Latest news with #AssociatedPressofPakistan
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
K-P proposes hike in traffic fines under new budget
Listen to article The KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has proposed substantial increases in traffic violation fines under its Finance Bill for 2025-26, with a particular focus on regulating three-wheelers and curbing underage driving. For the first time, a separate category has been created for three-wheeled vehicles, including rickshaws and loaders, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Tuesday. Fines for these vehicles will range from Rs200 to Rs10,000 depending on the nature of the violation. Non-compliance with route permits will incur a penalty of Rs5,000, which will be doubled for repeat offenders. Read More: K-P proposes Rs157b surplus in Rs2.1tr budget The bill also proposes stricter action against the use of fraudulent driving licences. Individuals found driving with fake documents may face fines between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000. Penalties for underage driving have also been revised. Fines for motorcycle riders under the age of 18 will increase from Rs1,000 to Rs3,000, while underage drivers of small cars will face fines of Rs5,000, up from the current Rs2,000. Officials said the proposed measures are aimed at improving road safety and traffic discipline across the province.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt urges citizens to avoid travel to Iran amid escalating tensions
Listen to article The Government of Pakistan has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran for a limited period due to the recent Israeli attacks, Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Saturday. Officials stated that the advisory has been issued to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals, and the government is closely monitoring the evolving regional situation. In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directives, necessary steps are already being taken to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens currently in Iran, officials added. The Foreign Office has also established a crisis management cell to provide emergency assistance to citizens abroad. Read More: Israel warns of more strikes as Iran signals imminent 'heavy' attack Amid ongoing tension, several other countries have also issued travel advisories, advising caution to their citizens as the situation escalates. The U.S. Department of State is urging all Americans to exercise extreme caution in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the State Department said, "Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens in Israel and the broader region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments." Britain has also warned its citizens against traveling to Israel amid fears of an all-out war with Iran. In its latest travel advice, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the country. Explaining its advice, the Foreign Office pointed to the nationwide state of emergency declared in Israel and the Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. The advisory warned that the situation could escalate rapidly and pose serious risks, including the possibility of missile strikes. Also Read: Iran claims downing of Israeli F-35, says female pilot captured Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity with Tehran in a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian while also condemning Israel's 'unprovoked aggression.' In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday, the premier expressed 'Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran' and denounced the Israeli strikes as an 'affront to international law and the UN Charter.' 'Iran has every right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter,' Sharif said, underscoring Islamabad's firm stance on the matter.
Gulf Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's petroleum product exports surge by 118.71% in 10 months
Pakistan's exports of petroleum products surged 118.71 percent in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Tuesday, citing data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). From July 2024 to April 2025, petroleum product exports totalled US$492.04 million, up from US$224.97 million in the same period a year earlier. The increase represents a $267.07 million gain in foreign exchange earnings on a year-on-year basis. PBS data also showed a 4.48 percent rise in the overall output of 11 petroleum products from local refineries during the reporting period. Diesel production rose 9.32 percent, while petrol output increased by 1.97 percent. Furnace oil production climbed 2.73 percent from the corresponding period last year, the data showed. WAM
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
DPM Ishaq Dar reaches Beijing amid regional tensions
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day official visit, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The diplomatic trip comes amid heightened regional tensions following last week's ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The ceasefire followed a military standoff linked to the Pahalgam attack in IIOJK, which India attributed to Pakistan, although no conclusive evidence has been presented. China lent unwavering support to Pakistan when India launched missile strikes targeting Pakistani civilians under the garb of eliminating so-called terror camps. It is widely believed that China worked closely with Pakistan throughout the crisis, providing critical military as well as diplomatic support to deter India. China publicly backed Pakistan and sent a clear message that it supports Islamabad to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The four-day conflict proved immensely beneficial for China, whose J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles helped Pakistan down six Indian fighter jets, including highly-advanced French made Rafale. Before departing for Beijing, DPM Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the strong trade and diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China, Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Dar noted that he had held two recent telephone conversations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who extended the invitation for the official visit. He said his meetings with Chinese leadership would cover a broad range of topics, including political, regional, and global issues, as well as the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Referring to his discussions with foreign counterparts worldwide, Ishaq Dar stated that these interactions have revealed attempts by India to shift blame onto Pakistan, including allegations related to attacks on nuclear installations. During the visit, the Foreign Office said Dar will hold in-depth discussions with Wang on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability. Today, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Beijing on a three day official visit from 19-21 May 2025 . He was received at the airport by senior Chinese officials and Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalil Hashmi. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2025 The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The visit forms part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. It also underscores the two countries' shared commitment to further "strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership", the statement said.
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First Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admits first time, Gen Munir made a panic call after India hit Noor Khan airbase
After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on 10 May read more Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir contacted him at 2:30 am to inform him of India's precision strikes on the Nur Khan Air Base and other strategic targets. The strikes were carried out in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. India launched the operations — codenamed Operation Sindoor — in the early hours of 7 May, targeting militant infrastructure across the border. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In retaliation, Pakistan attempted strikes on Indian military sites on 8, 9, and 10 May. However, Indian forces mounted a powerful counter-attack on multiple Pakistani military positions. After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, both nations reached a ceasefire agreement on 10 May. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all friendly countries that facilitated the truce, especially U.S. President Donald Trump, who he said played 'an active role'. According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, the Prime Minister also visited the family of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, who was killed in the Indian strikes. 'The way the Pakistan armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is unparalleled,' Shehbaz stated. This marks the second observance of Youm-e-Tashakkur following the announcement of a ceasefire. The first was held on Sunday, with rallies across the country to honour the armed forces for their response to India's actions. 'Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or core national interests,' said President Asif Ali Zardari in a separate statement.
