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 …

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced to further extend the closure period of all educational institutions including schools till November 24 due to the heavy smog. As per details, the increasing smog situation has prompted the provincial government to further extend the closure of all public and private educational institutions, including tuition centres, for another week. Earlier the educational institutions …

LAHORE: The Punjab government has claimed success in conducting an artificial rain experiment using local technology. The experiment was a collaborative effort involving the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Army Aviation, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other provincial agencies. According to the Punjab government’s statement, cloud seeding was carried out in Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Gujar Khan. The Meteorological Department, backing …

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has penned a letter to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block illegal Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), highlighting increasing risks to national security and public morality. “VPNs are increasingly being exploited by the terrorists,” stated the ministry’s letter. “Off late, an alarming fact has been identified, wherein VPNs are used by terrorists to obscure and conceal …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government has decided to keep the petrol and diesel prices unchanged for the next fortnight starting from November 16, 2024. According to a notification issued by the finance ministry, the petrol price has remained stable at Rs248.38 per litre, while the new price of high-speed diesel has remained unchanged at Rs255.14 per litre. The price of …

Speaking at the special event of Margalla Dialogue 2024 in Islamabad, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace amidst growing global challenges. He addressed critical issues, including the spread of misinformation, rising extremism, and the need for collective global action on pressing matters like terrorism and climate change. The army chief said rapid …

RAWALPINDI – The Pakistan Army successfully rescued travellers stranded in Deosai. On November 14, around 15 passengers traveling from Gultari to Skardu via Deosai became trapped due to heavy snowfall, losing all ground communication. Families and locals appealed to the Pakistan Army for help, prompting an immediate air and ground rescue operation. A joint team of Pakistan Army soldiers set …

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday dismissed the cancer rumours, saying only two countries in the world do the parathyroid treatment. Expressing her thoughts in London, CM Maryam said: “The country has always witnessed the prosperity during the Nawaz Sharif-led government. The PML-N is having a track record of steering the country towards stability.” She said, “I had undergone …

Security forces carried out a successful intelligence-based operation in the general area of Miran Shah, North Waziristan, on November 12-13, targeting the reported presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants – referred to as Khawarij militants- the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the death of eight terrorists, with six others sustaining injuries during the engagement. According …

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has assured that no mini-budget will be introduced while affirming the government’s commitment to maintain the annual tax target of Rs12,970 billion. Sources from the FBR also stated that the General Sales Tax (GST) will not be imposed on petroleum products, aligning with ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sources also indicate …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the COP29 Climate Action Summit in Baku, calling for urgent global action and support for countries most impacted by climate change. Starting his speech, Shehbaz congratulated Azerbaijan’s president for hosting the summit and emphasized the dire consequences faced by Pakistan and several other vulnerable nations due to climate change. “If timely measures are not taken, …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his call for the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Sharif as its capital, during his address at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday. Speaking at the summit in Saudi Arabia’s capital, the premier emphasised that the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state is more crucial than ever. He also …

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has submitted a detailed report in the Lahore High Court on a petition challenging the alleged order against broadcasting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan’s name on television channels. The court adjourned hearing in the case indefinitely. PTI’s Akmal Khan Bari filed the petition in the LHC against the alleged non-broadcast of …

During the hearing of a tax-related case in the Supreme Court on Monday, the judges got into a debate over the necessity of a constitutional bench. Senior judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah raised the question if the regular bench they were on was unconstitutional until the constitutional bench is established. He also remarked that even if the present bench heard …

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a written ruling on a petition filed by Noreen Niazi regarding jail facilities for and meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan, and disposed of the case. The order states that jail authorities have assured compliance with court orders and prison regulations in providing facilities to Imran Khan. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir …

Pakistan are eying a minus-India formula for the forthcoming Champions Trophy as India have continued to show stubbornness about not travelling to the country for the mega event. Sources divulged on Sunday that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will propose the plan of subtracting India from the Champions Trophy in front of the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, the key …

LAHORE  –  The atmosphere in various cities of the country including Lahore remained unsatisfactory on Saturday, as far as pollution situation was concerned. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department official sources, air quality index in Multan was recorded 849, while provincial capital Lahore recorded 449. In addition, AQI was recorded in Peshawar at 297, while in Rawalpindi it was recorded at …

PESHAWAR: Senior politician and former Awami National Party (ANP) spokesman Zahid Khan has decided to jump ship and join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Zahid Khan is likely to formally announce the decision on Sunday at a presser alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam. Zahid Khan had served as Senator twice from 1997 to 2003 and …

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Saturday said that there should be a fair trial in cases filed against the PTI leader Imran Khan. “We are and will remain in contact with the PTI as an opposition party,” a spokesperson of JUI-F said, categorically rejecting the media reports claiming that the Maulana Fazlur Rehman had decided to meet incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder …

ISLAMABAD: World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian Premier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Turkish foreign minister and British High Commissioner on Saturday conveyed their condolences to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following a devastating terrorist attack at Quetta Railway Station. In a letter, President Putin expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, which claimed the lives of …

LAHORE: The smog situation in Punjab has assume alarming proportions, with Lahore ranked second the global index of most polluted cities. According to the report, Lahore city has risen to the top of Pakistan’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 748 recorded. Alongside the pollution, a wave of illnesses has affected the city, as over 129,000 …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned this morning’s bomb blast at Quetta’s railway station, directing the Balochistan government to provide a thorough investigation report on the tragic incident. The blast claimed at least 24 lives and left around 57 injured, drawing national outcry and condolences from top leadership. In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss …

ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Water Resources and Petroleum, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, said that Pakistan needs to employ more innovative and less water-intensive practices in agriculture to avert the looming water shortage crisis in the country. He was speaking at the concluding session of the international conference, Pakistan Water Week 2024, which focused on the theme “Building a Climate-Resilient …

The Lahore High Court has issued new orders in a series of measures aimed at controlling the rising smog levels in Punjab. Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over a hearing on citizen petitions for smog control, directed that all markets in the province must close by 8pm, with complete closures on Sundays. The court emphasised that smoke-emitting vehicles and heavy trucks …

As concerns about air pollution grow, incorporating certain superfoods into your diet can provide a natural defense for your lungs and overall health. While the link between diet and respiratory health may not be widely known, several nutrient-rich foods have been shown to help reduce the effects of air pollution and improve lung function. – Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a three-month Electricity Sahulat Package, providing relief to domestic, commercial and industrial power consumers. Addressing a ceremony in connection with the Iqbal Day in Islamabad this evening, he said this package will be available on additional use of electricity from December 2024 to February next year. Giving detail of the package, the Prime Minister …

ADELAIDE, Australia— Fast bowler Haris Rauf took 5-29 and Saim Ayub scored 82 runs as Pakistan defeated Australia by nine wickets in the second one-day international on Friday. Australia was 163 all out in 35 overs against Rauf’s relentless pace and left-hander Ayub smashed six sixes and five fours as Pakistan cruised to 169-1 in 26.3 overs to level the …

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Thursday decided to lodge an FIR against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi over his illegal actions against PTI protest and damage to KP House in the federal capital. The provincial cabinet convened with KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the chair. During the meeting, the cabinet members were briefed …

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan next week to attend the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit being held in Riyadh and World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku. The prime minister will visit Saudi Arabia to participate in the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit being held in Riyadh on November 11, …

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressing satisfaction at the growing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye, stressed the need to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and defense sectors. The prime minister said this in a meeting with newly-appointed Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu, who called him at the PM House. The prime minister welcomed Ambassador …