A fact-finding mission by Ambassador Frans van Daele, the European Union’s special envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, concluded in Pakistan with mixed results. Although the envoy met key officials such as Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, several high-ranking officials reportedly skipped planned meetings, raising concerns among diplomatic circles. Insiders revealed that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif were among those who did not meet the EU diplomat, sparking the impression that certain key voices…
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
Six people, including five members of the same family, lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as heavy rains and strong winds wreaked havoc across the province, damaging homes in multiple incidents. Anwar Shahzada, spokesperson for KP’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), reported that the rain began Friday morning and continued into the second day. In Charsadda district, a house collapsed due to the downpour, killing five family members, including three children, a woman, and her husband. Rescue 1122 retrieved their bodies and transported them to a nearby hospital. In a separate incident in Upper Dir, a man was killed…
ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting on Friday was overshadowed by controversy surrounding a proposed constitutional package concerning the judiciary, leading to a walkout by Supreme Court Justice Munib Akhtar. At the start of the meeting, Justice Akhtar raised concerns about the absence of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who had previously committed to explaining the legal aspects of the package during the next meeting. The package, aimed at amending provisions related to the appointment, elevation, and transfer of superior court judges, had been deferred earlier due to the minister’s request. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman…
ISLAMABAD: A long-awaited “Constitutional Package” that proposes significant amendments — including fixing the tenure of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) at three years — is expected to be introduced in parliament today (Saturday). However, doubts remain over whether the ruling coalition has the necessary two-thirds majority, or 224 votes out of 336, in the lower house to pass the constitutional amendment. Currently, the government appears to be short by about a dozen votes in both houses. Nevertheless, statements from government officials suggest that the Shehbaz Sharif-led administration is confident it can secure the needed support. Parliament sessions for both…
LAHORE: Punjab’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested nine terrorists during 71 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across various cities in the province, according to a statement issued on Saturday. The CTD, which operates under the provincial police, plays a crucial role in combating terrorism and maintaining internal security in the country. The department regularly carries out operations aimed at preventing terrorism-related activities and gathering vital intelligence. A CTD Punjab spokesperson confirmed that the recent operations were conducted in cities including Lahore, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, leading to the arrest of nine terrorists. Among them was a member…
QUETTA: Two police officers were martyred and another was injured in a bomb blast in Kuchlak town near Quetta on Saturday, according to police officials. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Azhar Rashid confirmed that the explosives were planted at the site prior to the incident and detonated as a police vehicle approached. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Zainuddin and gunman Mohammad Tahir lost their lives in the explosion, while the driver, who was injured, was transported to Mufti Mehmood Memorial Hospital and later moved to a trauma center in Quetta. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, paying tribute to the…
ISLAMABAD: Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), has alleged that two of his party’s senators are being “pressured” to support a forthcoming constitutional amendment package. The proposed amendments, which include fixing the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) at three years, are expected to be presented in parliament today (Saturday). Mengal claimed that the homes of Senators Muhammad Qasim and Nasima Ehsaan were raided, with Ehsaan’s family also facing threats. He accused the government of attempting to pass the amendment by using force and keeping the public in the dark. Opposition parties, including BNP-M, PTI,…
Prince Harry, who is set to mark his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday, had the support of his pal, who cleared a major misconception about the Duke of Sussex. King Charles’ younger son had left his senior royal position in 2020 alongside with his wife Meghan Markle, and moved to US to start a life away from the Firm. However, following his explosive memoir, Spare, Prince Harry has been a target of multiple accusations, which a close friend set the record straight for. Author and founder of Mental Health Mates, Bryony Gordon said that many people are “disappointed” when she tells people…
Britney Spears will have to continue paying child support to her ex-husband Kevin Federline, although her younger son has become 18-years-old this week. The Womanizer songstress’ child support payments to Federline, with whom she shares sons Jayden, 18, and Sean, who turns 19 next month, will not stop despite both her sons being legally adults now. As Mark Vincent Kaplan, Federline’s lawyer states that the California law demands a parent to continue paying child support until the child’s high school graduation, regardless if they are 18. “Under California law, child support jurisdiction continues until the minor child reaches the age of 18,…
Cardi B shared an update on motherhood after recently welcoming her third baby with estranged husband Offset. The 31-year-old rapper took to her broadcast channel and gushed about the love and support she received as she became a mom of three. “Thank you everyone that has shown me so much love,” the proud mom shared, adding, “I’m sooo in love with my little baby!! She so cute and tiny.” The singer also shed some light on how she’s been feeling post-birth, with some good updates to share. “I feel good!” she said. “Very rejuvenated very empowered, very MOTHA.” “But yes…
