Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent LAHORE: Sona Center organized a ‘Kissan Convention’ at a local hotel to highlight its support for farmers across Pakistan. In just one year, around 244 stores have been opened nationwide. The initiative, which aligns with global trends in sustainable agriculture, seeks to ensure that international farming standards are adopted in Pakistan with the support of government and stakeholders. Punjab’s Secretary of Agriculture, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, attended the event as chief guest. He commended Sona Centers for their pivotal role in serving farmers and contributing to the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector through timely delivery of quality inputs…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The medical report of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been shared with his family, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday. In a post on X, Attaullah Tarar said the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) executive director sent the report to the superintendent of Adiala Jail, “which has been handed over to the family.” He noted that the Leader of the Opposition had written to the prime minister, and PTI leaders also approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding Khan’s medical check-up. The announcement comes…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Dr Niaz Ahmad, the vice-chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, as the new chair of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The federal education ministry has issued a notification confirming the appointment, which has been made for a two-year term under the amended HEC Act. Dr Ahmad was selected following a formal search process led by a nine-member committee headed by the federal education minister, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-Pakistan. After conducting interviews, the committee submitted a summary to the prime minister recommending three candidates: former NED University vice-chancellor Dr…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The religious-political group Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has announced three days of mourning following the deadly suicide bombing at the Khadijat-ul-Kubra mosque and imambargah in Islamabad. Speaking after the attack, MWM leader Allama Sadiq Jafri said protests and rallies would be held across Sindh to condemn terrorism. He said prayers were being offered for the elevation of the ranks of those killed and for the swift recovery of the injured. An MWM protest was also held at Numaish Chowrangi against the Islamabad attack, with senior figures including Allama Sadiq Jafri and Allama Mubashir Hasan joining a large…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said investigators have established that the terrorist involved in a deadly attack in Islamabad had travelled to and from Afghanistan, as authorities probe what he described as emerging links between India and Taliban elements. In a statement, Asif said the attacker who targeted worshippers in a mosque was an enemy of both religion and the state. He said security guards challenged the suspect at the mosque entrance, after which the attacker opened fire before carrying out the bombing. According to the minister, the suicide bomber detonated himself near the back rows…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Power regulator has approved an increase in electricity prices under the fuel cost adjustment mechanism, adding further pressure to households already struggling with high living costs. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has raised the price of electricity by 28 paisas per unit for December’s fuel price adjustment, according to an official notification. The increase will be charged to consumers in February’s electricity bills and will apply across the country, including customers of K-Electric. Nepra said the higher tariff would not apply to lifeline consumers or to electric vehicle charging stations. Fuel price adjustments are…

By our correspondent QUETTA: The Balochistan government announced that the overall security situation across the province had largely returned to normal, following a period of heightened unrest and targeted attacks. Authorities said that while day-to-day life was stabilizing, focused security operations continued in specific areas of Quetta, guided by ongoing intelligence assessments. Shahid Rand, spokesperson for the provincial administration, confirmed that around 100 suspected individuals had been taken into custody during recent operations in Quetta, with a number of weapons recovered in coordinated raids. The Balochistan spokesman added that internet services in the city were expected to be fully restored,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed across Pakistan on Thursday, with events held to express support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination. The annual observance aims to draw the attention of the international community to ongoing human rights violations and alleged atrocities in the region, highlighting the long-standing humanitarian and political crisis. Across Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, solidarity walks, seminars, and exhibitions were organized to commemorate the day. Participants carried banners, flags, and placards, calling for global recognition of the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. Officials…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Mushal Malik, wife of Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, has questioned the international community’s silence over what she described as open acts of terrorism in Kashmir. In a video message, she said Kashmir was not merely a territorial dispute but a dangerous global nuclear flashpoint. She condemned the detention of Yasin Malik in solitary confinement, calling it “equivalent to punishing the entire Kashmiri nation.” “By sentencing Kashmiri leadership to death, the Modi government seeks to silence their voices. Is demanding peace and freedom now considered a crime for Kashmiris?” she asked. Mushal Malik further said that while…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Balochistan chief minister Sarfraz Bugti said Pakistan would never compromise on its unity, development, or the safety of its people, as the province continued to grapple with security challenges linked to terrorist violence. In a message shared on social media, Bugti described Operation Radd-ul-Fitna as a clear and uncompromising signal to those he accused of spreading bloodshed and instability across Balochistan. He said the operation reflected the state’s resolve to confront militancy and restore peace in a region that has repeatedly borne the brunt of violent attacks. The chief minister singled out the Balochistan Liberation Army…