Court martial proceeding have been initiated agains Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameedm, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency was reportedly taken into military’s custody.
A probe into complaints against the former spy chief was launched over the Top City case, following instructions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Top city case
Earlier in April this year, Pakistan Army had constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by a major general to look into the allegations against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed that he as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general misused his authority.
The inquiry has been ordered in pursuant to the orders of the Supreme Court and in the light of the directives of the Ministry of Defence, according to the people familiar with the development.
This is the first formal inquiry ordered against Gen Faiz, who resigned in November 2022, four months before his retirement date.
Faiz served as DG C in the ISI and later headed the spy agency. His name surfaced in many controversies, including the Faizabad Dharna case. Three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif named him and Gen Bajwa as the main characters behind his removal through a Supreme Court order.
On November 8, 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, filed a petition in the Supreme Court in which he accused Faiz of misusing his authority.
The petition filed by in the Supreme Court stated that on May 12, 2017, on the behest of Gen Faiz, ISI officials raided the top city office and his house. During the raid, valuables, including gold, diamonds and money, were seized from the house by ISI officials, the petitioner alleged.
The petition also stated that Sardar Najaf, the brother of Faiz, also contacted him to resolve the issue later.
The petition also claimed that Gen Faiz later personally met him to resolve the issue, in which he assured that some of the items which had been taken away by the ISI officials during the raid would be returned. However, 400 tolas of gold and cash will not be returned to him.
The petitioner also alleged that the ISI officials extorted Rs4 crore cash from him.
Considering the sensitivity of the matter and in view of these serious allegations, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which included Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Attar Minullah and Justice Aminuddin, heard the case.
The Supreme Court observed this was a very serious matter and the serious nature of allegations may damage the image of the entire institution, therefore the matter cannot be ignored. The Supreme Court asked the attorney general to look into the matter and discuss with the relevant authorities.
This representational image shows a view of the PIMS hospital emergency. — APP/File
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Rightsizing has recommended abolition of Ministry of National Health.
The Cabinet Committee, headed by finance minister, in its report has proposed that a new division—Social Sector Affairs—should be created. This division should run the affairs of departmental coordination and population welfare.
The administrative structure of the Ministry should be reduced to a single wing headed by an officer of Grade-20. This will affect a large number of ex-cadre and support staff. They will be sent to the surplus pool under the Civil Servants Act.
Some 692 civil servants will be affected by the merger of institutions. They will either be sent to the surplus pool of the Establishment Division or transferred to autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions through legislation. Sixty civil servants will be affected by merging NEHS with RTI. 106 employees will be affected by the merger of National Trust for Population (NATPOW).
It has been recommended that Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, National Institute of Fertility Control Karachi and FGTB Center Rawalpindi be transferred to the provinces.
Apart from Pims Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital Islamabad, other hospitals of the Ministry and primary health centres and dispensaries managed by the District Health Officer should be run under public-private partnership.
Among these centres of health service delivery are Federal Government Hospital (FGH) and National Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM). Cleaning, security and other general facilities of Polyclinic Hospital and Pims Hospital will be outsourced. A single common Directorate of AIDS, TB and Malaria will be established by abolishing or transferring the Directorate of Malaria. The report states as there is duplication in the duties of NEHS, NIH and NDM, the National Emergency Health Services (NEH) will be abolished. Computer programmer, computer officer and computer operator will be given a single designation. Employees like store supervisor and storekeeper or accounts assistant are working in different grades. Now, there will be only one post.
The need to rationalise the ratio of officers and subordinate staff in the Ministry of Health has also been emphasized. The affected officers and employees will be sent to the surplus pool. The report states implementation of these recommendations will improve the quality of public health services and will reduce financial burden on the government. Public-Private Partnerships will improve the quality and efficiency of services.
According to sources, these recommendations will be submitted to the prime minister for final approval.
Fortnite’s Season 4, aptly titled ‘Absolute Doom,’ is set to unleash a Marvel-centric clash featuring beloved characters like Gwenpool, Doctor Doom, War Machine, and even a Captain America-inspired Jonesy. The season’s trailer teases an epic battle between the forces of good and evil, with new weapons, abilities, and player choices playing a pivotal role.
Epic Games continues its tradition of exciting collaborations, this time bringing the Marvel universe back to Fortnite. Players can expect a thrilling storyline centered around Doctor Doom’s attempt to harness the power of Pandora’s Box, leading to a major conflict where players may choose sides.
New weapons like Dual Micro SMGs and potential abilities like Captain America’s shield and War Machine’s arsenal promise to shake up the gameplay. A special Battle Pass Quest will allow players to unlock a new version of Doctor Doom in September.
Season 4 kicks off on August 16th, and to celebrate, players who visit the island for 10 minutes will receive the Peelverine Plush Back Bling plus XP in September. The Disney Horizons Live stream, showcasing all the D23 announcements, will continue until August 16th.
With a thrilling storyline, iconic characters, and exciting new gameplay elements, Fortnite Season 4: Absolute Doom is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for fans of both Fortnite and the Marvel universe.
The Supreme Court building in Islamabad. — SC website/file
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday observed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was a constitutional body and its chairman and members were entitled to respect but unfortunately at places, some high court judges lost sight of this and passed derisive remarks.
A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, announced the reserved verdict on the appeals of PMLN candidates against the judgment of Lahore High Court and Lahore High Court, Bahawalpur bench declaring as null and void the order of vote recount by the Election Commission of Pakistan in three National Assembly constituencies and one provincial assembly whereby the PMLN candidates were declared successful.
“Every constitutional body and constitutional office holder, in fact everyone, is deserving of courtesy and respect and institutions gain in stature when they act respectfully”, the judgment concluded.
The court by a majority 2-1 allowed the petitions of PMLN candidates and set aside the LHC judgment. Justice Aqeel Abbasi, however, dismissed the instant appeals and dissented with the majority decision after holding that the impugned judgments/orders passed by the Lahore High Court in the aforesaid writ petitions did not suffer any factual error or legal infirmity; therefore, did not require any interference by this court under Article 185(3) of the Constitution.
“We have considered these cases from a number of different perspectives, and from all of them, the impugned judgments of the High Court cannot be sustained,” says the 47-page majority judgment authored by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
The court converted the petitions into appeals, set aside the impugned judgments and dismissed the writ petitions filed with the High Court, but with no order as to costs. “The High Court’s jurisdiction under Article 199 of the Constitution can only be invoked if a petitioner is an ‘aggrieved’ person,” said the judgment adding that it was not understandable how anyone could be stated to be aggrieved if the ballot papers were recounted.
The court held that the grievance against the administrative-ministerial act of recount of ballot papers was also not envisaged in Article 199 adding that if a Returning Officer did not do an honest recount or did not do the recount in accordance with the law, then the affected party had the available remedies.
“Depending upon the particular facts of the case, this could be by approaching the Commission or filing an election petition with the Election Tribunal, constituted under Article 225 of the Constitution,” the court held adding that thereafter, the jurisdiction of this court could also be invoked.
The majority judgment ruled that law was the Elections Act and its Section 95(5) stipulated that the returning officer shall recount the ballot papers provided an application seeking recount was submitted and the difference in the margin of victory between the first two candidates was less than five percent or the stipulated number of votes.
“In these cases, the difference in the margin of victory was well within the stipulated percentile/number,” the court held. It is pertinent to mention that Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju, Azhar Qayyum Nehra, Zulfiqar Ali Bhinder and Rana Muhammad Arshad of PMLN had challenged the judgments delivered by the Lahore High Court and Lahore High Court, Bahawalpur bench.
The majority judgment after accepting their appeals set aside the LHC judgment and restored the order of Election Commission that had declared the PMLN candidates successful after the vote recount.
Three PTI affiliated independent candidates, Rana Faraz Noon from NA-154, Rana Bilal Ejaz from NA-81 Gujranwala, and Ehsanullah Wark from NA-79 Gujranwala, were declared successful in the general elections held on February 8, 2024.
From PMLN side, Kanju was contesting election on NA-54, Lodhran, Azhar Qayyum Nara N- 81, Gujranwala and Zulfiqar Ali Bhinder from NA-79 Gujranwala.
Similarly, on the Punjab Assembly seat PP-133, Nankana Sahib, independent candidate affiliated with PTI Muhammad Atif won the seat defeating PMLN candidate Rana Muhammad Arshad.
However, the PMLN candidates approached the Election Commission for recount. The Election Commission ordered recount and later on declared the PMLN candidates as winners. Later, the independent candidates challenged the ECP’s decision in the LHC which set aside the ECP order in April that had declared the PMLN candidates as winners.
The PMLN candidates then filed appeals with the Supreme Court, challenging the LHC order. The court noted that these Civil Petitions for Leave to Appeal (‘CPLAs’ or ‘Cases’) arose out of the general elections held throughout Pakistan on 8 February 2024.
Four of these cases are in respect of three different National Assembly constituencies (CPLAs No. 1573, 1673, 1729 and 1767 of 2024; the first two are in respect of the same constituency) and one is in respect of a Provincial Assembly constituency (CPLA No. 2433 of 2024). 2. Section 95(5) of the Elections Act, 2017 (‘the Elections Act’) stipulates that when the margin of victory between the returned candidate and the runner up candidate is less than five percent of the total votes polled in the constituency or eight thousand votes in the case of a National Assembly constituency and four thousand in the case of a Provincial Assembly constituency then, before the commencement of the consolidation proceedings, the Returning Officer shall recount the ballot papers of one or more polling stations if a request to challenge in writing is made to that effect by a contesting candidate or his election agent.
“It is an admitted position that the difference in the margin of victory between the returned candidates and the runner up candidates in these Cases was less than the stipulated percentile/number,” says the judgment adding that it is also admitted that in respect of three of the constituencies, applications to recount the ballot papers were submitted on 9 February 2024 and in respect of one on 10 February 2024.
“However, the contesting respondents (the petitioners before the High Court) contend that the consolidation proceedings had already commenced, or had concluded, when the applications seeking recount of ballot papers were submitted.
The judgment noted that the petitioners before the High Court (who are the contesting respondents herein) had invoked the constitutional jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution (‘the Constitution’). They had challenged the recounting of ballot papers which, pursuant to the petitioners’ applications seeking recount, had been allowed. They had also challenged the notifications issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (‘the Commission’) pursuant to the recount.
The learned judges of the High Court allowed the writ petitions and held that the ballot papers could not be recounted,” says the judgment adding that both sides comprehensively argued on jurisdiction.
Similarly, the court noted that the learned counsel representing the petitioners submitted that the writ petitions, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, were not maintainable because the contesting respondents, who had filed them had ‘other adequate remedy’, which was to file election petitions with the election tribunals.
“Whereas the learned counsel representing the contesting respondents submitted that since they had won the elections, it was for the petitioners to file election petitions with the Election Tribunals, which had been constituted. Both sides relied upon Article 225 of the Constitution in support of their respective contentions”, says the judgment.
The court while attending the matter of jurisdiction and to examine the applicable constitutional and legal provisions referred to the precedents.
“Some of the said precedents were decided under the old law, which was Representation of the People Act, 1976 (‘ROPA’). However, the provisions of the repealed ROPA, with regard to the matters herein, filing of election petitions and Election Tribunals, unless otherwise highlighted, were in pari materia with the Elections Act,” says the judgment.
The court ruled that the legislature, however, had made a significant change (on 5 August 2023) to Section 95(5) of the Elections Act, which was to take away the discretion vesting in the Returning Officer when considering an application seeking recount of the ballot papers adding that this was done by removing the following words therefrom – ‘the Returning Officer considers such request as not unreasonable’ – appearing at the end of section 95(5). Excluding the proviso (which remains unchanged) section 95(5) both before and after the amendment is reproduced hereunder:
Before Amendment
95(5). Before commencement of the consolidation proceedings, the Returning Officer shall recount the ballot papers of one or more polling stations if a request or challenge in writing is made by a contesting candidate or his election agent and the margin of victory is less than five percent of the total votes polled in the constituency or ten thousand votes, whichever is less, or the Returning Officer considers such request as not unreasonable. [emphasis added]
After the amendment
95(5). Before commencement of the proceedings, the Returning Officer shall recount the ballot papers of one or more polling stations if a request or challenge in writing is made to that effect by a contesting candidate or his election agent and – (a) the margin of victory between returned and runner up candidates is less than five percent of the total votes polled in the constituency or eight thousand votes in case of National Assembly constituency and four thousand votes in case of a Provincial Assembly constituency, as the case may be, whichever is less; or (b) the number of votes excluded from the count by the Presiding Officer are equal to or more than the margin of victory.
“Having set out the legal and constitutional provisions and the precedents of this Court, we now proceed to examine these Cases. However, before doing so it needs stating that the following factual matters were raised before us: (1) Whether the applications to recount were submitted before the consolidation of results, (2) whether the recount was prevented and (3) whether a ‘notice in writing of the day, time and place fixed for the consolidation of the result’ (as required by subsection (1) of section 95) was given by the Returning Officer”, says the judgment
The judgment noted that the contesting parties controvert each other on these matters adding that in respect of disputed facts as a general rule the High Courts do not exercise writ jurisdiction under Article 199 of the Constitution.
The judgment further noted that the Returning Officer of one constituency of the National Assembly noted on the application on 10 February 2024 that, the application regarding recount the votes is not maintainable section 95 ss 5/6 of the Elections Act 2017, but without stating the reason why it was not maintainable.
“The petitioner challenged the Returning Officer’s order by filing a petition on 11 February 2024 before the Commission and the Commission sought a report from the Returning Officer, who in his report dated 16 February 2024, stated that ‘the application for recount was received at my office before consolidation,’ but the Returning Officer could not recount the ballot papers ‘because of law and order situation created by the returned candidate”, says the judgment.
In respect of another National Assembly constituency, the judgment noted that the Returning Officer’s order dated 10 February 2024 stated that he had ‘perused his record and evidences put forth by the applicant. However, the applicant has failed to substantiate his claim.’ In the Returning Officer’s report dated 2 March 2024, which was sought by the Commission, pursuant to its order dated 22 February 2024, the Returning Officer acknowledged receipt of the application to recount on 9 February 2024, but stated he could not undertake a recount because ‘a huge number of political workers gathered outside the office of the undersigned and climbed the walls of the premises.
“They raised slogans, and used abusive language. In this situation, the law and order situation worsened badly. Therefore, he ‘was unable to entertain the said application and dismissed the application’ which had sought a recount of the ballot papers”, says the judgment.
The judgment noted that the Returning Officer of the third National Assembly constituency acknowledged the receipt by him of the application seeking recount on 10 February 2024, but through his order also dated 10 February 2024 dismissed it by stating that he had ‘perused his record and evidences put forth by the applicant.
However, the applicant has failed to substantiate his claim and the petitioner challenged the Returning Officer’s order before the Commission on 14 February 2024. The Returning Officer in his report dated 2 March 2024 submitted to the Commission, pursuant to its order dated 22 February 2024, stated that because of the ‘huge number of political workers of various parties & candidates gathered outside the office of the undersigned and Law & Order situation’ he could not undertake the recounting.
In respect of the Provincial Assembly constituency, the court noted that application dated 9 February 2024 had sought the recount of the ballot papers and had also pointed out certain irregularities, including that over 3,300 votes were declared invalid.
“On the application the Returning Officer wrote on 9 February 2024: ‘No complaint from candidate or any of his election agents regarding such ambiguities during the poll day. Moreover, the candidate has not mentioned any specific polling stations regarding such irregularity. Therefore, the application in hand is hereby rejected.
The court noted that the petitioner submitted an application to the Commission against the order of the Returning Officer and sought recount of the ballot papers and notices dated 12 February 2024 were issued by the Commission to which the Returning Officer responded on 13 February 2024 stating that he had rejected the petitioner’s application because ‘the difference between the returned candidate and the applicant is 3557.’
The court held that the Returning Officers cannot surrender their powers to mob rule nor can forego their statutory duty to recount adding that if, this is accepted, it would create a very dangerous precedent and render the law regarding recounting meaningless by those resorting to lawlessness.
Members of Bangladesh Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Council protest against violence towards minorities.
New Delhi:
The Hindu community in Bangladesh spending anxious hours in the wake of resignation of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister and facing the spillovers of the violent protests over a quota-related issue in the South Asian nation on Sunday came out on streets in large numbers in the port city of Chittagong, demanding safety for their lives, properties and places of worship while proclaiming ‘Bangladesh is our motherland and we won’t go anywhere’.
There have been reports of widespread and targeted violence against the Hindus in Bangladesh, with the matter being taken note by the UN which called out the interim Bangladeshi government led by Mohammed Yunus to safeguard the minorities.
Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday, has also condemned the attacks on the minority communities, terming them as “heinous”.
“Are they not the people of this country? You (students) have been able to save this country; can’t you save some families? They are my brothers… we fought together, and we will stay together,” the Nobel Prize winner told students at a Bangladeshi university recently.
On Sunday, Hindus and other minorities – under the aegis of ‘Bangladesh Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Group – took out a massive protest rally against the alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina resigned in the aftermath of violent protests on August 5 and fled the country. Hindus in Bangladesh have been traditional supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party.
“Our soil, our mother is Bangladesh. We will never leave our mother,” read one of the placards seen during the protest rally.
“Save Bangladeshi Hindu Society. Save Hindus!” another appeal read.
Sunday’s protests saw the participation of people belonging to numerous minorities led by the Hindus, a prominent minority group in the country.
The protesters also waved the Bangladeshi national flag along with a saffron-colour flag depicting Lord Ram with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ written.
He also urged the students, who are at the forefront of the protests, to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from any harm
The protesting Hindus, in Chittagong, also questioned why their places of worship are being attacked.
“We need answers. Why is this happening to us? We want to live in peace. Let us live,” read another placard at the site of the protest rally.
“Why are our sisters and mothers being physically harassed,” another hand-written note on cardboard flashed during the ‘demand for justice rally’ read.
Since August 5, at least 232 people have reportedly died in various attacks and conflicts across Bangladesh while there have also been at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts against the minorities since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
According to media reports, over 100 Hindus and other minorities have been killed across the country since the fall of the previous government.
The Chittagong protests on Sunday witnessed overwhelming emotions with the minorities expressing their anger, anxiety and apprehensions, with the hope that authorities taking necessary steps to address their worries.
Ironically — considering the current unrest in the country — ‘AMAR SONAR BANGLA’ placard also featured during the protests. Translating to ‘My Golden Bengal’, it is the national anthem of Bangladesh written by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore who is also the composer of the Indian national anthem.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
An undated image of Panjgur’s slain Deputy Commissioner Zakir Hussain Baloch (late). — Facebook/Mir Hafeez Raisani/File
QUETTA: The Deputy Commissioner Panjgur was martyred and Chairman Municipal Committee Panjgur was injured seriously in an attack by unknown men at Quetta-Karachi National Highway, near Mastung, late on Monday evening.
Officials said that the DC Panjgur, Zakir Hussain Baloch was on his way to Quetta from Panjgur along with Chairman Municipal Committee Panjgur when armed men opened indiscriminate firing at the official vehicle near Khadkocha area of Mastung.
In the firing, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Municipal Committee got seriously injured and were immediately shifted to nearby Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, Mastung. However, Zakir Hussain Baloch succumbed to his serious bullet injuries.
Chief Executive of the hospital, Dr Saeed Ahmed while confirming the death of Deputy Commissioner Panjgur said that he had received multiple bullet injuries at different parts of his body, including at the chest and stomach which caused internal bleeding, resulting in his death.
Chairman of Municipal Committee Panjgur Abdul Malik Baloch who is the younger brother of National Party Balochistan’s President Rehmat Baloch also received multiple bullet injuries. He was shifted to Quetta for treatment.
Security officials said that a group of at least 15 armed men have blocked the highway at the Khadkocha area of Mastung and were checking the vehicles which were passing through the area. The armed men also signaled to stop the vehicle of Deputy Commissioner Panjgur but they did not stop after which the armed men opened fire at the vehicle.
The security forces have launched a search operation in the area after the incident to trace the armed men involved in firing. No one has claimed responsibility of the attack and killing of the Deputy Commissioner so far.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the Deputy Commissioner and expressed deep sorrow and grief over his martyrdom. The prime minister also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured individual in the incident and directed the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical facilities.
The prime minister emphasised that those involved in the incident should be identified promptly and brought to justice. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Deputy Commissioner Panjgur Zakir Baloch and the injuries sustained by others in the terrorist incident.
“Zakir Baloch was a talented officer of the Balochistan government, who performed his various responsibilities excellently,” said the Chief Minister of Balochistan. CM declared that the terrorists involved in the incident will not be forgiven.
Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed her grief. She strongly condemned the incident, and offered condolences to the bereaved family. National Party’s Central President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Central Secretary General Senator Jan Muhammad Baledi expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch in the Mastung terrorist attack and prayed for the departed soul.
They described the Mastung terrorist attack as an attempt to incite fratricide and civil war in Balochistan. They noted that Zakir Baloch was a very good and courageous young man who made significant contributions to Balochistan at a young age. They said he was a nationalist and his martyrdom has deprived Balochistan of a sincere youth, a loss that will be felt deeply at all times. They also expressed sorrow over the severe injuries sustained by the National Party’s Panjgur District Chairman Abdul Malik Baloch in the incident.
The BJP today slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for raising questions on the integrity of Indian stock markets based on the latest allegations by US-based short seller Hindenburg.
“The Leader of Opposition is now openly inciting and seeding doubt about the genuineness of the Indian stock markets. This blatant attempt to undermine confidence in our economy reveals the true intention of Rahul Gandhi, which is nothing but the destruction of India,” BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He said that Mr Gandhi’s remarks come despite the expert committee appointed by the Supreme Court concluding there was no regulatory failure regarding the allegations of price manipulation made by Hindenburg.
“On Jan 3, 2024, the Supreme Court, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, observed that no willful or deliberate violations were done by SEBI,” Mr Malviya said.
Rahul Gandhi had alleged that there was significant risk in the Indian stock markets and that the “integrity” of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was “gravely compromised” by the allegations against its chairperson.
The new Hindenburg report claimed that SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had stakes in offshore entities involved in the alleged Adani money siphoning scandal.
The SEBI Chairman and the Adani Group, however, have labelled these allegations as “baseless” and “malicious”. Madhabi Puri Buch has also pointed out that the latest release by Hindenburg comes after SEBI took enforcement action and issued a show-cause notice to them in July.
Rachel Fuda, a star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is expecting a new baby with her husband John. The couple, who already have three children, shared the happy news with PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
The Fuda family is expanding! Rachel, 33, and John are expecting a new addition to their family, which already includes daughters Gianella Jolie, 4, and Giuliana Rose, 2, as well as Jaiden, John’s 17-year-old son from a previous relationship whom Rachel adopted.
To celebrate their happy news, the Fuda family posed for a family photo shoot on the beach, which they’re sharing with PEOPLE first.
“We’re so excited,” Rachel says. “We’re ready to be a party of six!” The couple, who have been open about their desire to have another child, started the IVF process again after cameras stopped rolling on season 14 of RHONJ.
Rachel, who has been open about her struggles with arthritis, says it wasn’t easy. She had to come off her medication and make sure her body was ready for the transfer, which proved challenging. But it was worth it – she got the go-ahead and is now expecting a new baby.
The Fuda family is over the moon about the news. Gianella and Giuliana, Rachel’s daughters, have been asking “nonstop” for a sibling. Jaiden, John’s son, is also looking forward to having another sibling.
As for Rachel, she’s feeling all the usual pregnancy pains, but is pushing through by embracing the happiness motherhood has brought to her life. “There’s truly no better feeling in the world than having kids,” she says. “It’s almost a type of love that you just can’t explain.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is now streaming on Peacock.
A representational image of a man holding a fuel nozzle at a petrol station. — AFP/File
ISLAMABAD: The price of petrol is likely to decrease by Rs8.36 per liter and diesel by Rs7.70 from August 16 for next fortnight mainly because of low consumption by big economies.
On account of heavy rains in the regional countries, the POL consumption has also reduced leading to low demand of petroleum products causing the reduction in prices. In India, the usage of diesel has reduced manifold owing to which its price in the international market also tumbled.
There was a fear of a hike in POL products as Iran had threatened an attack on Israel after the assassination of Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh. However, there exists a stability in the Middle East as yet amid the US announcement to move a fighter jet squadron to the area and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies.
According to the official sources, the petrol price may go down by Rs8.16 per liter, diesel Rs7.70, Kerosene oil Rs7.71 and light diesel oil is likely to reduce by Rs4.49 per liter. Three days are still to go till August 16 and more fluctuations in the POL prices can be observed, so the final figures for POL new prices are yet to yet to be firmed up. However, the trend of reduction in POL prices in the international market is underway.
The new price of petrol may be set at Rs261.07 from Rs269.43 per liter and HSD at Rs265.05 from the existing price of Rs272.77. Likewise, the new price of kerosene oil is projected to be set at Rs170.23 from Rs177.39 and LDO at Rs156.04 from Rs160.53 per liter.
The government earlier on August 1, 2024 reduced the petrol price by Rs6.17 per liter and high speed diesel by RS10.86 per liter. The Internal Freight Margin on petrol stands at Rs7.79 per liter and HSD RS4.51 per liter. The premium on petrol stands at $8.48 per barrel and on HSD at $5 per barrel.
