In various parts of the country, including Islamabad, Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies are conducting flag marches to ensure security for the upcoming elections. Soldiers will be stationed outside polling stations to address any untoward situations promptly, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful elections. However, the day witnessed tragic incidents in Balochistan, with a bomb blast near the office of a political party in Khanozai, Pishin district, resulting in 13 casualties and 16 injuries. Another blast near a political party’s office in Qilla Saifullah district claimed eight lives and injured thirteen. President Dr. Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq…
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Tragically, ten children succumbed to pneumonia in Lahore on Wednesday, marking a distressing surge in the toll of this lung disease. In the country’s largest province, Punjab, 427 new pneumonia cases were reported in a single day, with Lahore alone registering 149 cases. The grim statistics for 2024 reveal over 20,000 pneumonia cases in Punjab, resulting in 319 deaths, and within Lahore, 4,050 cases accompanied by 58 tragic deaths. Health experts attribute the spike in pneumonia-related fatalities to the prevalent air pollution and smog in Lahore. Pneumonia, an infection affecting the lungs, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.…
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Hamza Shehbaz, are urging voters to choose the ‘lion’ symbol to address issues like soaring inflation. Ironically, these leaders cannot vote for their party’s candidate in NA-128, where they have a seat adjustment with Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) and are supporting Aun Chaudhry, symbolized by an “eagle.” PML-N candidates will compete in 212 out of 263 NA constituencies on February 8, leaving 51 seats open for rivals or allies. Notably, key PML-N figures will contest in various constituencies, aiming to strengthen their position in the upcoming elections through a seat adjustment…
In a formal statement, the spokesperson of the Iranian embassy in Islamabad unequivocally denounced the recent terrorist attack in Balochistan, expressing profound condemnation for the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries sustained during the incident. The spokesperson conveyed Iran’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan in this hour of grief, extending heartfelt condolences to both the government and citizens. Emphasizing empathy for the affected families grappling with the loss of their loved ones, the spokesperson underscored Iran’s sincere sympathy. As a tangible expression of their condemnation, the Iranian embassy took to social media platform X, sharing a poignant image…
In a groundbreaking move, prisoners across Punjab exercised their fundamental right to vote in the upcoming General Election 2024. Orchestrated under the vigilant supervision of Inspector General (IG) Jails, a total of 1,500 inmates from 43 prisons in Punjab actively participated in the electoral process through the facilitation of postal ballots. The meticulous execution of the voting procedure was entrusted to prison superintendents, who meticulously ensured transparency and integrity throughout the process, all while being monitored by surveillance cameras. Following completion, the sealed postal ballot papers were promptly dispatched to the relevant authorities. Mian Farooq Nazir, a representative of the…
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts the continuation of a cold spell in the northern regions of the country over the next 24 hours. Most parts of Pakistan are expected to experience cold and dry weather, with particularly frigid conditions in the upper areas. Rain, wind-thunderstorms, and snowfall are forecasted in isolated areas of northeast Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan. Cold winds are expected to sweep through upper Punjab during the evening and night, while shallow fog may persist in isolated areas of Punjab in the morning. The synoptic situation indicates continental air prevailing over most parts, with a shallow westerly…
In preparation for the general election on February 8, the Punjab Home Department has deployed the army in Kasur and Sheikhupura to guarantee a peaceful conduct of the electoral process. Pakistan Army troops, leaving their garrisons in various cities, will perform security duties in different parts of Punjab, reaching districts like Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, and Sargodha by tomorrow. The home department emphasizes that maintaining law and order during the election is the top priority, with all districts in constant communication with the army. Election arrangements are closely monitored, and CCTV cameras are being installed at sensitive polling stations. The army’s…
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has strengthened its communication channels by appointing two spokespersons, as per a recent notification. Nighat Siddiqui, serving as Additional Deputy General Gender Election Commission, and Hamid Raza Khan, appointed as Director Media Coordination and Outreach, will take on the role of spokespersons for the Election Commission. Read More: Gas Tariff Hike Adds to Citizens’ Economic Burden in Islamabad This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and facilitating effective communication within the department.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has increased gas tariffs by Rs 435 per MMBTU, addressing a Rs 98 billion shortfall, exacerbating the financial strain on citizens already grappling with inflation. Effective from January 1 to June 30, this marks the second increase in gas prices for the current financial year 2023-24. Sui Northern gas tariff surged to Rs 1,673.82 per MMBTU from Rs 1,238.68, and Sui Southern’s tariff rose to Rs 1,466.40 per MMBTU from Rs 1,350.68. OGRA’s recommended average increase of 23.16% aims to alleviate circular debt, currently at Rs 1,250 billion, per the IMF’s urging for…
Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab, Ijaz Anwar Chauhan, assured full readiness of the Election Commission during a news conference in Lahore. He stated that election materials for polling staff will be distributed tomorrow, with complete arrangements and issued SOPs for officials on police duty. Control rooms have been set up across Punjab, totaling 51,000 polling stations. An emphasis on adherence to SOPs was stressed, ensuring a secure environment at polling stations, with special security arrangements and the involvement of the Pakistan Army in Punjab. Clear instructions were issued to the Punjab government and federal institutions to follow Election Commission guidelines under…
