Daily News Pakistan

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on Thursday described fleeing the Taliban's victory march on Kabul, saying the decision had been taken in "minutes" and that he did not know he was leaving the country until he was taking off. Ghani told BBC's Radio 4 "Today" programme that on the morning of August 15, 2021, the day the Islamists took control of the capital and his own government fell apart, he had "no inkling" that it would be his last day in Afghanistan. But by that afternoon security at the presidential palace had "collapsed," he said. "If I take a stand they will all be killed, and they were not capable of defending me," Ghani said in the interview, conducted by former UK chief of defence staff, General Nick Carter. His national security adviser, Hamdullah Mohib, was "literally terrified," Ghani said. "He did not give me more than two minutes." He said his instructions had originally been to fly...

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday insisted that Pakistan was heading in the "right direction" and that the country's economy will be "far better" by August 2022. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Chaudhry said a phase was being commenced in Pakistan in which the social protection programmes will take effect, paving the way for improvement of the overall economic situation of the country. He informed that the PTI-led government had to return $55 billion in its next two years in debt payment, adding that a sum of $32bn had already been paid under debts in the last three years. "We are paying the price for the legacy left by Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif," the minister said, in reference to the last two governments of the PPP and PML-N. Dispelling the impression given by the opposition about the country failing at the economic front, Chaudhry said Shehbaz Sharif and other opposition leaders should not worry about the country as "...

Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched the Naya Pakistan Sehat Card for all citizens, stating that each family would be eligible for medical treatment up to one million rupees per year under the universal health coverage programme. The premier stated that not everyone can take such revolutionary decisions as the PTI did, citing the example of the health card as one. "Today, every family in Punjab will be eligible for a health card," he said, adding that a welfare state is one where all citizens have equal opportunity for growth and prosperity. He said it was in the State of Madina that for the first time in history, the state accepted responsibility for society's underprivileged segment. The PM stated that while the welfare state model can be seen in contemporary Europe, it is not seen in Muslim countries. In a dig at the PML-N's mantra of transforming Pakistan into an Asian Tiger, the premier stated, "Asian Tiger is nothing in comparison to the State of M...

Four Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) Friday in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, confirmed the ISPR. One terrorist was apprehended along with weapons and ammunition," said the ISPR, adding that the four soldiers were martyred during an "intense exchange of fire." The names of the martyred soldiers are: Havaldar Munawar, 40, resident of Bahawalnagar, Sepoy Zaka Ullah, 31, resident of Laki Marwat, Sepoy Farhan, 34, resident of Kohat and Sepoy Sheraz, 30, resident of Abbottabad. In another IBO, two militants were gunned down by security forces while weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants. The two terrorists killed during the IBO have been identified as Shahzeb alias Zakir and Daniyal. "These terrorists were involved in terrorist activities against security forces, target killing and kidnapping for ransom," it added.

Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin presents the much-awaited supplementary finance bill — termed by the Opposition as a "mini-budget" — in the National Assembly, as a pre-requisite to resume the $6 billion External Fund Facility (EFF) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The opposition staged a vehement protest and chanted slogans to prevent Shaukat Tarin from introducing the Finance Bill 2021 and SBP Amendment Bill in the House. According to the finance ministry's proposal, the government will impose a tax on approximately 150 goods at a rate of 17%. Therefore, goods that were currently either completely exempt from General Sales Tax (GST) or being taxed at 5% to 12% rates would now be taxed at 17%. The income tax rate on mobile phone calls is expected to increase from 10% to 15%. Meanwhile, the GST rate on cars above 850cc will go up to 17% and the tax on the import of electric vehicles in CBU conditions will increase from 5% to 17%. Business to busin...

The opposition on Wednesday took the government to task over its plan to table the supplementary finance bill [mini-budget] in the National Assembly. A day earlier, the federal cabinet had deferred the approval of the supplementary finance bill which was scheduled to be tabled in today's session. Speaking on a point of order, PPP MNA Raja Pervez Ashraf said that everyone in the House as well as people from different walks of life were concerned over reports that the government was planning to introduce a money bill or a mini-budget. "Inflation, unemployment and the shortage of gas and other commodities have already wreaked havoc on the people of the country. Now, if a mini-budget or money bill is in the offing, which would increase their difficulties, then everyone sitting in the House should resist the move," he said. Taking the floor, PML-N's Khawaja Asif said that the country saw a "territorial surrender" on Dec 16, 1971 which it eventually recovere...

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said that the government will bring PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif back after the finalisation of an agreement with the UK government, as he ruled out the possibility of Nawaz's voluntary return to the country, The News reported Wednesday. "We will bring back the PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif because he himself will never return,” Fawad said during a media briefing on the federal cabinet meeting held Tuesday which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier in the day. The minister told the media that matters regarding Nawaz's return had been settled with Britain to "a great extent". “We have been addressing the legal lacunas relating to the matter for the last two years. Rest assured, he will not return, but we will bring him back,” Fawad said emphatically. About PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq's claim about Nawaz Sharif's return, he said that h...

Opposition leaders in the Senate on Wednesday sought details of retired military officials appointed at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The senators' demand came after the Ministry of Interior submitted a detailed answer in the Upper House of the Parliament, where it stated that none of the 13,997 employees of NADRA belong to the military — whether on service or retired. Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, during a session of the Senate, said the ministry's response was incomplete and asked for a complete record of the military personnel who were appointed by NADRA after they retired from the army. "The youth of the country are searching for jobs [...] but they cannot find any," the senator said, as he reiterated his demand of making the data of retired army officers appointed in NADRA available. PML-N Senator Azam Nazir Tarar said that he had received information that retired military officers were working as directors and deputy di...

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said that Nawaz Sharif’s return to country will have no effect and Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his term. While talking to media persons, Sheikh Rashid said that every party wants establishment to support it but establishment says that it will only support elected government of the country. The minister said that this is a year of local bodies elections and will also contest next general elections under the leadership of Imran Khan. He further said that reducing poverty is agenda of Imran Khan and expressed hope that the premier will be able to control inflation in last year of his term. Talking about return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to country, Sheikh Rashid offered plane ticket to the PML-N supremo out of his own money.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided on Tuesday to indict on January 7 former Gilgi-Baltistan chief justice Rana Shamim and others accused in a contempt of court case, pertaining to the publication of an affidavit containing serious allegations against former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar. Shamim had drafted the affidavit, accusing the former top judge of Pakistan of judicial manipulation. The latest development in the case came during a hearing headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Monday. The court announced January 7, 2022, as the date for indictment of the accused. "Why shouldn't the court decide to indict him in the contempt case?" IHC CJ Minallah asked during the hearing. Shamim, Ansar Abbasi, and others appeared before the court. At the outset of the hearing, the sealed envelope containing Shamim's affidavit, which was received by the IHC last week, was presented in court. Attorney-General of Pakistan (AJP) Khalid Javed Khan said that ...

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Monday that the only solution to the problems Pakistan was facing in present times was the fulfillment of former prime minister and slain PPP leader Benazir Bhutto's vision. Bilawal, who was addressing a public rally held in Sindh's Garhi Khuda Baksh to observe Benazir's 14 death anniversary, began his speech with an ode to his late mother. Benazir was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack after an election rally in Liaquat Bagh on Dec 27, 2007. "It has been 14 years [since Benazir's assasination], and we still remember Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The people of Pakistan still remember Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto," he said. "Shaheed BB your beloved Pakistan is facing a difficult time. In your beloved Pakistan, is [now] a democracy only in name." Bilawal went on to say neither was there any "freedom to speak nor the freedom to live" in today's Pakistan. More so, he added, the ...

Karachi experienced its first spell of winter showers on Monday, with various areas of the city receiving light to heavy rain. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had previously predicted that a strong westerly weather system was likely to grip most parts of the country on Sunday and would possibly persist till Tuesday. Under the influence of the system, rain (with isolated heavy falls) was expected in most parts of the country including Sindh and Balochistan. According to a fresh forecast issued by the Met department today, Quaidabad and Gulshan-i-Hadeed received the highest rainfall at 5millimetres each. Surjani Town received the next highest level at 4.5mm, while 4mm rain was recorded at Kemari and PAF Masroor Base. University Road received 3.8mm rainfall, Jinnah Terminal 3.4mm, North Karachi 3.2mm. The forecast said the weather today will be "cloudy with intermittent rain and chances of a thunderstorm", whereas it will be "partly cloudy with chances of ...

In a strange turn of events, the Supreme Court took back its order for the removal of Murtaza Wahab from the post of Karachi administrator after he apologised following heated arguments in the courtroom during a hearing of the Gutter Baghicha case at the Karachi Registry on Monday. During the proceedings, the court expressed displeasure over Murtaza Wahab for using harsh words. The apex court initially ordered the removal of Karachi administrator Murtaza Wahab after heated arguments during the hearing of the Gutter Baghicha case. During the hearing, an angry Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed instructed the Sindh chief minister to appoint an "impartial and competent" person in place of Murtaza Wahab. Murtaza Wahab is not competent enough to serve on the post of Karachi administrator, the court observed. "Get out," the CJP told Murtaza Wahab, asking him to leave the court room. "You are doing politics here," the CJP remarked as he expressed annoy...

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said retrogressive thinking was a "danger for Pakistan" in reference to the recent measures taken by the Taliban government in Afghanistan regarding women. "You see that two extremist regimes have cropped up on right and left of Pakistan. On one side there is Afghanistan where the Taliban have arrived. We want to fully help the Afghan people. "But saying that women can't travel alone or go to schools and colleges — this kind of retrogressive thinking is a danger for Pakistan," the information minister said, while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad. He added that a similar Hindu extremist mindset was rising in India so the Pakistani state's "biggest" and "most important" fight was against these "two extremist thoughts". "We have had failures and successes but till now Pakistan is that bright hope in this region which while remaining amid these extremes can emerge out f...

Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026 was approved Monday, with Prime Minister Imran Khan terming it a "historic moment" for the country. The NSP was approved during the 36th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), which was chaired by the prime minister, according to a statement from the PM Office. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Information and Broadcasting, Interior, Finance, Human Rights, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all Services Chiefs, National Security Advisor, and senior civil and military officers, the statement said. National Security Advisor (NSA) Mooed Yusuf, presenting the NSP for approval, highlighted that Pakistan was shifting to a "Comprehensive National Security Framework". Through the framework, the ultimate purpose of national security would be to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of the citizen of Pakistan, the NSA said. "To ensure this ...

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a rich tribute to the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world and party chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said that Benazir Bhutto is a beacon of a movement. According to a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the Chairman PPP in his message on the 14th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto further said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan. The nation will never forget her national spirit, long struggle and strong leadership, he added. Bilawal said her struggle to make the country a true welfare state in the light of the thoughts and vision of our founding ancestors is historical. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi was not just the murder of a dream to save the people from poverty, unemploy...

President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday administered the oath of office to Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin who would be holding the portfolio of Minister for Finance. After the oath, the president extended felicitation to the newly-sworn in member of the federal cabinet. The ceremony was attended by the federal and provincial ministers, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior government officers. Earlier, adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin took oath as senator which was administered by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. The seat fell vacant after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Muhammad Ayub Afridi resigned as member of the upper house last month. It is to be mentioned here that Shaukat Tarin was elected senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Out of 145 members of the provincial assembly, 122 cast their votes during Senate by-elections. The finance adviser won the seat after securing 87 votes.

Pakistan has reported 2 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,293,715. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,909 on Monday. According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 301 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Till now 13,064 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,662 in Sindh 5,922 in KP, 966 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB. Furthermore 480,710 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,610 in Punjab 181,235 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,450 in Islamabad, 34,657 in Azad Kashmir 33,624 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

A soldier was martyred in North Waziristan's Shewa area after terrorists targeted a checkpost, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday. The military's media wing, in a statement, said terrorists fired at a military post. According to the ISPR, the troops responded promptly and "effectively engaged the terrorists' location". During an exchange of fire, Naik Noor Merjan, who was 32 years old, embraced shahadat (martyrdom). "Clearance of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area," the statement read. In October, a security forces personnel was martyred in North Waziristan's Ghariuom after terrorists targeted a check-post. According to the ISPR, during an exchange of fire, sepoy Muhammad Amir Iqbal, who was 30 years old, embraced shahadat (martyrdom).

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Saturday took a ride on Karachi’s new Green Line bus, kicking off initial operations for a much-awaited project which was stalled for the last five years. Following the inspection of his bus, he told the media that the elevators of the Green Line bus "aren’t malfunctioning". He said that all stations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be fully operational from January 10, 2022. Ismail said that the minimum bus fare will be Rs15 and the maximum will amount to Rs55. Addressing the confusion regarding the card for the service, he clarified that the bus card is confusing people but this will be charged like any mobile phone card. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated the bus service project on December 10 during his one-day visit to Karachi. The inauguration was held at the main station of the Green Line project at Numaish Chowrangi. Travellers must note that 11 out of 22 stations will remain operational till Janu...

Christians in Pakistan are celebrating the festive occasion of Christmas amid tight security across the country. Special services are being held in illuminated churches throughout the country with the Christians also holding special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Christmas is commemorated in Pakistan and across the world on December 25th each year to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Strict security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the Christians and police officials have been deployed outside churches to thwart any untoward incident. The day started with ceremonies and congregations in churches. Christians citizens decorated their homes and churches with colourful fairy lights and special Christmas trees were prepared to celebrate the occasion. In their separate messages, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan, while congratulating the Christians on Christmas, have assured that the government will continue to safeguard the ri...

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the chairman of the ruling PTI, has announced the new party structure a day after dissolving all the PTI bodies following a setback in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local bodies elections. In the new party setup, Asad Umar has been given the post of secretary-general while Pervez Khattak, Ali Haider Zaidi, Qasim Suri, Shafqat Mahmood and Khusro Bakhtiar have been appointed as new provincial heads of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Southern Punjab respectively. Aamir Mehmood Kiani has been made the party's additional secretary-general, the minister added. Commenting on his appointment, Asad Umar said that holding an important position in Pakistan's largest political party is a matter of honour and also a great responsibility. "Inshallah, under the leadership of Imran Khan, the PTI will get stronger as per the expectations of party workers and voters. The workers of this party are its capital, which no oth...

Pakistanis are celebrating the 146th birthday of Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, across the country with traditional zeal and fervour. Quaid-e-Azam was born on Dec 25, 1876, in Karachi. The day is a public holiday and the national flag will be hoisted on principal government buildings throughout the country. The day dawn with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of the country. A change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Quaid. A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy took over the guard duty. PMA commandant Major General Umar Ahmad Bukhari was the chief guest. He offered fateha and laid a floral wreath at the grave of the Quaid. Special events will be held in government and private organisations to highlight the Quaid’s political struggle and his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline. The celebrations aimed at educating the youth about the Quaid’s vision and Pakistan’s ideology. Early ...

Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday wished all the Pakistani Christian citizens “a very Happy Christmas” and promised to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities. The premier took to Twitter to felicitate the Christians and said: “Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.” In a separate message on the occasion of Christmas, PM Imran Khan said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf of the government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating the festival of Christmas with devotion and respect." “The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development.” “The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. “He not only hea...

Pakistan has reported 4 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,292,728. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,898 on Friday. According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 322 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. 480,077 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,438 in Punjab, 181,121 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 108,392 in Islamabad, 34,654 in Azad Kashmir, 33,617 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistan has reported 2 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,292,406. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,894 on Thursday. According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 359 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Till now 13,061 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,658 in Sindh 5,916 in KP, 964 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday tickets will not be awarded on the basis of favouritism and bribery in future as PTI faced a major setback in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local body polls due to "incompetent" people. The prime minister's comments came during a meeting with Chief Minister KP Mahmood Khan, where the province's chief presented a report on why the party suffered losses in the local body polls, sources said. The premier had summoned CM Khan to present a report on the PTI’s defeat during the elections in the province, highlighting the reasons that lead to the party's failure. Sources said that the report mentioned the lawmakers who did not support the party during the polls, allocation of party tickets for the elections, and other issues. The report attributed PTI’s defeat in the first phase of the elections to "mismanagement" and that "workers of the same party contested elections against each other." Sources further added...

The government has taken back the mini-budget, including the Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill, for the time being from the federal cabinet as difficulties increase for the Centre on the political front. The publication stated that the government decided to consult with Prime Minister to devise a new strategy. The unveiling of the mini-budget turned out to be a disappointment for the incumbent government since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff turned down the government's proposal to convince the IMF that it would present a mini-budget through a presidential ordinance. This has put the revival of the IMF programme into a difficult situation because it wouldn't be possible if the Fund doesn't show flexibility in demanding the parliamentary approval for two key bills, including Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill and SBP’s Autonomy Bill. In this scenario, the government has to explore all options once again to convince the IMF for the promulgation of a presidentia...

Prime Minister Imran Khan, keeping aside all the negativity regarding PTI's defeat in the first phase of the 2021 local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkha, said that the KP LG polls are the beginning of a "modern and developed LG system" which is a trait of successful democracies. In an apparent reference to the comments being made about PTI losing the limelight in the KP polls, PM Imran Khan wrote on Twitter that amidst the "noise" over the results of the KP LG polls, "no one realises" that these polls are the start of a modern and devolved local government system. PM Imran Khan said that it is the first time in Pakistan's history that the country has an "empowered LG system". He went on to say that the direct election of tehsil level nazims will improve governance and make future leaders. "Amidst the noise over KP LG elec, no one realises these elections are start of modern, devolved LG system as exists in successful d...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Aftab Siddiqui and Member of Sindh Assembly Raja Azhar have written letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Energy Minister Hammad Azhar over severe gas crisis in Karachi. Raja Azhar, in his letter, said that entire Karachi and especially his constituency PS-97 is facing severe gas crisis. Residents of the city are protesting against the federal government and warned that situation could get out of hand and will negatively affect party in the upcoming local bodies elections. He further said that Karachi has given mandate to PTI and urged PM Imran Khan to take notice of the gas crisis. A day earlier, PTI MNA Aftab Siddique also wrote a letter and termed attitude of Federal Energy Minister as shameful. The MNA said that there is no supply of gas in his constituency NA-247. The area is facing gas issue since October but Hammad Azhar not even replied to his messages about the issue.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan says the government is working to bring improvement in health and education sectors to meet the challenge of the health related issues. Addressing an event in Islamabad on Wednesday, the special assistant said that reforms will be introduced in Drug Regulatory Authority. He said our society, including a large number of children is facing malnutrition challenges and we need to meet them with effective strategy. He said a section of our privileged segment is also facing this problem due to lack of education and information.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accepted the apologies of Federal Minister for Railways and PTI leader Azam Swati and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in connection with a case in which the two ministers accused the ECP of accepting money from electronic voting system (EVM) manufacturers. On Wednesday, Azam Swati appeared before the ECP, where he was pardoned and warned to exercise caution in future. "You have more responsibilities," the ECP stated. The ECP also questioned the minister on his absence from earlier hearings. "You are a busy man, why didn't you appear in previous hearings?" inquired the ECP. Swati remarked that he has always advocated for the independence of the ECP. "All the institutions are yours; it is not appropriate to talk bad about them,” the ECP remarked. Azam Swati and Fawad Chaudhry were warned by the ECP to exercise caution in future. Swati expressed gratitude to the ECP for accepting his apology. He state...

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam scoring big in the first phase of local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is "unfortunate". This will spell the country's "downfall" as a party "that is against women's rights and is a supporter of extremist policies when it comes to religion" has won the local body polls, Chaudhry said, while addressing a post-cabinet meeting press conference. The information minister said it was the country's "misfortune that a party that should have been dismantled", won in the local body polls because of "our mistakes". “Due to administrative problems, we suffered some set back in the local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Chaudhry maintained, adding the PTI is "the only national (level) party in the country". He said parties like JUI could not be considered a substitute for the PTI, whereas the PML-N and the PP...

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday the international community and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have now acknowledged Pakistan's narrative on Afghanistan. The prime minister, addressing officers of the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad during his visit to the Foreign Office, said the international community should focus on the difficulties being faced by the 40 million Afghans, Radio Pakistan reported. Pakistan's image has "significantly improved at the international level in the last three years", the prime minister said, two days after Islamabad hosted the 17th extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC. Muslim nations, during the session, resolved to work with the United Nations to try to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen Afghan assets in a bid to tackle a growing humanitarian crisis. The prime minister congratulated the Foreign Office for successfully conducting the 17th extraordinary session. H...

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West on Monday appreciated Pakistan's efforts in holding the extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), West met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the current security situation in Afghanistan, and bilateral cooperation opportunities. Talking about the instability of Afghanistan, COAS stressed global convergence to prevent a humanitarian crisis. The army chief also expressed his gratitude to West for participation in the session held by the OIC. The dignitary assured further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan where required, according to ISPR. He appreciated the role played by Pakistan in the Afghan situation and the efforts put in by Islamabad for effective Pak-Afgan border management, the statement added. OI...