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…
Author: Saifullah
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…
A US military aircraft, a CV-22 Osprey, crashed off Yakushima Island in southwestern Japan with six people on board. Japan’s Coast Guard reported one person found dead near the crash site. The hybrid plane attempted to land at Yakushima Airport with one engine on fire, according to Japan’s NHK broadcaster. Ospreys, capable of helicopter and turboprop functions, have a history of fatal crashes. The aircraft, traveling from Iwakuni base to Kadena base, disappeared from radar at 14:40 local time on Wednesday. The Coast Guard received a distress call five minutes later, deploying six boats and two helicopters. At 16:00, helicopters…
ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield reference case, as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) withdrew the case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb delivered the verdict on Sharif’s appeal challenging his conviction, overturning a 2018 accountability court decision sentencing him to 10 years in prison. The charges included ownership of assets beyond known income and non-cooperation with the NAB, serving concurrently. In December 2020, the IHC declared Nawaz Sharif a proclaimed offender, leading to his stay in London for almost four years. Upon his return last month, he filed…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani public is eagerly anticipating a significant reduction in fuel prices on December 1st, driven by the continuous decline in international crude oil prices. Notably, after the decrease in the prices of US and British crude oil in the global market, the cost of Russian crude oil is also experiencing a decline. International media reports reveal that the price of Russian oil per barrel has now dropped below $60, which is below the specified limit of $60 set by the European Union. This development is contributing to the overall downward trend in global crude oil prices, reaching their…
Karachi: Renowned Pakistani showbiz personality Madiha Imam recently enchanted social media as she tied the knot with Moji Basar in a lavish wedding ceremony held in India. The couple marked their inaugural visit to India, sharing glimpses of their joyous union on Madiha’s Instagram. Madiha looked radiant in a captivating pink ensemble, adorned with intricate jewellery and subtle makeup, while Moji Basar embraced traditional attire in a timeless black three-piece suit. The celebration reached new heights as Moji showcased his dance prowess, with Madiha sharing the lively moments on her Instagram story. The wedding has become a social media focal…
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar paid an important visit to Abu Dhabi’s national and cultural landmark, Wahat Al Karama, on Tuesday. His purpose was to honor the sacrifices of UAE heroes who laid down their lives in service to their nation. Welcomed by Sheikh Thayeb bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, the Prime Minister participated in a solemn Guard of Honour ceremony. Following this, he laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument, consisting of 31 panels symbolizing unity between the UAE’s leadership, people, and heroic soldiers.…
Muhammad Bilal Pasha, the CEO of the Cantonment Board in Banu district, KP province, tragically took his own life. The District Police Officer of Banu personally investigated the scene, precisely examining every detail. Concluding that the incident appeared to be a case of suicide. Police reports indicate that Bilal Pasha was embroiled in a domestic dispute. Compounded by the stress of his recent transfer from Banu to Rawalpindi. Notably, his ex-wife held a significant official position in Rawalpindi, contributing to the tension he experienced. The ongoing police investigation supports the initial assessment of suicide. Revealing that Bilal fired a single…
