Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized the focus on the Afghan diplomat issue, deeming it trivial compared to the country’s more pressing concerns. Speaking informally to journalists at Adiala Jail, Khan argued that while the nation faces significant challenges, the government is fixated on minor matters. Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasized that urgent attention is required for the country’s major issues. “We are facing serious problems, yet the focus remains on this,” he said. Addressing the current political climate and the debate over constitutional courts, Khan noted that while he previously supported the Charter of Democracy—which…
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
KARACHI: Pakistan’s healthcare system is grappling with critical issues such as the migration of doctors, a significant gender imbalance in the medical workforce, and a pressing need for digital transformation. These challenges will be the focal points of discussion at the 27th Biennial Convention of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), which begins on Saturday, September 21, in Karachi. Ahead of the convention, newly-elected PIMA President Professor Dr. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, alongside senior PIMA members including Prof. Dr. Sohail Akhtar, former caretaker health minister Sindh Prof. Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, PIMA Karachi President Prof. Dr. Abdullah Muttaqi, and Prof. Dr.…
ISLAMABAD: The long-standing dispute between the Defense Housing Authority (DHA) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding the transfer of 729 plots has been successfully resolved. Sources confirm that the DHA has issued allotment letters for the 729 plots to the CDA. Following this, the CDA has decided to offer these residential plots to the public, with a special focus on overseas Pakistanis. The resolution was reached during a meeting at the CDA headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting, which included all board members and senior officers, reviewed the successful settlement of the issue that had…
LAHORE: Despite escalating tensions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced that its planned rally in Lahore on September 21 will proceed as scheduled, regardless of ongoing police raids, arrests, and legal hurdles. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan affirmed on Wednesday that the rally will take place as planned. The party’s leadership remains resolute in organizing the event, even if they do not receive the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja emphasized that the party will not be deterred by government actions. “We are not afraid of fascism and are ready to face jail,…
KARACHI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has successfully intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving drugs and weapons disguised as electronic goods. The operation occurred at a courier office near Nursery Stop in Karachi. According to the ANF spokesperson, the parcel, originating from Peshawar, was found to contain 1.2 kilograms of cannabis, along with five 9mm pistols, two .30-calibre pistols, and 17 magazines with 55 rounds. The contraband was cleverly concealed within battery chargers and juicer machines, complicating detection. The parcel was booked from Karkhano Market in Peshawar for delivery to Karachi. Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those…
ISLAMABAD: Following a setback in garnering support from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) for a contentious constitutional amendment package, the ruling party has shifted focus to address the concerns of the legal community. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar met with representatives from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to discuss the proposed amendments, including the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court. It was agreed that a committee, comprising key members from various bar associations, will review the amendments and provide recommendations within seven days. The committee will include the vice chairman and executive committee chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council,…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced a highly inflationary Rs18.9 trillion budget, designed to balance lavish spending promises for political allies with unprecedented new taxes to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions. The budget represents a 30% increase, or Rs4.4 trillion, from the previous year and features record allocations for interest payments, defense, and development. This ambitious fiscal plan has raised skepticism about its feasibility and its claim of fiscal consolidation. The finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, faced criticism for the budget’s lack of credibility, particularly regarding the record Rs13 trillion tax collection target for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).…
KARACHI: Unidentified assailants shot and killed Shahnawaz, the driver of PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh, on Wednesday near Superhighway, allegedly over a land dispute. According to local police, Shahnawaz had visited a plot of land on Tuesday when he was attacked. An exchange of fire occurred between him and the assailants, who managed to flee the scene. Shahnawaz, who also worked as a watchman in Shah village, was reported missing by his family, who were informed of his death at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Haleem Adil Sheikh expressed his condolences over the “tragic incident” and called for a comprehensive investigation…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is encountering internal dissent over the proposed federal constitutional court (FFC) amid difficulties advancing its constitutional amendment package, specifically regarding Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s potential role as chief justice of the FFC. Sources revealed to The Express Tribune on Wednesday that there was a proposal to appoint Chief Justice Isa as the chief justice of the proposed FFC. However, the government faced embarrassment after failing to even table the proposed amendment package on judicial reforms in parliament, with blame directed at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The government’s legal team reportedly…
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday mandated a prompt decision on the appeal concerning the Iddat case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Imran and Bushra Bibi had been sentenced on February 3 in the Iddat Nikkah case. An appeal was filed in the sessions court 20 days later, and Judge Arjumand was expected to announce his ruling on May 29. However, he requested the IHC to reassign the case to another judge. Subsequently, the IHC transferred the case to Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. Imran and Bushra Bibi…
