Senior lawyer and PTI leader Salman Akram Raja has strongly defended the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s democratic right to protest and criticized the government’s claims of having a two-thirds majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday, Raja emphasized that the sons of the PTI founder have every right to participate in the …

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has accused India of adopting terrorism as a state policy against Pakistan during an interview with Al Jazeera. Addressing security concerns, Lt Gen Chaudhry further asserted Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities remain “invincible and fully secure.” “No one can dare target our nuclear program,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s strategic assets …

Torrential monsoon rains and resulting floods have claimed at least 79 lives across Pakistan in the last 12 days, according to a report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday. The report, which covers the period from June 26 to July 7, reveals a grim toll: 29 fatalities were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 24 in Punjab, 15 …

The number of Pakistanis applying for political asylum in European countries has declined in 2024, according to the latest EU asylum trends report. Italy remained the top destination for Pakistani asylum seekers, followed by France, Greece, and Germany. Asylum applications from Pakistani nationals had been steadily rising since 2020. The EU Asylum Report 2022 had already shown a significant increase, …

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta on Tuesday handed Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief Dr Mahrang Baloch and other organisers of the group into police custody for 10 days, extending their three-month detention. In March, Mahrang and other BYC members were arrested for “attacking” the Quetta Civil Hospital and “inciting people to violence”, a day after the group faced a …

Adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Saif has urged Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to show moral courage and refuse to accept the reserved seats. “If the opposition parties have even the slightest moral courage, they will refuse to take reserved seats which are only PTI’s right but have been put up for ‘auction’,” …

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad khan said he cannot permit vulgar language on the assembly floor. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the speaker said he has always tried to fulfill his responsibilities as a good custodian of the House. “I have always acted as a good custodian of the House, but I cannot permit the use of vulgar …

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence-based Customs Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS). During a meeting chaired by the prime minister held here to review the ongoing reforms measures by the FBR, it was informed that under this new system, estimation of cost and nature of goods during import and export will be …

Seven people lost their lives and seven others were injured in various incidents during the recent monsoon rains in Balochistan, according to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). PDMA reported that heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning caused significant damage in several areas. In Washuk district, five houses were completely destroyed due to flooding. Damage was …

The new business week began with a new record as the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged to an all-time high on Monday. For the first time in history, the stock market crossed the milestone of 133,000 points. During intraday trading, the market gained over 1,100 points. The benchmark KSE-100 index jumped by 1,160 points, reaching a record level of 133,109 …

The Day of Ashura is being celebrated with religious devotion and respect across the country to pay homage to the Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. The President’s message on the occasion of Ashura said that in the context of the challenges facing the country today, we as a nation need a Hussaini character. President Asif Ali Zardari and …

Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is being observed with religious reverence and solemnity across Pakistan and around the world today to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the other martyrs of Karbala. Processions featuring symbolic representations of the Alam (standard), Zuljanah (Imam Hussain’s horse), and Tazias are being taken out …

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two persons and charged four others in a scandal of Pakistani visas to Afghan nationals on fake sponsorship letters, according to the firs information report (FIR) lodged by the anti-crime watchdog. Two government employees, one working in the Press Information Department and other in the Foreign Office, are among those involved in the …

An alarming rise in heart attacks and cardiac arrests among young people in Pakistan is raising serious concerns among health experts, as avoidable lifestyle habits and delayed diagnosis of diseases continue to claim lives that are far too young. The tragic death of a schoolteacher recently, who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture, has shocked the public …

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday rejected reports of a meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, calling them unfounded rumours. Speaking to reporters at Lahore’s Data Darbar, he dismissed rumours about Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Adiala Jail, saying “there is no truth in such talk”. Remarkably, the foreign minister subtly hinted at the …

Allegations of illegal appointments and corruption have emerged within the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), raising serious concerns over transparency and governance. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an investigation against the former SPSC chairman and several other individuals in connection with these allegations. NAB has requested the SPSC’s current chairman to provide records of 16 officials, including former …

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Friday that India wants war under the guise of terrorist attacks. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, the former foreign minister said, “This attitude would not favour either Pakistan or India. The fear of war between the two nuclear powers has increased more than ever.” “We cannot punish the generations …

Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has asked the opposition to stop staging the “confrontational” politics. Speaking to media in Islamabad, Chaudhry said, “Political forces do always talk about moving forward by joining hands with each other. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has greeted Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser by himself approaching the opposition benches.” The premier has stressed the importance for …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankandi, called for stronger regional cooperation, urgent climate action, and unity against destabilizing forces. In his keynote speech on Friday, PM Shehbaz congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for successfully hosting the summit and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality in the historic and beautiful city …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): The China-Pakistan High-Quality Agricultural Cooperation Development Forum was held in Islamabad on Thursday. Hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), the forum aimed to strengthen agricultural industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan and promote agricultural modernization under the CPEC framework. The forum featured five thematic speeches, covering contract farming of chili and sesame, promotion and …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), beginning in Khankendi, Republic of Azerbaijan from today. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit. The theme of …

The federal government has issued a notification announcing major revisions in the profit rates of various National Savings Schemes, effective immediately. The move comes as part of routine adjustments aligned with prevailing economic conditions, including inflation and policy rates. According to the notification, the rate of return on Regular Income Certificates has been fixed at 11.16%, while the average return …

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert for a powerful monsoon spell expected to begin across the province from July 5. According to the PDMA, the second intense phase of the monsoon season will start from July 5, and heavy rainfall is forecast, particularly on Youm-e-Ashura. In anticipation, PDMA has formulated a comprehensive strategy to …

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that India fired approximately 11 missiles at a Pakistani base in May where Pakistani aircraft and personnel were present. Fortunately, no casualties or damages occurred. Mohsin Naqvi stated that the army chief had sent a clear message to India, warning that if an attack were carried out, India would face consequences far greater in …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a key meeting regarding the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), where he appreciated the FBR’s efforts in achieving a 42% increase in tax revenues compared to the past decade. Prime minister directed that the same level of dedication and efficiency must continue in the upcoming fiscal year, making it clear that institutional …

Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has questioned the process of determining the seniority of Islamabad High Court judges, raising concerns over the lack of consultation. In a letter addressed to the Judicial Commission’s Secretary, Justice Shah expressed his reservations, stating that President Asif Ali Zardari finalized the seniority list without due consultation with the Chief Justice of …

A bomb blast rocked the Nawagai area of Bajaur district on Wednesday, killing at least four people and injuring 11 others, police confirmed. According to official sources, a government vehicle was targeted in the explosion that occurred on Nawagai Road in the Siddiqabad railway crossing area of Khar tehsil. Among those martyred were Nawagai assistant commissioner Faisal Sultan, the local …

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notification for the restoration of reserved seats, granting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 13 additional seats in the National Assembly. According to the notification, the restored seats include 12 for women and one minority seat. With these additions, PML-N’s position in the National Assembly has further strengthened. National Assembly According to the ECP …

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that “surrender is not in Pakistan’s dictionary” and vowing to ensure a secure future for coming generations. Speaking at an international conference on Pakistan’s war against terrorism in Islamabad, Bilawal said Pakistan remains fully committed to combating terrorism and has made the greatest sacrifices …

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning over the global toll of loneliness, estimating that the condition contributes to more than 800,000 deaths worldwide each year. In a new report, the UN health agency described loneliness and social isolation as a “public health challenge of our time”, urging governments and communities to treat social connection as a …

The new fiscal year 2025-26 has officially begun, and the Finance Bill 2025-26 has been implemented from today, introducing several major tax reforms and adjustments. According to the new regulations, citizens outside the tax net will now only be allowed to maintain basic bank accounts and will face restrictions on the amount of money they can withdraw. Non-filers will be …

Pakistan’s first international driving license kiosk has been set up at Lahore airport to facilitate citizens. The kiosk was officially inaugurated by Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed. This is the first traffic kiosk installed at any international airport in Pakistan to provide instant service to travellers. Through this modern facility, citizens can obtain their international driving …

Foreign Office spokesperson Monday said Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners. Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission, which includes 53 civilians and 193 fishermen. On the other hand, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails to the Pakistani High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes …

Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to renew resolve to strengthen parliamentary institutions, safeguard democratic values, and ensure that the voices of the citizenry were truly reflected in the lawmaking process. In a message on the International Day of Parliamentarism, he said, “The International Day of Parliamentarism, observed every year on June 30, reaffirms our global commitment …

Petroleum product prices in Pakistan are expected to rise by up to Rs5 per liter starting July 1, sources said on Sunday. A carbon levy of Rs2.50 per liter will be imposed on petrol, diesel, and furnace oil from tomorrow. Additionally, the currency exchange rate difference will also be passed on to consumers. The dollar has so far appreciated by …

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed in a case related to the alleged uploading of anti-state content on social media. Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing and approved the bail plea, ordering her release against surety bonds worth Rs500,000. Ms Javed was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation …

The fate of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards hangs in the balance as the official deadline for their repatriation expires today (Monday), with the federal cabinet yet to receive a summary for extending their stay. According to official sources, a proposal is under consideration to extend the stay of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan …

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said India should reconsider its approach towards Pakistan and the region, adding that New Delhi cannot impose its will on Islamabad through unilateral decisions or aggressive posturing. Speaking at a ceremony marking the Foundation Day of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Mr Dar said India’s repeated attempts to create tensions in …

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan on Saturday announced that a formal reference is being sent to the ECP against 26 suspended opposition members of the Assembly for disrupting proceedings and violating House rules. The suspended lawmakers, all affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were barred from attending 15 sittings after engaging in loud sloganeering, tearing official documents, and what the …

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved a new framework for natural gas pricing, leaving domestic consumer rates unchanged. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and forms part of the broader economic reforms under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. According to an official handout, the federal government will now announce revised …