LAHORE: A joint fact-finding mission by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the AGHS Legal Aid Cell has found it cannot confirm the widespread allegations of a student being sexually assaulted at a private college in Lahore. This conclusion comes from a lack of forensic evidence and credible testimonies. Last month, social media was flooded with reports about the alleged rape of a student. This led police to arrest a security guard from the college. However, the suspect denied the accusations, and the victim remains unidentified and unlocated. In response to the alleged incident, students protested outside several…
Author: Web Desk
ISLAMABAD: In a significant shift that showcases the resilience of the economy, Pakistan’s trade deficit has shrunk by 31.1% year-on-year in October 2024. The deficit now stands at $1.5 billion, down from $2.17 billion in the same month last year, according to The News. This change indicates an improving external financial situation for Pakistan, particularly concerning the long-standing current account deficit (CAD). The monthly trade deficit also saw a 17.7% decline from $1.82 billion in September. These developments bring a glimmer of hope amid challenging economic conditions. For the first four months of the fiscal year 2024–25, the cumulative trade…
In response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announcement of a nationwide protest movement, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated that the government is prepared to counter any “unusual” protest plan with “unusual measures.” The PTI, founded by Imran Khan, has announced its intent to protest against the 26th Constitutional Amendment. This amendment faced strong opposition in both houses of parliament during its passage earlier this month. The announcement came from PTI’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, during a press conference in Lahore. He described the 26th Amendment as an “attack on the Constitution…
Today, Gilgit-Baltistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day. On November 1, 1947, the people rose against Dogra Raj. Their goal was to join Pakistan. The Gilgit Scouts and local veterans led this brave fight. They succeeded in ending the Maharaja’s control. This victory was historic. For the first time, the Pakistani flag was raised in Gilgit. Baltistan followed, gaining freedom from Indian rule on August 14, 1948, after a year of struggle. This event marks a significant chapter in the region’s history. Today’s celebrations highlight Gilgit-Baltistan’s importance. The region is crucial both strategically and economically. It serves as a gateway for…
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has once again emphasized that the ongoing legal matters involving Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are solely for Pakistani courts to resolve. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “As we have said many times, legal proceedings against the former prime minister are matters for the Pakistani courts to decide.” During a press briefing on Wednesday, Miller also dismissed claims of US involvement in Khan’s removal from office. He said, “The allegations that the US played any role in his ouster are false.” Miller pointed out that he has discussed this topic “any…
Three personnel of the Pakistan Army, including a Major, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, the ISPR reported on Wednesday. The operation targeted the reported presence of terrorists in the Bakka Khel area. According to a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the intelligence-based operation on information regarding “khwarij” terrorists. During the operation, troops engaged the militants effectively. As a result, eight khwarij were killed, while seven others were injured. In a fierce exchange of fire, Major Atif Khalil, aged 31, led his troops bravely and embraced shahadat. He was…
ISLAMABAD: External interference in Pakistan’s politics has prompted a strong reaction from over 100 lawmakers. They have sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, raising concerns about a recent communication from US Congress members. This letter called on President Joe Biden to advocate for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The lawmakers expressed their worries, stating, “We write to express our concerns over the unwarranted and inaccurate commentary on Pakistan’s domestic politics by 62 Members of the US House of Representatives.” They described the views of the US lawmakers as a “skewed view of realities.” This…
Balochistan is once again in the news after a tragic shooting incident. At least five people were killed and two were injured when unknown gunmen opened fire on locals at a dam site in Panjgur district, according to provincial government official Shahid Rind on Tuesday. The victims were involved in maintaining the dam, the official confirmed. The attack occurred in the Paroom area. Levies officials reported that armed men on motorcycles carried out the shooting. This incident follows a recent attack in the same district where seven labourers from Punjab were killed. Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan by area,…
Imran Khan remains at the center of escalating tensions in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a stark warning on Tuesday. He threatened that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would shut down the entire country if Khan faced any mistreatment in Adiala Jail. Gandapur’s remarks came after protests by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. She voiced concerns over the lack of proper facilities for her brother, including reports of unhygienic food that allegedly caused him to vomit. She also mentioned the disconnection of power to Khan’s cell since October 3. “The federal and Punjab governments have adopted the worst…
Islamabad: Constitutional amendments are at the forefront of political tensions in Pakistan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its firm opposition to any upcoming constitutional amendments proposed by the government. This stance was made clear during a recent parliamentary session, where PTI lawmakers staged a walkout as the voting on the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment began. PTI leaders argue that the new amendment could lead to political interference in judicial matters. They claim it may impact the appointment process for the chief justice and Supreme Court judges. This would grant excessive influence over the judiciary to parliament, a scenario PTI…