Defence Minister Khawaja Asif supports new provinces in Pakistan, saying the country could have as many as 12 administrative units if they are created on administrative grounds rather than ethnic, linguistic or political considerations. Speaking to the media in Sialkot on Sunday, Asif said the proposal to create new provinces had been under discussion for the past two months. He said people across the country had expressed different views on the issue. “If there is a proposal for 12 provinces, then make it 12, but they should not be created on the basis of language, ethnicity or political interests,” he…
Author: Web Desk
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government plans to establish faceless courts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to try terrorism suspects and protect judges, witnesses and other individuals involved in such cases. KP Home Secretary Amjad Ali Khan announced the plan at a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday. He said the provincial government had developed a new strategy to tackle terrorism across the province. Under the proposed system, the identities of judges, witnesses, police officers and other relevant individuals will remain confidential during terrorism trials. The measure aims to protect them from threats by terrorists and their networks. Khan said legislation was being introduced…
A terrorist attack in Hangu left a police constable dead and three other police officers abducted after armed attackers targeted a police checkpoint on Shah Almas Pir Hill. According to police officials, Constable Feroz Ali was killed during the attack. Security forces and a large police contingent rushed to the scene, surrounded the area and exchanged heavy fire with the attackers. District Police Officer (DPO) Hangu Salahuddin Kundi confirmed the incident, saying the attackers had taken the three abducted officers towards Khanano Kotta, near Samana Hill. Police and security forces have regained control of Shah Almas Pir Hill and are…
A Pakistani astronaut to join China’s space mission aboard the Shenzhou-24 spacecraft, marking a major milestone in space cooperation between the two countries, Chinese state media reported on Saturday. The astronaut will serve as a payload specialist and become the first foreign visitor to China’s space station, according to broadcaster CCTV, which cited the China Manned Space Agency. China has not yet revealed the astronaut’s identity. However, Pakistani pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have spent several months training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing. A Pakistani space agency official confirmed their training to Reuters in…
More than 750 Muslim families have been evicted in Assam’s Dhubri district, where authorities carried out a large-scale demolition operation over claims of illegal occupation of disputed land, according to Indian media reports. NDTV reported that authorities deployed more than 60 bulldozers and a large police force to demolish homes and religious sites in the area. The operation also affected mosques, other places of worship and graveyards, triggering strong protests from local Muslim residents. Distressing scenes were reported at shrines and graveyards as families mourned the loss of their homes and religious sites. A large number of women gathered inside…
Peshawar to Lahore direct flights will begin on November 9, restoring air connectivity between the two major cities of Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi announced the development. The flights will be launched on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day in collaboration with South Airways. According to the governor, the journey between Peshawar and Lahore will take approximately 50 minutes to one hour, offering passengers a faster travel option. Initially, South Airways will operate four flights a week on the route. The governor also said that work was underway to explore the possibility of introducing air services to other…
Thirty-six startups selected in Islamabad will receive mentorship, training and business support under the sixth cohort of the National Incubation Center Islamabad. The startups were chosen after the centre reviewed more than 800 applications. An orientation ceremony marked the launch of the new cohort, bringing together young entrepreneurs, industry representatives and guests. Khyber Network Executive Director Kaiwan Hamid Raja and Social and Welfare Initiative (SAWI) President Marriam Kaiwan attended the event as guests of honour. They also met the founders of the selected startups and discussed their business ideas. Cyber Vision International CEO Murtaza Zaidi delivered the welcome address, while…
At least six people were killed and 12 others injured in a Hazara Motorway accident near Havelian when a passenger bus collided with a dumper. According to rescue officials, the bus was travelling from Gilgit to Rawalpindi when it crashed into the dumper while descending a slope. The collision caused severe damage and left several passengers trapped. Rescue officials said six people died at the scene, while 12 others sustained injuries. Initial reports suggest that brake failure may have caused the accident. However, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause. Rescue teams shifted the bodies to the…
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former communications minister Asad Mahmood over alleged irregularities in Pakistan Post recruitment during his tenure in 2022 and 2023. NAB has directed Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to appear before its investigation team on November 10 at 11am to answer questions about the appointments. According to the NAB notice, the Establishment Division had approved recruitment against 3,938 vacancies in the Pakistan Post Office. However, officials allegedly recruited 4,252 people, exceeding the approved number. The bureau has also raised questions over appointments against 2,646 abolished vacancies, reportedly in violation…
The winter gas supply schedule has been announced for domestic consumers as Pakistan faces increasing pressure on its gas supply system due to rising demand and declining LNG availability. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have introduced fixed gas supply timings for households during the winter season. Under the schedule, domestic consumers will receive gas during three daily periods: 6:30am to 9am, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 9pm. SSGC said the decision follows federal government instructions and aims to ensure gas availability during household cooking hours. The company added that domestic consumers would…
