Families of the Iran victims staging protests bloated the Alipur road and demanded the government to bring back the dead bodies of their loved ones who were gunned down mercilessly in Savaran city of the southeastern border province Sistan of Iran. Ironically, five of the nine victims belonged from South Punjab’s Alipur including two brothers—one of them Sohaib has been …

Caretaker Foreign Minister of Pakistan Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdullahian reiterated on Monday the pivotal role of enduring and amicable relations between the two neighboring nations. The ministers emphasised the historical, cultural, and fraternal ties that bind Iran and Pakistan, highlighting the critical need for collaboration in various domains to promote mutual prosperity. During a …

The Supreme Court bench hearing intra-court appeals on the trial of civilians in military courts has been dissolved. A six-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, was hearing the intra-court appeals. As soon as the hearing commenced, the lawyer of former chief justice Jawad S. Khawaja, Khawaja Ahmed Hassan, raised an objection over the bench. He …

The Awami National Party (ANP) demanded an apology on Sunday from PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif over his remark of referring to the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as ‘fools’. “Some of our people are easily fooled. And the easiest to fool are some people from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This disease has originated from there [K-P],” Nawaz said a day earlier while releasing his party’s …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to introduce other social support mechanisms along with the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP. The IMF in a statement said that Pakistan should take more steps for extending social protection to the weaker classes. “Pakistan should take consistent efforts to run the social assistance programme,” IMF stated. “The protected electricity and gas …

Iran has offered condolences to Pakistan over the killing of nine of its labourers on its soil. Iranian envoy to Pakistan in his statement condemned the killings of Pakistani labourers in Iran and said Tehran and Islamabad will not tolerate affliction of damage to the countries’ relations. “Iran and Pakistan will not allow enemies to cause damage to the countries’ …

Pakistani-British barrister and arbitrator, Mahnaz Malik, has clinched a prestigious appointment as one of the seven external judges on the World Bank (WB) Sanctions Board. This autonomous tribunal holds the responsibility of making final determinations in cases involving sanctionable misconduct, such as corruption and fraud, within World Bank-funded development projects. Bringing a wealth of expertise amassed over 23 years, Malik …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hamad Azhar claimed in a tweet that the Police have arrested his 82-year-old father Mian Azhar. “My father wanted to lead the rally from Constituency-129,” Hamad Azhar. Also, PTI leader claimed that police reached outside the residence of the senior politician Javed Hashmi. “The police have surrounded the house of Makhdoom Javed Hashmi,” Zahid Bahar Hashmi. “Five police …

The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan on Saturday has taken notice of the summons issued to journalists by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) over the malicious anti-judiciary campaign. Following the formation of joint investigation team (JIT), the FIA issued summons notices to 65 individuals including 47 journalists from mainstream media and social media. Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi …

Nine Pakistani workers on Saturday lost their lives in a terrorist attack in the Sirkan neighbourhood of Saravan city of Iran. Three others were injured in the incident. The assailants reportedly entered the auto repair workshop where the victims lived and shot each member. Among the victims, five hailed from different areas of Alipur in Punjab province and had been …

After failing to meet the legal deadline and missing the timeline it set for itself, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued the final polling scheme for the Feb 8 general elections. Section 59(6) of the Elections Act 2017 requires the publication of the final list of polling stations of each constituency, at least 30 days before polling …

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari once again challenged former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif for an open debate before the February 8 General Elections 2024. Bilawal, who is the PPP’s prime ministerial candidate, took to X (formerly Twitter) and said Nawaz Sharif is the PML-N’s nominee for the premier slot. He asked …

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has taken back his application seeking leave till retirement. According to sources, the development came after the Ministry of Law and Justice did not accept the leave application. It is important to mention here that the Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir sought leave till his retirement in March 2024. In a letter to the Islamabad …

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to make SMS service 8300 free of charge from Monday next. The announcement was made by ECP’s Spokesperson, Syed Nadeem Hyder, Additional Director General Nighat Sadique, and the Project Director of the Project Management Unit. They said the voters can check details of their constituencies and polling stations by sending the number …

As the polling day for general elections draws near, the authorities concerned have issued orders to ensure smooth, uninterrupted power supply across the country on February 8. According to Internews sources, the orders have been issued over fears that the polling process is likely to be affected due to the ongoing electricity loadshedding in the country. Therefore, orders have been …

Pakistan on Friday sent back its envoy Muhammad Mudassir Tipu to Iran to resume his duties in Tehran. Both Islamabad and Tehran witnessed a diplomatic row triggered by an exchange of missile attacks on each other’s territories, earlier this month. Tipu, who reached Islamabad from Tehran on January 17, reached Iran to resume his duties today.  Meanwhile, Iranian envoy to Pakistan, …

The second day of the Pakistan Learning Festival 2024, culminated with the Punjab Governor, Baleegh ul Rehman, closing the session which had unfolded as a continuation of a dynamic tapestry of educational sessions, creative workshops, and empowering discussions. Speaking on the occasion he stated, “Just reading a lot of books at one point in your lives is not enough. Learning …

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has fined 24 candidates and the local government chairman for violating the code of conduct for elections. From NA-23 Mardan candidate Aqib Ismail was fined Rs 50,000. From PK-99 Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Noorani Khan was fined Rs 10,000. From PK-39 candidate Ikram-ul-lah Ghazi was fined Rs 10,000. The candidates through the returning …

In the ongoing Digital Driving Permit initiative, the e-Khidmat Markaz situated at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP) has announced the beginning of the online driving test service. The Punjab Traffic Police and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) worked together to make driving licences more effective in the whole province. The initiation of the Driving Test Service at the e-Khidmat …

As general elections are scheduled to be held on February 8, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on Friday allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Pervaiz Elahi to contest the upcoming elections from the provincial assembly seat PP-32. It is interesting to know that Pervaiz Elahi took back the appeals on two National Assembly seats. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah led the …

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said that while general elections were a “constitutional necessity”, it was incumbent upon the political leadership to make them “meaningful”. The estranged PML-N leader, who had developed differences with the party leadership over the last year, made the remarks while speaking to the media in Rawalpindi. In February last year, he had …

Veteran politician Javed Hashmi has alleged that Punjab police raided his Multan residence early on Wednesday and arrested his son-in-law and grandson. Hashmi, who was once president of the PTI, claimed in a post on social media platform X. He said around 20 police officers entered his residence in Makhdoom Rasheed town in Multan district illegally at 1am and made …

Pakistan has raised the issue of the construction of the Ram temple in place of the historic Babri Masjid before the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation). Reiterating its condemnation of the recent consecration of ‘Ram Temple’ on the demolished Babri Mosque’s site, Pakistan has urged the top official for the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) to play his part in …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the policies of Pakistan’s caretaker government for economic stability. According to details, the IMF, appreciating the economic stability efforts of the interim government, stated that Kakar government had been successful in maintaining economic stability. The IMF mentioned that the caretaker government had made decisive policies for economic stability, and until the general elections …

Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasted rain in Islamabad and snowfall on picturesque Murree hills in the next week expected to end the prolonged dry winter. Meteorological Department Irfan Vark deputy director said that the forecast offers hope for various cities, including Islamabad, combating dry weather. Meanwhile, Lahore experiences an intense dry winter with cold winds heightened cold intensity, and reduced smog. …

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel aimed at providing citizens with up-to-date and accurate information. This innovative initiative, according to NADRA, reflects a forward-thinking approach to disseminating information swiftly and efficiently to the public. Real-time messaging capabilities empower NADRA to promptly communicate updates and guidance to citizens, addressing the need for immediate and …

Security forces unearthed one of the largest networks of terrorists of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in port city as intelligence agencies arrested 17 terrorists from Karachi. A large number of security forces and law enforcement agencies took part in the complicated mission and successfully arrested key terrorist commanders in the operation. TTP terrorists were planning to stage ‘terrorism’ in Karachi …

Setting out on an international journey frequently entails negotiating the nuances of passport power, and the recently published Henley & Partners Passport Index clarifies the world’s travel access hierarchy. The London-based company, which offers residency and citizenship consultancy services, teamed together with the International Air Transport Association to create a unique ranking that takes into account passport holders’ access to …

A recent change in UK law has made British citizens living abroad eligible to vote in United Kingdom Parliament elections. “British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK” said a news release issued here on Tuesday. The British High Commission Islamabad is actively …

The count of children in Pakistan who are not enrolled in school has surged to 25 million, revealed Caretaker Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi. Showing concerns about the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country, Jam Madad Ali Sindhi urged the parents to enroll their children in schools. Stippened through Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) will be given to …

The incidents of the PIA air hostess and cabin crew members slipping have been accelerated amid clouds of uncertainty prevailed on the national airline in the backdrop of the privatization process. Five crew members slipped in 2022 and seven in 2023 on overseas flights while most of PIA’s air hostesses have slipped in Canada. PIA spokesman admitted that no slipped …

In a significant move to ensure a fair and secure electoral process, Sindh’s Caretaker Interior Minister Haris Nawaz declared on Wednesday ban on the display of weapons during elections. Addressing the media in Karachi, Nawaz highlighted the responsibility of the Election Commission to oversee the elections, asserting the government’s commitment to providing full support in maintaining law and order. During …

In preparation for the upcoming general elections, the provincial government of Punjab has allocated a massive Rs4.18 billion for security and logistical arrangements. This significant budget underscores the importance of ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. Meanwhile, 222,747 personnel of the police, Rangers and Army will be deployed for security purposes. According to the documents of the finance …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Arif Alvi said that the adoption of modern agriculture technology is inevitable for his country to cope with the challenge of climate change. “By pushing farmers to adopt modern agriculture technology, Pakistan can also feed the world. In this regard, effective decision-making is needed as the country is blessed with abundant natural resources,” he said during a …

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Heavy fog shrouded Northwest Pakistan’s Peshawar on Tuesday as motorways temporarily closed in the area, affecting the daily life of local residents. Vehicles move on a road in heavy fog in northwest Pakistan’s Peshawar on Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Saeed Ahmad/Xinhua) A man rides a motorbike on a road in heavy fog in northwest Pakistan’s Peshawar on …

Former prime minister Imran Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court for bail in the Toshakhana and 190 million pounds cases. Imran’s counsel filed separate applications for bail in both cases. The court has been requested to grant bail till the final decision of the case in the accountability court. The accountability court had earlier rejected Imran Khan’s bail plea …

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi said on Monday that a significant number of foreign journalists and observers have expressed keen interest in covering the upcoming 2024 elections in Pakistan. Contrary to speculation that international media outlets were hesitant to send their representatives due to perceived risks, Solangi revealed that 174 foreign journalists have applied to cover the elections, …

The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on an appeal of former judge of the Islamabad High Court, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, against his removal from office. A five-judge bench of the court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, heard the appeal. The CJP said, if deemed necessary, the case could be re-heard. At the outset of the proceedings, …

ISLAMABAD: As the mercury falls to single digits in Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, making the weather chilly and foggy on Sunday, a hotel hall decorated with traditional Chinese red lanterns was a source of warmth and coziness for people gathered to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. Buzzing with slogans of “Long Live Pakistan-China Friendship,” the hall was filled with …

The caretaker government of Pakistan issued permits to foreign media for the coverage of the upcoming general election scheduled to be held on February 08. Sources revealed that the government issued election coverage permits to 35 foreign journalists from China, Japan, America, London, Canada, China’s Hong Kong, and Singapore during the initial phase. It is worth mentioning here that the …