Oman has named Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as the country’s new ruler following the death of his cousin Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.The former culture minister was sworn in before the ruling family council on Saturday morning, just hours after the announcement of Sultan Qaboos’ death.State television said authorities had opened a letter by Sultan Qaboos naming his successor, without elaborating, before announcing Haitham bin Tariq as the new ruler.“Haitham bin Tariq was sworn in as the new sultan of the country … after a meeting of the family which decided to appoint the one who was chosen by the sultan,” the government said in a Twitter post.
Artists from SCO member countries including Pakistan display portrait work in Beijing
ISLAMABAD, JAN 11– A portrait exhibition featuring works by artists from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) including Pakistan is being held here at the Tsinghua University Art Museum.On display are portraits including a Chinese miner, a mountain girl in Pakistan, young students in Russia and the herdsmen in Kyrgyzstan.Artists from the SCO countries are introducing their compatriots and state of life to the world through oil and ink paintings, as well as other media such as black and white carvings.
Five pilots employed by PIA have not even passed Matric: CAA
At least five pilots of the national flag carrier PIA turned out to be without matriculation certificates, a report prepared by the Civil Aviation Authority revealed.A report of CAA regarding the verification of PIA pilots’ degrees revealed that at least five pilots working for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) do not even hold a matriculation certificate.The report was submitted to the Supreme Court by the Authority during the hearing of a suo motu case regarding fake degrees of PIA pilots.The case was heard by a two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar at the Lahore registry of the apex court.
Iran admits ‘unintentionally’ shooting down Ukrainian airliner
The Ukrainian passenger jet had crashed shortly after taking off from an airport in Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran said the plane was mistaken for a “hostile target” amid heightened tensions with the US.on Saturday a military statement as saying that the country “unintentionally” fired a missile at a Ukrainian jetliner because of “human error.”The Ukraine International Airlines plane had flown close to a sensitive military site when it was brought down.
Qureshi telephones Iraqi, Bahraini counterparts over Mideast tensions
ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made telephonic contact with his Iraqi and Bahraini counterparts on Friday who praised Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, and maintain peace.Talking to the Iraqi and Bahraini representatives, FM Qureshi said that Pakistan is concerned about the escalating tensions in the region. “This region [Mideast] cannot afford any confrontation,” he expressed.
Soleimani united all Muslims with his martyrdom: Iranian ambassador
ISLAMABAD, JAN 11 (DNA) – Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan has organized the Commemoration ceremony on the occasion of the seventh day of mourning for the Martyrdom of Lt.General Qassem Soleimani, on Friday. The commemoration ceremony was held at Al-Sadiq Institute in Islamabad.Pakistan’s prominent political and religious figures, party officials, supporters of the Islamic resistance, as well as Mohammad Ali Hosseini, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan, attended the ceremony.
First section of Lahore-Sialkot motorway opened for public
RAWALPINDI – The first section of the Lahore-Sialkot motorway has been opened for public traffic on Friday.According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operative section of 22 kilometers starts from Kala Shah Kaku till Road Muridke-Narowal and remaining portion of 69 kilometers will be completed in the next few months.ISPR in a statement said that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is working on the 91-km long motorway. ISPR hoped that the functioning of Lahore-Sialkot motorway will reduce the rush on GT Road and M2.
Vice Chief of Defence Forces of Australia meets COAS Gen. Qamar Bajwa
RAWALPINDI, JAN 10 (DNA) – Vice Admiral David Johnston AO RAN, Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Australia called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ.During the meeting matters of mutual interest and regional security were discussed. COAS reiterated the offer he made to General Angus John Campbell, Chief of Defence Force for any assistance in tackling the bush fires in Australia.
Iranian ambassador calls on Shah Mahmood Qureshi
ISLAMABAD (DNA) Newly arrived Ambassador of Iran Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office on Friday.The Iranian ambassador delivered message of Iranian leadership to the Pakistani foreign minister.
Embassy to encourage Czech businesses, investors: envoy
KARACHI, JAN 10 (DNA) – The Ambassador of Czech Republic Tomas Smetanka has assured that Czech Embassy would try its best and strive hard to provide as accurate information about Pakistan as they can to the Czech businesses, investors and anyone who might have slightest interest in Pakistan’s market with a view to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries.
