Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: In preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, stringent security measures are being implemented in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. An order has been issued to close restaurants, wedding halls, cafes, and snooker clubs in both cities for five days, from October 12 to 16. To enforce this, Station House Officers (SHOs) have started collecting guarantee bonds from business owners, and large cash-and-carry marts across the city will also remain closed during this period. Business owners are being called to police stations to fill out surety bonds. As part of the summit’s security preparations, courts will…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has reserved its ruling on the prosecution’s request for extending the physical remand of Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan. The case pertains to the alleged vandalism at D-Chowk during a PTI protest, for which the two women were brought before the court after completing a two-day physical remand. Defense lawyer Niazullah Niazi argued that the charges were politically motivated, a claim echoed by many PTI leaders in recent cases. Judge Abu Al-Hasanat Zulqarnain, while acknowledging the issue of political victimization, stressed…

Both federal and provincial governments have expressed readiness to collaborate in developing strategies for peace, with the jirga expected to pave the way for further discussions in the coming days By our correspondent PESHAWAR: In a significant move toward restoring peace and security in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) region, political leaders from both the federal and K-P governments convened for a Grand Jirga in Peshawar. Hosted by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s House, the gathering brought together key political figures including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The jirga, a…

Murad Ali Shah, in his earlier role as an adviser to the Sindh chief minister on finance and energy, was responsible for financial irregularities that led to a $16 million loss to the national treasury By our correspondent KARACHI: In a significant ruling, a special accountability court has acquitted Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and others involved in the Nooriabad Power Plant case, citing a lack of evidence of personal gain or misconduct. The court concluded that there was no indication of excessive costs or financial mismanagement associated with the project, clearing Shah of all charges linked to…

In tandem with Langrial’s remarks, FM Aurangzeb revealed that the country is facing tax fraud and evasion amounting to a staggering Rs3,400 billion By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move aimed at curbing tax evasion, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial announced on Thursday that large-scale action against non-filers would begin immediately after November 1. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Langrial highlighted that the number of income tax returns filed this year has surpassed four million, doubling from last year’s figures. With the deadline for submitting tax returns set for October 14, he confirmed there would…

Prime Minister Sharif underscored that these reforms are part of a wider economic recovery plan, saying, “With the grace of Almighty Allah, the national economy is stabilising swiftly” By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move towards providing relief to the public, the federal government announced on Thursday the termination of several Independent Power Producers (IPP) agreements, a step expected to yield significant savings and reduce electricity tariffs for consumers. During a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the decision to end contracts with five IPPs—HUBCO, Lalpir, Saba Power, Rousch Power, and Atlas Power—was made, signaling a landmark…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: In a significant counter-terrorism effort, security forces conducted two operations on October 9 and 10, 2024, resulting in the deaths of four Khawarij militants in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. On October 9, an intelligence-based operation was executed in the Janikhel area of Bannu District following reports of Khawarij presence. During this operation, security forces engaged in an intense firefight with the militants, ultimately resulting in the deaths of two Khawarij. The following day, on October 10, another operation was carried out in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan District. During this operation, security personnel effectively…

By our correspondent KARACHI: As Karachi braces for another wave of soaring temperatures, a brief spell of rain has brought temporary relief to a city struggling under the weight of a relentless heatwave. Showers reached areas across the sprawling metropolis, from the bustling Super Highway to Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Malir, offering some reprieve from the oppressive conditions that have gripped the city for days. But this interlude, while welcome, comes with a caveat: temperatures remain stubbornly high, with the mercury peaking at a sweltering 39°C, and forecasts suggesting further rises in the coming days. Meteorologists warn that this brief cool-off may…

Expressing concern, the Chief Justice inquired about the circumstances leading to the disappearance and demanded that a detailed report be submitted by the Ministry of Defence By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has directed the Ministry of Defence to submit a report on the disappearance of Intizar Hussain Panjotha, who served as a focal person for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During a court hearing on the case, the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad appeared before the bench. Intizar Hussain’s lawyer revealed that the last known location of the missing person was in F-6, Islamabad, after which no…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, Minister of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, on Thursday. Accompanied by a high-level government and business delegation, the meeting underscored the commitment to enhancing the already strong bilateral relations between the two nations. The discussions revolved around mutual interests, focusing on initiatives aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors. The COAS expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support Pakistan has received from Saudi Arabia, particularly acknowledging the contributions of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud…