Karachi: The Sindh government on Monday launched biometric verification for the registration and transfer of vehicles across the province.

Provincial Excise Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that starting from July 1, the registration of new vehicles will be conducted through biometric verification in the first phase.

According to Memon, under this system, both the buyer and seller of a vehicle will need to undergo biometric authentication to complete the transfer of ownership. 

In the second phase, biometric verification of vehicle buyers from November 1 will begin, and in the third phase, biometric verification of both the vehicle buyer and seller will be done.

Minister Memon emphasized that this initiative aims to make the vehicle registration process more transparent and to protect citizens from fraud and illegal transfers. "This is an important milestone in promoting biometric authentication. It will safeguard citizens against illegal transfer of vehicles and fraudulent activities," he said.

The minister added that for further assistance, citizens can refer to the NADRA e-facility centres or any district excise office for inquiries regarding biometric verification.

Lahore: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking permission for a rally in Lahore on September 21.

The petition was filed in the Lahore High Court by Aliya Hamza and Imtiaz Mahmood Sheikh on behalf of PTI, naming the deputy commissioner of Lahore, the Punjab government, and others as respondents.

The petition argues that while Maulana Fazlur Rehman was allowed to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, PTI is being denied the same, which is unconstitutional. Denial of permission for the rally is a violation of fundamental rights, it added.

Furthermore, the petition states that the high court had ordered the deputy commissioner of Lahore on Aug 9 to grant permission for the rally, but the order was not followed. The court is requested to instruct the district administration to allow PTI to hold the rally on Sept 21 in Lahore, it added.

Lahore: Renowned Pakistani film director Altaf Hussain has passed away at the age of 70, on Monday.

His family confirmed his death, stating that he had been ill for some time.

Altaf Hussain directed over 80 films and gained fame with his movie "Sahib Ji."

Other notable films by Altaf Hussain include "Dhi Rani," "Ek Pagal Si Larki," and "Mard Jeene Nahi Dete."

Following the news of Altaf Hussain's passing, celebrities from the entertainment industry have expressed their condolences.