News Updates Pk

Terrorists carried out a series of targeted attacks on police stations and outposts across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday night, injuring a head constable and a civilian, while authorities successfully repelled all incursions, provincial police officials said. Police officials told The Express Tribune that the assaults were launched in multiple locations, including Peshawar, Bannu and Hangu districts. In Peshawar’s Badhaber area, terrorists hurled a hand grenade at a police station, wounding Head Constable Faisal. A civilian sustained injuries in a related incident in Matani. In Bannu, attackers used sniper rifles to fire on the PP Kinger Bridge police post from various directions. They also targeted the Domel police outpost at Kasho Bridge, triggering a 15-minute exchange of fire with responding officers. Police reinforcements engaged the assailants effectively. Separately, in Hangu, unidentified gunmen attacked the Talab checkpost, but security forces thwarted the attempt without r...

The Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates during the interception of an Iranian missile, following joint US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic that prompted retaliatory attacks. The incident was reported after the US and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran, pushing the Middle East into renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-standing effort to denuclearise Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated assertions that it will not pursue nuclear weapons. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said that Pakistan condemned the unfortunate death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during Iran's "dastardly attack". "We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may unde...

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its flight operations to several Gulf destinations in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, a spokesperson for the airline announced on Saturday. The decision came after the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran, pushing the Middle East into renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-standing effort to denuclearise Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated assertions that it will not pursue nuclear weapons. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. According to the spokesperson, PIA’s flights to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait have been temporarily suspended. The flights will remain inoperative at least until Sunday evening or until the restoration of normal airspace operations. Read More: Iran targets US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, K...

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday dismissed as “false” reports circulated by Afghan Taliban officials and amplified by Indian media claiming that Afghan forces had shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in Nangarhar and captured its pilot. Videos were seen circulating on social media platforms, including X. 🚨🔴BIG BREAKING:- A Pakistani Pilot of F16 Fighter Jet...has been captured alive in Nangarhar province. pic.twitter.com/KxM7V2KCaY — THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk5555) February 28, 2026 JUST IN 🇵🇰 🚨 Afghan forces have shot down another Pakistani regime fighter jet in Nangarhar Province today, marking the second aircraft brought down. pic.twitter.com/RlKLLucZBj — S Haidar Hashmi (@sHaidarHashmi) February 28, 2026   Pakistani security forces have launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” carrying out coordinated air and ground strikes against Afghan Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar, as well as several other locations, following what offic...

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb participated in the Pakistan Governance Forum in Islamabad on Friday, organised by the Federal Planning and Development Division, where she presented a comprehensive analysis of the objectives, challenges and current fiscal realities of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award while emphasising the need to protect the rights of smaller provinces. She stated that the NFC is the constitutional backbone of Pakistan's fiscal federalism and fundamentally a trust compact between the federation and the provinces, adding that it should operate as a true partnership between the federal government and the federating units, ensuring transparency, fairness and cooperation in all fiscal matters. The minister noted that any future NFC framework must begin with a realistic assessment of national debt servicing obligations, defence financing requirements, climate vulnerability and water security challenges, which collectively place significant press...

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Friday announced that the government will publish a constituency-level development data directory aimed at providing detailed insights into development indicators and promoting transparency. Addressing the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026 in Islamabad on its second day, the minister said the Ministry of Planning and Development had largely completed work on the initiative. He noted that the directory would foster “positive competition among public representatives in the development sector”. Iqbal also underscored the need for an empowered local government system, saying stronger grassroots structures were essential to improving the overall governance framework. He further called for parliamentary debate on the Five Es of the Uraan Pakistan programme -- exports, e-Pakistan, energy, environment, and equity and empowerment -- aimed at steering the country towards sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive economic growth. Speak...

At least five people, including children, were killed on Thursday when a cylinder exploded inside a house in Balochistan's Chaman, Express News reported. Rescue volunteers rushed to the scene, removing bodies from the rubble and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Security forces cordoned off the area as investigations began, according to local media reports. Authorities said the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder. Several children had gathered at the house to buy lassi for Iftar when the blast occurred. The explosion destroyed a significant portion of the residence, they added.  Also Read: Soldier martyred in Tank drone attack as three abducted brothers found dead in Bannu Separately, one police officer was martyred on Thursday when a police armoured vehicle was struck by a powerful explosion on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway near Al-Harameen Hotel in Surab district of Balochistan, police confirmed to The Express Tribune. Preliminary rep...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered that petitions seeking suspension of sentences of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case be fixed for hearing on March 11. Lawyers for Imran have requested the court to suspend his sentence on medical grounds and grant him bail. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard miscellaneous applications seeking an early hearing of the sentence suspension pleas. Barrister Salman Safdar appeared before the court on behalf of Khan. During the hearing, the chief justice expressed displeasure when a large number of PTI-affiliated lawyers approached the rostrum, questioning whether they were attempting to influence the court. Safdar argued that Imran was suffering from an eye condition and was being taken to hospital for treatment. He clarified that he was not seeking an immediate hearing of the main appeal but noted that the appl...

The Statistics and Trends Report 2023-24 on girls' education reveals that a total of 26.2 million children are still out of school, 13.4 million of whom are girls. Regarding facilities for disabled students, the report revealed that 23% of schools have ramps, but there are fewer educational institutions providing special teaching materials or assistive devices. Read: HEC makes AI course mandatory for all degree programmes from 2026 The report also mentions that 23% of teachers in girls' schools are trained at the foundational level. Only 19% of schools have digital devices. Furthermore, the educational budget has decreased from 13% to 11%, with 94% of the total funds being spent on salaries, leaving no room for developmental work. The number of women in higher education is now approaching that of men, but their participation in employment is only 24%, which is a significant loss of human capital. 96% of schools have solid buildings, 92% have toilets, and 82% have access to clea...

The United Kingdom has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa) system for Pakistani applicants, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced. Applicants will now complete visa applications online, and physical visa stickers will no longer be placed in passports, the High Commissioner said. UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott confirmed the launch of the e-visa system, describing it as a “simpler and safer” way for students and workers to obtain UK visas. Starting July 15, physical visa stickers will no longer be required in passports for the majority of main applicants travelling to the UK for study or work purposes. The UK government will replace physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status, known as an e-visa. From today, visitors to the UK will get eVisas AND you get to keep your passport while you wait! Simply create your @UKVIgovuk account, apply as normal, and we'll email it to you. Happy travels! pic.twitter.com/M45hOqr3c8 — Jane M...

Senior members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court, seeking the transfer of the party’s founder, former prime minister Imran Khan, to Al-Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. The petition was filed by PTI lawyer Latif Khosa in the Toshakhana criminal case under Rule 35(6) of the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, following a health assessment report prepared by barrister Salman Safdar at the court’s direction. It requested that Imran be immediately shifted to Shifa International Hospital for specialised treatment of his eye condition by a retina specialist. It also sought access for his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf, and requested that his family be permitted to remain present during medical examinations and treatment. “The petitioner be immediately shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, for proper treatment of his eyes from a retina specialist and permit access of his personal physician ...

Amnesty International’s South Asia chapter has condemned the convictions of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, calling them part of a “systematic campaign of harassment” against rights defenders in Pakistan. Pakistan: Human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have been behind bars for one month now, simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression. They were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act on 24 January… pic.twitter.com/BssnLSbNm2 — Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) February 25, 2026 In an urgent action letter dated February 2, Amnesty had earlier urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately and unconditionally release the two lawyers and quash their convictions. Mazari, 32, and Chattha, 33, were sentenced on January 24 by an Islamabad district and sessions court to 10 years each in prison under the Prevention of Electronic ...

Indian national Karnal Singh filed a fresh constitutional petition in the Lahore High Court on Tuesday seeking the annulment of the marriage of his wife, Sarabjeet Kaur, with a Pakistani citizen, Nasir Hussain. The petition was moved through Advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu. According to the petition, Sarabjeet contracted marriage with Hussain after converting to Islam without first obtaining a legal divorce from her Indian husband. The petitioner contended that the marriage violated principles laid down by Pakistan’s constitutional courts, particularly the Federal Shariat Court, regarding the procedure for a married non-Muslim woman to marry a Muslim man after conversion. Counsel for the petitioner stated that under the principles set by the superior courts, a married non-Muslim woman must first secure a judicial divorce under her domestic law. She was also required to invite her non-Muslim husband to embrace Islam in the presence of two witnesses and wait for...

A local court in Islamabad on Tuesday approved pre-arrest bail applications for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi in multiple cases. Both were granted bail against surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each. Bushra Bibi also received pre-arrest bail in a separate protest-related case. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard six pre-arrest bail applications of the PTI founder and one of Bushra Bibi. The PTI founder faces cases related to May 9 incidents, the Azadi March, attempted murder, vandalism, arson, and alleged fake Toshakhana receipts, while Bushra Bibi faces a Toshakhana-related case registered at Kohsar police station. Read More: TTAP criticises govt policies, demands elections and medical care for Imran Khan During proceedings, the prosecution argued that substantial evidence existed against the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, claiming they were not entitled to bail and requesting dismissal of their a...

Noreen Niazi, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, was injured on Tuesday after falling into an under-construction drain while heading to a scheduled family visit at Adiala Jail. Access to Imran has been a point of contention in recent weeks, as scheduled meetings with his family on Tuesdays and Thursdays have been repeatedly blocked. Despite these setbacks, family members continue their attempts to meet the imprisoned leader. ظالموں کا ظلم رمضان جیسے بابرکت مہینے میں بھی شرم نہ آئی، ملاقات میں رکاوٹوں کے باعث خان صاحب کی بہن نورین نیازی نالے میں گر گئیں۔ خدارا کم از کم مقدس مہینے کا ہی خیال کرتے ہوئے اپنے ان ظالمانہ ہتھکنڈوں کو ترک کردو۔ #امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامںظور #FascismUnderAsimLaw pic.twitter.com/Q2aE9shwpE — PTI Punjab (@PTIPunjabPK) February 24, 2026 Noreen, along with other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, was at Dahgal Naka attempting to meet the jailed PTI founder when they were stopped by police at a checkpoint. As they tried to cross the construction site on f...

Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Doha on Tuesday. Dr Al-Sayed also serves as chairman of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan-Qatar relations. The prime minister emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral trade volumes and diversifying Pakistan's exports to Qatar, particularly in agricultural products, food items and value-added goods. Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/8lscTiAgwm — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 24, 2026 Both sides also discussed follow-up to the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing its agreed...

Four terrorists from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban group were neutralised in an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district, the military's media wing said on Monday According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the IBO based on the reported presence of the terrorists belonging to the "Indian proxy". "During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, four khwarij were sent to hell," the ISPR said. It further stated that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who were actively involved in numerous terror activities in the area. The ISPR said that sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other "Indian-sponsored kharji" found in the area, adding that a relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” by securit...

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas on Monday demanded the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to address issues related to meeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, vowing that the government would not be toppled if it improved relations with the ex-premier. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act for the May 9, 2023, protests. His party has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to court said his right-eye vision had dropped to 15%, while the government maintains he is receiving the best care. Speaking during today's Senate session, Abbas said: "You fix things with the PTI founder. I promise I will not let your government fall." He said the holy month of Ramazan was a time for repentance and reconciliation. He expresse...

Three Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel were martyred on Monday after terrorists attacked a fort in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, according to the police. Karak District Police Officer (DPO) Saud Khan said terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred as “Fitna al-Khawarij”, targeted an FC fort near the Dargah Shaheedan area in Bahadar Khel, within the jurisdiction of Khurram Muhammad Zai Police Station, with a drone strike. "The injured personnel were being taken to the hospital when terrorists launched a second attack on the ambulances en route," the DPO said, adding that three personnel were martyred in the assault and the attackers set the ambulances ablaze with the wounded inside. He said the assailants also targeted Rescue 1122 staff during the incident, adding that injured resuce officials were taken to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu for medical treatment. DPO Khan said security forces launched a search operation in the are...

Northern Pakistan is experiencing below-average rainfall and snowfall this winter, raising concerns over accelerated glacier melt and potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said in a statement on Monday. According to the PMD, reduced precipitation and prolonged clear-sky conditions have contributed to unusually stable atmospheric patterns and significantly elevated temperatures across Gilgit-Baltistan during the first three weeks of February. Daytime temperatures were recorded 3–5°C above normal, while nighttime temperatures remained 1–3.5°C above the 1981–2010 climatological average. Gilgit and Bunji have experienced the highest daytime warming, with Chilas and Bunji also showing notable increases in minimum temperatures, reducing overnight refreezing and accelerating snow and glacier melt at mid- to lower-altitude regions, the statement added. “Reduced nighttime cooling further enhances meltwater runoff into glacial lakes. Rapid m...

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rehman, discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors during a telephone conversation on Sunday. The rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh followed the ouster of the Awami League government. In August 2025, the two countries signed several agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step in efforts to reset relations after years of strained ties. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephonic conversation with Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, Foreign Minister of #Bangladesh, felicitating him on his recent appointment. Both leaders expressed desire to further strengthening bilateral ties,… pic.twitter.com/KDxVl6lZlr — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 22, 2026 According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign ...

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday condemned a resolution passed by the Sindh Assembly rejecting the creation of a new province, calling it “against the Constitution of Pakistan” and a threat to national unity. The Sindh Assembly, a day earlier, adopted a resolution declaring that Karachi “is and will remain” an integral and inseparable part of Sindh, amid renewed debate over the city’s constitutional status. The resolution, presented by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), followed recent remarks by MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, who called for Karachi to be declared Pakistan’s economic capital and placed under federal control. Kamal argued that the city had paid an “unbearable price” for political compromises made elsewhere and demanded that it be declared a federal territory under Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution. He also called for Karachi to be formally recognised as the country’s economic capit...

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Sunday announced a conditional facility allowing citizens without birth certificates to obtain national identity cards, in what authority described as a major step to address documentation gaps. The facility was developed on the directive of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. NADRA’s Authority Board has approved the measure, which has been introduced under the NADRA Ordinance and national identity card rules and regulations. نادرا کا اہم قومی اقدام، شناختی کارڈ سے محروم شہریوں کے لیے خصوصی سہولت پیدائش سرٹیفکیٹ نہ ہونے کی صورت میں بعض شرائط پوری کرنے پر شناختی کارڈ جاری ہوگا۔ بالغ آبادی کے بقایا 1.7 فیصد کو قومی شناختی نظام میں شامل کرنے کے لیے مقررہ مدت کی سہولت متعارف کرا دی گئی۔ pic.twitter.com/EDBd53oALb — NADRA (@NadraPak) February 22, 2026 According to the spokesperson, the facility for first-time registration will remain effective until Dec. 31, 2026. Applicants’ identities will be verified through alternative methods. Und...

The federal government on Saturday announced plans to produce two historical web series on the life and services of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal to mark their 150th birth anniversaries. The decision was taken at a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, which brought together leading media houses, producers, directors, and prominent figures from the creative sector. Speaking at the meeting, Iqbal said the 150th anniversary celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal would go beyond formal ceremonies, serving instead as a milestone in national renewal and intellectual revival. A consultative meeting chaired by Minister for Planning @betterpakistan in Islamabad deliberated on development of two landmark historical web series on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal@PlanComPakistan #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/oCqbF5YGDU pic.twitter.com/DHpJ1qL71k — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) Februar...

Renowned religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman announced the minimum amounts for Zakat al-Fitr (almsgiving), Fidya (compensation for missed fasting) and Kaffara (penalty) for fasting on Saturday. According to his statement, the minimum amount for Zakat al-Fitr and Fidya has been set at Rs300 per person, while those with financial means have been encouraged to pay according to their capacity. He said the minimum rates for Zakat al-Fitr and Fidya vary depending on the food item. For two kilogrammes of stone-ground wheat flour, the amount is Rs300; for 4kg of barley, it is Rs1,160; for 4kg of dates, Rs2,800; and for 4kg of premium raisins, Rs7,200. Read: Poverty rate hits 29%, highest in over a decade Regarding Kaffara, which is the expiation for deliberately breaking a fast, he explained that it requires feeding 60 needy people two meals each. The minimum cost for this ranges from Rs18,000 for wheat flour, Rs69,600 for barley and Rs168,000 for dates, while the ...

The chief justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has constituted a full bench to hear petitions challenging the Punjab Property Ownership Law. The three-member bench — headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and comprising Justice Muhammad Jawad Zafar and Justice Abher Gul Khan—will begin hearing the petitions against the  Property Ownership Law from February 23. On Dec 22, the LHC issued an interim order, suspending the operation of the newly enacted Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, which empowered deputy commissioner-led committees to decide property disputes. from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/asDbSop

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on Friday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan would be transferred to a hospital on February 25 for medical treatment, clarifying that the hospitalisation would be limited solely to administering his second injection to treat his eye. Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Friday, Chaudhry said that Imran, 73, received his first injection on January 25, with two further injections still pending. “Regarding the matter of his eye, on January 25 he was given one injection, two more are still to be administered. For that, the proposed date for the injection is February 25, and one month later he will be given the third injection at the best available facility in Pindi and Islamabad,” he said. When asked if the former prime minister would be moved to the hospital for the injections, Chaudhry responded in the affirmative, adding that the injections could only be administered in a hospit...

The Punjab Home Department on Friday issued a list of proscribed organisations and unregistered charitable institutions, warning citizens that providing any kind of financial assistance to banned outfits was a punishable offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. According to a statement from the Punjab Home Department spokesperson, citizens were urged not to give Zakat, charity or donations to unregistered and proscribed organisations, as aiding entities involved in terrorism and anti-state activities would invite strict legal action. He stressed that all charitable organisations operating in Punjab must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC). The spokesperson advised the public to ensure that their donations reached deserving beneficiaries instead of falling into the hands of banned groups, adding that registered organisations could be verified through the QR code printed on their certificates. ترجمان محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب لاہور 20 فروری: محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب نے کالعدم ...

Tremors form a 5.6-magnitude earthquake were felt in the country's north and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, according to the Pakistan Metereological Department (PMD).  The PMD said the quake's epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan while seismological data indicated that the quake struck at a depth of 73 kilometers. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake's magnitude was 5.8 and it occurred at a depth of 90.7km. According to Express News, the tremors were felt in Peshawar, Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Swabi and Mardan, as well as in parts of Punjab, including Chakwal, Kallar Syedan and Talagang. Following the tremors, the K-P Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) directed all district administrations to submit reports regarding any potential damages. The PDMA said that no reports of casualties or property damage had been received so far, adding that authorities continued to monitor the situation. from Pakistan ...

Pakistan will play a role in efforts to promote peace in Gaza but will not be part of any initiative to disarm Hamas, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said on Thursday. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, he said Pakistan would only contribute to efforts aimed at establishing peace in Gaza and was not part of any decision against any group or organisation. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had made it clear that while Pakistan would participate in the peace process, it would not join any initiative to disarm Hamas. Dar expressed hope that the Gaza Board of Peace would help ease the hardships faced by the people of Gaza, the spokesperson added. Also Read: Pakistan summons Afghan diplomat over Bajaur attack killing 11 soldiers Responding to a question, Andrabi said Pakistan had taken note of reports regarding the arrest of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, adding that Pakistan had evidence of India-backed terrorist groups operating inside the c...

An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Thursday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, along with those issued for her guarantors. The warrants, which marked the 13th issued against Aleema Khan, had been issued on Wednesday after she again failed to appear in a case related to the November 26 protest. The case is registered at Sadiqabad Police Station and relates to a protest held at D-Chowk in Islamabad on November 24, 2024. The protest followed a “final call” by Imran Khan for nationwide demonstrations demanding restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of jailed party leaders, and reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he said had empowered a “dictatorial regime”. Supporters from across the country gathered at D-Chowk. The government ruled out negotiations and launched an operation against protesters, prompting PTI leaders to flee. The protest ended on November 26. Read: Attaull...

A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Wednesday directed jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to appear either in person or via video link at the next hearing of six cases filed against him. The hearings at the District and Sessions Court included five cases linked to the May 9 unrest, in which former minister Shah Nawaz Ranjha was allegedly targeted in an attempted murder, as well as a separate case involving alleged fake receipts. Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the proceedings. Imran was represented by lawyers Salman Safdar and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry. His sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also present in court. Safdar presented arguments on six bail applications, saying Imran had secured relief in previous hearings and criticising what he described as the government’s lack of follow-up in the cases. Read More: TTAP ends Parliament protest, raises concerns over Imran Khan’s health “If the founder and Bushra Bibi are n...

A special anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Wednesday dismissed another application filed by senior journalist Matiullah Jan and decided to frame terrorism charges against him. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra conducted the hearing of terrorism and narcotics cases registered against Jan. After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge said, “The court has considered the submissions of the prosecution and the defence. Charges will be formally framed against the accused tomorrow.” Jan’s application challenging the framing of charges in the same narcotics case, despite the absence of video evidence of drug recovery, was scheduled for a hearing in the Islamabad High Court. In the previous two hearings, the high court had granted the prosecution additional time to submit forensic reports, but the police failed to do so. Read: Matiullah Jan's physical remand suspended in narcotics case After Wednesday’s hearing, Jan also posted on the social media platform X that the government is pursuing ...