News Updates Pk

According to Express News, three bodies found in a house in Bakhtawar Goth, Landhi, Karachi, have been identified as a mother and her two young daughters. The deceased are Sheila, 30, and her daughters Yusra, 8, and Roohab, 18 months. The affected family was originally from Swat. The deceased woman's husband, who is the father of the children, operates a scrap business. Relatives have reported that Sheila, the mother of three daughters, had also been suffering from mental health issues. Police have reported that the woman pushed her daughters into a water tank and then jumped in herself. Local residents have confirmed that the woman had mental health issues and had previously exhibited unstable behavior, including incidents involving her children. The police have gathered evidence from the scene and have started a thorough investigation. The drowned children were retrieved from the tank by a polio vaccination team that was present in the area. Initial reports suggest that one of th...

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has stated that even if ten or twenty individuals were killed the use oif their deaths as a pretext to attack Parliament is unacceptable. Achakzai was commenting on the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmakers from the National Assembly premises. The arrest took place over violations during PTI's rally in Islamabad on Sunday, including the deviation from a previously agreed route, breaching commitments, attacking Islamabad police, exceeding permitted timings, and delivering anti-state speeches. The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief on Wednesday criticised the recent action taken by security forces. He stated that verbal remarks could not consitute as a justification for any attack on Parliament. Speaking in the assembly, Achakzai condemned the manner in which certain remarks were made, particularly those by Ali Amin Gandapur. He argued that such comments, no matter how provocative, do no...

The University of Oxford, a global exemplar of academic excellence and prestige, known for producing some of the world’s greatest minds, is at the crucial point.  It faces a polemic decision: whether to elect Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricket legend, as its next Chancellor. Khan’s bid has stirred major controversy, mainly due to his controversial stance on the Taliban and other extremist groups, raising critical questions about whether he represents the values that Oxford holds dear which are all about tradition, intellect, and setting the gold standard in education. But now, they are dealing with something that is more tabloid than textbook. In the land of the pure, where the powerful pretend to be pious, a new game is afoot. Khan, a 1975 graduate of Oxford’s Keble College, has spent the past year imprisoned on corruption charges in Pakistan. His entry into this prestigious race has stirred up a hornet's nest, not just because of his current residency i...

The Federal Minister for Aviation, Khawaja Asif, has announced that the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be completed by the end of October. Speaking during a National Assembly session, Asif emphasised the urgent need for privatisation, citing the airline’s heavy debt burden of Rs. 800 billion. The minister responded to a calling attention notice regarding the prolonged closure of Hyderabad airport for commercial flights, explaining that reopening PIA operations on this route is not financially feasible due to the airline's mounting debt. "Routes that are not financially viable cannot be operated," he added. Asif also noted that the government has no objection to private airlines operating from Hyderabad airport, indicating potential opportunities for the private sector. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed the ongoing efforts to revive PIA flights to the United Kingdom, stating that significant steps had been ta...

A 10-member chess team from Pakistan is set to compete in the prestigious 45th Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Budapest, Hungary, from September 10 to 23. The squad, comprising five male and five female players, is ready to showcase their skills on the global stage. This year's Olympiad is expected to host participants from 190 countries, making it one of the largest chess events in the world. The Chess Federation of Pakistan is optimistic about the team's readiness, although two players are still awaiting their visas. Non-playing members Salim Akhtar and Shujaat Ali will accompany the team as officials. The men’s team includes Mafaaz Khalid, Amer Karim, Momin Fayzan, Muhammad Luqman Baig, and Mudasir Iqbal, all of whom have competed in various national chess events. The women's team includes Sehba Shah, Zenobia Wasif, Mehak Gul, Sehrish, and 12-year-old Ayat Asmi. Sehba Shah will receive special assistance from the World Chess Federation (FIDE) due to her physical di...

The body of a 26-year-old woman, identified as Fatima, was found at her residence in Landhi’s Sherpao Colony, Karachi, with clear signs of physical assault, police confirmed on Tuesday. Fatima, a mother of two, was married to Nauman, who has been taken into police custody following the discovery. According to police reports, neighbours alerted authorities to the situation, leading officers to the scene where the woman’s body was found inside a Suzuki vehicle. Nauman stated he was attempting to take his wife's body to the hospital. However, police noted visible marks of injury on her face and neck, raising suspicions about foul play. Initial findings suggest a possible strangulation, as indicated by marks on her neck. Fatima’s husband, who works in a factory, told the police that he had divorced her recently but a dispute erupted on Sunday over unpaid Haq Mehr, specifically two tolas of gold, which led to a heated argument. Nauman claims that his wife committed suicide during this a...

Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Engineer Amir Maqam have alleged that attendees at the opposition’s recent rally were forced to participate, accusing the opposition of using unethical tactics to fill their event. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the ministers criticized the opposition, particularly the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, for his use of provocative language at the rally. Amir Maqam claimed that public resources were misused for the gathering, and that the opposition's rhetoric is focused on threats rather than solutions for the nation. He further stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were involved in internal conflicts over corruption, leading to a disconnect with the public. He highlighted the disrespectful remarks directed at Maryam Nawaz during the rally, calling it an affront to the nation's traditions. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reiterated that Pashtun traditions of respect for women were violated at the event and ...

Gas accumulated in a sewerage line exploded  near Super Highway in Karachi's Sabzi Mandi area, Express News report. No immediate casualties rwere eported after the blast but the explosion was so intense that nearby motorcycles flew up in the air like toys. One of the motorcyles that flew up in the air, fell on a car parked next to it damaging both vehicles. The loud explosion also caused panic in the vicinity.  Police and bomb disposal squad teams arrived at blast site and cordoned off the area.   After examining the collected evidence, they determined that the blast was caused by gas accumulation in a drain.  from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ftpzg9m

It was a frantic scene as the ambulance, with its sirens blaring, crawling through the congested streets of Islamabad. A young woman in critical condition lay inside, fighting for her life. Every second mattered. But as they approached a major intersection, the road was blocked by containers placed for a political procession. With no alternative route and precious minutes slipping away, the ambulance was stuck. Tragically, the woman never made it to the hospital in time. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, some might say Islamabad’s infamous container blockages are doing wonders for the economy. After all, with thousands of cars stuck on Margalla Road and Srinagar Highway, the fuel stations are having a field day, raking in profits from drivers who now need to refill their tanks twice as often. Tyre and car repair shops aren’t complaining either—why bother with smooth roads when potholes and prolonged traffic jams are a gold mine for business? And let’s not forget the pharmaceutica...

The use of machinery and vehicles belonging to the Khyber-pakhtunkhwa government for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad, has sparked controversy over the use of public resources. More than 40 operational vehicles from Rescue 1122, including ambulances and fire trucks, were dispatched to Islamabad, with videos surfacing of the vehicles arriving in Swabi. In addition to the ambulances and fire vehicles, cranes, excavators, and disaster response vehicles have also been requested for potential use at the rally, particularly to clear blocked routes. Rescue officials confirmed that staff members and vehicles are accompanying convoys heading to the event. Rescue 1122 authorities stated that the resources are being used for emergency services. The officials claimed that all vehicles and personnel have been deployed to handle any emergencies that may arise during the rally adding that the personnel are performing their duties by ensuring safety and providing eme...

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that despite the provision of a free shuttle service to the new bus terminal in Karachi, some bus operators have filed cases against the action on false and fabricated grounds. Some operators are resisting legal action or pursuing personal interests, attempting to pressure public office holders, he added. In a statement, Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that the transfer of terminals will be ensured under all circumstances, pressure is being exerted, but the work will continue regardless. He stated that the purpose of shifting the terminals outside the city of Karachi is to eliminate illegal bus stands from city roads. The transport department is committed to upholding the rule of law and complying with court orders. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the establishment of bus terminals outside the city limits is in acc...

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recent announced the winners of a competition to design new currency notes, has sparked an online debate. One of the winning design, particularly the Rs 5,000 note, has been criticised by some social media users over the depiction of the internationally-recognised disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir region. While some users saw no issue with  in depiction of the disputed region, also noting that the art competition held no official value, others saw it as an attempt to 'normalise Kashmir's exclusion.' The online criticism came despite the SBP's earlier announcement that shortlisted designs from local artists go on to be shared with international designers who will collaborate with the SBP to finalise the new currency series. The international designers will take inspiration from the local submissions but will use their expertise and imagination to craft the final banknote designs, according to the SBP. The cent...

A staggering 25.3 million children aged 5 to 16 are currently out of school in Pakistan, representing 36% of the country’s school-age population. The alarming figures are highlighted in a report titled The Missing Third of Pakistan, released by the Pak Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS). This report marks the first comprehensive analysis of out-of-school children (OOSC) at the tehsil level, based on data from the 2023 Population Census.   The report paints a grim picture of the country’s education system, with a significant majority of these children – 74% – residing in rural areas. Efforts to increase enrollment in these regions face considerable challenges, including limited access to schools, poverty, and social barriers. The data shows that the rural-urban divide in educational access is widening, with approximately 18.8 million out-of-school children living in rural areas alone. Children aged 5 to 9 are particularly vulnerable, with 51% of this age group never having enroll...

The Sindh High Court has suspended the implementation of the notification for the purchase of 138 double-cabin vehicles for assistant commissioners and has called for responses from the parties. A high court bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, heard a petition against the Sindh government's decision to purchase 138 double-cabins for assistant commissioners. The petition was filed by Jamaat-e-Islami Sindh Assembly member Mohammad Farooq and others. The petitioners' lawyer, Usman Farooq Advocate, argued that the Sindh government is buying 138 large vehicles for the bureaucracy, at an estimated cost of approximately 2 billion rupees with public taxes. The petition further said that 'purchasing double-cabin vehicles for the bureaucracy does not benefit the public. This is an abuse of power and a misuse of public funds.' A notification for this was issued on September 3. The petitioners requested the court to declare the September 3 noti...

The Punjab government has launched Pakistan’s largest school nutrition programme, aimed at combating child malnutrition. The pilot project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Dera Ghazi Khan, will provide nutrition-rich milk packs to primary school children in the region. The programme targets more than 400,000 students in three districts – Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh – where child malnutrition rates are highest. Students will receive 175ml milk packs daily, with empty packs to be recycled, generating funds for the schools. At the launch event, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the education sector. She stressed that the administration is focused on implementing key reforms aimed at improving both the curriculum and the overall quality of education. Additionally, she highlighted efforts to upgrade sports facilities in schools, ensuring a more holistic development of students. She emphasized that the Ministry of Ed...

Despite the Sindh government's claims of reducing expenditures under an austerity drive, it has approved the purchase of 138 luxury double-cabin vehicles for assistant commissioners across the province, sources revealed on Wednesday. According to well-informed sources, the services, general administration, and coordination department requested the finance department to release approximately Rs2 billion for the procurement of 138 4x4 double-cabin vehicles. This approval was granted by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah earlier this week before his departure for a week-long visit to the United States. The decision to allocate funds for these vehicles comes as the provincial government faces financial constraints, having decided not to initiate any new development projects under the Annual Development Programme for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The section officer-budget of the services department had sent the copy of a summary approved by the Sindh chief minister to the finance department...

A vehicle that had committed 74 traffic violations was confiscated as authorities tightened measures against defaulters of e-challans in Lahore. The driver had run traffic signals 58 times and violated lane lines 16 times. A fine of Rs 35,900 was imposed, and the car was seized. Traffic enforcement teams were deployed on major roads including Mall Road, Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Ferozepur Road, and Wahdat Road. Additionally, authorities have launched a crackdown on tampering with number plates to evade e-challan penalties. The Safe City project, along with police service centres and the driving licence issuance management system, has been integrated to ensure effective enforcement. This project improves police operations and introduces a new way of managing the city. It’s the first part of the Punjab-wide Police Integrated Command, Control, and Communication (PPIC3) Centre Programme. The goal is to use modern technology to boost the abilities of law enforcement, creating safer...

The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings initiated against Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed, demonstrate the Pakistan Army's robust self-accountability mechanism, according to Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. The military’s spokesperson made these remarks during a press conference on Wednesday, addressing issues of national security and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Chaudhry affirmed that the Pakistan Army is committed to its apolitical stance and has no political biases, maintaining a unified consensus on its non-political role. "The case of Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed is a clear example that the army takes violations of its rules very seriously." "General Faiz Hameed overstepped legal and constitutional boundaries at the behest of certain political elements," DG ISPR stated. The army’s accountability system, DG ISPR noted, ensures that any personnel involved in misconduct, including p...

A woman suffered severe injuries to her face and lower body after suffering a horrific acid attack in the F-10 area of Islamabad last night. Police sources report that the woman, who identified herself as Saima, was found near F-10 in a semi-conscious state. The woman later told police that three men threw acid on her before fleeing the scene. She was shifted to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment. Her condition is now stable, though she remains under observation, according to doctors. The Islamabad police have launched an investigation into the incident and are actively searching for the suspects involved in this attack. Efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible, with authorities saying they are committed to bringing the culprits to justice. Women are the primary victims in over 80% of acid attack cases, often targeted for rejecting marriage proposals, refusing sexual advances, resisting dowry demands, or due to revenge from estranged partner...

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold a meeting today to sight the moon marking the beginning of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1446 Hijri. The meeting will take place in Islamabad, chaired by committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. According to an official statement, the meeting is scheduled for 5 PM at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Secretariat. Representatives from the zonal committee of Islamabad, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Meteorological Department, and the Ministry of Science and Technology will attend. A formal announcement on the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon will be made following the meeting. from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/PxrjiHM

The government has decided not to accept the resignation of Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal from his position as a member of the National Assembly. A committee has been formed to persuade Mengal to reconsider his decision. Sources indicate that the committee, which includes senior government figures, was formed under the direction of a top government official. The committee is expected to meet Mengal at Parliament Lodges shortly, with Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah leading the delegation. The committee aims to convince Mengal to continue his role in the Assembly. If successful, a meeting between Mengal and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may also take place. This development follows Mengal's resignation, submitted yesterday, in which he expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Balochistan and his inability to deliver for his people. Mengal cited his lack of confidence in the state, the President, and the Prime Minister, stating that his...

The Sindh High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The appeal was against the suspension of a notification banning the broadcast of statements by the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The court’s two-member bench has decided to refer the matter back to the single bench that had originally issued the suspension order. The court has instructed the single bench to make a final decision on the case within six weeks. The appeal was lodged by PEMRA after a single bench had suspended the ban on broadcasting the statements of the PTI founder. The decision to return the case for further review reflects ongoing judicial scrutiny and procedural delays in resolving the matter.   from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/R2fzyH1

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government's commitment to steering the economy toward stability and sustainable growth. Speaking at a recent media briefing, Aurangzeb addressed the country's ongoing economic challenges and the efforts being made to overcome them. He highlighted that despite the difficulties, significant progress has been made, particularly in terms of remittances and credit ratings. Aurangzeb noted that remittances have remained steady, reflecting the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in the country's economic management. Additionally, he mentioned that two prominent international rating agencies have maintained Pakistan's credit ratings, which he interpreted as a positive sign that the country's economy is heading in the right direction. The Finance Minister emphasized that achieving macroeconomic stability is essential for long-term growth. "Macroeconomic stability is the basic hygiene that we must get r...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the dates for 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) which will be held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by ICC (@icc) Lord's will host its first WTC Final, with the first edition in 2021 held at Southampton and the second edition in 2023 at The Oval. New Zealand won the first final, while Australia claimed victory in the second. The one-off Test match is scheduled to take place from 11 to 15 June 2025, with 16 June reserved as a backup day in case of any delays.first time that Lord's will host the WTC final. The final will feature the top two teams from the WTC standings at the close of the current cycle. Right now, India, under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, is in the top spot, with the defending champions Australia not far behind. Despite this, numerous points are still up for grabs, lea...

A toll security guard was severely injured on Lahore's Ring Road after being run over by a dump truck driver. CCTV footage captured the accident. The guard, identified as Khaliq Butt, attempted to stop the truck for toll collection when the driver, instead of complying, ran him over. The incident has sparked concern as the video footage surfaced, showing the moment when Khaliq Butt was struck. The police have registered a case at the Badami Bagh police station, following a statement from the injured guard's son, Ashiq Butt. Police officials revealed that the driver was operating the dump truck without a valid license. The driver has since been arrested, and further investigations are underway. from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/OsUVByC

Punjab reported 10 new cases of dengue fever in the past 24 hours, according to figures released by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Monday. Of the new cases, five were reported in Lahore, four in Rawalpindi, and one in Chakwal. Health department officials noted that 54 cases have been reported in the last week, bringing the total number of cases in the province this year to 357. Health authorities have assured that all necessary measures to combat dengue are in place. Government hospitals across Punjab are stocked with the required medicines to treat dengue patients, alongside other essential drugs. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely and has called for heightened public awareness to prevent further spread of the disease. The fresh cases have been confirmed at a time when rainwater is presents at various spots in Lahore and other cities. The local administration has also failed to immediately drain water from some dengue hotspots in Lahor...

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has refused an extension in his service tenure, according to a statement by Advisor to the Prime Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah. While speaking on a private media channel on Monday, Rana said that Justice Isa discussed the matter with the Law Minister and Attorney General, indicating that while he would accept a general age limit extension for all, he would not accept an extension in his individual case. Rana noted that the government lacks the parliamentary majority required for either granting the extension or passing a constitutional amendment to facilitate it. “If we had the numbers, it should have been done because a constitutional amendment is the prerogative of Parliament,” he stated. On the political front, Rana clarified that their cooperation with Maulana Fazlur Rehman does not signify full alignment. He also addressed allegations against Lt. General (retired) Faiz Hameed, who is accused of influencing ...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been described as a Taliban supporter, and his nomination for the position of Oxford Chancellor was labbelled as an affront to women, in a letter published in the Observer section of British news outlet The Guardian. The Guardian, a British newspaper, published the Observer letter condemning Khan's application for Oxford Chancellor, arguing that his nomination contradicts university traditions. It questions whether a person supportive of the Taliban, who has endorsed restrictions on women's education and called Osama bin Laden a martyr, should be considered for the role. The letter further critiques Khan’s position, highlighting his past comments about women's attire and suggesting that his candidacy disrespects both current and former female Oxford graduates. It asserts that Khan's nomination would be preferred by the Taliban and their sympathisers over any other candidate. The letter then endorses Lady Elish Angiol...

The federal government has clarified its stance about the the remarks made by Dr Kaiser Bengali, attributing them to a "lack of communication and understanding' over the right-sizing Committee. In response to Dr Bengali's observations, the government issued a statement acknowledging the value of his input. "The committee holds Dr Kaiser Bengali's views in high regard," the statement read. "As a respected member of the committee, he provided significant advice during the initial phase of the right-sizing exercise." The government clarified that the first phase involved a review of six ministries and departments. The review led to the recommendation to abolish one ministry and merge two others. This move could result in the elimination of at least two Grade 22 positions and several posts from Grades 17 to 21. Additionally, the government is considering amendments to the 1973 Civil Servants Act to introduce a mandatory retirement package that would app...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has categorically denied having any intentions of holding direct negotiations with the government, refuting claims of discussions with the National Assembly Speaker. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Gohar clarified the nature of PTI's interactions with the Speaker of the National Assembly. "As an opposition party, we meet with the speaker to discuss parliamentary affairs and the functioning of the assembly," he stated. "These meetings are open and are focused solely on assembly matters or opposition parliamentary issues." The PTI lawmakersaid that there has never been a conversation about negotiations with the government in any of their meetings with the speaker. "At no point has any PTI member or delegation suggested negotiations with the government during our interactions with the speaker," he asserted. Gohar further clarified that the party has not offered to revisit any negotiation pr...