LAHORE: The governments of Punjab and Sindh have officially announced revised school timings for both private and public institutions during the holy month of Ramazan. The adjusted schedules aim to accommodate students and staff observing fasting. According to a notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department, single-shift schools will operate from Monday to Thursday between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, while on Fridays, they will close at 12:30 PM. For double-shift schools, the morning shift will run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, while the second shift will be from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. On Fridays, the second…
Author: Saifullah
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KARACHI: In a shocking twist to the Mustafa Amir murder case, investigative agencies have uncovered an international drug trafficking and money laundering network tied to the victim and his associates. The probe has now expanded significantly following explosive revelations by Sahir Hassan, son of renowned actor Sajjad Hassan, who is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. The case, initially focused on the murder of Mustafa Amir, took an unexpected turn when the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) discovered links to a global drug trade. Officials are now investigating a sophisticated drug smuggling ring that reportedly…
Masato Kanda, a seasoned financial strategist and former top currency diplomat of Japan, has officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as of today (Monday). Kanda, who gained global recognition for his aggressive interventions to stabilize the yen—earning him the moniker “Mr. Yen”—brings decades of expertise in international finance and economic policy to the role. A Legacy of Innovation and Stability Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, continuing Japan’s long-standing leadership at the ADB. In an official statement, the ADB highlighted Kanda’s vast experience in economic policymaking and market intervention, emphasizing his ability to navigate financial…
Armaghan Qureshi, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Mustafa Amir, has confessed to the crime while in police custody, shedding light on the horrifying details of the incident. During interrogation, Armaghan admitted to attacking Mustafa Amir with a folding rod, causing injuries to his hands and feet. He then fired three shots with his rifle, claiming it was only to intimidate him. He further revealed that he was under the influence of drugs at the time. In his confession, Armaghan stated that after assaulting Mustafa, he taped his mouth shut and bound his hands and feet before locking…
ISLAMABAD: In a significant legal development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted bail to more than 120 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers who were arrested in connection with the November 26 protests in the capital. Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued orders for their immediate release, while Justice Muhammad Asif formally approved the bails. The ruling comes as a relief for the embattled PTI, which has been entangled in multiple legal battles involving its founder, senior leadership, and party workers. As part of the bail conditions, the IHC has directed all 120 PTI workers to submit an affidavit at their…
KARACHI: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has strongly opposed the government’s deregulation policy and issued a warning of a nationwide petrol pump shutdown if their demands are not met. In a video statement, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan rejected the deregulation formula for petroleum product prices, warning that it would pave the way for large-scale smuggling and fuel adulteration. Khan explained that deregulation would allow individual petrol stations to set their own prices, potentially leading to market instability. In response, the PPDA has convened an emergency meeting of its central committee and announced that protest banners will be displayed…
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court’s seven-member Constitutional Bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, resumed the critical hearing on the legality of military courts, focusing on their authority to try civilians. Representing former Prime Minister Imran Khan, lawyer Uzair Bhandari presented his arguments, emphasizing that the armed forces derive their powers strictly from Article 245 of the 1973 Constitution. He asserted, “The military cannot operate beyond the scope of Article 245, which only permits their involvement in civilian affairs under specific circumstances.” Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired about the official notification enforcing Article 245 during the events of May 9 and 10.…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the evacuation of four villages in Kurram Valley following a surge in sectarian violence. The crisis, which Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur described as having “roots going back 130 years,” has escalated in recent weeks, prompting fears of further bloodshed. In a high-level meeting, officials decided to evacuate Ucheat, Mandori, Dadkamar, and Bagan to protect civilians from the ongoing clashes. Security forces will conduct search operations in the evacuated areas to dismantle armed groups. “This is not just an internal issue; external forces are also involved,” Gandapur stated, emphasizing that weapons were being…
Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have launched a sweeping crackdown on Islamic literature, seizing hundreds of books written by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, the late founder of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The police carried out raids on various bookshops, igniting protests and fierce criticism from Muslim leaders and human rights advocates. According to local reports, plainclothes officers initiated the raids in Srinagar, the region’s largest city, before expanding the operation to other towns across the Muslim-majority valley. The seized books include writings by Maududi, a 20th-century Islamic scholar whose works have influenced generations of Muslim thinkers worldwide. Police officials claim the operation was…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rainfall and thunderstorms across Punjab, Islamabad, and northern regions from February 19 to 21, bringing an end to the prolonged dry spell. Snowfall is also expected in upper areas. A frontal weather system will enter northern Pakistan on February 19 and persist until February 21, affecting multiple regions. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, will receive rain and thunderstorms from February 19 to 20. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall will impact Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad,…
