ISLAMABAD: The lower houses of the parliaments of Pakistan and Russia have formalized an agreement to boost parliamentary cooperation. The agreement was signed in Moscow on Thursday by Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two legislative institutions and establish lasting mechanisms for collaboration through parliamentary committees, commissions, and friendship groups. A five-member parliamentary delegation, led by Mr. Sadiq, is currently on a five-day official visit to Russia. In his opening remarks, Mr. Sadiq emphasized his longstanding friendship with Mr.…
Author: Web Desk
To facilitate aspiring Haj pilgrims, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has instructed 15 designated banks to keep their branches open on Saturday and Sunday across the country. The deadline for submitting Haj applications, along with the required dues for the 2025 pilgrimage, is December 3, 2024. This decision follows a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, as confirmed in a press release issued on Thursday. According to the central bank’s directives, the designated bank branches will remain operational from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on November 30 and December 1, 2024, ensuring maximum convenience for…
Former first lady Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have been booked in seven new criminal cases following recent violent protests across the country. The new cases, registered in Attock, come in the wake of protests that saw confrontations between demonstrators and police. Legal Actions and Accusations The FIRs (First Information Reports) were filed at several police stations, including Hasanabdal, Hazro, and Injra, and name key PTI figures including Bushra Bibi, Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, and former president Arif Alvi. The charges include assaulting 119 police officers—three of whom…
Prominent journalist Matiullah Jan was placed in a two-day police remand on charges of terrorism and narcotics possession, sparking widespread outrage and allegations of fabricated accusations aimed at silencing critical journalism. Jan’s arrest comes after reports of his alleged abduction from Islamabad, with rights organizations and journalist bodies strongly condemning the incident. Arrest Details and Allegations Jan was reportedly apprehended last night from the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad by unidentified individuals. The police later booked him under charges of possessing 246 grams of methamphetamine and committing terrorism-related offenses, as detailed in an…
ISLAMABAD: Allegations and counter-allegations over casualties during law enforcement action against PTI protesters have become a focal point of contention between the government and the opposition. While the PTI claims multiple fatalities, the government firmly denies any loss of life. PTI’s Allegations Following the retreat of PTI marchers from Islamabad’s Blue Area, the party alleged that several of its supporters had been killed due to law enforcement actions. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed in a video message that around 20 individuals had died, although party sources initially reported six fatalities. Social media and political leaders amplified these claims,…
ISLAMABAD: After the recent PTI-led protests brought Islamabad to a halt, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared zero tolerance for future demonstrations that threaten the capital’s stability and economy. Addressing the federal cabinet on Wednesday, the premier stressed the need for decisive measures to prevent further disruptions. Economic and Social Impact PM Shehbaz highlighted the massive daily economic losses caused by the protests, amounting to approximately Rs190 billion. He attributed these damages to stalled exports, disrupted imports, and shuttered businesses, further straining the nation’s fragile economy. The protests also affected vulnerable groups, such as daily wagers and patients needing medical…
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have voiced their frustration over the party leadership’s inability to lead decisively during the recent Islamabad sit-in. Following the retreat from Islamabad, workers expressed feeling abandoned and disorganized, with many turning to social media to criticize the leadership’s lack of on-ground presence. Leadership Under Fire Disgruntled members pointed to the absence of prominent leaders such as Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja, Punjab President Hammad Azhar, and Information Secretary Shaukat Basra during critical moments. Workers claimed the leadership failed to implement contingency plans, leaving them stranded and directionless. Salman Akram Raja faced particular backlash for not being…
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner to stay beyond December 31, 2024. This decision aligns with the government’s effort to regulate the presence of foreign nationals and maintain law and order. Measures Against Unlawful Protests The announcement coincided with allegations that some Afghan nationals participated in recent violent protests linked to a political party. The minister revealed plans to prevent future unlawful demonstrations and criticized claims of fatalities among the protestors, stating that no credible evidence had been presented.…
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected a petition calling for the disqualification of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several other political figures, including federal cabinet members, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, and others. The petition was dismissed as frivolous and politically motivated, with the court imposing a fine of Rs. 500,000 on the petitioner. Details of the Petition Filed by Ashba Kamran, the petition accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of intentionally delaying general elections in collaboration with certain political parties,…
MANSEHRA: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in at D-Chowk will persist until party chairman Imran Khan personally calls it off, announced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Speaking at a delayed press conference in the Insaf Secretariat, Gandapur condemned the recent crackdown on protesters and reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s cause. Protest and Crackdown Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi led the final protest in Islamabad but retreated during a law enforcement operation. “Hundreds of PTI workers were killed or injured by direct fire from law enforcement agencies. Each family of the deceased will receive…
