Author: Sajjad Ali

LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Aliya Hamza Malik and Sanam Javed in connection with the Shadman station attack case on May 9. Judge Arshad Javed presided over the hearing of the bail applications of both PTI leaders in the ATC, where nine cases were under consideration. During the proceedings, the prosecutor alleged that the women were involved in a conspiracy against the state during the incidents on May 9. The prosecution requested the court to revoke the bail granted to the female defendants. Subsequently, the court approved the bail petitions of both…

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has reserved its decision on petitions calling for the timely administration of oaths to members on reserved seats. A two-member bench consisting of Justice Attique Shah and Justice Shakeel Ahmad heard heard multiple pleas regarding the swearing-in process. Controversy surrounds the oath-taking on reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to a standoff between the provincial government and opposition factions. The deadlock arose from objections raised by the government against the KP governor’s decision to convene the assembly session at the opposition’s behest. Opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and…

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended an offer of national team captaincy to former captain Babar Azam, putting the current position of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi at risk. Sources reveal that PCB has reached out to Babar with the captaincy offer, to which he has proposed certain conditions for consideration by the board. Close associates of Babar Azam disclose that he is yet to finalize his decision on accepting the offer. However, he indicates that if his conditions are met, he may contemplate reassuming the position. It’s noteworthy that all cricket team members are currently engaged in…

PESHAWAR: The chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday announced his party’s decision to boycott the upcoming by-elections. In a video message, he stated that the JUI-F rejects the results of the February 8 elections, citing concerns over their legitimacy, which they believe favored the current government. Accompanied by major political parties such as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), the JUI-F alleges that the February 8 polls were marred by rigging. Fazl emphasized that the current parliament lacks true representation of the people and instead reflects the interests of the establishment. https://twitter.com/MoulanaOfficial/status/1772762611718688784 Fazl outlined plans…

Four children suffered severe burns and later died after a bed in their room caught fire ignited by a short-circuit caused by a mobile charger in Meerut city. The blaze erupted while the children were asleep, and despite their parents’ brave attempts to rescue them, all four children suffered severe burns and succumbed to their injuries. The parents, in their valiant efforts to save their children, also sustained burn injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in separate medical facilities. The mother’s condition remains critical, adding to the heart-wrenching ordeal faced by the family. Meerut city’s Superintendent of Police confirmed that…

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the district administration on Wednesday to permit Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally in Islamabad. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of IHC, presiding over PTI’s appeal for rally permission, emphasized that while conditions could be set, the right to rally cannot be denied. PTI, represented by lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat, expressed willingness to comply with all conditions for their planned April 6 meeting in Islamabad. The Standing Counsel cited security concerns for denying the rally permission, citing past rule violations by PTI. Chief Justice Farooq urged the imposition of standard conditions, stating that…

LAHORE: WWF-Pakistan organized a World Water Day seminar and a field visit to the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore where two groundwater recharge wells have been constructed as part of the Ravi River Restoration Project. The event brought together industry experts, academia, and members from the Ministry of Water Resources to witness the ongoing efforts made towards ensuring the responsible and efficient use of water resources in the region. The Ravi River Restoration Project, funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation in partnership with WWF-Pakistan is replenishing water through a combination of interventions including rainwater harvesting systems, recharge wells, floating…

ISLAMABAD: A letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) by judges of the Islamabad High Court, has brought to light accusations of interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence apparatus. The judges allege attempts to pressure them through means including abduction and torture of their relatives and covert surveillance within their homes. The letter, dated March 25, is directed to headed of SIC Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar, as well as chief justices of the IHC and Peshawar High Court. Signed by Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri,…

KARACHI: Karachi police conducted a raid on the residence of Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, a leader of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), in the city. According to reports, Jatoi’s spouse alleged that police forcefully entered their home at 3 am, breaking doors with excessive force. She accused the officials of violating the privacy of women and children and causing damage to their belongings. The spouse of the GDA leader claimed that the police mistreated the residents and harassed them, linking the incident to their refusal to align with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She asserted that her family is being targeted…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister, Dr. Musadik Malik, emphasized on Tuesday the government’s prioritization of the timely completion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, crucial for addressing energy demands. In discussions with Turkmenistan Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov, held in the federal capital, various avenues for enhancing bilateral trade, particularly through the TAPI project, were explored extensively. Dr. Malik highlighted the TAPI gas pipeline project’s significance in addressing Pakistan’s energy requirements and assured continued governmental support for its progress. Ambassador Movlamov briefed the minister on the upcoming Turkmenistan Energy Forum in Paris next month and extended an invitation for Dr. Malik’s participation…