Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed his dismay over the ongoing lawyers’ strike, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted court proceedings. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court was hearing a case related to the vote recount in NA-154 Lodhran. During the hearing, CJP Isa rejected a request for postponement of the case without hearing, stating that such …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz, Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, and his delegation at Prime Minister House on Thursday, and emphasized the importance Pakistan attached to its historical, friendly, and fraternal relations with Qatar. In the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his commitment to transforming this relationship into a robust economic partnership. “Joint …

ISLAMABAD: Unknown armed assailants launched an assault on a house in the Gwadar district of Pakistan’s southwest Balochistan province early Thursday morning, resulting in the killing of seven laborers, said police. Local police said that some unknown gunmen stormed the house and opened fire at workers sleeping in the rooms, leaving seven of them dead and another injured in the …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that his country is focusing on enrolling 26 million out-of-school children to enhance literacy and empower future generations. “Education emergency has been declared across the country to handle the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children. We will make the country regain its lost space and develop it as one of the …

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit. On his arrival, the Uzbek foreign minister was accorded a warm welcome. He was received by Director General (Central Asia & ECO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aizaz Khan. Foreign Minister Saidov will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit and hold in-depth …

In a move aimed at facilitating citizens and streamlining the process of obtaining driving licenses, Punjab has announced a significant amendment to its motor vehicle rules. Traffic Police Punjab, in collaboration with the provincial government, has revised its policy, allowing failed driving test candidates to retake their examination after a shortened waiting period of two weeks, as opposed to the …

Tensions escalated at the GPO Chowk outside the Lahore High Court on Wednesday as lawyers from the Lahore Bar Association (LBA) rallied against the proposed division of civil courts and terrorism cases against the lawyer fraternity, leading to a violent confrontation with law enforcement. The protest took a chaotic turn when participants attempted to enter the high court premises, prompting …

Another letter has emerged from the Islamabad High Court, calling attention towards a growing trend of malicious campaigns against the judiciary. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has also written a letter to the IHC chief justice, urging him to initiate contempt of court proceedings against those involved in the alleged smear campaign. This development follows a similar letter sent by Justice …

Punjab and Sindh governments had opposed Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar-led caretaker administration’s 2023 decision to import wheat via the private sector, as revealed by Samaa TV’s detailed report. According to details, in the second meeting of the National Food Security and Research Department on December 29, 2023, chaired by the Minister of National Food Security and Research, it was …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored on Tuesday the growing confidence of investors in Pakistan’s economic trajectory, attributing it to the nation’s steady march towards stability. In a press conference held today in Islamabad, Minister Aurangzeb, flanked by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, highlighted the successful visit of a Saudi delegation, which he …

The Center for South Asia & International Studies, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Lahore, The School of Communication Studies and University of the Punjab have launched an essay competition on the theme of the 73rd anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations. Chinese Consul General Lahore Mr. Zhao Shiren said that the Chinese Consulate General would coordinate for …

Supreme Court (SC) on Monday suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Peshawar High Court’ (PHC) verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) reserved seats. The three-member bench headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah suspended the verdict pertaining to the allocation of reserved seats to other political parties. Justice Mansoor Ali …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday decided to appoint Sheikh Waqas Akram as chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC). According to sources, the PTI’s political committee has approved Sheikh Waqas Akram’s name for the position. After Sher Afzal Marwat, PTI founder Imran Khan suggested the names of Hammad Raza and Sheikh Waqas Akram for the chairmanship of PAC, sources added. He …

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather advisory warning of potential rainfall in Lahore and across the country later this month, coupled with an anticipated increase in the intensity of heat, prompting concerns about a possible heat wave in southern regions. According to a spokesperson for the PDMA, there is a chance of light rain in various …

Strict measures are being taken against drug traffickers across Pakistan in order to eradicate the plague of addiction, as directed by the country’s military leadership and administration. According to the statement, from April 21 to 28, in various operations, the relevant agencies seized 1025779 kg of drugs from across the country and arrested 1318 drug dealers. During this period, 73 …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday launched a tree plantation campaign in various districts in efforts to increase the forest area and counter pollution in the South Asian country. The drive known as Plant for Pakistan is aimed at restoring the land allocated for planting forests in the country, promoting plantation, mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding biodiversity, according to …

The PTI has said it will oppose any amendment to the Constitution that would modify the tenure of judges, calling such changes “person-specific” to benefit the incumbent chief justice. In a statement, a PTI spokesperson accused CJP Qazi Faez Isa of being the “main facilitator” in the scheme of “snatching” the party’s electoral symbol and “stealing its public mandate”. Any …

Former caretaker food security minister Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik has said that the wheat import summary was forwarded before his assuming charge of the ministry. In an exclusive interview with a local TV channel, the interim cabinet member said that the summary of five lac to one million tons wheat import was forwarded. “When I came to know, I said …

Saudi investors and traders are expected to invest $10 billion in Pakistan. According to the details, a key Saudi delegation will touchdown Pakistan today (Sunday). The representatives from nearly 30 companies will be part of the delegation. It is expected that the Saudi investment will pave the way for new employment opportunities. Expressing his thoughts, Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik …

The federal government has taken notice of the delay in Pakistani passport issuance as it has been a major concern for applicants. According to sources, over 800,000 passports are currently pending printing, but with the purchase of new machinery and lamination paper, this backlog is expected to be cleared soon. The Passport and Immigration authorities are currently printing 20-25,000 passports …

Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has decided to launch an anti-government movement without the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Sources said that JUI-F leadership had expressed displeasure over the recent statement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur regarding Feb 8 elections rigging. In a statement, Gandapur had said that PTI’s mandate was stolen not that of Fazlur Rehman, saying that …

Pakistan experienced its “wettest April since 1961”, receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, the country’s weather agency said in a report. April rainfall was recorded at 59.3 millimetres, “excessively above” the normal average of 22.5 millimetres, Pakistan’s metrology department said late Friday in its monthly climate report. There were at least 144 deaths in …

ISLAMABAD: A strategic collaboration between Huawei Pakistan and the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives is set to usher in a new era of digital transformation in Pakistan. A high-level delegation from Huawei Pakistan, led by CEO Mr. Ethan Sun, met with Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal to discuss ambitious plans for a Digital Corridor and bolstering the nation’s …

ISLAMABAD: The law enforcement agencies in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have gunned down 91 terrorists in separate operations since the beginning of this year, an official report revealed on Friday. Over 1,000 operations have been launched since the beginning of this year across the province to arrest and eliminate the terrorists, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the province said …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated his nation and scientists on sending Pakistan’s first satellite to the moon with China’s cooperation on Friday, the prime minister’s office said in a statement. The ICUBE-Q moon satellite is Pakistan’s first step in space and the country’s scientists and engineers are proving their abilities in this field just like they did in …

Supreme Court on Friday fixed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) plea seeking reserved seats for hearing on May 8. As per details, the top court formed a three-member bench for SIC reserved seat case hearing. The three-member bench headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also includes Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah. Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar …

The United States State Department said that Washington’s support, for Pakistan’s efforts to stabilise its economy including reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was “unwavering”. “When it comes to efforts to stabilise its economy, we support those efforts, including reaching an agreement with the IMF,” said the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller. “Our support for Pakistan’s economic success …

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has taken notice of the protests and complaints of the students of a private medical college in Lahore. Taking notice of the protest of the students that took place three days ago, the health minister has formed a fact-finding committee, according to which the University of Health Sciences will investigate the complaints of the …

The Khuzdar city of Balochistan was rocked by a devastating explosion in the Chamrok area, killing three people on Friday. One of the deceased was identified as Maulana Muhammad Siddique Mengal, the president of the Khuzdar Press Club. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the risks faced by journalists and media personnel in conflict-prone regions. According to …

The initial report of the probe regarding the wheat import scandal revealed shocking details. According to sources, the initial report stated that the federal institutions are responsible for the unnecessary import of wheat. Despite existing reserves of 40.47 lakh metric tons in Punjab, an additional 35.87 lakh metric tons were imported, creating an artificial shortage. Sources said that the report suspects …

The malfunctioning server at the Multan passport office has led to a surge in problems for citizens, exacerbating their frustrations. Despite the efforts of the immigration director general to address the issues, including actions taken against mafia elements and arrests of employees and agents, the situation remains unresolved. Long queues have become a common sight at the passport office, with …

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has raised serious questions over the recent intra-elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The commission has sought a written response from the party on its reservations. The political future of the PTI is in jeopardy, as the election commission has also expressed reservations about the elections and meetings of the party’s general council, and central …

Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has said that those who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the Constitution cannot point fingers at others. The chief of army staff said this while addressing the passing-out parade of Pakistan Air Force cadets at the Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur as the chief guest. Delivering an inspiring address …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday that workers play a central role in national progress and prosperity, highlighting that every worker in the South Asian country is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. “Workers work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere. They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving …

In a major development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated a fresh inquiry against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case. The anti-graft watchdog has issued call-up notices to Imran and Bushra and has sent a letter to the Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail, requesting their presence for the investigation. On …

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed government’s resolve to bolster labours’ welfare and safeguard their rights. In their separate messages on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated government’s commitment to upholding the dignity of labourers and pay tribute to their historic struggle. “This day serves as a reminder for all of us to …

At least seven policemen were injured when banned outfit terrorists stormed a police checkpost in Punjab’s Taunsa Sharif district in the wee hours of Wednesday. According to Punjab Police spokesperson, the terrorists attacked Jhangi checkpost which was foiled by a police team. This was the second attack on checkpoint in span of two months. Around 20 terrorists armed with grenades, …

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will lead the Pakistan delegation at the two-day 15th OIC summit being held in Banjul, the Gambia on May 4-5,” the Foreign Office said in a statement on Wednesday. The Deputy Prime Minister Dar will also attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting preceding the Summit on 2-3 May where …

The Supreme Court heard a suo motu case concerning alleged interference in the judiciary, following a letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court regarding the issue. A six-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing. Other members of the bench were Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jamal Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah, …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to announce an education emergency for four years to tackle the education crisis in Pakistan. Sources said that the prime minister would officially declare education emergency in the country in a ceremony set to take place tomorrow (Tuesday). The ceremony would be attended by all chief ministers and education ministers of all four provinces. …