ishaq dar attend
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Ishaq Dar to attend Jerusalem ministerial meeting …

ByJustpaste.in

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Jordan to participate in a ministerial meeting focused on the worsening situation in occupied Jerusalem, reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause.

According to the Foreign Office, the meeting, scheduled for August 5, will bring together foreign ministers from Arab League member states and several Islamic countries to discuss recent developments in Jerusalem and coordinate a unified response to the evolving situation.

The Foreign Office said Dar is attending the meeting at the invitation of Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

During the visit, participating foreign ministers are also expected to meet Abdullah II to discuss regional developments and ongoing efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing the Palestinian people.

On the sidelines of the conference, Ishaq Dar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers to exchange views on regional issues, including the humanitarian situation in Palestine and broader Middle East developments.

The Foreign Office described Pakistan’s participation as a reflection of its longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian people. It reiterated Pakistan’s position in favor of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital.

Pakistan has consistently condemned actions that it says threaten the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, including repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

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    Rakhi Sawant talks about Pakistani fans, sparks cr…

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    Indian actress and social media personality Rakhi Sawant has once again become a topic of discussion after sharing her thoughts about the support she has received from Pakistani fans. Known for her outspoken personality and frequent appearances in entertainment news, Rakhi often attracts public attention with her personal views and social media presence. In a recent interview with BBC Hindi, Rakhi Sawant reportedly spoke about her connection with fans from Pakistan and expressed appreciation for the affection and support she receives from across the border. Her comments highlighted the personal relationships that can develop between celebrities and audiences despite political differences between countries. Rakhi said that Pakistani fans have shown her kindness and support during difficult moments. She described the relationship between people on both sides of the border as complex but emphasized the importance of human connections and compassion. Her remarks quickly gained attention on social media, where users from both India and Pakistan shared their opinions. Many people welcomed the message of friendship and suggested that ordinary citizens often share cultural similarities despite political disagreements. Others discussed the complicated nature of India-Pakistan relations and how public figures influence conversations about peace and understanding. The discussion also reflects the wider impact of celebrity voices in the digital age. With millions of followers online, entertainers often become part of broader conversations about culture, identity, and relationships between communities. A simple statement from a public figure can quickly generate reactions and debates across social media platforms. Rakhi Sawant has frequently remained in the spotlight due to her bold statements, entertainment projects, and active online presence. Her latest comments have once again placed her at the center of public discussion, particularly around the themes of friendship, humanity, and cross-border connections. While political relations between India and Pakistan have experienced periods of tension, cultural exchanges and personal connections between people continue to remain an important part of public conversation. Rakhi Sawant’s comments have added another chapter to the ongoing discussion about how celebrities can influence social dialogue.

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    Sindh Cabinet approves toll tax for heavy commerci…

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      The Sindh provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved the imposition of a toll tax on heavy commercial vehicles using the Mehran Highway. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting as part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable financial system for the maintenance and development of road infrastructure across Sindh. According to the cabinet’s decision, the toll tax will apply exclusively to heavy and commercial vehicles traveling on the 135-kilometer-long Mehran Highway. Private passenger vehicles will not be subject to the new toll under the current policy. Officials stated that commercial transport vehicles place greater pressure on road infrastructure due to their size and weight, making it appropriate for them to contribute to the highway’s maintenance through toll payments. During the meeting, cabinet members received a detailed briefing on the ongoing development of the Mehran Highway. Officials informed the cabinet that the project to expand the highway into a dual carriageway is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion. The project is intended to improve road safety, increase transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and accommodate the growing volume of traffic, particularly heavy commercial vehicles that regularly use the route for the movement of goods. The briefing also highlighted the expected financial benefits of the toll collection system. It was estimated that the toll tax would generate approximately Rs2.14 billion in annual gross revenue. After deducting operational and administrative expenses associated with collecting the toll, the government expects a net annual income of around Rs1.48 billion. These funds are intended to support the regular maintenance, repair, and future upgrading of the highway, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come. The cabinet further approved a schedule of toll charges based on different categories of vehicles. Under this system, toll rates will vary according to the type, size, and classification of each vehicle. Heavy trucks, trailers, buses, and other commercial transport vehicles will be charged according to predetermined rates. Officials explained that this category-based approach is designed to make the toll system fair and proportionate, with larger vehicles contributing more because of the greater wear and tear they cause to road infrastructure. In another significant administrative decision, the Sindh cabinet approved the restoration of the traditional name of the provincial department responsible for road construction and public infrastructure. The department, which had previously been renamed the Works and Services Department will once again be known as the Communication and Works Department. The government stated that the name change is intended to align Sindh’s administrative structure with that of the federal government and other provinces, where the department is commonly known by the same title. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Sindh government is committed to introducing a self-sustaining financial model for the long-term maintenance of highways and road networks. He said that relying solely on government budget allocations is not sufficient to meet the increasing costs of maintaining modern transportation jobs infrastructure. According to him, the introduction of toll collection on major highways will provide a stable source of revenue that can be reinvested directly into road maintenance and improvement projects. The Chief Minister added that better roads are essential for economic growth, trade, and public safety. By ensuring a reliable funding mechanism for highway upkeep, the government aims to enhance transportation services, reduce infrastructure deterioration, and improve connectivity throughout the province. The approval of the toll tax and the continuation of the Mehran Highway expansion project represent important steps toward achieving these long-term development objectives while promoting a more efficient and financially sustainable road network in Sindh.

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    UN condemns Swat blast as Pakistan warns of Afghan…

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    UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Swat, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” as Pakistan renewed its warning that terrorist groups continue to operate from alleged safe havens inside Afghanistan. The attack took place outside a police station in Kabal, Swat, on August 2, killing at least 16 Pakistani nationals, mostly civilians, and leaving dozens injured, according to the UN statement cited by Pakistan’s Dawn. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement issued through the office of the UN secretary general’s spokesperson, Security Council members expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The council also stressed that those behind the attack must be held accountable, calling for perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to be brought to justice. The UN body reiterated its longstanding position that terrorism, regardless of its motivation, location or perpetrators, remains a serious threat to international peace and security. It also urged member states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan Raises Alarm Over Afghan Sanctuaries The condemnation came shortly after Pakistan raised concerns at a UNSC briefing over what it described as the growing threat from terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said several groups continue to maintain safe havens inside Afghanistan and pose an increasing threat to Pakistan and regional security. He specifically named the banned TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates. Pakistan urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries, while calling for stronger international cooperation to counter cross-border terrorism. The latest developments have added fresh pressure to an already sensitive security relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also came after the fourth US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorist organisations. For Pakistan, the UNSC condemnation provides international recognition of the seriousness of the Swat attack, while Islamabad continues to push for stronger action against militant networks it says operate across its western border.

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    FBR demonstrates digital tax return features to Karachi tax bar

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    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has demonstrated several features of its digital income tax return system to the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), including mechanisms for reporting investments in immovable property, declaring multiple business capital accounts, recording inheritance assets and calculating tax under relevant provisions of the law. The demonstration was held during an online consultation between the FBR Domain Team and representatives of the KTBA as part of the tax authority’s efforts to obtain feedback from taxpayers and tax practitioners on the design and functionality of the income tax return system. The meeting focused on improving the digital filing experience and identifying areas where the online return could be made simpler, more efficient and easier for taxpayers and professionals to use. KTBA President Mehmood Bikiya welcomed the FBR’s prompt response in arranging the session and appreciated the efforts made by the Domain Team to develop a responsive and user-friendly return system. According to the participants, the existing system is operating satisfactorily, with no major technical problems or significant glitches reported during the discussion. Instead, the meeting primarily focused on clarifications, suggestions for improvement and practical issues faced by tax practitioners while completing returns. The FBR officials addressed a number of queries through live demonstrations, allowing participants to better understand the available options and procedures within the digital system. During the session, the Domain Team demonstrated how taxpayers can report investments in immovable property, enter details of more than one business capital, declare tax under applicable sections and include inherited property in their tax records. Officials also clarified that certain information fields are optional. In particular, the chassis number required in the vehicle-related section does not have to be entered where it is not applicable or available. The consultation also covered several policy-related matters raised by the KTBA. These included the timing of refund applications, deemed assessment orders and procedures for revising income tax returns. The FBR Domain Team explained that such matters are governed by existing policy provisions, including the 15-day rule relating to deemed assessments. The concerns and proposals raised by the tax bar were also forwarded to the FBR’s Policy Wing for examination. Both sides agreed that continued consultations between tax officials and tax practitioners could help address implementation-related concerns and improve taxpayers’ understanding of the digital filing process. The KTBA also submitted several proposals for future versions of the income tax return system. One of the key suggestions was to introduce an option for uploading data through Excel files, which could reduce the time required to manually enter large volumes of information. Other proposals included reconsidering the requirement to enter certain financial information in subsequent years and introducing a system-generated PDF explaining the relevant legal provisions concerning residence status. The FBR Domain Team recorded the suggestions and indicated that they would be considered for possible incorporation into future versions of the return system. Most of the technical and operational questions raised during the meeting were resolved through on-screen demonstrations and explanations by the FBR team. The exercise also provided practitioners with a clearer understanding of the functions already available on the digital platform. KTBA Vice President Saud ul Hasan appreciated the FBR’s willingness to engage directly with representatives of the tax community. He said continued interaction between tax practitioners and the revenue authorities could promote greater understanding of taxpayers’ concerns and strengthen confidence in the digital filing mechanism. The FBR, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to maintaining regular consultations with the business community, tax practitioners and their representative organisations. The tax authority said feedback received through such engagements would remain important in improving the income tax return system and making the filing process more transparent, straightforward and taxpayer-friendly.

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    Olivia Ponton and Joe Burrow spark romance buzz

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    Olivia Ponton and Joe Burrow have once again fueled speculation about their relationship after being spotted together at a Cincinnati Bengals practice. The model and the NFL quarterback, who have been romantically linked since 2024, were seen spending time together during the team’s training camp on Sunday, August 9. Their appearance together quickly caught the attention of fans, particularly because Ponton was reportedly seen having a private and relaxed conversation with Burrow on the field. A video circulating online showed the pair sitting together away from the rest of the group. Their comfortable interaction immediately sparked discussion among social media users, with many wondering whether the two are finally becoming more open about their rumored relationship. The sighting also marked a notable appearance for Ponton at a public Bengals event. Her presence at the team’s practice attracted considerable attention, with fans closely observing her interaction with Burrow. Some social media users reacted excitedly to the apparent sighting, comparing the growing interest in Burrow’s personal life to the attention previously received by other NFL stars and their partners. Others urged fans to respect the couple’s privacy and allow them to enjoy their time together without excessive public attention. The relationship rumors surrounding Ponton and Burrow first emerged in December 2024. At the time, Ponton’s name became connected to the Bengals quarterback after she was reportedly present at Burrow’s home during a burglary while he was away in Texas for a game. Reports surrounding the incident stated that Ponton was associated with Burrow and provided information about belongings that could potentially have been missing from the property. The situation brought significant public attention to Burrow’s private life and raised questions about his connection with the model. Burrow later addressed the burglary during a press conference, expressing his frustration over the loss of privacy. The football star explained that living a public life comes with certain challenges but admitted that having personal matters exposed publicly was difficult for him. He also acknowledged that privacy has always been something he values, particularly because his career naturally places him under constant public scrutiny. Despite understanding the realities that come with being a professional athlete, Burrow made it clear that unwanted attention surrounding his personal life was not easy to handle. Since the initial rumors, neither Burrow nor Ponton has publicly confirmed that they are romantically involved. The pair have largely kept their personal lives away from the spotlight, leaving fans to speculate based on their occasional public appearances and interactions. Their latest appearance at Bengals practice has therefore renewed interest in the rumored romance. While their relaxed interaction has certainly caught the attention of fans, there has still been no official confirmation from either of them regarding the nature of their relationship.

  • Senate seeks PM intervention over Khairpur Dates Research Centre

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    Islamabad: A major agriculture research project aimed at improving Pakistan’s date production has faced a setback after the proposed Dates Research Centre in Khairpur was excluded from the Public Sector Development Programme 2026 and 2027, prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research to demand immediate reconsideration of the decision. The committee expressed concern that a project designed to improve date farming, develop disease-resistant varieties, increase exports and support farmers was left out due to financial limitations. The matter was discussed during the 29th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, MNA, at Parliament House Islamabad. Officials informed the committee that the joint project of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur for establishing the Dates Research Centre could not be included in the PSDP 2026 and 2027 because of limited financial resources. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the committee that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research had prioritized only three new development schemes for inclusion in the national development programme, leaving several important projects outside the plan. The committee strongly disagreed with the decision and highlighted the importance of the dates sector for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. Members noted that Pakistan is among the leading date producers, and a dedicated research centre could help farmers increase production, fight crop diseases, improve quality, develop new varieties and boost the country’s share in international markets. The committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to formally approach the Ministry of Planning and request a review of the decision. The committee also decided to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss establishing the Dates Research Centre through cooperation between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. During the proposed meeting with the Prime Minister, the committee also plans to discuss other major agriculture challenges including wheat imports, setting a fair minimum support price for wheat, providing DAP fertilizer subsidies similar to regional countries and investigating reasons behind wheat shortages despite earlier reports of surplus stocks. The committee said agricultural development requires long term planning and research facilities to support farmers and improve food security. The meeting also reviewed concerns regarding artificial sweeteners and flavored drinks, especially their possible health effects on children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Officials informed the committee that earlier recommendations were made after findings from the National Institutes of Health highlighted possible health risks linked with excessive consumption of such products. The committee was informed that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners and flavoured drinks may contribute to health problems, including an increased risk of diabetes and other serious diseases. The committee expressed dissatisfaction over delays in implementing earlier recommendations and directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to urgently review existing regulations. PSQCA was directed to hold a meeting in Islamabad involving committee members, health officials, NIH representatives, mango growers and other stakeholders. The committee instructed that revised standards should include clear product labels, prevention of misleading claims, visible health warnings, proper expiry date information, suitable fruit pulp requirements and regulations for plastic bottle usage. The National Institutes of Health was also directed to provide scientific evidence regarding health impacts and international guidelines to help improve the regulatory framework.

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