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Showing posts from January, 2026

Punjab govt to provide free public transport during Basant festival

The Punjab government on Saturday announced it would provide free public transport facilities during the upcoming Basant festival as part of a special initiative with the Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) finalising its plan. “As part of the Basant celebrations from February 6-8, free public transport facilities will be available in Lahore in accordance with the directions of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. This initiative aims to facilitate citizens, promote safe mobility, and ensure smooth movement across the city during the festive days,” the Punjab Masstransit Authority said in a statement. The move follows the Punjab government’s decision to grant special permission for Basant celebrations from Feb 6 to 8, restricting the festival exclusively to Lahore under a comprehensive set of legal, administrative and safety measures aimed at preventing the fatalities that had earlier prompted its ban. As part of the Basant celebrations from 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲, ...

AJK President Sultan Mehmood passes away at 71 from prolonged illness

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry passed away at the age of 71 on Saturday due to prolonged illness. Chaudhry also served as the prime minister of AJK from 1996 to 2001. In addition, he was the president of the Pakistan Peoples Party in AJK from 1991 to 2001. https://ift.tt/oXIrk68 President and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the death while describing the national and political services of the deceased as "invaluable". صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا صدرآزاد جموں و کشمیر، بیرسٹر سلطان محمود چوہدری کے انتقال پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار۔ صدرِ مملکت نے الّلہ تعالیٰ سے مرحوم کی مغفرت اور جنتِ فردوس میں اعلیٰ مقام کی دعا کی۔ صدرِ مملکت نے مرحوم کی قومی اور سیاسی خدمات کو گرانقدر قرار دیتے ہوئے… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 31, 2026 Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also expressed sorrow over the passing, calling Chaudhry a wise, dignified and principled politician. “Barrister Sultan Mehmood played a key role in hi...

Imran 'treated smoothly' for retinal condition at PIMS, executive director confirms

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former premier Imran Khan received treatment for a retinal condition at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital over the weekend, the hospital's executive director said on Saturday. In a video message, PIMS Executive Director Professor Rana Imran Sikander said the 74-year-old had recently reported reduced vision in his right eye. Read: Imran's consent obtained for eye procedure: PIMS He said a senior and qualified ophthalmologist from PIMS conducted a complete eye assessment at Adiala jail, including strict laboratory examination, fundoscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, essential lab tests and optical coherence tomography of the retina. Based on the assessment, a diagnosis of central retinal vein occlusion was made and hospital-based follow-up treatment was recommended, Sikander said. "Accordingly, Mr Niazi was brought to PIMS on the night of last Saturday/Sunday for the advised procedure," he said. Sikander ad...

PTI stages sit-in at Supreme Court over denial of access to Imran Khan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders staged a sit-in outside the Supreme Court on Friday, demanding access to party founder and former premier Imran Khan and highlighting concerns over his medical treatment. The sit-in followed an overnight protest outside Adiala Jail, after the party filed a formal petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking access to the detained leader. Security at the Supreme Court was tightened ahead of the PTI leaders’ arrival, with extra personnel and prisoner vans deployed around the complex. Read: K-P CM Sohail Afridi, PTI end Adiala sit-in, turn to courts PTI Senator Falak Naz Chitrali was among the first to arrive at the Supreme Court, followed by PTI leader Latif Khosa and Senator Mirza Afridi. PTI MPs arrived as additional prisoner vans were positioned outside amid heightened security. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja went to the court to meet Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. When the chief justice d...

KP warns Islamabad as Pakistan-Afghanistan border trade stays shut

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has warned the federal government that the prolonged closure of trade at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is causing revenue losses and job cuts. In a letter to Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, KP’s Adviser on Finance Muzzammil Aslam said cross-border commerce had been severely disrupted, with trading activity “effectively coming to a halt.” He noted the situation was especially concerning as Pakistan faces declining exports, slower economic growth, and rising unemployment. Aslam said the province had been informed of an “alarming” 80% decline in collections of the Infrastructure Development Cess, a levy tied to border trade. He attached a letter from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) on tax receipts, highlighting broader revenue challenges. The finance adviser called for a high-level meeting of federal and provincial stakeholders to assess revenue implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and address challenges faced by exporters and trader...

'I am a knight': Paris' last newspaper hawker gets top French award

Pakistan-born newspaper vendor Ali Akbar has been homeless, experienced extreme poverty and had been attacked. On Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron made Akbar, believed to be the last newspaper hawker in Paris, a knight in the national order of merit in recognition of his service to France. The French president praised Akbar's "incredible destiny", thanking the septuagenarian for arriving from Pakistan decades ago, selling newspapers for 50 years and carrying France in his heart. "Dear Ali, thank you for bringing political news to our terraces at the top of your lungs, for warming the hearts of the Flore, the Deux Magots, the Lipp brasserie," Macron said in his speech at the Elysee Palace, referring to some of the French capital's iconic cafes. "You are the accent of the 6th arrondissement. The voice of the French press," Macron told Akbar, who was surrounded by his family. Akbar, who is known for inventing sensational headlines, sells his wares...

Sindh govt orders judicial probe into Gul Plaza tragedy

The Sindh government on Thursday announced that the investigation into the Gul Plaza tragedy would be conducted through a judicial commission. Addressing a press conference, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the high court would be requested to appoint a serving judge to review and decide the matter. The minister was flanked by Karachi police chief Azad Khan and Commissioner Hassan Naqvi. Briefing the media on the incident, Memon said that initial findings had ruled out arson. “No one set the fire. The fire started because of an 11-year-old child,” he added. Memon said that following the Gul Plaza incident, a special cabinet meeting was convened during which a sub-committee was formed. He added that the chief minister had also constituted a separate fact-finding committee, whose report was now received. “Today, important decisions have been taken by the chief minister in light of the committee’s report,” he said. Providing further details, the minister said that betwe...

Three militants killed in DI Khan operation as violence persists in K-P

Three militants were killed and several others injured on Thursday in a joint operation by police and security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, officials said. Bannu Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan said operations were carried out in Akbar Ali Khan Village, Asparka and Domel. He said the operation was supervised on the ground by senior officers, including DIG Khan, Bannu District Police Officer Yasir Afridi and Brigadier Umair Niazi of the 116 Brigade. Domel lies along the North Waziristan Road, while the other areas are located above the Kohat and Bannu boundaries. All the locations are mountainous, officials said. Police and security forces conduct a joint operation in Dera Ismail Khan PHOTO: EXPRESS A search operation is continuing to arrest militants who fled the area. “The terrorists will be brought to justice, and law and order will be maintained at all costs,” DIG Sajjad Khan said. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised police and security f...

Another 12 Gul Plaza fire victims identified using geo-tagging: Sindh Police

At least 12 more people who perished in the Gul Plaza fire have been identified using geo-tagging, bringing the number of identified deceased to 42, confirmed the Sindh Police on Thursday. A joint-investigation is currently underway by the Sindh Police forensic units and Punjab's Urban Search and Rescue Force (USAR), using ARSEN Technology, which relies on the collection and examination of digital evidence from sites impacted by structural fires. The remains of at least three members of a family, Umar Nabeel, his wife Dr Ayesha and their son Ali, all residents of North Nazimabad, were identified on Thursday. Besides, the remains of Khizar Ali, Haider Ali, Aamir Ali, Abu Bakar, Yaseen, Sadaqatullah, Yousaf Khan, Nematullah, and Abdullah were also identified using geo-tagging of mobile devices, and other personal belongings. Read: Gul Plaza fire probe finds blaze started in flower shop, spread via AC ducts A medico-legal team led by Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed is yet on s...

University Road and Safoora corridor to reopen by March, Sharjeel Memon says

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Wednesday that Karachi's University Road and Safoora corridor were expected to reopen for traffic by March as construction on the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project continues round the clock, Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Red Line BRT corridor at Nipa Chowrangi, Memon said the project “has entered a visible phase of progress and now features a modern, state-of-the-art roadway”, marking a significant improvement in Karachi’s transport infrastructure. He said the Sindh government’s priority was to deliver high-quality development projects for Karachi, which he described as Pakistan’s economic hub. He added that major infrastructure initiatives were aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving travel facilities for residents. ریڈ لائن بی آر ٹی منصوبے پر تیزی سے کام جاری ہے، مارچ تک جناح ایونیو کا کام مکمل ہوجائے گا، سینئر وزیر سندھ شرجیل انعام میمن@sharjeelinam pic.twitter.com/jVbvG1UzIz — Sindh Information Depa...

Pakistan pursuing comprehensive strategy to eliminate polio: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the government was pursuing a comprehensive strategy, backed by an effective team, to eradicate polio from the country at the earliest. He made the remarks during a meeting with Dr Chris Elias, president for global development at the Gates Foundation, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House along with a delegation. "Pakistan would continue its efforts, with the support of trusted partners such as the Gates Foundation, until the disease is completely eradicated from the country," the prime minister said. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے گیٹس فاؤنڈیشن کے صدر برائے عالمی ترقی کرس ایلیاس کی وفد کے ہمراہ ملاقات پاکستان میں پولیو کے مکمل سد باب تک بل گیٹس فاونڈیشن جیسے قابل اعتماد شراکت داروں کے تعاون سے اقدامات جاری رکھے جائیں گے۔ وزیراعظم پاکستان سے پولیو کے سد باب کے لئے بل گیٹس… pic.twitter.com/OC4Wvo2s2v — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 28, 2026 He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Micrsoft co-founder and billion...

Gul Plaza fire probe finds blaze started in flower shop, spread via AC ducts

The final investigation report on the Gul Plaza fire, which killed 79 people, has been prepared by a committee comprising the Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and the Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho, officials said on Wednesday. The report, which will be submitted to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, includes details on the cause of the fire, firefighting and rescue operations, and statements from victims, eyewitnesses, and emergency personnel. According to the report, the fire broke out at 10:15pm in a flower shop on the ground floor, where children were present. It spread rapidly through air-conditioning ducts, with most fatalities occurring on the mezzanine floor. The first Fire Brigade alert was received at 10:26pm, and the first fire tender arrived at 10:37pm. The Deputy Commissioner, South Javed Nabi Khoso, reached the scene at 10:30 pm, while Rescue 1122 personnel arrived at 10:53 pm. Separately, a joint investigation is underway between the Sindh Po...

LHC seeks govt response on plea to restrict social media use by children under 16

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday took up a petition seeking restrictions on the use of social media by children below the age of 16 and directed relevant authorities to submit their responses by February 10. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Aalia Saleem, an eighth-grade student, and issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the Ministry of Law and Justice and other concerned departments. During the hearing, the chief justice observed that the issue raised in the petition was of a sensitive nature and required careful consideration. She said the matter also needed attention at the policy level and should be examined by the government accordingly. Read: Senate urged to rein in kids' social media use The petitioner argued that popular platforms, including TikTok and other social media applications, expose children to inappropriate content and negative behavioural influences that could harm their well-being and development. She said existing re...

PTI voices concern over Imran’s eye condition, demands immediate treatment

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the health of its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, alleging that jail authorities and the government were obstructing treatment for a “serious eye condition” and demanded that immediate medical care be provided. In a post on X, citing “credible journalistic sources”, the party said the former prime minister had been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, a condition that causes a dangerous blockage in the retinal vein. “According to doctors, the condition is highly sensitive and serious, and there is a strong risk of permanent damage to eyesight if timely and appropriate treatment is not provided,” the statement said. عمران خان کی صحت سے متعلق سنگین مسئلہ، حکومتی اور اڈیالہ جیل انتظامیہ کی ہٹ دھرمی پر پاکستان تحریک انصاف کا ردعمل: باوثوق صحافتی ذرائع کے مطابق سابق وزیراعظم عمران خان کی دائیں آنکھ میں CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion) کی تشخیص ہوئی ہے، جس کے باعث ان کی آنکھ ...

Tirah displacement part of 'routine' migration, no question of military operation: Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the current displacement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tirah Valley was part of "routine" seasonal migration and added that there was no question of a military operation in the area amid a raging controversy over situation betweent he federal and provincial governments. Following a surge in unrest and escalating security concerns, large-scale displacement is underway in Tirah Valley, with thousands of families leaving their homes for safer areas, including Bara and Peshawar. The situation has caused the federal and provincial government to be at loggerheads with the former rubbishing the notion of planned or forced displacement while the latter has rejected as "misleading and factually incorrect" the federal government's claim that displacement of the residents of the Tirah valley of Khyber district is voluntary in nature. Addressing a press conference on the matter in Islamabad, flanked by Information Minister At...

What is Pakistan getting into with Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’?

Pakistan’s decision to join the US-led “Board of Peace” linked to Gaza has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties and religious groups, who say the government signed up without taking parliament, or the public, into confidence. The Foreign Office said Pakistan accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the board, describing it as part of efforts to support a Gaza peace plan under a UN Security Council framework, and reaffirming Islamabad’s stance on a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and a path to an independent Palestinian state. But the move has become politically contentious because Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also reported to have accepted an invitation to join the same forum. The "Board of Peace" is a transitional governing administration established to oversee Gaza and implement the "Comprehensive Plan" intended to end the conflict in the region. Chaired by Donald Trump for life, the organisation h...

Roads to Karachi Press Club blocked as protesters demonstrate against Imaan, Hadi conviction

All roads leading to the Karachi Press Club (KPC) were blocked on Monday as traffic in the city centre came to a standstill following a protest against the conviction of lawyer-activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case related to controversial social media posts. Mazari and Chattha were arrested on Friday in Islamabad while reportedly heading to the district courts. An anti-terrorism court later sent them on a 14-day judicial remand. The following day, a district and sessions court convicted the couple in a case related to controversial social media posts and sentenced them to 17 years in prison. Read More: Lawyers Imaan, Hadi sent on 14-day judicial remand by Islamabad ATC after arrest The case centres on alleged posts and reposts on X, which authorities described as “anti-state”. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency registered the case in August last year under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, alleging the content was int...

President Zardari signs off on domestic violence Bill

President Asif Ali Zardari signed off on the much-debated Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, on Monday, along with six other bills that were passed by parliament. According to a press release issued by the President's Secretariat, the approved legislation includes the National Tariff Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026; Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2026; Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2026. President approves seven bills passed by Parliament Islamabad: 26 January 2026 — President Asif Ali Zardari has approved seven bills passed by Parliament, completing the legislative process for measures spanning trade, taxation, social protection, education, railways and human… pic.twitter.com/tjeUQbI9nr — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 26, 2026 Last we...

Lawyer’s request to celebrate Basant on Lahore court rooftop denied

A lawyer’s unusual request, made on Monday, to celebrate the Basant festival on the rooftop of the Lahore Sessions Court, was formally rejected by the court. Session Judge Tariq Khurshid Khawaja issued a written order after lawyer Yaseen Butt sought permission to hold the event on the court’s rooftop. The court noted that its premises were a highly sensitive security zone. The order emphasised that allowing such celebrations within court premises could pose serious security risks. It further highlighted that the Lahore Session Court’s roof was not designed or suitable for hosting such events. Considering the safety of judges, court staff, lawyers, and the public, the court concluded that permission could not be granted. The Lahore district administration approved the celebration of Basant from February 6 to 8 this year, allowing kite flying under an extensive set of safety regulations. Authorities have divided Lahore into Red, Yellow, and Green zones to manage risks ...

TTAP to finalise Feb 8 protest plan

Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) will hold its second meeting on Monday (today) to finalise arrangements for February 8, as indications emerge of a tactical shift away from street agitation towards more calibrated ways of registering protest, according to sources within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The evolving approach comes amid heightened state scrutiny and internal assessments of mobilisation capacity, prompting the alliance to reassess how best to mark the anniversary of the general elections, which it alleges were marred by widespread rigging. While February 8 remains central to TTAP's political messaging, sources suggest the method of protest is still being closely guarded. TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain, speaking to The Express Tribune, confirmed that a meeting of the TTAP leadership would be held at Mehmood Khan Achakzai's residence around 2pm to finalise the February 8 mass protest plan against alleged rigging. Asked about the apparent shift in appro...

Afghan students face hurdles in degree verification amid repatriation

Afghan students returning home are facing serious challenges in getting their educational degrees verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The students say that before the government’s decision on the repatriation of Afghan refugees, they were admitted to Pakistani universities using Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) documents. However, these same documents are now being rejected for degree verification. According to the affected students, when they approach HEC for verification, they are told that degrees based on PoR and ACC cards are no longer being attested. Verification is now only possible with a passport. The students explained that they completed their education at various colleges and universities across Pakistan, including the University of Peshawar, based on PoR and ACC cards. Admissions were granted, exams conducted, and HEC-issued degrees were awarded, yet the same documents are now considered invalid. Read More: K-P MPAs call for return o...

Security forces kill three terrorists during IBO in Balochistan's Panjgur: ISPR

Security forces killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement on Sunday. According to ISPR, the operation was launched following reports of the presence of terrorists linked to Fitna al Hindustan, which the military described as an Indian-backed group. “Security forces engaged the terrorists after locating their hideout, leading to an exchange of fire in which three terrorists were killed. Those killed were identified as local commander Farooq, also known as Soro, along with Adeel and Waseem,” the statement said. 3 Indian sponsored terrorists were killed in an intelligence based operation in #Punjgur district of #Balochistan@OfficialDGISPR #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/D4rPRxN3xC pic.twitter.com/mvF6i39HTY — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 25, 2026 The military said weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site, ad...

Second marriage without first wife’s consent may lead to criminal action: SC

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a landmark ruling on Sunday, clarifying that men who marry a second time without the consent of their first wife or the approval of the arbitration council may face both criminal and civil proceedings. The ruling stems from the case of Naila Javed, who petitioned for the annulment of her marriage after her husband married a second time without her written consent and without seeking approval from the talaq council. The court, in a five-page verdict authored by Justice Musarrat Hilali, directed the husband to pay Rs1.2 million in mahr and declared earlier rulings by the Family Court and the Peshawar High Court null and void. The Supreme Court ruled that under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act and the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, a woman has the right to seek annulment if her husband contracts a second marriage without her consent. The court emphasised that courts cannot unilaterally convert a divorce petition into a khula (judicial divorce...

Pakistan, US agree on coordinated crackdown against fake visa networks

Pakistan and the United States agreed on Saturday to take coordinated action against networks involved in fraudulent and fake visa activities. The development in a meeting of Interior Minister Mogsin Naqvi with US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker, where the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral elations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. According to the Ministry of Interior, detailed talks were held on enhancing collaboration, particularly to curb illegal immigration and improve the effectiveness of the pre-immigration clearance system. The two sides also agreed to increase cooperation at all levels in law enforcement training, with a special focus on the police. وفاقی وزیر داخلہ سے امریکی سفیر کی ملاقات #ExpressNews #BreakingNews #LatestNews #LatestUpdates #News #mohsinnaqvi pic.twitter.com/c6rWylChK0 — Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) January 24, 2026 The meeting decided to initiate joint action under comprehensive standard operating procedures against...

Karachi exhibit at TDF showcases 'Lost Cities of the Indus Delta'

A striking exhibit is on display at the TDF MagnifiScience Centre in Karachi. Launched today (Saturday), the exhibit sheds light on the ancient maritime civilisation of the Indus Delta and the environmental threats jeopardising its future. "Lost Cities of the Indus Delta," the product of a two-year Digital Heritage Trails Project (DHTP), uses 3D modelling, interactive displays, and storytelling to bring to life five endangered archaeological sites that once flourished as global trade hubs. An interactive virtual reality exhibit for Lahiri Bandar, a famous port city located in what is now Mirpur Sakro Taluka, Thatta. “This project has brought history, science, and learning under one roof,” said Favad Soomro, CEO of The Dawood Foundation, and urged young people to reconnect with the past to become responsible citizens of tomorrow. It provides an invaluable tool to help the public understand the importance of safeguarding heritage, he added. A part of the interactive exhibit...

FIR lodged over deadly Gul Plaza fire; structural safety review underway

Police have registered a criminal case over the deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, citing negligence and lack of safety measures, as the death toll from the blaze rose to at least 71, officials said on Saturday. According to police, an FIR has been registered under Sections 322, 337-H(I), 436 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The case has been filed with the government as the complainant and names unknown persons, as the investigation report has yet to be completed. The FIR states that severe negligence and carelessness were shown at Gul Plaza, where no safety measures were in place. It says the lights were switched off during the fire, creating difficulties for people inside the building, while several gates were found closed, worsening the situation. So far, no individual has been held responsible in the case. Read: Investigation into plaza fire gains momentum Following the registration of the FIR, authorities sealed the building. Meanwhile, a technical investigation team form...

Politicians, journalists decry 'motivated and manufactured' arrest of Imaan, Hadi

Lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, were arrested on Friday in Islamabad while reportedly heading to the district courts, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from journalists, parliamentarians and the legal community who called for their protection and a fair trial. They were subsequently sent on a 14-day judicial remand by an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad. Read: Imaan, Hadi arrested, whereabouts undisclosed: Shireen Mazari 'Growing insecurity' Lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig said the arrests reflected what he described as the state’s "growing insecurity", warning that a “string of malicious cases” against the two was aimed at silencing dissent. He said the action was "calculated to have a chilling effect" on those defending human rights and representing marginalised communities, adding that the couple’s criticism of the judiciary following recent amendments may also explain why they did not receive judicial r...

Joint session passes Daanish Schools, domestic violence bills despite objections

The joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday passed multiple bills despite presidential objections, opposition protests and sloganeering in the House, in proceedings chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. During the sitting, President Asif Ali Zardari's objections were raised on the Daanish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill, with lawmakers from the opposition insisting that the advice should not be brushed aside. On the Daanish Schools bill, the President objected that, “The federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the Daanish Schools Authority”. On the domestic violence bill, the President’s objections included the assessment that “The domestic violence bill is vague,” along with objections to the proposed punishments. The President advised that “The domestic violence bill should be reconsidered instead of being approved in its present form”. Read: Ahsan Iqbal defends Pakistan’s decision to join Trum...

Ahsan Iqbal defends Pakistan’s decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday responded to remarks made by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, defending Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace and emphasising that the country’s participation strengthens efforts to support peace in Gaza and the broader Muslim world. Pakistan accepted Trump's invitation to join his Board of Peace, a new international mechanism aimed at supporting the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, a day ago. The Foreign Office did not provide details about the composition of the Board of Peace or its operational modalities, but officials indicated that the forum was expected to play a facilitative role in coordinating ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian assistance, and post-conflict reconstruction, while supporting a broader political track under UN auspices. The signing ceremony for its charter was held yesterday in Davos. Speaking in the National Assembly, Iqbal reasserted Pakistan’s principled stance on Israel, saying, “Israel is a brut...