In response to the current harsh weather conditions, the caretaker government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has decided to reinstate the free travel facility for students using Metro Buses and Orange Line Trains. This initiative aims to provide relief to students up to class XII, allowing them to travel for free on all Lahore Metro Buses and the Orange Line Train until the commencement of the summer vacation. Previously implemented in response to rising oil prices last year, the free public transport for students had been temporarily suspended just before the winter break. However, the…
Author: Saifullah
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Karachi authorities detected the JN.1 COVID-19 variant in three more international air travelers, all originating from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Positive results emerged from rapid antigen tests conducted at Jinnah International Airport, confirming cases of the variant in a 21-year-old from Naseerabad, a 22-year-old from North Waziristan, and a 22-year-old from Mohmand Agency, recently arriving in Karachi from Jeddah. This brings the total JN.1 variant cases in Karachi to five, as confirmed by the Aga Khan Laboratory. The JN.1 variant, classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and…
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan announced on Friday that the moon of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has been sighted. Despite cloudy weather, the crescent was observed during the moon-sighting session in Islamabad. The first day of Rajab 1445 AH will be on Saturday, January 13. Rajab holds significance for Muslims as it commemorates the miraculous night journey of the Holy Prophet known as Isra and Miraj. This sacred month precedes the arrival of Ramadan, expected to begin in mid-April this year. The moon sighting committee collaborated with SUPARCO, the Ministry of Science and Technology,…
The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has changed the constituency for former federal minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. He will now contest the election from NA-47 in Islamabad, instead of NA-48, where he was initially issued a ticket. NA-47 was originally assigned to Aamir Kiani of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party under a seat adjustment deal, but PML-N has reclaimed it for Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. Anjum Aqeel Khan has been named the PML-N candidate for NA-46 in Islamabad. The notification was issued by the head of the PML-N election cell, Ishaq Dar, with the approval of party president Shehbaz Sharif.
According to a recent Gallup Pakistan survey, Nawaz Sharif has become the most popular leader in Punjab, gaining ground nationally, while Imran Khan’s popularity has slightly declined. The survey, conducted in June and December, reveals Nawaz’s national popularity rose from 36% to 52%, whereas Imran’s declined from 60% to 57%. In Punjab, Nawaz scored 60% against Imran’s 53%, potentially impacting future elections. Notably, the overall mood suggests a close competition between PTI and PML-N in Punjab, with a marginal 2% gap. This narrowing gap could influence both parties’ seat acquisition, as Punjab holds over half of the National Assembly seats.
Former federal minister and PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood announced his withdrawal from the upcoming general election scheduled for February 8. In a tweet, he mentioned submitting nomination papers for NA-128 and PP-170 constituencies in Lahore but decided to step back. Mahmood clarified that he is not a candidate from any constituency, expressing reliance on Allah’s support. Meanwhile, PTI announced candidates for Khyber district, with Iqbal Afridi for NA-27 and Allama Adnan Qadri for PK-69. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speaking outside the Supreme Court, emphasized their commitment to holding timely elections, hoping for Supreme Court intervention. He also stated that all…
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing in the PTI’s electoral symbol bat case until Saturday. Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the independence of the Election Commission and expressed readiness to work during the weekend. PTI lawyer Hamid Khan requested time until Monday to prepare, but the Chief Justice suggested continuing the proceedings over the weekend. The Chief Justice underscored the importance of timely and lawful elections. The discussion included the release of the detailed verdict from the Peshawar High Court, with the Election Commission lawyer asserting their right to appeal and the PTI lawyer questioning…
The Pakistani rupee appreciated against the US dollar in the interbank market, closing at Rs280.36 on Friday, marking a gain of 75 paisa or 0.27% from the previous close of 281.11. The surge follows the approval of a $700 million IMF loan tranche on Thursday, part of a $3 billion bailout package. The loan aims to support Pakistan’s economic stabilization program and facilitate social and development spending. The IMF commended Pakistan’s fiscal discipline, exchange rate flexibility, monetary policy tightening, and structural reforms, contributing to positive developments in the energy sector, state-owned enterprises, and climate resilience. With increased foreign exchange reserves…
Rawalpindi police have neutralized six alleged criminals, including the mastermind behind a brutal crime against a British-Pakistani citizen, in two separate encounters. The first clash near Race Course Police Station involved Sajid alias Guttu, Hassan, Muhammad Ali alias Babio, and Waseem, members of an inter-provincial gang responsible for various crimes, including the recent robbery leading to the death of Tasir Mehmood. All four suspects were swiftly eliminated, and recovered items included the victim’s belongings, weapons, and police uniforms. In the Morgah Police Station area, a second encounter ensued as officers attempted to stop four motorcycle riders. In the exchange,…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, in consideration of the approaching Holy month of Ramzan, has opted to defer the matriculation exams originally set for March 14. The rescheduled date for the exams is now April 18. Nasarullah Khan Yousafzai, Chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Peshawar, revealed the adjustment in consultation with all KP board chairmen. Read More: ECP Challenges PHC Decision on PTI’s ‘Bat’ Symbol The government’s directive, aimed at avoiding inconvenience for students and teachers during Ramazan, prompted this decision, as confirmed by the controller of examinations.
