Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Turkiye’s new Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci today.

The Prime Minister felicitated the Ambassador on his appointment and extended best wishes to him for a successful term in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan-Turkiye fraternal ties were unparalleled in inter-state relations in terms of mutual trust, understanding and mutual support on each other’s national causes. He expressed hope that during the Ambassador’s tenure, bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened, especially in the trade and investment domains. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s steadfast support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment on Turkiye’s core interests.

Recalling his visit to Turkiye in June 2022, the Prime Minister conveyed that he was looking forward to welcoming President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the 7th session of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Pakistan in September 2022.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of 75th anniversary of Pakistan-Turkiye diplomatic relations and underscored the importance of celebrating this milestone in a befitting manner through commemorative events in both countries.

Quetta: PDMA has issued a report on Thursday that states that 45 people lost their lives in different incidents as torrential rains caused destruction in different parts of Balochistan including Quetta.

Deaths occurred in Bolan, Quetta, Zhob, Duki, Khuzdar, Kohlu, Kech, Mastung, Harnai, Qila Saifullah, and Sibi. An emergency has been declared in Quetta.

As per PDMA, 47 people got injured in different rain-related incidents. Collectively, at least 241 houses are destroyed in the province.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in Quetta.

On the other hand, workers of FWO are removing debris from Jeglote-Skardu road at Mehdiabad and Astsk Nalla which was damaged by flash floods and landsliding on Wednesday.

Rescue and relief activities are going on in Sher Qailla, Ghizer where a high flash flood-affected adjacent village last night.

Teams of district administration preparing losses assessment report to provide relief to affectees.   

Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khursheed directed the home department to set up a control room to monitor the flood situation.

He also directed to rescue famous mountaineer Sheroz Kashif and his companion from Nanga Parbat.

Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday notified Rs7.90 per unit increase in power tariff.

The increase in electricity prices by NEPRA was made in the context of the fuel adjustment for the month of May which will be collected in next month's bills. The people will be burdened with more than Rs 113 billion.

The increase will put an additional burden of Rs113 billion on the consumers of 10 power distribution companies. 

However, the notification will not apply to lifeline and Karachi-Electric (KE) consumers.