Saudi Arabia has warned that it will take a firm response to attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi movement after missile and drone strikes wounded 13 people in the kingdom.

The latest escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen and growing tensions across the wider region.

Missile and Drone Attacks Reported

The Saudi-led coalition said attacks were carried out on Monday against areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.

According to the coalition, the strikes injured 13 civilians and damaged seven houses and two vehicles.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia.

A resident of Khamis Mushait told AFP that several explosions were heard in the area and fires remained visible for an extended period.

The Houthis also claimed that Saudi Arabia responded with more than 50 strikes.

Saudi Arabia Pledges Strong Measures

The Saudi-led coalition said it would respond firmly to protect the kingdom’s sovereignty.

It also said authorities would take necessary operational measures to deter what it described as a hostile approach.

Saudi authorities had earlier issued temporary security alerts for several areas, including Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, before cancelling them.

The Houthis have also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure in recent days, adding to concerns over regional energy supplies and international oil markets.

Fighting Intensifies in Yemen

The latest attacks come as fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government forces has intensified following the renewed conflict in Yemen.

A Houthi strike in western Yemen on Monday reportedly killed eight government soldiers, according to military sources.

The Houthis have also declared a maritime blockade and expanded their activities around key waterways, including the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The strategic waterway has become increasingly important amid wider regional tensions and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

UN Security Council to Discuss Escalation

Diplomatic sources said the United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the Houthi offensive as regional tensions continue to rise.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also expected to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as part of ongoing regional diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, Houthi political official Hazem al-Assad said the group would continue its attacks as long as Saudi Arabia maintained what the Houthis describe as aggression against Yemen.

Wider Regional Tensions Continue

The renewed violence in Yemen is taking place against the backdrop of a broader regional conflict involving the United States and Iran.

US President Donald Trump recently indicated that Washington remained open to talks with Tehran, although Iranian officials have said negotiations would require their conditions to be met.

Iran has previously demanded measures including war reparations and the lifting of sanctions as part of any potential agreement.

A proposed meeting between Gulf countries and Iran concerning the future of the Strait of Hormuz was also postponed.

Qatar has warned that any closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait could have serious consequences for global trade and the international economy.

Yemen Faces Fresh Humanitarian Pressure

Yemen has been affected by a prolonged conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

Saudi Arabia subsequently led a coalition that intervened on behalf of the internationally recognised Yemeni government in 2015.

The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the country.

The UN migration agency said the latest escalation has already forced 93,864 people to leave their homes, adding further pressure to Yemen’s humanitarian situation.

The post Saudi Arabia Warns of Firm Response After Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the prestigious global track and field event will be staged in Africa.

World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday following a council meeting in Budapest. Nairobi’s bid defeated competing proposals from London, Munich and Rome.

The 2031 World Athletics Championships will be held in Munich, Germany, while Beijing has already been selected as the host for the 2027 edition.

Historic Moment for African Athletics

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s selection as a significant milestone for the sport.

He said the decision would allow the championships to be staged across Asia, Africa and Europe over the next three editions.

Coe praised Nairobi’s proposal and said Africa had earned the opportunity to host the world championships under the right conditions.

He also highlighted Kenya’s strong athletics culture and the country’s ability to use the event to further develop the sport across the continent.

Kenya’s Strong Athletics Tradition

Kenya has a long history of success in international athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running.

The country previously hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.

Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships.

Kenya had previously bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships but was unsuccessful. Officials subsequently strengthened Nairobi’s proposal for the 2029 event.

Kasarani Stadium Set for Major Upgrade

A key part of Nairobi’s successful bid is the renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing a major redevelopment ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Coe said the Nairobi team had gained valuable experience from its previous bidding process and returned with a stronger proposal.

He also pointed to Kenya’s passionate athletics fans and the country’s tradition of producing world-class athletes, including Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the decision, saying it reflected Kenya’s important position within the global athletics community.

Munich to Host 2031 Championships

Munich will host the World Athletics Championships in 2031 after also competing for the 2029 edition.

The German city most recently hosted the 2022 European Athletics Championships at its Olympic Park.

Coe praised Germany’s record of organizing major athletics competitions and said Munich had the experience and audience needed to deliver a successful world championships.

He also defended the decision to stage three consecutive editions outside Europe, noting that World Athletics has a responsibility to expand the global reach of the sport.

With Nairobi confirmed for 2029, the championships will make their long-awaited debut on the African continent, creating a major opportunity to showcase Kenya’s athletics heritage to a worldwide audience.

The post Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships in Historic First for Africa first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Pakistan recorded a trade surplus of approximately $480 million with the United States during the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27, according to official documents.

The United States remained Pakistan’s largest export destination during July and August 2026, despite a substantial increase in imports from the American market.

Pakistan’s Exports to US Reach $1.17 Billion

Pakistan exported goods worth around $1.17 billion to the United States during the first two months of FY27.

Exports increased by approximately 10.46% compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, highlighting continued demand for Pakistani products in the US market.

At the same time, Pakistan’s imports from the United States reached nearly $690 million during the period.

US Imports Rise Sharply

Imports from the US recorded a significant increase of around 144% year-on-year during July and August 2026.

Despite the sharp rise in imports, Pakistan continued to maintain a positive trade balance with the United States, with exports remaining substantially higher than imports.

The US continues to be an important market for Pakistan and plays a major role in the country’s overall external trade.

Pakistan-US Trade Surplus in FY26

Pakistan also recorded a strong trade surplus with the United States during the previous fiscal year.

In FY2025-26, Pakistan’s exports to the US stood at approximately $5.91 billion, while imports from the country were around $3.32 billion.

This resulted in a total trade surplus of approximately $2.59 billion for Pakistan.

The latest figures indicate that the United States continues to be a key destination for Pakistani exports, while the recent increase in imports is also contributing to stronger bilateral trade activity.

The post Pakistan Posts $480 Million Trade Surplus With US in First Two Months of FY27 first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

The Sindh government has announced the launch date for a new Peoples Bus Service route connecting Larkana, Qambar and Shahdadkot.

The new bus service is scheduled to begin operations on September 18, providing residents of the three cities and nearby areas with an additional public transportation option.

New Bus Route to Start on September 18

The route will connect Larkana with Shahdadkot via Qambar, allowing passengers to travel between the three locations through the Peoples Bus Service network.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing public transport projects and plans to introduce additional routes across the province.

Minister Directs Officials to Ensure Timely Launch

Sharjeel Inam Memon directed the concerned department to ensure that the new route begins operations according to schedule.

He also instructed officials to provide necessary facilities to passengers using the service.

The minister said the new route would improve public transport connectivity for people living in Larkana, Qambar, Shahdadkot and surrounding areas.

According to the provincial government, efforts are also underway to expand the Peoples Bus Service to more cities and districts across Sindh.

Existing Public Transport Services Reviewed

The meeting also reviewed the performance of existing mass transit services, including the Green Line and Orange Line BRT systems.

Officials reported that daily ridership on the Green Line has reached around 88,000 passengers, while the Orange Line is being used by more than 11,000 passengers every day.

The Sindh government said the expansion of public transport routes is aimed at improving connectivity and providing residents with more convenient and accessible travel options.

The post New Peoples Bus Service Route to Connect Larkana, Qambar and Shahdadkot first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Authorities are setting up an additional vaccination center in Karachi to facilitate Umrah pilgrims as vaccination requirements for international travel increase.

The Karachi Airport Dispensary is also being expanded to handle a larger number of travelers. Once upgraded, the facility will have separate vaccination counters for men and women, along with NADRA facilitation services.

New Vaccination Facility at Jacob Lines

Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the focal person for the vaccination arrangements, said the Jacob Lines Dispensary near Saddar has been upgraded to hospital status.

A new vaccination center is being established at the facility to provide services to Umrah pilgrims and other travelers.

The center will have 40 vaccination counters, including 20 for men and 20 for women. NADRA facilitation centers will also be available to assist visitors with relevant documentation and services.

Karachi Airport Vaccination Center Expanded

The vaccination facility at Karachi Airport Dispensary is also undergoing expansion.

The upgraded center will include 10 counters for men and 10 for women, allowing authorities to accommodate more pilgrims and reduce waiting times.

Several NADRA facilitation centers will operate alongside the vaccination services.

New Center Expected to Open Soon

According to Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the new Jacob Lines vaccination center is expected to become operational within two weeks.

He also said Umrah pilgrims who have not yet received the required vaccination can continue to travel until September 25.

The expansion of vaccination facilities is aimed at making the process more convenient for pilgrims and helping authorities manage the expected increase in demand.

The post Karachi to Open New Vaccination Center for Umrah Pilgrims first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

The federal government is considering emergency measures to reduce fuel consumption amid growing concerns over global energy conditions and potential pressure on petroleum supplies, according to sources.

Officials are reviewing several proposals aimed at conserving petroleum products, limiting unnecessary travel and maintaining a stable fuel supply across the country.

Three-Day Restricted Movement Proposal Under Review

Sources said the government is considering a proposed “smart petroleum lockdown” that could introduce a three-day break from regular activities each week.

Under the proposal, Friday, Saturday and Sunday could be designated as restricted-movement days, while normal business and government operations would continue for the remaining four days.

The initiative is primarily aimed at reducing unnecessary travel and lowering nationwide petrol consumption.

Government Reviewing Fuel Conservation Measures

Officials are reportedly examining different options to reduce demand for petroleum products, particularly during weekends when non-essential travel could be limited.

The proposed strategy is being discussed as part of broader efforts to prepare for possible energy supply challenges arising from changing international conditions.

Authorities are also assessing how such measures could affect businesses, public activities and government operations.

Final Decision Expected After Review

Sources said a report containing recommendations on the proposed petroleum conservation plan will be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The prime minister is expected to review the proposals before making any final decision. Relevant ministries and government departments will also be consulted during the process.

The government’s stated focus is on conserving fuel, reducing unnecessary movement and managing energy consumption if international developments put additional pressure on petroleum supplies.

The exact duration, implementation mechanism and scope of any proposed restrictions will be determined after the prime minister reviews the recommendations.

Note: The three-day plan is currently under consideration and has not been announced as a final government decision.

The post Government Considers Three-Day Petroleum Conservation Plan Amid Rising Fuel Concerns first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

The federal government is facing criticism over its wheat policy, with lawmakers raising concerns about insufficient procurement from local farmers while preparations are being made to import wheat.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday called for a detailed review of wheat imports, procurement practices and the financial losses reportedly suffered by farmers.

PAC Reviews Wheat Policy

The committee, chaired by Moin Amir Pirzada, examined audit objections concerning the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Audit officials told the committee that the existing wheat policy had negatively affected farmers. They also pointed to inadequate procurement by provincial governments and the absence of a consistent purchasing strategy.

According to the officials, provinces did not procure enough wheat from domestic growers, while wheat imports continued. The audit authorities recommended investigating the reasons behind the policy decisions.

Dispute Over Responsibility for Wheat Procurement

The Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security told the committee that wheat procurement falls under the responsibility of provincial governments and that the federal government cannot directly intervene in the process.

However, PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla argued that the federal government has control over wheat imports. He warned that continued difficulties for local farmers could eventually force Pakistan to rely more heavily on imported wheat, increasing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

PAC Chairman Moin Amir Pirzada also said preparations were underway to import approximately one million tons of wheat.

Lawmakers Question Support for Farmers

Former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar said local farmers were not receiving sufficient support through government procurement and pricing policies.

She compared the situation with agricultural support provided to farmers in European countries and questioned why foreign exchange could be allocated for wheat imports while domestic farmers were not receiving adequate support.

PTI lawmaker Rana Qasim Noon also criticized the country’s agricultural policies, claiming that farmers had been adversely affected by inconsistent government decisions.

Calls for a Long-Term Agricultural Policy

Senator Mandviwalla said Pakistan repeatedly faces policy changes involving wheat and sugar and stressed the need for a stable, long-term agricultural strategy.

The PAC also expressed concern over the decision to permit sugar exports and directed relevant authorities to halt the exports.

The committee has asked the Ministry of National Food Security to present a detailed briefing on wheat and sugar policies at its next meeting on September 24.

The post PAC Raises Concerns Over Wheat Imports and Support for Local Farmers first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Australian middle-distance runner Cameron Myers has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, establishing himself among the leading young athletes in the world and emerging as a name to watch ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games.

The 20-year-old from Canberra has rapidly progressed from a teenage running sensation to a serious contender at the senior international level.

Myers’ Rise Began as a Teenager

Myers first attracted international attention in 2023 when he became the second-youngest athlete in history to run a mile in under four minutes, behind only Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

He went on to break several of Ingebrigtsen’s age-group records in the mile, 1,500m and 3,000m during the same year.

His development continued in 2024 when he won a silver medal at the World U20 Championships.

In 2025, Myers set a world U20 record and an Oceanian continental record in the mile, clocking 3:47.48.

Record-Breaking 2026 Season

Myers has taken another major step forward this year while competing against established senior stars.

At the Paris Diamond League meeting, he won the 1,500m in 3:28.00, setting new Australian and Oceanian records and moving into the top 12 on the all-time list for the event.

The young Australian also secured victories in two prestigious U.S. mile races, the Wanamaker Mile and the Bowerman Mile.

His performance of 3:46.06 in the Bowerman Mile moved him into the top 10 on the all-time outdoor mile list.

Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games

Myers also claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, finishing behind Josh Kerr, the reigning world record holder in the mile.

The result further underlined his ability to compete successfully against some of the world’s most established middle-distance runners.

Diamond League Title Adds to Breakthrough Year

One of Myers’ biggest achievements came in Brussels, where he won the Diamond League 1,500m title.

He defeated two recent Olympic champions in the event, Cole Hocker, who won gold at Paris 2024, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion.

After securing his first major senior international title, Myers described the achievement as a relief, highlighting the significance of the breakthrough.

Myers Finishes Second Behind Josh Kerr

Myers continued his impressive run at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

He finished second in the 1,500m behind Josh Kerr, adding another podium finish against elite international competition.

In just a few years, Myers has progressed from a teenage record-breaker into one of the most promising middle-distance runners on the senior circuit.

With the LA28 Olympics approaching, his rapid development has placed him firmly among the athletes to watch in the coming seasons.

The post Cameron Myers Emerges as One of Australia’s Biggest Middle-Distance Stars first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Department has clarified that a notification circulating on social media about two weekly holidays for schools is fake.

The clarification was issued after the alleged notification began circulating online, causing confusion among students, parents and teachers about a possible change to the weekly school schedule.

Fake Notification Claims Friday and Saturday Holidays

The document being shared on social media claims that all public and private educational institutions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Department would remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays for two months.

According to the fake notification, the measure was allegedly introduced as part of efforts to conserve fuel.

The document also claims that school heads would be allowed to continue home-based schooling and online classes where possible.

Education Department Rejects Notification

The Elementary and Secondary Education Department has rejected the circulating document and confirmed that it was not officially issued by the department.

Authorities have advised students, parents, teachers and school administrations to disregard the fake notification.

The department has urged the public to rely on official government channels for information regarding school timings, holidays or any changes to the academic schedule.

No Official Announcement of Two Holidays

Based on the department’s clarification, there is no official announcement introducing Friday and Saturday as weekly school holidays in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Parents and students should therefore continue following the existing school schedule unless a new notification is issued through official government channels.

The post Fact Check: KP Has Not Announced Two Weekly Holidays for Schools first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Researchers at Yunnan University have developed a new type of perovskite solar cell designed to generate electricity in underwater environments.

The research team, led by Simin Ma, believes the technology could eventually provide a renewable power source for marine sensors, underwater Internet of Things (IoT) devices and autonomous underwater equipment.

Solar Cells Optimized for Underwater Light

Unlike traditional silicon solar panels, perovskite solar cells can be engineered to absorb specific wavelengths of light.

This feature is particularly useful underwater because water absorbs and filters out many wavelengths that conventional silicon solar cells use to generate electricity.

The researchers designed their cells to make better use of the light that remains available at depths of around 10 meters.

Under laboratory lighting designed to simulate underwater conditions, the cells achieved an energy conversion efficiency of approximately 35%.

For comparison, conventional silicon solar panels generally achieve efficiencies of around 20% under standard testing conditions. However, the two efficiency figures were measured under different lighting environments.

Improving Resistance to Water

One of the major challenges with perovskite technology is its sensitivity to moisture. Exposure to water can cause the material to deteriorate and reduce its performance.

To address this issue, the researchers used an additive known as polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride.

The material helps create a water-resistant layer while also improving the structure of the perovskite crystals. It promotes the formation of larger crystals and limits the movement of ions within the material, helping improve stability and electrical performance.

The completed solar cells were additionally sealed between protective layers before being tested underwater.

Cells Retain 99.6% Efficiency After 40 Days

In laboratory experiments, the solar cells were submerged in seawater for approximately 40 days while being exposed to filtered light designed to replicate underwater conditions.

After the test period, the cells retained 99.6% of their initial efficiency.

Based on the observed degradation rate, the researchers estimated that the cells could potentially remain in seawater for around 5.5 years before their performance falls to 80% of the original level.

Although this projected lifespan is considerably shorter than that of conventional silicon solar panels, the results represent a notable improvement in the durability of perovskite cells for underwater applications.

Real-World Test in the South China Sea

The researchers also conducted a field test in the South China Sea by mounting a solar panel on a small underwater vehicle.

The system successfully generated enough electricity to charge coin-cell batteries for several hours at depths of 2, 6 and 10 meters.

At a depth of two meters, power production varied as waves changed the amount and angle of sunlight reaching the panel.

At greater depths, the available light was weaker but more stable because of increased scattering. At 10 meters, the panel produced slightly less than one-quarter of the energy generated at two meters.

Potential Applications for Marine Technology

The research team believes the technology could eventually be used to provide power for underwater sensors, marine IoT devices, autonomous systems and unmanned underwater vehicles.

However, the technology has practical limits. At significantly greater depths, sunlight becomes too weak for solar power generation to remain an efficient energy source.

Further research and longer-term field testing will be needed to determine how effectively these underwater solar cells can operate in different marine environments.

The post Researchers Develop Solar Cells Designed to Generate Electricity Underwater first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.