ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Natural Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood warning for several regions in the province due to ongoing heavy monsoon rains. The downpours have claimed 154 lives over the past six weeks. Pakistan, heavily affected by climate change, faces severe impacts from the current monsoon season. United Nations officials have warned that at least 200,000 people across the country could be affected. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that most fatalities have occurred in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to floods triggered by the rains. Authorities predict that water levels in rivers, dams, and streams…
Author: Saifullah
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Ulema-Mashaikh conference on Thursday, discussing the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, particularly high electricity costs. He announced that Rs50 billion has been allocated to support consumers using up to 200 units of electricity. However, he acknowledged that those consuming 200-500 units still face high costs. To tackle this issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured that discussions between the coalition government. The army chief are ongoing to create a comprehensive plan to alleviate the financial burden on electricity consumers. Provincial governments are expected to announce their plans soon. Read More: COAS Reaffirms Commitment to Safeguarding…
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has seen a significant brain drain in 2024, with many residents leaving Pakistan to seek employment abroad. This exodus reflects a broader national issue, but its impact is particularly severe in KPK, where economic hardships have driven many to seek opportunities elsewhere. Official records show that out of the 325,142 people who left Pakistan this year, a substantial number are from KPK, highlighting the province’s struggles with poverty and unemployment. In their desperation, many residents are resorting to illegal migration, often falling victim to forced labor and human trafficking networks. This situation underscores the urgent need…
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Asim Munir reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan against any attempts to sow chaos, declaring that no force can undermine the nation. Speaking at the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference, Gen. Munir emphasized that the gravest sin in Islam is “fasad-fil-arz” (spreading mischief on earth) and stressed Pakistan’s dedication to eradicating this threat. He declared, “If anyone tries to create chaos in Pakistan, we will stand against them.” The Army Chief highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality towards millions of Afghan refugees and urged them not to be swayed by extremist factions. He also acknowledged…
ISLAMABAD: The physical remand of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been extended for another 11 days in connection with the Toshakhana case. The hearing took place at Adiala Jail, where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) presented its investigation progress. Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana presided over the session. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were arrested shortly after their acquittal in the illegal marriage case last month, now facing charges related to the Toshakhana reference. The NAB inquiry report alleges that Khan misappropriated and sold seven luxury watches, including Rolex, diamond, and gold pieces, without…
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly on Tuesday that new machinery and software would be installed to increase the printing capacity of passports to 55,000 to 60,000 per day by the end of September this year. Responding to concerns over delays in issuing passports, the minister expressed optimism that the new system would help clear the existing backlog of applications. He noted that the process of implementing the new system had begun during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government and continues under the interim government. The minister emphasized that with the number of…
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has allocated a budget of Rs 140.46 million for print media advertisements for the fiscal year 2023-24. According to the Information Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (IDGB), regional weekly newspapers received Rs 9.59 million, regional daily newspapers were allotted Rs 68.32 million, and national newspapers were granted Rs 62.55 million during this period. The funds were distributed among 10 regional weeklies, 21 regional dailies, and 21 national dailies. The IDGB highlighted the ongoing preference for print media in government advertising, noting its role in supporting the industry and providing employment opportunities for journalists. However, the department also expressed…
ISLAMABAD: Leaders from the Sunni Ittehad Council and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have announced their intention to challenge the recent Election Act amendment, which prohibits party members from changing their affiliation. During a National Assembly session, PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan criticized the amendment, calling it a tactic to undermine the Supreme Court. He argued that the law infringes on fundamental rights and restricts political freedom, vowing to seek judicial review. Sahibzada Sibghatullah of the Sunni Ittehad Council echoed these concerns, describing the bill as an attack on both the Constitution and the Supreme Court. He accused the ruling party of undermining…
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon chaired a meeting to discuss the regulation of open air spaces for restaurants in the city. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive code of conduct for restaurant use of open areas. DC Memon instructed Assistant Commissioners to measure all relevant areas for accurate implementation. He emphasized that while open air dining will be permitted, any encroachment beyond approved spaces will not be tolerated. The initiative aims to balance the needs of restaurants with public convenience, ensuring fair and responsible use of open spaces in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and his family have donated over 31,000 square feet of land to the Balochistan government as a gift for Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day. The land, adjacent to Quaid-e-Azam’s Residency in Ziarat, is intended to be used as an environmental center. In a joint letter sent to the Balochistan government, Isa and Qazi Azmat Isa expressed their wish to donate the land for the benefit of the public. The letter also stated that the land is licensed to the government free of charge. The letter, dated August 2, 2024, was also sent to the president,…