Politicians and rulers, whether of the more democratic dispensation or otherwise, have a habit of going out of favour with the status quo. When that happens, every attempt is made to malign their character and delegitimise their narrative in the eyes of the public, whether by highlighting their misdeeds or by completely wiping them from the mainstream narrative. The act …

President Arif Alvi conferred Pakistan’s second-highest civil award, Hilal-i-Pakistan (Crescent of Pakistan), on Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad on Monday. The award was given to the Chinese dignitary to honour his role in the promotion of bilateral ties between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif …

At least 55 people were killed and over 200 others sustained injuries on Sunday after a blast ripped through a political rally in Pakistan’s Bajaur district, an official of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province told Xinhua. The official from the governor’s office in the provincial capital Peshawar said that local authorities had confirmed that 55 people lost their lives, fearing …

Lahore has once again clinched the second spot in the list of the most polluted cities in the world. The Air Quality Index of the city was recorded as 152. According to experts, the increase of AQI over 100 in July is harmful for people’s health. It is conserving that despite rains in the city, the rate of pollution could …

As a 12-member medical board completes the examination of the teenage domestic worker tortured by the administrative officer of the Islamabad Judicial Complex, her mother has expressed fear that her daughter may have been poisoned by her former employers. An emergency meeting of the medical board of the Lahore General Hospital was held to take stock of the health of …

The recent monsoon rains in different parts of the country have claimed the lives of 173 people in various accidents in the last four days. According to a report of the National Disaster Management Authority on the damages caused due to the heavy rains and floods, Punjab reported the highest number of deaths with 67. It stated that 173 people …

Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir undertook a visit to the United Arab Emirates. During his visit, the army chief met with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and condoled over the death of his brother. The UAE Embassy in Pakistan tweeted that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received General Munir. “H.H. Sheikh Mohammed …

The Toshakhana Management and Regulation Bill, 2023 sailed through Senate changing the rules of the games as now president, prime minister, federal ministers, armed forces officers and judges will also have to submit gifts. Sadiq Sanjrani Chairman presided over the Senate session. As per Toshakhana Regulation and Management Bill 2023, a public official or a private person who does not …

PTI leader Asad Qaiser on Saturday called for an end to what he called was ongoing “propaganda” against his party, and urged for “powerful quarters” to ensure free and fair elections in the country. In a video statement, Qaiser, who unlike many of his peers did not leave the PTI in the aftermath of the May 9 violence, said: “The …

Opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz appears confident that he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will reach a consensus on selecting a name for the caretaker prime minister. The tenure of the NA is set to expire on August 12 and meetings are under way between the members of the government on the details of an interim …

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Sunday “dropped” a bill aimed at curbing violent extremism after fierce opposition from lawmakers, including those from the ruling coalition. According to the agenda for today’s session, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was supposed to table the bill titled ‘The Prevention of Violent Extremism Bill 2023’. However, many parliamentarians, including those from the ruling coalition, opposed …

The Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, He Lifeng, will arrive in Pakistan on Sunday for a two-day visit to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During his visit, He Lifeng will call on President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will also be the chief guest at an event celebrating the …

The Supreme Court has held that if the remedy of a constitutional petition was not availed within a reasonable time, the interference could be refused on the ground of laches a doctrine according to which a claimant is no longer entitled to bring an equitable claim if he sleeps over his rights by delaying in asserting them. The top court …

Ashura, the tenth day of the first Islamic month of Muharram, is being observed on Saturday across the country, as mourners solemnly participate in processions grieving and paying homage to the supreme sacrifice made by the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the tragic events of Karbala. The day marks the undeterred resilience of the Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam …

Three terrorists have been killed in successful operations conducted by security forces in Khyber and South Waziristan districts. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), one terrorist was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in the Bagh area of Khyber district. Additionally, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the deceased terrorist. In a separate encounter, two more terrorists were …

Hafiz Hamdullah, a senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), has dropped hints about the potential dissolution of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), which currently represents a coalition of various political parties in Pakistan. In a recent exclusive interview, Hafiz Hamdullah expressed his disappointment with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for discussing the caretaker …

During a joint operation conducted by the Sindh and Punjab police in the Katcha area of Kandhkot, eight dacoits were killed, and three others were injured. According to the police, the encounter resulted in the death of eight dacoits, including the leader of the notorious Andhar group. The deceased were identified as Janwandhar, Somershar, Nazroshar, and Mushirwandhar. Among them, Janwandhar, …

Mourners across the country are taking out processions on Muharram 9 to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family, and his followers in Karbala. The processions are moving along their traditional, pre-determined routes in different cities and towns of the country, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Quetta, etc. The mourners were expected to perform different rituals associated …

After the backlash for his abhorrent remarks on the floor of the Senate a couple of days ago, our Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who, by the way, has a sad history of passing sexist remarks in parliament, has come up with a typical explanation, one worthy of a misogynist of his cadre. Khawaja Asif claims that when he referred to …

Thousands of Shia Muslims marched through Indian-held Kashmir’s largest city on Thursday for a major religious procession permitted in the restive territory for the first time since a ban was imposed decades ago. The Islamic calendar is currently in the month of Muharram, the holiest time for Shias across the world when large processions mark the martyrdom of the Prophet …

To encourage people to file taxes, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has increased the withholding tax rate for non-activate tax filers or those not on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL). According to a Wednesday circular, non-ATL filers will be taxed Rs303 for a bank withdrawal of Rs50,500. Those withdrawing between Rs55,000-Rs75,000 will be taxed Rs450. However, Pakistan’s government agencies …

75th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first Nishan-e-Haider recipient, is being observed. Captain Muhammad Sarwar demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in defence of motherland and embraced martyrdom at Tilpatra in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in 1948 The Armed Forces of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services Chiefs have paid glowing tribute to Captain Muhammad …

The Foreign Office has stated that there will be no talks with those who conduct terrorism in Pakistan. At the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday reacted to media reports of Special Representative Asif Durrani’s visit to Kabul. “This is the same advice to those who advise negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan,” the spokesperson said. Furthermore, …

The Senate has passed the Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill 2023.Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had introduced the bill to further amend the Army Act. According to the bill, a person who, in an official capacity makes an unauthorized disclosure of information obtained in the interest and security of Pakistan, will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for up to five years. …

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov spoke via telephone on Wednesday and discussed bilateral issues, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In recognition of the importance of the BSGI initiative as well as its potential impact on disrupting global food supply chains, resulting …

A joint session of the Parliament on Wednesday approved amendments to the Election Act 2017, granting the caretaker government powers to take actions or decisions regarding ongoing bilateral or multilateral agreements and projects. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi presented the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Sub-clauses 1 and 2 of Section 230 of the election act related to the functioning …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said reforms are needed in order to ensure economic growth in Pakistan. Addressing a ceremony of distributing laptops and cheques in Karachi, PM Shehbaz said the government has developed a plan to push Pakistan towards economic growth. “Despite all the challenges, Pakistan has averted potential default. Now, we need to introduce basic reforms for economic …

Dear Khawaja Asif, we listened to what you said about several PTI women leaders in the National Assembly but unfortunately, we’re not surprised. Your sexism is showing again, not that you ever made any great efforts to hide it. You’re quite the repeat offender a certain tractor trolley remark instantly comes to mind and you’re never repentant. Most of your …

Sindh MPA Muhammad Aslam Abro’s brother and nephew were shot dead on Wednesday after unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle in Phase 7 of Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA). South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Asad Raza said that the vehicle that came under attack belonged to Aslam but he was not travelling with his brother and nephew. He …

The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved the National Adaptation Plan 2023 which is aimed at protecting communities that are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The cabinet approved the plan on the recommendation of the Ministry of Climate Change. An official handout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that under the plan, the government, along with other …

Punjab Police has set forth a bold proposal to implement a substantial increase in driving license fees, aiming to generate additional revenue and enhance road safety measures. The Inspector General (IG) Punjab has recently forwarded a summary to the provincial government, seeking approval for the proposed fee hike across various categories of licenses. If the proposal garners the necessary approval, …

Imran took TikTok by storm, gaining nearly 3 million followers on the social app within 24 hours of making an account. But this was clearly not the end of it as the former Prime Minister’s follower count continued to skyrocket with more social media posts. Now Imran Khan has become the most followed political leader on TikTok with 6.7 million …

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Wednesday released a detailed report on the devastating loss of life and property caused by the recent monsoon rains across Pakistan. According to the report, since June 25, a staggering 150 people have tragically lost their lives in various accidents directly related to the heavy rains, while 233 individuals have been injured across the …

The 12-member medical board of the Lahore General Hospital has submitted its report to the Punjab government in the incident of alleged torture of the administrative officer of the Islamabad Judicial Complex on his minor domestic worker. Meanwhile, the Islamabad police has contacted the Sargodha police in the case. They have recommended they be handed over the probe into the …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday blasted “evil people” for burning a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Denmark which followed similar incidents in Sweden. “The latest incident of desecration of the Holy Quran in front of an Iraqi Embassy in Denmark has left Muslims all over the world deeply anguished,” PM Shehbaz said in …

In yet another tale of cross-border love story, an Indian woman made headlines today as she embraced Islam and tied the knot with her long-time Pakistani Facebook friend. The 35-year-old Anju, who came from India, got married to 29-year-old Naseerullah from the village of Deer Bala. She changed her name to Fatima In the photos and video shared online, the …

As a first information report into the case of the violence against a minor domestic worker in Islamabad was registered against a civil judge and his wife who employed her, the judicial officer has claimed that the girl was beaten up by her own mother. The 14-year-old domestic worker, Rizwana, was found badly wounded at the house of the administrative …

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari engaged in a crucial telephonic conversation on Tuesday, where they delved into matters concerning Pakistan’s economic outlook and ongoing developments in Afghanistan. Following the conversation, Secretary Blinken took to Twitter and penned that “Had a good call with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and …

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday deferred the indictment of PTI Chairman Imran Khan till August 2 in a case pertaining to contempt of the electoral body and the chief election commissioner (CEC). The ECP issued the directives as a four-member bench headed by member Nisar Durrani heard the case. During today’s hearing, Imran made his first appearance …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated the country has managed to avert a ‘sovereign default’ while recent improvements in the agriculture and energy sectors would translate into saving billions of dollars. The remarks from the prime minister came while addressing a ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, where he laid the foundation stone of eight development projects. “The coalition government …