slamabad: The Supreme Court has observed that civil servants are not legally bound to comply with unlawful orders, even if such directives come from the prime minister. The remarks were made during the hearing of a case related to illegal recruitments in Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). A three-member bench, headed by Justice Hashim Kakar, directed lawyers to properly prepare the case for further proceedings. During the hearing, the NAB prosecutor told the court that former minister Anwar Saifullah had instructed the OGDCL chairman to issue appointment letters. He added that the recruitment process should have been conducted…
Author: Web Desk2
Karachi: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has strongly condemned the Sindh government’s decision to withdraw security from its federal ministers, lawmakers, and senior leaders, calling it an attempt to intimidate the party for raising its voice against injustice. Reacting to the move, Federal Health Minister and MQM leader Mustafa Kamal said the withdrawal of security was meant to silence MQM, but added that the party would not back down under pressure. “This is an effort to scare us. We will not remain silent. If they have any other tactics, they should use them as well,” Mustafa Kamal said. He said…
Lakki Marwat: A terrorist attack on the Takhti Khel police post in Lakki Marwat was successfully repelled late at night, police said on Tuesday. According to police officials, around 15 armed terrorists launched an attack on the police post located within the limits of Saraye Naurang police station, taking advantage of darkness. Police personnel responded promptly and effectively, forcing the attackers to flee the area after an exchange of fire. No casualties were reported. District Police Officer (DPO) Lakki Marwat, Nazir Khan, said the police are fully prepared to counter Fitna-al-Khawarij, adding that the swift response reflects the force’s readiness…
UN Security Council Debate on Rule of Law United Nations: Pakistan has firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir has never been a part of India and will never be, responding to remarks made by the Indian representative during a debate at the United Nations Security Council on the rule of law. Speaking at the UNSC, Pakistan’s First Secretary Zulfiqar Ali rejected what he described as baseless and misleading allegations made by India against Pakistan. He said that such accusations are a longstanding tactic by India aimed at diverting international attention from its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Zulfiqar Ali…
Washington/New York: A powerful winter storm has brought life to a standstill across large parts of the United States, leaving at least 30 people dead and millions without electricity as extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and icy rain continue to disrupt daily life. According to international news agencies, the storm dumped more than one foot of snow from New Mexico to New England, covering major highways and forcing the suspension of road traffic in several regions. States including New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and North Carolina have declared a state of emergency, while more than 25 US governors have issued emergency alerts to…
LAHORE: A local court in Lahore on Monday extended the interim bail of social media influencers Rjab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak in a case concerning the promotion of an illegal app. During the hearing, the court approved requests to extend their bail until February 16. Both influencers appeared in court and completed their attendance formalities. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented the case record before the court. The investigating officer informed the court that the investigation is not yet complete and more time is required. The case was registered against Butt and Mubarak under allegations of promoting an…
OTTAWA: Canada has ruled out any plans to sign a free trade agreement with China following a warning from US President Donald Trump, who threatened heavy tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country has no intention of entering into a free trade deal with China. His statement came after Trump claimed on social media that China was increasing its influence over Canada. Trump warned that if Canada signed a free trade agreement with China, the United States would impose 100% tariffs on Canadian products. Clarifying the situation, Prime Minister Carney said that Canada’s recent understanding with…
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday kept the policy rate unchanged at 10.5%. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held earlier in the day. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad announced the decision at a press conference after the meeting. The central bank also decided to reduce the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) for banks from 6% to 5%. According to the MPC, inflation stood at 5.6% in December, while core inflation remained at 7.4%. The committee said economic growth was better than expected, with GDP growth projected at 4.75% in fiscal year…
BANNU: Two militants were killed when police foiled an attack on a mobile patrol van in Bannu district, police said on Monday. The incident took place in the limits of Domel police station, where militants opened fire on a police patrol during routine movement on Company Road. Police returned fire immediately, triggering a gun battle that lasted around 20 minutes. As a result of the exchange, two militants were killed, while police recovered weapons from the scene. No police personnel were injured in the incident, officials confirmed. In a separate incident, terrorists blew up a link bridge in the Miryan…
Emotional Farewell Marks a Historic Shift in China–Japan Relations Tokyo: Panda diplomacy between Japan and China has effectively come to an end as Japan prepares to send back its last two giant pandas to China, amid worsening diplomatic ties between the two Asian powers. On Sunday, thousands of people gathered at a Tokyo zoo to bid an emotional farewell to the twin pandas Xiang Xiang (Shan Shan) and Lei Lei, who are scheduled to return to China on Tuesday. Long queues were seen outside the zoo, with some visitors waiting over three and a half hours for a final glimpse…
