment Punjab made was pre-floods and now the province "cannot honor it". The PTI leader told the finance minister to draft a letter and send it to him for vetting so it could be sent to the federal government and later on to the IMF representative in Pakistan. At Tarin’s request, Leghari asked whether Pakistan would suffer if Punjab withdraws from the deal. "Well, frankly isn’t the state already suffering because of the way they are treating your chairman [K

PM Shehbaz visits flood affectees in Nowshera

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has visited Nowshera to review operation in flood-affected areas. During the visit, the prime minister would also distribute cheques of cash relief assistance among the flood-stricken people. The PM has also been briefed by the relevant authorities on the damages and relief operations in the area. PM have also been informed about the relief camps arranged for the flood affected. Apart from reviewing the relief work, the Prime Minister also met the flood victims.   from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/d56xebf

Sedition case: Shahbaz Gill willing to apologise, lawyer says

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Shahbaz Gill is willing to apologise for his controversial remarks, his lawyer told a district and sessions court in Islamabad. On August 9, Gill was arrested from Banigala Chowk in the capital a day after making controversial remarks on a private TV channel. He was subsequently booked on charges of sedition and inciting members of state institutions against the Pakistan Army. At the outset of the hearing, the Islamabad Capital City Police presented the case record in court as directed by the judge at the last hearing of his bail plea. Additional District and Sessions judge Zafar Iqbal resumed the hearing on the bail plea this morning. During the hearing, Gill's lawyer Burhan Moazzam asked if he can see the case records submitted in court by inspector Arshad. The court directed the inspector to show the record to the lawyer. However, prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi objected that they cannot show the supplementary challan of the case. Later, the court adjourned the hearing sho

Death toll breaches 1061 mark as flash floods sweep country

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Flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains across Pakistan have killed over 1,061 people and injured and displaced thousands more. Powerful flash floods in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa caused the Kabul River to swell, sweeping away bridges overnight, cutting off some districts from road access. Downstream, fears of flooding around the river banks prompted thousands in the district of Charsadda to flee their homes, according to disaster officials, with some spending the night on highways with their livestock, miles away from their inundated villages and towns. The picturesque Kalam Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is one of the areas most affected by the rains and flooding. Waters from overflowing rivers swept away entire buildings, including an iconic hotel. The monsoon season, which began earlier than normal this year, has lashed Pakistan with particularly heavy rains and rescuers have struggled to evacuate thousands of marooned people from flood-hit areas. The crisis forced t

PM summons 'emergency meeting' of Govt's allies

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an "emergency meeting" of the government s allies to deliberate upon the current situation in the country. The emergency meeting of the government allies will be held at the Prime Minister house at 6:00pm today (Monday). The chief ministers of all provinces have also been invited to attend the meeting. The meeting will be also attended by the heads of the three armed forces. According to media reports, the meeting will review the current flood situation in the country. Important decisions are expected to be taken during the meeting. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/rAY8IH2

Pope Francis urges aid for flood-hit Pakistan

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Pope Francis on Sunday called on the international community to help flood-hit Pakistan. According to international media, his comments came as he visited the city of L'Aquila in central Italy, which was hit by an earthquake that killed more than 300 people in 2009. The 85-year-old pope praised the people of L'Aquila's "resilience" and "dignity". Pope Francis, who used a wheelchair during the visit, was due to return to the Vatican early this afternoon. He will chair a meeting with cardinals from around the world on Monday and Tuesday, where they will discuss the future of the Catholic Church. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/C1WDbBK

Monsoon floods: PM convenes APC on Monday

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Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an “All Parties Conference” (APC) over the ongoing flood disasters in the country, which will be held at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday. The conference will discuss measures to tackle the calamity befallen on the people due to the monsoon brust and flooding across the country. It should be noted that the humanitarian situation in Pakistan has deteriorated further over the past two weeks as heavy rains continue to cause flooding, over 1000 have died due to rain and flood disasters in the four provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan, while millions have been displaced. Furthermore, crops on millions of acres have been completely destroyed and many houses have become piles of rubble from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/P7WOuJ8

Death toll breaches 1030 mark as flash floods sweep country

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Flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains across much of Pakistan have killed over 1,030 people and injured and displaced thousands more. Floods continued to devastate the country on Sunday, particularly the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan leaving at least 119 people dead and more than 70 injured in the past 24 hours. Floods have claimed over 1,030 lives, with 74 deaths reported in Sindh, 31 in K-P, six in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), four in Balochistan, and one in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). According to the data released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 32 children, 56 men and nine women are among those who died in the flood after the rains, while the number of victims has reached 5.77 million. Over the past 24 hours, nearly 0.95 million houses and 0.72 million livestock were flooded while 0.27 million houses were destroyed and 3,116 kilometres of highways and 149 bridges were washed away. According to media reports, 0.49

PM to visit Balochistan today to review rescue, relief activities in flood-hit areas

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit Haji Alladino village of Jafarabad district Balochistan on Sunday to review the rescue and relief activities in the flood-hit areas. Chief Secretary Balochistan and Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority will brief the Prime Minister about the relief provided to the flood affected people and restoration of the infrastructure. The Prime Minister is expected to interact with the flood-hit people to know about the relief being provided to them. Shehbaz Sharif will also have an aerial view of flood-affected villages of Hafeezbad, Gaibi Khan, Qadirpur and Shikarpur. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/pKVbhS7

Twitter is working on adding new features to the platform

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 Twitter is aiming to develop its live-audio platform, Spaces, by adding a podcast tab on the app. The news spread through engineer Alessandro Paluzzi's tweet which included a picture screenshot of where the Podcast tab might be placed. The tab might allow users to browse through recorded Spaces, for better engagement and content. Live audio sessions might be placed separately for distinction. When reached out for comment, a Twitter spokesperson remarked, “We’re always exploring new ways to help people engage in the conversation on Twitter, but have no further details to share at this time.” Twitter has previously worked on podcast features on Spaces to expand its features. The platform allows users to listen to Spaces after a live recording, increasing engagement and the number of listeners for the hosts. Spaces also let hosts see the stats on their audio sessions for feedback and a better experience. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/scxyp7Z

Flood causes a high current account deficit upcoming year in Pakistan

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Repercussions may include higher imports, compromise on exports and rising inflation, which will undermine efforts of the government to tackle the macro headwinds. “Based on our preliminary estimates, the current account deficit may increase by $4.4 billion (1% of GDP) – assuming no counter-measures are taken, while around 30% of the CPI basket is exposed to the threat of higher prices. The unusual heavy monsoon rains and flash floods are initially estimated to cost Pakistan’s economy over $4 billion in the current fiscal year as the calamity has badly hurt agricultural activities in Sindh and Balochistan. While it is early to assess the actual impact, Pakistan, where agriculture has a 23% share in gross domestic product (GDP), can remain highly vulnerable in the aftermath of the floods. The situation may force the government to make additional import of cotton worth $2.6 billion, wheat worth $900 million and the country will lose textile exports of around $1 billion. This comes to

Pak vs Ind: Can Green Shirts repeat last year’s World Cup feat against India?

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The Green Shirts, with strong T20 cricket credentials over the years, can repeat last year’s World Cup feat against India with their opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will be a real threat to the Indians.  There is no bigger game in cricket than the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, and one is due on Sunday (tomorrow). The two neighbouring nations, with a bitter cricketing history, will lock horns in the Asia T20 Cup. Having being whipped by a whopping margin of ten wickets by the Green Shirts in the T20 World Cup game on October 24, 2021, last year in Dubai, India will be very cautious in the much-anticipated showpiece. And indeed it would not be easy for India to dent Pakistan’s hopes. The Green Shirts, with strong T20 cricket credentials over the years, can repeat last year’s World Cup feat against India with their opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will be a real threat to the Indians. With Babar having stamped his authority as t

Army called in as floods uproot millions

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Government has decided to deploy Pakistan Army to help the civilian authorities in rescue operations in the flood-hit areas. The troops are being deployed in pursuant to the requests made by all the provincial governments in wake of the emergency situation due to torrential rains and floods. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scores of people have died due devastating floods in rivers and streams. The flash floods washed away dozens of hotels, bridges, mosques and link roads in the Upper Swat district while hundreds of houses, shops and restaurants were submerged. The Munda Headworks in Charsadda on Friday collapsed due to heavy monsoon rains due to which water levels in Jindi and Khiyali canals had increased. The provincial government has declared rain emergency in several districts as flash floods triggered by torrential rains wreaked havoc in most parts of the province. Meanwhile Balochistan remained cut off from the rest of the country as linking highways remained non-operational becaus

PTA reports internet service outages in KPK after flash floods

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Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported a disruption in communication lines in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a statement today morning, the telecom regulator said flash floods have damaged optical fibre cable and led to power outages, due to which there is an "impact" on the services. Services have been affected in Chitral, Upper Dir, Donbala, Swat, Mardan, Lal Qila Samarbaghdir, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan. "PTA is monitoring the situation closely. Work is underway to fully restore services," the telecommunication authority said. Devastating flash floods have brought the lives of people across Pakistan to a standstill, with the rain and flood related death toll jumping to 982, according to official statistics. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed and scores have been displaced as the government appeals to international donors in its bid to provide relief to the people.  from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/NCqZJbp

Devastating flash floods cripple Pakistan

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Thirty million people have been affected and hundreds have been killed, government declares a national emergency, after heavy rains triggered historic flooding in the country. The flow of water at the Munda Headworks bridge which collapsed last night has slowed down, but the threat of floods in Charsadda and Nowshera districts remains. The bridge had broken down overnight due to the severe pressure of flood water, which disconnected Tehsil Shabqadar and Prang from the district. As per media reports, the flow of water at Munda Headworks has reduced from 260,000 cusecs to 135,000 cusecs, said Charsadda Deputy commissioner Abdur Rehman Saturday morning. In view of the expected flood, nearby localities were evacuated, he said, adding that the emergency measure was taken to avoid any human loss. The deputy commissioner said that 17 relief camps have been established in Charsadda to deal with any emergency situation. “Kabul River is still running in high flood,” he said, adding that

IHC issues show-cause notice to Imran Khan in contempt of court case

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a show-cause notice to former prime minister Imran Khan in the contempt of court case. It was stated in the notice that Imran’s threatening remarks against a female judge at a rally in Islamabad’s F-9 Park amounted to contempt. “Therefore, you appear before the IHC bench on August 31, 2022 and explain as to why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against you,” the notice read. It was further stated in the notice that the reason why the PTI chairman made threatening and insulting remarks against the judge because he wanted to get the verdict of his choice in the case which was sub judice at the Islamabad High Court (IHC). It was alleged in the notice that by making the objectionable speech, the former prime minister tried to obstruct justice. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Thursday approved an interim bail of Imran Khan and directed the authorities not to arrest him until September 1. Imran Khan appeared befo

Pakistan floods: Death toll nears 1000

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Flash floods have wreaked havoc in the country as the death toll has reached 1,343 people across Pakistan with scores injured due to rain-related incidents. As per details, in the last 24 hours, 34 deaths were recorded taking the toll to 1,343. Meanwhile, the incessant rains in many areas have caused massive destruction across Pakistan. As per an estimate, in Balochistan, the death toll has reached 234 so far while in Sindh 306 people have succumbed to the recent floods. On the other hand, a total of 185 people died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the recent monsoon spells while 37 died in Azad Kashmir and 9 in Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The data shared by the NDMA revealed that 6 lac 70 thousand 328 houses were completely destroyed due to rains and 7 lac 93 thousand 995 cattle have died. Highways were also affected by rains and floods across the country. In Sindh, 2,328 km of highways were affected, 60 bridges were damaged, NDMA said. The Climate-Change Minister Sherry Rehman said t

Flash floods wreak havoc in Swat

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Flash floods damaged houses and crops, blocked roads and caused power outages in Swat with several people to leave their houses due to the damage caused by the floodwater. Several houses and hotels were flooded at Mingora by-pass. While the road of Mingora by-pass was blocked for any kind of travelling as it was inundated with the floodwater. Due to the risk of a high-level flood in the Swat river, the administration directed the residents to leave their houses. Also, rains wreaked havoc in the Tank district. 90 percent of the area has been badly affected by the flood. The flashfloods also swept away 3 people. On the other hand, due to the floodwater of the Chenab river, residents have been facing food shortages, power outages. The people have lost their lands and animals. Their houses have also been swept away with the flashflood. The people of the area are living under the sky without any roof or shelter. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/YlV6Fbx

PM Shehbaz orders revision of electricity bills

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the power distribution companies to revise the electricity bills of up to 200 units within 24 hours. The prime minister, who chaired a high level meeting to address the issues faced by the power consumers, also constituted a committee on the subject. He instructed that the staffers of the distribution companies should work round the clock to ensure the revision of electricity bills. He asked the authorities concerned to cancel the leaves of all the staffers and present him a compliance report immediately. The prime minister said that the banks should also be directed to remain open in the coming days to enable the consumers pay their revised electricity bills. The meeting was told that the implementation of the relief package announced by the prime minister was being ensured. The electricity bills of around 16.6 million were being corrected to provide them the relief under fuel price adjustment. The prime minister instructed the

IHC rejects contempt plea against PDM leaders

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a contempt petition filed against Maryam Nawaz, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The IHC upheld the registrar’s objection regarding that it was not the relevant forum to file the petition. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani heard the plea with the objection raised by the registrar on Friday. Local lawyer Ali Ijaz Buttar requested the court to start the contempt proceedings against the coalition leaders. Justice Kiyani asked the lawyer what was his petition? He replied that Maryam, Rana Sanaullah, Fazlur Rehman and others made contemptuous remarks about the judiciary on social media. Justice Kiyani asked the lawyer if this court was mentioned in those remarks. He advised him to take his petition to either Supreme Court or the Lahore High Court. Why the petitioner who belongs to Lahore has filed his plea in the Islamabad High Court, the judge objected saying nobody bothered to take notice of the contem

Floods situation in the country a national emergency: Information minister

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Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday termed the flood situation across the country a national emergency. “National spirit is required to cope with the devastation caused by the calamity in Balochistan and Sindh provinces,” she said in a statement. The minister requested the people, including overseas Pakistanis, to donate for the help of flood victims, noting that a significant amount will be required due to the scope of destruction. The donations can be deposited in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund 2022 Account No.'G-12164'. “The federal government is working in coordination with the provinces and resources are being mobilised to extend relief to the affected people,” Marriyum added. PM Shehbaz Sharif has also discussed the situation with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Akhtar Nawaz. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), army doctors and

North Korea logs new fever cases weeks after COVID victory claim

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North Korea says it has found four new fever cases in its border region with China that may have been caused by coronavirus, two weeks after Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19. According to international media, North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Thursday that health workers were conducting genetic tests on the samples taken from four people in the Ryanggang Province who exhibited fevers to confirm whether they were caused by the “malignant epidemic”. Authorities immediately locked down the areas where the fever cases emerged and plan to maintain tight restrictions and quarantines until health workers determine the cause of the illness. “[Health authorities] pay attention to the fact that those with fever had not been infected by the malignant epidemic,” KCNA said. The country’s emergency anti-virus headquarters dispatched “talented epidemiological, virology and test experts to the area” and is taking steps to “trace all persons … connected with the

PM Shehbaz cancels London visit in view of floods in country

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cancelled his London visit in view of heavy rains and floods in the country. On his return home from Qatar, he will chair a meeting regarding flood situation and relief activities. All the relevant departments including National Disaster Management Authority will brief the Prime Minister about the steps taken for rescue and relief of flood affected people. The Prime Minister had to leave for London from Qatar due to the ailment of his granddaughter who is under treatment at the British capital. In view of the flood situation, the Prime Minister however decided to immediately return to the country. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/wNpjtYM

Court accepts Asad Umar’s pre-arrest bail

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A court in Islamabad on Thursday accepted the pre-arrest bail application filed by PTI leader Asad Umar in the case of violation of section 144. In his petition, PTI leader had said that he was ready for interrogation by the police in the case. He went on to say he feared that the police would arrest him only to demean and insult him. “When PTI was holding rallies across the country on the call of its Chairman Imran Khan, I was in Lahore,” Asad said, and prayed to the court to accept his bail plea in the case. Earlier, PTI secretary general went to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the purpose where the court registrar raised objection to the petition, saying the forum of a sessions court was already available to him for seeking bail in the case. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/4e9ZkKs

Netizens in Pakistan may face more outages due to floods

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The Pakistani internet users may face outages in the days to come as the country deals with extreme flooding due to incessant rains. The IT ministry had sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) after incidents of cable cuts recently. According media reports, PTCL in its report stated that internet outages during the past few days were actually caused by “flood relief efforts in the Sukkur division where fibre-optic cables were being damaged mainly by heavy machinery used to clear water in Sindh”. The netizens experienced disruptions in services multiple times during the past several days as the rescue efforts kicked off amid heavy rains in Sindh. Meanwhile, Minister for IT and Telecom Syed Aminul Haque, citing the technical report, warned that “the situation was serious and more such incidents could be expected in near future”. The minister told the publication that due to extensive flooding, mo

Hong Kong beats UAE to qualify for Asia Cup

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Hong Kong National Cricket Team have qualified for the Asia Cup 2022 group stage round after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 8 wickets. The Asia Cup 2022, which is the 15th edition of the tournament, is scheduled to be played from August 27 to September 11. The entire tournament is set to be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the hosts Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in the opening clash. The tournament was originally set to be played in Sri Lanka but was shifted to United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the economic and political crisis in the country. The matches of the tournament will be played across two venues, including Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Notably, the Asia Cup, which was last played in 2018, will be played in the T20 format with 6 teams fighting for the title. The 5 teams that will be fighting for the championship were already confirmed. Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were the confirmed teams. from

Torrential rains, flash floods leave 151 people dead in Punjab

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The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has released a report containing the details of the damage caused by torrential rains and floods in Punjab from June 15 to August 21. The PDMA Punjab report states that heavy downpours submerged 69 schools and seven basic health centres under rainwater. Rains and flash floods unleashed devastations in 555,893 areas in six districts of the province. Rajanpur, DG Khan, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot and Layyah are the most affected areas, according to the PDMA report. The rainwater inundated 201,965 agricultural areas and 12,628 houses under flood water. The PDMA data shows that at least 151 people lost their lives due to floods and rains, 606 people were injured and 341,077 others were displaced. Rain and flood caused death to over two lakh large animals, and 2,586 small animals, while 37 roads and eight bridges were swept away in the water. Flood water also destroyed seven canals. According to the PDMA Punjab report, 20,264 pe

Terrorism case: Imran Khan due in ATC today

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Former prime minister Imran Khan will appear before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad to seek pre-arrest bail today (Thursday) in a terror case filed against him for threatening Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry during a public rally. Khan will appear in person before the court where ATC judge Raja Jawwad Abbas will hear his plea. The PTI chair had staged a rally in the federal capital on August 20 to express solidarity with his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill after claims of torture in custody. He said that the additional sessions judge who sent Gill into physical remand on the police's request should brace herself for consequences. An FIR was registered against him under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Margalla police station for threatening the judge and other senior officers of the Islamabad Police during the rally. A day after the registration of a case against him, Imran Khan secured transit bail till August 25 from the Islamabad High Court which d

Pakistan condemns sacrilegious remarks by another BJP official

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Pakistan has strongly condemned the blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by another official of India's ruling BJP. This is the second time in the last three months that a BJP leader has made derogatory remarks against the holy prophet (PBUH) as the first time was when Nupur Sharma committed blasphemy in June. "Pakistan condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the highly provocative and sacrilegious remarks made against the Holy Prophet [Muhammad] (PBUH), by Raja Singh, a BJP official and a member of the state legislative assembly of the Indian state of Telangana," a statement issued by the Foreign Office read. It stated that these highly derogatory remarks have gravely hurt the feelings of the people of Pakistan and billions of Muslims around the world, including India and the token and perfunctory disciplinary action taken by the BJP against the said official cannot assuage the pain and anguish caused to the Muslims. The FO berated the Indian auth

Islamabad court sends Shahbaz Gill on judicial remand

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The Islamabad police Wednesday sought from a district and sessions court a seven-day extension in the remand of incarcerated PTI leader Shahbaz Gill, who is party chair Imran Khan's chief of staff. The prosecution sought an extension in the remand, which was strongly opposed by PTI's lawyers. After hearing the arguments, the court reserved the verdict. Gill was arrested on August 9 in Islamabad after a sedition case was filed against him for inciting mutiny in the Pakistan Army. He has since been back-and-forth in police custody and at the PIMS hospital. The police have demanded a seven-day remand extension in the sedition case, while they have also asked the court to grant judicial remand of the PTI leader in an arms recovery case. Gill was already facing sedition charges, but the Islamabad police — a day earlier — also registered a case against the PTI leader over possession of an illegal weapon. He was booked in the case after police raided the incarcerated PTI leader

Western leaders warn Russia against new annexations

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Western leaders on Tuesday warned Russia against annexing other parts of Ukrainian territory after Crimea amid rumours Russia is planning to do so in various occupied areas, while Washington warned that Russia could attack Ukrainian government facilities in the coming days as Moscow said it would show “no mercy” over an assassination it has blamed on Ukraine. The leaders sent video addresses to the Crimea Platform conference in Kyiv which was attended in person by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda. The Crimean peninsula was seized and annexed by Russia in 2014. Since February, Moscow has been using Crimea as a staging post for att­acks on Ukraine as well as “a testing ground for the brutal methods Russia is now applying across the other occupied parts of Ukraine,” Euro­pean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the conference. “Putin is planning to do to parts of Ukraine, indeed, to all of Ukraine, what he’s done to Crimea,” Br

15 die in house collapse incidents as rain continues to ravage Sindh

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Heavy rains continue to ravage the province of Sindh, killing another 15 people in house collapse incidents in the districts of Sukkur, Shikarpur, and other areas and leaving hundreds of families stranded and homeless. Rain lashed several cities in Sindh on Tuesday, including Sukkur, Shikarpur, Dadu, and Khairpur districts. Six members of the same family died when the roof of their house collapsed in the Chak area of Shikarpur district. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took note of the incident and directed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to provide immediate assistance to the deceased's heirs as well as rehabilitation.   A woman named Shamaila died in district Sukkur when a wall of her house collapsed, while three children died in Rohri due to a roof collapse. Three children, Ehtesham, Bisma, and Kashyan, were killed in Gherelo when their house's roof collapsed. Meanwhile, in Hubbo Saeed Khan and Lakhi Ghulam Shah, two people were killed in a similar incident. R

PM announces end to fixed tax for traders

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced fixed taxes have been abolished for retailers and more than 1.7 million people will now be exempt from fuel charges adjustment on electricity bills. Addressing the nation on Tuesday from Qatar where he arrived today on a two-day trip the premier said that fixed taxes were imposed on the people in the federal budget for the fiscal year 2022-23, announced on June 10, against the intention of the coalition government. The move will translate into a tax gap of Rs42 billion, but PM Shehbaz said that the coalition government "cannot add further pressure on small traders". In a press conference last week, Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail said that the coalition government aimed to collect Rs42 billion through retail taxes, however, after the tax exemption, it would no longer be able to meet the target. Ismail revealed that the revised target is now Rs27 billion. “To meet the gap, which will be created by the exemption of fixed taxes on

Medicines worth over Rs15m being dispatched to flood-hit areas: Qadir Patel

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Minister for National Health Services, Abdul Qadir Patel on Tuesday said that the necessary medicines valuing over Rs 15 million, and other relief items including 0.6 million medicated mosquito nets were being dispatched to flood-hit areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab within the next few days. Talking to media persons, he said his ministry was making extraneous efforts to help flood hit people in distress. Giving details of the relief work he said: “A 12-member team of doctors has already been sent to the worst hit Lasbela district. Some 30,000 vaccines, a truck carrying medicines worth Rs 100,000 has already been sent to flood hit areas. A contingent of 200,000 vaccines was also being sent to the affected areas. The ministry has already dispatched 36,000 medicated mosquito nets. Over 1.4 million more medicated mosquito nets would soon be dispatched to flood hit areas.” He said anti-venom serum was ready for immediate delivery to any flooded areas that might be in need. He sa

Govt must show their writ over 'power-hungry' Imran: Zardari

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Former president Asif Ali Zardari urged on Tuesday the institutions and government to establish their writ as he took a jibe at PTI Chairman Imran Khan for criticising Pakistan's armed forces, police and judiciary. "The institutions and government will have to establish their writ or else the law, Constitution and institutions will keep falling pray to his [Imran Khan] demands," a statement issued on Twitter stated. As per media reports, in a meeting with Sindh ministers, Zardari was quoted as saying by the PPP said that the flood affectees in all four provinces are looking towards the government for help while the hunger for power is driving Imran Khan crazy day by day. "This person is criticising our army every day and the same army's officers and soldiers are fighting against terrorists and laying down their lives in two provinces. He threatens the army, police and then a female magistrate and challenges them to arrest him," he said. Zardari said th

Police raid Shahbaz Gill’s room in Parliament Lodges; recover weapons, satellite phone

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Islamabad Police raided incarcerated PTI leader Shahbaz Gill's room in Parliament Lodges late Monday and it recovered weapons, satellite phone, and foreign currency. According to details available with the media house, the raid was carried out under the supervision of a senior superintendent of police (SSP) and Gill accompanied them there with police officials in handcuffs. A pistol was recovered during the operation; however, Gill refused to take ownership of the weapon. Apart from weapons, a mobile phone, satellite phone and USBs have also been recovered from the room. Moreover, his wallet, that was missing, has also been recovered in which two of his CNICs were also found. Along with all these two passports were also recovered. Gill told journalists that he had no clue as to why is wallet was found in the room, claiming that he had left it in the car when he was taken into custody. “My wallet was usually carried by my driver and the room from where the pistol has been rec

IHC initiates hearing on contempt case against Imran Khan for threatening judge

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A larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken up contempt of court proceedings against PTI Chairman Imran Khan for threatening Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry during a public rally. The bench comprises Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. The PTI chair had staged a rally in the federal capital on August 20 to express solidarity with his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill after claims of torture in custody. He warned the Islamabad inspector-general and deputy inspector-general that he would “not spare” them, vowing to file cases against them for subjecting Gill to alleged inhuman torture. Turning his guns towards the additional sessions judge, who sent Gill into physical remand on the police's request, Imran Khan had then said she [the judge] should brace herself for consequences. This issue could be a threat for Khan, who has been campaigning for new elections since being forced to step down this year, since a

PM Shehbaz leaves for Doha on two-day official visit

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Doha on a two day official visit to Qatar on the invitation of Amir of state of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This is the Prime Minister's first visit to Qatar after assuming the office. The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high level delegation including key members of the cabinet. During the visit, Shehbaz Sharif will hold in-depth consultations with the Qatari leadership. The two sides will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with a particular focus on advancing energy related cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties and exploring greater employment opportunities for Pakistanis in Qatar. They will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will also engage with leading Qatari and Pakistani business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs. He will visit Stadium 974 in Doha, where he would be briefed on the extensive preparations undertak

Haleem Adil Sheikh granted bail in land grabbing case

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An anti-encroachment court on Monday granted bail to Haleem Adil Sheikh in a land grabbing case. As per details, Haleem Adil was granted bail against a bond of Rs 100,000 while the court fixed the hearing for the indictment of the accused for September 8. Earlier, the PTI leader was taken into custody after the court rejected his plea for an extension in bail in the land grabbing case. As per media reports, the PTI leader appeared before the court for the extension in bail against the case of land grabbing but the court after hearing the arguments cancelled his bail. As soon as the verdict was announced, a team of the anti-corruption establishment (ACE) reached the premises. Earlier, on July 27, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) had arrested the Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil at Jamshoro Toll Plaza. Sindh ACE Director Zeeshan Memon was present at the time of the arrest. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/4ygaZ2q

Ukraine bans Independence Day rallies amid fears of attacks

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Ukraine's capital Kyiv banned public celebrations this week to commemorate independence from Soviet rule, citing a heightened threat of Russian attack in a war that the United Nations said on Monday has killed more than 5,500 civilians. According to international media, Events to mark Ukraine's Independence Day on Wednesday have been banned in the country's capital, Kyiv, and second-largest city, Kharkiv, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials warn that Russia may carry out missile strikes. Zelensky said on Saturday that Russia might be planning "particularly ugly" attacks to coincide with the occasion, which will mark 31 years since Ukraine broke its ties with the Soviet Union and as the war nears its six-month milestone. "We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious," Zelensky said in a video message. "One of the key tasks of the enemy is to humi

Warner to restart Big Bash League career with Sydney Thunder

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Big-hitting Austra­lian batsman David Warner Sunday signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, ending a nine-year absence from the Big Bash League. The 35-year-old opener has not played in the domestic Twenty20 competition since 2013 and said he wanted to get involved again to help support the next generation. “I’m really excited to get back to the Big Bash with the club where I started,” said Warner, a veteran of 96 Tests, 133 ODIs and 91 T20 games for Australia. “I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me. “That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired.” Warner has not represented Thunder since the third BBL season, where he played just one game. He also played a single game for them in the inaugural season, and has

Shells rain down on city near Ukraine’s N- plant

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Artillery shells rained down on a city close to Europe’s biggest nuclear plant on Saturday night and Russian missiles hit targets near Odesa, a Ukrainian Black Sea port and a grain export hub, as the war headed for its six-month milestone on Aug 24. The day will also mark 31 years of Ukraine’s independence from Soviet rule and President Volodymyr Zele­nskiy in a nightly video address called for vigilance, saying Moscow could try “something particularly ugly”. As Ukraine prepared to mark its independence day embroiled in a war that has flattened towns and cities, killed thousands and forced millions to flee, military and regional officials reported more Russian strikes on targets in the east and south of the country. Of particular concern was the shelling of Nikopol, a city which lies across the Dnipro river from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s and Europe’s biggest nuclear plant. It has been held by Russian forces since March. Nikopol was shelled on five different occasions overnight, reg

FM Bilawal postpones European countries trip due to calamities caused by rains

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Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari postponed his official visits to four European countries in view of calamities across Pakistan caused by the ongoing heavy monsoon rains and flooding, a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said. The foreign minister was set to depart on a four country-trip including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway in a bid to strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Europe and share its perspective on regional and global issues from August 22-26. According to the statement, Bilawal delayed his visits due to the heavy damages to lives and property caused by the torrential rains in the country. The foreign minister is looking forward to his interactions with his counterparts, other dignitaries and media, as part of Pakistan’s continued engagement with Europe. FM Bilawal's visits to these capitals will be rescheduled at mutually agreed later dates in consultation with the host governments, said the ministry. from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift

16 dead after truck collision in Russia

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At least 16 people died and another three were injured after a truck collided with a stationary minibus in Russia’s Ulyanovsk region. According to international media, the driver of a heavy goods vehicle did not slow down in good time and hit a stationary minibus,” Ulyanovsk’s interior ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Roadworks at the scene of the accident meant the minibus was waiting in a queue to move. “The minibus was wedged between two lorries,” the ministry said. Video footage broadcast by the police showed the crumpled husk of what appeared to be the minibus sandwiched between two trucks and emergency service workers inspecting the flattened vehicle. Russia’s investigative committee opened a criminal investigation, the truck driver was among those killed. Three other people, two men and a woman, were taken to hospital in a serious condition, Ulyanovsk Governor Alexei Russkikh wrote on Telegram. As per media reports, Violations of road safety regulations are common

Thousands gather to fete South Africa’s new Zulu king

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Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on Saturday for the coronation of a new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. Although the title of king does not bestow executive power, the monarchs wield great moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up nearly a fifth of South Africa’s population. Men and women in colourful traditional outfits assembled outside the marble palace on the hills of Nongoma, a small town in the southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu heartland. Tens of thousands more were expected to arrive throughout the day to honour the new sovereign. “Today the king will be acknowledged by the whole Zulu Nation,” Misuzulu’s sister, Princess Ntandoyesizwe Zulu, 46, said. Yet, an acrimonious fam

North Korea imported Chinese masks before declaring Covid victory

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North Korea imported more than 1 million facial masks and 15,000 pairs of rubber gloves from China in July, shortly before declaring victory over Covid-19, Chinese trade showed on Saturday. Pyongyang last week declared victory over the coronavirus, ending a little-detailed fight against “fever” cases that had risen to 4.77 million. It has registered no new such cases since July 29. Still, China exported 1.23 million facial masks to North Korea in July, worth $44,307, surging from 17,000 the previous month, according to data released by Chinese customs. From January to July, the last month for which data is available, the North bought more than 11.93 million masks from China, data showed. North Korea did not import any Covid-19 prevention and control products from China in May, the data showed. China’s overall exports to North Korea surged to $59.74 million in July from $19.05 million in June. Top exports were semi- or wholly milled rice, cigarettes, disodium carbonate and smoke