Blaze News - Pakistan

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that several parts of Pakistan were likely to experience heavy rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms during the next 12 to 24 hours due to prevailing weather conditions already predicted in its seasonal outlook. According to the NDMA’s Media Wing, the current weather pattern was fully consistent with the NEOC’s earlier climate assessment issued three to four months ago for the April-to-June period. The authority said Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail at isolated locations. The alert stated that heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected in Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin,...

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday strongly condemned the attack on vehicle of Minister of State Kheeal Das Kohistani. He talked to Kheal Das Kohistani on the phone and expressed his sympathy. The prime minister assured the state minister of a thorough investigation into the incident. He said the attack on the public representatives was unacceptable and added that the persons involved in the incident would be given exemplary punishment. Earlier, protesters in Thatta targeted the vehicle of Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Kheeal Das Kohistani, during a demonstration against controversial irrigation canal projects. The incident unfolded as Kohistani’s convoy tried to pass through an area where nationalist party members were staging a protest. According to Express News, the demonstrators, angered by the convoy's presence, reacted by pelting the vehicle with stones, eggs, and tomatoes, accompanied by loud slogans. Despite the hostile reception, the convoy was able...

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) that its recommendations would be considered in finalisation of the budget for fiscal year 2024-25 to the greatest extent possible. According to a press release issued by the finance ministry on Monday, a delegation from the PBC, led by Chairman Shabbir Diwan, met with the minister.  The PBC delegation appreciated the government's ongoing efforts and discussed the Federal Budget 2024-25 with the finance minister. They presented specific suggestions and tax proposals for consideration. The minister acknowledged and thanked the PBC for their insights. He also highlighted the FBR’s ongoing efforts aimed at broadening the tax base and bringing retailers into the tax net. Aurangzeb assured that decisions would be made through mutual consultation to ensure favourable outcomes for both the public and the business community. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Ali Pervez ...

Contrary to the policy of the Punjab government and strict direction from the country’s superior courts, city managers have turned a blind eye to the ever-increasing encroachments in the city. Sources said all major markets and city bazaars are grappling with encroachments and traffic congestion each day. The areas of Raja Bazaar, Anarkali Bazaar, Barra Bazaar, Dalgaran Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Namak Mandi Bazaar, Lal Haveli Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Commercial Market, Sadiqabad Bazaar, Muslim Town Bazaar, Khayaban Sir Syed Bazaar, Adiala Road Bazaars, and several other localities were bursting with encroachment. A leader of the Traders Association Commercial Market Rizwan Sunny said the Commercial Area had turned into an encroachment hub with the nexus of Municipal Corporation officials and parking contractors. He said push-up carts, chips, soda, juice, hangers and chat vendors were ruling the commercial market area and businessmen and vehicle movers were hostages i...

US Ambassador Donald Blome concluded a series of meetings with political and business leaders in Punjab aimed at fostering collaboration in the Information Technology (IT), health, and education sectors. During his three-day visit to the provincial capital from May 1 to 3, Ambassador Blome engaged in discussions with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Speaker Punjab Assembly (Acting Governor Punjab) Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar. US Consul General to Lahore Kristin Hawkins accompanied him during these meetings. Ambassador Blome explored avenues to enhance the US-Pakistan partnership in Punjab, particularly focusing on areas of mutual interest such as IT, health, and culture. Emphasising the significance of initiatives within the US-Pakistan 'Green Alliance' framework, he highlighted the positive impact of ongoing collaborations. In addition to meetings, Ambassador Blome visited the offices of a technology firm and a...

Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi Monday said the capital police had launched an aggressive campaign for adopting a zero-tolerance policy against street crimes and drug abusers. Talking to a private news channel, he vowed that the capital police with its full dedication will improve their performance and take innovative steps to further improve the overall law and order situation to curb street crimes by concentrating on the hotspots. He urged the citizens to come forward and lodge their complaints against such policemen, who would not be tolerated in the police force. He said a seven-day special campaign should be started to eliminate crimes. All police officers will target criminal groups and expedite crackdowns on drug trafficking and a special campaign will be launched against professional beggars. Replying to a query, he said Islamabad police have launched a special awareness campaign titled “Nasha Ab Nahe” to eradicate narcotics from the federal cap...

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, assured that Pakistan would continue to work with Iran in all areas of mutual interest to further bolster bilateral cooperation. The president also underlined the need to enhance the exchange of information to overcome the security challenges being faced by the two countries. During the phone call, President Zardari also exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. Zardari offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. He also expressed his concern over the humanitarian crisis and the genocide being committed by the Israeli forces and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The president extended an invitation to the Iranian President to visit Pakistan and also wished the Raisi and his family continued well-being, health and happiness. ...

The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed the disqualification of former MPA Samina Khawar Hayat in the fake degree case. The court said that a seven-member larger bench has already declared that one couldn’t be disqualified in a suo motu case. This case would also be seen in light of the judgment of seven-member bench. Petitioner’s lawyer Tariq Mehmood Advocate adopted the stance that the top court disqualified his client in a suo motu case. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, during hearing, questioned that whether the ECP has any objection over the abolishing of disqualification of the petitioner. Read also: SC orders re-election for PB-50 Qila Abdullah Director General Law Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said that the electoral body has no objection on it. He said that the disqualification period is now five year which had already passed. It may be mentioned here that the top court has disqualified Samina Khawar Hayat on July 25, 2013 on charges of having a fake degree. T...

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced on Saturday the suspension of flight operations at Gwadar Airport until Tuesday. According to a private news channel, the decision comes in response to the flood situation in Gwadar, as stated by the Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson. Read also: Gwadar declared ‘disaster zone’ after heavy rains A new notice has been issued, confirming the suspension of flight operations at Gwadar airport until Tuesday. Earlier, the Balochistan government had declared a state of emergency and declared Gwadar a calamity-hit area following heavy rains that caused significant damage in the city. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/7uGDTaI

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) combined all petitions related to minority and women reserved seats of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on Tuesday and postponed the hearing until Wednesday. A four-member panel, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and comprising members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Babar Hassan Bharwana, and Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan, heard the petition. Barrister Farogh Naseem represented Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Barrister Ali Zafar represented the SIC, stating they were there to secure their allocated seat. Azam Nazir Tarar from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Farooq H. Naik from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) represented their respective political parties. They emphasised that it is up to the commission to determine whether the SIC can secure reserved seat or not. Barrister Zafar emphasised that his party’s reserved seats cannot be claimed by anyone else, highl...

Pakistan will present its position at the ongoing advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case on Israel on Friday. In a statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “Tomorrow evening, Pakistan will present its position at the ongoing advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice in the case on legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” More than 50 states are due to present their stances in the week-long hearings, which have further emphasised the isolation of Israel’s few supporters, following a UN security council hearing on Tuesday in which the US was the lone vote against a draft ceasefire resolution, with the UK abstaining. The US and UK are expected to be virtually alone again at the ICJ hearings in urging restraint in its ruling on Israel’s occupation. Read also: Pakistan urges ICJ Gaza ruling’s full compliance The ...

Edible oil including soyabean and palm imports into the country during the first seven months of the current financial year decreased by 49.85% and 34.14% respectively as compared to the imports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-January, 2023-24 about 91,950 metric tonnes of soyabean oil valued at $99.990 million were imported as compared to the imports of 136,870 metric tonnes costing $199.386 million of the same period of last year, according to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). During the period under review, over 1.735 million tonnes of palm oil worth $1.611 billion were imported as compared to the imports of 1.927 metric tonnes valued at $2.446 billion in the same period of the last year, it added. Meanwhile, sugar imports also decreased by 42.75% as about 2,260 metric tonnes of sugar valued at $2.10 million were imported as compared to the imports of 4,332 metric tonnes worth $3.67 million in the same period of last year. During ...

The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution advising the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to align the MPhil and PhD synopsis with the teachings of Islam based on logic, reason, and science. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir from Balochistan tabled the resolution in the 335th session of the Senate. Reading out the motion loud before the house, he clarified that the word syllabus in the motion referred to synopsis and topics for research. Read also: HEC issues stringent affiliation policy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi did not oppose the motion. The resolution stated: “The Senate recommends the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to develop guidelines for all the universities of Pakistan to update the syllabus of their MPhil and PhD programmes and align it with modern scientific requirements.” from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/XjUueFB

Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China registered a growth, surging 126.29% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis surpassing $290 million from January to December last year, said Ghulam Qadir, Commercial Counsellor of the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. According to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), China imported 166,682.987 tonnes of sesame seeds from Pakistan in 2023. This represents an increase of 96.13% by volume, amounting to $290.66 million, compared to 84,985.321 tonnes worth $128.44 million in 2022. Read Copper exports to China cross $1b Qadir explained that during 2023, Pakistan’s exports to China exceeded $3.459 billion, an increase of 1.4% on a YoY basis. He also mentioned that as per GACC data, in 2023, China imported 912,814.577 tonnes of sesame seeds worth approximately $1.52 billion from around the world. The African country, Niger, with 192,529.528 tonnes worth $309.51 million, remained the top sesame seed exporter to China fo...

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar reaffirmed on Monday that the interim government had provided a level playing field for all political parties in the recently concluded elections, which were deemed 'free and fair'. He highlighted that a significant number of independent candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest single group in both the national and provincial assemblies Addressing a press conference at the PM House, the prime minister said that there might be shortcomings or other minor issues, but by and large, the elections were held in a manner in which the entire nation and the law enforcement agencies deserved kudos despite various security challenges. He acknowledged that there may have been some shortcomings or minor issues, but overall, the elections were conducted in a manner deserving of praise for the entire nation and law enforcement agencies, despite facing various security challenges. The premier stressed that all...

Pakistan and the European Union on Friday agreed to further deepen their relations in line with the Strategic Engagement Plan-2019. The agreement was reached in a meeting between Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X. During the meeting, the two sides discussed global and regional issues, emphasising the vitality of diplomacy in resolving disputes. Read more: EU envoy lays out plan for GSP+ renewal They also highlighted the need to develop partnerships to tackle global challenges. The foreign minister, while speaking at the 3rd Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, urged close cooperation and multidisciplinary international partnerships to deal with global challenges. Meanwhile, the foreign minister also joined the roundtable on ‘Shar...

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday highlighted concerns about social media, indicating plans for regulations to curb its alleged misuse. In an interview with a private TV channel, the premier said that the previous governments worked to control negative aspects of social media and in future, a “national firewall” through the use of technology would be created to subdue the negative tendencies of social media. Reflecting on the May 9 events, Kakar criticised the elements involved, clarifying that his government did not target any specific political party. He stressed the importance of maintaining social order as a foundation for political stability. “May 9 [incident] was an attack on the concept of the state of Pakistan and from the very start I was very critical of the elements involved in the incidents,” he said. However, he added that the entire Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could not be kept away from Pakistani politics, adding that only specific members of PTI w...

Pakistan on Monday condemned the construction and consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya and urged the international community to take cognisance of the growing Islamophobia, hate speech and hate crimes in India. “The United Nations and other relevant international organisations should play their part in saving the Islamic heritage sites in India from extremist groups and ensuring the protection of the religious and cultural rights of the minorities in India,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement. 🔊: PR NO. 2️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ Pakistan Condemns Consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the Site of Demolished Babri Mosque 🔗⬇️https://t.co/s3zJmZMhzN pic.twitter.com/X5rYshPxDu — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 22, 2024 Pakistan also urged the Indian government to ensure the safety and security of religious minorities, including Muslims and their holy places. The centuries-old mosque w...

The participants of a seminar highlighted flaws in the electoral process, calling for genuine change emphasising intra-party elections and increasing women's participation in the electoral process. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Changing Landscape of Pakistani Electorate and Role of Political Parties in Fair Representation’, organised by the Press Information Department (PID), they said the Constitution entrusts the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. Senator Syed Ali Zafar from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed the view the Elections Act 2017 enhanced the authority of the ECP. “The Constitution empowers political parties to participate in elections and establish a government.” Muhammad Asghar, the deputy secretary general of the Jamat-e-Islami (JI), stated that a significant majority of people refrained from voting, and many governments failed to truly represent the majority. He highlighted t...

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday called for ensuring equitable opportunities for all nations and regions to benefit from modern technology. Speaking at a forum titled "Trade Tech's Trillion-Dollar Promise" on the sideline of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), he highlighted the crucial role of state-of-the-art technology in achieving rapid development targets PM Kakar acknowledged the growing significance of the digital economy in the future and stressed that every region of the world should have the opportunity to benefit from technological advancements. Read also: PM arrives in Zurich to participate in WEF meeting He called for a focus on the development of the technology sector to ensure that its benefits are distributed globally. Stressing the need to ensure equitable opportunities for all to secure the technology, he said it was key to ensure sustainable global development. Addressing trade and business challenges, Kaka...