QUETTA: Reports indicate that the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) has made the decision to nominate its candidate for the position of Chief Minister in Balochistan. The party has reached out to the National Party, Awami National Party (ANP), and Balochistan National Party (BNP) regarding this matter. Insiders reveal that besides the chief ministerial candidacy, JUI-F is also preparing to contest for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker in the provincial assembly. Party leaders are scheduled to convene with representatives from other political entities to explore potential alliances. It’s worth noting that the Punjab and Sindh Assemblies have already elected…
Author: Sajjad Ali
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday predicted a combination of wind and rainfall in parts of Pakistan starting from February 29, along with snowfall anticipated in the upper and central regions of the country. Rainfall is expected in several areas of Punjab on February 29 and March 1, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Gilyat likely to experience rain on March 1 and March 2. Additionally, regions including north and southwest Balochistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and nearby hilly areas are forecasted to experience rain accompanied by gusty winds or windstorms.
ISLAMABAD: A five-member panel of the Election Commission of Pakistan postponed the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) request for the allocation of reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies until Wednesday. The top electoral authority halted the issuance of notifications for 23 reserved seats, sparking a dispute between the government and President Arif Alvi. President Alvi declined to summon the National Assembly session, deeming it “incomplete” due to the pending notifications. The ECP panel held a public hearing on the matter after sending a notice to the SIC, which now includes numerous independent candidates supported by the PTI. This decision…
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister and founder of PTI Imran Khan, and his wife Bushra Bibi were formally charged in a £190 million scandal reference case during a hearing held at the Adiala Jail accountability court on Tuesday. The court has requested five witnesses to appear in the next hearing. Presiding over the hearing in Adiala Jail, Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi denied the charges brought against them by the prosecution. Startling revelations have emerged from the investigation report into the £190 million scam case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army intercepted and brought down an Indian spy quadcopter engaged in surveillance operations along the Line of Control (LoC). The incident took place on February 25, underscores the ongoing tensions between the neighbouring countries. The Indian Air Force quadcopter, detected conducting reconnaissance activities, was swiftly neutralized by the Pakistan Army around 1 pm, resulting in the destruction of the unauthorized aircraft and its occupants. Remnants of the downed quadcopter were discovered on Monday, bearing an insignia belonging to an Indian Air Force unit, providing concrete evidence of its origin and affiliation. The presence of this insignia confirms…
MARDAN: Superintendent of Police (SP) Ijaz Khan was martyred while three other officials, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), sustained injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The encounter erupted in Zada Mata area of the district on Tuesday as law enforcement agencies engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists, leading to the martyrdom of SP Ijaz Khan. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesman confirmed the incident, highlighting that the brave SP fell victim to the terrorists’ indiscriminate firing. The injured officials, including the DSP, were rushed to the hospital for urgent…
ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers in Pakistan are set to face higher bills following a recent decision by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Announced late on Monday, NEPRA has approved a Rs 7.5 per unit increase in the price of electricity, effective from the January monthly fuel adjustment. This change will be reflected in consumers’ March bills. Household and commercial electricity bills are expected to rise due to this decision, as consumers will incur additional costs. However, it’s worth noting that this increase will not affect Lifeline and K-Electric consumers, who are covered by special subsidy programs. NEPRA’s decision aims…
ISLAMABAD: The Awami National Party (ANP) has announced its endorsement of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Balochistan, expressing its support for the PPP in the upcoming Senate and indirect Presidential elections, expected to take place first week of March. This declaration came after a meeting between a delegation from the ANP and former President Asif Ali Zardari, who serves as the co-chairman of the PPP. The ANP delegation, led by Zamurk Khan, Senator Daud Khan, and Senator Umar Farooq, gathered to discuss strategic alliances and future political collaborations. During the meeting, the ANP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to backing…
In an electrifying showdown, Peshawar Zalmi secured a nail-biting eight-run triumph against Islamabad United during the 13th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine on Monday night. Batting first after winning the toss, Islamabad United opted to invite Zalmi to set the pace. Openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub delivered an impressive start, crafting a solid 77-run partnership in just 7.2 overs. Ayub’s innings of 38 runs off 21 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, set the stage for Zalmi’s strong start before he was dismissed by Agha Salman. United’s bowlers, led by skipper Shadab Khan, then…
A private meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning Afghanistan is anticipated to focus on the selection of a UN special representative for the nation. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, is slated to provide a briefing to the council during the session. Additionally, the meeting will include the reading of a joint statement from eleven countries, including the US, UK, France, Japan, and Switzerland, addressing Afghanistan. The meeting aligns with Resolution 2721 of December 29, 2023, which, among other provisions, called for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Afghanistan by the Secretary-General following consultations with…