ISLAMABAD: In response to recent Indian media reports suggesting that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the PCB is awaiting an official response from both the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), rather than relying on media speculations. Naqvi stressed that Indian media claims about the tournament not being held in Pakistan or India’s withdrawal had been circulating for months. “We remain focused on our preparations and are awaiting official responses,” Naqvi said, reaffirming that the Champions…
Author: Saifullah
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LAHORE: In response to the worsening smog crisis, the Punjab government has announced a temporary ban on public access to parks, zoos, museums, and sports facilities. The restriction will remain in place until November 17, according to a notification from the Environment Protection Department. The ban applies to major divisions including Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, as authorities work to mitigate the health risks posed by hazardous air quality levels. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has also mandated that markets close by 8 pm to combat the smog. Anyone found violating the public entry ban will face penalties under Section…
ISLAMABAD: A new petition challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment has been submitted to the Supreme Court, raising the total number of petitions to eight. The petition, filed by a group of current and former lawmakers, seeks to have the amendment declared unconstitutional. Among the petitioners are Akhtar Mengal, Chairman of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Fahmida Mirza from the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Mohsin Dawar, and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a former member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The petition specifically targets clauses 7, 14, 17, and 21 of the amendment, claiming they undermine judicial independence.…
A five-year-old girl from Fauji Colony in Rawalpindi’s Pirwadhai area has been reported missing after she went to a nearby shop and did not return. Her father, Yaqub Khan, reported that the child had gone out to make a purchase, but despite the family’s search efforts, she was nowhere to be found by nightfall, leading them to fear she had been abducted. Local police obtained CCTV footage that shows an unidentified man, dressed in shalwar kameez, speaking with the girl and then calmly walking away with her. According to the family, they do not recognize the man, nor does anyone…
ISLAMABAD: Security forces carried out an operation in South Waziristan, resulting in the deaths of at least five Khawarij terrorists, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Tragically, four soldiers lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire. The fallen soldiers were identified as Naib Subedar Taib Shah, Lance Naik Gulab Zaman, Lance Naik Muzzamil Mahmood, and Lance Naik Habibullah. The ISPR also stated that a clearance operation is ongoing in the area to ensure any remaining threats are neutralized. In a statement, the ISPR emphasized, “Security forces remain resolute in their mission to rid the homeland of terrorism,”…
Peshawar: In a significant meeting chaired by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the Apex Committee convened to discuss the current law and order situation across the province. The meeting was attended by the Provincial Finance Minister, Corps Commander Peshawar, Chief Secretary, IGP, and senior civil and military officials, reflecting the strong commitment to enhance security measures. During the session, participants conducted a comprehensive review of the law and order situation, especially focusing on districts experiencing heightened security challenges. Lengthy discussions culminated in the formulation of a new action plan, aimed at reinforcing security protocols and addressing the…
An overseas Pakistani business consortium, Al-Nahang Group, has made a substantial offer to acquire Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for Rs125 billion. In addition to the purchase bid, the group has committed to clearing the national airline’s extensive liabilities, estimated at Rs250 billion. This proposal, submitted to the ministries of privatization, aviation, and defense, highlights the group’s interest in revitalizing PIA and enhancing its international competitiveness. According to sources, Al-Nahang Group’s bid was submitted via email and includes several assurances aimed at protecting and improving the airline’s workforce. Notably, the group has pledged not to implement any layoffs. Moreover, they have…
The federal government has announced a significant reduction in sugar prices at utility stores, lowering the cost to Rs.140 per kilogram. This price cut, according to the latest notification, aims to bring relief to consumers struggling with rising inflation, providing essential goods at more accessible prices. Previously, sugar was priced at Rs.153 per kg, but recent adjustments saw it brought down to Rs.152, then further reduced to Rs.149, before finally reaching Rs.140 per kg. This cumulative reduction of Rs.13 per kg represents a consistent effort by the government to manage the high costs of essential commodities and support household budgets.…
Donald Trump’s election could impact US-Pakistan relations, but not in a straightforward way. Despite the perception that Pakistan had strong ties with the US under Trump, the reality was more transactional. Trump sought Pakistan’s assistance to negotiate with the Taliban, rewarding then-Prime Minister Imran Khan with a Washington visit. However, once the Taliban deal was secured, Trump largely disengaged. Under another Trump presidency, the US-Pakistan relationship is likely to remain a low-priority issue, mirroring the limited engagement seen during Biden’s tenure. While Biden aimed for a balanced, low-intensity approach, Trump may maintain this path, with focus directed by the State…
The slogan “Kya Hum Koi Ghulam Hai” gained prominence during Imran Khan’s government, with the former Prime Minister first using it during an interview to express defiance against foreign influence, particularly from the United States. This phrase later became a rallying cry for PTI supporters, symbolizing the party’s stance against external control, especially U.S. influence in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The controversy surrounding the so-called “cypher” escalated in March 2022, just before a no-confidence vote that eventually led to Imran Khan’s ousting. Imran publicly displayed a piece of paper during a rally, alleging it was a cipher that documented an international…
