Author: Sajjad Ali

As of April 22, 2024, Pakistan has seen a significant number of Afghan nationals, totaling 542,981, returning to their homeland, with the repatriation process still ongoing. Over a span of ten days, from April 13 to April 22, a total of 7,041 Afghan citizens opted for voluntary repatriation. This group consisted of 2,967 men, 1,834 women, and 2,240 children. During this period, 267 families were reunited and transported back to Afghanistan in 213 vehicles, ensuring their safe journey home. These concerted efforts aim to address the issue of illegal immigration while facilitating the return of Afghan nationals to their country…

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has announced ambitious plans to revitalize Thandiani and Gangwal, turning them into dynamic tourism hubs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This marks a significant stride forward for Pakistan’s tourism sector. Spanning across 58 acres in Thandiani and 60 acres in Gangwal, these Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) symbolize a joint endeavor between public and private stakeholders. In Thandiani, families can look forward to a welcoming retreat within the ITZ, featuring premium residential apartments, a quaint village atmosphere, and delightful culinary offerings. Similarly, the ITZ in Gunol aims to celebrate Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and talent, offering visitors…

After much deliberation, the UK Parliament has passed a bill allowing the government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda for their claims to be reviewed by the East African country. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced resistance from lawmakers and activists as efforts to challenge the legislation on human rights grounds intensified. Sunak’s endeavors encountered hurdles both within Parliament and in British courts. The British government’s allocation of millions of pounds to Rwanda for a program that has yet to yield results has brought significant embarrassment due to Sunak’s inability to implement the policy. The bill aims to deter irregular migration…

America has responded to Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan. In a statement, the spokesperson for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, expressed concerns regarding the trade agreements between Pakistan and Iran, suggesting that there could be risks of restrictions on such agreements. Miller emphasized the importance of being cautious about potential trade restrictions with Iran.  He said that the United States is a significant export market for Pakistan. Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted America’s commitment to maintaining the partnership between both countries. Additionally, the United States has communicated to Israel its intention to facilitate the return of displaced…

Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) founder Imran Khan, experienced a sudden deterioration in her health at their residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad. She complained of chest pain and acidity, prompting a team of female doctors from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to conduct an examination at Bani Gala. Following their assessment, the doctors advised a lifestyle and dietary change for Bushra Bibi and suggested further evaluation of her intestines and stomach. Imran Khan had previously expressed concerns about Bushra Bibi’s health during a court appearance.

The 4th session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet is scheduled for today at 3pm in Peshawar. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will preside over the session, where several significant issues will be addressed. Agenda items include budget preparations, outstanding dues owed to the federation, and an assessment of the ongoing austerity campaign. Financial matters pertaining to federal relations and law and order will also be discussed. Furthermore, there will be deliberations on enhancing public service delivery during the cabinet session.

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has met with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi and discussed matters of mutual interest, the military’s media wing said on Monday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussion primarily focused on matters of common interest, regional peace, stability, and border security. “Both sides concurred on the necessity to bolster bilateral cooperation while jointly striving for regional stability and economic prosperity,” it said. The ISPR said the COAS described the Pak-Iran border as “the border of peace and friendship,” stressing the need for enhanced coordination…

Following reports of Israeli strikes near a nuclear power station in Iran on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a new appeal for all parties involved to halt the cycle of retaliation in the Middle East. Guterres condemned any acts of retaliation and called on the international community to collaborate in preventing further escalations that could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond, as stated in a statement from his office. Echoing these concerns, Rafael Grossi, chief of the UN’s atomic energy agency, urged extreme restraint from all sides after over six months of conflict in Gaza, which has…

DOHA: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that the toll of Palestinian children killed in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has now exceeded 14,000. “Current reports indicate that over 14,000 boys and girls have lost their lives in Gaza,” stated UNICEF spokesperson James Elder in a statement shared on X. Elder emphasized the need for urgent action, urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He underscored that the reported casualties only scratch the surface of the true extent of the tragedy inflicted upon the Palestinian population, particularly children and women. He highlighted the ongoing recovery efforts,…

PESHAWAR: Due to ongoing heavy rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a medical emergency has been declared in various districts until April 30. The provincial government has announced the emergency measures in response to the severe weather affecting 15 districts, including Peshawar. Under this directive, district health officers and hospital administrators must obtain permission before leaving their duty stations. A notification has been issued outlining the necessary steps for hospitals and district health offices to be fully prepared for any eventuality. In the designated districts, health officers and management personnel are required to remain on duty round the clock.