Author: Saifullah

KARACHI:The Federal Ministry of Interior has defended the ban imposed on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter, in Pakistan, calling it a measure for national security. The Ministry of Interior submitted its reply to the Sindh High Court in the X ban case, stating that hateful content against the country’s institutions was being uploaded on X, necessitating the ban. The ministry emphasized that the ban is in place for national security and to uphold the country’s dignity. They argued that the ban does not violate the fundamental constitutional right to freedom of expression, citing Article 19, which…

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated Pakistan Army officer Julian Moazzam James, a member of the Christian community, on his promotion to the rank of major general. In his congratulatory message, PM Shehbaz highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Christian community to the progress, development, and defense of the country. He expressed his best wishes for James’ future endeavors, noting that his professional skills and dedication serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. James is the first Christian army officer to be promoted to the rank of major general. Last month, Helen Mary Roberts, also from the minority…

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SEOUL: A robot recently fell down a flight of stairs in South Korea, leading to its breakdown and subsequent malfunction. The incident has sparked speculation about whether the robot experienced a technical error or something more complex. On June 26, 2024, Gumi City Council announced that their premier administrative officer robot was found unresponsive after apparently falling down a six-and-a-half-foot flight of stairs. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the robot circling in one spot before the fall. The Council is investigating the “apparent suicide” of the robot administrative officer. The robot, which had been in service since August 2023, was found defunct…

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ISLAMABAD:The Interior Ministry has decided to deploy the army nationwide as part of heightened security measures for Muharram. According to an official notification, the deployment will be carried out under Article 245. The Ministry of Interior has issued orders for the army to assist the civil administration during this period. The army, along with the Frontier Corps (FC), will be stationed in Sindh throughout Muharram. Directives have been sent to all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, detailing the deployment. This measure is being implemented at the request of the provincial governments, as well as the governments…

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PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) alert on Saturday for five mountainous districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to persistent higher-than-normal temperatures and an expected rain spell from Saturday to Monday next week. The weather advisory, issued by PDMA, warned the Deputy Commissioners of Chitral Lower, Chitral Upper, Dir Upper, Swat, and Kohistan Upper. “The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that due to persistent higher-than-normal temperatures and expected rain spells from July 6 to July 8 in the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is an increased likelihood of GLOF events, flash…

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LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has banned pillion riding in the province till Ashura and imposed Section 144 as part of enhanced security measures during Muharram. The ban on pillion riding will commence from the 7th of Muharram and continue until Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. Exceptions to the ban include elderly citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel. Section 144 has been imposed to prohibit statements that promote inter-sectarian, inter-faith, or racial hatred. As part of Muharram security measures in Punjab, the construction of barricades on buildings’ rooftops along the routes of processions is prohibited. Additionally, the Punjab government has…

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KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced the launch of electric vehicle (EV) taxis and Pink EV taxis by the Sindh Department of Transport, marking the first introduction of these services in Pakistan. This initiative by the Sindh Government’s Transport Department aims to offer a modern and eco-friendly transportation option for the public. The introduction of EV taxis and Pink EV taxis is a significant step towards sustainable transportation in Pakistan. The Pink EV taxis will specifically cater to female passengers, ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience. In May, Memon revealed plans to operate 200 electric…

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ISLAMABAD: Former PML-N leaders Miftah Ismail and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi officially launched a new political party, Awaam Pakistan, on Saturday, declaring it “open for all” to join. The new party aims to overhaul an outdated system they claim only benefits the elite. The leaders have long advocated for a new political entity to steer the country out of its enduring crises. Miftah Ismail, who served twice as finance minister in the PML-N government, criticized the current government, likening it to the East India Company. He highlighted the plight of the middle class, condemning recent tax hikes on salaried individuals and…

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Moderate candidate Masoud Pezeshkian called for unity on Saturday, urging the public to join him on “the difficult road ahead” after defeating a hardline rival to win Iran’s presidential election. In Friday’s run-off vote, Pezeshkian, the only moderate among the original four candidates, faced hardline former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, has committed to promoting a pragmatic foreign policy, reducing tensions in the now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.  Enhancing prospects for social liberalization and political pluralism. “Dear people of Iran, the election is over, and this is just the beginning…

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Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has announced that 2024 marks a significant milestone as Pakistan takes on the rotational Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG), the organisation’s second most critical decision-making body. During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch shared that Pakistan will host the SCO’s Heads of Governments meeting in October this year. Prior to the October summit, there will be a ministerial meeting and several senior officials’ meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs, and humanitarian efforts among SCO member countries. Baloch highlighted that Prime…

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