Pakistan News World

England have won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan during the first Test of the three-match series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The players who are making their debut for Pakistan include pacers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Ali, leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood and batter Saud Shakeel. "A bit of illness rocking around the camp, but the lads are dead keen. The wicket looks like it will play nicely," England captain Stokes said at the toss. On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is hopeful that "for one and a half hours" the pitch will "help the fast bowlers" in the morning session. Yesterday, it was feared that the match would be delayed after several England players were affected due to a viral infection.   via Original Source

Imran Khan wanted to spread political unrest and chaos in the nation to cause economic instability, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement. This was stated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, while briefing media in Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon about the decisions taken by the Federal Cabinet, which met in the Federal Capital with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. She said country has more reserves of wheat in comparison with the last year. The Minister said that current reserves are two percent higher than the previous year. She said efficient planning of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has ensured that there should not be any food crisis in the country. The Minister said the cabinet also approved sale of a building owned by the Foreign Ministry in Washington. She said there had been two buildings under the use of Pakistan's Embassy in Washington in 2010 and the governmen...

Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid Ahmed — an ally of the PTI that has resolved to dissolve assemblies in the provinces where it is in power— said on Wednesday that the fate of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies would be decided in a week. The former interior minister’s statement came in a tweet, in which he also criticised the government over the country’s economic situation. “Today is the first day of the rescue operation. Institutions staying away from politics is praiseworthy, but institutions also cannot remain distant from their people,” Ahmed added, in an apparent reference to the army whose command was taken over by new Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir yesterday. “A decision on two provincial assemblies will be made within a week,” he added. Ahmed’s statement has come a day after former prime minister Imran Khan-led PTI, which has been demanding immediate elections since the party chief’s ouster as the prime minister in April through a no-confiden...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan felicitated the new top brass of the Pakistan Army with a wish that the new leadership will end the trust deficit between the state and the people. The former prime minister took to his Twitter account to wish new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). The ex-PM also attached a photo of a quote by Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, along with the tweet which reminds the military the role it has in a democracy. PTI chairman wants the military leadership to end the trust deficit between the people and the state which has developed – according to him – during the last eight months, after the toppling of his government in April. He emphasized that the strength of a state is derived from its people. چیئرمین جوائنٹ چیفس آف سٹاف کمیٹی اور چیف آف آرمی سٹاف کےمنصب سنبھالنےپرجنرل ساحرشمشادمرزا اورجنرل سیّدعاص...

Residents of Karachi, who have been troubled by exorbitant power bills can expect some relief in their next bill after the national power regulator decided to reduce power tariffs by Rs2.14 per unit for October under quarterly fuel cost adjustment (FCA). The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved the tariff reduction following an application by the division’s power utility, K-Electric. Nepra officials approved the reduction in cost of electricity after noting that a violation of the merit order had slapped an additional burden of Rs1 billion on consumers. Electricity generated by KE using its resources cost Rs32.96 per unit. Moreover, the price of electricity purchased from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) stood at Rs12.1 per unit. While not applicable to KE’s lifeline customers, the reduction in power tariff will bring a relief of Rs3.59 billion to consumers. In contrast, Nepra said that KE customers would see a rise in the prices of electricity...

At least 14 members of the England squad have been affected by a virus ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, which starts on December 1. According to media reports, the squad members who have been affected by the virus include around eight players. “The England squad, including captain Ben Stokes, has been affected by a virus on the eve of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi,” said British media. “Around 14 members of the travelling party of players and coaches were advised to rest at the hotel on Wednesday. “About half of the playing squad of 16 has been hit, with only five taking part in an optional training session." A statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not mention the number of people affected by viral illness. It added that only Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Joe Root attended today's optional training session. England have already named their team for the first Test, with Lancashire a...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the explosion that took place near a police vehicle deployed for the security of polio team in Baleli area of Balochistan. In a statement, he directed investigation into the incident. He also directed to provide best possible medical treatment to those injured. The Prime Minister expressed grief and sorrow over the death of a police personnel and a child in the incident. Shehbaz Sharif said the polio workers are fulfilling their responsibility without caring about their lives to eliminate this deadly disease from the country. For this, he said we pay tributes to their services. The Prime Minister said the militant elements will always fail in their designs to stop anti polio campaign. The Prime Minister said eliminating polio virus from the country is amongst the top priorities of the government. He said the government will not rest until complete eradication of polio.   via Original Source

At least ten terrorists have been killed in an intelligence based operation by security forces in Hoshab area of Balochistan. According to ISPR, these terrorists were involved in firing incidents, targeting security forces and civilians besides planting of improvised explosive devices on Motorway, M-8. One terrorist was also apprehended in injured condition during the operation, while two terrorists managed to escape. A heavy cache of arms and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices have also been recovered from the terrorists. via Original Source

Chinese authorities have begun inquiries into some of the people who gathered at weekend protests against Covid-19 curbs, three people who were at the Beijing demonstrations told Reuters, as police remained out in numbers on the city’s streets. In one case, a caller identifying as a police officer in the Chinese capital asked the protester to show up at a police station on Tuesday to deliver a written record of their activities on Sunday night. In another, a student was contacted by their college and asked if they had been in the area where events took place and to provide a written account. “We are all desperately deleting our chat history,” one Beijing protester who declined to be identified, told Reuters. “There are just too many police. Police came to check the ID of one of my friends and then took her away. We don’t know why. A few hours later they released her.” Beijing’s Public Security Bureau did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for China’s foreign min...

The PML-N Tuesday hinted at imposing governor’s rule in Punjab in order to stop the PTI from dissolving the assembly. After holding another round of talks with the coalition partner PPP, PML-N's Attaullah Tarrar Tuesday said that the opposition parties in Punjab will reveal their strategy in a day or two to counter PTI's bid to dissolve the provincial assembly. “When the resolution comes from the National Assembly and the Senate and goes to the President, the governor’s rule can be imposed,” the PML-N leader said. The PML-N and PPP are making hectic efforts to save the Punjab Assembly after the senior PTI leadership greenlighted former prime minister Imran Khan's decision to quit all assemblies to force an early election. The PTI chief, in a surprise move last week, announced that the party doesn't want to be part of this "corrupt" system and will opt out of the assemblies. Soon after the announcement, the PDM parties started consultation to foil PTI...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati’s physical remand was extended by an additional four days on Tuesday after he was taken into custody for the second time for tweeting against senior military officials. Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Shabir heard the case against Swati's "controversial" tweets in a district and sessions court. Swati's lawyer Babar Awan’s request to exempt the senator from appearing before the court was accepted. Awan maintained that the senator cannot be presented due to “threats” against his life. To this, Special Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi stated that the matter of Swati’s absence from court on the request of his lawyer should be written in the order. The prosecutor said that they intended to bring Swati to court, but the court instructed the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) lawyer to mark his attendance through video link. The court maintained that there was no need for Swati to be at the next hearing but that he should a...

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar embarked on a day-long visit to the Afghan capital to hold political dialogue with the Taliban-led Afghan interim government. In a statement, a Foreign Office spokesperson said Rabbani will hold wide-ranging talks with Afghan officials with a special focus on regional security, bilateral ties, and cooperation in the areas of education, trade, investment, and regional connectivity. Khar,45, will further exchange views with the Taliban about continued pledges and support for all efforts aimed at strengthening regional peace and enhancing prosperity in war-torn nation. Special representatives including Muhammad Sadiq and other officials from other ministries also accompanied Khar. The Pakistani delegation is scheduled to meet Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. via Original Source

Casemiro ensured Brazil booked their place in the knockout phase with a game to spare and Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Portugal did the same. But Cameroon, Serbia, South Korea and Ghana still have it all to do after a goal-packed day in Qatar. Meanwhile, England boss Gareth Southgate vowed to look after Phil Foden as the clamour for his inclusion mounted, while Wales’ Gareth Bale was in bullish mood ahead of a must-win clash with Southgate’s men. via Original Source

A seminar titled, " Learn The Art of Freelancing" organized by MedioTech, in collaboration with the District Administration Diamer was held at the auditorium of Govt. Boys Inter College Tangir today. Seminar was attended by students of differrent local schools, Ulma, elders and teachers of the area, Assisant Commissioner Tangir Mr.Tanveer Ahmad was the chief guest at the occasion. In their addresses the speakers, especially a prominent islamic scholar of valley Abdul Qayyum praised CEO of MedioTech Mr.Arshad Hussain Jugnu and his team for their efforts to promote digital literacy in Diamer. In their speeches, the speakers urged the youth and students to master digital technology to face the challenges of the future and create new sources of home based employment for themselves by acquiring skills in fields like freelancing. At the end of the ceremony, pens, books, school uniform and bags donated by ,"Hunza Dialogue Forum"were distributed among the children of t...

Former president Asif Ali Zardari and MQM Pakistan Tuesday deliberated on a possible no-confidence motion in the Senate. Sources, privy to the inside details of an otherwise regular political meeting, said MQM Pakistan had assured Asif Zardari of all possible cooperation in this regard. MQM Pakistan delegation led by convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui discussed the political situation in Karachi and the upcoming local elections with the PPP supremo. Federal IT Minister Aminul Haq, Sadiq Iftikhar, Dr Asim and Senator Saleem Mandiwala were also present at the meeting. Speaking on this occasion, Zardari said they (the coalition PDM government) were taking everyone on onboard in the national government, which he termed as their success. MQM Pakistan’s Siddiqui said his party would continue to play its positive role in the government. via Original Source

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday praised outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa for efficiently dealing with the 'crises' in the country during his six-year-long tenure. COAS Bajwa is set to retire on November 29 (tomorrow) and will hand over the "baton of command" to Gen Asim Munir, who was appointed to succeed him last week. As he gets ready to bid farewell to arms after serving as COAS from 2016-2022, General Bajwa met PM Shehbaz and President Arif Alvi today. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz lauded the outgoing chief's services for the Pakistan Army, national defence, and national interests, a statement from the PM's Office read. "The army, under the leadership of Gen Bajwa, has rendered exemplary services during various crises — including the removal of Pakistan from the FATF's (Financial Action Task Force) grey list, coronavirus pandemic, and floods," the prime minister said. The armed forces crushed the mena...

Outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday held separate farewell meetings with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. General Bajwa called on President Arif Alvi at the President's House in the federal capital Islamabad. President commended his services and expressed his best wishes for the retiring general. The outgoing chief also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at PM House where the premier paid tribute to the outgoing general for his services. The premier expressed best wishes for Gen Bajwa. General Bajwa is set to retire on November 29 after completing his six-year stint as Pakistan Army chief. The four-star general of the Pakistan Army, is the tenth and current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) since November 29, 2016. He was appointed to the highest military office by Nawaz Sharif, the then prime minister of Pakistan, on completion of three-year tenure of his predecessor, General Raheel Sharif. He is a recipient of Nishan-...

Coach of England Cricket Team Brendon McCullum has expressed satisfaction over security situation in Pakistan. Addressing a news conference in Rawalpindi on Monday, he said he is looking forward to the test series and that it is a great opportunity to play cricket in Pakistan. Brendon McCullum said Pakistan has a very good bowling and batting squad. via Original Source

An anti-polio campaign in 23 districts across the three provinces begun on Monday (today). The campaign launched in six districts of Balochistan, eight districts of Sindh, nine districts of Punjab and Islamabad. Meanwhile, a campaign targeting 12 high-risk districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be launched on Dec 5. Moreover, the campaign will also be launched on 5th of next month in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over one hundred thousand trained workers will take part in the vaccination drive to inoculate the targeted children at their doorstep. On this occasion, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel said Pakistan has made great strides in the fight against polio, with virus circulation reduced to only one small part of the country. Coordinator of the National Emergency Operation Centre Dr. Shahzad Baig, said high-risk districts will be top priority during the anti-polio campaign. via Original Source

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said the army has distanced itself from the politics and its role has been restricted to constitutional mandate. “Pakistan Army has always remained a dominant player in national decision-making. Due to its historic role in country’s politics, the military drew severe criticism from public and politicians alike,” COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said in an interview with international media. We have restricted the army’s role to its constitutional mandated task only by deciding to make it apolitical. This decision, though being viewed negatively by a segment of society and led to personal criticism, but it will help enhance the army’s prestige in the long term, the outgoing COAS said. COAS Bajwa said Pakistan Army has enjoyed the unmatched respect and trust of Pakistani Nation throughout our history. Army’s positive and constructive role in Pakistan’s National Security and development has always received unwavering public supp...

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi visited Pak-Afghan border at the Kharlachi and Borki area of Kurram district. He led a jirga between the tribal elders of both sides and agreed to resolve all disputes and differences through bilateral talks. In a bilateral negotiation, the reopening of Pak-Afghan border was decided for trade and movement. Before visiting the Pak-Afghan border, the minister held jirga with the elders of Turi, Bangash and other tribes of Kurram, where all issues related to recent clashes on the border were discussed in detail. The Minister appreciated the tireless efforts of the security forces, district administration, and the members of the bilateral Jirga.   via Original Source

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Sunday imposed a ban on broadcasting live speeches of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and senator Azam Swati on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect. The media watchdog imposed a ban on his live speech a day after he addressed a rally in Rawalpindi on Saturday, where he used insulting language against the top military officials including the outgoing army chief. The defiant politician hurled allegations and used offensive language against a senior official of the top intelligence agency. He further singled out military officials and threatened them. In his fiery speech, Swati, 74, vowed to go against army officials on every platform, saying he will use every legal and moral forum against them. Following Swati’s speech, several politicians from the ruling alliance condemned his allegations against institutions, which also prompted action from federal investigators who detained the PTI leader earlier today. P...

As China grapples with a surge in Covid-19 cases despite its strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy, the anger at the country’s hardline approach to containing the virus has intensified, prompting protests in at least two cities, including Urumqi and Beijing. China, which remains the last major economy wedded to a zero-Covid strategy, recorded 34,909 new domestic infections on Saturday, AFP reported while quoting the National Health Commission. As the infections spread to numerous cities, authorities enforced lockdowns on movement and business. Protests broke out in the northwest Xinjiang region after ten people were killed and nine injured when a fire ripped through a building in the regional capital Urumqi on Thursday night, according to state news agency Xinhua. Over 34,000 cases recorded; lockdown being blamed for deaths in building fire; Pakistan sees 27 new cases The residents couldn’t escape as doors were clamped shut with iron wiring, AFP has reported. However, the officials have de...

The military’s media wing on Sunday rubbished the claims being made on social media related to the assets of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his family, saying that the reports were “totally untrue and based on blatant lies”. “Misleading data regarding the assets of army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his family have been shared on social media. These misleading figures are exaggerated and based on assumption,” said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement. The military’s media wing said that a specific group has very “cleverly and dishonestly” associated the assets of General Bajwa's daughter-in-law's father and family with the army chief and his family. “An incorrect impression is being created that these assets were created by army chief General Bajwa's family during his six-year tenure. It is totally untrue, based on blatant lies and malice,” said the ISPR. The military’s media wing assured that all the assets of the army...

Rallies have been held in different parts of the country to express solidarity with the armed forces. The rallies were taken out in Gujranwala and different areas of Balochistan including Gwadar, Zhob, Sibbi, Muslim Bagh, Sanjawi, Loralai, Ziarat. Thousands of people participated in the rallies and chanted slogans in favour of Pakistan Army. They also commended the services of Army for the country. The participants of rallies taken out in Balochistan said they are proud of their Army and stand shoulder to shoulder with it. via Original Source

England’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan early Sunday to play three Tests for the first time in the country since 2005. England played a successful Twenty20 series two months ago in Pakistan but have declined to play a Test match there for 17 years because of the precarious security situation. England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes quashed all fears following a positive security advice. “It’s been a long time since England have played Test cricket in Pakistan,” Stokes said in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Pakistan, led by star batter Babar Azam, will be without key fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who is nursing a knee injury and experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah, not selected due to poor form. England fast bowler Mark Wood is in doubt for the first Test with a hip injury while experienced James Anderson, the only survivor of the 2005 tour but did not figure in the 2-0 series defeat, will lead the attack.   via Original Source

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, polling for local government elections in the Muzaffarabad division is being held today. Polling, which started in three districts Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum valley at 8am will continue till 5pm without any break. Chief Election Commissioner AJK (retired) Justice Abdur Rasheed Sulehriya has appealed voters and contesting candidates to cooperate with polling staff so as to accomplish the polling process in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Strict security measures are in place in the area to maintain law and order during the polling. It is to mention that Local government elections in the other two divisions of the state Poonch and Mirpur will be held on the 3rd and 8th of next month. via Original Source

PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that his party will resign from all assemblies. It is worth noting that the party is in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Saturday at a public meeting in Rawalpindi that his party has decided to resign from all Assemblies, as per the local media reports. “We will not be part of this system. We have decided to quit all the assemblies and get out of this corrupt system. It is worth noting that Imran's PTI is currently in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Imran stated that the PTI has chosen not to travel to Islamabad in order to avoid any devastation or mayhem. He added that he would soon meet with his top ministers and the parliamentary party to discuss the issue and that he would shortly declare when the party will depart the assembly.  Imran has stated that his party did not travel to Rawalpindi for electio...

 A fact-finding committee formed to investigate the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif believes that former minister of communications and PTI leader Murad Saeed is in possession of the journalist's laptop. Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Director Dr Athar Waheed and Intelligence Bureau (IB) Deputy Director-General Omar Shahid Hamid are investigating the case and they have asked Saeed to hand over the laptop of the slain journalist to the fact-finding committee, formed by the Pakistan government, on November 28 and ensure to bring the laptop along to assist in the investigation. The fact-finding committee has written to Saeed that “during the proceedings of the finding team it has come on record that you are in possession of Apple MacBook of deceased senior journalist Arshad Sharif. Therefore you are requested to provide the device of the deceased enabling the fact-finding team to ascertain the facts regarding the assassination of senior journalist in Kenya”. Signed ...

The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday arrested nine terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBO) across Punjab. A CTD spokesperson said that 25 IBO’s were conducted across Punjab during which some 21,111 people were interrogated and nine were arrested. Moreover, some 372 combing operations were conducted within a week, 36 arrests and 33 FIRs were lodged. The official added that the terrorists wanted to attack important personalities and government buildings. At least two improvised Explosive Devices (IED), explosive materials, 13 detonators, fuses, weapons, cash, ammunition and other items were recovered from the terrorists, CTD said. A CTD spokesperson said that the suspects apprehended were identified as Azam Khan, Mansoor, Farooq, Shami Parvez, Muhammad Siddique, Abdul Manan, Ismail, and Muhammad Bilal. Separately, terrorist Abdul Razzaq had been arrested from Lahore. CTD spokesperson said that maintaining the atmosphere of peace and harmony thr...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said there is infinite potential of enhancing trade and investment relations between Pakistan and Turkiye. Addressing a meeting of Pakistan-Turkiye Business Council in Istanbul on Saturday, he said both the countries are like a family and our hearts beat together. He however said these historical fraternal relations are not properly reflected through the bilateral trade and investment relations. He said we need to put our act together and simplify business regulations to realize the potential of cooperation. The Prime Minister said his government will do everything possible to address the issues faced by the Turkish businessmen in Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif said both the countries have signed an agreement to enhance trade volume to five billion dollars in the next three years. He said we should make utmost efforts to achieve this target rather double it in the given timeframe. Referring to the reliance of Pakistan on expensive imported fuel, the P...

The Pakistan Tehreeek-i-Insaf (PTI) is holding one of its most important protests in Rawalpindi today (Saturday). It can either mark the end of PTI’s road show it launched on October 28 – and dubbed as “long march” — or the beginning of a new protest campaign to press for snap elections. People would know when Imran Khan announces his next move from the stage today. PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that there is a "threat to his life" but he is coming to Rawalpindi for the nation despite the injury. "My nation will come to Pindi for me," a tweet posted from PTI's official account quoted Khan as saying. Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah that it was time PTI chief Imran Khan became a politician. “We invite you to come to sit with PDM,” Sanaullah said, adding, “Khan Sahib, give up on it [politics of dissent]. You have failed.” He said if Khan wanted to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the latter would not refuse, adding even PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif would ...

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says the government has decided to implement interest-free banking system in the country. Talking to a private news channel, he said all appeals against the Federal Shariat Court’s verdict for interest-free banking system have been withdrawn in accordance with the decision. The Finance Minister said a high power committee has been formed, including all stakeholders that would form a road map to achieve the desired aim of an interest-free banking system. Referring to PTI Chief Imran Khan's remarks about the country's economy, he said political leaderships should not compromise national interest for the sake of politics. He said spreading lies through social media have been the doctrine of the necessity for Imran Khan’s politics to survive, urging him to avoid giving frivolous statements on the economy. via Original Source

Iran claimed a famous 2-0 victory over 10-man Wales on Friday as Carlos Queiroz’s men scored two goals deep into added time to keep their Fifa World Cup campaign alive. It had been building up to that first goal and when it came, there was delirium, pandemonium and an eruption of emotion. Iran had finally broken through against 10-man Wales and when the goal came, their players’ joy on the pitch translated to the stands where hordes of their frenzied fans cheered in delight, their roars reverberating across Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium and into the desert beyond. Eight minutes into time added on, Wales — having lost goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to a red card in the 84th — had half-cleared a ball into the box and it fell to Rouzbeh Cheshmi and the Iranian substitute planted a superb curling shot from 25 yards that stayed low and crashed into the back of the net. It was devastation for Wales and more was to come three minutes later as they looked to equalise only to get caught on the counte...

Accompanied by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched the third of the four MILGEM Corvette Ships for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Khyber, at the Istanbul Shipyard. Addressing the launching ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the launch of the ship manifested deep bilateral engagement between the two countries in defence cooperation. The prime minister said it was high time the two countries transformed their ties into a strategic partnership as the world was “envious” of the relationship between two brotherly countries. While citing huge potential in the field of alternate energy in both countries, he called for Turkey and Pakistan to join hands for the production of solar, wind and hydel energy to cut the carbon emission and open up new avenues of investment cooperation. On his arrival at the venue, the Turkish president welcomed the prime minister who was accompanied by a high-level delegation. The prime minister was given a guard...

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) jacked up the key policy rate by 100 basis points to 16%, it was announced on Friday. The central bank, in a statement, issued after the meeting said that this decision reflects the MPC’s view that inflationary pressures have proven to be stronger and more persistent than expected. 1/3 At today’s meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to raise the policy rate by 100 basis points to 16%. https://t.co/E4scWh3Eeo — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) November 25, 2022 "This decision is aimed at ensuring that elevated inflation does not become entrenched and that risks to financial stability are contained, thus paving the way for higher growth on a more sustainable basis," the MPC said. via Original Source

Interior Minister Rana Sanullah has advised PTI Chairman Imran Khan to postpone his party’s long march in Rawalpindi on November 26 (Friday). “Imran Khan should have delayed this march but he is stubborn and still wants to come to Rawalpindi. “I reviewed a meeting and all intelligence agencies have alerted me that any terrorist outfit can take advantage of this march. There is a threat to Imran himself,” he stated in a press conference in Islamabad. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, in a press conference, said that he has instructed the Islamabad chief secretary and inspector general of police to provide foolproof security to PTI marchers in Rawalpindi. "The stage should be kept bulletproof at every cost [...] and entry to the stage should not only be made safe but the people on the stage should be kept an eye on as well," he said. The minister also discouraged people from attending the march, saying it was not a movement for "Haqeeqi Azadi but to create instabili...

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan before the end of 2022. While addressing the National Assembly, the defence minister said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests had violated people’s rights, adding that everyone had the right to protest but the limits of the Constitution and law should not be crossed. He said that no development work was done during the past four years under the PTI government, and the incumbent government had explained these circumstances to the people. Asif also said that the government withdrew money from other sectors and gave it to the flood victims who were undergoing great difficulties due to cold winter nights. The minister maintained that the federal and provincial governments should provide assistance to disaster victims without discrimination and that the government was not acting on political priorities. Earlier this week, Asif said former premier Imran Khan should not “targ...

 The Supreme Court of Pakistan Friday revoked the lifetime ban that barred former PTI leader Faisal Vawda from contesting elections after he tendered an unconditional apology before the court. A three-member apex court bench — headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha Malik — heard the plea against Vawda's lifelong disqualification ruling of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued on February 9. The chief justice had summoned Vawda to court today for giving him a chance to apologise and accept his mistake as he had been lying to the courts for three-long years. As he appeared before the court today, the former federal minister told the court that he apologises unconditionally and would accept any punishment that is awarded to him. Accepting his apology, the apex court ruled that Vawda was disqualified under Article 63(1)(c) and not Article 62(1)(f) — the same law that was used to impose a life...

President Arif Alvi has arrived in Lahore to meet ex-prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. It is expected the president will discuss the shortlisted name of Lieutenant General Asim Munir for the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) recommended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Meanwhile, Imran Khan has hinted at potentially spoiling the smooth appointment of the next chief of army staff. He had said “We have decided, the President and I, that whatever we do, we will do it whilst remaining within the ambit of the law,” he said, adding, “We will play within the ambit of the law.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in a Tweet, “The advice has gone to President Alvi. Now it’s Imran Khan’s test whether he wants to strengthen the institution of the country’s defence or make it controversial.” He added that President Arif Alvi would also be under scrutiny whether he would follow a political advice or a constitutional one. via Original Source

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza paid a farewell call on President Arif Alvi in Islamabad on Thursday. The President commended General Nadeem Raza's services for the country's defence. He also expressed his best wishes for the retiring general. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday. The Prime Minister applauded General Nadeem's services for the institution of Army and further strengthening the country's defence. Shehbaz Sharif said we are proud of his services for the country. He also expressed his best wishes for the retiring general. via Original Source

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the decision regarding top level appointments in Pakistan Army has been taken as per the law and constitution. Defence Minister Asif said on Thursday that appointment of new army chief is a test case for President Arif Alvi and PTI chairman Imran Khan. The minister expressed his views on Twitter as the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has picked Lieutenant General Asim Munir as new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The PTI chief has alleged that the incumbent coalition government wanted to appoint an army chief of its choice. He has also accused the prime minister of holding consultation regarding appointment of top general with ‘fugitive’ PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. A day earlier, Imran Khan said that President Dr Arif Alvi will discuss matters relating to summary for appointment of Army Chief with him, a move that is termed unconstitutional by legal experts. Khawaja Asif w...

The government on Thursday decided to appoint Lt. Gen Asim Munir as the next army chief. Lt. General Asim Munir is the senior most officer in the army after his promotion as a four-star general at the time of this announcement. He was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment and is currently serving as the quartermaster general GHQ. He was set to retire on November 27 if not promoted. Lt Gen Asim Munir joined the Pakistan Army from the Mangala Officers Training School programme and then became a commissioned officer in the Frontier Force Regiment.In a decorated military career, he was appointed as: Commander Northern Areas in 2014 DG Military Intelligence in 2017 DG Inter-Services Intelligence in 2018 Corp Commander Gujranwala in 2019 Quarter Master General in 2021   via Original Source

The federal government Thursday morning announced that Lieutenant General Asim Munir would become Pakistan's next army chief, replacing General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, using his Constitutional right, has also appointed Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). After weeks of intense speculation and rumours, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chose Lt Gen Asim Munir as the new chief of army staff (COAS). Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb made the announcement on Twitter, saying the premier had made the choice while exercising his constitutional powers. She further said that Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza had been picked as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). وزیراعظم پاکستان محمد شہباز شریف نے آئینی اختیار استعمال کرتے ہوئے لیفٹنٹ جنرل ساحر شمشاد مرزا کو چئیرمین جوائنٹ چیفس آف سٹاف اور لیفٹنٹ جنرل سید عاصم منیر کو چیف آف دی آر...