Author: Sajjad Ali

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.

KASUR: The police have registered case against Sher Afzal Marwat, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leader, and many other supporters on holding the rally without permission. According to the details, police nominated Sher Afzal Marwat, Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) leader Sardar Muhammad Hussain Dogar, including 16 leaders and 500 anonymous supporters in the case on holding rally without permission regarding the by-elections. In accordance with the context of the case the permission was not taken for holding a rally by the district administration from SIC. The leaders had tried to make people triggered by telling them the state opposite policy. However, it…

RAWALPINDI: Passing Out parade of cadets of 149th PMA Long Course, 14th Mujahid Course, 68th Integrated Course and 23rd Lady Cadet Course was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul today. 49 Cadets from friendly countries were also among the passed out cadets. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was the Chief Guest while General Metin Gürak, Chief of the Turkish General Staff was Guest of Honour on the occasion. CJCSC reviewed and addressed the parade. CJCSC and the Turkish Chief of General Staff gave away awards to the distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honour…

MINGORA: Torrential rains in upper Swat and nearby Shangla district have paralyzed routine life, forcing tourists and local residents to remain in their hotels and homes. Besides Kalam and Malam Jabba, the torrential rains also affected routine life at Bahrain, Madain, Gabin Jabba, Miandam, Matiltan, Utror, Gabral, Matiltan, Mahodand, Loye Sar where tourists preferred to stay at hotels after the heavy downpour that lashed the entire Swat and Shangla districts for the last two days. Flash floods inundated low lying areas, forcing people to pump out water on self-help basis. Torrential rains also affected standing wheat crop and orchards in…

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has finalized preparations for the upcoming by-elections in 21 constituencies across national and provincial assemblies. Scheduled for April 21, the polls will fill five national and 16 provincial assembly seats, originally intended for 23 constituencies. Already, results have been declared for two seats: Aseefa Bhutto Zardari secured NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad unopposed, and Zubair Ahmad Junejo won PS-80 Dadu uncontested. Among the notable vacancies are NA-8 Bajaur, NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan-I, NA-119 Lahore-III, NA-132 Kasur-II, NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I, and NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I at the National Assembly level. Challenges arose in NA-8 Bajaur and PK-22 Bajaur-IV…

Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari has reached out to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, requesting a meeting to discuss strategies to combat electricity theft. Laghari emphasized the importance of police assistance in curbing this issue and urged the Chief Minister to personally oversee the cooperation of law enforcement agencies. Highlighting the significant financial losses incurred by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO), Laghari underscored the necessity for immediate action to address the sustainability concerns of the power sector. He also identified the challenge of weak government enforcement in TESCO-managed…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zaid Al-Nahyan to express gratitude for the UAE’s response to the recent heavy rains in Pakistan. Sharif highlighted the devastating impact of the severe rains in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of numerous lives. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change, underscoring the need for mutual cooperation between both nations in this regard. President Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zaid Al-Nahyan reciprocated Sharif’s sentiments and extended his best wishes. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation…

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that Tehran will retaliate forcefully if Israel acts against Iranian interests. Speaking to NBC News, he emphasized that Iran will not react unless provoked by Israeli aggression. Amirabdollahian clarified that Iran considers the recent incident, reported as an Israeli attack, as something different. Despite reports of a missile strike in Isfahan, Iranian officials maintain that no such attack occurred, instead claiming to have intercepted several drones. In response to Iran’s actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but did not specify any immediate…