Internet speed has started improving in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, however, slow internet continues to disrupt daily life and work in several other cities, including Lahore. Students, freelancers, and businesses remain severely affected by the ongoing internet slowdown, with many facing difficulties accessing social media and online platforms. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to identify …

Ac onstitutional bench of the Supreme Court hearing the petition challenging the appointment of Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Justice Alia Neelum has been dissolved. Justices Aminuddin Khan and Jamal Mandokhel recused themselves from the case, citing their roles as members of the Judicial Commission, which was involved in her appointment. Justice Aminuddin Khan stated that, as a …

The finance ministry issued a notification revising petroleum product prices for the next fortnight, starting from December 1 (Sunday). According to details, petrol became costlier by Rs3.72 per litre, setting the new price at Rs252.10 per litre. High-speed diesel (HSD) saw an increase of Rs3.29 per litre, bringing its new price to Rs258.43 per litre. Conversely, kerosene became cheaper by …

KURRAM: The ongoing tribal clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s District Kurram have resulted in two more deaths and left 10 others injured in fresh firing incidents. Police said that the violence, now in its tenth consecutive day, has so far claimed 124 lives and left 178 people injured. The Kurram region is facing a communication blackout, with mobile and internet services …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi has warned that ‘imposing a ban on PTI would be a significant mistake.’ Speaking to the media during his appearance at an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Qureshi expressed concern over reports about the potential imposition of Governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling it tantamount to sowing division and hatred within the province. Qureshi …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s headline inflation is expected to ease to 4.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in November, marking a significant drop from the 29.2 per cent YoY recorded during the same period in 2023. This also reflects a stark decline from the 7.2 per cent YoY inflation seen in November 2022, bringing the country’s inflation rate to its lowest point since …

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur has sacked Mashal Yousafzai from the office of special assistant to KP CM. The notification was issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding her dismissal. Later Mashal Yousafzai also confirmed her sacking, saying she was de-notified from the position on the basis of her statements in an interview given to …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has incurred a staggering loss of approximately Rs 220 billion over the past four and a half years due to the ban on flight operations, particularly on European routes. According to sources within the Privatization Commission, the national flag carrier has been severely impacted by the restrictions. The ban on PIA flights to European destinations …

Authorities have temporarily closed popular tourist spots Naran and Babusar Top due to heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. The Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra issued an advisory urging tourists to avoid traveling to Naran, Babusar Top, and surrounding higher-altitude areas, citing the unsafe condition of roads that have been rendered slippery by the ongoing snowstorm. “We advise all visitors to …

In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s aviation industry, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the ban on Pakistani airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing them to resume direct flights to Europe. The decision marks a turning point after a three-year suspension, which began in 2020 following concerns over licensing and safety issues. Defense and Aviation Minister …

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said “No talks are taking place between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)”. The FO spokesperson made this statement in a weekly briefing, saying that the government has said on several occasions that talks with TTP would go against thousands of affected families. She said that during the visit of …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday suspended the Anti-Terrorism Court’s decision regarding the two-day physical remand of senior journalist Matiullah Jan. The journalist has now been shifted to judicial remand. A division bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition challenging the Anti-Terrorism Court’s order. Advocate Riyasat Ali Azad argued that the …

The Khunjerab border, a vital land link between Pakistan and China, has been officially closed for all public traffic, trade, and tourism. The route has been closed by both sides for the next four months under a bilateral agreement. The closure, effective from November 30, will remain in place until March 30, 2025, as both countries prepare for harsh winter …

KARACHI: Pakistan has successfully received a $500 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as confirmed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). In a statement released on Friday night, the SBP announced that the funds are part of a loan intended for the government’s Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Program (CDREP). These funds will be reflected in …

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) made history on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 index surged past the significant 100,000-point mark, reflecting investor optimism and a positive start to the trading session. At 09:42AM, the benchmark KSE-100 index climbed by 947.32 points, or 0.95%, reaching 100,216.57 points, up from its previous close of 99,269.25 points. This milestone comes as a remarkable recovery …

An earthquake has been felt across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The tremors were felt in Malakand, Swat, Chitral, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, and Shangla, as well as their surrounding areas. Residents reported feeling the tremors, causing panic and prompting people to rush out of their homes and workplaces.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court constitutional bench reviewed a report in chamber over kidnapping of a child in Quetta on the Attorney General’s request. Abducted Child’s father pleaded to the court for recovery of his child “I want my child”. “We all are worried for you, everyone will cooperate,” Justice Jamal Mandokhel replied to the parent of the kidnapped child. “The …

PESHAWAR: In a recent development, The US Mission in Pakistan has issued a warning advising its personal as well as US citizens to avoid staying in Serena Hotel Peshawar due to security concerns. According to the US Embassy security warning, US residents are advised to avoid staying in the hotel  from November 27 to December 16, 2024. US citizens are encouraged to avoid staying in Serena …

SARGHODA: Through a skill-development program initiated by the jail administration, the inmates at Shahpur District Jail in Sargodha have begun manufacturing soap, shampoo, and sanitizers to encourage healthy activity in jail. Shahpur Jail and other prisons in Punjab would gain from the program, which equips prisoners with practical skills. Using equipment developed especially for this reason, the program teaches prisoners how to make soap, dishwashing …

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected the hybrid model proposed for the Champions Trophy, insisting on reciprocal arrangements with India. He stated that it is unacceptable for the Pakistan team to play in India while the Indian team does not reciprocate by playing in Pakistan. The PCB will consult with the Pakistani government if the ICC board meeting …

Matiullah Jan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, has been arrested by the Margalla police in Islamabad. As per details, a case has been registered against Matiullah at the Margalla police station. The FIR further alleges that Jan was driving a white car at a high speed when asked to stop by security. Instead, jan tried to run the security staff over. …

Four new cases have been registered in Rawalpindi against PTI leaders and workers over their participation in the November 24 protest in Islamabad. Prominent figures, including PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Omar Ayub, Hammad Azhar, Asad Qaiser, and Arif Alvi, have been named in the FIRs. With these additions, the total number of cases registered in …

Internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain partially disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to users. Residents of the twin cities are experiencing issues with browsing, downloading, and accessing social media platforms. Even with VPN services, the performance of social media applications remains sluggish. The slow internet has impacted multiple sectors, including businesses, education, and online services, with users reporting delays in …

KARACHI: One of the nine members of the newly formed constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has recused himself from becoming part of it, arguing that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) should have constituted the bench on a seniority basis. Had he not opted to recuse, Justice Omar Sial would also have been part of a three-member committee …

Tribal clashes in Kurram district have continued for the sixth consecutive day, with the death toll rising to 102 and 138 people injured, according to police and hospital sources. The violence has been marked by intense firing incidents, including attacks on convoys. Hospital officials reported two more deaths on Wednesday, along with six injuries. One of the injured, who was …

Jirga imposes restrictions to curb turmoil In response to escalating unrest in the region, the Bajaur Peace Jirga has announced strict measures, including a ban on unnecessary movement after 9 p.m. The decision, aimed at restoring peace, comes after a series of incidents that have heightened tensions in the area. According to the jirga’s announcement, if someone is killed after 9 …

After fleeing from the site of the PTI’s high-stakes Islamabad protest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday resurfaced in Mansehra, where he assured his party workers that the “sit-in is still ongoing”. After a day of clashes between security forces and protesters in the city’s Red Zone ended in the party leadership’s hasty retreat, the PTI announced in the early …

A massive crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters unfolded in Islamabad on Tuesday night, as law enforcement launched a large-scale operation to clear key areas, including Kulsoom Plaza Chowk and the Blue Area. The operation, involving Rangers, ATS commandos, and approximately 1,500 personnel from Punjab and Islamabad police, has resulted in the arrest of over 500 PTI workers, according to …

The entry and exit routes of Lahore were sealed once again on Tuesday as tensions in Islamabad intensified due to ongoing protests by the PTI. Authorities have increased blockades in various parts of the city, causing widespread disruption and leaving citizens distressed. Key routes, including Azadi Flyover, Ravi Bridge, Imamia Colony Flyover, Ferozepur Road towards Kasur, Multan Road, and the …

The protest convoy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – led by Bushra Bibi – has reached D-Chowk in Islamabad after traveling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it has encountered intense resistance. In response to escalating violence, police have begun heavy shelling to disperse the protesters, while PTI workers are retaliating by pelting stones at the law enforcement officials. Tear gas is being …

Pakistan has cemented its position as the sixth-largest solar market worldwide, driven by an increasing shift toward renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. This growth, highlighted in a recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), signals the country’s potential to lead in solar energy adoption amid a global transition to sustainable power. According to experts, the rapid expansion of …

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim has sought replies from the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over a plea seeking the right of overseas Pakistanis to vote in local government elections. The petition, filed by the International Lawyers Association through advocate Azhar Siddique, requests the court to declare the right to vote for …

QUETTA: A complete strike was observed across Quetta on Monday as protests intensified over the kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Musawir, from Multani Mohalla 11 days ago. The strike, called by political parties, transporters, and traders, aimed to pressure the government to recover the missing child. All major highways linking Balochistan to the rest of the country, including Quetta-Chaman, …

In response to escalating security concerns in Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution. The move comes amid rising tensions following protests organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, leading to violent clashes with security forces. Authorities have issued stringent directives to security personnel, authorising them to take …

PTI convoys led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Opposition Leader, Omar Ayub, entered Islamabad on the call of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The convoys, originating from the Hazara Interchange, are heading towards D-Chowk in Islamabad. As the convoys advanced, they encountered heavy resistance from the police at the Ghazi Brotha Bridge, where intense shelling …

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation led by party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan paid an unexpected visit to Adiala Jail on Monday night to meet PTI Founder Imran Khan. Sources revealed that the delegation included three senior party leaders who briefed the incarcerated PTI founder on the latest developments in ongoing negotiations with the government. The meeting is said to …

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) embarked on a collision course with the government on Sunday as it finally started marching toward the federal capital after refusing to call off the ‘final’ protest call given by the imprisoned party founder Imran Khan for his release, among other things. The routes leading to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been …

A case has been registered against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and former President Dr Arif Alvi, along with several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, in connection with violent protests held on November 24. The charges were filed at Taxila Police Station under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws. Prominent PTI members named in the case include opposition leader Umar …

KARACHI: Internet users throughout Pakistan faced significant difficulties connecting to WhatsApp on Saturday, which occurred shortly after the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned the government about the serious consequences of internet shutdowns and a possible ban on virtual private networks (VPNs). Data from the outage monitoring platform, Downdetector, indicated a peak of 207 complaints within a single hour, primarily …

The Punjab government on Monday installed 30 modern air quality monitors in the province’s top cities, including Lahore. This move is part of the larger digital transformation initiative spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aimed at improving environmental monitoring and public health. The newly introduced air quality monitoring system is designed to provide real-time data on pollution levels across …