UN chief slams deadly truck attack in US city of New Orleans

United nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Wednesday's truck attack that killed at least 15 people in the US city of New Orleans.

Media reports indicated that a male US citizen had intentionally driven a pick-up truck into a crowd of people celebrating the new year in the city's French quarter shortly early Wednesday morning.

The 42-year-old suspect was killed in a police shootout that injured two officers. His potential allegiance to ISIL extremists is under investigation after a flag of the terrorist organization and improvised explosives were found in the rented vehicle and in other locations nearby, according to the FBI.

'The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack in New Orleans, where a driver struck a crowd gathered to celebrate the New Year, reportedly killing at least 15 people and injuring over 30 others,' said his Associate Spokesperson, Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez.

'He extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to the Government and people of Louisiana and the United States. He also wishes a swift recovery to those persons injured.'

The US authorities are also investigating possible links between the outrage and a deadly vehicle explosion in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning.

Reports indicated that a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the entrance of Trump International Hotel on New Year's Day. Police said that the driver was killed and seven others were injured when a combination of fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel was detonated.

FIA launches crackdown on human traffickers in Libyan boat accident case


Islamabad:: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) made significant progress in its ongoing crackdown against the human trafficking agents involved in the Libyan boat accident.



Acting on the Prime Minister’s directives, authorities intensified efforts to curb human trafficking networks linked to the Libyan boat tragedy.



The FIA confirmed the arrest of 144 individuals, including 16 lawyers, during its operations. Among those apprehended was one of the Red Book’s most wanted human traffickers. In total, 197 cases were registered in connection with the incident, while the passports of 55 accused individuals were blacklisted.



Meanwhile the efforts extended to international agents as well. The red notices were issued through Interpol for 20 foreign-based traffickers. FIA said the arrests of these agents were initiated with the assistance of global law enforcement agencies. The FIA also began blocking identity cards and bank accounts linked to individuals facilitating the human trafficking network.



The agency’s Director General, Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir, directed airport officers across the country to remain vigilant and prevent suspects from fleeing abroad. He instructed airport in-charges to ensure strict surveillance measures were in place.



Speaking to reporter, the FIA spokesperson confirmed that the process of blacklisting passports of facilitators was underway. Authorities pledged to use all available resources to apprehend those responsible for the tragedy.



The crackdown highlighted the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring accountability in one of the year’s most tragic events.



UoS hosts media event to foster entrepreneurial spirit among students


Sargodha: The Department of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Sargodha organised a grand Media Extravaganza, aiming to cultivate entrepreneurial skills among students.



University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Qaisar Abbas inaugurated the event. The exhibition was attended by students, faculty members, staff, and entrepreneurs, who reviewed and appreciated the students’ innovative projects.



Students presented groundbreaking business ideas across various domains, including emerging technologies, e-commerce, aviation, food, cosmetics, and other products. A key highlight was the strategic use of digital media marketing and modern technologies to promote these ideas effectively.



Professor Dr. Qaisar Abbas announced the establishment of a venture fund worth Rs. 200 million to support students in transforming their viable business ideas into successful ventures. This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to providing the necessary resources to empower students to bring their creative visions to life.



The Media Extravaganza offered aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their creativity, receive mentorship from industry experts, and gain valuable insights. The event reinforced the University of Sargodha’s vision of fostering an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.



UoS hosts media event to foster entrepreneurial spirit among students


Sargodha: The Department of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Sargodha organised a grand Media Extravaganza, aiming to cultivate entrepreneurial skills among students.



University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Qaisar Abbas inaugurated the event. The exhibition was attended by students, faculty members, staff, and entrepreneurs, who reviewed and appreciated the students’ innovative projects.



Students presented groundbreaking business ideas across various domains, including emerging technologies, e-commerce, aviation, food, cosmetics, and other products. A key highlight was the strategic use of digital media marketing and modern technologies to promote these ideas effectively.



Professor Dr. Qaisar Abbas announced the establishment of a venture fund worth Rs. 200 million to support students in transforming their viable business ideas into successful ventures. This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to providing the necessary resources to empower students to bring their creative visions to life.



The Media Extravaganza offered aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their creativity, receive mentorship from industry experts, and gain valuable insights. The event reinforced the University of Sargodha’s vision of fostering an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.



Anti-Corruption Deptt uncovers ghost employee scam at KTH

Peshawar: The Anti-Corruption Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched an operation following reports of fraudulent bank accounts created for ghost employees at Khyber Teaching Hospital, causing a financial loss of over PKR 4.8 million to the provincial treasury.

An investigative report revealed that fake accounts were opened to withdraw salaries for ghost employees. The scam resulted in a loss of Rs 4,838,302 to provincial kitty.

FIRs have been registered against the accused including Zarghoon Shah, Syed Haris Shah and a bank employee Ashfaq Nadeem.

The Anti Corruption department had arrested Zarghoon Shah while efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Dialogue with PTI to help resolve political issues: Musadik

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik on Thursday said that dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), would help resolve political issues.

We welcome the gesture of PTI for sitting together for talks, he said while talking to a private television channel.

In reply to a question about protest demonstration, he said, there is no harm to organize protest demonstration in a peaceful manner but creating law and order situation in the country through public rallies would not be allowed at any cost.

The PTI, he said had a track record of spreading violence through public meetings and protest demonstration. The PTI had found involved in May 9, riots, he said.

To a question about demand of PTI for releasing the founder, he said the PTI should avoid changing statements.

In the past, he said the PTI had been demanding the release of the founder and now, they are requesting for release of the PTI workers facing cases on May 9, violation.