News Updates Pk

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that suspects involved in the March 26 terrorist attack that killed five Chinese engineers have been identified. The Chinese engineers and their Pakistani drivers were killed in a suicide attack on the Karakoram Highway. Initial findings of the investigations found a link between Afghanistan and the terrorist attack. On Sunday, Pakistan asked the Afghan Taliban government to arrest the entire leadership of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and put them on trial after sharing fresh evidence linking Afghanistan with the attack in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Besham. Speaking informally to the media in the Parliament House in Islamabad, he said that the Secretary of Interior and Foreign Office officials have travelled to Kabul to brief Afghan authorities about those involved in the attack. Read more: Afghanistan agrees to review Pakistan's findings on Besham attack probe "We have identified the culprits respons...

Lahore High Court’s Justice Waheed Khan has directed law officers to assist the court on the maintainability of a plea seeking contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The petition alleges that Sharif referred to some judges as "black sheep", undermining the integrity and independence of the judiciary. During the proceedings, Justice Khan questioned Additional Attorney General Raja Khurram on whether the petition was maintainable. Khurram responded that the Attorney General for Pakistan had clarified to the Supreme Court that Sharif's statement did not pertain to current judges. "Do you have the written order of the court?" Justice Khan asked Khurram, who replied, "Not yet." The petition was filed by Ashba Kamran, who named the Federation of Pakistan through the Prime Minister's principal secretary as the respondent. Kamran expressed concern and disappointment over Sharif's remarks, made during a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ...

Security forces killed two terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Hassan Khel area of Peshawar district on the night of May 30, reported Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday. The killed terrorists were identified as ringleader Ayaz alias Muhammad and Ahmedey alias Koochi. Two other terrorists were also injured in the operation. As per the military's media wing, the eliminated terrorists were actively involved in numerous attacks against security forces and killing innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from their hideout. Local residents appreciated the operation; the security forces were engaged in a sanitizing operation in the area to clear it out of any remaining terrorists, the ISPR stated, adding that, "The security forces of Pakistan remain committed to eradicating terrorism from the country." Read At least 29 terrorists killed over past month: ISPR On May 27, security forces announced that 23 terr...

Firefighters battled a new round of forest fires on Margalla Hills on Friday just days after the previous ones were extinguished. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khursheed Alam said that a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) helicopter had been dispatched to the affected area to assist in extinguishing the fire. Representatives from the district administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and Pakistan Navy, were actively involved in firefighting efforts at the site. Deputy Commission (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon also assured that fires will be brought under control. The PM's coordinator reported the situation stating, "There is a fire at two places on Margalla Hills...a high-intensity fire in front of E-9 Hills." She added that the ministry was coordinating with relevant authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Read Margalla Hills wildfire Romina...

Experts have unanimously condemned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its recent statement regarding the events of 1971, warning against undermining state institutions. They emphasised that 1971 is a "red line" that should not be crossed under any circumstances. During the talk show “Experts” on Express News, Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, criticised the persistent efforts to marginalise PTI over the past two and a half years, but asserted that this does not justify PTI's controversial statements. He noted that while other political parties like PML-N and PPP have faced similar treatment, PTI's actions have crossed acceptable boundaries. Hussain called for PTI to undergo internal purification, suggesting that any members contradicting party policy should be swiftly removed. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of state institutions and warned political opponents against unjust criticism of PTI. https://ift.tt/e0KMfTp He ...

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its monsoon outlook for the period from June to August, predicting normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country. During the upcoming monsoon season, most regions are expected to experience average or higher-than-average rainfall. Central and northern Punjab are likely to see a significant increase in rainfall. The department also forecasts above-normal rainfall in southern Sindh and Balochistan. Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive normal rainfall. Read more: PMD predicts sweltering heat wave ahead According to PMD, higher temperatures could accelerate the melting of snow in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Many areas are expected to experience above-normal daytime temperatures at the start of June, which will normalise following the onset of rainfall. The monsoon season is also expected to bring thunderstorms and strong winds...

A writ petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court challenging a specific clause in the recent Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, signed by Acting President Yousaf Raza Gillani. The petition contends that the ordinance violates the doctrine of judicial independence as outlined in Articles 2-A and 175 of the Constitution. Mashkoor Hussain, the petitioner, submitted the plea through his advocate Nadeem Sarwar, requesting the court to suspend the operation of the ordinance until the final resolution of the petition. "The acting President signed the Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following approval by the federal cabinet," Hussain stated in his petition. The disputed clause in the ordinance stipulates: "For the trial of election petitions under this Act, the Commission shall appoint as many Election Tribunals as may be necessary for swift disposal of election petitions. An Election Tribunal shall comprise— (a) in th...

Pakistan and Azerbaijan resolved on Thursday to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors including trade, investment, energy and connectivity to exploit bilateral potential further. This commitment was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. In a joint press conference, Dar announced plans to bolster cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and defence. He highlighted ongoing efforts to boost bilateral investments, particularly in the energy sector, with a joint working group on energy playing a crucial role. FM Bayramov noted that there were six direct flights between the two countries and highlighted that 55,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan last year. He added that the upcoming COP29 meeting would present additional opportunities for collaboration across the energy sector and in matters relating to climate change. Dar also emphasized the importance of parliamentary an...

Pakistan joins the international community today in commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan currently has around 3,000 peacekeepers deployed in missions across the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Abyei, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Western Sahara, and Somalia. Since 1960, Pakistan has contributed 235,000 troops to UN peacekeeping operations in 48 missions across 29 countries, spanning nearly all continents. "Pakistan is proud of its long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping. Our peacekeepers have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in conflict-ridden regions. Overall, 181 Pakistani peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public...

Following a frenzied courtroom hearing of the Iddat case, involving former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers deemed today's events leading to the delay in the announcement of the case's reserved verdict as a "pre-planned" strategy. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, accompanied by other party leaders including Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz and Member National Assembly (MNA) Ali Muhammad Khan, addressed the media outside the courtroom after today's hearing. Gohar said the court had initially scheduled to announce the verdict at 9 AM, but the timing was rescheduled to 10:30 AM due to the absence of the prosecutor. Referring to remarks made by complainant Khawar Fareed Man­eka, former husband of Bushra Bibi, during today's hearing, the lawmakers alleged that Maneka used abusive language against PTI founder Imran. Furthermore, he claimed that the session judge, Justice Shahrukh Arjumand,...

As the country sweltered under intense heat with mercury crossing the 50-degree mark in many parts of the country, particularly in Sindh, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to minimise the ongoing load-shedding in different areas through better load management, considering the public relief in sizzling weather. The prime minister, chairing a meeting on load management and power theft, reiterated that the government would deal strictly with the power thieves and that the ongoing mission against them would be taken to the logical end. Vowing to hold a monthly review of the power theft situation, he asked the provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and other departments to extend their support in the anti-power theft drive in the national interest and for the country’s progress. The prime minister told the participants of the meeting that the government in no way would tolerate the over-billing. He directed the acceleration of the privatis...

Another forest fire erupted on Margalla Hills on Tuesday with firefighting efforts underway to extinguish the blaze before it spreads.  The fire brigade and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) responded promptly to the blaze and deployed to the area to extinguish the fire  A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (MPO) stated that PM Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the fire in Margalla Hills. He directed the relevant authorities to mobilize quickly and start operations to control the fire and to ensure the safety of life and property.  The CDA reported that the fire broke out on Saidpur Range Trail 3 and spread towards Noor Pur Range Trail 5. It added that the process of extinguishing the fire was underway. The fire on trail 3 was extinguished while efforts were still ongoing at the other site. More than 65 firefighters are participating in the firefighting operation, the CDA said, adding that more teams were dispatched to expedite the operation. Under the...

The body of a missing teenage boy was recovered from Trail 5 of the Margalla Hills on Monday after an extensive search launched by federal police. The body of 15-year-old Taha, who went missing on Saturday, was recovered from a deep ditch. A search operation was launched in the area by police teams using drones to trace the missing boy. A superintendent of police (SP), leading the search team, was present at the scene and was accompanied by the boy's family. Preliminary findings suggest that the boy likely veered off track and tragically slipped into the ditch. Additional inquiries are in progress and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the boy's death and the cause. Read Trail 3 incident: Rape claim termed attempt to settle score Earlier in July 2023, a woman was raped on Trail 3 of Margalla Hills. A man lured a woman to Islamabad on the pretext of a job before taking her to a popular trail in the capital where he raped her at gunpoint. ...

The Sindh High Court (SHC) suspended on Monday the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's (PEMRA) ban restricting reporters from broadcasting tickers of court proceedings. The petition was filed by Karachi's court reporters earlier in the day, against the media watchdog's notification issued on May 21. It was accepted for an urgent hearing by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi. Justice Abbasi however emphasized, "Court reporters must exercise responsibility when covering judicial matters. "Reporting certain remarks and observations can sometimes misrepresent the judiciary," he added. The notification was also challenged in the high courts of Lahore and Islamabad last week. The court has issued notices and sought a response by June 6 from PEMRA and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB). The petition prayed that the ban on court reporting was imposed without convening a meeting of the authorities, nor were the court reporters heard. The repo...

All students were safely rescued after a girls school caught fire in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Haripur district on Monday, confirmed Chief Secretary of KP Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry. Chaudhry said an electrical short circuit caused the blaze at Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Sirikot village.  “The investigation is ongoing, with directives issued to establish foolproof protocols for handling such incidents in schools. The school should be made functional as soon as possible” stated Chaudhry. Read Unknown attackers burn solved exam papers in North Waziristan school Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister K-P Ali Amin Gandapur remarked that the rescue team responded swiftly and evacuated the students. Mobile footage from the site showed massive columns of smoke engulfing the school area. A crowd of locals also gathered outside the school. “The damage to the school building from the fire should be immediately repaired so that educational activities can continue. All ...

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Sunday had a telephonic call with Chief of General Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri and extended deep condolences over the sad and unfortunate incident of helicopter crash on May 19 which led to demise of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahain and other important officials, the military said in a statement. Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Governor of East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rahmati, head of Raisi’s bodyguard team Mehdi Mousavi, and Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in the province Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, died in a helicopter crash in northern Azerbaijan on May 19. The Pakistani government had expressed its condolences to the Iranian government and people over the tragic loss of life. Also read: Iran holds funeral procession for late president Raisi after crash death According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief expres...

Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz said on Sunday that he has been "under immense pressure" but will not allow anyone to use him as a pawn for political motives. "For over a year now, I've been under immense pressure to compromise, but I'll never allow anyone to use me as a pawn for political motives." He added that there has been a "recurring pattern of victimization" against him and his business for introducing state-of-the-art projects in Pakistan. "From 1996 till today, I've been punished for contributing towards the progress of the country," said Riaz.  "With the help of Allah Almighty, I have faced such pressures in the past with absolute grit and strength. Even today, in a personal capacity, I can say with utmost certainty, 'over my dead body'," added the chairman of Bahria Town.  Riaz further said that he is "firm in the face of this adversity" while he endures daily business losses and is being "...

An army officer and a soldier were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Hassan Khel area of Peshawar district following reports of terrorist presence, said the army’s media wing on Sunday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation resulted in the elimination of five terrorists and injuries to three others. The statement noted that during the intense exchange of fire, Captain Hussain Jahangir, aged 25 and a resident of Rahim Yar Khan District, made the ultimate sacrifice while leading his troops from the front. Havildar Shafiq Ullah, aged 36 and a resident of Karak district, was also martyred while fighting gallantly.   Captain Jahangir, who served in the Pakistan Army for four years, leaves behind grieving parents and siblings. Havildar Shafiq Ullah, who dedicated 18 years to defending the nation, leaves behind his wife, one son, and two daughters. Read 8 terrorists killed as army repulses attack on Gwadar P...

School hours were further reduced in Islamabad and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) by the Ministry of Education on Sunday amid the sweltering heatwave affecting the country.   Citing extreme heat, Special Secretary of Education Mohiuddin Wani announced revised school hours from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, effective from Monday, with no assembly and sports classes.   Similarly, the K-P Department of Education announced that school would start at 7 am instead of the earlier announced 8 am. Recess for primary students will be at 11 am, with middle, high, and higher secondary schools having recess at 12 pm. In a notification last week, Education Minister Sikandar Hayat emphasized that all school classrooms must be equipped with functional fans and access to cold water. Additionally, all outdoor sports and activities have been banned to ensure the safety of students during the heatwave. Read Mercury rising: no let-up in heatwave He also highlighted the urgent need for climate action, stating tha...

Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday chaired a meeting focused on the establishment of the Safe City Project in Dasu and Chilas to ensure the security of Chinese and other foreign nationals. Naqvi announced the formation of a special committee tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for the project. The committee has been directed to submit its final recommendations within 15 days. "The prime minister has directed the establishment of the Safe City Project in Dasu and Chilas," Naqvi stated. He emphasised that the project should be implemented following the models of the Safe City projects in Islamabad and Lahore. "The purpose of Safe City is not just to install cameras but to create a system equipped with advanced technology and artificial intelligence tools," he added. "This project will ensure comprehensive surveillance and security of the entire area." Also read: Chinese security on JCC agenda today Naqvi assured that the Islamabad Police ...

In yet another incident of violence against the Christian community in Punjab, an enraged mob vandalized properties and set furniture ablaze in Sargodha's Mujahid Colony on Saturday after a Christian man was accused of desecrating the Holy Quran. The violent mob attempted to set fire to the alleged offender's house and lynch the suspect. However, a heavy contingent of police, including Sargodha Regional Police Officer (RPO) Shariq Kamal Siddiqui and District Police Officer (DPO) Asad Ejaz Malhi, arrived at the scene and managed to control the situation. Dozens said to have been arrested. "Over 2000 policemen have been deployed to control the situation," DPO Malhi said. He also warned that those inciting violence would be identified through CCTV footage and face strict legal action, adding that police were conducting a thorough search operation in the area. Read Punjab records 193 cases of violence against minorities in a year In an address to the media, he assured, ...

Pakistan welcomed on Saturday the additional provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanding an immediate halt to Israel's military operations in Rafah. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement that Pakistan's support for South Africa's application against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention has led to the ICJ announcing additional provisional measures. Earlier in February, Pakistan joined over 50 countries in advancing its argument in the historic proceedings being conducted by ICJ in The Hague to rule on the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. Last week, South Africa's lawyers asked the ICJ to impose emergency measures and said Israel's attacks on the southern Gaza city "must be stopped" to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people. ICJ ordered Israel to keep Rafah open for humanitarian aid. The ruling requires unrestricted access for UN investigative bodies to investiga...

Women police on Friday arrested a ‘psychopath cult follower’ and rescued his wife and four children from harrowing abuse and torture. District Central Women Police Station SHO Iram Amjad said that the suspect Tahir Abbas has confessed to being part of an international cult. During questioning, Tahir told the police that the cult order used to give him tasks on email. These tasks included doing evil things to his wife and children and making the videos of abuse and torture. SHO Iram said she has seen marks of injuries and bruises on Tahir’s wife. Read: Domestic violence victims suffer in silence The officer said the victim opened up about the ordeal when she came to know that her husband's next target was their daughter. Tahir’s cult has given him the task to make video of him physically and sexualy torturing his own daughter. Tahir's wife managed to contact her sister, who reached women police station for help leading to his arrest and rescue of the victims.  According to the S...

Senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday raised alarm over the potential assassination threat to former prime minister Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad a day after the party’s Central Secretariat was sealed by Capital Development Authority (CDA) for violating building by-laws, PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, Latif Khosa, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, and Ali Muhammad Khan underscored the grave dangers facing their leader. "Imran Khan had already expressed concerns about his life being in danger, and now it seems that is becoming a reality," Raoof Hasan stated. "They used to remove and install prime ministers at will, but when things didn’t go their way this time, they orchestrated the drama of May 9." Read more: Actions targeting PTI would not be forgotten by history, Shibli lashes out at govt Raoof Hasan revealed that PTI’s Secretariat was broken into last night. "Just a day before, a UN d...

Opposition leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz lashed out at the treasury benches on Friday for its purported 'role' in targeting the PTI, asserting that such actions, conducted "under their watch," would not be forgotten by history. A day earlier, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) demolished and sealed the PTI Central Secretariat located in Sector G-84 of the federal capital for violating building by-laws as part of its crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments. The operation led to a confrontation between PTI activists and the police. PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal was also arrested during the clash. Referring to last night’s attack, Shibli said, "Our party's electoral symbol, representing the largest political group in the country, was stripped away. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were apprehended on false allegations, and the entire nation knows it. Our party has been banned in all aspects." “Those currently occupying the treasury be...

At least 43 Pakistani prisoners will be repatriated from Sri Lanka, announced Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday after securing an agreement with the Sri Lankan government. The announcement came following a meeting between Naqvi, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral (retd) Ravindra Chandra Srivijay Gunaratne alongside Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Lt General Muhammad Munir, and other officials. Naqvi stated that the interior ministry closely collaborated with Sri Lankan authorities over the past month to facilitate the return of the incarcerated individuals. He maintained that both nations have agreed to expedite the repatriation process. Describing the agreement as a "positive outcome" of diplomatic efforts, he added that the arrangements for the return of Pakistani prisoners would be concluded within a few days. Read 6,000 await execution in nationwide jails Expressing gratitude for Sri Lanka's c...

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that it has blocked over 11,000 SIM cards by May 22 under the Income Tax General Order (ITGO), Express News reported. An FBR spokesperson stated the agency's commitment to promoting tax compliance and fostering a tax culture, saying that 11,252 SIMS have been blocked so far. He said that the decision to block the SIM cards was communicated to mobile companies during a meeting with telecommunications firms. The spokesperson said that the government has mandated the blocking of mobile phone SIM cards belonging to non-filers, which will be enforced under any circumstances. The FBR has also commenced the physical inspection of telecom companies' records, focusing on those that failed to submit compliance reports regarding the blocking of SIM cards for individuals not filing their tax returns. Read more: Telcos to block SIMs in small batches The FBR's Commissioner for Inland Revenue, Zone IV, issued an order for the inspection under Se...

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Sindh Minister for Health and Population Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho announced on Thursday a $9 million initiative to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan. A statement released by the US Embassy termed the joint effort between the United States and Pakistan a “crucial step forward in combating this disease”. Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the newly launched programme, named the Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON), is an investment of $9 million over five years. “Its primary goal is to provide expert guidance and resources for Pakistan to effectively tackle TB. Through direct engagement with affected communities and individuals, the program will tailor solutions to meet specific needs. TB-LON will treat more TB cases in Sindh and significantly reduce the number of people affected by the disease,” the statement added. Ambassador Blome emphasized the strong partnership between the US and the Sindh govern...

A petition filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday urged the nullification of a notification issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) restricting the media from broadcasting tickers and headlines of court proceedings.  The notification further stated that only written orders of the court are to be reported upon.  The petitioner, Samra Malik, argued that the corrigendum by PEMRA constitutes a violation of the public's right to information. She further claimed that the action directly contravenes Section 19-A of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that allows "everyone's right to freedom of opinion and expression", including rights to seek, receive, and impart information through any media. Read LHC directs PEMRA to ensure freedom of speech The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is binding on over 150 countries, also mandates the protect...

A man who ran over a traffic police official after violating a traffic signal in Karachi’s DHA area has been arrested, Express News reported. According to details, the incident occurred on May 20 near the Saudi Embassy. Traffic Constable Sadaqat signalled a vehicle to stop after it ran a red light. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated. When the constable stepped in front of the vehicle, the driver did not stop and ran over him. The impact caused Constable Sadaqat to be thrown onto the bonnet of the car. Holding onto the bonnet, he managed to stay on the vehicle as the driver attempted to flee. https://ift.tt/RGQtb2j Despite this, the driver continued to evade arrest, prompting another policeman on a motorcycle to record the incident on video. Read more: Woman who ran over motorway cop arrested from Islamabad The traffic police eventually managed to stop the vehicle and apprehended the driver, identified as Ali Hassan, son of Malik Bashir. The suspect was handed over to the ...

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded on Wednesday the formation of a judicial commission to probe the attack on the party's Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan. A day earlier, the PTI leader was attacked by a group of trans persons in the federal capital. He was struck in the face with a blade. Following the attack, the perpetrators managed to flee the scene with ease. The PTI leader was transferred to a hospital for medical treatment. He was later discharged from the hospital. Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, accompanied by other prominent PTI leaders, including Azam Swati, Shaukat Basra, and Khalid Khurshid, addressed the media and condemned the attack on Hasan and called for immediate action to ensure the security and safety of party members. Recalling the events of Tuesday, Ayub said the incident took place around 5:15 pm when he was leaving the office of a private TV channel. "He [Hasan] was subjected to a murderous attack, and this is not the first time....

Intermediate examinations in Karachi will now be held on June 1 after the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) again rescheduled examinations on Wednesday. The revised date follows an earlier adjustment announced last week, when the spokesperson for the Sindh chief minister confirmed that exams, initially planned for May 22, would start on May 27. The second rescheduling comes in light of matriculation examinations being put off till May 28 amid a heatwave alert. Around 21 higher secondary schools designated as centres for matric exams also serve as exam centres for intermediate exams. Read Heatwave forces schools closure The notice clarified that simultaneous conduct of both matric and intermediate exams at those schools was not feasible. Therefore, the BIEK has opted to reschedule the annual intermediate Part I and II exams to a later date. The rescheduled date will apply to the examination of subject groups, including pre-medical, pre-engineeri...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the Tyrian White case against former premier Imran Khan inadmissible on Tuesday, observing that the case had already been heard and decided upon. A larger bench headed by Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri including Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Riffat heard the case, seeking the PTI founder's disqualification on the grounds that he did not declare his 'daughter' in his nomination papers. Lawyer Hamid Ali Shah appeared before the court on behalf of petitioner Mohammad Sajid. He informed that PTI counsel Salman Akram Raja had sought an adjournment in the matter. At this point PTI lawyer Naeem Haider Panjotha intervened, stating that the verdict in this case was announced on May 10, last year, and was subsequently uploaded on the court’s website. He added that this case has also been cited by the six IHC judges in their letter written to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) regarding interference of spy agencies in ju...

The Islamabad High Court ordered the recovery of missing poet Ahmed Farhad Shah by May 24 and granted the state counsel an extension for the same.  Shah, a journalist and poet, went missing from his Islamabad home on May 14. During a hearing presided over by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, the interior secretary and inspector general (IG) of Islamabad police were present in court, along with the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP). At the outset of the hearing, the AGP requested an extension of two to four days for the recovery of Shah, assuring the court that the counsel would be able to locate him within the timeframe. The court granted the requested extension, with Justice Kayani questioning whether the AGP's statements were made with the federal government's consultation. The court also summoned the senior superintendent of police (SSP) operations to the rostrum and inquired if the police recorded any statements. "The senior officer was not present, therefore, we record...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) clarified on Tuesday that there was nothing against the intelligence agencies, only against them operating extrajudicially, adding that they should only play a supporting role for the investigative arm of law enforcement. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, hearing the missing Baloch students case, stated that it would be beneficial if the intelligence agencies clarified their 'operational methods' and said a need exists to enhance the effectiveness of the police, counter-terrorism department (CTD), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). "These are the three main investigative bodies; other agencies can assist them," said Justice Kiyani. As the hearing commenced today, the court inquired about the number of terrorism cases lodged against Baloch students during the last ten years and asked how many were arrested, forcefully disappeared or harassed.  The attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) presented the missing persons committee report and ...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices on Tuesday to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and others, seeking replies by June 12 on petitions challenging the former's appointment as deputy prime minister. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the pleas filed by petitioners Fahad Shabbir and PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat. Other concerned officials issued notices in the case included the secretary to the prime minister and cabinet secretary. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan was also issued a notice seeking his judicial assistance. Shabbir's lawyer Nadeem Sarwar appeared before the court. The IHC CJ asked him if the Lahore High Court (LHC) had not settled the matter. “I think I saw it in the media,” he said. The counsel replied that even if the matter had been settled by the LHC, it fell under the IHC's jurisdiction.  "This is exactly what I am saying. The case has been decided. You should check it. Do you understand English?" Justi...

At least two protesters were killed and three injured on Monday after a vehicle plowed through a Gaza solidarity rally organised by Jamaat-e-Islami at Islamabad's D Chowk. The rally was organised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan. A JI spokesperson said that an unidentified individual ran over the protesters early morning.  The driver of the vehicle was detained by law enforcers, according to police sources and the vehicle was impounded at Kohsar Police Station. Read KU students rally in solidarity with Palestine amidst global outcry JI's Senator Mushtaq held the government and Islamabad police accountable for the incident, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack on the peaceful sit-in, which has persisted for eight days. Following this, the senator called for the prompt registration of an FIR. “This is not a political sit-in. The purpose of the sit-in is to wake the government up and raise our voice in favour of Palestine” said the senator. Th...

Public and private schools in Punjab will remain closed for a week, from May 25 to May 31, announced the provincial school education department on Monday in light of the intense heatwave gripping the province. "However, schools will be allowed to conduct examinations as scheduled, with necessary precautions to ensure safety of students," read out a notification of the school department, shared on X by Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat. Summer holidays in the province are to start from June 1. Two days ago, the Punjab government reduced school hours across the province to protect pupils from the risk of heatstroke. The notification specified that due to the extreme heat, school hours from May 18 through May 31 will be adjusted. During this period, all government and private schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. On Fridays, working hours will be shortened from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Read Punjab heat wave intensifies, mercury to hit 45 degrees However, tod...

Chief of Defence Forces Australia General Angus J. Campbell on Sunday paid a visit to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, the military said. During their meeting, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), they engaged in discussions on matters of bilateral professional interest, with a particular focus on the global and regional security environment and cooperation between the two armed forces. ISPR said that both parties expressed a mutual desire to further expand military-to-military cooperation. The Australian Chief of Defence Forces expressed his admiration for the high professional standards maintained by the Pakistan armed forces, their notable achievements in the fight against terrorism, and their continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability. from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/hxnfGuB

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that four flights, including a  Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Airbus, will bring back over 500 students from Kyrgyzstan after mobs attacked foreign students including Pakistanis. He also confirmed that no Pakistani student died in the violence. Dar, addressing the media alongside Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam, informed that 540 students are expected to return today through the special flights. The FM also corroborated that the total number of repatriated students from Bishkek would reach 670 after today's special flights. The foreign minister said that three flights are fully booked, however, the additional PAF Airbus is still open for bookings. "Around 50 students have let the embassy and wish to take this flight," he added. He further stated that students who wish to return to Pakistan can access the 24-hour hotlines to get listed on the special flights. Around...