The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued pre-admission notices to the federal government, prime minister, and president regarding the delay in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the petition filed by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, challenging the continued functioning of the incumbent CEC and ECP members despite the expiry of their tenure. The court also issued notices to the Chief Election Commissioner and the existing members of the Election Commission.…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced the completion of the updated feasibility study for the Reko Diq project, confirming an investment of $627 million. The project, spanning 37 years, is expected to yield 13.1 million tonnes of copper and 17.9 million ounces of gold. According to OGDCL, the first phase of the project is scheduled to commence in 2028, while the second phase is set to begin in 2034. The company’s board has also approved financing arrangements for the project, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s mining sector. Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped…
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has predicted that Eidul Fitr will fall on March 31, as the month of Ramadan is expected to last 29 days. According to a statement issued by Suparco, the new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH will be born on March 29 at 3:58 PM. By sunset on March 30, the age of the moon will be approximately 27 hours, making it visible to the naked eye. The statement further elaborated that the angular distance between the moon and the sun on March 30 will be around 16 degrees, while the moon’s…
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, launched a province-wide declaration campaign on Wednesday to regulate the ownership of big cats, including lions, cheetahs, jaguars, and leopards. In the first phase of the initiative, the Punjab Wildlife Department has issued directives requiring all owners to formally declare their big cats within 30 days. A public notice has been issued, mandating that details such as the animal’s breed, age, location, and number be submitted through the newly introduced “Wildlife PASS App” for streamlined documentation. Failure to comply within the stipulated period will result in strict action, with cases registered…
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the alleged forced abduction of journalist Waheed Murad, who was reportedly taken away by unknown individuals from the federal capital. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PFUJ demanded Murad’s immediate and unconditional release, expressing deep concern over the increasing incidents of enforced disappearances targeting journalists. The union also urged authorities to review the alleged misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, citing former interior minister Rana Sanaullah’s admission of its exploitation in the past. The PFUJ further voiced apprehension over threats received by Sindh-based journalist Ghulam…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir for his crucial role in securing the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During a federal cabinet meeting, the premier acknowledged the contributions of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Secretary Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, who is currently observing I’tikaf in Madina. He emphasized that the Army Chief played a pivotal role in the negotiations, ensuring Pakistan swiftly met the IMF’s conditions. The premier also extended condolences on behalf of the cabinet to General Munir…
A significant legal judgment in Faisalabad has established a vital precedent in the fight against digital harassment, with a special court sentencing Abdul Rehman to 11 years imprisonment for the systematic online harassment of a young woman. The Faisalabad Special Court levied a substantial penalty against the offender, encompassing: 11 years of incarceration Rs1 million fine Rs500,000 compensation awarded to the victim The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) filed the case under the Cyber Crime Act, specifically addressing Rehman’s actions of uploading inappropriate images and persistently harassing the victim via social media platforms. Judicial authorities highlighted that this verdict signifies a…
A local court on Wednesday approved a two-day physical remand for journalist Waheed Murad, who was allegedly abducted from his residence and subsequently handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). During the court hearing, Murad testified that police forcibly entered his home and took him away, further stating that his mother-in-law was also assaulted during the raid. “Just 20 minutes ago, I was handed over to the FIA,” he told the court. Iman Mazari, Murad’s lawyer, revealed that she had filed a petition seeking protection from unlawful detention. She questioned the justification for subjecting a journalist to physical remand.…
A suspected case of mpox surfaced at Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, on Saturday. According to details, the patient is a resident of Shah Latif Town in Karachi. The hospital administration reported that the patient’s wife first exhibited symptoms of mpox. The patient was kept in the isolation ward pending the receipt of test results. The Sindh Health Department stated that the patient’s samples have been sent to a private hospital, and they are awaiting the results.
Researchers announced on Tuesday that chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny microplastic particles directly into people’s mouths. This revelation comes amid growing concerns about the presence of microplastics in various environments, from mountaintops to the deepest parts of the ocean, and even in the air we breathe. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), highlights yet another unexamined route through which these minute plastic fragments enter the human body. The pilot study explored how chewing gum, often perceived as an innocent treat, could be contributing to the widespread problem of plastic pollution. “I don’t…
