Category: Islamabad

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PNS Moawin seizes large cache of narcotics in North Arabian Sea

Islamabad: Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Moawin seized a large cache of narcotics during a counter-narcotics operation in North Arabian Sea.

The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth approximately $ 1 million in international market, said a news release issued by Directorate of Public Relations (Pak Navy) on Wednesday.

The cache was being transported via sea to international destinations. During the operation, PNS Moawin, supported by Pakistan Navy air assets, successfully intercepted a Dhow, conducted boarding operations, and apprehended the narcotics, which were stowed in a hidden compartment of the vessel, it further said.

The successful execution of this anti-narcotics operation demonstrates Pakistan Navy's vigilance, professionalism, and resolve to deter and disrupt all illegal activities, ensuring good order at sea.

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Shoaib Shaheen’s passport blocked due to errors: IHC told

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday has been told that the passport of PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen was blocked due to technical errors.

IHC's Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the case against the blockage of Shoaib Shaheen's passport.

The court in its order said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and immigration officials had told the bench that there were some technical errors regarding the passport of PTI leader which had been addressed. The FIA said that it has no connection with the inactive of the travel document.

The report said that now there was no hindrance in travel of the PTI leader as his passport has been activated.

However, the court is keeping the petition pending till January 13, on the request of the petitioner.

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17 outlaws held;drugs & weapons recovered

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police apprehended 17 outlaws involved in different criminal activities including drug peddling and possessing illegal weapons and recovered drugs and weapons from their possessions, on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson told reporter that the Islamabad Police Kohsar, Sumbal, Shams Colony, Shahzad Town and Bani Gala police teams took legal action against accused involved in possessing illegal weapons, and drug peddling activities.

He said the police team also arrested 12 accused and recovered 210 grams heroin, 20 liters liquor, 05 pistols and dagger from their possession. Moreover, 05 absconders were also arrested from various areas of the city during the last 24 hours.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operation Muhammad Arslan Shahzaib said that the Islamabad Police is actively working to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property in the federal capital, emphasizing that no elements will be allowed to disrupt citizens' peace.

Protecting the lives, property, and dignity of citizens is the Islamabad Police's top priority,he added.

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Interior Ministry launches biometric B-Forms for Children over 10 to enhance security

Islamabad: The ministry of Interior, on directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has announced the introduction of a new B-Form equipped with advanced security features for children aged 10 and above.

This initiative aims to enhance identity verification and curb crimes such as identity theft, human trafficking, and illegal passport acquisition.

The new B-Form will now include mandatory fingerprint impressions and photographs of children in the specified age group.

According to officials, the phased rollout of these enhanced B-Forms will commence on January 15, 2025.

Speaking on the development, Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, "These measures will prevent the misuse of children's identity information and strengthen our national identification system. I commend NADRA and the Passport Department for their swift action in implementing these reforms."

In the first phase, children between the ages of 10 and 18 will need to visit NADRA centers, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, to provide their fingerprints and photographs.

Guardians must also present their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and the child's computerized birth certificate issued by the Union Council or Town Committee.

Once the process is completed, NADRA will issue a new B-Form featuring the child's photograph and biometric details. The updated document will be a prerequisite for obtaining a new passport for children in this age group.

The Ministry of Interior spokesperson confirmed that the old B-Form, which lacks biometric details, will no longer be accepted for children over 10 years old. Additionally, further reforms, such as integrating iris scans and enhancing services through the Pak-ID Mobile App, are planned for future phases.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate NADRA's systems with provincial civil registration databases and ensure the issuance of Digital IDs to all Pakistani citizens. "These steps will play a crucial role in securing the identity of our citizens and combating crimes effectively," said the spokesperson.

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Tarar congratulates newly elected leaders of KJF office bearers

Islamabad: Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, on Wednesday congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the Kashmir Journalists Forum (KJF).

In his message, the minister extended his felicitations to President Sardar Irfan Sadozai and General Secretary Maqsood Muntazir, expressing confidence in their ability to lead the forum toward greater success. He also conveyed his best wishes to the new leadership.

Highlighting the significance of the KJF, the minister noted its vital role as a voice for the people of Kashmir, emphasizing its contributions to promoting the freedom movement, addressing Azad Kashmir's political landscape, and raising public concerns.

The KJF continues to be a powerful platform advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

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PM hopeful of achieving economic targets in next six months


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the hope that due to untiring efforts of the economic team, the government would achieve the economic targets in next six months.



Speaking at the cabinet meeting, the prime minister noted that during first five months of current fiscal year, the remittances posted record $15 billion that he hoped would expand to $35 billion by the end of the fiscal year.



He said that the government managed to achieve the macro economic stability despite the fact that the opponents made no stone unturned to sabotage the efforts of the government.



Wishing the participants of the meeting happy new year, the prime minister said that the sun of 2025 will rise with the promise of progress and prosperity for Pakistan.



He prayed that the economic, political and law and order crises that the world faced in 2024 would be overcome by positive progress in the new year.



He said the ambitious homegrown five-year plan titled “Uraan Pakistan” that was launched yesterday would prove to be a milestone for the country’s future provided “we remain on track and work hard to achieve the goals set in the plan”.



He specifically appreciated the efforts of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other cabinet members along with the relevant government officials.



He said having achieved economic stability, the country had now entered the growth stage. “If we want to achieve the economic development, then we will have to focus on export-led growth and we have no other option.



The prime minister also appreciate the efforts of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Finance Minister and Chairman FBR for collecting additional Rs 72 billion under ADR (advance-to-tax ratio) due to which the government’s target of tax revenue for December 2024 had almost been achieved.



Similarly, he said due to funding by the Bill Gates Foundation of $6 million, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would become completely digitized.



The early results of this project were that the the 39% time duration of container inspection had been reduced while the businessmen got relief of 89%.



Additionally, he said smuggling of sugar through Afghanistan had been reduced to zero which was a positive sign for the country’s economy. He gave the credit of reducing the smuggling to Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanvir Hussain, the institutions and the Army Chief.



He said during first nine months of the government, no scandal surfaced which reflected the government’s commitment to ensure transparency in all sectors.



As regards, terrorism in the country, the prime minister vowed that the law enforcing agencies were fully committed to halt the nefarious designs of the enemies.