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Newsdesk

Federal Cabinet approves Gwadar-Oman ferry service

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Federal Cabinet

KARACHI: The federal cabinet has approved the Gwadar-Oman ferry service, according to a statement by Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

Following the cabinet’s approval, the ferry service between Gwadar and Oman is expected to be launched soon. Pakistan and Oman will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the ferry link, while an Omani delegation will visit Pakistan to finalize arrangements.

Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the new ferry route is expected to boost trade volume and investment between the two countries.

This initiative follows Pakistan’s earlier approval of a ferry service license to Iran, marking a continued effort to enhance regional maritime connectivity and trade through Gwadar Port.

JPMC ED Prof Shahid Rasool passes away

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JPMC ED

KARACHI: Professor Shahid Rasool, the Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, has passed away, leaving a significant void in Pakistan’s medical community.

Colleagues and staff at Jinnah Hospital expressed deep sorrow over his untimely demise, highlighting his commitment to medical education and the professional development of hospital personnel.

Under his leadership, the hospital undertook numerous initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline operations, and expand patient facilities.

Medical associations and public health officials have extended condolences to his family, describing Professor Rasool as a visionary leader whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the healthcare sector in Karachi and across Pakistan.

The hospital administration has announced that memorial arrangements and tributes will be organized in his honor to recognize his decades-long service to medicine and public health.

On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed deep grief over the passing of Professor Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital Karachi.

In his statement, the Chief Minister described Dr. Shahid as one of the country’s finest surgeons, praising his dedication to medicine and healthcare. He added that Dr. Shahid Rasool’s services to the medical community will always be remembered.

The Sindh Chief Minister also prayed for the elevation of the late doctor’s ranks in the hereafter and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them strength and patience during this difficult time.

Dr. Shahid Rasool’s contributions to patient care, medical education, and hospital administration have left a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

Abu Dhabi pioneers driverless car services in Middle East

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Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The first successful flight of a domestically manufactured helicopter has been completed in Abu Dhabi.

The helicopter can carry up to 250 kilograms over a distance of 700 kilometers. The Abu Dhabi government announced that the aircraft will be used primarily for delivery purposes. Its advanced hybrid engine allows it to operate using both electricity and fuel, and the helicopter has been entirely manufactured in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, driverless vehicles are now operational in Abu Dhabi, with regular commercial services having officially started. This development makes Abu Dhabi the first city in the Middle East to operate autonomous vehicles commercially, with two Chinese companies providing the driverless cars.

Petroleum products could see major price hike

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Petroleum products

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s petroleum sector braces for a possible rise of PKR 9.60 per litre in fuel prices over the next fifteen days.

Industry sources said the increase is likely due to a shortage of diesel in the Gulf region. Pakistan imports most of its diesel from Kuwait, but supply has been affected because one of Kuwait’s refineries is undergoing extended maintenance.

Originally scheduled to be completed at the beginning of November, the maintenance has now been extended for another 15 days, creating a regional diesel shortage.

According to sources, only one of the three units at Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery is fully operational, leading to reduced production of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) and an increase in global prices.

Ajay Devgn reacts to Kajol’s remarks on marriage expiry

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Ajay Devgn

Actor Ajay Devgn has responded to his wife Kajol’s recent remarks about marriage during an interview on a YouTube channel.

During the conversation, Kajol openly discussed changing perceptions of love and modern relationships. When asked by Twinkle Khanna whether marriage should come with an “expiry” and renewal option, Kajol agreed, while Twinkle Khanna, Vicky Kaushal, and Kriti Sanon disagreed.

Kajol elaborated, saying, “I completely agree. After all, there’s no guarantee that you’ll marry the right person at the right time. Having a renewal option makes sense, and if there’s an expiry date, no one has to endure prolonged pain.”

In a separate interview, Ajay Devgn reflected on the evolving meaning of love, stating, “I think the meaning of love has changed over time. It has become a mundane, common thing. The words ‘love’ or ‘I love you’ are now overused and have lost their significance. In our time, saying ‘I love you’ was a big deal, but today people don’t grasp its depth.”

Actor Arjun Madhavan agreed, noting that previous generations regarded love with profound sincerity, even taking signing a card seriously. Ajay added that today, expressions of affection often end with a heart emoji or a simple ‘love you.’

Kajol and Ajay Devgn first met on the sets of the 1995 film Hulchul, and married four years later, becoming one of Bollywood’s most beloved couples.

PCB concludes valuation of PSL teams and assets

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PCB concludes

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the valuation process for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises and related assets has been completed.

Following the valuation, all eligible PSL franchises have been sent offers to renew their agreements for the next ten years on revised fee structures. Franchises have been asked to communicate their decisions to PSL management within the given deadline.

To ensure transparency in the decade-long franchise agreements, the PCB has also arranged joint and individual meetings between franchise representatives and the chartered firm EY MENA. These meetings will allow franchise owners to review the valuation methodology and seek clarification on any concerns.

The PCB has additionally received reports from EY MENA regarding the potential pricing of two new PSL franchise teams. The tender process for the sale of these teams will begin soon.

Interested buyers will be allowed to choose from the following cities for their teams: Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.

The PCB management reiterated its commitment to maintaining fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships with all PSL stakeholders, noting that the league continues to play a vital role in the growth and global recognition of Pakistan cricket.

11 Palestinian girls top intermediate board despite war

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11 Palestinian girls

Gaza: Eleven Palestinian girls have secured top positions in the Gaza Intermediate Board examinations by scoring 99 percent marks, according to international media reports.

Despite the ongoing Israeli offensive, Gaza’s youth continue to pursue education with determination, holding on to the hope of a better future even in the harshest circumstances.

The report states that the exceptional performance of these 11 girls has brought a wave of joy among Palestinians enduring Israeli atrocities, with families celebrating the achievement amid the ruins of devastated neighborhoods.

Tragically, the report also notes that many of the students who passed the intermediate exams have since been martyred in Israeli bombardments.

Army Act Amendment Bill moves to Senate for approval today

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Army Act Amendment

ISLAMABAD: According to the agenda released for today’s sitting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will move the Army Act Amendment Bill in the Senate for its formal approval.

As per the agenda, the minister will also table the Pakistan Air Force Act Amendment Bill for approval, while the Pakistan Navy Ordinance Amendment Bill is similarly scheduled to be presented in the Upper House.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will lay before the Senate the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill for final approval. All these bills have already been passed by the National Assembly and will now be taken up by the Senate.

The National Assembly, following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, has already approved the Army Act 2025. Under this act, a fresh notification will be issued appointing the Army Chief as the Chief of Defence Forces, after which the Army Chief’s tenure will restart.

According to the amended Army Act, the Army Chief, in the capacity of Chief of Defence Forces, will oversee the restructuring and integration of all branches of the Pakistan Army. The Prime Minister, on the Army Chief’s recommendation, will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command.

The Commander of the National Strategic Command will have a three-year term, extendable for another three years. The act also states that the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will stand abolished from November 27.

US bars visas for individuals with obesity, diabetes and mental illness

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US bars visas

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State has issued a new directive to American embassies worldwide, stating that individuals with certain medical conditions may be denied visas for entry or permanent residence in the United States.

Under the “public charge” rule, applicants with obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or other serious medical conditions may be refused a visa if they are deemed likely to rely on government resources for treatment.

However, the directive allows for exceptions if applicants can prove they can cover their own medical expenses. The measure reflects concerns that costly treatments could place a financial burden on the US government.

It is noted that in the United States, over 100 million people suffer from obesity, while more than 38 million are affected by diabetes.

The new rule comes amid ongoing adjustments to US immigration policies and is expected to affect prospective immigrants worldwide.

PCB revises schedule for Tri-Nation T20 series

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PCB revises

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised the schedule for the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series following changes to the remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka.

According to the PCB, all matches of the three-nation tournament, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were scheduled between 17 and 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The board stated that the schedule adjustment was made in consultation with the respective boards and based on operational considerations.

Earlier, the PCB had also rescheduled the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka, which will now be played on 14 and 16 November, instead of the original dates of 13 and 15 November, as confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi via social media.