In the most recent economic assessment, the Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group saw a modest 0.06% decline week on week (WoW), concluding the week ending December 14, 2023. However, a significant year-on-year increase of 43.16% in the SPI indicates notable shifts in pricing dynamics compared to the corresponding period last year. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the combined index slightly decreased to 311.58 from 311.78 recorded on December 7, 2023. Contrasting with figures from a year ago on December 15, 2022, the index has surged from 217.64. Among the 51…
Author: Saifullah
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja engaged in a crucial meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Friday to deliberate on the ramifications of the Lahore High Court (LHC) order nullifying the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification to enlist bureaucrats as returning officers (ROs) for the upcoming general election in 2024. The meeting, held at the Supreme Court and attended by Justices Sardar Tariq and Ijazul Ahsan, along with Attorney General Mansoor Usman, addressed the LHC’s suspension of the ECP’s notification, highlighting the intricacies of the legal dispute. The CJP, after consulting with two…
In an ambitious endeavor to preserve the dwindling population of white-rumped vultures, WWF Pakistan launched a comprehensive breeding program spanning the rural landscapes of Sindh and selected districts in Punjab. Initiated in 2015, the ‘Vulture Restaurant,’ an artificial habitat meticulously crafted by WWF, has begun to bear fruit, witnessing the birth and successful maturation of 32 white-rumped vultures. The brainchild of WWF Pakistan’s regular planning, this innovative habitat mirrors the natural environment. Constructed with a combination of wood, grass, iron structures, and iron nets. Aiming to seamlessly represent the vultures’ native surroundings, the habitat ensures a conducive space for the…
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has recently established a new firm, registering with the US Department of Justice for fundraising and lobbying endeavors. The newly elected chairman of PTI, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, was named as the foreign principal, although he expressed unawareness of this development when approached by the Hum Investigation Team. Documents submitted to the Department of Justice on December 8, 2023, outline the firm’s objectives, focusing on democratic reform, financial and educational elevation, improved economic and production levels, and fostering harmony among Pakistani citizens with the US. Registered under the PTI Chicago Chapter, the firm, bearing registration number…
In a proactive measure to address concerns and enhance efficiency, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Mohsin Naqvi conducted an impromptu visit to the Police Khidmat and Tahaffuz Markaz Liberty. During this surprise inspection, CM Naqvi promptly addressed complaints regarding delays in license renewal and issued crucial instructions to expedite the re-driving test period to a maximum of two weeks. Engaging with citizens waiting in long lines, CM Naqvi personally interacted with individuals seeking licenses and learner permits, gaining valuable insights into their experiences. Recognizing the substantial crowd at the entrance, he instructed the installation of canopies to provide comfort, especially in…
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) unveiled Pakistan’s inaugural Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Hotline in a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday. Developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), this groundbreaking initiative aims to establish a robust national referral mechanism. A comprehensive management information system (MIS), ultimately ensures more efficient and coordinated services for victims of human trafficking under a unified system. Shireen Malik Sher, Additional Director of FIA and the project’s focal person, played a key role in the successful completion of the project. Under the supervision of Israr Ahmed Khan, Director Anti-Human Smuggling Directorate of FIA.…
An accountability court in Islamabad granted a two-day physical remand for Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the Toshakhana case. Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir issued the directive during the hearing at Adiala Jail, rejecting the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) initial request for a 7-day remand. This decision follows the dismissal of Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail plea in the Toshakhana case a day earlier. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had recently reserved its verdict on Khan’s plea seeking the suspension of his conviction in the Toshakhana case. The former prime minister was disqualified on October 21, 2022, by the…
The Chief of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Khurram Waris, reported that apprehended terrorists had elaborate plans to target the Karachi-Rohri train. The detained individuals, associated with a proscribed group known as Ashraf (aka Achoo) and Zeeshan Hameed, were also scheming to kidnap a fruit dealer in interior Sindh, intending to relocate him to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as revealed by the CTD in charge. Read More: Tragic Road Accidents Claim Lives in Bahawalpur Subsequently, explosive materials were seized from the arrested terrorists who had allegedly received training in bomb-making from Afghanistan. Ongoing investigations are delving deeper into their activities.
In a tragic incident in Bahawalpur, at least five people lost their lives, and nine others sustained injuries when a bus collided with a truck on the national highway. The collision led to a fire in the truck, but rescue teams promptly responded to the scene to address the aftermath. In a separate road accident in Kandhkot, seven people were killed, and several others were injured as a speeding truck collided with a passenger van on the National Highway near Karampur. The collision involved a Punjab-bound truck from Karachi and a passenger van en route to Sukkur from Kandhkot. The…
President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term planning to foster sustainable growth in the tourism industry and attract foreign investment. Speaking at the 3rd Sustainable Mountain Sports Tourism Conference 2023 in Islamabad, he highlighted the crucial role of improved infrastructure, effective management, and a clean environment in capturing the interest of international tourists. President Alvi stressed the importance of providing more facilities to the tourism industry, identifying sports, particularly mountaineering, as a potential revenue source. He underscored Pakistan’s wealth of captivating attractions, including the highest mountain peaks, picturesque coastlines, ancient civilizations, and a rich cultural heritage.…