Tag: Karachi

  • First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    Under a newly established agreement between Islamabad and Moscow, the inaugural shipment of discounted Russian crude oil arrived in Karachi on Sunday, marking the beginning of enhanced trade relations between the two nations.

    Departing from Russia over a month ago, the oil cargo reached Pakistan via Oman. Officials announced that the unloading process would commence on Monday, with the oil undergoing processing at the Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL).

    During its lengthy voyage, the 100,000 metric ton oil shipment was divided into two parts in Oman due to the Karachi port’s limited capacity to accommodate larger vessels. Subsequently, two smaller ships, each carrying 50,000 metric tons of oil, embarked on their journey to Karachi.

    Upon the cargo’s arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter, describing Sunday as a “transformative day” and affirming the fulfillment of his commitment to the nation.

    He expressed the belief that these developments would contribute incrementally to prosperity, economic growth, energy security, and affordability. The Prime Minister further recognised and commended all those involved in this national endeavor who helped turn the promise of Russian oil imports into reality.

    Sources indicate that this Russian oil shipment will not be subject to the existing domestic oil pricing mechanism in the country. Consequently, the PRL will assume the benefits or losses associated with the Russian oil. Additionally, the sources stated that this shipment serves as a test case to evaluate the quality of the crude oil and the ratio of refined products. A report will be submitted to the federal government to inform future decisions regarding long-term commercial oil agreements.

    Pakistan had secured its order for the initial cargo of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate of up to $18 per barrel. Following the Platts crude oil prices, Islamabad applied a discount ranging from $16 to $18 per barrel, according to insider information.

  • ANF seizes heavy amount of drugs in country wide operations

    ANF seizes heavy amount of drugs in country wide operations

    The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Saturday arrested five drug peddlers and seized a huge cache of drugs in operations across the country.

    According to the ANF spokesman, the ANF carried out multiple operations in various parts of the country. The force foiled a major drug smuggling attempt from Quetta to Punjab and also recovered 180 kg of hashish from a truck full of onions near Dera Ghazi Khan.

    He said two suspects, who were residents of Pishin, were apprehended by the ANF team. In another operation, 500 grams of heroin was recovered from a suspect who belongs to Sialkot near Wazirabad Road in Hafizabad district of Punjab.

    Another operation was conducted at Indus Chowk near Gadap Town in Karachi, where 51 kgs of hashish was recovered from a car. It was being smuggled from Quetta to Karachi, he added.

    The spokesperson further said 371 kg of heroin and 221 kg of morphine were recovered from an uninhabited area of Pishin and also 10 kg of hashish was recovered from a rickshaw at Airport Road in Quetta.

    He said cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under the Anti-Narcotics Act and further investigation is underway.

  • ‘Mazarat’: Karachi TikToker apologises for making video at police station sitting at SHO’s chair while arrested

    Raees Jaffar, a TikToker from Karachi, was arrested by local police after his Tik Tok account showed a video he made sitting on the SHO’s chair…while he was under arrest.

    The 17 year old had been placed under detention for not having ownership documents of his car. During the time he was waiting for his parents to bring the documents, Jaffar decided to make a video where he was seen mocking the police officer.

    However, when the police got hold of it, they uploaded a video with the boy’s confession.

    In his video, Jaffar admitted to his mistake, saying he made the video without approval inside the police station and that he regrets it.

    The video is on the Twitter account of Karachi Police where it has amassed over 2000 views

    Another TikToker, Shahab Khan, was also arrested for making fun of traffic police in a viral tiktok, but was released after issuing an apology. In the video posted by the official account, the TikToker was seen being stopped by a police man, and then paying a bribe to be let off easily.

    “I made a video just for fun which sent the wrong message. The video has been deleted and I am very ashamed and sorry for this,” confessed Shahab.

  • New Canadian airline introduces direct flights from Canada to Pakistan

    New Canadian airline introduces direct flights from Canada to Pakistan

    A new Canadian airline has introduced direct flight to three major cities in Pakistan from Toronto. The flights to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore will begin in August.

    The new airline, Zara Airways, has appointed Ejaz Haroon, former managing director of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as an adviser.

    The airline will operate three weekly flights from Toronto to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

    It plans to initiate operations in August, utilising two Boeing 777 aircraft initially, with the potential to expand the fleet based on demand. The partnership with Shaheen Airport for ground services, cabin crew, and other operational support will further strengthen Zara Airways’ capabilities.

    To ensure smooth commencement of operations, Zara Airways is currently in the process of securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Canadian government.

    The establishment of Zara Airways is poised to invigorate Pakistan’s aviation industry, which has recently witnessed positive developments.

    The approval of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and SunExpress by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will introduce increased competition, ultimately leading to lower fares and improved services for passengers.

    Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines has announced the resumption of direct flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, a route that had been suspended since 2004.

  • AKU doctors reciting naat for patient moves social media

    In difficult times it is nice to see doctors of this country doing their best to offer solace to people.

    A viral video on social media shows a group of doctors from Agha Khan University (AKU) reciting the naat ‘Faasalon Ko Taqaluf’ for a patient in order to calm them down.

    Since it was uploaded on social media, the video has received over 79.6K views on Twitter, with many users praising the professionals for such a moving and kind gesture and going beyond the call of duty to help a patient.

    https://twitter.com/4114r4/status/1664374750179729408?s=20

    The video was first shared by the Instagram page lifeataku. Underneath the post, people began sharing their experiences of doctors in hospitals offering solace to their loved ones when they were suffering. One user wrote:

    “I was admitted in the hospital for multiple organ failure and was in ICU. I remember the nursing staff playing Surah Rehman twice a day for the patients on their phones. It was such a soothing and pure experience to listen Surah Rehman, Alhumdulillah.”

    Another wrote:

    “When in South City my dad was admitted and was on bipap in covid days , the staff was keeping mobiles full time on eith surah rehman and yaseen no doubt whoever died are martyrs insha Allah like my dad ”

  • Lyari rapper Eva B honored as first Pakistani woman to feature on Grammy’s Global Spin

    Only a year after ‘Kanna Yaari’ burst on our screens, there’s no stopping Eva B. The Lyari based rapper is setting milestones with her performance at the Grammy’s ‘Global Spin’ show with her song ‘Sunrise in Lyari’.

    The Global Spin is a platform where international artists are highlighted. Her track is described as ‘an infectious rap song about her roots in Karachi.” She had also exclusively written the song for the platform.

    Sharing the achievement on her Instagram page, the ‘Rozi’ rapper called this achievement a ‘testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

    “In this moment, I’m overwhelmed with a mix of awe, gratitude, and a burning desire to represent my roots. Being a Pakistani woman to hit the Grammy GlobalSpin stage is a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence. ”

    Eva B had won hearts across Pakistan with her upbeat hit ‘Rozi’ which she sang for the ‘Ms Marvel’ soundtrack and later featured alongside with actress Sonya Hussyn for ‘Khoon Hai Karachi Ka’ for the crime thriller film ‘Daadal’

  • Karachi needs Shehbaz Speed: BBZ

    Karachi needs Shehbaz Speed: BBZ

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that Karachi needs Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s speed.

    Shehbaz Speed was a term popularly used for projects completed in a short duration when Sharif was the Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab.

    While giving a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of K-IV project, Bilawal addressed PM Shehbaz, stating, “We are looking at you, you should form your own team to solve these problems being faced by Sindh including Karachi.”

    He added that the prime minister has the support of the two major parties of Sindh and all partners of the coalition government want to solve the problems of the country together. “When we all continue to work together, all of Pakistan’s problems can be solved,” he said.

    Talking about Karachi, he said that if the government pays attention to the metropolis according to its potential, then not only the IMF could bid farewell, but the whole nation could also stand on its own feet.

    About the May 9 episode, he warned that if serious crimes like setting fire to Jinnah House Lahore, demolishing martyrs’ memorials and attacking military installations are neglected, then running this country will become not only difficult but impossible. He also asked that if the conspiracy of May 9 events had been hatched either in Bilawal House, Raiwand or Nine Zero, what would have been the reaction to it.

    Bilawal said that when the police went to comply with the court notice in March this year, Zaman Park had been turned into a battleground. He added that even during PTI’s long march, participants had arms, but the government did not take action, adding that the Prime Minister could have banned PTI on the basis of foreign funding case and Al-Qadir Trust case if he wanted. “But we didn’t want the impression of political vendetta and setting a bad precedent,” he said.

  • Pink taxis for women in Sindh

    The Sindh government is all set to launch a “Pink Taxi Service” featuring electric cars for facilitating female citizens of the province.

    The development was announced by Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon.

    The minister said that initially, 200 electricity-powered taxis will start operating in Karachi, of which fifty will be women-only taxis driven by female drivers. He said that the hiring of female drivers and setting up of charging and parking depots is yet to be done.

    He said that the project will also provide job opportunities to unemployed youth, while eco-friendly taxis will save oil worth billions of rupees.

    Prior to this, the government also launched a pink bus service for women which is being frequented by a large number of female commuters.

  • History made as Shahzadi Rai becomes first transgender to serve on Karachi Metropolitan Corporation

    Shahzadi Rai announced on her Twitter account on Wednesday that she has become the first transgender person to serve on the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the first such appointment in history. In a tweet she said:

    “I’m excited to share that I have submitted my papers KMC for transgender/Khawajasara reserved seats. It is the first time in Pakistan’s history that such an opportunity has been available, and I am grateful to the @PPP_Org @BBhuttoZardari @SyedNasirHShah @BakhtawarBZ @SaeedGhani1.”

    Speaking to The Current, Rai talked about her goals to help empower the transgender community and ensure that protecting human rights for all remains a priority for the organisation:

    Our priority is that any policy or project initiated should be inclusive for transgender people. We want to work for all the people in Karachi and make life better for them, whether it is men, women or khawaja sira people. We want to implement human rights because I am a feminist and a human right’s activist for the last 12 years, so when we enter politics we shouldn’t forget about our basic principles.”

    Since her announcement, civil society bodies and transgender activists on Twitter have offered congratulations on the historic feat, welcoming it as a necessary step towards including the transgender community into all kinds of policy making.

    https://twitter.com/Bubbleskhanum/status/1661354767380099072?s=20

  • Student dies from heatstroke during board exam in Sindh

    A tragic accident took place at the Government Degree College in Khairpur, Sindh, when a student, Mehtab Ali, passed away during Grade XI intermediate board examinations due to load shedding in extreme heat.

    According to The Nation, Ali fainted during his exam and was rushed to the hospital where he passed away despite attempts to revive him.

    While students are giving their final examinations, the ongoing power outrage has exposed them to the heatwave, putting many at risk of suffering from heat strokes or nose bleeds. The Sindh Minister for Board and Education, Ismail Rahoo, has encouraged authorities to ensure that examination halls have uninterrupted power supply so that such fatal incidents can be avoided.