The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought clarification from the federal government regarding the potential trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a military court. The court raised serious concerns over the possibility of trying a civilian in a military court, emphasizing the gravity of the matter for both the petitioner and the judiciary. During the hearing, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb called on Assistant Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar, instructing him to consult with the Attorney General’s office and provide a clear response on the matter. The hearing was adjourned until the court receives clarification from the Attorney…
Author: Saifullah
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision to cut the policy rate by 2 per cent, reducing it from 19.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent. He expressed hope that this move would boost exports, investment, business, agriculture, and overall economic growth. While presiding over a federal cabinet committee meeting, he also anticipated that the policy rate could eventually drop to single digits, aligning with the country’s inflation rate. On negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), PM Sharif noted that discussions were progressing smoothly. He thanked friendly nations for their continued support, which has…
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has reduced the key policy rate by 200 basis points to 17.5%, marking the third consecutive rate cut. The new rate is effective from September 13, 2024. The decision follows a significant drop in both headline and core inflation over the last two months, primarily due to delayed energy price hikes and favorable global oil and food prices. Despite these improvements, the MPC highlighted the uncertainty surrounding these factors, which warranted a cautious approach. Key factors influencing the decision include declining global oil prices, improved business confidence, and a noticeable…
The government has increased the electricity tariff by Rs1.74 per unit through a quarterly adjustment, impacting consumers across the country, including those served by K-Electric and distribution companies (DISCOs). The revised rates, effective for September, October, and November, are expected to generate over Rs43 billion in additional revenue from consumers. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had submitted its decision on the quarterly adjustment to the federal government on September 6, which has now been approved and implemented. In a related development, the Punjab government has revoked its Rs14 per unit electricity subsidy for Islamabad consumers following objections raised…
In a bid to address escalating unrest in Balochistan, the federal government is expected to approve a proposal for establishing internment centres for terror suspects in the province. This move comes in the wake of a deadly series of terrorist attacks on August 26, which left over 50 people, including security officials, martyred. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks across 10 districts, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent years. In response, the government, alongside key stakeholders, reviewed the security situation and proposed granting special powers to law enforcement agencies, including the army,…
Residents of Swat and nearby regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a jolt on Monday as an earthquake struck the area. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors were felt across Swat and its surroundings, causing momentary panic among residents. The earthquake’s depth was recorded at 151 km, with the epicentre located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, a seismically active area known for frequent quakes. Despite the strong tremors, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties. Authorities are actively assessing the situation to ensure…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has issued sharp criticism of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, calling on them to take responsibility for the worsening law and order situation in the province. Speaking to the media, Kundi highlighted the lack of attention from PTI leaders during times of crisis. “When our province was facing a worsening law and order crisis, there was a noticeable lack of attention,” he remarked. Addressing speeches made at a recent PTI rally, Kundi expressed concerns over the use of undemocratic methods in recent political movements, stressing that such actions undermine the country’s political landscape. “My…
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday that the government is working to restore direct flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom as soon as possible, addressing the travel challenges faced by Pakistanis. Speaking to the Pakistani diaspora in London, Dar emphasized that efforts are underway, including legal adjustments to meet the UK Aviation Authority’s requirements, to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights. Dar attributed the suspension of flights to Europe, the UK, and other Western countries to an irresponsible statement made by a minister from the previous PTI government, which led to the grounding…
An international publication has claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan could play a pivotal role in bridging relations between Israel and Pakistan. A recent column in the Times of Israel suggests that the former cricketer-turned-politician could be instrumental in normalizing diplomatic ties between the two historically adversarial nations. The column posits that Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, offers a unique opportunity for diplomatic progress, citing his past efforts in tackling complex international issues and his potential to mend longstanding divides. The article emphasizes that despite the deep-rooted tensions between Israel and Pakistan, Khan’s leadership style,…
PTI founder chairman Imran Khan has filed an acquittal plea in an accountability court at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, concerning the 190 million pounds reference against him. The plea was submitted on Saturday following the Supreme Court’s recent decision reinstating amendments to the NAB laws. Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has also submitted a separate acquittal application related to the same reference. Khan’s legal representative requested that his plea be considered alongside Bushra Bibi’s application. NAB lawyers opposed the acquittal plea, arguing that the court retains jurisdiction over the case and that the reference should proceed in its entirety. They further…
