roads sealed around
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Roads sealed around Karachi Press Club ahead of PT…

ByJustpaste.in

Several roads surrounding the Karachi Press Club were closed on Wednesday as authorities implemented security measures ahead of a possible protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), causing traffic congestion in nearby areas.

According to traffic police, the closures have led to increased vehicle movement on surrounding roads as commuters seek alternate routes. Officials said the diversions were introduced to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and minimise disruption during the expected demonstration.

Traffic coming from MR Kiani Chowrangi has been redirected towards Thana Gali, while vehicles approaching Fawara Chowk are being diverted to Aiwan-e-Sadr Road and Zainab Market.

Authorities have also rerouted traffic from the Coast Guard area towards the lane leading to the Passport Office to ease congestion around the Press Club.

Traffic police have advised motorists to follow the designated diversion plans and cooperate with officials on duty to avoid delays.

The precautionary measures come amid expectations of a PTI protest in the city, with law enforcement agencies maintaining heightened security in and around the area to ensure public safety and maintain order.

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    PAC meeting reveals Rs1.06 billion embezzlement

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      Islamabad: A meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed a major financial irregularity involving the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), where more than Rs1.06 billion was allegedly embezzled through the payment of salaries to ghost employees and retired staff. The disclosure was made during the committee’s review of an audit report highlighting serious financial mismanagement within the power distribution company. According to the audit findings, salaries continued to be issued in the names of non-existent employees as well as individuals who had already retired from service, resulting in a massive loss to the national exchequer. The audit report stated that the alleged embezzlement was carried out through the collusion of officials from HESCO’s Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) office, Executive Engineer (XEN) office, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) office. The report indicated that weaknesses in internal financial controls and payroll monitoring allowed the irregular payments to continue for an extended period without detection. During the PAC meeting, members expressed serious concern over the scale of the fraud and questioned how such a significant amount of public money could be misappropriated without timely intervention. The committee emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight, transparent payroll management, and strict accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future. Responding to the audit observations, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HESCO informed the committee that disciplinary action had already been taken against officials found responsible for the irregularities. According to the CEO, four employees have been dismissed from service, including three accounts officers and one finance officer. He stated that the company has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and financial misconduct and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also briefed the committee on the progress of the criminal investigation. They informed lawmakers that five criminal cases had been registered in connection with the fraud. According to the FIA, more than 130 individuals were allegedly involved in the scam, either directly or indirectly, making it one of the largest payroll fraud cases uncovered in a public sector utility. Despite the registration of multiple cases, the FIA reported that only Rs130 million has been recovered so far, a small portion of the total amount allegedly embezzled. Investigators said efforts are continuing to trace the remaining funds, identify all those responsible, and recover the outstanding amount through legal proceedings. The PAC directed the relevant authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice, regardless of their position or influence. Committee members stressed that those responsible for the misuse of public funds must be held accountable to restore public confidence in government institutions. The revelations have once again highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in payroll management, financial auditing, and internal accountability mechanisms within state-owned organizations. The committee reiterated that transparent governance and effective oversight are essential to preventing corruption and safeguarding public resources from financial abuse.

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    South Korea estimates North Korea’s economy grew over 3 percent for third year

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    North Korea’s economy expanded by more than three percent in 2025 for the third consecutive year, according to new estimates released by South Korea’s central bank. The report suggests that stronger economic and military cooperation with Russia played a major role in boosting growth despite North Korea’s continued international isolation. The Bank of Korea, which has published annual estimates of North Korea’s economy since 1991 because Pyongyang does not release official economic data, estimated that the country’s real gross domestic product grew by 3.5 percent last year. The report valued North Korea’s economy at approximately 38.26 trillion won, or about 26.6 billion dollars. According to Bank of Korea officials, expanded cooperation with Russia was one of the main reasons for the improvement. Analysts have said North Korea has strengthened ties with Moscow by supplying troops and military equipment for Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, Pyongyang is believed to have received financial assistance, food supplies, energy resources and military technology. A Bank of Korea official said increased weapons exports to Russia supported growth in North Korea’s manufacturing sector. The official also noted that a rise in Russian tourists and improved transport links between the two countries contributed to stronger performance in construction and service industries. The report estimated that North Korea’s exports increased by 30 percent during 2025, reaching around 470 million dollars. Among the leading export products were prepared feathers and wigs, along with toys and sporting goods. Although the report did not identify all exported items, officials said stronger overseas sales contributed significantly to economic growth. The latest figures were released as reports continued to highlight growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukraine’s military intelligence, quoted by the Kyiv Independent, claimed that more than 7,000 North Korean troops were killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces during military operations in Russia’s Kursk region between 2024 and 2025. Neither Russia nor North Korea has independently confirmed those figures. Separately, the Ukrainian human rights organisation Truth Hounds said Russia and North Korea are close to completing their first road bridge connecting the two countries. The group said such a link could strengthen military and economic cooperation by allowing easier movement of personnel, equipment and supplies across the border. The Bank of Korea also reported a significant increase in North Korea’s gross national income, which measures the total income earned by a country’s residents. The estimate showed GNI rising by 9.4 percent to 48.5 trillion won, or approximately 33.8 billion dollars. Officials said the increase was supported by higher foreign currency earnings, including income linked to North Korean personnel sent to Russia. Despite the recent growth, North Korea’s economy remains extremely small compared with its southern neighbour. According to the Bank of Korea, North Korea’s gross national income is still less than two percent of South Korea’s economy, highlighting the large economic gap that continues to separate the two countries. The latest estimates suggest that while North Korea remains under international sanctions and largely isolated from global markets, its expanding partnership with Russia is providing new sources of economic activity that have helped sustain growth for a third straight year.

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    Fatima Zahra secures Pakistan’s first Commonweal…

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      Pakistan received its first major success at the Commonwealth Games as national boxer Fatima Zahra secured a place in the women’s boxing semifinals, guaranteeing the country’s first medal of the tournament. Competing in the women’s 60kg weight category, Fatima Zahra delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision. With the victory, the Pakistani boxer advanced to the semifinals and ensured at least a bronze medal for her country under the competition’s boxing format. The quarterfinal bout took place at the SEC Hall Five in Glasgow, where Fatima Zahra displayed confidence, composure, and technical superiority throughout the contest. She controlled all three rounds with disciplined boxing, combining effective footwork, accurate punches, and strong defensive skills to keep her opponent under pressure from the opening bell until the final round. Her impressive display left no room for doubt among the judges. All five judges scored the contest in her favor, awarding her a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jordan Wilson. The result marked one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at the ongoing Commonwealth Games and provided an early boost to the country’s medal hopes. According to the boxing competition rules, every athlete who reaches the semifinals is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place playoff. By advancing to the last four, Fatima Zahra officially secured Pakistan’s first medal of the Games, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal contest. The achievement is another milestone in Fatima Zahra’s growing international career. She has consistently represented Pakistan on the global stage and has already established herself as one of the country’s leading female boxers. Her latest success reflects both her dedication and the steady progress she has made through years of hard work and international competition. This is not the first time Fatima Zahra has won a medal for Pakistan at a major sporting event. She previously claimed a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, where her performances earned widespread praise and highlighted her potential to compete against some of the best boxers in the region. That experience has helped strengthen her confidence and prepared her for bigger challenges on the international stage. Following her convincing victory in the quarterfinals, Fatima Zahra has now set her sights on the semifinal, where she will aim to continue her winning run and secure a place in the gold medal match. A victory in the next round would guarantee Pakistan either a silver or gold medal, making it one of the country’s most notable boxing achievements in recent years. Her qualification for the semifinals has been welcomed as an encouraging moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, particularly for women’s boxing, which continues to grow despite facing limited resources and opportunities. Fatima Zahra’s success is expected to inspire aspiring female athletes across the country and demonstrate that Pakistani women can compete successfully at the highest levels of international sport. With a guaranteed bronze medal already secured, all eyes will now be on Fatima Zahra as she prepares for the semifinal showdown. Pakistani fans will be hoping she can maintain her outstanding form, overcome her next opponent, and move one step closer to winning the Commonwealth Games title, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.

  • Punjab continues Rs25,000 Honorarium for 69,000 Imams

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    Lahore – The Punjab Chief Minister’s Honorarium Program for Imam Masjid Sahibaan is continuing successfully under the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. According to the spokesperson for the Home Department Punjab, the provincial government has allocated Rs 21 billion for the program, while more than Rs 9 billion has already been disbursed to Imams under the scheme since January 2026. It is pertinent to mention that under the Punjab Chief Minister’s Honorarium Program, more than 69,000 registered Imams across the province are receiving a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000. The spokesperson stated that the monthly honorarium is being disbursed without interruption to registered Imams throughout Punjab through dedicated ATM cards. The payment mechanism has been designed to ensure dignity, convenience, transparency and efficiency in accordance with modern standards. The Government of Punjab has completed all necessary documentation for the honorarium program for the fiscal year 2026–27, and the required payment has been transferred to the Bank of Punjab. The spokesperson further stated that respected Imams are playing an exemplary role in promoting religious harmony, maintaining peace and fostering social welfare across the province. Their services and contributions are helping strengthen social cohesion and reinforce the values of unity and harmony in the society.

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    Trump hints at outcome from CIA chief’s surp…

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    US President Donald Trump said something may come out of an unannounced meeting his CIA director held with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow on Tuesday, fueling speculation about the purpose of the trip amid stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine. CIA Director John Ratcliffe flew into Moscow aboard a military aircraft and departed just hours later, and neither Trump nor US officials disclosed what the two sides discussed. Trump described the meeting as semi routine and said Washington wants to see the war in Ukraine come to an end. The last comparable high level contact between the two countries occurred in the months before Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine began. The Kremlin said Ratcliffe did not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that contacts took place with Russian intelligence services but that no meeting occurred with Putin himself, adding that the president receives immediate briefings on all such matters. Peskov made the remarks in response to a question from a reporter with a Russian state affiliated newspaper, who asked whether Putin had been informed of the talks and at what level they took place. When the BBC’s Russia editor asked Peskov what topics the CIA discussions covered, he said he had nothing further to add beyond his earlier comments. He also said it remains too early to determine what effect the meeting might have on repairing the deeply strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, calling any assessment of the broader recovery process premature at this stage. Peskov described intelligence contacts between the two countries as a positive development, noting that such channels often remain open even during the most difficult periods in bilateral relations. Ahead of the visit, US officials informed Ukraine that a senior American delegation would travel to Moscow and asked Kyiv to pause strikes until the delegation had departed, according to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke to another news organization. Neither the CIA, the White House nor the Pentagon has issued an official statement addressing Ratcliffe’s trip. Ratcliffe now ranks among the highest level American officials to visit Russia during Trump’s second term in office. The last time a sitting CIA director traveled to Moscow was in November 2021, when then director William Burns warned Russian officials against sending troops into Ukraine. Weeks after that visit, the Kremlin launched its full scale invasion of the country. Since the invasion began, the United States has maintained a strained relationship with Russia, which has faced international isolation and sweeping economic sanctions. Trump met with Putin at a summit in Alaska last year, though the talks failed to produce any major breakthrough, and subsequent peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine led by the United States appear to have stalled since then. John Foreman, who served as Britain’s military attache in Moscow between 2019 and 2022, told a radio program that American officials rarely send such a senior figure to Moscow unannounced and on short notice unless a significant development is underway. The unannounced nature of Ratcliffe’s visit, combined with the lack of official confirmation from Washington, has left analysts and diplomats speculating about whether the trip signals renewed backchannel efforts to break the deadlock in the Ukraine peace process, though officials on both sides have offered little indication of what practical outcome, if any, the meeting might produce.

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    Iran claims US deployed all weapons reserved for World War III

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    Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi has claimed that the United States has deployed every weapon it had reserved for a potential Third World War against Iran, describing the recent military confrontation as unprecedented. Speaking at a meeting in Tehran, Shekarchi said Iran continued developing its strategic missile program throughout the conflict and did not halt production during either the fighting or subsequent ceasefire periods. He said maintaining missile production remained a key element of Iran’s national defense strategy despite mounting international pressure. The military spokesman also claimed that foreign intelligence agencies have failed to locate Iran’s missile production facilities despite possessing extensive intelligence capabilities. He said the country’s missile infrastructure remains secure and operational, allowing Iran to preserve its strategic deterrence. Shekarchi further alleged that the United States suffered major strategic setbacks during the recent conflict. He claimed that decades of American investment in military bases across West Asia had been severely damaged during the fighting. His remarks come amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States following recent regional hostilities, with both sides continuing to exchange sharp rhetoric over military capabilities and regional security. The United States has not publicly responded to Shekarchi’s latest claims.

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