ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the urgency of enhancing government-to-government (G2G) collaboration with China, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to providing land for Chinese industries Minister chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the identification of locations for Model Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the policy framework for relocating Chinese industries to Pakistan. …

At least 33 people have been killed and 40 others injured, including women, in an attack on a convoy of passenger vehicles in the Uchat area of Lower Kurram. According to police, the convoy of vehicles was traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar when unidentified armed men opened fire with automatic weapons. Three women and a policeman are among the injured, …

The federal government is reportedly planning to partially suspend internet and mobile phone services starting November 23 given Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest on November 24. Sources claimed that the suspension is likely to affect Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and multiple districts in Punjab. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to activate a firewall on mobile internet services from November 20, which …

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench took suo motu notice of child abductions in Quetta, summoning all provincial inspectors general of police (IGPs) and home secretaries to appear at the next hearing. The six-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, was hearing a petition regarding missing children, with a focus on the alarming situation in Quetta, where protests have paralysed the …

A Pakistani cargo ship has reached Chittagong Port in Bangladesh after a long hiatus in a significant development for Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations — a milestone marks a promising step towards strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan, was separated in 1971 and later Pakistan accepted it as sovereign country in 1974. The relationship between …

Supreme Court Constitution Bench has directed the Attorney General to seek instructions from the federal government regarding the status of the Audio Leak Commission and inform the court accordingly. A seven-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, conducted the hearing on the matter. Justice Aminuddin raised questions about the relevance of the commission, noting that its chairman has retired, …

Former Pakistan Cricketer and Umpire Mohammad Nazir Junior Passes Away at 78 Mohammad Nazir Junior, former Pakistan Test cricketer and renowned umpire, has passed away at the age of 78. His son Noman Nazir confirmed on Tuesday. Who was Nazir Junior? Nazir Junior was celebrated for his skillful spin bowling and represented Pakistan in 14 Test matches and four One …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to launch a comprehensive military operation to curb active terrorist organizations in the country’s southwest Balochistan province, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. A meeting of the National Action Plan Apex Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by ministers, the chief of Army Staff and other key officials, was convened on …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted bail to PTI Founder Imran Khan in Toshakhana 2 case.  Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb granted bail to Imran Khan. Defence lawyer Salman Safdar said that the statement read out was recorded by the NAB investigation officer, adding that now the matter had gone to the FIA. The FIA prosecutor said statements under Section …

ISLAMABAD: The opening ceremony of the Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII was held today at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi. This annual exercise brings together the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthen historic military ties. The three-week-long exercise, the eighth in the Warrior series, focuses on refining professional …

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has called for the collective efforts to defeat terrorism. Addressing the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, General Syed Asim Munir has underlined the need for collective efforts in the fight against the scourge of terrorism. He said every Pakistani is a soldier in the war against terrorism …

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are collaborating to enhance their relationship through advantageous economic and investment partnerships. During a meeting with Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdul Aziz Al Dawood today, he expressed his contentment regarding the progress of the agreements related to the Saudi investment of 2.8 billion dollars in Pakistan. Reflecting …

RAWALPINDI: The flour prices have skyrocketed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other districts of Punjab. As per details, the flour mill owners have jacked up the price of 80kg bag by Rs1300 in these districts. In a separate development, the Naan Bai Association have called an emergency meeting over the rate of bread (roti). Earlier, the federal government abolished a 5.5 …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) continues its crackdown on tax evaders across the country, focusing on major non-filers and individuals under-disclosing their taxable income. According to sources, data on non-filers and under-tax payers is being shared with field formations to facilitate swift action. Notices will be issued to tax defaulters upon approval from the FBR chairman, with a focus …

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has strongly condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over the ongoing terrorist incidents in Pakistan and the abduction of police officers during a press briefing in Washington. Miller acknowledged the significant losses suffered by the Pakistani people due to terrorism. He stated that the …

Balochistan Transport Authority has issued a directive to vehicles operating on inter-provincial routes, advising them to avoid traveling at night to ensure safety and minimize potential risks. Transporters have been encouraged to prioritize daytime travel, which is considered safer and more convenient. Avoid traveling at night and prefer daytime journeys. Cooperate with the authority to ensure the safety of passengers …

A monitoring cell has been set up in Peshawar to oversee the PTI protest movement. According to sources, the cell will track the number of participants brought by various leaders and their respective convoys across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The monitoring efforts include the formation of separate teams for men and women in the central districts to ensure proper oversight during the …

RAWALAKOT: The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Wednesday announced a shutter-down strike in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on December 5 to protest against the Presidential Ordinance۔ As per details, the ordinance imposed by AJK government requires administrative approval for any protest, which the JAAC believes restricts democratic freedoms. The strike is a response to the recent arrests in …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported over 20,000 dengue cases in the ongoing year of 2024, quoting sources within the NIH. According to the report compiled by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Pakistan has reported 20,057 dengue cases from  January 1 to November 15. The sources said 10 people lost their lives due to dengue during the same period. The NIH …

BANNU: At least twelve security personnel embraced martyrdom in a suicide attack on check post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the ISPR, Khwarij attempted to attack a Joint Check Post in MaliKhel area. The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by troops, which forced the khwarij to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of …

BANNU: Seven police personnel, who were abducted from the Atmanzai check post, have been recovered after successful negotiations conducted by a local jirga on Tuesday. District Police Officer (DPO) confirmed that that all abductees have been recovered after the swift intervention of the local Jirga. The jirga’s prompt action resulted in the police officers’ safe release after the kidnapping took …

ISLAMABAD: Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to view the upcoming November 24 protest as a battle for the country’s future, rather than a fight for Imran Khan’s release. An audio recording of Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, has emerged in which she is seen guiding party workers on how …

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday met former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to discuss PTI’s upcoming protest planned for November 24. The meeting also focused on the party’s security and participation strategies for the Apex Committee, a key decision-making body for provincial and federal coordination. In anticipation of the Chief Minister’s visit, heightened security measures were implemented on …

KARACHI:A sudden change in the green channel’s parameters by Pakistan Customs has halted the clearance of thousands of containers of various imported commodities including essential goods, due to which importers are facing severe financial losses. Meanwhile, shipping companies and terminal operators are earning millions of rupees in terms of additional revenue through demurrage and detention charges. The delay in clearance …

Air pollution has reached critical levels in Karachi, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) recorded at 207 on Tuesday, making it the fourth most polluted city in the world. Only New Delhi, Lahore, and Cairo reported worse air quality, according to global rankings. As of 11:00 am, Lahore was ranked as the second-most polluted city in terms of air …

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking the registration of two FIRs for a single incident, terming it inadmissible. Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel reprimanded the petitioner, Waseem Ahmed Khan, for filing the case, noting that such petitions contribute to the growing backlog in the Supreme Court, now exceeding 60,000 cases. “We are repeatedly reminded …

Following the government’s decision to ban unregistered VPNs, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association has voiced concerns, calling for a fair and balanced regulatory framework. In a statement, the association highlighted the importance of VPNs for ensuring privacy, secure communication, and online accessibility. It warned that indiscriminate restrictions could negatively impact IT exports, financial transactions, and research work, potentially …

The 12th edition of defence exhibition and seminar, IDEAS 2024, kicked off in the Karachi Expo Center on Tuesday. The exhibition has been organized to showcase a wide range of modern and traditional defense equipment, weapon systems and vehicles. Global defense experts are showing deep interest in the IDEAS 2024 exhibition. Defense production and exports are amongst the priorities of …

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated on Monday that the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 would still be held in the country amid India’s refusal to send its team for the tournament. Pakistan, who won the last edition of the Champions Trophy staged in England in 2017, will host the Feb 19-March 9 tournament. Due to their soured …

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that Aqib Javed will serve as the temporary head coach of the national white ball team until the 2025 Champions Trophy. The announcement was made during a media interaction following Naqvi’s visit to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. PCB Chief Naqvi, addressing concerns regarding Pakistan’s readiness to host the prestigious event, …

Lahore’s overall air quality index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, with the current AQI standing at 434, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety guidelines. The city’s air contains 58.5 times more chemical substances than the recommended levels set by the WHO. Several areas in Lahore are experiencing hazardous air quality. FC College and its surrounding areas have recorded …

The meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) originally scheduled for today has been rescheduled. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who was set to chair the crucial session, had to reschedule the meeting due to other pressing commitments. However, the meeting has now been rescheduled and will take place tomorrow. The session was convened to review the …

The process for receiving applications under the Government Hajj Scheme 2025 begins today (Monday) and will continue until December 3, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced. The lottery for the official Hajj scheme is scheduled to take place on December 6. Applicants participating in the regular scheme for the first time will be given priority in the lottery, according to …

Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall in November, with Islamabad unlikely to see rain this week. The prolonged dry spell is expected to worsen smog, raising the risk of chest and respiratory diseases. Medical experts warn of increased problems for asthma patients and other vulnerable groups due to deteriorating air quality. Director of Meteorology Dr. Zahar Ahmed Babar emphasized …

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology expressed serious displeasure over the closure of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan, seeking a response from the attorney general and the interior secretary over it.  Chairperson of the committee, Palwasha Khan, warned that the issue could become political and create problems if mass protests erupted by millions of affected freelancers. She announced …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the country’s improving economic situation, while also issued instructions to speed up actions against tax defaulters.  While presiding over a meeting to review the economic situation, the PM emphasized that all sectors must contribute to the nation’s development by paying their share of taxes. He issued a clear directive to expedite actions against …

The Punjab government resolved on Sunday to ensure the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat the toxic smog looming all over the province. According to details, the spokesperson said, “The food points and restaurants had been closed after 8:00 pm.” “The implementation of the SOPs to overcome the challenges faced by the air pollution had reaped the …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday that everybody will have to pay taxes for boosting the country’s revenue. Expressing his thoughts, Aurangzeb expressed about the country’s economy, saying, “The country’s economy is on the verge of the prosperity. The inflation and interest rates have witnessed a decline as well.” “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was amazed that how the …

Spencer Johnson (5-26) and (32 off 17) powered Australia to the brilliant 13-run victory against Pakistan to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-0 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Saturday. Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan were bundled out for 134, with Usman Khan (52 off 38) notching up a fifty. Irfan Khan had remained unbeaten 37 off …

Seven security personnel have allegedly been martyred and 15 others injured when unidentified armed men attacked the Shah Mardan check post in the Johan area of Kalat, Balochistan late on Friday night. The bodies and injured were transported to Quetta for medical treatment and post-mortem procedures, Levies officials confirmed. According to reports, the martyred personnel have been identified as naik …