Noor News (2025)

$Chairman of PARC arrested in connection with illicit appointment scandal\Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Pakist...$

14/07/2025

Chairman of PARC arrested in connection with illicit appointment scandal
\Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), has been apprehended by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding a case of unlawful appointments within the council.

The FIA's Anti-Corruption Circle detained Dr. Ali on charges of circumventing official recruitment protocols. He is anticipated to be presented before the court today (Monday).

The case, initiated by the FIA pursuant to a directive from the Public Accounts Committee, also implicated 19 senior officials and agricultural experts from PARC. The defendants are charged with accepting bribes in return for illicit employment practices.

The FIA's initial investigation indicated that 332 individuals were employed despite only 164 authorised positions, purportedly with Dr. Ali's consent.

The agency asserted that the recruitment initiative contravened legal standards and was plagued by discrepancies. Additional legal proceedings are in progress.

14/07/2025

The spillways of Tarbela Dam have been reopened in response to the increasing water level.
Persistent rainfall in Haripur has compelled authorities to reactivate the spillways of Tarbela Dam owing to the elevated water level. The decision was implemented as a precautionary measure to regulate the rising influx into the reservoir.

Official sources indicate that 14-foot gates were opened on Sunday to facilitate water discharge from the dam.

The present water level in Tarbela Dam has exceeded 1,526 feet. The inflow is documented at 207,000 cusecs, whereas the outflow fluctuates between 250,000 and 260,000 cusecs.

The Deputy Commissioner of Haripur has released a public advisory recommending that residents and tourists avoid the Indus River, particularly near the spillway discharge zones.

The public has been explicitly cautioned against bathing or participating in superfluous activities in and around the spillway channels to guarantee safety.

14/07/2025

Chief Minister Maryam mandates the establishment of no-fly zones surrounding airport regions.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has mandated the initiation of a thorough operation to eradicate avian hazards surrounding Lahore's airports, aiming to improve aviation safety.

The initiative seeks to safeguard passenger aircraft from avian collisions by designating certain areas as "no-bird zones" and prohibiting activities that lure bird populations.

The Chief Minister has engaged the district administration, the Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Environmental Protection Authority to execute this initiative. She additionally directed Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to establish Punjab's inaugural dedicated Wildlife Force.

The government has resolved to close all unlawful slaughterhouses and poultry farms situated near airports and has mandated rigorous enforcement of waste disposal regulations for businesses, especially bakeries and food establishments in sensitive locations.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that no commercial activities that could attract birds will be permitted in proximity to airports. The Punjab government has formally announced that poultry farms, bakeries, and slaughterhouses without environmental protection measures will be prohibited.

The notification additionally requires the appropriate disposal of animal hides and prohibits open dumping practices. The implementation of lidded waste receptacles adjacent to airports has been mandated.

The notification mandates the cessation of rooftop grain dispersal, pigeon breeding, and extensive pigeon flying in residential zones. The feeding of birds in temples and public areas will be restricted, with enforcement actions to be implemented under the Punjab Wildlife Act against offenders. Wildlife Rangers have been instructed to commence operations immediately.

14/07/2025

The government plans to convert the Frontier Constabulary into a nationwide federal force.
The government has resolved to transform the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a nationwide federal force.

Sources indicate that the force will be rebranded as the 'Federal Constabulary.'

The force would be authorised to function across all four provinces, encompassing Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The officers of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) will oversee the Federal Constabulary under the restructured framework.

According to sources, the formation of the Federal Constabulary will significantly enhance internal security and public order within the nation.

Subsequent to the federal cabinet's ratification of modifications to the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Act of 1915, an ordinance will be promulgated to expand the FC's jurisdiction nationwide.

Upon the enactment of the ordinance, a nationwide recruitment initiative will commence for the augmented force, with FC offices to be established across Pakistan.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise and enhance the operational capabilities of the FC beyond its conventional regional boundaries.

14/07/2025

Mohsin Naqvi makes an official visit to Iran.
Mohsin Naqvi, the federal interior minister, has arrived in Iran for a formal visit.

Eskandar Momeni, Iran's interior minister, greeted him warmly when he arrived at the Imam Khomeini International Airport. Senior officials from Iran’s Ministry of Interior, Pakistan’s Ambassador Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Consul Aftab Butt, and diplomatic officers were also present on the occasion.

Naqvi then met with his Iranian counterpart to discuss issues of mutual interest and the relationship between Iran and Pakistan.

"We extend our warmest welcome to our brother on his arrival in Iran," said the Iranian Interior Minister. Without a doubt, your visit will help to improve ties between Iran and Pakistan.

On this occasion, Naqvi remarked that Iran is a brotherly neighboring country, and Pakistan attaches special importance to bilateral relations. He said he hoped the tri-nation meeting between Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan would help pilgrims with their problems. Naqvi also sent greetings to President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran.

Tomorrow, Naqvi will take part in a tri-nation conference that will discuss border and pilgrim issues. The Iranian and Iraqi interior ministers will also attend the conference.

Pakistan has requested that the tri-nation conference be held in order to discuss matters pertaining to pilgrims, borders, and other matters.

Mohsin Naqvi is also scheduled to meet Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit.

14/07/2025

In a historic first, the PSX rises above 136,000 amid a buying rally.
With a bullish start to the new workweek, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hit yet another new high on Monday.

The KSE-100 index has positively changed by 1.27 percent, gaining 1712.29 points to reach its all-time high of 136,012 points. It made its first foray over the 135,000-point mark earlier in the day.

Several industries, including cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration firms, and automakers, have seen the buying rally.

The benchmark index maintained its bullish trend from the previous session on Friday, closing at 134,299.77 points versus 133,782.35 points the day before, up 517.42 points, or.39 percent.

The price of shares was Rs 40.165 billion, up from Rs 36.060 billion on the previous trading day, while a total of 765,079,448 shares were traded during the day, compared to 941,719,946 shares the day before.

Of the 477 companies that traded their shares on the stock exchange, 220 saw profits and 228 saw losses, while the share prices of 29 companies stayed the same.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, was pleased on Monday to see the Pakistan Stock Exchange reach a record high, stating that it demonstrated the business community's faith in Pakistan's economy.

In a statement, the prime minister claimed that the government's policies were on the right track based on the current positive economic indicators.

According to him, the government's top goal is to create an atmosphere that is favourable to the business community.

After attaining stability, Prime Minister Shehbaz declared that the nation had started down the road to economic expansion. He claimed that the government was putting forth endless effort to advance the welfare of the populace and the nation.

Pakistan's economic reforms are praised by the IMF.

Under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Pakistan's impressive performance and called the nation's economic reforms a positive step towards ensuring stability and sustainable growth over the long run.

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad hosted a guest lecture where Mahir Binici, the IMF's Resident Representative for Pakistan, praised the advancements made under the three-year aid package signed in July 2024. The agreement, approved by the IMF Executive Board two months later, was designed to help Pakistan stabilise its economy and lay the groundwork for inclusive and resilient growth.

Binici pointed to the successful completion of the programme’s first review in May — including alignment on the federal budget framework — as a major milestone.

He noted that early policy steps had helped restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence, despite facing tough global and regional challenges.

The IMF official emphasized the need to continue with structural reforms, particularly those related to tax fairness, improving the investment climate, and encouraging private-sector participation in economic activity.

Binici also spoke about the $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) agreement Pakistan signed with the IMF in March 2025 to strengthen climate resilience. He highlighted that this facility aims to support countries like Pakistan in dealing with climate-related vulnerabilities while meeting global environmental commitments.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index continued with bullish trend on Friday, gaining 517.42 points, a positive change of 0.39 percent, closing at 134,299.77 points against 133,782.35 points last trading day.

14/07/2025

Starting on July 16, Pakistan's petrol prices will skyrocket.
Beginning on July 16, the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is expected to raise the price of petroleum products.

According to industry insiders, high-speed diesel (HSD) prices are predicted to increase by about Rs5.27 per litre, while petrol prices may increase by about Rs6.60 per litre.

If the price changes are made, they will go into effect on July 16 and stay that way for the next 15 days.

On Monday, the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) is anticipated to receive the working paper from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) regarding the updated petroleum pricing. Oil marketing companies, who provided Ogra with their pricing information earlier this week, have contributed to the proposal.

(Source: Digital Samaa)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be consulted before the Ministry of Finance makes the final announcement. The government is free to decide whether to absorb or pass on price changes to consumers, even though Ogra offers a technical estimate based on worldwide oil trends.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an energy ministry official stated: "The exchange rate and global market movements are the main drivers of any change in domestic fuel prices. But before allowing price changes, the government also considers its financial situation.

Pakistan's current prices for petrol and diesel

As of July 1, 2025, high-speed diesel is sold nationwide for Rs272.98 per litre and petrol (Super) for Rs266.79 per litre. Diesel prices may approach Rs278 per litre, while petrol prices would surpass Rs273 per litre with a possible increase of Rs6.60.

14/07/2025

After refusing to be harassed, Fatima Sana describes her horrific assault experience.
In an open discussion about the daily challenges women face in both public and private settings, Indian actress Fatima Sana Shaikh disclosed that she was physically abused by a man after she refused sexual harassment.

The Dangal actress talked candidly about a horrific experience from her past that still haunts her in an interview.

Shaikh recalled the incident, saying, "I was once inappropriately touched by a man. He hit me so hard that I fell to the ground after I slapped him. He was furious at my resistance, but I reacted because I felt violated.

The actress, who frequently plays strong female characters on screen, claimed that the experience altered her perspective on life.

“I became more cautious after that day. The tragedy is that we, as women, are compelled to determine how to react even when someone else is at fault.

Shaikh, a vocal opponent of gender discrimination in the workplace and society at large, claimed the experience had a significant psychological effect on her. It changed the way I was. I became aware of how dangerous women are and how they are supposed to suffer the consequences of speaking up for themselves or to endure in silence.

She also discussed another traumatic event that happened during the COVID-19 lockdown. "A car driver began pursuing me while I was riding my bike while wearing my mask.

He made odd noises and honked repeatedly. Until I turned into my street, he continued to follow me. It was frightful.

Many people have praised her for bringing attention to the widespread problem of gender-based violence and the psychological toll it takes on survivors after hearing her revelations.

14/07/2025

Trump says a Gaza truce agreement is imminent amid talks in Qatar.
As indirect talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar, US President Donald Trump said Sunday he is hopeful that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could be finalised in the next few days.

"Gaza — we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

The remarks coincide with a renewed effort by Qatar and Egypt to broker a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance organisation Hamas.

Trump had earlier stated that Hamas had responded favourably to the framework and that Israel had agreed to the suggested terms for the short-term truce. In exchange for a halt in hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners, the agreement, if it is finalised, would release 10 Israeli hostages who are still alive and 18 who have died while they are in Gaza.

An Israeli delegation was sent to Doha over the weekend to continue negotiations, despite Israeli officials' public protests of what they described as "unacceptable" changes made by Hamas. This indicates that both parties are still involved in diplomatic efforts.

According to reports, negotiators have made headway on a number of issues, but Israel's insistence on keeping control of a "buffer zone" surrounding Gaza's perimeter throughout the truce is still a major barrier. This requirement has been rejected by Hamas, which sees it as a de facto occupation.

Even if a ceasefire is implemented, Israeli officials have stated that they still plan to keep a military presence in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city. Human rights organisations and international observers have strongly criticised Israel's proposal to set up a "collection camp" in the region with the intention of processing and possibly sending Palestinians to third countries.

In the hopes that a short-term ceasefire could set the stage for longer-term, more comprehensive peace talks, the US administration has remained supportive of the Qatari-Egyptian mediation effort. Analysts are still wary, though, noting that previous attempts have frequently failed at the last minute because of mistrust and conflicting political agendas on both sides.

The Gaza health ministry reports that more than 52,000 Palestinians have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as a result of the conflict, which was rekindled in October of last year. Significant losses have also been sustained by the Israeli side, mostly in the early stages of Hamas' October 7 incursion.

14/07/2025

In the case of the collapse of the Lyari building, another owner was arrested.
According to police on Monday, the number of suspects arrested now stands at 10, including the arrest of another owner of the residential building that collapsed in Karachi's Lyari Baghdadi neighbourhood.

Inspector Zahid Shah, the investigating officer, verified that Taj Muhammad, one of the building's owners, had been arrested. "We have arrested another owner, Taj Muhammad, and will seek further remand of the suspects today," said the officer.

A local court will soon hear the presentation of nine suspects seeking an extension of their remand. Abdul Rahim, the building's principal owner, had previously been taken into custody.

The collapse has sparked questions about building safety and the city's enforcement of construction codes, and authorities are still looking into it.

11/07/2025

The EU and Pakistan have finalized a €20 million agreement to enhance governance and improve the business environment.
On Friday, Pakistan and the European Union (EU) executed a €20 million grant agreement to initiate the “Better Governance and Business Environment” initiative, reaffirming their mutual dedication to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

The accord was executed by the EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka, and the Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, Dr. Kazim Niaz. Supported by the EU's Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, the initiative seeks to bolster the competitiveness of Pakistan's private sector, specifically targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those owned by or benefiting women.

The program will enhance legislation pertaining to SMEs, assist the green transition of export-oriented enterprises, enable targeted green investments, and foster public-private dialogue. It is consistent with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, GSP+ obligations, and the EU Green Deal, fostering intelligent, sustainable investment and robust value chains.

Dr. Niaz expressed gratitude for the EU's ongoing support and collaboration. He underscored the promptness of the intervention, accentuating its robust alignment with Uraan Pakistan’s objectives for private sector advancement and institutional reform to entice responsible investment.

Ambassador Dr. Kionka asserted, “This agreement highlights the EU’s dedication to assisting Pakistan in developing a robust, inclusive, and competitive economy.” We are allocating resources to green innovation, women-led enterprises, and public-private collaborations to secure a more sustainable future for all citizens of Pakistan.

The European Union's development cooperation with Pakistan prioritizes climate resilience, governance, human rights, and sustainable economic advancement. This new initiative represents a further advancement in promoting these common priorities.

11/07/2025

Pakistan and Russia formalize accord for the revitalization of steel mills.
Pakistan and Russia have formalized an agreement to revitalize Pakistan Steel Mills, representing a pivotal advancement in industrial collaboration between the two nations.

A Pakistani delegation, headed by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, concluded the agreement during a visit to Moscow, as per an official statement. Representatives from both parties executed the protocol for the reactivation of the mills.

The accord was executed by Pakistan's Secretary for Industries and Production alongside pertinent Russian officials. Pakistan Steel Mills will undergo modernization with the assistance of Russia as per the agreement.

Haroon Akhtar asserted that Russia's collaboration in the revitalization of the steel mills would signify a new era in Pakistan's industrial advancement. He stated that this initiative embodies the Prime Minister's vision for a more robust industrial foundation in the nation.

He further emphasized that the revitalization of the steel mills will not only enhance industrial production but also create job opportunities, deeming the agreement a significant milestone for Pakistan's industrial future.

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