ISLAMABAD: The government has decided in principle to limit the powers of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and form a new, independent body specifically tasked with overseeing the pricing of life-saving drugs. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) has expressed optimism that the proposed regulatory body will expedite the resolution of pending drug pricing cases and ensure that future pricing decisions are handled efficiently, preventing medicine shortages. A senior official of the health ministry said that in many countries, drug pricing is managed separately from drug registration authorities. This separation, if implemented in Pakistan, could help address the recurring…
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
KHUZDAR: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee rally, led by Dr Mahrang Baloch, reached Noshki late on Sunday evening after making stopovers in Gresha, Surab, Kalat and Mangochar. The BYC leaders and supporters were welcomed in Noshki by thousands of people. Dr Mahrang Baloch, Shah Sibghatullah and others spoke on the occasion. Dr Baloch said that rulers were using all possible means to exploit Balochistan’s resources. She asserted that the time had come for the Baloch nation to collectively rise against these injustices. She emphasised that the BYC was on the ground to save the Baloch nation and that a significant responsibility rested on its…
In a tragic turn of events, Pakistan’s music industry has lost one of its most beloved and talented musicians, Haniya Aslam, who passed away on Sunday, August 11, after suffering a cardiac arrest. Her Namaz e Janaza will be held in Islamabad today. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her cousin and musical partner, Zeb Bangash, in a post on Instagram. Bangash’s post features a series of touching photographs of Haniya captioned, “Hanini”. The comment section of the post has become a space for expressions of grief and condolences, with many from the industry sharing their sorrow and fond memories…
PESHAWAR / ISLAMABAD: A security official embraced martyrdom and four others, including an officer, were injured during exchanges of fire with militants at two locations in North Waziristan on Sunday, police sources said. Meanwhile, a young army officer, Lt Uzair Mehmood Malik, who was critically wounded during an intense gun battle with militants in the Tirah Valley of Khyber district on Friday, passed away at Peshawar’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on Sunday, where he was being treated. He was laid to rest at his native graveyard in Attock district. The first incident in North Waziristan occurred in Razmak tehsil, where militants targeted…
GUJRAT: The growing discontent among Middle Eastern states over the increased numbers of Pakistanis involved in begging has spurred authorities into action as they have started vigilant screening of passengers travelling to those destinations. A senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official told Dawn that immigration staff at airports have off-loaded several passengers from flights in the last couple of months to discourage the trend. They said potential beggars disguised themselves as tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Oman and Turkiye. Pakistani officials have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of Pakistani beggars in foreign countries. A…
Climber Murad Sadpara succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, a day after the Pakistan Army launched an operation to rescue him from Gilgit-Baltistan’s Broad Peak. Tough terrains and harsh weather conditions in the Karakoram Range — where Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest mountain at 8,051 metres, and the K2 (8,611 metres) are located — often result in climbers losing their lives. Last month, two Japanese climbers were feared dead after they went missing during their attempt to scale K2. Another climber had died after falling into a crevice while descending GB’s Golden Peak. Sadpara was working as a guide for a Portuguese female…
Prince William delighted royal fans with his new beard look in a sweet video message released alongside Kate Middleton. On August 11, the royal couple made a joint video appearance in order to extend congratulations to Team GB. The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by renowned public figures including Snoop Dogg, David Beckham and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill as they sent warm wishes to the athletes who represented England at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, William’s new look grabbed the attention of netizens as they saw him with a beard after a very long time. Speaking of the possible…
Miley Cyrus broke down in tears while she was honoured with Disney Legends Award at D23 Expo 2024. The multi-hyphenate star, who played Hannah Montana on the teen sitcom of the same name, delivered an emotional acceptance speech on Sunday, August 11. Reflecting her time on the Disney show, the Grammy-award winning singer expressed gratitude for her fans, who made her “dream a reality” during the company’s biennial fan convention. Cyrus, who received a standing ovation for dedicating most crucial years of her life to the show, was introduced with a rendition of Hannah Montana theme track Best of Both Worlds. Meanwhile, Country singer Lainey…
Netflix has just released the first teaser for the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game. On Sunday, August 11, the streaming giant dropped a tantalising 30-second clip, offering fans the first look at the upcoming instalment and confirming the return of Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, the sole survivor from Season one. The teaser features faceless players in green tracksuits, gradually revealing each player’s number on the back of their jacket. The suspense builds until the camera finally focuses on Gi-hun’s iconic #456 patch. Then he turns around, facing the camera with a stoic expression. Shrouded in low-lit, dramatic visuals,…
Sabrina Carpenter was hit by a firework during her San Francisco show at the Outside Lands music festival. The 25-year-old singer was belting out lyrics while the explosions went off behind her on Saturday, August 10. Witnessing the scene in shock, Sabrina fled in terror as she was hit by the sparks at the Golden Gate Park. She wailed, “Oh my God” as she ran towards her backup dancers. The Espresso singer donned a fitted, black bodysuit that complimented her figure under the bright lights. Sabrina’s performance comes ahead of her upcoming studio album Short n’ Sweet, which is slated to release on…
