News Updates Pk

At least 143 people died in Pakistan from lightning strikes and other storm-related incidents in April, with the country receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, officials said on Tuesday. April brought flash floods, landslides and inclement weather that caused houses to collapse in some areas and destroyed crops in others. Pakistan saw a rainfall "increase of 164 per cent above the normal levels in April, which is very unusual", said Zaheer Ahmad Babar, spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department. "We've observed these erratic weather patterns as a direct result of climate change," he told AFP. Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather, as well as often-destructive monsoon rains that usually arrive in July. Read more: Fresh rain alert in Balochistan The largest death toll for April was in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where 83 people died, including 38 children, and where more than 3,500 homes have been damaged. "...

United States Ambassador Donald Blome played host to the Pakistan cricket team for a meet-and-greet at the US Embassy in Islamabad on Monday, in a display of support for Pakistan ahead of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. Welcoming the national team players, alongside Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, to his residence, Ambassador Blome, conveyed his best wishes to the players as they prepared for their upcoming matches in the United States. In a display of sports diplomacy, Ambassador Blome presented the team members a commemorative embassy cricket ball and an autographed softball bat. In turn, the Pakistani team reciprocated the gesture by presenting the ambassador with a signed cricket bat and team jersey. Read also: US envoy extends Eid greetings, emphasises Pak-US friendship Ambassador Blome engaged in an impromptu cricket demonstration with members of the national team. The United States is set to make history by hosting the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time t...

Pakistan's central bank reported on Tuesday that it has received the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) last tranche of $1.1 billion. This injection arrives as the nation's foreign exchange reserves, managed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), have notably risen to approximately $9 billion, bolstering the stability of the rupee against the US dollar. Previously, the central bank had disclosed reserves reaching around $8 billion. The IMF's executive board granted its final approval for the tranche release on Monday. The country had achieved a staff-level agreement with the IMF in mid-March 2024, following the global lender's successful completion of the second and final review of the domestic economy under the standby arrangement (SBA) of $3 billion. Read more: Shehbaz hopeful IMF tranche to bring economic stability In a statement, the SBP confirmed that it has received SDR 828 million (equivalent to around US$ 1.1 billion) from the IMF. The amount shall be reflected i...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasised the "continued protection of the most vulnerable" sections of Pakistani society and accelerating structural reforms as means to achieve strong, long-term inclusive growth.  It also stated that priorities should "include advancing the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including to ensure that all SOEs fall under the new policy framework; strengthening governance and anti‑corruption institutions; and continuing to build climate resilience”. A day earlier, the Fund granted its approval for the disbursement of the final loan tranche, amounting to $1.1 billion, under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The approval signalled the successful conclusion of the second bailout package within eight years. In a statement released following the approval, the IMF said that the completion of the second review reflects the "authorities’ stronger policy efforts under the SBA, which have supported the stabilization of the econo...

Commander Turkish Land Forces General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu on Monday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military said in a statement. During the meeting, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation were discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction over deep-rooted relations between the two countries, based on historic, cultural and religious affinity. COAS emphasised the need to further strengthen existing military-to-military cooperation between the two armed forces. Read more: Social media trolls can’t derail progress: COAS The visiting dignitary appreciated the role of Pakistan army in ensuring peace and stability in the region. Earlier, on arrival at GHQ, Commander Turkish Land Forces, laid floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan army presented the guard of honour to the...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pak-Saudi economic ties had entered a "new era" with the trade volume between the two countries poised to significantly increase. During the meeting with the Saudi Minister for Commerce Majid al Kasabi on the sidelines of the World Economy Forum's (WEF) special meeting in Riyadh, the Saudi minister said "Pakistan is Saudi Arabia's priority for investment and trade as per the directives of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman". The Saudi minister also outlined plans to elevate bilateral economic and trade relations within the next year or so and maintained that ambitious targets for growth have been set. During the exchange, the premier underscored the active role played by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in promoting foreign investment and facilitating investors. On the occasion, Kasabi announced an imminent visit by a delegation from the Saudi business community to Pakistan and acknowled...

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested on Monday four key operatives belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) involved in the Besham terror attack in which five Chinese nationals were killed last month. On March 26, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy escorting Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killing six people, including the vehicle’s driver. The Chinese engineers were en route their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P - from Islamabad. Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway. According to a Chinese Embassy statement, a Chinese company’s bus, carrying staff, working on the Dasu Hydropower Project, was hit by a terrorist attack at around 1pm. Malakand Deputy Inspector General Muhammad Ali Gandapur confirmed the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. The Chinese engineers’ vehic...

Agricultural families residing in underdeveloped mountainous terrains rely largely on seasonal fruit production for maintaining their survival throughout the year however, as the pernicious effects of climate change start altering rainfall patterns across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), many poor families will be left with devastated crops in their fields. In K-P, the consequences of global warming and climate change are evident in the changing of the monsoon season, which now falls at a time when the strawberry cash crop, a speciality of Charsadda, is to be cultivated. The strawberry crop, which is planted in October and November, ripens and is ready for harvest by April. Unfortunately, this year's strawberry production witnessed a significant setback due to the unusual rains, which destroyed approximately 80 per cent of the fruit’s crop, leaving farmers in a deplorable state since they were only left with poor quality strawberries that could only be sold at low prices, One such farmer ...

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was given the additional charge of deputy prime minister on Sunday, said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.  The appointment was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with "immediate effect and until further orders”.  from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/siVBKqF

Over two hundred professors, including several deans and senior academics from the University of Karachi, alongside the president of the Karachi University Teachers Society, penned a letter to professors and students of various universities in the United States, expressing solidarity with ongoing campus protests against atrocities in Gaza on Sunday. The letter expressed 'unwavering' solidarity with the ongoing protests against the persistent human rights violations in Gaza. This gesture also criticised policies on US campuses and of the government, while reaffirming the paramount significance of academic freedom. The message from the faculty members of KU is addressed to more than 40 universities, notably Columbia University in New York, New York University, the University of Texas in Austin, Yale University, the University of Southern California, Emory University in Atlanta, Ohio University, George Washington University, Indiana University, and Arizona State University. ...

The India Study Centre (ISC) of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) convened a session on Saturday to discuss the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha elections in India. Attended by academics, diplomats, and researchers from various Islamabad-based think tanks, the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on different aspects of India's electoral process and its potential implications, particularly within the context of Pakistan-India relations. The participants engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views, covering the entire seven-phase electoral process. Discussions revolved around significant developments such as the publication of election manifestos, the tone and content of the election campaign, the role played by the Indian Election Commission and various media entities, and the diverse political landscapes and profound rhetoric found across all regions of India. A matter of particular concern was the divisive and polarizing rhetoric evident in the electoral di...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia today, to attend a World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting on global collaboration, growth, and energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed. HRH Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum extended the invitation to Shehbaz. The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The diplomatic talks will center around trade and investment measures, new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth, and the energy landscape. The forum will highlight Pakistan’s crucial priorities in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration, and the need to balance promoting growth and energy consumption. The ...

Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Malakand chapter commander Talha Swati was killed in the Asadabad area of Afghanistan's Kunar province, sources confirmed on Saturday. Swati – associated with the Fazal Ullah group belonged to Swat. He was gunned down in broad daylight after Friday prayers. The TTP commander was linked to the intelligence group and worked as intelligence chief in Barikot area. As per reports, the slain terrorist was reporting on Jammat Ul Ahrar activities to South District Taliban, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and his close aide Noor Wali Mehsud. There were conflicting reports surrounding the commander's death. Some reports suggested he was killed by ISKP, while others stated he was killed by a rival faction due to some internal rifts. The Swati group, following the commander's death, demanded punishment for the killers. Read TTP group confirms senior commander's killing in Waziristan clashes Earlier this month, a most-wanted commander of the ...

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's decision to don a police uniform at a passing out parade for lady constables stirred controversy and divided opinion on social media. While the government claimed she wore the uniform to boost the police's morale, critics saw it as grandstanding and questioned the legality of a civilian wearing a police uniform. This attempt to go the extra mile by the head of the province was not seen in good light by netizens either. However, the police were quick to come to their boss' rescue. They cited a notification, apparently issued on January 30th, whereby police regulations were relaxed to permit the province's governor and chief minister to wear the uniform on certain occasions to encourage the police personnel and troops. The date of the notification remained an enigma since it was not in the public domain before Thursday. Many saw it as a cover-up by the police to counter the criticism of the government and to project Maryam Nawaz’s d...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the country's economic situation has improved over the past two months due to the joint efforts of all stakeholders.  He added that collective endeavours will further steer the economy towards stability and highlighted the increase in exports and foreign investments, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and other countries.  The premier also announced measures to curb electricity theft and decisions regarding transmission lines. Earlier today, under the chairmanship of PM Shehbaz, the federal cabinet convened where it sanctioned the establishment of an additional special court in Makran Division to handle anti-narcotics cases in Balochistan, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Law and Justice. This special court's jurisdiction will encompass the districts of Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Hub, and Lasbela. The cabinet directed appointment of judges with 'exemplary reputation' to improve the prosecution process wit...

Fresh evidence of 'foreign weapons', reportedly believed to have been transported from Afghanistan to Pakistan, has once again surfaced, adding to concerns over regional security and its purported link to an increase in terrorism within the country. Pakistan's ongoing battle against terrorism, spanning two decades, has been exacerbated by the presence of weapons allegedly left by the United States in Afghanistan. This factor is believed to be responsible for the recent surge in terrorism in the country. Since the beginning of the year, security forces have conducted a series of intelligence-based operations (IBO) in various districts, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists and the recovery of a cache of foreign weapons from them. In Khyber district on April 24 to 25, a crucial operation took place targeting suspected terrorists. The intense exchange of fire led to the killing of at least three militants, including prominent terrorist figures, Sohail, also known ...

The woman involved in the hit-and-run incident with a motorway police officer in January has been remanded to jail by the court on Thursday, a day after her arrest, which followed the circulation of a viral video depicting the event on social media. Farah, the accused, eluded capture after colliding with the motorway police officer and was apprehended three and a half months later following the widespread dissemination of the video on social media platforms. A case was registered against her at Naseerabad police station on January 2, 2024, based on the complaint of Patrolling Officer Mohammad Sabir, under charges including interference in government affairs, resistance, and causing injury to government officials. Today, the accused was presented before Civil Judge Dr Mumtaz Hanjra by the police, who requested a five-day physical remand for further investigation. The court was informed that the incident occurred on January 1, involving a high-speed escape on the motorway. The defence la...

Pakistan has outrightly dismissed the 2023 Country Report on human rights practices recently released by the United States State Department. "The contents of the report are unjust, relying on inaccurate information and are disconnected from the realities on the ground," stated the foreign office on Thursday. In a strongly worded statement, the foreign office criticised the annual practice of the US State Department in preparing such reports, labeling them as lacking objectivity and flawed in methodology. It accused these reports of applying a domestic social lens to judge human rights situations in other nations, driven by political biases. The 2023 Human Rights Report from the US State Department, unveiled this week, accused Pakistan and India of intimidating or seeking reprisals against individuals beyond their borders, including activists, defenders, and journalists. Both nations were indicted for significant human rights violations such as arbitrary and extrajudicial kill...

The Supreme Court ordered on Thursday the removal of encroachments from the front of all private and state-owned buildings within three days. The order came during the hearing of a petition by the affectees of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). The case was heard by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa at the apex court's Karachi Registry. The chief justice also ordered the relevant authorities to look into the matter brought forth by the affectees. Expressing displeasure on illegal encroachments and denial of public space to the citizens, the chief justice said the Rangers headquarters, Naval headquarters Governor House and the Chief Minister House have all denied footpaths to the citizenry through illegally encroaching on public spaces. Justice Isa said to the advocate general that the punishment for government institutions encroaching on public land should be greater, to which the additional attorney general cited "security issues" as the reason behind the encroach...

An accountability court in Islamabad barred on Thursday PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi from issuing statements against state institutions and officials.  During the hearing of a petition seeking a fair trial, Judge Basir Javed Rana ordered the PTI founder and his spouse from speaking against state institutions in the courtroom.  According to the order, the PTI chief made provocative political statements against senior officials of state institutions, including the army, the judiciary and the army chief. The order added that such statements disrupt judicial decorum and also obstruct judicial functions such as the dispensation of justice.  The order further stated that during the jail trial of the PTI founder, the media will limit its reporting to court proceedings and not report statements of the accused.  Read Imran denies Saudi role in ‘regime change’ In its order, the court also instructed the prosecution, the accused and their defence counsel...

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Pakistan this week put the spotlight on a major gas pipeline deal between the two neighbours which has faced delays due to geopolitical issues and international sanctions. The two nations reiterated the importance of cooperation in the energy domain, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines and the IP Gas Pipeline Project, a joint statement released following the culmination of the visit said. Read also: Iran President Raisi departs after three-day visit Here are some facts about the project, which is also known as the Peace Pipeline: - The pipeline deal, signed in 2010, envisaged the supply of 750 million to a billion cubic feet per day of natural gas for 25 years from Iran's South Pars gas field to Pakistan to meet the latter’s rising energy needs. - The pipeline was to stretch over 1,900 kilometres (1,180 miles) - 781 km within Pakistan and 1,150 km within Iran. - Tehran says it has already invested $2 billion to con...

President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that Pakistan and China enjoy long-term strategic relations, which need to be further strengthened in the areas of trade, economy, agriculture, people-to-people contacts, and culture. He underlined the need for both countries to continue to work together to take bilateral relations to new heights. The president expressed these views while talking to the visiting chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Luo Zhaohui, who along with his delegation called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday, the presidency said in a statement. The Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr Jahanzeb Khan, and senior officials of the Chinese and Pakistani governments attended the meeting. While reiterating Pakistan’s firm commitment to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said that Pakistan considered CPEC of immense strategic importance and was fully committed to the timely...

Iran and Pakistan have agreed to "expeditiously" finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said a joint statement issued by the two sides.  The statement said that “both sides agreed to expeditiously finalise the FTA and hold the next sessions of annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC) as well as the 22nd round of the negotiations of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in the near future”. During Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's recently concluded visit to Pakistan, Islamabad and Tehran agreed to increase the bilateral trade volume to $10 billion.  The two neighbours also agreed to “enhance mutual interaction through the regular exchange of high-level visits” and facilitate the regular exchange of economic and technical experts, added the statement.  The joint statement further added that the two countries also declared the Reemdan border point as an international border crossing point under the TIR Convention and t...

The Supreme Court referred on Wednesday the matter of bench constitution in a case pertaining to trials of civilians in military courts to the three-member apex court committee. The three-member committee includes the chief justice and the two senior-most judges of the apex court.  The committee was formed as a result of an amendment to the Practice and Procedure Bills 2023. Earlier, the chief justice was the sole decision-making entity. A six-judge larger bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan also sought records of military court decisions regarding the conviction of 20 individuals. Justice Shahid Waheed had asked the Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Awan, to provide details of the military courts' decisions to examine whether Article 10-A was being complied with or not. Khawaja Ahmad Hossain, counsel for ex-CJP Jawwad S Khawaja, requested the bench to refer the matter to the committee for the reconstitution of the bench. Read Trying civilians in military courts ‘aga...

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Tuesday conferred civil awards to the eminent scientists and engineers from strategic organisations for their meritorious services at the Investiture ceremony held at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a total of 35 individuals were conferred with the awards. Seven officers were awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz, 15 officers were awarded President’s Award for Pride of Performance and 13 officers were given Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, it added. Read more: President confers military awards Gen Mirza lauded the services of the scientists and engineers; hailing them as the nation’s unseen heroes. While addressing the awardees, the CJCSC said, “You, all, have selflessly contributed towards strengthening the foundations of a resilient nation; and for that, we are forever indebted to you.” from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Head...

The government will reconstitute the missing persons committee on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said the law and information ministers while addressing the media.  Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar assured that the government is "serious" about resolving the issue and added that the new committee would also have a parliamentary presence.  The law minister cautioned that resolving the complex issue of missing persons, which spans over four decades and encompasses various dimensions, cannot be accomplished overnight. Azam stressed the necessity of both political and legal solutions, highlighting the importance of consensus among stakeholders. Pointing out Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terrorism, he acknowledged the heavy toll borne by the nation and its security forces and underscored the need for concerted efforts to address the issue effectively. The information minister reiterated the government's commitm...

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Tuesday that Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves were projected to reach "anywhere between $9 to $10 billion" by the end of June. Speaking at the opening session of the seventh 'Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit', he expressed confidence that the expected reserves would signify a significant improvement compared to the previous year. Aurangzeb said that the country’s economy was steadily advancing in the right direction, underlining the government’s commitment to accelerate momentum towards achieving both economic growth and comprehensive social development. In his address, the minister highlighted the impact of the incumbent government’s constructive measures on economic indicators, noting their resilience amidst challenges. He emphasized that these indicators signify a favorable trajectory compared to previous standings, signaling an optimistic outlook for the economy. He said that upon assuming power, the for...

In a significant development that brings relief to the people of Pakistan grappling with a persistent gas shortage, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) on Monday announced the discovery of notable oil and gas deposits in Daharki district of Sindh. The company stated that the Shawal-1 well, drilled in January 2024, reached a total depth of 1,136 metres. The well is yielding 1,040 barrels of oil and 2.5 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. CEO of MPCL, Faheem Haider considered the success as a milestone for all the geoscientists and engineers who prevailed latest technologies in geo-earth explorations. Read: Major natural gas reserves discovered in Sindh's Sajawal This latest success follows MPCL's January 2024 gas discovery in the North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Shewa-2 appraisal-cum-exploratory well exhibited a steady flow of gas, sustaining a rate of 0.607 million cubic feet. Earlier, the country's state-owned petroleum giant, Pakistan Petroleum ...

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed confidence in securing a fresh and bigger IMF loan, and highlighted the positive shifts in macroeconomic factors, aiming to bolster the country's struggling economy. In an interview with The National, published on Monday, the FM noted stabilization in the currency and anticipated a decrease in inflation to single digits by next year. The interview came following discussions at the recent IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. Aurangzeb said, “We have entered as a country this year in a better shape, compared to where we were this time last time around.” He said that macroeconomic indicators were moving in Pakistan’s favour. “He also sounded optimistic that Pakistan’s currency has finally stabilized and said rampant inflation is on track to drop to single-digit levels by the end of next year,” The National said. “We have had very constructive discussions with the IMF managing director and the senior team. And given that we are...

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued a record-breaking spree on Monday as it crossed 71,000 points for the first time in history and surged close to the 72,000 mark. The PSX benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by 1.33% or 940 points and hit an unprecedented all-time high of 71,850 points at 1:38 pm today. As the trading day progressed, the index maintained its momentum, hovering around 71,772 points, marking an impressive intra-day gain of 1.22% or 862 points. The increase in activity reflected investors' confidence in the domestic economy, particularly following the government's formal approach to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan programme. Despite the relentless climb of the benchmark index since December 2023, stocks have managed to maintain an affordable stance. Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Topline Securities Muhammad Sohail emphasized the sustained positive sentiments pervading the local bourse. Sohail highlighted the noteworthy milestone of the ...

At least 11 terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.  During the IBO in DI Khan, 10 terrorists were killed after an intense exchange of fire with security forces, while in North Waziristan, another terrorist was killed in a skirmish.  "The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area against security forces as well as the innocent civilians. Arms & ammunition were also recovered from them," said the military's media wing.  Locals of the area appreciated the operations by the security forces, who remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, said the ISPR.  Earlier this month, two terrorists were killed in a operation in Waziristan while at least ten were killed in April during another successful operation.   from Pakistan New...

Sindh Police on Sunday apprehended Riasat Ali, also known as Jadgaal, from Karachi’s Lyari, exposing his alleged role as a major narcotics supplier in the port city, Express News reported. The suspect made startling revelations of daily narcotics transactions amounting to a staggering Rs5 to Rs6 million. The investigation report unveiled Ali's confession of dealing in ice, crystal, hashish, and other illicit substances. The modus operandi reportedly involved Ali's brother, Abid, who smuggled narcotics from Iran and other countries, while Ali oversees the distribution within Karachi. Read: 29 held in crackdown on drug dealers "When I need weapons for defence, to enhance business and to kill rival drug lords, I assigned the task to my front man, Raza," he added. "Raza bought firearms from Wahab Pathan of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and Liaquat is my main seller at the base." Authorities assert Ali's close ties to Uzair Baloch, a prominent figure in the Lya...

Although navigating through the ups and downs of life is always a tremendously thorny ordeal for transgender persons in K-P surviving on the margins of society, their fated struggle for acceptance rarely ends with death. The transgender community of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), faces the worst form of persecution, with regular instances of target killing claiming the lives of countless trans persons every year. As the community unites in bereaving the ruthless murder of another innocent fellow member, the additional exasperation of locating a cleric and grave for the deceased’s funeral proceedings weighs heavily on its nerves. Last month, the friends of Asma Lata, a Karachi-based trans woman brutally murdered at the Iqbal Plaza in Peshawar, had to face a similar quandary, when they had to wait for seven hours before their beloved friend could finally be laid to rest. After futilely pleading two or three local people to perform the funeral prayers of Asma, they found help in a non-native t...

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar on Sunday said Pakistan dispatched the 8th tranche of humanitarian assistance for the people of besieged Gaza. The 400 tons of assistance consisted of winterized tents, tarpaulins, blankets, medicines and food supplies and will be transported to the devasted Palestinian enclave via sea, the foreign minister said. “The shipment will be received by the Pakistani Ambassador at Port Said, Egypt and handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for onward delivery to the people of Gaza," added Dar.  "Pakistan remains committed to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” he further said. Earlier, Pakistan dispatched multiple batches of relief supplies to Gaza. The shipments contained warm tents, tarpaulins, blankets, surgical/medical supplies, dry food items and hygiene kits as per the ground needs in Gaza. The aid was dispatched to Al Arish, Egypt, where the Pakistani ambassador received the aid, after whi...

Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi is arriving here on Monday on a visit that the outside world will closely watch against the backdrop of Tehran's ongoing tensions with Israel. Despite tensions in the region, the president of Iran has decided to travel to Pakistan, suggesting the importance Tehran attaches to its ties with Islamabad. The visit was planned before the recent Iran-Israel tensions and was part of efforts to repair ties with Pakistan damaged after the tit-for-tat missile strikes in January. The Foreign Office on Sunday confirmed the visit of the Iranian President. "President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 22 to 24 April 2024. This will be the first visit by any Head of State to Pakistan after the general elections in February 2024," read a statement issued here by the foreign office. It said the Iranian president will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation co...

Turkish Chief of General Staff, Gen. Metin Gurak, was awarded with one of Pakistan’s highest military medals on Friday, an official statement said. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz to Gurak at a special ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad, said the statement. The award was conferred in recognition of Gurak’s illustrious services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence ties, it said. The ceremony was also attended by Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mehmet Pacaci. Read also: Passing out ceremony of PMA Long Course held at Kakul "Turkiye is a sincere friend of Pakistan and both countries have enjoyed deep fraternal ties, which needed to be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of the two sides," said President Zardari. He called for enhancing road and railway connectivity between the two countries to further promote people-to-people contac...

A huge blast at a military base in Iraq early on Saturday killed a member of an Iraqi security force that includes Iran-backed groups. The force commander said it was an attack while the army said it was investigating and there were no warplanes in the sky at the time. Two security sources had said earlier that an airstrike caused the blast, which killed a member of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and wounded eight others at Kalso military base about 50 km (30 miles) south of Baghdad. In a statement, the PMF said its chief of staff Abdul Aziz al-Mohammedawi had visited the location and "reviewed the details of the investigative committees present in the place that was attacked". The Iraqi military said a technical committee was looking into the cause of an explosion and fire at the base, which it said happened at 1 am on Saturday. "The air defence command report confirmed, through technical efforts and radar detection, that there was no drone or fighter jet ...

Prime Miniser Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the burgeoning economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and China are primarily fostered through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The UN designates April 20 as Chinese Language Day, underscoring the influence of Chinese literature, poetry, and language on global culture. Acknowledging the global significance of the Chinese language as a major means of communication, PM Shehbaz emphasized the increasing number of Pakistanis learning Chinese, which he maintained, "contributes to strengthening the bond between the peoples of both nations." According to the PMO press release, the prime minister remarked on the efforts being made at both official and public levels to promote Chinese language and literature, aiming to enhance people-to-people connections between Pakistan and China. He emphasized the significant role of the Chinese language as a global communication tool, noting its inclusion in the UN's roster of...