goods transporters begin
| | |

Goods transporters begin indefinite strike across …

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance has announced an indefinite strike across Pakistan from Saturday, August 8, in protest against rising fuel prices and additional financial burdens on the transport sector.

Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan confirmed the strike and said goods transporters would continue keeping their vehicles off the roads until further decisions were made. He said the federal government had invited representatives of the transport alliance to a meeting on Monday to discuss their concerns.

Awan said a committee had been formed to represent the transporters during talks with government officials. He added that the strike would continue until the meeting was held and the alliance announced its next course of action.

According to Awan, earlier negotiations between the transport alliance and government officials at the commissioner’s office had failed to resolve the dispute. Following the unsuccessful talks, the transporters decided to proceed with their planned indefinite strike.

The alliance is protesting against higher petrol and diesel prices. It is also opposing the government’s decision to determine petroleum product prices on a daily basis. Another major demand concerns the seven percent withholding tax imposed on the transport sector.

Transporters say rising fuel costs and additional taxes have increased their operating expenses and created serious financial difficulties for the industry. They have urged the government to review the current policies and provide relief to the transport sector.

The transporters have warned that the strike could affect the movement of goods across the country if the dispute continues. Goods transporters play a major role in supplying food, industrial products, raw materials and other essential items to markets and businesses.

A prolonged strike could therefore put pressure on supply chains and affect the availability and transportation of essential goods in different areas.

The government’s scheduled meeting with the transport alliance on Monday is expected to determine the next course of action. Transport representatives will present their demands during the talks and seek a solution to the ongoing dispute.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Princess Eugenie reveals daughter’s name honouring Queen Elizabeth II

    Princess Eugenie has revealed the name of her newborn daughter, paying tribute to members of her family and highlighting her connection to both British and Portuguese heritage. The royal announced the name on Monday, two weeks after welcoming her third child. Sharing a photograph of her newborn daughter on social media, Eugenie said her family had spent the past two weeks enjoying a special and peaceful period together. The princess revealed that her daughter has been named Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank. Eugenie said the name was chosen in honour of three people whom she and her family love and admire, including her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. She said the family continues to hold her great-grandmother close to their hearts. The choice of Elizabeth as one of her daughter’s names is therefore seen as a personal tribute to the late monarch. Eugenie also explained that her daughter’s name reflects connections to English and Portuguese history. She said both places hold special importance for the family and are considered part of their lives. The arrival of the baby marks another major milestone for Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. The couple already have two sons. Their eldest son, August, was born in February 2021. Their second son, Ernest, was born in June 2023. Eugenie said her two sons have already embraced their new role as older brothers. She described August and Ernest as the “best big brothers” to their newborn sister. The announcement gives the public its first details about the latest addition to Eugenie’s family after the birth was announced earlier this month. The choice of Adelaide Elizabeth Annina brings together several family and historical references. The inclusion of Elizabeth is particularly significant because of Eugenie’s close relationship with her late great-grandmother. Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 after a reign of more than 70 years. She was a central figure in the lives of several generations of the British royal family. Eugenie has frequently spoken warmly about her family and the importance of maintaining close relationships with relatives. Her latest announcement continues that tradition while introducing a new generation of the family. With the arrival of Adelaide, Eugenie and Brooksbank are now parents to three children. Their eldest two sons are expected to play an important role in their younger sister’s early years. The announcement has also attracted attention because of the unusual combination of names and the historical links highlighted by Eugenie. For the family, however, the occasion remains primarily a personal celebration. Eugenie said the past two weeks had been filled with love and family time as they welcomed their daughter.

  • | |

    Congo virus case confirmed: health experts issue u…

    Health authorities have confirmed a case of Congo virus, also known as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), after laboratory testing verified the infection. Officials said the patient’s Congo PCR test returned positive, prompting renewed calls for public awareness and preventive measures against the potentially life-threatening disease. According to health officials, the patient underwent several medical examinations, including a specialized PCR test for the Congo virus. The results confirmed the presence of the infection, allowing doctors to begin appropriate treatment and monitoring while taking necessary infection control measures. Medical experts explain that Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks commonly found on livestock. The virus can also spread through direct contact with the blood, tissues, or bodily fluids of infected animals, making people who work closely with livestock more vulnerable to infection. Healthcare professionals have warned that the virus can also spread from one person to another through close contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected patient. For this reason, strict infection prevention protocols are essential in hospitals and healthcare facilities to protect medical staff and caregivers. The symptoms of Congo virus usually begin suddenly and may include high fever, severe weakness, intense headache, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue. In more serious cases, patients may experience bleeding from the nose and gums, bruising on the skin, and internal bleeding, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Experts emphasize that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the spread of the disease. People who handle livestock are advised to wear protective clothing and gloves, inspect animals for ticks, and avoid direct contact with animal blood or tissues whenever possible. Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, and livestock traders are considered among the highest-risk groups. Health authorities have also urged hospitals and healthcare workers to follow strict infection control practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating suspected or confirmed cases. Early diagnosis and timely medical care can improve patient outcomes and help limit the spread of the virus. As public health officials continue to monitor the situation, citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms after exposure to ticks or infected animals. Increased awareness, proper hygiene, and preventive measures remain essential in reducing the risk of Congo virus transmission, particularly during periods of increased livestock movement.

  • |

    Rome to host US-mediated Israel-Lebanon negotiations on southern pilot zones

    Technical delegations from Israel and Lebanon will assemble in Rome from August 4 to 6 for a fresh round of United States-brokered talks designed to advance the implementation of their bilateral framework agreement. First disclosed by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and subsequently confirmed by the US State Department, the upcoming dialogue will address the expansion of designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon alongside broader border resolutions and long-term peace objectives. The core terms of the underlying framework deal, established after conflict flared between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in March, require a cessation of hostilities, the disarming of Hezbollah, the national deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and a structured, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces commencing from two initial pilot areas. Negotiators aim to leverage early operational data from these initial zones to refine the broader security rollout and facilitate a progressive expansion of government control throughout the border region. The upcoming diplomatic round occurs amidst friction on the ground, with the Lebanese military recently condemning persistent Israeli artillery shelling and strikes in southern territory, cautioning that continued operations directly impede the full deployment of state troops outlined in the agreement.

  • |

    Salman Khan urges students to stay calm amid NEET protest

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has shared an important message amid the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, urging students to remain calm and reassuring them that the matter is receiving attention at the highest level. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, the actor addressed students participating in demonstrations related to the controversy surrounding the national medical entrance examination. He emphasized that the education and safety of young people should remain the country’s top priority. Salman Khan encouraged students not to let the situation create additional stress for themselves or their families. According to the actor, students should avoid unnecessary anxiety and trust that the authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s public remarks on the issue, saying that he believes strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the alleged examination paper leak. Salman expressed confidence that those involved would be held accountable through the legal process. The actor appealed to students to return home and focus on their well-being while allowing the authorities to complete their investigation. He said that students should prioritize their health and avoid placing further emotional strain on their parents during this difficult period. In the same message, Salman Khan also addressed education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has reportedly been observing a hunger strike for nearly 25 days. Speaking directly to Wangchuk, Salman requested that he end his fast, saying that enough time had passed and that continuing the hunger strike could put his health at serious risk. While acknowledging Wangchuk’s commitment to raising awareness through peaceful protest, the actor suggested that preserving his health was equally important. Salman added that if public demonstrations become necessary again in the future, Wangchuk could always continue his activism. However, he said he did not believe there was a need to prolong the hunger strike at the present moment In a light-hearted remark, the Bollywood star even offered to send food from his own home if Wangchuk agreed to end his fast, a gesture that quickly drew attention across social media. This was Salman Khan’s second public appeal on the issue within 24 hours. Earlier, he had also expressed concern over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and stressed the importance of protecting students’ interests while ensuring that the investigation proceeds fairly and transparently. The NEET controversy has triggered widespread demonstrations in different parts of India, with students demanding a transparent inquiry into the alleged paper leak. Protesters have called for accountability, stricter measures against those responsible, and reforms aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the country’s examination system. The alleged paper leak has sparked a broader debate about the integrity of competitive examinations, with students and education advocates urging authorities to strengthen security measures and restore confidence in the examination process. As the investigation continues, the issue remains one of the most closely watched education-related developments in India, with thousands of students hoping for a fair resolution and stronger safeguards for future examinations.

  • | |

    Imran Ashraf breaks silence on AI death hoax

    Pakistani actor Imran Ashraf has reassured his fans that he is alive and in good health after fake, AI-generated videos claiming that he had died began circulating on social media. Ashraf addressed the rumours through an Instagram story, making it clear that reports of his death were completely false. He said he was “absolutely fine” and remained alive, while also asking his followers to remember him in their prayers. The clarification came after several manipulated videos appeared online showing seemingly authentic clips of journalists and celebrities announcing that the actor had died. The fabricated reports reportedly claimed that Ashraf had suffered a heart attack. One TikTok account shared multiple AI-generated videos featuring digitally recreated versions of well-known personalities, including actor Bilal Abbas, former cricketer Shahid Afridi and journalist Mansoor Ali Khan. Another fabricated video even appeared to depict a funeral for the popular television host and actor. The incident has once again highlighted the growing problem of artificial intelligence being used to create convincing but completely false celebrity news. Such videos can quickly spread across social media before users have an opportunity to verify their authenticity. Ashraf is also not the first Pakistani celebrity to become the target of false death reports. Singer Tahira Syed faced a similar situation in June when rumours of her death circulated online. She later posted a video confirming that she was alive and well and urged people to verify information before sharing it. Actor Tauseeq Haider also became the subject of AI-generated misinformation when fabricated images circulated claiming that he had married actor Farah Saadia. The two actors jointly rejected the claim and humorously said they were still happily single, while asking the creators to send them wedding gifts if they were going to continue the story. The spread of such fabricated content has raised concerns about the misuse of AI tools to imitate real people and create misleading narratives. With digitally generated videos becoming increasingly realistic, celebrities and public figures are facing greater difficulty in controlling false information about themselves.

  • | |

    Khuzdar triple murder rocks Balochistan Assembly

    The alleged murder of a young woman’s fiancé, uncle and father in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district over a marriage dispute echoed in the Balochistan Assembly, where lawmakers demanded the immediate arrest of the main suspect. During the assembly session chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak informed the house that the suspect allegedly killed the woman’s fiancé after his marriage proposal was rejected. He said the victim’s uncle was also murdered, while the woman was allegedly abducted before being recovered by police. According to the minister, the woman’s father was later shot dead after her video statement highlighting security threats surfaced on social media. Jatak told the assembly that despite two days having passed since the father’s killing, a first information report (FIR) had not yet been registered. He expressed concern over the delay in legal proceedings and called for immediate action against the accused. Opposition Leader Younis Zehri warned that if the suspect was not arrested, the provincial chief minister and the home minister would be held responsible. In protest over the lack of progress, both Zehri and Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak staged a walkout from the assembly. Member of the Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayatur Rehman also voiced serious concern over the incident and demanded the resignation of the provincial home minister. He claimed that those responsible for the crime were widely known and criticised the prevailing law and order situation in the province. Responding to the criticism, Home Minister Zia Langove assured lawmakers that the government was in contact with the affected family and that police had been directed to arrest the suspect without delay. The speaker instructed the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General and the Khuzdar district police chief to ensure the suspect’s arrest within two days. He also sought daily progress reports on the investigation before adjourning the assembly session until August 28.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *