Blaze News - Pakistan

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government will participate in the National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting on December 4, asserting that the province will “fight its case and that of its people in the best possible manner.” The 11th NFC was constituted on August 22 this year to finalise a new award for the distribution of federal divisible resources between the centre and the provinces. Its first session, scheduled for August 27, was postponed multiple times—initially to August 29, then November 17 and 18—due to unspecified reasons and requests from the Sindh government and the Prime Minister’s Office. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Afridi stated that the federal government owes K-P Rs1.3 trillion under the NFC while highlighting that although the former tribal districts were merged administratively with the province in 2018, their financial integration had not yet been completed. وزیر اعلیٰ خیبر ...

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that any attempt to dilute provincial powers or undermine the constitutional protections granted under the 18th Amendment would be “playing with fire.” Bilawal delivered the warning during a video address marking the PPP’s 58th foundation day, broadcast simultaneously across more than 100 districts. Recalling earlier proposals by the ruling PML-N to amend the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Bilawal said the PPP had opposed those measures. He noted that this opposition was why the proposed changes were ultimately excluded from the final draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. لائیو: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے 58 ویں یوم تاسیس کے موقع پر ملک بھر کے 100 سے زائد اضلاع میں جلسہ عام https://t.co/ANv2mZQpve — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) November 30, 2025 Pakistan’s structural challenges, he said, were rooted in the country’s history, and the PPP had worked to strengthen the federation by restoring democracy and securing provinc...

The government has enforced a series of strict new traffic regulations across the Rawalpindi Division, imposing a complete ban on loader and Qingqi rickshaws in all districts — Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Murree, Talagang and Chakwal. Carrying passengers on the rooftops of buses and wagons has also been declared a punishable offence. A large-scale crackdown against violators will begin from Monday. Police have been directed to seize all banned rickshaws, which will be impounded at police stations. Cases will be registered against anyone riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle without a helmet, a valid driving licence as well as a fitness certificate. Parents of underage drivers will also face legal consequences. Wrong-way driving, overspeeding and other dangerous traffic violations will now result in criminal charges. Overloading or transporting passengers on the rooftops of public transport vehicles will also lead to prosecution. The deputy commissioner, CPO and CTO have issued stric...

A man was killed and another critically injured after unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at Lake View Park in the federal capital on Friday, triggering panic among families at the popular recreational spot. According to police and eyewitnesses, the attackers fired multiple shots at a man inside the park, killing him on the spot. His companion was critically injured in the attack. The sudden gunfire sent families running for safety, with women and children screaming as they rushed out of the area. Witnesses claimed police reached the scene with an apparent delay, allowing the assailants to flee facing no resistance. The body of the victim was shifted to Polyclinic Hospital, while police launched a search operation. However, no significant breakthrough has been reported so far in identifying those responsible for the attack. Two injured in separate shooting incident In a separate incident within the Humak police limits, two people were seriously wounded in a shooting repo...

In a major push towards digital governance, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah launched the Civil Registration Management System mobile application - a platform that now enables citizens to register birth, death, marriage and divorce online, without visiting any government or relevant office. Calling the initiative a 'milestone in Sindh's transition to a digital future', the chief minister said, the system would eliminate queues, paperwork and delays, and make essential services accessible to people across the province, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas. Registrations at doorsteps The Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) mobile app, developed in collaboration with NADRA, is part of the larger Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system approved at a cost of Rs471 million. The system will cover 30 districts and 769 health facilities, ensuring that 85% of births occurring in public and private hospitals are registered digitally...

The Punjab government has announced a broad set of measures to curb smog and improve air quality, including a phased shutdown of petrol motorcycle production and an immediate ban on the manufacturing of petrol-powered Qingqi rickshaws. A special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, decided that all government departments will now purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles, including motorbikes. Participants of the meeting said the shift is intended to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport at a time when air pollution in major cities remains at hazardous levels. During the meeting, it was also decided to impose a ban on washing vehicles at home and to endorse a proposal for colour-coded waste bins across Punjab to improve waste segregation and reduce open burning. Tough penalties were approved for burning plastic, rubber and other materials that emit toxic smoke, with authorities warning that no leniency would be sh...

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced development projects worth Rs100 billion aimed at reviving Peshawar's past glory. The CM made the announcement while chairing a meeting that brought together current and former members of the provincial and national assemblies from Peshawar, as well as senior political leaders of the city. The session focused on formulating actionable plans for urban development, improving civic infrastructure, and enhancing public amenities across Peshawar. Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, CM Afridi declared that a grand meeting would be convened to fast-track the city’s mega projects. “Peshawar is not just the provincial capital; it is the face of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Its development, beautification, and resolution of core civic issues cannot be delayed,” he said, emphasising the government’s commitment to the city’s progress. Read More: NA passes resolution against Indian defence minister's remarks on Sindh During the me...

K-Electric has formally notified the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) of a scheduled shutdown at the Dhabeji Substation and Grid Station for annual maintenance. According to a KWSC spokesperson, K-Electric will carry out maintenance work on Thursday from 8am to 8pm. During this period, power supply to several feeders of the Dhabeji pumping station will remain suspended. The spokesperson said the shutdown is expected to reduce the city's water supply by around 100 million gallons, affecting neighbourhoods such as Landhi, Korangi, Shah Faisal, DHA, Chanesar Town, Jinnah Town, North Nazimabad, and Gulberg Town.  KWSC has urged residents to use water conservatively and prepare for possible temporary shortages during the maintenance period. Karachi receives about 650 million gallons of water daily; however, despite the expected shortfall, approximately 550 million gallons will still be supplied. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tri...

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women reviewed several laws, policy initiatives, and proposed recommendations, including incorporating inheritance rights into the policy, ensuring the enforcement of existing laws, eliminating dowry practices, and integrating certain traditional financial practices into educational curricula. A key stakeholders’ consultation on the Women Empowerment Policy 2026-30 was held in Peshawar on Wednesday under the auspices of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women. The session brought together Dr Sumira Shams, Chairperson of the Commission; MPA Sobia Shahid; Zainab Qaiser Khan, Head of the UN Women Sub-Office in K-P; and representatives from the Information, NADRA, Labour, and Social Welfare departments, as well as other government institutions and civil society organisations. The workshop reviewed several laws and policy initiatives, including the K-P Enforcement of Women Property Rights Act 2019, revisions to the Wome...

Barrick Mining Corp remains committed to its Reko Diq copper mine in Pakistan, one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits of the metal, its interim CEO said on Tuesday after reports of a possible withdrawal. The $7 billion project in Balochistan is held in an equal partnership between the company and the Pakistani authorities and is expected to start production by the end of 2028. Barrick’s board had raised the possibility of splitting the company’s assets, which could include an outright sale of the Reko Diq mine and the company’s African assets, Reuters reported this month, citing sources familiar with the company’s thinking. “Barrick remains committed to the Reko Diq project and to Pakistan,” Mark Hill told Reuters. Lenders including the International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank among others are assembling a financing package exceeding $2.6 billion. Also Read: SIFC to take final decision on chemical licences The Reko Diq project added 13 million ounces to...

A hearing at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday saw heated exchanges as lawyers representing Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the commission’s jurisdiction in a case alleging intimidation of election staff during the Haripur by-election. The ECP had initiated proceedings after Sohail Afridi was accused of making threatening remarks during a public rally in Abbottabad, where he allegedly warned officials of consequences if election-day misconduct occurred. The Commission said such statements put at risk the “safety of polling staff, police and voters” and potentially violated the code of conduct prohibiting public officeholders from influencing elections. The proceedings opened with complaints from lawyer Ali Bukhari and the Advocate General KP, who said lawyers were mistreated at the ECP. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja apologised, assuring action against the officers responsible. Read: ECP takes notice of K-P CM's r...

Police in Swabi killed two terrorists within the jurisdiction of Topi police station, sources said on Monday. According to the district police spokesperson, authorities received information about the presence of outlaws in the Deh Topi area who were planning terrorist attacks. Acting on the intelligence, a police team immediately rushed to the location. When confronted by law enforcement, the terrorists opened fire on the police team. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both terrorists were killed. Authorities recovered hand grenades, two pistols, and a 125cc motorcycle from their possession. The slain terrorists were identified as Yasir, son of Sher Aman, and Saudur Rehman, also known as Suwaid, son of Bakht Sultan, both residents of Pabaini. Police said both were active members of the terrorist network Khawarij. The statement added that the killed militants had been involved in a grenade attack on the Kalabat police post, in which Constable Noor Kamal Shah was critically injured and lat...

On Nov 17, the UNSC adopted a resolution endorsing President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. The resolution approves the establishment of 'Board of Peace' headed by Trump, the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a temporary governance structure for Gaza. The vote was 13 in favour, with China and Russia abstaining. The resolution aims to create a framework for disarmament, protection of civilians and humanitarian access, while gradually paving the way for Palestinian self-rule. Pakistan's support for the resolution marked a significant and calculated diplomatic move. Islamabad voted in favour while emphasising that any stabilisation effort must respect Palestinian sovereignty and prioritise civilian protection. Pakistan's UN envoy described the vote as a step toward protecting innocent lives, ensuring humanitarian access and Palestinian self-governance. The vote also reflects Pakistan's broader foreign policy approach, which balances prin...

Bangladesh reported 778 new dengue cases and eight new deaths on Sunday, taking the tally to 90,264 and the death toll to 364 so far this year, the Ministry of Health said. According to the data, 20,402 dengue cases were recorded so far in November, after 22,520 in October. Dengue fever, typically a monsoon-season illness in Bangladesh, is now spreading beyond its usual June-September period.  According to the Bangladeshi outlet New Age, three of the newly reported deaths occurred in the Mymensingh division, two in the Dhaka South City Corporation area, and one each in the Barishal, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. Read More: Cold weather brings engue season to an endd This year, 37.7% of dengue patients have been female and 62.3% male, the report said. Among the fatalities, 51.9% were men and 48.1% were women. In 2024, dengue claimed 575 lives, while 101,214 cases and 100,040 recoveries were recorded during the same period. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stor...

Qaumi Watan Party provincial chief Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao has said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is facing a deep administrative crisis, worsening lawlessness, and growing backwardness, all due to the incompetence, flawed policies, and poor governance of the ruling party. He expressed these views while addressing a joint press conference in district Charsadda, where Maulana Pir Safiullah, a senior leader of JUI Charsadda, along with dozens of supporters and family members, announced his decision to join QWP. Welcoming the new entrants, Sikandar Sherpao said the QWP is a representative platform for the people from every walk of life. He added that the latest wave of political joining clearly shows that QWP has become the leading voice for religious scholars, political and social figures, advocates for Pakhtun rights, lawyers, and the youth. Sherpao said the people of the province are suffering from multiple crises caused by the ruling party’s negligence and misguided decisions, which hav...

A new South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 6 submarine cable system is being deployed at Karachi’s Hawkes Bay. The development is expected to expand Pakistan’s international bandwidth capacity and strengthen support for cloud services, data centres, fintech, e-commerce, streaming, and the broader digital economy. According to the Ministry of Information Technology, the deployment of the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, a 19,200-kilometre high-capacity fibre network will connect the country to destinations between Singapore and France. Offering more than 100 Tbps of total capacity, SEA-ME-WE 6 will provide one of the lowest-latency routes between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe, the ministry stated. The consortium involved in the system includes Transworld Associates (Pakistan), Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company, Bharti Airtel, Dhiraagu, Djibouti Telecom, Mobily, Orange, Singtel, Sri Lanka Telecom, Telecom Egypt, Telekom Malaysia, and Telin. The SEA-ME-WE 6 features additio...

Despite public awareness campaigns and strict laws against the spread of misinformation, fake videos continue to circulate on social media. The latest involves a short clip claiming a landlord’s son abducting a bride on her way to her new home, sparking outrage online. The video, circulating on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, shows a newlywed bride travelling with her groom in a decorated car. The clip depicts unarmed men intercepting the car, forcing the bride into a black SUV, and speeding away.         View this post on Instagram                       The video, barely ten seconds long, sent shivers down the spines of many viewers and quickly went viral. Users shared it widely, criticising the government for alleged lawlessness and even claiming to know the location of the incident—without verifying its authenticity.         View this post on Instagram     ...

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the prevailing political and constitutional turmoil with regard to the 27th Constitutional Amendment row had intensified public anxiety and created fresh challenges for citizens’ fundamental rights and the governance structure. He added that his party did not seek power through conspiracies and would not participate in any non-transparent electoral process. Addressing the opening session of the party’s three-day annual congregation at Lahore's historic Minar-e-Pakistan, he said Pakistan, at this critical juncture, required a clear direction and unwavering constitutional supremacy so that every citizen could feel part of a fair and equitable system. Describing the gathering at the Greater Iqbal Park as a symbol of unity, Naeem noted that thousands of participants from across the country had turned it into a disciplined congregation unmatched in scale. He claimed that the organisational standards demonstrated at the venue reflected...

At least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, including an average of nine who are sexually assaulted, according to a biannual report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO). The findings, based on data collected through the Right to Information (RTI) from Punjab Police, highlight disturbing trends of gender-based violence, with more than 15,000 cases reported between January and June 2025. The Violence Against Women Punjab 2025 factsheet documents major categories of offences including sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, honour killing, trafficking, cyber harassment and sexual harassment. The report uses standardised rates per 100,000 women aged 18 and above to allow district-wise comparisons. Also Read: The grave reality of violence against women in Pakistan According to the data, the first half of 2025 saw a daily average of nine cases of sexual assault, 51 kidnappings and 24 incidents of domestic violence. Lahore ranked as the highest-burden...

Four companies have been prequalified to participate in the upcoming privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, with 75 per cent of the national carrier’s shares, set to be auctioned soon. PIA’s name and branding will remain unchanged following privatisation. Under the proposed business plan, the airline’s fleet will be expanded from 18 to 38 operational aircraft within four years. According to Prime Minister Office press release, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on PIA affairs. He directed that all stages of the privatisation process be completed swiftly and transparently. He also instructed officials to prepare a strategy to increase the number of operational aircraft in PIA’s fleet and to ensure the timely departure of flights. During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on PIA’s privatisation and the associated business plan. They apprised that four parties have been prequalified for the upcoming auction, which will cover 75 ...

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has drawn a contrast between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership and its rivals, saying some political figures are associated with 'abuse, chaos and conflict', whereas the name of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is linked with 'infrastructure and development'. She claimed that no one, except the PML-N, has ever contributed even a single brick to the development of Pakistan or Punjab. Speaking at the launch ceremony of Phase-II of the electric bus service in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, Maryam said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz remains the only political party with the capacity to deliver development and serve people. “Opponents say, if anyone knows how to work, it is the Muslim League,” she said, adding that the party’s track record speaks for itself. Punjab CM unveiled series of major development projects for province and announced a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor for Rawalpindi, the construction of the Thal Expressway f...

Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan accused police of unleashing a violent crackdown outside Adiala Jail, claiming her elderly sister was dragged on the road and female lawyers were shoved into police vans as officers ended a 10-hour sit in late Tuesday night. Addressing a press conference alongside Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan, as well as PTI leaders, she said she was compelled to speak due to the conditions in which the PTI founder is being held. She alleged that Khan has been placed in solitary confinement, while they were peacefully demanding their court-granted right to meet him. Aleema said their protests have never caused harm to anyone, yet they are repeatedly denied permission to see their brother. She claimed that even last week her sister, a doctor, was detained for several hours, and police officers deployed at the site misbehaved with them. Recounting Tuesday night’s events, she said the family had informed authorities they would not end ...

The government has taken a major step towards digitising its social protection system as the Benazir Income Support Programme has begun distributing free SIMs to its women beneficiaries across the country. The 'Social Protection Wallet' initiative aims to give women direct and secure access to their financial assistance, replacing older systems that often involved long queues, cash handling and the risk of fraud. Once activated, the SIM will serve as each beneficiary’s digital wallet, carrying all future BISP payments and official messages. SIM distribution is being carried out six days a week in a controlled and secure environment. Women must bring their original CNIC and mobile phone to BISP’s Dynamic Registry Centres (DRCs) to receive the SIM. Eligible women have been advised to collect their SIMs from designated offices or campsites by December 31. Once a SIM is issued, BISP immediately activates the Social Protection Wallet on it. This means women will no longer need to re...

The University of Karachi has announced the commencement of online admissions for evening programme for the academic session 2026. As per schedule the university is offering admissions into BS, diploma, and certificate courses. Prospective candidates can fill and submit their admission forms online and upload scanned copies of required documents through the online admissions portal until November 28, 2025. Admissions for the BS four-year programmes are open in a wide range of disciplines, including actuarial sciences and risk management, agriculture, chemistry, applied chemistry, chemical technology, physics, applied physics, audiology and speech language pathology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, BBA, commerce, computer science, BSCS and BSSE (both entry test based), computational mathematics, criminology, digital media marketing, economics, economics and finance, education, English, environmental studies, financial mathematics, food science and technology, health, physical educa...

In recent weeks, Islamabad has witnessed a flurry of activity with the inauguration of flyovers and underpasses aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility across a rapidly expanding city — a trend mirrored in other major provincial cities. These projects reflect two underlying realities: Pakistan's population is growing at an unsustainable pace, and our limited public resources are increasingly being diverted simply to keep up with that growth. Every new flyover is a reminder that Pakistan is trying to build its way out of a demographic challenge it refuses to confront. But how long can we keep constructing more roads, multi-level highways and sprawling housing developments? Each new project diverts scarce resources from social development — while adding heavy environmental costs. For a country positioned near the bottom of the Human Development Index and burdened with child and infant mortality rates like those in sub-Saharan Africa, national investment must sh...

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel remained opposed to a Palestinian state after protests by far-right coalition allies over a US-backed statement indicating support for a pathway to Palestinian independence. Netanyahu spoke two days after Israel's key ally the United States and many Muslim-majority nations endorsed a draft UN resolution backing President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, saying the process offered a route to Palestinian statehood. The 15-member UN Security Council began negotiations on Nov. 7 on the draft, which would mandate Trump's proposal for a "Board of Peace" transitional administration in Gaza to address issues including post-war reconstruction and economic recovery. Read More: Israel shuts Ibrahimi Mosque, imposes curfew on Palestinians in Hebron Trump's 20-point plan includes a clause saying that if there were reforms within the Palestinian Authority, "the conditions may finally be in place for a credible path...

Sugar prices in Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain out of control, with open market rates at Rs200 per kilogram and rural areas selling at Rs210 per kilo. The administrations of both cities appear completely helpless in controlling prices. The officially notified rate of Rs179 per kg is unavailable anywhere in the city. A fine, powder-like sugar has also been introduced in the market, but buyers are avoiding it. Retailers are selling this powdered sugar for Rs190 per kg. According to the Kiryana Merchants Association, “If we are supplied sugar at Rs173 per kg, we are ready to sell it at Rs179.” They asked the district administration to identify which wholesale dealer is offering sugar at Rs173, saying they cannot buy expensive and sell cheap. They said sugar mills, district administration vehicles and Sunday bazaars should provide subsidised sugar stalls instead. Retailers said they get sugar at Rs187 per kilo in wholesale, and their overhead cost is Rs12 per kg. With diesel becoming ...

A call for Palestinian freedom echoed through the halls of the Arts Council of Pakistan on the 15th day of the World Culture Festival 2025, as a visiting dancer used her performance to spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis. During a dance and music workshop led by Kuwait’s LAPA Dance Company, Palestinian performer Rawan Sameer Salamah raised the slogan 'Free Palestine' before performing the traditional resistance dance Dabke, wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh. The performance drew strong applause and became a focal point of the day’s events. Earlier, Salamah had joined artists from Argentina, Kenya, Malaysia, Croatia, France, and Pakistan in an international open-mic session on 'Creative Freedom in Art'. The discussion quickly turned towards global anxieties over technology and the erosion of human creativity, but Salamah’s remarks stood apart for underscoring the emotional cost of conflict. Read: Karachi Pink Bus gets new route, timings for women She told particip...

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan, rejected the 27th Constitutional Amendment in its entirety, announcing a nationwide Black Day on November 21 and a series of democratic protests aimed at what it described as the ‘restoration of the Constitution to its original form.’ The statement comes a day after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Amendment bill, which is now part of the Constitution, while the meeting also condemned the 26th Constitutional Amendment passed last year in 2024. The declaration followed an emergency meeting of the TTAP, chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Islamabad on Friday. اعلامیہ اجلاس تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان مورخہ 14.11.2025 آج تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان کا غیر آئینی ستائیسویں ترمیم کے بعد ہنگامی سربراہی اجلاس زیر قیادت مشر محمود خان اچکزئی سربراہ تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا۔ اجلاس میں اسد قیصر سیکرٹری جنرل تحریک تحفظ آئین… pic.twitter.com/a7InbUJOTq — Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) November 14, 2025 The huddle ...