The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, for a key position in women’s cricket management following the resignation of Tania Malik. While Shehrbano’s public service background is commendable, it raises questions about the PCB’s decision to prioritize bureaucrats over individuals with cricketing expertise. The leadership role in women’s cricket should ideally be filled by someone who understands the nuances of the game, the challenges players face, and the dynamics of cricketing culture. Former cricketers, who have firsthand experience and insights into the sport, are better positioned to advocate for the…
Author: Saifullah
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan has called upon the international community and various organizations to hold Israel accountable for the recent massacre of journalists in Gaza. The United Nations General Assembly designated November 2nd as a day to highlight the need for protection and justice for journalists worldwide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the critical role journalists play in keeping the public informed, stating that they often face numerous dangers and hardships in their pursuit of truth. He expressed regret over the violence and threats journalists endure, particularly in…
LAHORE: In a tragic incident, three family members—a man and his two sons—were shot dead in Lahore while heading to court for a scheduled appearance in broad daylight. According to police reports, unknown gunmen opened fire on Saggian Road, targeting the father and his sons as they traveled by rickshaw. Initial investigations suggest that the assailants arrived on motorbikes, with motives pointing to an old enmity behind the brutal attack. In the crossfire, another individual sustained injuries. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the incident, demanding a report from Lahore’s CCPO and expressing condolences to the bereaved…
ISLAMABAD: The government is deliberating on an installment plan to support low-income and middle-class citizens preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage. Under the proposed plan, pilgrims will have the option to pay their Hajj expenses in three installments instead of a lump sum. This initiative has been submitted for approval by the federal cabinet. Sources suggest that this installment option is part of the government’s comprehensive Hajj policy, which is anticipated to gain the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ endorsement. The new payment structure will allow prospective pilgrims to cover a total cost of Rs 1.1 million in three parts. Initially, applicants…
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has greenlit two significant infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the ongoing traffic challenges in Islamabad. These initiatives are expected to enhance daily commutes for residents of both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The foundation stones for the Serena Chowk Interchange and F-10 Exchange Chowk Interchange will be laid next week. The completion timelines for these projects have been significantly expedited; the Serena Chowk Interchange is set to be operational in just three months, incorporating two underpasses and connecting roads. Meanwhile, the F-10 project will take four months to complete and will feature a flyover, an underpass,…
During Imran Khan’s recent court appearance for the high-stakes £190 million Al-Qadir Trust scandal, his unexpected silence and absence of family support sparked intense speculation. Known for seizing any chance to address the media, Khan’s unusual quietness raised eyebrows. Bushra Bibi, his wife, and other close family members were nowhere to be seen—a fact that seemed to deepen the aura of isolation around him. In past proceedings, Khan had been vocal, even using the court rostrum to address grievances, often calling out perceived injustices and rallying his supporters. But this time, he stood in silence, not a word to the…
Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $1 billion from its Resilience and Sustainability Trust, aiming to counter climate risks and propel the country’s shift toward sustainable energy. Currently, Pakistan’s power sector grapples with a circular debt crisis that has ballooned to Rs2.66 trillion ($9.5 billion). This increase stems largely from inefficiencies in the power distribution system and costly contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). To mitigate these issues, the government plans comprehensive reforms focused on optimizing IPP costs, reassessing fiscal impacts on consumers, and fostering competition through electricity unbundling. This approach is expected…
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a “Digital Democracy” workshop in Peshawar aimed at equipping Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly parliamentarians with tools to counter misinformation effectively. The workshop is part of a broader initiative to help lawmakers understand digital trends, enhance social media skills, and promote informed public engagement. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General at PIPS, emphasized the urgency of addressing misinformation, noting the role of emerging AI technologies in spreading inaccuracies, especially among the youth. “This workshop is essential for parliamentarians to stay ahead in countering digital misinformation,”…
MONG KOK: Pakistan secured a confident victory over India in the Hong Kong International Sixes tournament on Friday, chasing the target with an over to spare, thanks to a powerful half-century by Asif Ali. India’s innings started strong, with skipper Robin Uthappa scoring 31 runs, including three fours and three sixes, before Pakistan captain Faheem Ashraf bowled him out. Bharat Chipli was India’s standout player, hitting a half-century in just 16 balls with six fours and four sixes. Chipli was eventually forced to retire due to an injury. Soon after, Jedar Jadhav was dismissed, hitting Ashraf’s delivery into Shahab Khan’s…
ISLAMABAD: In a move to enhance border security, the government has announced the installation of biometric systems at all major airports across Pakistan. The Ministry of Interior has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to expedite the process, focusing on the addition of biometric verification at international immigration counters. This biometric requirement aims to tighten control over passenger identification, making it more difficult for wanted criminals or fugitives to travel domestically or internationally. Read More: KP Govt Inks Rs 8 Billion Deal for Swat Power Transmission Line The Ministry has also highlighted the broader applications of biometrics in improving airport security…
