The decision regarding the suspension of mobile phone or internet services during Muharram-ul-Haram will be made in consultation with the provinces. This was resolved in a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, which focused on reviewing the national security plan. The meeting thoroughly examined security preparations for Muharram across all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and the federal capital, Islamabad. Officials collectively agreed that strict action would be taken against individuals spreading religious hatred on social media platforms. Naqvi stated that all necessary measures and decisions related to Muharram security would be undertaken through mutual…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Pakistan has voiced grave concern over the persistent use of torture as a tool of oppression in situations of foreign occupation, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In a statement released to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Foreign Office highlighted that the people of Palestine and IIOJK are subjected to the most severe forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by occupying powers. This is done to suppress their fundamental right to self-determination. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating torture and…
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated on Thursday that the decision regarding the suspension of cellular services during Muharram will be announced at the “eleventh hour.” Addressing the media in Lahore about the arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, Bokhari recalled that mobile services were not suspended across Punjab last year. However, she indicated that the option might be utilized this time, particularly along the routes of mourning processions. Bokhari stressed that it would be premature to make a definitive statement at this point. She added that the Chief Minister will make a final decision on the matter, after reviewing reports on the…
After being denied access to meet incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly criticized the federal government. He signaled that his administration would not cooperate with the Centre on the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. “I am telling you [Centre] that the next matter yet to be decided with IMF,” Gandapur stated to journalists outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, flanked by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and PTI Senator Shibli Faraz. He emphasized, “We will make decisions according to our province’s situation,” adding that the Centre should…
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Thursday that the moon for Muharram 1447 Hijri has been sighted across the country, with Ashura scheduled for July 6th (Sunday). During a press conference, the committee’s chairman, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, stated that concurrent meetings of the central, zonal, and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees took place at their respective headquarters. He confirmed that the committee received numerous reports of moon sightings from various regions throughout the nation. Muharram is recognized as one of the four sacred Islamic months. Ashura falls on its 10th day, commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat…
In 2024, Pakistan achieved an unprecedented milestone by generating approximately Rs298 billion (about $1.1 billion) in tobacco tax revenue, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025. This remarkable increase followed aggressive tax policy changes that also led to a more than 28% drop in cigarette production, marking a significant victory in the nation’s ongoing efforts to curb tobacco use, as reported by The News. However, despite this substantial progress on taxation, the report warns that Pakistan still lags dangerously behind in implementing the full spectrum of tobacco control policies. The WHO lauded the country’s recent…
In a move offering substantial relief to electricity consumers and businesses, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has lowered the base power tariff by Rs1.49 per unit for the fiscal year 2025-26. This brings the tariff down to Rs34.01/unit, representing a 4.2% cut from the current rate of Rs35.50/unit. This downward revision is attributed to reduced capacity payments secured through new government agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), declining energy prices, and a projected 2.8% increase in demand. Nepra has now submitted its rebasing decision to the federal government for final approval and the implementation of a uniform tariff…
Jurassic World Rebirth co-stars Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson have openly displayed their affection on red carpets by sharing kisses. They first kissed at their new film’s London premiere, and then again last night at its New York City premiere. Addressing their public display of intimacy, Bailey told ET that it’s simply their way of showing love for each other as friends. “I believe in being able to show love in all different ways,” the Fellow Travelers actor remarked. Bailey added, “And if you can’t kiss your friends… life’s too short not to.” Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, was also present…
The ongoing dispute with Justin Baldoni has reportedly taken a substantial mental and emotional toll on Blake Lively. According to recent findings by Heat Magazine, the months-long feud between the actress and the director of her film, It Ends With Us, caused her damage beyond just reputational and financial harm. “Blake’s image took a huge hit with all the mud that Justin and his legal team threw at her, she lost her best friend,” a source claimed, referring to Taylor Swift, who has reportedly put her friendship with Blake Lively on ice. The source also revealed, “And her home life…
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reportedly issued threats to his former girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, from jail. It’s claimed the alleged “s** trafficker” expected the multihyphenate to step forward and support him, but she chose to remain silent amid the high-profile lawsuit. According to a new report from RadarOnline.com, “Diddy and JLo had a meaningful relationship and remained in contact long after it ended.” The tipster revealed, “He really thought she’d reach out and show at least some support, even if she wasn’t willing to testify for him. Her backing would’ve carried real weight, especially with her influence in the industry. But…
