Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has reiterated that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a terrorist organization, saying political debate should not interfere with counterterrorism efforts. Speaking to the media, Gohar clarified that Suhail Afridi is not named in any case related to the 9 May incident, and the forensic report regarding the video of Afridi remains inconclusive about its location. “We make it clear in no uncertain terms that the TTP is a terrorist group,” he said. “There should be no politics over terrorism. The National Action Plan must be implemented fully, and there should…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: The United States has formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood operating in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as a terrorist organization. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move aims to thwart the group’s attempts at violence and destabilization. “We will use all available means to block the Brotherhood’s financial resources,” he added. According to US media reports, the designation means any financial assistance to the Muslim Brotherhood will now be considered illegal, and its members will face restrictions on entry into the United States. The decision reflects Washington’s broader strategy to counter transnational groups it views…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Karachi Union of Journalists has called for the immediate withdrawal of a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against senior journalist Aslam Shah and urged that he be released without delay. In a strongly worded statement, the union criticised what it described as deliberate delays by the state prosecutor and the investigating officer of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. These, it said, were obstructing Shah’s right to seek bail and preventing the case from moving forward. On Monday, Shah’s bail could not be secured after proceedings were once again postponed. A…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senator Rubina Khalid, chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program, emphasized the need to devolve education and health-related programs to the provinces to strengthen the federation. She made the remarks during a visit to the Sindh Social Protection Authority and the social protection department of the Sindh government. The BISP chairperson was received by Sindh’s minister for social protection, Saeed Ghani, and briefed by Irshad Sodhar, the chief executive officer of the Sindh Social Protection Authority. Khadim Hussain Channa, secretary of the social protection department, was also present. Senator Khalid said the core BISP cash support…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A delegation from the Sindh Association of North America (SANA), led by President Dr. Maqbool Halepoto, visited the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Rehabilitation Centre in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, on Friday, highlighting growing transnational support for children with intellectual disabilities in Sindh. Dr. Halepoto praised the dedication of the NDF team, led by President Abid Lashari, for providing free rehabilitation services to children from marginalized communities across the province. He described the center’s work as vital, offering hope and opportunities to families often excluded from mainstream social and medical support. Highlighting the alignment between SANA and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) held a meeting with Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil, to discuss the challenges facing journalists across the country. The PFUJ delegation included Secretary Shakil Ahmed, Vice President Qaiser Mirza, and Federal Executive Council members Yasir Nazar Awan and Ishaq Chaudhry. During the talks, they raised pressing issues such as delays in issuing health cards, ongoing layoffs in media organizations, non-payment of dues, and concerns over the list of plots allocated to journalists under the Housing Foundation quota. The PFUJ representatives told the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A banking court in Karachi has ordered action by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), resulting in raids on the residences of directors of Bari Textile Mills (Private) Limited in connection with a criminal default case filed by JS Bank Limited. Acting on the directions of Banking Court-I, FIA officials, accompanied by police personnel, carried out the raids on Thursday after the court issued arrest warrants against Muhammad Naqi Bari, Muhammad Danish Naqi Bari, Ather Muhammad Naqi Bari and Muhammad Tabish Bari. Banking and law enforcement sources allege that Bari Textile Mills is a habitual defaulter within…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has marked another significant achievement in organ transplantation by successfully performing corneal transplants using tissue donated by a deceased donor, restoring sight to two patients and transforming a moment of profound personal loss into one of lasting hope. The donor, the late Sher Ali Taheem, was a 17-year-old student and resident of Karachi who was admitted to SIUT after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, he remained in the intensive care unit for two days before being declared brain-dead. Sher Ali had a deep and…

By our correspondentKARACHI: The Secretary General of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement–Haqiqi (MQM-H), Shahid Faraz, has criticized the ongoing government operations against “illegal encroachments,” alleging that they disproportionately target migrant communities while allowing influential outsiders to continue their violations unchecked. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of senior migrant leaders from the District Central Office at the residence of Afaq Ahmed, Faraz condemned the actions as discriminatory and unconstitutional. “Once again, the migrant community is being systematically targeted under the pretext of anti-encroachment operations, while unauthorized encroachments by influential non-locals remain untouched. This is not only a violation of constitutional…

By our correspondent LAHORE: The funeral prayers of Dr Ziaullah Bangash, a founding member of the Pakistan People’s Party and former member of the provincial assembly Punjab, were held in Lahore on Tuesday. The ceremony drew a large gathering of politicians, social workers, journalists, prominent public figures, and local residents, all of whom paid tribute to Dr Bangash’s lifelong dedication to public service. Attendees recalled his efforts to strengthen democratic values and his contributions to shaping the country’s political landscape. Mourners also offered their condolences to the family, expressing hope that Dr Bangash’s soul would be granted a high place…