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Print - 2014-12-25
China's yuan weakens

China's yuan weakens

China's yuan weakened to 6.2325 per dollar in early trade on Wednesday, its lowest level since June, dropping beneath the previous six-month low of 6.2316 seen last Friday, under pressure from a rampant dollar. The dollar hovered at its highest in nearly
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Kenyan shilling weakens on pent-up dollar demand

Kenyan shilling weakens on pent-up dollar demand

The Kenyan shilling weakened on Wednesday on dollar buying by a few companies before a two-day break for the Christmas holiday. The foreign currency market closed earlier than usual at 0900 GMT due to the upcoming holiday, with commercial banks quoting th
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Asian currencies down

Asian currencies down

The Chinese yuan slipped a six-month low and the Taiwan dollar hit a four-year trough on Wednesday, as the dollar enjoyed broad demand after data showed the US economy in much more sturdier shape than earlier thought. The Taiwan dollar fell to 31.894 on t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
South Africa's rand wavers in the wake of strong US GDP

South Africa's rand wavers in the wake of strong US GDP

South Africa's rand weakened against the dollar on Wednesday in what could be a negative trend for the currency going into 2015 after stronger-than-expected economic growth in the United States buoyed an already bullish dollar. The world's number one econ
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Nigerian naira street rate well below central bank's at Christmas

Nigerian naira street rate well below central bank's at Christmas

Nigeria's central bank says the post-devaluation band for the naira is "appropriately priced", but black market hawkers out on the street are trading it at around 3-5 percent below its floor in the run-up to Christmas. Despite an 8 percent devaluation of
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Bangladesh interbank rates

Bangladesh interbank rates

Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Wednesday. 77.91-77.92 (previous 77.91-77.92). Call Money Rates: 07.00-09.00 percent (Previous 05.75-09.00 percent) (revised).
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Ugandan shilling flat, seen firmer on Treasury bills sale

Ugandan shilling flat, seen firmer on Treasury bills sale

The Ugandan shilling was stable on Wednesday in quiet trade but dealers anticipated the local currency would strengthen on possible hard currency inflows from investors seeking government debt. At 0741 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 2,755/2,7
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Ugandan shilling flat, seen firmer on Treasury bills sale

Ugandan shilling flat, seen firmer on Treasury bills sale

The Ugandan shilling was stable on Wednesday in quiet trade but dealers anticipated the local currency would strengthen on possible hard currency inflows from investors seeking government debt. At 0741 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 2,755/2,7
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PCB plans 3-nation 'A' event in UAE next year: Shaharyar

PCB plans 3-nation 'A' event in UAE next year: Shaharyar

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in order to provide exposure to Pakistan second string is planning a 3-nation "A" team event in United Arab Emirates (UAE), board Chairman Shaharyar M.Khan said on Wednesday. "PCB is fully aware of providing exposure to Pakist
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Quaid Trophy final Rizwan's double, Khurram's ton put SNGPL on top

Quaid Trophy final Rizwan's double, Khurram's ton put SNGPL on top

Dazzling Muhammad Rizwan blasted a maiden double hundred and Khurram Shahzad smashed an attacking hundred as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) tightened their grip in their Quaid-e-Azam Cricket Trophy Gold League final against National Bank of Pakist
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Cameroon's Nkama replaces slain compatriot at Algerian club

Cameroon's Nkama replaces slain compatriot at Algerian club

Cameroon striker Gael Gregoire Nkama has signed for Algerian club JS Kabylie to replace Albert Ebosse, his compatriot killed when playing for the Algerian side four months ago. "It will be very difficult for me to replace Ebosse," Nkama, the top scorer in
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Pakistan World Cup hopeful Shah inspired by Warne

Pakistan World Cup hopeful Shah inspired by Warne

Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah is determined to make an impact at next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand having been inspired by the great Shane Warne. "I started playing cricket because I idolised Shane Warne. He has been my role model and I
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Defibrillator a guardian angel, reminder for footballer Engelbrecht

Defibrillator a guardian angel, reminder for footballer Engelbrecht

Daniel Engelbrecht plans a major Christmas and New Year bash for friends and family now that he has returned to professional football after almost losing his life last year over heart problems. Engelbrecht, from third division Stuttgarter Kickers, is the
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Pentangular cricket tournament to begin from December 31

Pentangular cricket tournament to begin from December 31

Multanites would enjoy quality cricket after a long time with the commencement of 10-day long pentangular cricket tournament featuring national cricket players at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium from December 31. Five regional cricket teams compris
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Cagliari part company with coach Zeman

Cagliari part company with coach Zeman

Struggling Cagliari have parted company with coach Zdenek Zeman, the Serie A club said Tuesday in a statement. The tenure of the Czech Zeman, 67, ended after five months in the wake a 3-1 home defeat against champions and leaders Juventus last week. The f
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Sunderland lose French veteran Reveillere for a month

Sunderland lose French veteran Reveillere for a month

English Premier League strugglers Sunderland face a month without former France international defender Anthony Reveillere who has a calf injury. The 35-year-old fullback - capped 20 times - suffered the injury during the warm-up prior to Sunderland's cruc
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PCB chief for quick functioning of PCB Academy, repair of NSK

PCB chief for quick functioning of PCB Academy, repair of NSK

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan was not happy with condition of country's premier Test centre - National Stadium Karachi (NSK) and wanted quick completion of PCB Academy here. During his visit to under construction academy building on We
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
In Kabul, Germans and British re-enact Christmas truce football match

In Kabul, Germans and British re-enact Christmas truce football match

It was a war from a different millennia, a battlefield on another continent. But on Wednesday British and German soldiers fought each other on a Kabul football pitch to mark the centenary of the famous Christmas Truce game between the fighting nations of
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Amir Khan offers help in fighting terror, rebuilding school

Amir Khan offers help in fighting terror, rebuilding school

British boxer Amir Khan Wednesday promised help to rebuild a Pakistani school where 150 people were massacred by the Taliban in the country's deadliest ever terror attack. Khan, who has Pakistani roots, travelled to the troubled country to show solidarity
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Shinzo Abe returns as Japanese Prime Minister after snap election

Shinzo Abe returns as Japanese Prime Minister after snap election

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised Wednesday at the start of his new term to revive Japan's economy so he can pursue "powerful diplomacy", but China's state media warned him to be wary about changing the pacifist constitution. The lower house voted overwh
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
US court dismisses immigration lawsuit against Obama

US court dismisses immigration lawsuit against Obama

A US federal judge handed a victory to President Barack Obama late Tuesday, throwing out a lawsuit over controversial actions he took last month shielding millions of undocumented migrants from deportation. The suit brought by Joseph Arpaio, the conservat
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
India police formally charge Uber driver with rape

India police formally charge Uber driver with rape

Police on Wednesday formally charged an Uber taxi driver with the rape of a passenger in New Delhi, a report said, in a case that has reignited anger over women's safety in India. Shiv Kumar Yadav, 32, was arrested and remanded in custody after the 25-yea
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Christmas pilgrims gather in Bethlehem to begin celebrations

Christmas pilgrims gather in Bethlehem to begin celebrations

Pilgrims from across the world descended on Jesus's birthplace in Bethlehem Wednesday to begin the global celebration of Christmas after a violence-plagued year brought suffering to many Middle Eastern Christians. The not-so-little West Bank town was bust
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Two killed in Nicaragua canal protests

Two killed in Nicaragua canal protests

A police crackdown on hundreds of Nicaraguan farmers protesting the construction of a $50 billion canal across their land left two dead Wednesday, an activist and opposition leader reported. Police action against protesters began on Tuesday and intensifie
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Embattled Nigeria states impose travel bans through Christmas

Embattled Nigeria states impose travel bans through Christmas

Two north-east Nigeria states have put heavy restrictions on vehicle movement beginning on Christmas Eve and lasting through the weekend following fears of Boko Haram attacks. The two states, Borno and Yobe, have been the hardest hit during the five-year
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
South Africa's Zuma denies hinting at getting fifth wife

South Africa's Zuma denies hinting at getting fifth wife

South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday denied media local reports that he has hinted he may be ready to take a fifth wife to accompany him through old age. In a statement titled "holiday legends", the presidency said a journalist from The Star, a
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
First outdoor art show in Saudi Arabia

First outdoor art show in Saudi Arabia

In highly conservative Saudi Arabia where most forms of entertainment are forbidden, art has taken to the streets. Dozens of paintings are being displayed on outdoor advertising billboards in the capital Riyadh and other cities in what organisers say is t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
First conviction in Sierra Leone under Ebola laws

First conviction in Sierra Leone under Ebola laws

A village chief has become the first person in Sierra Leone to be jailed under laws aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus, court officials and lawyers said Tuesday. Amadu Kargbo was sentenced to six months in jail by a court in the south-weste
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Cuba prepares for Christmas with early gift from Obama

Cuba prepares for Christmas with early gift from Obama

Cubans prepared Wednesday to celebrate Christmas, a resurgent holiday banned for 38 years by the communist government, with an early gift from US President Barack Obama: a historic rapprochement. Across the island, houses, restaurants, supermarkets, hotel
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
CAA launches 'FIRMS' software to maintain record

CAA launches 'FIRMS' software to maintain record

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday claimed to have launched its indigenous software 'Flight Information & Revenue Management System (FIRMS)' for maintaining the record and billing of all flights using Pakistani airspace. Director General, CAA, Ai
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Pulses import up 36 percent in July-November

Pulses import up 36 percent in July-November

Pulses import grew by 36 percent during July-November 2014-15 despite a 'very good' local crop of the commodity, traders said on Wednesday. "Local pulses crop is comparatively low this year, yet it is very good," Chairman All Karachi Wholesalers Grocers A
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Court timings during winter vacations

Court timings during winter vacations

The Registrar, Sindh High Court, on Wednesday notified the timing of its benches during winter holidays from December 26 to January 9, 2015. According to the schedule, SHC Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana benches will remain open during the winter h
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
No gas supply to Quetta on fifth day

No gas supply to Quetta on fifth day

The provincial capital remained without gas supply on fifth consecutive day on Wednesday. Earlier, gas supply was stopped to the metropolis and other cities of Balochistan when fire erupted in gas plant in Sui, officials of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC)
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Police kill two 'TTP men'

Police kill two 'TTP men'

Police claimed to have killed two alleged militants of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), here on Wednesday. A police party intercepted four suspected persons riding two motorbikes in Surjani Town area in overnight operation and asked. Upon this t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Trade between Pakistan & Indonesia to go up: envoy

Trade between Pakistan & Indonesia to go up: envoy

Consul General of Republic of Indonesia, Hadi Santoso, said here on Wednesday that trade between Pakistan and Indonesia might reach up to $2.3 to $2.4 billion by the end of this year. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Avanza Solutions signs pact with NRSP Microfinance Bank

Avanza Solutions signs pact with NRSP Microfinance Bank

Avanza Solutions, a leading multinational IT firm, signed agreement with NRSP Microfinance Bank enabling it to offer alternate delivery channels for its products and services. NRSP Bank, headquartered in Bahawalpur, started operations in March 2011. The B
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Engro providing basic services to locals in Sindh

Engro providing basic services to locals in Sindh

Engro Corporation Pakistan is providing all basic services including water, sanitation, infrastructure, education, health facilities, jobs and other facilities to local peoples in Sindh province. Senior Advisor, Air Commodore Syed Asghar Naqvi (Retired) s
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Government mops up Rs 44 billion via MTBs auction

Government mops up Rs 44 billion via MTBs auction

The federal government on Wednesday borrowed some Rs 44.22 billion through the auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs). The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted the last auction of MTBs for this quarter on December 24. The auction attracted heavy partic
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Government mops up Rs 44 billion via MTBs auction

Government mops up Rs 44 billion via MTBs auction

The federal government on Wednesday borrowed some Rs 44.22 billion through the auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs). The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted the last auction of MTBs for this quarter on December 24. The auction attracted heavy partic
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
DIG Hyderabad reviews security steps for Christmas

DIG Hyderabad reviews security steps for Christmas

To evaluate and assess the security arrangements during forth coming Christmas-2014, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hyderabad Range convened consecutive meetings on 23rd & 24th December-2014 with both SSPs of Hyderabad and prominent of Christian
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
KP holds seminar on education sector budgeting

KP holds seminar on education sector budgeting

A provincial seminar was held on Education Sector Budgeting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Adequacy, Efficiency and Effectiveness for Improving Social Accountability in Education Sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by Centre for Governance and Public Accountability on W
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Kurram Tangi Dam to usher in economic prosperity: KP Governor

Kurram Tangi Dam to usher in economic prosperity: KP Governor

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has said that early completion of Kurram Tangi Dam, a long-awaited multi-purpose project would enhance the level of economic activities, create jobs opportunities and would lead to overcome energy crise
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
DSP suspended for alleged association with criminals

DSP suspended for alleged association with criminals

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nasir Khan Durrani has suspended DSP CTD, and ordered departmental inquiry against him on charges of mixing up with criminals. As per details, the IGP received various complaints against DSP CTD Qazi Is
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
KP Governor felicitates Christian community

KP Governor felicitates Christian community

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has congratulated the Christian community of the country for celebrations of Christmas. In his felicitation message, he said that "on December 25, the Christian community of our beloved motherland is ob
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
SECP asks insurance companies to pay supervision fee

SECP asks insurance companies to pay supervision fee

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced new annual supervision fee (year 2015) for the insurance companies. In this regard, the SECP has issued a circular number 2 of 2014 here on Wednesday. According to the circular, the f
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
IESCO power closure notice

IESCO power closure notice

According to IESCO spokesman, due to electricity maintenance/development work, power supply of the following feeders to remain suspended as under:
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Facility for youth: WCCI, BoK hold workshop on interest-free loan

Facility for youth: WCCI, BoK hold workshop on interest-free loan

Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Peshawar, in collaboration with the Bank of Khyber, organised an awareness workshop regarding interest-free loan facility for youth in the province. Head of BoK loan schemes, Afnan Sethi while speaking during
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
KP Governor's message on Quaid's birth anniversary

KP Governor's message on Quaid's birth anniversary

"Nations arise and reach high levels of respect and identity on the world's map and move forward as active partners of the world comity in seeking common human good. Today, we Pakistanis while celebrating the Birth Anniversary of the Founder of our belove
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
SAP seeks meeting with Punjab Governor

SAP seeks meeting with Punjab Governor

Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) has urged the Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar to engage it in meaningful dialogues to clear his (Governor's) misapprehensions regarding seed industry in Pakistan which is not only playing the role of a bridge be
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PTEA lauds police efforts to maintain law, order in Faisalabad

PTEA lauds police efforts to maintain law, order in Faisalabad

The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has appreciated the efforts of the Faisalabad Police to maintain the law and order situation and make the city a secure and business friendly place. Arrest of culprits of extortion threat calls to industri
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
JI opposes military courts

JI opposes military courts

Secretary General, Jamaat e Islami, Liaqat Baloch, has opposed the setting up of military courts in the country in the presence of the constitution, the parliament, a democratic government and the law courts. In a statement here on Tuesday, he said that t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PDWP approves 10 welfare schemes costing Rs 44.728 billion

PDWP approves 10 welfare schemes costing Rs 44.728 billion

The Provincial Development Working Party Punjab on Wednesday approved 10 development schemes of various sectors with an estimated cost of Rs 44.728 billion including 2x55MW (Gross) Coal Fired Power Plant at Sundar Industrial Estate Lahore at the cost of R
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
French envoy, chief minister Punjab discuss economic, trade ties

French envoy, chief minister Punjab discuss economic, trade ties

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the whole nation was shocked at the worst terror attack targeting innocent schoolchildren at the Army Public School in Peshawar. He said that such an incident of brutality was unprecedented in th
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PSMA Punjab calls for restricting influx of sugar from Sindh

PSMA Punjab calls for restricting influx of sugar from Sindh

Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Punjab has requested Chief Secretary Punjab that immediate steps be taken to restrict influx of sugar from Sindh to Punjab because the mills of Sindh province are purchasing sugarcane at Rs 155 per 40kg by virtue of
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Two bills tabled in Punjab Assembly

Two bills tabled in Punjab Assembly

Two bills 'The Punjab Strategic Co-ordination (Amendment) Bill 2014 and 'The Punjab Local Government (Third Amendment) Bill 2014 were tabled in Punjab Assembly session here on Wednesday. Agriculture Minister Dr Farukh Javed replying to queries on agricult
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
LSE holiday

LSE holiday

Trading and offices of the Lahore Stock Exchange shall remain closed on Thursday, December 25, on account of anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, says a circular issued here on Wednesday.
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Security beefed up at churches, Christmas Bazaars

Security beefed up at churches, Christmas Bazaars

Tight security measures have been taken around the churches and at Christmas Bazaars established for Christians .The security was also beefed up in one of the very sensitive district of Khanewal, Bahawalpur and Muzaffargarh where big villages of Christian
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Zardari felicitates Christians

Zardari felicitates Christians

Former President Asif Ali Zardari has greeted Christian Community on the eve of Christmas falling on Thursday December 25. "I wish to felicitate Christians all over the world particularly our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan on the auspicious oc
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Korea Film Festival held at PNCA

Korea Film Festival held at PNCA

Pakistan and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) share warm and friendly diplomatic ties. Pakistan is an important country for the Republic of Korea, as both countries are trying to boost the cultural relations between the two countries. In this regard, t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
NBP launches drive 'Remembering a great leader'

NBP launches drive 'Remembering a great leader'

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) launched an advertising campaign with the theme of "Remembering a great leader". NBP is proud to embrace the values handed down by Quaid-i-Azam and reflect them in all its practices. On his birth anniversary, NBP being Nati
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
ANF seizes drugs worth Rs 333 million

ANF seizes drugs worth Rs 333 million

ANF launched seven operations across the country and seized 3.3 tons drugs worth Rs 333 million and arrested 12 persons involved in drug trafficking. ANF Quetta conducted a successful intelligence led operation and seized 3281-kg Charas (Garda) from uninh
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Fourth Professional: Foundation University declares MBBS results

Fourth Professional: Foundation University declares MBBS results

The Foundation Univer-sity has dec-lared the result of fourth Pro-fessional MBBS (Annual) Examinations 2014. Ramlah Ghazanfar, Roll No 5201, Registration No 5317/FUI/MBBS-2011 of the Foundation University Medical College, got first position in the examina
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Four including Chinese killed in dam accident

Four including Chinese killed in dam accident

Four people including a Chinese engineer were killed Wednesday when a wall collapsed at a construction site for a major dam project in Azad Kashmir, officials said. The accident happened at the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project intake site 40 kilometres (2
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
FIA arrests RTO employee

FIA arrests RTO employee

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested an employee of Regional Tax Office Multan on the instructions of NAB for extorting millions of rupees from the jobless persons for providing them lucrative jobs or sending them abroad. The FIA special te
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Government urged to declare Sialkot as 'Cottage City'

Government urged to declare Sialkot as 'Cottage City'

The world has recognised Sialkot as export-oriented city of Pakistan, since this place possesses century-old industrial heritage. It has developed a remarkable export culture over the period and contributing over $1.6 billion annually to the national exch
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Non-availability of gas may delay New Year's sales orders: PHMA

Non-availability of gas may delay New Year's sales orders: PHMA

The supply of gas suspension to the value-added and export-oriented hosiery sector has been delayed new year orders to the tune of millions of rupees, said Rana Altaf Ahmed senior vice-chairman Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHM
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
LPG Association assures Ministry of reducing price

LPG Association assures Ministry of reducing price

The LPG Association of Pakistan has assured the Federal Petroleum Ministry that the association would make all out efforts to reduce the LPG price in the larger interest of the consumers. The assurance was made by the LPG Association of Pakistan during a
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Minister, Parliamentary Secretary visit PTA Headquarters

Minister, Parliamentary Secretary visit PTA Headquarters

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, and Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat, Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas, visited Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters here on Wednesday. Chairman PTA Dr Syed Ismai
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
APCA warns protests in Sindh against non-acceptance of demands

APCA warns protests in Sindh against non-acceptance of demands

The All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) on Wednesday threatened to launch a protest drive against non-acceptance of their genuine demands. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, APCA President Syed Amanullah Shah Mushwani said: "If t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Wiping out terrorism: JUI-F assures full support to government: Fazl

Wiping out terrorism: JUI-F assures full support to government: Fazl

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday said that his party would continue co-operation with the government in its efforts to wipe out terrorism from the country. Addressing a press conference, he said sectarian harmony was the aim and
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Government criticised for ignoring Senate proceedings

Government criticised for ignoring Senate proceedings

Senators on Wednesday staged a walkout from the House against the absence of the ruling party senators and ministers. Senator Zahid Khan of ANP pointed out lack of quorum and the proceedings of the Upper House were suspended for five minutes to complete t
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
FINCA launches new microfinance branch

FINCA launches new microfinance branch

Initiatives taken by microfinance institutes, such as FINCA, empower low-income individuals to start businesses, create jobs, alleviate poverty, and create new opportunities, said Senator Kamran Michael, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping.
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
SUN-CSA formed to control malnutrition in Pakistan

SUN-CSA formed to control malnutrition in Pakistan

Pakistan is facing a silent crisis of malnutrition that is amongst the worst in the world and has not improved for decades. Amid such grim situation, a two-day National Conference on the State of Nutrition in Pakistan and formation of the Scaling Up Nutri
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Bridge expansion joints

Bridge expansion joints

Bridge expansion joints are mandatory due to changes in volume of deck slab concrete caused by thermal expansion/contraction. Unless a reinforced concrete bridge deck slab is free to expand and contract, stresses are set up in the deck slab. Joints are th
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Thar coal on-track towards execution

Thar coal on-track towards execution

Thar coal is undoubtedly the only sustainable solution to Pakistan's energy woes with 175Bn tonnes of coal reserves. Pakistan is fortunate to have such abundant reserves that are equivalent to the combined oil reserves of Iran and Saudi Arabia in energy e
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Defining the patent infringements under US law

Defining the patent infringements under US law

In order to establish an infringement of a patent, the first step is to interpret the claim; the importance of claim is to be noted since the claim is the name of game. The interpretation of a claim can only be done by the court; a jury is not authorised
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
VIEW POINT: Why we are where we are today

VIEW POINT: Why we are where we are today

Our civil and military leaderships seem to have finally come to the realisation that the mess we are in today is the result of harebrained policies of the past three-and-a-half decades that now need to be reversed through a decisive action. Prime Minister
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Daesh on the back foot?

Daesh on the back foot?

For the first time the battlefield reports suggest that the forces of much feared Islamic State, commonly known by its Arabic acronym Daesh, are on the back foot. The Kurdish peshmerga has broken the siege of Mount Sinjar where some 1700 members of Yazidi
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Drug pricing policy

Drug pricing policy

The Federal Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, chaired a meeting on drugs pricing policy and stated the obvious: a pricing mechanism must be developed that ensures adequate supply of all essential drugs, protects the interest of the consumers and takes cognisan
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
PAF to establish Air University in Lahore

PAF to establish Air University in Lahore

To meet the growing need for higher technical institutions in the country, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has decided to establish Air University in Lahore Knowledge Park adjacent to Defence Housing Authority Lahore. A 4-member delegation of PAF headed by Assis
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Uprooting terrorism: parties given mandate to Nawaz: Siraj

Uprooting terrorism: parties given mandate to Nawaz: Siraj

Chief of Jamaat e Islami Pakistan, Sirajul Haq, has said that the creation of new provinces in the country was neither un-Islamic nor unconstitutional. According to media cell of Jamaat e Islami Lahore while addressing newspaper editors and senior journal
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
'Punjab government follows all labour conventions of ILO'

'Punjab government follows all labour conventions of ILO'

Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resources, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar has said that Punjab government is following all labour conventions of ILO for benefiting from GSP-Plus status so that not only confidence of employees and employers could be restored
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
2.5 million children out of schools in KP, seminar told

2.5 million children out of schools in KP, seminar told

The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) on Wednesday organized a seminar on "Education Sector Budgeting: adequacy, efficiency and effectiveness for improving social accountability in education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa". The main obj
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Altaf opposes military courts

Altaf opposes military courts

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday said that it would be better to impose complete martial law than establishing military courts. He was addressing a hurriedly-called press conference at Lal Qila ground here on Wednesday. He a
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
AlHuda CIBE to enter into partnership with Uganda University

AlHuda CIBE to enter into partnership with Uganda University

AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is set to enter into partnership with Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) aimed at building capacity in banking and finance in Uganda. This was disclosed by a spokesperson of AlHuda CIB
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Mepco completes 29 low tension schemes

Mepco completes 29 low tension schemes

The Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) has completed 29 low tension (LT) schemes to ensure timely provision of electricity connections, Mepco officials said. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Mepco provided development funds amounting to Rs 20
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
MCCI supports proposal to establish military courts

MCCI supports proposal to establish military courts

Business community of Southern Punjab has supported the proposal to establish military courts for quick dispensation of justice in terrorism-related cases. President of Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) Mian Iqbal Hassan said that it was a good
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Delays in maintenance cause 15 percent rise in power breakdowns

Delays in maintenance cause 15 percent rise in power breakdowns

Inordinate delays in maintenance of transmission and distribution lines of NTDC has resulted countrywide 15% rise in power breakdowns against corresponding period. In some cases the power breakdown has reached to 90%, as there is no priority of the govern
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am
Punjab ministers discuss new sanitation policy

Punjab ministers discuss new sanitation policy

Punjab Minister for Housing Malik Tanvir Aslam Awan and Industry Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq on Wednesday jointly chaired the meeting for preparing new sanitation policy and its rules and regulations. The meeting decided that such a policy regarding
Published 25 Dec, 2014 12:00am