ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has announced the final results of the Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination 2024.
According to the results, 15,602 candidates appeared in the written exam, out of which 397 passed. After the interview (viva voce) stage, 387 candidates have been declared fully qualified. The final list includes 207 male and 180 female candidates.
The overall success rate stood at just 2.48%, highlighting the exam’s highly competitive nature. The FPSC has recommended 229 candidates for appointment to various services and cadres, including 119 men and 110 women — reflecting a strong female representation among the top qualifiers.
These results underscore the rigorous merit-based selection process and the growing participation of women in Pakistan’s civil service.
ABU DHABI: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan met Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Trade, at the Ministry of Economy in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
During the meeting, both dignitaries reviewed the state of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, underscoring the importance of further enhancing these long-standing fraternal ties.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan invited the UAE business community to explore new avenues of collaboration with their Pakistani counterparts. He also extended a special invitation to UAE companies and investors to participate in the 3rd International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg 2025), scheduled to be held from November 25–27, which is a flagship event of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce.
Expressing deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to him, the Coordinator conveyed his gratitude to the leadership and people of the UAE for their continued support and friendship during his tenure. The Trade and Investment Counselor from the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai was also present during the meeting.
Islamabad: The Afghan Taliban launched unprovoked firing across the border into Pakistan’s Kurram district on Tuesday, drawing a strong and immediate response from the Pakistan Army, security sources said.
The retaliatory response from the Pakistan Army caused significant damage to Taliban positions, with several posts set ablaze. Two posts and a tank position were completely destroyed, forcing the militants to flee the area and leave behind multiple bodies.
According to security officials, another Taliban post and tank position in the Kurram sector were also destroyed, with the insurgents leaving behind many bodies at the scene.
The sources said the Pakistan Army’s operation was conducted with extreme skill and professionalism, successfully targeting a moving Taliban tank, which was destroyed.
They added that footage of the destroyed tank is available, highlighting the effectiveness of the army’s counter-terror operations in the border region. In the retaliatory strikes against the Afghan Taliban, the Pakistan Army destroyed the fourth tank position at Shamshed Post within an hour, according to security sources.
The militants abandoned their positions and fled the area, leaving behind several posts, security officials said. Security sources also reported the killing of a key commander of Fitna Al Khawarij during the operations.
The incident follows previous attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on the night of October 11–12, when Afghan Taliban and Indian-backed Fitna Al Khawarij militants launched unprovoked assaults.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that over 200 Afghan Taliban and foreign militants were killed in retaliatory operations during that strike, while 23 soldiers were martyred and 29 others injured during the exchange of fire.
Earlier today, the Foreign Office said that Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch gave a comprehensive briefing to resident ambassadors in Islamabad on recent developments along the Pak-Afghan border.
“She underscored Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security.”
It may be recalled that Pakistan has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan.
Islamabad: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday ordered the Karachi Zoo administration to hand over the female bear Rano to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board within two days, citing inadequate living conditions and poor care arrangements.
During the hearing of a petition concerning the bear’s welfare, the court expressed strong displeasure over the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)’s handling of the matter.The Wildlife Secretary and the Senior Director of Karachi Zoo appeared before the bench.
The court questioned the zoo officials, saying, “How can Rano be kept in such a condition? Why don’t you perform your duties on your own? Why does every action await a court order? Why hasn’t the bear been moved to a better place?”
The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that Rano had been confined to the same enclosure for seven years and was now suffering from a severe infection in her head.
The court remarked that it was inhumane to keep the voiceless animal imprisoned for seven years, asking, “What is the poor creature’s fault?”
The Wildlife Secretary contended that the Karachi Zoo falls under the KMC’s administration, and the Wildlife Department has no jurisdiction over it.
The court, however, questioned why no medical treatment had been provided to Rano despite her deteriorating health.
Later, the court directed the authorities to hand over female bear Rano to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board within two days.
ISLAMABAD: Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could have a negative impact in the region, stating reduction of tension is inevitable for peace and stability in the region.
Qatar has expressed concern over the tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it has been said that both the countries should solve the problems through patience, dialogue and diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar has said the reduction of tension is inevitable for peace and stability in the region, adding tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan can have a negative impact in region.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that it is committed to the peace and prosperity of the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Dozens of Afghanistan soldiers and foreign terrorists were killed and several their border posts destroyed in a befitting response from the Pakistan army to the unprovoked firing by the enemies.
ISLAMABAD: Life across Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained disrupted for a second straight day on Saturday, as road closures and suspension of internet services continued following a protest call by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Major roads and intersections, including Faizabad interchange and IJP Road, remained completely closed to traffic. The key Faizabad Interchange connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad was sealed off with shipping containers, while Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhoke Kala Khan routes also remained closed to traffic. The Islamabad administration has sealed the Red Zone and placed containers around D-Chowk to block access.
The administration has also imposed a complete ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Rawalpindi, while roads leading to the airport have also been sealed with containers.
Educational institutions are closed while internet service in several parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains suspended for the second consecutive day, causing difficulties for residents and businesses.
The Metro Bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad was suspended amid security concerns, while police contingents have been deployed at Faizabad interchange, a site known for the religious party’s previous sit-ins.
The authorities have already imposed Section 144 of the CrPC across Punjab, barring the display of weapons and banning public gatherings. The measures have been taken in the wake of a protest call in the capital by the Saad Hussain Rizvi-led religious and political party.
A day earlier, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the government is making efforts to prevent TLP’s planned march towards Islamabad through peaceful means, asserting that the state “would not be blackmailed by mobs”. Chaudhry maintained that the federal government had implemented preemptive measures and would not tolerate “blackmail and politics of demands”.
RAWALPINDI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) recovered 231 kilograms of narcotics worth over Rs4 million and arrested five suspects during six separate operations conducted across the country, an ANF Headquarters spokesperson said on Wednesday.
According to the spokesperson, 220 kilograms of cannabis were seized from a vehicle near Pataro Toll Plaza, Jamshoro, and the suspect was taken into custody.
In another operation, 2.7 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) concealed in carpet strips were recovered from a parcel destined for Australia at a courier office on Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi.
Similarly, 2 kilograms of weed were recovered from a parcel sent from the United States at the cargo shed of Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
In Islamabad, 3.6 kilograms of hashish and 1.2 kilograms of opium were recovered from a vehicle near Chungi No. 26, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
The spokesperson added that 25 grams of cocaine and 500 psychotropic pills weighing 279 grams were recovered from a vehicle near Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, where two suspects were arrested on the spot.
In another incident, 1.2 kilograms of hashish were recovered from a vehicle at the Motorway Toll Plaza, Islamabad, and the driver was taken into custody.
Cases have been registered against the suspects under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, and further investigations are underway, the ANF said.
ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has extended the dates for its upcoming convocations following persistent student demand to participate in the historic gatherings. The university has also relaxed eligibility criteria to allow more graduates to attend.
According to a press release, the grand convocation ceremonies will be held in major cities on the following dates: Islamabad on November 12, Quetta on November 23, Lahore on December 7, Peshawar on December 21, and Karachi on January 4, 2026.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood has approved an increase in the number of seats to accommodate more graduates. In addition, the minimum eligibility requirement of securing 70 percent marks has been removed.
‘Now all graduates from Autumn 2022 to Autumn 2024 semesters will be able to participate on a first come, first served basis for the additional seats allocated,’ he said.
He urged eligible students to complete their online registration without delay, as the deadline has been extended to September 14, 2025.
The President of Pakistan, governors, federal and provincial ministers are expected to attend as chief guests to award degrees to successful students and medals to those with outstanding academic performance.
LAHORE: Flooding and continuous rains have triggered sharp increases in vegetable prices, with shortages hitting markets in major cities.
In Islamabad, tomatoes have completely disappeared from cheap markets, while the prices of potatoes, onions, and other vegetables have surged beyond the reach of many consumers.
Shopkeepers say tomatoes are selling in wholesale markets at Rs300 per kg, compared to the official government rate of Rs123 per kg.
The impact extends beyond the capital. In Jhelum, heavy rains and flooding have devastated agricultural lands and crops, causing steep price hikes. Tomatoes, which sold at Rs50 per kg just a week ago, are now priced at Rs220 per kg.
Other vegetables, including potatoes, onions, cabbage, and bitter gourd, have also become 150 percent more expensive, according to traders at Sadar Sabzi Mandi.
Citizens say the shortage has pushed essential food items out of reach and are calling on authorities to take urgent steps to stabilize prices and ensure supply.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad-based social media influencer Samiya Hijab has alleged that a man attempted to abduct her outside her home, in an incident that led to a swift response by the capital police.
Within 24 hours, officers arrested the suspect, identified as Hassan Zahid from Lahore, after Samiya reported the ordeal both to the authorities and on social media.
In a video posted on Instagram, Hijab said the suspect had been harassing her for months with threats and demands to marry him. She claimed he appeared outside her residence, snatched her phone, and tried to force her into his car. Hijab said she recorded part of the incident despite being overpowered.
“My mother was ill, my brother wasn’t home. When I stepped outside, he snatched my mobile, sat in his car, and forced me in as well,” she recounted, while stressing that she feared ending up like her friend, TikToker Sana, who was killed earlier this year in Islamabad after allegedly rejecting a proposal.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Police registered a case at Shalimar Police Station under Sections 365, 511, 354, 506(ii), 509, 500, and 392 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges include abduction, attempt to commit offence, assault, harassment, defamation, and robbery.
Hijab’s complaint detailed that Zahid had been stalking her for several months, sending repeated gifts, issuing threats, and making persistent phone calls. On 31 August at around 6:30 pm, she alleged Zahid humiliated her in public, slapped her, caused severe trauma, and attempted to forcibly abduct her. She added that he had threatened to kill her if she stepped outside her house.
As evidence, she submitted CCTV footage, a call recording of threats, and her social media video statement. The influencer underwent a medical examination that confirmed signs of physical assault.
In a follow-up video, Hijab confirmed that police deployed officers outside her home after she reported fresh threats from the suspect, who allegedly warned her to withdraw the case or face death. She thanked Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and SHOs Shafqat and Ishaq for their quick action.
“He thought he could abduct me, force me to marry him, and nothing would happen. That animal was arrested within 24 hours,” she said.
Hijab remarked: “Before anyone dares cast their eyes upon a sister or daughter, they should think 10,000 times.” She added that she would continue to speak not only for herself but also for “every girl who is feeling unsafe right now.”
