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Showing posts from July, 2023

Balochistan braces for political upheaval as BAP leaders eye PML-N switch

Former Balochistan chief minister and ex-president of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Sarfaraz Bugti, Anwarul Haq Kakar, and others are likely to join the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Reliable sources told The Express Tribune on Monday that prominent BAP leaders, including Mir Asim Kurd Gailo, Mitha Khan Kakar, Sardar Masood Luni, and Muhammad Khan Lehri, are also considering joining the ranks of the ruling party at the Centre. This potential shift in allegiance comes in the wake of a recent announcement issued jointly by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Quddus Bizenjo, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Balochistan Assembly Speaker Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, and BAP founder Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi. In the statement, they confirmed their commitment to maintaining the unity of the ruling BAP and expressed their intention to contest elections through the BAP platform. Read more: Bizenjo quashes BAP merger rumours "This (joining PML-N) major political...

Sweden police grant permit for protest entailing desecration of Holy Quran

Swedish police granted a permit on Monday for a protest outside the parliament in which the organisers plan to burn the Holy Quran, according to local media. The protesters told the media that they wanted to see the Muslim holy book banned in Sweden. "I will burn it many times, until you ban it," organiser Salwan Najem told Expressen newspaper. Najem had joined Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika at two previous such protests in Stockholm - outside the city's main mosque and later outside Iraq's embassy. The protest was scheduled for 1pm (1100 GMT) on Monday, according to the police permit. Sweden has seen its diplomatic relations with several Middle Eastern nations strained over previous protests involving Holy Quran desecrations. AFP requested a copy of the application in addition to the permit from police, but did not immediately get a response. Swedish police have previously stressed they only grant permits for people to hold public gatherings and not for the activities c...

Contempt plea against Justice Isa disposed of

The Supreme Court of Pakistan disposed of on Monday a contempt petition filed against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, after the petitioner withdrew his plea. The matter, related to the audio leaks commission headed by Justice Isa, was heard by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial in his chamber. Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi had earlier filed a plea in connection with the withdrawal of his contempt petition against Justice Isa and two other high court chief justices, namely Justice Naeem Akhtar (Balochistan) and Justice Aamer Farooq (Islamabad). Read Divided we stand: Supreme Court judges still poles apart The CJP had fixed the matter for hearing today (July 31) in his chamber. The initial contempt plea was filed in connection with the commission formed by the government to investigate audio leaks concerning the judiciary as well as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz over the violation of the apex court larger bench’s May 26 order wherein the notification for the inqu...

Family on bike meets tragedy evading stray dogs

A woman and her daughter were killed when a motorcycle they were riding was crushed by a truck while maneuvering to evade a pack of stray dogs in Golimar, Pak Colony, on Sunday. The victims, Nagina, 30, and her seven-year-old daughter, Armash, died on the spot, while the husband, Faizan, miraculously survived the devastating crash. Edhi volunteers transported the bodies to the Civil Hospital. Abdul Khaliq Ansari, SHO Pak Colony police station, said that the responsible truck driver has been apprehended and the vehicle belonging to the KMC impounded. The police handed over the mortal remains to the grieving family after medico-legal formalities. As the bodies of the mother and daughter returned to their home in Jahanabad, Pak Colony, the neighbourhood was engulfed in an overwhelming sense of grief. A multitude of sympathetic locals and relatives gathered to pay their final respects. Distraught family members narrated the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Faizan, accompanied by ...

PSX surges over 1,000 points, crosses 48,000 barrier to two-year high

The Pakistan stock market soared by over 2%, or over 1,000 points, to a two-year high at 48,000 points in early trading on Monday. Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has maintained the powerful rally over "optimism of investment from Saudi Arabia and UAE along with the Pakistan Mineral Summit helping investors confidence," Topline Securities CEO Muhammad Sohail said in a comment to The Express Tribune. Saudi Arabia has held talks with Barrick Gold to invest in Pakistan's multi-billion dollar copper mining reserves. The investment can help the country earn much-needed US dollars, building foreign exchange reserves. Besides, the Chinese vice prime minister has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit to mark CPEC's 10-year anniversary. This is another positive development for Pakistan with a lot of good and bad happening at the global level. Read Why stagflation vexes the economy The strong rally at the PSX has also been attributed to the expected announcement of a new benchm...

Qaiser urges fair elections amidst ongoing 'propaganda'

In a passionate video statement, PTI leader Asad Qaiser called for an end to what he described as relentless "propaganda" against his party. Standing firm amid the aftermath of the May 9 violence, Qaiser challenged the powerful quarters to ensure free and fair elections in the country. "The one-sided propaganda being waged against the PTI and Imran Khan is only serving to boost our popularity," Qaiser asserted, expressing his unwavering confidence in the party's resilience. He criticised the incumbent government's performance, highlighting concerns about inflation and governance during its tenure. Citing the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Qaiser demanded evidence of their positive contributions to the nation, further emphasising that the country needs mercy from the powerful sectors to safeguard its future. He stressed the importance of fair and free elections within constitutional provisions to prevent harm to the country. Qaiser also voiced serious co...

PM inaugurates 1263MW thermal power plant project in Punjab

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated on Sunday various development projects across Punjab, including a 1,263 megawatts (MW) thermal power plant in Jhang with a capacity of generating 10 billion inexpensive units annually. Speaking to journalists at the soft launch of various development projects in Lahore, the premier lauded the services of all provincial governments in ensuring peace and maintaining law and order. He emphasized that the incumbent government believes in serving the nation. The PM launched various projects, including Rs50 billion Medical City, Rs52b National Health Support Programme and Rs30b Population Welfare Programme. Besides, he broke ground for SL-3 Lahore Ring Road project, Shadara to Kala Shah Kaku Metro Bus extension project and inaugurated a 1263 MW Punjab Thermal power plant in Jhang with a capacity of generating 10 billion inexpensive units annually. Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said that the Pakistan...

Senate 'drops' Prevention of Violent Extremism Bill after strong opposition

Senate chairperson Sadiq Sanjrani dropped the Prevention of Violent Extremism Bill 2023 on Sunday amid strong opposition by legislators on both sides of the aisle.  The bill was tabled by Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan on behalf of the interior minister, prompting opposition lawmakers to climb atop their seats in protest.  Calling the session to order, the chairperson said let us decide on whether to forward the bill to the relevant committee. He assured legislatures that they would be given the opportunity to speak on the matter. Questioning why the bill was being tabled on a Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Humayun Saeed remarked on the importance of the bill. "It will affect people’s lives and have far-reaching consequences," he said, noting that the bill introduced by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah appears to be aimed at preventing the PTI from partaking in the upcoming general elections. "All clauses of this bill reek of targeting the PTI,...

At least 5 passengers killed in Rajanpur accident

At least five passengers were reported to have been killed in a road accident in Rajanpur district on Sunday.  The accident occurred as a bus overturned due to overspeeding in Fazilpur Tehsil of Rajanpur, as a result of which five people were killed while 20 were seriously injured, reported Express News. District in-charge of Rescue Dr Aslam has confirmed the death toll and added that at least 20 were seriously injured in the accident. "But all the injured have been shifted to the district and Fazilpur hospitals," he informed. On July 20, four members of the same family were killed with two others in an accident when a tourist bus fell off a cliff on a curvy mountainous road in the Diamer area of Gilgit. Twelve people from Syed Ijaz's family were on board the ill-fated bus, out of which four were killed and eight were injured. Among the injured are Syed Ijaz's brother Syed Zubair's wife and three young children. Read Accidents and Aftermath The family had gone on ...

Couple sells eight-month-old son to buy iPhone

A couple in the Indian state of West Bengal reportedly sold their eight-month-old baby to purchase an iPhone and fund their travel for creating content on Instagram, Indian media reported. The Indian Express, quoting police officials, reported that local authorities sprang into action after residents noticed the couple's recent acquisition of a brand-new phone. The World Bank has highlighted pockets of high poverty in West Bengal, likely contributing to suspicions in such cases. A 2022 PRS Legislative Research report revealed that the region's GDP per capita, an income indicator, stood at approximately US$1,600, just slightly higher than the price of a new iPhone 14 in the country at that time. Read more: Couple arrested for selling daughter in Nowshera The individuals involved were identified as Jaydev Ghosh and Sathi, according to the police official cited by The Indian Express. Police said they sold the baby to Priyanka Ghosh, who lives in the same region. Following interrog...

FM to visit UAE on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties, offer condolences

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties and offer condolences on the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the brother of President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the visit, the foreign minister will hold a meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement on Saturday. They will discuss entire spectrum of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. Read more: PM condoles death of UAE president’s brother The foreign minister will offer condolences to the UAE leadership on the sad demise of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed. In Dubai, the foreign minister will participate in the unveiling ceremony of wax figure of the first Pakistani personality, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, at Madame Tussauds. “Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit reflects Pakistan’s robust engagement with the UAE and mutua...

Chinese vice premier to visit Pakistan on July 30

Chinese Vice Prime Minister He Lifeng will visit Pakistan on July 30 to attend the 10th anniversary celebrations of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said the foreign ministry spokesperson on Saturday. A member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the vice premier will also call on President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit. Lifeng will be the chief guest at an event celebrating the decade of CPEC during his visit from July 30 to August 1, added the spokesperson. "The vice prime minister has played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, of which CPEC is a flagship project. As the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (2017-23), he was instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan." Read CPEC playing critical role in economic, social uplift "The visit is part of regular high-le...

Pakistan calls for Israel to be held accountable for 'crimes' in occupied Palestine

Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to “fully and forcefully” implement its resolutions on the Middle East conflict that give the right of self-determination to the Palestinian people. Speaking in the 15-member council, Ambassador Munir Akram also strongly condemned the recent large-scale Israeli military operations in Jenin in occupied Palestinian West Bank, and called for holding Israel accountable for its “grave human rights violations and crimes in occupied Palestine.” “Unfortunately,” the Pakistani envoy said, “the killing of children, women and men continues in occupied Palestine with complete impunity.” He added, “The rule of law can be upheld only if it is applied universally and consistently, without exceptions or double standards.” Ambassador Akram regretted that the UNSC has not been able to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in occupied Palestine. Read more: Pakistan seeks protection of IIOJK, Palestine people ...

US lawmakers push for timely free and fair elections in Pakistan

Multiple US lawmakers have urged Pakistan to ensure timely free and fair elections, suggesting that they should be monitored internationally at an event in Washington. An event titled ‘Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan’ was organised by Pakistani American Dr Asif Mahmood and jointly sponsored by Demo­crat congressmen Brad Sherman and Jim Costa. Several of the speakers were members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and therefore maintain the power to influence US foreign policy. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters also maintained a heavy presence at the event. Congressman Brad Sherman sent a clear message to Pakistani Junta in response to my comment & question today while discussion in US Congress on Human Rights in Pakistan (Rayburn Office Building, Room 2200, 3-5pm, EST). Will do detailed vlog discussion soon! pic.twitter.com/GfHSkP6aZR — Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) July 27, 2023 Speaking at the event, Sherman said that “there are two things that the [US] State Depar...

Bunkers, sniper rifles: Deepening sectarian war in India dents Modi's image

A one-mile stretch of a highway in the lush green foothills of India's Manipur state has become the symbol of a vicious sectarian conflict that has killed over 180 people since May and severely dented the strongman image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bitter fighting between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribals is in the remote northeast of the country but it has lasted for almost three months, a deep embarrassment for Modi as he prepares to host a summit of G20 leaders in September and contest a general election next year. There have been past tensions between the two groups, but violence erupted in early May after the state high court ordered the government to consider extending economic benefits reserved for the Kuki tribals to the Meiteis. Street protests spiralled into armed conflict and now, rival gunmen have dug into bunkers and outposts along the highway and in other places in Manipur, and regularly fire at each other with assault weapons, sniper rifles and ...

Ashura processions underway as mobile phone services suspended in various parts of country

Ashura processions for Muharram 9 are underway across the country, with heavy contingents of security troops deputed along procession routes. Mobile phones and transport services have been suspended in various areas marked sensitive by the relevant authorities. In Islamabad, the central processions will pass through Sectors G-6 and G-7, with the city police, Frontier Corps and paramilitary Rangers deployed at various points along the route. According to Express News, 1,685 security personnel have been deployed across the city, including five deputy police officers, 14 deputy superintendents, 21 police inspectors and 177 officers besides 60 Rangers and 365 FC personnel. Mobile services were reportedly suspended today from 1am to 10pm in these two sectors. Services will also be partially suspended in Sector I-10 and adjacent areas from 6pm to 6am. Similarly, services are to remain partially suspended in Shahullah Dutta, Bari Imam Noorpur Shah and surrounding areas. Read 4,698 police pers...

NHA works to restore Balochistan highways

Federal Secretary of Communications and Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Captain (retd) Muhammad Khurram Agha, has taken proactive measures to restore traffic on the roads affected by recent heavy rains and floods in Balochistan. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he directed the early restoration of traffic on the affected road portions and emphasized the need for close coordination with provincial and local authorities to address the challenging conditions in the province. In response to the situation, the NHA chairman, at the behest of Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood, conducted a thorough assessment of the condition of motorways and national highways impacted by the heavy rainfall and subsequent floods in Balochistan. During the visit, NHA officials based in Quetta provided a comprehensive briefing to Captain (retd) Muhammad Khurram Agha, focusing on areas severely affected by the floods, such as Pinjar Bridge, Hub Bridge, Wangu, Qila Saifull...

Crushed by inflation: Porters left to fend for themselves

In the present economic downturn, porters at two of the country’s busiest railway stations, responsible for hauling passengers’ luggage, are struggling, much like Pakistan Railways itself. However, while Pakistan Railways can rely on the government to bail it out, porters do not have the same luxury. Poor working conditions, docked salaries, lack of health insurance, no pension plan, and job insecurity are the hallmarks of being a porter, colloquially referred to as coolie, at the Karachi and Lahore railway stations. Furthermore, the high cost of living in the two cities means that coolies who live there can barely survive, let alone put food on the table. “This is not a salaried job. Some days I make Rs 800, other days I make Rs 1,500; out of which 30 per cent goes to the contractor who hired me,” informed Shafqat, a porter at the Karachi Railway Station, also known as Cantt Station. On average Shafqat makes somewhere around Rs 34,000 per month, which hardly covers his bills. “With th...

Pakistan’s first-ever climate change plan unveiled

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman on Wednesday unveiled the country’s first-ever National Adaptation Plan (NAP) unanimously approved by the federal cabinet to enhance the nation’s resilience against adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. NAP is a framework for implementing large-scale environmental adaptation, building climate resilience, promoting inclusivity, and facilitating collaboration among different stakeholders, and serves as an effective tool for climate finance mobilisation. The initiative marks a big step forward in Pakistan's commitment to combat the challenges posed by climate change. “Pakistan is now on the world's radar as a flashing hotspot for climate disasters, and when your house is on fire, one has to take responsibility,” she said in a press release issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. She said that, after the 2022 mega-flood impacted 33 mil...

Salaried class pays nearly 200% more tax than exporters, retailers

Pakistan’s salaried class paid Rs264.3 billion in income tax in the just-ended fiscal year – a sum that is nearly 200% more than the combined taxes paid by the country’s exporters and highly undertaxed retailers. Data compiled by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) showed that during the fiscal year 2022-23, salaried persons paid Rs264.3 billion in taxes. The amount paid by the salaried class in taxes at up to a 35% rate was over Rs75 billion or 40% higher than the preceding year. The salaried people were the fourth-largest contributors to the withholding taxes after contractors, bank depositors, and importers. The FBR has not yet officially released these figures. In the last budget, the government had increased the taxes of the salaried class, which also became a reason for higher tax collection. Despite heavy taxation of the salaried class, coupled with history’s record highest inflation, the government again increased taxes on the salaried people earning more than Rs200,000 a month ...

Businessmen warn of mass industrial shutdowns

Business community leaders have vehemently condemned the recent hike in electricity rates and issued a stark warning of potential massive industry shutdowns, expressing deep concerns over the detrimental impact on businesses and the economy. Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), President, Farazur Rehman took a powerful stance against the frequent surge in electricity prices, calling for immediate action to provide cheaper electricity alternatives. The recent overall increase of 34% in the basic tariff, along with the frequent upward adjustments in electricity rates, has triggered a major outcry from various sectors of the economy. Rehman expressed serious reservations about the detrimental consequences of such increases on industries and businesses. He pointed out that the rise in electricity prices would lead to severe repercussions for industrialists, service sectors, and SMEs, as their incomes have not kept pace with the escalating electricity tariff. Many industrialist...

Desecration of Holy Quran only serves to hurt inter-faith relations: PM

Pakistan on Tuesday took strong objection to the desecration of the Holy Quran in front of an Iraqi Embassy in Denmark, with the country's top leadership calling for immediate and collective, action to counter Islamophobia. "The recurring pattern of these abominable and Satanic incidents has a sinister design: to hurt inter-faith relations, damage peace and harmony and promote religious hatred and Islamophobia," tweeted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling on governments and faith leaders to "put an end to such abhorrent practices".  The latest incident of desecration of the Holy Quran in front of an Iraqi Embassy in Denmark has left Muslims all over the world deeply anguished. We, in Pakistan, are in deep pain and distress. The recurring pattern of these abominable and Satanic incidents has a sinister… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 25, 2023 "Let us not allow a handful of misguided and evil people to hurt the emotions of billions of people. Let them ...

FM Bilawal, Blinken discuss economic recovery, regional concerns

Washington provided assurances to support reforms for Pakistan's economic recovery and collaborate on "anti-terrorism efforts" on Tuesday as Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a telephonic meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken. The two leaders discussed various issues and agreed to strengthen ties and continue to work together to promote peace and development, the foreign office confirmed. In a tweet last night, Blinken had said that the US "supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan" adding that he had exchanged thoughts with Bilawal on supporting the country's "economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan". The United States supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan. Had a good call with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan. — Secretary An...

Two more Karachi port terminals to be signed off to UAE

Pakistan gave initial approval on Monday for signing a framework agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to hand over two more Karachi port terminals, including the development of a new multipurpose cargo terminal. Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), which made the decision. The CCoIGCT considered a summary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding an intergovernmental agreement between the governments of UAE and Pakistan on Cooperation for the Development of Bulk and General Cargo Terminal at East Wharf at Karachi Port under Inter-Governmental Commercial Transaction Act, 2022, according to an announcement by the finance ministry. The committee approved the G2G draft framework agreement for the ratification of the federal cabinet, as stated by the ministry. The agreement will be signed between the governments of the UAE and Pakistan, it added. This will be the second major ...

ATC initiates proclamation proceedings against 22 PTI leaders

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore initiated proclamation proceedings on Monday under Section 87 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) against 22 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including the party chief’s sister, in a case pertaining to the attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House on May 9. Section 87 of the CrPc pertains to proclamation for persons absconding or concealing themselves to avoid execution of warrants issued against them. The ATC initiated proceedings against Murad Saeed, Ali Ameen Gandapur, Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, Azam Khan Swati, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Hammad Azhar, Farrukh Habib, Zubair Niazi, Asad Zaman, Hassan Khan Niazi, Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, Hafiz Farrat Abbas, Ghulam Abbas, Ali Hassan, Saeed Ahmed, Shafqat Ameen, Uzma Khan, Aleema Khan, Andleeb Abbas, Ahmed Khan Niazi, Khalid Gujar and Malik Karamat Ali Khokhar. Read Ex-PTI MPA among 16 handed over to army for trial They are accused of creating a law and order situation, causing chaos and attacking the Lahor...

No increase in power tariff for 63% of domestic consumers: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that 63% of the domestic consumers using up to 200 units per month would be exempted from the recent increase in power tariff. Besides, he said a partial subsidy was also being given to the consumers of up to 300 units per month which comprise around 31% of the total domestic consumers. “Due to the toughest conditions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government had to raise the electricity prices but I stressed that the burden should not be passed on to the protected segments of the society,” he said after witnessing the signing of a framework agreement between State Oil company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) here. The framework agreement was signed by Managing Director PLL Masood Nabi and Chief Executive Officer of SOCAR Trading Mariam Almaszade. Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik, Governor Punjab Baleeghur Rehman, diplomats and government officials were also present on the occasion. ...

Water bottle thrown at PTI chief during court appearance

An unidentified man reportedly threw a water bottle at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan while he was at the Katcheri in Islamabad on Monday. The former prime minister escaped unhurt. According to reports, the PTI chief was making his way to the court of Judge Humayun Dilawar. Poor security arrangements led to the incident. Two days ago, a trial court in Islamabad had granted one-day exemption to former prime minister from appearing in the Toshakhana case. The court had resumed proceedings on a criminal complaint filed against the former premier by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) pertaining to alleged concealing of details about state gifts. Read Trial court's decision in Toshakhana case challenged Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar accepted the PTI chief’s plea for exemption while directing him to ensure his presence before the court on Monday (July 24). Submitting the plea for exemption, the defendant’s lawyer Barrister Gohar Ali reques...

SC bars arresting Imran in lawyer killing case till Aug 9

The Supreme Court on Monday prevented the authorities from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan until August 9 in a case concerning the murder of a lawyer in Quetta. Senior lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar was killed on June 6 by unidentified people while on his way to court for an important hearing in the Balochistan High Court (BHC). A day later, the police registered a case nominating the PTI chief in the first information report (FIR) on the complaint of the slain lawyer’s son. Advocate Shar had submitted an application against Imran, seeking registration of a treason case against him for violating the Constitution. However, the case could not be heard because of the absence of the bench, while members of the legal fraternity boycotted court proceedings against the killing of the senior lawyer. Read Water bottle thrown at PTI chief during court appearance The PTI chief had moved the apex court against his nomination in the case. Notably, the SC had ordered the PTI ...

Nawaz, Zardari to likely hold crucial meeting today

An important meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairpersons Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is expected to take place today in Dubai. According to Express News, Bilawal arrived in Dubai from Karachi via Emirates Air Flight EK601, while his father, Zardari arrived in Dubai two days earlier. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif is also in town. The coalition partners are likely to discuss details about the upcoming general elections and caretaker set-up. Moreover, they may review the role of allies in the upcoming elections, seat adjustment, setup of the caretaker government and the name of the caretaker prime minister. Earlier, sources in the federal cabinet told The Express Tribune that the PML-N was considering proposing the name of Ishaq Dar for the caretaker prime minister as part of a broader plan to ensure the implementation of the economic policies. The final decision about the candidature of Dar will ...

In a first since 1986, Hamza Khan wins World Junior Squash Championship

In a first since 1986, a Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Hamza Khan, has won the World Junior Squash Championship, Express News reported on Sunday. Khan, reportedly associated with the Pakistan Army, defeated Egypt’s Muhammad Zakaria with a score of 3-1 in the final match of the championship held in Melbourne, Australia. 🎙 "Pakistani Squash is back!" Here's the moment 🇵🇰 Hamza Khan ended Pakistan's 37-year wait for a WSF World Junior Squash Champion title 🏆#WSFjuniors @paksquash @squashAUS pic.twitter.com/h7K50hAVjH — World Squash (@WorldSquash) July 23, 2023 “Pakistani squash is back!” posted the official Twitter account of the World Squash Federation (WSF), the global governing body for the sport, sharing a video of Khan’s winning moment. Read Hamza on cusp of history Khan had trained under the supervision of Pakistan Army’s Coach Asif Khan for two months before heading to Australia to partake in the championship. The Pakistan Squash Federation also took to Twitter ...