KARACHI: In a recent development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reportedly disbursed Rs400 million to the state-owned Pakistan State Oil (PSO), marking a significant step in financial recovery. Following the restoration of its account by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), PIA made this fuel payment to PSO, ensuring the continuity of essential services. The national flag carrier is obligated to settle a total of Rs1.5 billion to PSO to maintain its credit limit, with an additional Rs1.10 billion required to reach the stipulated credit threshold. Earlier this month, PIA faced fuel supply disruptions at major airports in Saudi Arabia,…
Author: Saifullah
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Dubai: The Climate Summit COP28 commenced with a dedicated focus on addressing the escalating threat of climate change worldwide. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the summit, lauded the landmark operationalization of the loss and damage fund and called upon developed nations to lead efforts in drastic emissions reduction for a 1.5-degree world. Guterres emphasized the need for leadership, cooperation, and political will to achieve the 1.5-degree limit, asserting that it requires a complete halt to burning all fossil fuels. He urged governments to guide industries towards sustainable choices through regulation, legislation, fair carbon pricing, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and implementing…
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s call for immediate and effective measures against terrorist entities based in Afghanistan. Concerns were voiced regarding ongoing attacks on Pakistan by these groups, highlighting the need for swift action. Baloch expressed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful ties with Afghanistan, emphasizing solidarity amid the challenging humanitarian and security situation in the region. She underscored Pakistan’s international advocacy for the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Addressing questions, Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding workers and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). She asserted resilience against any terrorist threats to CPEC…
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa made a significant decision on Friday, opting to auction off the opulent vehicles bestowed by the government. In a decisive move, the Chief Justice penned a letter addressed to the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretary of Punjab, officially initiating the process of auctioning these vehicles. Notably, the letter specified that a 2020 Mercedes-Benz, valued at Rs61 million, and a bullet-proof Land Cruiser provided by the Punjab government would be among the auctioned vehicles. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa underscored the inappropriateness of importing luxury vehicles for constitutional posts in the letter. Significantly,…
The Islamabad District and Sessions Court delivered a decisive verdict, sentencing Tik Toker Aalian to life imprisonment on charges of theft and imposing the death penalty for murder. Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas, presiding over the case, highlighted the compelling evidence that led to this consequential judgment. Judge Tahir Abbas emphasized that the convicted individual, Aalian, personally identified the crime scene, and a pistol was recovered from him during the proceedings. The court decision underscored the role of witnesses who positively identified Aalian, solidifying the case against him. Based on the weight of evidence and witness testimonies, the court found…
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah is spearheading a transformative initiative in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, unveiling an ambitious plan to send 500,000 skilled workers overseas. The program, with a strategic focus on enhancing technical education, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills for success in international markets. This comprehensive initiative not only prioritizes workforce development but also includes a range of measures dedicated to improving the well-being and prosperity of the province’s residents. Chief Minister Shah shared this vision during his visit to the Peshawar Press Club, where he inaugurated a state-of-the-art 25 KV solar system. This eco-friendly…
In mounting uncertainty about the February 8 general polls, two petitions urging the postponement of elections have been submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The petitions cite security issues in Baluchistan and heavy snowfall affecting various districts as reasons for the delay. While ECP officials assert the readiness of electoral rolls, individuals from Baluchistan stress heightened security challenges, including terrorist activities. One petitioner emphasizes the challenging geographical terrain, arguing for a delay in the Kech district. The second petition, citing the impact of snowfall on voting feasibility, calls for a more suitable election time. Despite ECP’s dismissal…
LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, disclosed that two artificial rain projects are being considered to combat smog in Punjab, although World Bank officials disagree with these initiatives. Addressing the media in Lahore, Zaman emphasized the need for a thorough examination of smog causes, highlighting collaborative efforts with the World Bank to control its impact. Despite the World Bank’s preference for importing 30 electric buses to address smog, Zaman noted that Lahore requires 1400 buses for improved travel facilities. The decision to halt Chingchi rickshaw operations in Lahore has been made due to 900 illegal workshops and plans to…
Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to dismantle tribal councils (jirgas) responsible for ordering “honor killings.” Following the tragic case of a girl in Kohistan killed on a Jirga’s directive after a viral video, Nadia Rahman. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research in South Asia, expressed concern over the government’s failure to curb jirgas, running parallel legal systems that perpetuate patriarchal violence with impunity. Despite previous rulings by the Supreme Court deeming these councils’ contrary to international commitments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Convention on the Elimination of All…
In an unexpected twist, prominent Pakistani television host Waseem Badami became the canter of a social media storm when his X account, previously Twitter, fell victim to hacking. While Badami has not issued a statement regarding the breach, journalist Iqrar-ul-Hassan Syed confirmed the incident on X. The posts from Badami’s hacked account diverged significantly from his usual serious and professional online demeanor. The unidentified hacker’s initial post greeted followers with a friendly “hello” and a heart emoticon, followed by a casual “Morning darling.” The posts, increasingly unrelated to Badami’s typical content, hinted at potential revelations and concluded with advice on…
