Polio eradication efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite remaining polio-free this year, continue to face daunting challenges. Experts and health officials are increasingly frustrated with the emergence of new reasons why parents refuse to allow their children to receive crucial immunisations against poliomyelitis, a debilitating childhood disease. During the latest rounds of anti-polio campaigns in April and June, approximately 21,459 children were left unvaccinated due to various demands made by community elders. These demands ranged from resolving local disputes to requests for basic amenities like water and electricity. A report from the Emergency Operation Centre (Polio) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted that in…
Author: Web Desk
In a recent development, Asyad Holding Group, through UAE-based Wafi Energy Holding Limited, has acquired 77.42% shareholdings and control of Shell Pakistan Limited. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved this acquisition under Section 11 of the Competition Act, 2010, to bolster the retail oil sector in Pakistan. Shell Pakistan Limited plays a significant role in the retail supply of motor fuels and lubricants across Pakistan. Meanwhile, Wafi Energy LLC, a wholly-owned affiliate of Asyad Holding Group, specializes in managing and operating fuel stations in Saudi Arabia. Wafi Energy Holding Limited, established for investment purposes in Pakistan, will now…
The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has denied Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal’s request for exemption and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for both. The case, which involves charges filed at Sangjani police station and I9 against PTI’s founder and others, was presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra. Present in court were Ali Nawaz Awan, Wasiq Qayyum, Aamir Kayani, and other accused, while Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur and Amir Mughal sought exemption from appearing. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra emphasized that no exemption from presence would be granted solely based on being out of…
WASHINGTON: The US supports Pakistan’s new anti-terrorism campaign, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. A State Department spokesperson confirmed this on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured that the campaign would not disturb the civilian population. Instead of a new armed operation, intelligence-based operations will intensify. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, when asked about the US reaction to the operation, said, “We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights.” He added that the partnership includes high-level counterterrorism dialogue, funding robust counterterrorism programs,…
Afghanistan reaches the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 for the first time in history after an eight-run victory over Bangladesh. The thrilling match took place on Monday. Match Summary Chasing Afghanistan’s 116-run target, which was adjusted to 114 in 19 overs due to rain, Bangladesh managed only 105 runs. They were bowled out in the 18th over at the Arnos Vale Stadium in West Indies. Bowlers Shine Afghan bowlers were outstanding, securing their team’s spot in the semi-finals. Skipper Rashid Khan took 4-23, and Naveen-ul-Haq grabbed 4-26. Their defiant bowling performance ensured Afghanistan’s progression to the next stage,…
The Gilgit-Baltistan government announced the GB Budget 2024-25 on Monday. The total budget amounts to Rs1.402 trillion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Budget Breakdown In the provincial assembly, GB Finance Minister Engineer Ismail presented the GB Budget 2024-25. He disclosed that Rs86.6 billion is set aside for non-development expenditures. Development projects will receive Rs34.5 billion. Development Budget Details The development budget in the GB Budget 2024-25 includes Rs20 billion for the annual development programme. Additionally, Rs13.5 billion is allocated for federal government projects. Wheat Subsidy and Relief Measures A significant Rs19.07 billion is earmarked for the wheat subsidy. This aims…
Supreme Court Pakistan’s Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa questioned PTI’s decision to align with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). The query arose during the Supreme Court Pakistan’s hearing on the SIC’s plea against the Peshawar High Court’s ruling on reserved seats. Chief Justice Isa led the full court hearing and recalled the time when the Supreme Court Pakistan set an election date. He reminded PTI that they tried to delay elections by filing a petition in the Lahore High Court. Chief Justice Isa also highlighted that a three-member bench of the Supreme Court Pakistan failed to conduct elections. He criticized…
South Africa beat West Indies by three wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method in a crucial match for a semi-final spot at the T20 World Cup in Antigua on Sunday. The unbeaten Proteas joined England in the last four as Group 2 winners, thanks to Marco Jansen’s (21 not out) six on the first ball of the final over, getting South Africa to their adjusted target of 123. South Africa beat West Indies with significant help from left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who took 3-27, restricting West Indies to 135-8 before a rainstorm halted play. Spinner Roston Chase gave West Indies…
Supreme Court on SIC Petition: The Supreme Court resumed hearing the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) petition against the denial of seats reserved for women and minorities in the national and provincial assemblies. A full court 13-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, is handling the SIC petition. The SIC is an ally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The bench also includes Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice…
Hajj deaths have reached a tragic total of 577 in Makkah due to extreme heat, AFP reported. The hospital morgue in Makkah’s Al Muaisem neighborhood recorded at least 550 deaths from the intense temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage. However, reports from multiple countries increased the tally to 577, according to AFP. Two Arab diplomats revealed that 323 Egyptians were among the deceased. Most of them succumbed to heat-related illnesses. “All of them (the Egyptians) died because of heat,” said one diplomat, except for one who was fatally injured during a minor crowd crush. Additionally, 60 Jordanians died, adding to the…
