Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced four new executive orders on Monday, including a directive to begin construction of a state-of-the-art “Iron Dome” missile defense system. Speaking at a retreat for Republican lawmakers at his Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in Florida, the President stated that the orders were aimed at strengthening the country’s military. “We have to have a strong, strong defense,” Trump declared. “And in a little while, I’ll be signing four new executive orders.” The first order calls for the immediate development of an “Iron Dome” system to protect the U.S. from incoming missiles. Trump described…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Washington: For President Donald Trump’s allies, his crackdown on “illegal and immoral discrimination” in equal opportunities programs reflects a shifting U.S. electorate that has grown tired of ineffective and performative political correctness. However, for Trump’s critics, it is a direct assault on civil rights that will halt efforts to create a fairer country, dismantling decades of affirmative action which they argue led to a more skilled, representative workforce. Trump repeatedly previewed his plan to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during his election campaign, but the rapid pace of changes—and their broad reach—has caught many by surprise. Since his return…
RAWALPINDI: PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan expressed regret on Tuesday over the government’s failure to establish judicial commissions within the seven-day deadline, clarifying that his party was not in dialogue with any other party. Speaking to the media, he said, “It’s unfortunate that talks could not progress. We approached the government with an open heart, and our demand was that the judicial commission be announced within seven days.” He further stated that the negotiations would have moved forward had the judicial commissions been formed. The PTI and the ruling coalition have been engaged in discussions for almost a month to…
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, expressing displeasure over remarks suggesting a swap between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Punjab’s Maryam Nawaz, urged the business community to approach him directly for addressing their grievances rather than complaining elsewhere. “I request you to own PPP, we are not that bad… show us the same kind of affection you gave to PTI and MQM,” Bilawal said while addressing a luncheon hosted by the Sindh government for the business community. Earlier, trade leader Atiq Mir humorously suggested Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal swap CM Murad for Maryam Nawaz, but Iqbal only…
The military’s media wing reported on Tuesday that two soldiers were martyred and five terrorists were killed as militants attempted to attack a security forces’ post in the Gulistan area of Qila Abdullah district, Balochistan. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the attempt to breach the post was effectively thwarted by troops, forcing the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post’s perimeter wall. It added that the troops fought bravely and, in the ensuing exchange of fire, all five terrorists, including the two suicide bombers, were killed. However, during the intense skirmish, two brave soldiers,…
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday announced the final costs for both the long and short Hajj packages for the year 2025. This development came after the signing of the annual Hajj agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh, aimed at providing the best facilities for Pakistani pilgrims. Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. It was also agreed to offer the best facilities to the Pakistani pilgrims, with special accommodation in Mina available at reduced rates. A spokesperson for the religious ministry stated that the final cost for the long and short Hajj…
Nationwide protests erupted across Pakistan on Tuesday as journalist bodies and the opposition strongly opposed the “controversial” Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) (Amendment) Bill 2025. The amendments, which had already passed through the National Assembly, were also approved by the Senate today. The government claims these changes are aimed at tightening the noose around those spreading misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. During today’s session, the upper house approved the Peca (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024, which aim to establish a digital society, economy, and governance, amid commotion from the opposition benches. Opposition…
Karachi: An American woman, Onijah Andrew Robinson, found herself in a difficult situation in Pakistan after falling for a Karachi teenager. The 33-year-old traveled from New York to Karachi, captivated by the promise of love, but was left stranded when the relationship fell apart. According to sources, Robinson arrived in Karachi on October 11, 2024, on a 30-day tourist visa. During her stay, her visa expired, and she overstayed, leaving her unable to exit the country. Robinson had ‘fallen in love’ with 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, a resident of Garden West, Karachi, after connecting with him on social media and…
Key Remarks: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail stated that under the Army Act, a person cannot be tried until charges against them are formally framed. Hearing Details: The Supreme Court’s seven-member constitutional bench heard appeals against the trial of civilians in military courts. The bench was headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan and included six other justices. Arguments Presented: Defence lawyer Khawaja Haris explained the process under the Army Act, emphasizing the importance of framing charges as a basis for investigation. Haris distinguished between allegations (charges) and a chargesheet framed during the trial. Judicial Queries: Justice Musarrat Hilali asked about the inquiry…
Key Decisions: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench withdrew Justice Shah’s January 13 and 16 orders. Justice Ayesha A. Malik recused herself from the case due to her involvement in the earlier orders. Hearing on the Customs regulatory duty case adjourned indefinitely. Government’s Standpoint: Attorney General Usman Awan announced the government’s decision to challenge the Supreme Court’s order on forming a full-court bench. The AG argued that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah exceeded his authority by taking suo motu notice. Judicial Observations: Questions were raised about the authority of Justice Shah to assign cases to specific benches. The court criticised procedural ambiguities…
