Gilgit: The abrupt decision by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to postpone the Shandur Polo Festival at the last minute has stirred significant controversy and disappointment among the stakeholders involved. A notification from the KP Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and Archaeology Department stated, “It is sincerely regretted to inform the general public that the Shandur Polo Festival, scheduled from June 28th to June 30th, 2024, is hereby postponed due to inclement weather conditions, till further orders in the best public interest.” This announcement has sparked concern and unrest, particularly among the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Many spectators and polo teams…
Author: Saifullah
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism on Tuesday about securing another bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Addressing a session of the National Assembly (NA), the Prime Minister mentioned that the budget had to be formulated in collaboration with the IMF. Prime Minister Sharif announced a 10% increase in the laptop quota and employment scheme for South Punjab. He highlighted that the motorway projects from Lodhran to Khanewal and from Dera Ghazi Khan to Muzaffargarh were originally federal projects but were completed using Punjab’s resources. Discussing the dissolution of the Public Works Department (PWD), the Prime Minister…
ISLAMABAD: Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka reserved the verdict on pleas by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, seeking suspension of their sentence in the iddat case on Tuesday. The decision will be announced on June 27 at 3 PM. The couple’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, and Khawar Maneka’s lawyer, Zahid Asif Chaudhry, appeared in court. Meanwhile, the hearing on their pleas for annulment of their conviction has been adjourned until July 2. Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the session court to deliver a verdict on Bushra Bibi’s plea…
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that no new duties will be imposed on solar panels for the general public during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affordable and renewable solar energy to all citizens, highlighting that comprehensive planning is underway to steer the economy positively. The PM stated that the country is moving towards economic stability, with efforts focused on boosting national exports by developing small and medium-sized industries. He stressed the elimination of privileges for the elite and those exploiting national resources, prioritizing economic security and equal growth opportunities…
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rains across various parts of the country starting June 26, bringing relief from the intense heat. Low-pressure air over Indian Gujarat will draw monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal into eastern Pakistan on June 26. This will lead to expected rains in Sindh, including Umarkot, Badin, Thatta, and Karachi. Karachi might also see rain from July 2 to July 3. Sindh can expect downpours from June 26 to July 1. The forecast includes rains from June 27 to July 1 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other cities. Bahawalpur,…
The Federal Cabinet has approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. The Prime Minister informed the cabinet about various rumors regarding the operation, clarifying that it aims to strengthen the people. The Federal Cabinet’s approval aligns with the National Action Plan Apex Committee’s decision. The Prime Minister emphasized that Operation Azm-e-Pakistan will be intelligence-based and will not intrude into people’s homes, ensuring no problems for ordinary citizens. Read More: GB Budget 2024-25: Gilgit-Baltistan Unveils Rs1.402 Trillion Financial Plan He assured that this operation would be different from previous ones, focusing on targeted actions to maintain peace and security.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert regarding potential flash floods and landslides due to anticipated heavy and light rainfall across various parts of Pakistan in July. The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has released a detailed monsoon forecast for July, highlighting expected rainfall intensities and potential impacts in different regions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Isolated rainfall expected in Mardan, Malakand, and Hazara divisions in the 3rd week, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in the 4th week. Punjab and Islamabad: 15-50mm rainfall forecasted in Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Islamabad in the 1st and 2nd weeks. Potential…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur clarified that the recent Apex Committee meeting did not discuss the “Azm-e-Istehkaam” operation. Instead, the meeting focused on formulating a policy for maintaining peace, law, and order, and combating terrorism. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Gandapur emphasized that the meeting aimed at ensuring absolute peace in the country and addressing the events of May 9. He refuted claims of having a meeting with the Army Chief. Gandapur also remarked on Governor Faisal Karim Kandi’s statements, asserting that it is not the Governor’s role to make political statements.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Law and Justice has announced the elevation of three high court judges to the Supreme Court, following the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari. The newly appointed Supreme Court judges are Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, LHC Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, and Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. These appointments were sanctioned under Article 177. With LHC Chief Justice Malik Shahzad’s elevation, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan has been appointed as the acting LHC Chief Justice by President Zardari under Article 196. Justice Shujaat will serve in this role…
Rawalpindi: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur indicated on Monday his desire to meet with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief as part of a dialogue to resolve the political impasse. Gandapur’s statement followed multiple signals from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold dialogues. Speaking to journalists after visiting PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Gandapur emphasized that Khan has always been open to talks but received no response. The KP CM reiterated that the terms for dialogue remain unchanged, seeking the restoration of PTI’s mandate and a probe commission on the May…
