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FBR transfers top officers across major tax centers

FBR transfers

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has carried out a significant nationwide reshuffle, transferring and posting 80 senior officers to various key positions across Pakistan.

Directors General and Collector Commissioners at major tax centers and customs formations in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar have been replaced.

According to official notifications, senior officers in BS-19, 20, and 21 grades have been directed to immediately implement the orders.

The sudden nationwide reshuffle was announced on Tuesday, November 11, with all officers instructed to submit their charge-taking reports to FBR headquarters without delay.

“Players are not machines,” says Haris Rauf amid criticism

Haris Rauf

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has emphasized that winning matches is his top priority and expressed his readiness to play Test cricket if given the opportunity.

Speaking to the media after Pakistan’s thrilling victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI, Haris Rauf noted that bowling in cold weather conditions can be challenging.

He also shared his frustration, saying that people tend to forget ten good performances and remember just one poor outing, expecting players to deliver consistently in every match.

Rauf added, “People think players are robots. We are not machines; we make mistakes too, but we have confidence in ourselves.”

Earlier, Pakistan secured a narrow 6-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first match of the three-ODI series, gaining a 1-0 lead.

Chasing Pakistan’s target of 300 runs, Sri Lanka managed 293 runs in their allotted 50 overs.

At Pindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first. Pakistan posted a total of 299 for 5 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten 105-run innings by Salman Agha.

Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz set to welcome second child

Yasir Hussain

LAHORE: Popular actress Iqra Aziz, wife of actor and host Yasir Hussain, has shared the joyous news of expecting their second child on social media.

Iqra posted beautiful family photos on Instagram, confirming her pregnancy and captioning the post: “InshaAllah, we are going to be four.”

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A post shared by IQRA AZIZ HUSSAIN🇵🇰 (@iiqraaziz)

The pictures feature Iqra, Yasir, and their son Kabir Hussain expressing happiness together, while in one photo, Yasir is seen smiling as he holds their pet dog.

Following the announcement, fans flooded social media with congratulations, although a few users shared critical comments as well.

Several showbiz personalities, including Saboor Ali, Muneeb Butt, and Manal Khan, sent their best wishes to the couple on the upcoming addition to their family.

Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain, a popular showbiz couple, got married in December 2019. Two years later, in 2021, they welcomed their son Kabir, who has now started school.

Dubai successfully completes first test flight of Air Taxi

Dubai successfully

DUBAI: Dubai has successfully conducted the first test flight of its air taxi, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s futuristic transportation plans.

The UAE government announced that the air taxi service is expected to be operational for the public by 2026.

The test flight took off from the desert area of Margham, connecting Dubai and Al Ain, and landed at Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai.

Officials stated that the electric air taxi can fly at speeds of up to 320 km/h, accommodate four passengers, and is designed to be environmentally friendly with reduced noise levels.

Further experimental flights are planned over urban areas, and Skyports Company is developing the first air taxi station near Dubai International Airport to facilitate the upcoming service.

National Assembly gears up to approve key Constitutional Amendment today

National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly is set to resume its session today, where lawmakers are expected to take up the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with its approval considered highly likely.

Debate on the amendment has been underway since yesterday, and the House is expected to pass the bill clause by clause during today’s proceedings. The bill was formally presented in the assembly on Tuesday.

According to sources, the government needs 224 votes to secure the amendment’s passage and currently enjoys the support of 237 members of the ruling coalition.

Former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif is also expected to attend the session and cast his vote in favor of the amendment, sources confirmed.

Government insiders stated that the administration intends to expedite the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court immediately after the President signs the amendment. The process of forming the court will begin as soon as presidential assent is granted.

Sources added that if the bill is passed today, judges of the Federal Constitutional Court could take oath as early as Thursday, marking the court’s formal establishment.

The 27th Amendment empowers the President and Prime Minister—through mutual consultation—to appoint judges to the new court. The bill has already been approved by the Senate.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have submitted their alternative constitutional amendments to the National Assembly Secretariat, which they plan to present separately. However, the government is confident it will defeat the opposition’s proposals with a two-thirds majority and ensure the amendment’s approval in today’s session.

Veteran Actor Govinda hospitalized after falling unconscious

Veteran Actor

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Govinda was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai after he reportedly lost consciousness at his residence, according to Indian media reports.

The 61-year-old actor’s health suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday night, following which he was admitted to a critical care hospital in Juhu.

Govinda’s longtime friend and legal advisor, Lalit Bandel, told the media that the actor was found unconscious at home and was immediately taken to the hospital, where several medical tests were conducted. The results of those tests are still awaited.

According to Bandel, Govinda is currently under medical supervision and his condition is said to be improving.

Earlier, Govinda was seen visiting veteran actor Dharmendra at Breach Candy Hospital, a video of which had gone viral on social media.

Sindh Govt extends Section 144 for one month

Sindh Govt

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced an extension of Section 144 across the province, with the Home Department issuing a formal notification to enforce the order.

The order states that Section 144 will remain in effect throughout the province until December 12, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.

The notification further adds that protests, sit-ins, and rallies will remain banned across Sindh during this period.

Jeetendra falls on stairs while attending Zareen Khan’s condolence event

Jeetendra falls

Senior Bollywood actor Jeetendra suffered a minor accident while attending the condolence ceremony of late actress Zareen Khan in Mumbai.

Eyewitnesses reported that as Jeetendra alighted from his vehicle and entered the venue, he lost his balance on the stairs and fell to the ground. People present at the scene immediately assisted him to stand up. The actor recovered quickly, but fans expressed concern over the incident on social media.

Zareen Khan, mother of actor Zayed Khan and wife of renowned actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan, passed away at the age of 81 on November 7 after a prolonged illness.

The condolence gathering saw the presence of several Bollywood personalities, including Rani Mukerji, Hrithik Roshan, Saba Azad, Ali Goni, and Jasmin Bhasin. Zareen Khan is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan and children Suzanne Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Zayed Khan.

Saudi Arabia introduces drone transport for medical supplies

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will deploy drones to transport medicines and blood samples during the upcoming Hajj season, significantly reducing delivery times, according to Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel.

The minister stated that while traditional vehicles take between one and three hours to transport medical supplies or samples, drones will cut this duration down to just 5–10 minutes, ensuring faster and more efficient medical support for pilgrims.

He further emphasized that all pilgrims are required to receive the meningitis vaccine, while some countries have additional vaccine requirements based on health guidelines.

According to the minister, these special instructions issued by the Health Ministry aim to protect pilgrims’ health and prevent the spread of infections during the Hajj season.

Ruling coalition crosses two-thirds mark in National Assembly

Ruling coalition

ISLAMABAD: The ruling alliance in the National Assembly has garnered support from 237 members, comfortably exceeding the 224 votes needed for a two-thirds majority.

Among the coalition ranks, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accounts for 126 members, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 75, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 22. Further backing comes from Quaid-e-Azam League (5), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (4), Zia League (1), and Balochistan Awami Party (1), along with support from four independent members.

However, the National Party, part of the coalition, has announced it will abstain from voting on the 27th Amendment.

On the opposition side, 89 members are in favor of opposing the bill, including 74 independents, one member from Sunni Ittehad Council, 10 from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and one each from BNP, MWM, and PKMAP.

Meanwhile, The National Assembly is set to convene shortly, with an 11-point agenda released ahead of the session.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar is scheduled to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill for approval, while attention-drawing notices are also included on the agenda.

Additionally, the government will table bills for the establishment of two new educational institutions for consideration.

It is noteworthy that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday with a two-thirds majority, receiving 64 votes in favor and none against.

Meanwhile, the United Opposition has announced a boycott of both the Senate and National Assembly sessions.