Author: Sajjad Ali

SWABI: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education department on Friday suspended nine female teachers in Swabi after they refused to participate in anti-polio vaccination drive. The department has taken disciplinary measures against them for failing to fulfill their responsibilities despite receiving training in administering polio drops. The suspension serves as a stern message that non-cooperation in public health initiatives will not be tolerated. Seven of the suspended teachers are associated with government schools in Razar Tehsil, while the remaining two are from Topi Tehsil. The Swabi Education Department has been proactive in preparing teachers for their roles in the polio vaccination drive…

KHYBER: The undocumented and illegal Afghan families have started to leave Pakistan on the Pak-Afghan Torkham border following the ultimatum issued by the government. The government has issued a one-month ultimatum, expiring on October 30, for undocumented and illegal Afghan families and immigrants to leave Pakistan. Since the announcement, 54 families have returned in the past few days. The repatriation process for Afghan refugees is underway following the decision by the federal government and the apex committee. Foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Pakistan must depart by October 31, or face arrest and deportation by law enforcement agencies. Caretaker Punjab Chief…

BEIJING: Afghanistan has secured a four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asian Games semi-final n Hangzhou, China, eliminating the latter from contention for the gold medal. Chasing a target of 116 runs, Afghanistan reached the goal in 17.5 overs, losing six wickets in the process. Captain Gulbadin Naib’s unbeaten cameo of 26 runs in 19 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, played a crucial role in their triumph. Noor Ali Zadran emerged as the top scorer for Afghanistan with 39 runs in 33 balls. Arafat Minhas and Usman Qadir claimed two wickets each for Pakistan. Earlier, after winning the…

DAMASCUS: The death toll from the drone attack on a Syrian military academy in the Homs province on Thursday jumped to 112 people, with 12 more succumbing to injuries on Friday. Among the victims, 21 were civilians, and authorities are attributing the attack to “terrorist organizations.” The targeted Syrian military academy was hosting a graduation ceremony for officers when weaponized drones were used in the assault, according to Syria’s defense ministry. Initially, the country’s Health Minister reported a lower death toll of 80, including women and children, and around 240 individuals suffered injuries of varying degrees. In response to the…

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday indicated to give its decision next week on  the plea challenging former prime minister Imran Khan’s  jail trial. Moreover, the IHC will also announce its reserved decision on appointment of the trial court judge in cypher case. During the hearing of the petition for an early decision by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat represented Chairman PTI in court. Marwat informed the court that the Imran Khan’s jail trial in the cypher case has commenced, but a decision on their appeal is still pending. The cypher case is scheduled for…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) reiterated that its recent operation against illegal immigrants is not aimed at any specific nationality. This clarification comes in the wake of the caretaker government’s ultimatum, directing all undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, to leave Pakistan by October 31, under the threat of imprisonment and deportation. The decision to launch this operation was made during a high-level apex committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, which included the army chief. The committee discussed implementing stricter border controls, requiring passports and visas for cross-border movement, and limiting the acceptance of electronic Afghan identity cards…

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has ordered deduction of 100 days’ salary of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for failing to provide requested information to appellants, despite clear orders from the Commission. The decision comes after two separate appeals filed by citizens Mr. Tariq Raheem and Farooq e Azam. The appellants had sought information related to an inquiry conducted against them, including copies of witness statements, cross-examination records, and other relevant documents. The Commission, in an order dated 21-02-2023, directed the public body to furnish the required information to the…

After hosting Afghan refugees for 45 years, Pakistan has decided to repatriate 1.1 million illegal Afghan refugees, issuing a one-month deadline for them to voluntarily return to Afghanistan. The government cites security concerns and the involvement of Afghan nationals in terror attacks as reasons for the decision. According to caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, there have been 24 reported suicide attacks in Pakistan this year, with 14 carried out by Afghan nationals, including the deadly Peshawar Police Lines suicide bombing. Despite a decline in violence since the departure of US-led NATO troops and the Taliban’s takeover, concerns persist. A report…

India has started construction of two contentious hydro projects, Kiru and Kwar, on the Chenab River, sparking concerns over potential violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 1960, as reported by The News. A legal dispute is already underway between Pakistan and India regarding the flawed designs of the 330MW Kishanganga and 850MW Ratle hydropower projects on Pakistan’s rivers. The two nations are entangled in a legal battle in the court of arbitration and with a neutral expert over these projects. Pakistan has recently raised objections to the designs of the Kiru hydropower project, capable of generating 624MW, and the…

KARACHI: Pakistan has banned the export of 212 items under the to Afghan Transit Trade agreement on Thursday The Ministry of Commerce has issued an SRO (Statutory Regulatory Order) in this regard under which 17 kinds of cloth, tea leaves, car tyres, cosmetics and toilet items have been bared to carry to Afghanistan. Under the SRO, nuts, dried and fresh fruits and home appliances like refrigerators, airconditioners, juicers, etc., have also been banned. A day earlier, Pakistan announced a 10 per cent processing fee on items imported under the Afghan transit trade agreement to curb the illegal entry of goods…