News Updates Pk

Devastating rain and hailstorms wreaked havoc in various districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, claiming the lives of 10 individuals and injuring 12 others, according to a report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released on Sunday. The PDMA report detailed the grim toll of the recent inclement weather, revealing that among the deceased were eight children and two women, while the injured comprised nine children, two women, and one man. The report said that 27 houses bore the brunt of the severe weather, with collapsing walls and roofs causing extensive damage. Of these, three houses were entirely destroyed, while 24 suffered partial damage. Read more: Torrential rain, hailstorm claim 7 lives in K-P The devastation was widespread across several districts. In Shangla, four fatalities and three injuries were reported, with two houses partially damaged. Tragically, in Bannu, three children lost their lives and one was injured, alongside damage to a house. Bajaur also faced ...

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given targets to ministers during the cabinet meeting to fulfil International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions. In a press conference at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Secretariat in Lahore, he said that the prime minister chaired a cabinet meeting yesterday where he set goals for all ministers for the next five years. “Each ministry has been instructed on what short-term and long-term programmes should be, and it has been decided by the prime minister that the performance of every minister will be evaluated,” he added. "The achievement of ministry targets will be monitored using the latest technology. Written instructions detailing the targets have been issued to all ministries." Read more: PM reiterates resolve for social, economic uplift of minorities Tarar stated that all ministries had been assigned targets aimed at addressing the challenges...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, replying to a letter by US President Joe Biden, said on Sunday that Pakistan attaches key importance to relations with the United States. In Biden's first official correspondence with any Pakistani premier in years, the US president said Washington will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most “pressing global and regional challenges.” The premier, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), stated that Islamabad wants to work with Washington to achieve the common goal of global peace and security and also development and prosperity in the region. PM Shehbaz maintained that the two countries are working on important initiatives in the fields of energy, climate change, agriculture, health and education. The prime minister also welcomed cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and the Green Alliance Initiative. Read Biden reaches out to Pakistani premier Breaking from tradition,...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the resolve to work for the social uplift and integration of all the minorities in Pakistan. “I extend my heartful greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan and around the world, on the occasion of Easter,” the prime minister said in a message. He said much more than festivity and celebration, Easter was an occasion to reinforce and reflect on the values of love, tolerance and forgiveness as espoused by Prophet Isa (AS) and was a reminder to emulate these in daily life to bring harmony and peace in today’s strife and conflict-ridden world. The prime minister also lauded the immense contributions of the Christian community in the struggle for the creation of Pakistan and its socio-economic development and firmly believed that they would continue to play their proactive role in the progress and stability of Pakistan. “While we celebrate diversity of faiths as a source of strength and enrichment in our nation, let us join hands...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday dismissed the appointment of former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice (retd) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, as the head of the inquiry commission tasked with investigating the letter penned by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, alleging undue influence by intelligence agencies in judicial matters. Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, designated Jillani to lead the inquiry commission. The cabinet also greenlit the establishment of the inquiry commission. Jillani, often referred to as ‘the gentleman judge’ for his mild demeanor, retired from his post in July 2014. This decision follows a recent endorsement by the Supreme Court of a proposal for a commission, led by a retired judge, to examine the concerns raised in the letter submitted by the six IHC judges regarding alleged interference by agencies in judicial affairs. Accepting the role of heading the commission, the former chief justice stated tha...

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced on Saturday 51 accused to five years in prison for their role in the May 9 riots and fined each Rs 10,000. The accused were sentenced under three sections of the anti-terrorism law.  Security was on high alert at Central Jail Gujranwala during the proceedings, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain order. Read Alleged May 9 rioters get relief in Rawalpindi Among the accused is Kaleemullah Khan, a recently elected member of the provincial assembly (MPA) from PTI. The case pertains to PTI workers vandalizing state and military properties following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023 The riot had resulted in injuries to ten police officers, including a superintendent, and the unfortunate loss of civilian life. Additionally, four vehicles were damaged during the unrest. Following a complaint filed by SHO Mudassar Butt, the Cantt police station registered a case against 23 identified individuals and a...

The federal cabinet on Saturday picked former chief justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani to lead the inquiry commission formed to probe the letter by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges alleging interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters.  The cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also approved the formation of the inquiry commission. Jillani - often called ‘the gentleman judge’ for his mild manners - retired in July 2014. The move came a day after the Supreme Court endorsed a proposal for a commission led by a retired judge to inquire into the letter written by six IHC judges regarding alleged interference of agencies in judicial functions. Accepting the responsibility for heading the commission, the former chief justice said that he would commence the work on the matter after Eidul Fitr and once the notification is issued. Replying to a journalist's question on the nature of the inquiry, Jilani said it is "not an ope...

Authorities have established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for meeting former premier Imran Khan in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail and have appointed three focal persons for coordination.  The founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the jail superintendent have agreed on the SOPs governing meetings at Adiala. The SOPs, duly signed by Imran and the jail official, also specify the appointment of three focal persons by the former PM to facilitate the meetings. The designated focal persons for these meetings are Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Barrister Umair Niazi. Each focal person is authorized to nominate two individuals for meetings within the jail. Read Adiala jail ban sparks outcry Meetings will be scheduled twice weekly - on Tuesdays for family members and Thursdays for legal representatives and other visitors. As per the SOPs, meetings with individuals under court orders will be contingent upon the approval of the PTI founder...

Analysts have stressed the importance of a clear and transparent investigation into alleged interference in judiciary affairs, particularly regarding pressure on judges. This call for transparency came during the political talk show, "Experts," aired on Express News, where Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, highlighted the necessity to focus on discussing alleged interference in the judiciary. Hussain pointed out that a significant majority of judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had submitted a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), outlining grave allegations. He argued against victim-blaming, likening it to questioning why certain past judicial decisions took so long to rectify. https://ift.tt/fTjg89k He questioned whether similar interference had occurred in the past, particularly citing cases involving former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He expressed concerns over the judiciary's role, labelling it a "willing pawn" and calling...

In a first, the country's foreign minister replaced the finance minister in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Friday after President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signed off on the reconstitution of the vital body.  The premier will head the eight-member body. Read PM clips finance minister’s decision-making wings The CCI comprises the four chief ministers of the provinces, the finance minister who has now been replaced by the foreign minister, the defence minister and the minister for frontier regions (SAFRON).  Last week on March 23, PM Shehbaz reshuffled key positions within the cabinet, depriving the finance minister of chairmanships in two pivotal committees while carving out a major role for FM Ishaq Dar in financial matters. The premier had reconstituted four cabinet committees. Out of these, Aurangzeb was appointed as the chairman of only one committee – a departure from past practices where finance ministers typically ch...

US President Joe Biden has wished Pakistan and its newly elected government well in a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif - the first official correspondence by a head of state in years. In his letter, Biden stated that the partnership between the people of the two countries is critical to ensuring the security of the region and the world at large and assured that the US stands with Pakistan in facing the most important challenges that face the world and the region. President Biden maintained that public health, economic development and education are a shared vision and "we will continue to advance together". The letter further stated that Washington wants to further strengthen its alliance with Pakistan to improve the environment under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework. Referring to the devastating floods of 2022, the US head of state stated that the country wants to continue supporting Islamabad in recovery efforts, water management and agriculture development.  ...

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will visit Washington on April 14 and 15 for meetings with officials of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  The finance minister, speaking at a ceremony at the Karachi Stock Exchange, said the country needs a new IMF programme that should last for at least three years.  Aurangzeb stressed the importance of the talks with the Fund and outlined plans for further discussions within Pakistan. He emphasized the need to focus on effective policies to address economic challenges. The finance czar credited the recent agreement with the IMF to measures taken during the caretaker government's tenure, which helped stabilize the economy. Read PM gives nod to IMF talks for long-term bail out PIA privatisation The minister mentioned efforts to privatize struggling enterprises, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and to improve airport operations. He expressed his determination to complete the privatization of PI...

Experts unanimously agreed that the letter written by the six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), in which they accused intelligence agencies of alleged meddling, should be investigated. “It is a very serious matter as six out of eight judges of IHC have accused the executive members of intrusion in judicial matters,” said Chief Editor of The Express Tribune Naveed Hussain. He highlighted the significance of the matter while speaking on Express News political talk show 'Experts' moderated by anchor Dua Jamil. https://ift.tt/wJdQO3E Hussain highlighted the gravity of the situation by noting that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and all high court bar associations have also called for an investigation into alleged interference in judicial matters. The chief editor stressed that interference in the judiciary has been a frequent issue. Citing historical instances, Hussain noted that even under the Pakistan Tehre...

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday that there remains no doubt that the suicide attack in Besham was orchestrated by enemies of Pakistan-China friendship. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed a weekly press briefing and said Pakistan was in touch with China following the “heinous attack”. She reiterated that Pakistan was “fully committed to bringing terrorists, and their facilitators and abettors to justice”. “Such despicable attacks further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve in fighting terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations,” she added. Baloch termed the two neighbouring nations "close friends and iron brothers.” “Together, we will resolutely act against all such acts and forces and defeat them,"added the spokesperson.  She further expressed Islamabad’s determination to work with Beijing in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. Besham attack A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Chines...

The Supreme Court (SC) granted military courts conditional permission on Thursday to announce reserved judgments against civilians facing trial in last year’s May 9 violence cases. The bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan and including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Mussarat Hilali, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, heard intra-court appeals against the decision of its five-member bench nullifying an earlier apex court decision declaring military trials of civilians unconstitutional. At a hearing scheduled earlier this week, the apex court decided to amend its stay order prohibiting the announcement of military court verdicts against individuals tried for attacks on military installations since May 9 of the previous year. The bench also sought for today details regarding individuals who were expected to be acquitted of the charges. During today's hearing, the AGP informed the court that there were around 20 individuals who c...

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will be formed to probe the terrorist attack on Chinese engineers in Besham.  Addressing the media following a high-level moot of the country's top security and civil officials, the minister said the meeting recognised the imperative of a ‘coordinated strategy’ to tackle terrorism. The high-profile meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers, chief secretaries, and IGPs of the four provinces. Tarar also said that it was decided to establish a mechanism aimed at enhancing collaboration among pertinent stakeholders. The minister emphasized the pivotal role of security forces in the fight against terrorism and said the commitment of all forces to "leave no stone unturned" was applauded in the meeting. He also condemned efforts by anti-Pakistan elements to disrupt the longstanding friendship between Pakistan ...

Bar associations across Pakistan have demanded the Supreme Court's (SC) intervention over the letter written by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges regarding the interference of spy agencies in judicial functions. A meeting was also held between Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. The judicial trio discussed the letter by the six IHC judges. The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) strongly condemned interference by the "executive branch or operatives of intelligence agencies in the judicial functions" of the courts to obtain favoured outcomes in cases or politically motivated cases. The association called for the establishment of institutional mechanisms to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, including measures to protect judges from threats and external influence and strengthen accountability mechanisms. The Balochistan Bar Council also stated that the allegations lev...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders associated on Wednesday the letter written by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to court decisions against party founder Imran Khan and claimed the same have lost their credibility. Six IHC judges reached out to the SJC a day earlier seeking clarity on the alleged intrusion of executive members, including intelligence operatives, in judicial matters. Addressing a press conference today, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, accompanied by general secretary Omar Ayub and information secretary Raoof Hasan, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the letter, terming it as 'the first of its kind'. Gohar emphasized the alleged pressure faced by the judges, suggesting external influences aimed at swaying arbitrary decisions, which he argued depleted judicial independence. "The judges have run out of patience," he added. The PTI chief said the judges' letter cites the Tyrian White c...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is chairing a meeting called to review the internal security situation on Wednesday, a day after six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a terrorist attack, Express News reported. Top government and security officials are attending the meeting, including Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. The officials will deliberate on security issues related to Chinese nationals working and living in the country, and conduct a security audit. The federal cabinet meeting earlier set for today was deferred till tomorrow (Thursday). A day earlier, hours after security forces successfully fended off an attack by Baloch terrorists on a Pakistan Navy base in Turbat district of Balochistan, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy escorting Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), killing six people. Read PM Shehbaz likely to visit China amid renewed terror threat The Chinese engineers were en route fro...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan expressed his willingness on Tuesday to remain in jail while urging authorities to release other leaders of his party. Speaking to the media during the hearing of the £190 million reference, Imran again urged Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to hear PTI's May 25 petition and form a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incidents. "There has been no inquiry on the incidents so far," stressed Imran and added that "concealing" information is also a crime.  "A political party is being eliminated based on the May 9 incidents," said the PTI founder.  Advocating for a comprehensive investigation of the February 8 elections, Imran demanded scrutiny, questioning the legitimacy of the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) to conduct inquiries amidst allegations of rigging.  In a plea for fairness, Imran urged authorities to consider releasing other PTI leaders while he remains incarcerate...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve on Tuesday to bring macroeconomic stability and put Pakistan the path of growth. Addressing the Tax Excellence Awards ceremony in Islamabad, the premier said ensuring export-led growth through joint efforts was the only solution to make the country debt-free. The prime minister also said the government will strive to elevate productive sectors such as industries, information technology (IT), and agriculture. Referring to the new IMF programme, the premier said the government is taking the step to bring stability to the country's economy.  "The state will also focus on addressing the issue of inflation while ensuring growth and creating job opportunities," said PM Shehbaz, adding that the federal government along with the provincial governments will create an enabling situation for the private sector and address the issues faced by the sector. Shehbaz added that refunds to the tune of Rs65 billion were made to the exporte...

At least six people, including five Chinese nationals, were killed in an explosion when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber in the Bisham area of Shangla district on Tuesday, a top police officer said. A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers which was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said DIG Malakand Mohammad Ali Gandapur. "Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack," Gandapur confirmed. A large contingent of law enforcers reached the site soon after the attack and cordoned off the area. Traffic on the route has come to a standstill as authorities investigate the attack. In July 2021, nine Chinese nationals and four Pakistanis were killed and around two dozen others suffered injuries when a shuttle bus they were travelling in plunged into a deep ravine after an explosion on board. The bus was ferrying the Chinese and Pakistani workers t...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Tuesday by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA) counsel that the interior ministry is answerable for the banning of social media platform X in the country.  The remarks by the PTA counsel came during the hearing of a petition against the ban on the social media platform. The hearing was presided over by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.   The chief justice was also handed a sealed letter by the PTA counsel, who stressed it was for the court's eyes only. However, after going through the letter, the chief justice remarked that it contained nothing substantial. The petitioner's counsel was also shown the letter.  The petitioner's lawyer stated that the letter had circulated widely on social media platforms.  In response, PTA's legal counsel attributed the platform's closure to directives outlined in the letter, citing legal obligations for compliance. “The answer is to be given by the Ministry of Interio...

Aitchison College Principal Michael A Thompson submitted his resignation on Monday, alleging 'unwarranted interference and brazen directives' from the Punjab government regarding fee waivers for Ahad Cheema’s sons. The resignation came after Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman allegedly ordered the principal to waive the fees of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema's sons – Esa and Mustafa Ahad Cheema. After completing an eight-year tenure, the 18th principal of the prestigious institution penned a heartfelt resignation addressed to his staff.   The outgoing principal said he strived to maintain the school’s reputation while practising compassion. However, he pointed out that he was compelled to accommodate "certain individuals" who engaged in "blatant policy manufacturing" within the school management system. “Politics and nepotism have no place in schools,” the letter read. Highlighting recent actions by Governor House, the principal noted, ...

A court in Islamabad issued production orders on Monday for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for April 4 as it heard their counsels' appeals for the two to be presented in court. The appeals were filed in connection with Imran and Bushra's bail pleas in six May 9 violence cases and a Toshakhana fake receipts case, respectively. The hearing was presided over by sessions court judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. Imran’s counsel Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry appeared before the court. Today's orders to the Adiala jail superintendent, where the two are incarcerated, came after the jail authorities failed to mark Imran’s attendance via video link. The order to do so was issued at the last hearing. Last week, a separate court issued similar orders for Imran and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a case of vandalism during the 2022 Azadi March. Read Verdict reserved on plea for Imran’s production The case against the former premier, Qureshi, and others was reg...

President Asif Ali Zardari and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday have granted relief to the prisoners in the province’s jails keeping in view the holy month of Ramazan, releasing 28 of them while reducing the sentences of others by 90 days. The officials announced that 2,367 inmates across the province benefited from the reduction in their sentences. However, they added that the prisoners involved in cases of drugs, adultery, robbery, kidnapping, rebellion and espionage would not receive this concession. Similarly, this reduction in punishment has not been applied to the prisoners involved in financial embezzlement and damage to the national exchequer. It applies to the male inmates who are 65 years of age or older and served one-third of their sentence as well as the female prisoners who are 60 years of age or older and served one-third of their jail time. The concession also applies to the female prisoners who are accompanied by children as well as juveniles, who ar...

There is no consensus among the stakeholders regarding the restoration of trade relations between Pakistan and India, according to the people familiar with the development. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking at a news conference in London on Saturday, indicated that Pakistan would give serious consideration to re-establishing trade ties with India, echoing sentiments expressed by the business and trade community within the country. Pakistan suspended bilateral trade as part of a raft of measures in reaction to the Indian government's unilateral move to revoke the special status of disputed Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on August 5, 2019. Islamabad had previously tied the resumption of trade with India to a reconsideration of India's decision regarding IIOJK. Read more: Why Pakistan and India should resume trade In March 2021, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government was close to lifting the ban when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet...

At least six people were killed and eight others injured during a clash over a land dispute in Nawabshah district on Sunday. The conflict erupted early this morning between two factions of the Dahri community - stemming from a disagreement over contracted land within the jurisdiction of Pubho police station. According to Nawabshah police, the armed confrontation resulted in the deaths of all six individuals from one group, while eight members of the opposing faction sustained injuries and were subsequently hospitalized in Nawabshah. Authorities assured the public that the situation was now "under control". Read Land dispute ends in murder-suicide Responding to the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the provincial inspector general to furnish a comprehensive report and instructed law enforcement authorities to restore order in the area. On January 24, a teenager was shot at and injured in a heated verbal clash that erupted over a land dispute between the tw...

Former foreign secretary and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaharyar Khan, passed away on Saturday in Lahore after a prolonged illness. He was 89. Born in 1934, Shaharyar Khan joined the Foreign Service in 1957 and served until his retirement as foreign secretary in 1994. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed condolences over Khan’s demise, acknowledging his distinguished service to Pakistan both as a diplomat and as chairman of the PCB. "He will be greatly missed," Dar said, praying for Allah to grant him a higher place in Jannah and offer solace to his family and friends. The Foreign Office paid tribute to the former ambassador and high commissioner, honouring his significant contributions in safeguarding Pakistan’s diplomatic interests. In a statement, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi expressed deep sorrow at Khan’s passing, hailing him as "one of Pakistan’s finest diplomats." Qazi emphasized Khan's enduring legacy of achievements in safeg...

A women's desk had been established in Khyber’s Bara police station to quickly resolve complaints of women. The desk, after being established earlier this year, has registered at least 15 cases. The cases range from domestic violence, education, marriage, deprivation of inheritance rights, honour killing and others. The outcome of the desk can be seen positively with most case rulings in favour of women. Read Gender equality ‘vital’ for poverty eradication The desk was formally inaugurated by IG Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Akhtar Hayat Khan along with the appointment of female staff including desk officer Fatima Afridi. Fatima told Express News that cases pertaining to multiple issues were entertained but in a strange turn of events, a case of the obsolete tradition of ‘Ghag’ was also registered. Ghag means a custom, usage, tradition or practice whereby a. person forcibly demands or claims the hand of a woman, without her own or her parents' or wali's will and free consent,...

The nation is celebrating its 84th Pakistan Day on Saturday. This auspicious occasion is a reminder of the relentless struggle and unwavering determination that culminated in the establishment of Pakistan as an independent homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent. As per tradition, a military parade by smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces was held in the federal capital.  President Zardari arrives escorted by the Presidential Guard. PHOTO: GoP President Asif Ali Zardari inspects a guard of honour during Pakistan's national day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. PHOTO: AFP Pakistan's armed forces soldiers march past during Pakistan's national day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. PHOTO: AFP Pakistan's armed forces soldiers march past during Pakistan's national day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. PHOTO: AFP PAF F-16s during the fly past. PHOTO: GoP Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet performs aerobatic maneuvers during Pakistan'...

A court issued production orders on Friday for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and senior party leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a case of vandalism during the 2022 Azadi March. PTI counsels Sardar Mohammad Masroof and Naeem Haider Panjotha were present in the courtroom as a sessions court heard the case. The hearing was presided over by judge Mureed Abbas The case against the former premier, Qureshi, and others was registered at the Karachi Company police station. The hearing was adjourned till April 20. Earlier this week, a judicial magistrate of Islamabad acquitted PTI founding chairman in two similar cases. Read Judiciary’s approach towards PTI changing? Long march cases On May 27, 2022, the Islamabad police filed separate cases against 150 people including former premier and PTI chairman Imran Khan as well as other party leaders over allegations of arson and vandalism in the federal capital a day earlier. The footage....

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called upon multilateral development institutions to consider aggressive financing for nuclear energy projects. In a video message on the sidelines of the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, the foreign minister said this will help developing countries install nuclear energy plants and expand the use of green energy. He also said that other heads of delegations at the summit have asked international financial institutions to consider the same. The foreign minister said nuclear energy is regarded as the safest source of energy after hydropower. Elaborating further, Dar said Pakistan's installed nuclear energy capacity is more than 3,500 megawatts and added that the country is also building another nuclear power plant, Chashma-5, with the cooperation of China. China to assist Pakistan in stabilizing financial situation Dar on Friday held a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing wherein the latter underlined that China would assist Pakistan in st...

Political analysts maintain that former prime minister and founder of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan's confidence in predicting the current government's demise within six months is rooted in solid grounds and a realistic assessment, grounded on his belief that the government lacks both moral and constitutional credibility. Speaking on the Express News political talk-show "Experts", moderated by anchor Dua Jamil, Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, underscored Maulana Fazalul Rehman's concerns about the government's legitimacy, highlighting the prevailing doubts. Hussain drew parallels with the 2018 elections, suggesting that akin to that time, doubts persist about the mandate given to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to govern. He emphasised the perception that the government's authority truly lies with Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail. Also read: Imran sees govt ending in six months "US Assistant Secretary o...

The Foreign Office said on Thursday that the airstrikes by the Pakistan armed forces on targets in Afghanistan hit terrorsts and not the local civilian population.  Addressing the weekly briefing, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Islamabad had provided Kabul with evidence of terrorists on Afghan soil a number of times, maintaining that the country will not tolerate terrorist activities on its territory.  “On March 18, an operation was conducted against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Gul Bahadur terrorist groups based on intelligence information,” said Baloch. She added that as per the latest reports, calm prevails on the Pak-Afghan border and Islamabad wishes to jointly resolve all conflicts with Kabul. “We respect the sovereignty of Afghanistan,” maintained the FO spokesperson. Condemning the attack on hospitals in Gaza by Israeli forces, the spokesperson said targeting innocent children is nothing less than barbarism, adding that this act falls under the c...

President Asif Ali Zardari filed on Thursday an application in an accountability court seeking presidential immunity in the Thatta water supply reference.  During the hearing of the case, the president's counsel submitted the application and stated that the same has also been attained in other cases and the current case can not proceed.  The court issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the case and adjourned the hearing till April 22. The other accused in the case include former secretary Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Ali Akbar, Ejaz Memon, Ali Akbar Abro, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed, Manahal Majeed, Abdul Nadeem Bhutto and others. The water supply reference pertains to an alleged illegal award of a contract for the water supply scheme in Thatta to a private contractor. In January 2023, an accountability court sent back a corruption reference against Zardari after amendments to the NAB law. Read President claims immunity in Park Lane reference Earlier, ...

At least 12 miners were killed and eight rescued after an explosion in a coal mine in Zardalo area of Balochistan’s Harnai district, officials said on Wednesday. "The rescue operation has been just completed," said the provincial chief inspector of mines, Abdul Ghani Baloch. He said 20 miners were inside the mine when a methane gas explosion took place overnight. He added that rescue teams recovered 12 bodies while the survivors had been taken to hospital. Coal deposits are found in the western areas of Pakistan that sit near the Afghan border and mine accidents are common, mainly due to gas build-ups. Mine workers have complained that a lack of safety gear and poor working conditions are the key causes of frequent accidents, labour union officials have said in the past. In October 2023, three miners were killed in a coal mine accident in Darra Adam Khel area of Shangla district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Read Balochistan’s killer coal mines The incident occurred as a r...

Former chief minister of Punjab and President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, was unable to attend a crucial court hearing on Tuesday pertaining to a case of illegal recruitment. The reason cited for his absence was a minor fracture sustained after a fall in the washroom of Adiala Jail just two days prior. The court session, convened to advance proceedings in the case of illegal recruitment within the Punjab Assembly, was disrupted due to Elahi's absence. Despite the anticipation of indictment proceedings, the court could not proceed as accused was not present. In today's hearing at the anti-corruption court in Lahore, the jail authorities failed to produce Elahi before the court, leading to a delay in the legal process. Deputy Superintendent Tahir of Adiala Jail presented Elahi's medical report, confirming that the injury occurred on March 17 as a result of a fall in the washroom, resulting in a minor fracture. Also read: Elahi seeks details of cr...

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Tuesday that Afghan nationals serving in the army, including two on officer ranks, were among those expelled from the country under its drive against illegal immigrants. Referring to terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Asif said the vast majority reside in Afghanistan while 3,000-4,000 militants were brought to Pakistan for 'resettlement' during the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). "We also briefed the National Assembly on the issue." Speaking to a private TV channel, he maintained that there was no further influx from Afghanistan has occurred at the state level, however, infiltration attempts by militants occur from time to time.  The defence minister emphasized the porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border, highlighting the ease with which individuals can cross into Pakistani territory, obtain legal documentation, and even be recruited into the armed forces. ...