Pakistan News Archives - Page 22 of 54

PTI to convene APC over fuel price hike, protests erupt in NA

April 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) with like-minded parties over the recent increase in petroleum prices.

The announcement was made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan during a press conference, where he criticized the government for imposing what he termed a massive hike in fuel prices.

Speaking alongside party leaders, he said the decision to call an APC aims to formulate a joint strategy against the price increase.

He added that while global factors such as tensions with Iran have contributed to price fluctuations, the rise in Pakistan has been significantly higher compared to countries like Nigeria and Vietnam.

PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra also criticized the government, saying it has failed to deliver on the economy over the past four years.

He remarked that the prime minister had previously announced reductions in fuel prices and should have personally addressed the public regarding the latest increase.

Meanwhile, PTI lawmakers staged a protest in the National Assembly of Pakistan, tearing copies of the agenda in opposition to the fuel price hike.

Six killed, three injured as strong winds and rain lash Karachi

April 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: At least six people were killed and three others injured in rain-related incidents as strong winds and heavy showers battered various parts of the city.

According to rescue officials, multiple areas including Orangi Town, North Nazimabad, Old City Area, Saddar, Malir, Gulshan-e-Maymar and North Karachi experienced intense winds accompanied by rain, disrupting daily life.

Traffic movement was severely affected in several parts of the city. On Shahrah-e-Faisal, the track from Nursery to Baloch Colony Bridge was փակ to traffic, while water accumulation around the flyover on Shershah Suri Road in North Nazimabad caused major congestion.

Casualties Reported in Multiple Incidents

Rescue authorities said a rickshaw driver was killed in Old Golimar when a house wall collapsed onto his vehicle. In Orangi Town, three children were injured after a wall of a house collapsed at a gathering place.

In separate incidents, a man lost his life due to electrocution in Hassan Brohi Goth, New Karachi. Another man was electrocuted near Quetta Hotel in PIB Colony, while a young girl died from electric shock in a house near Surjani Sector 7-A.

More Rain Expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in Karachi later tonight. Wind speeds are expected to range between 50 to 60 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in some areas.

The Met Office also predicted light rain and drizzle in the city on the following day.

FCC summons KPK CM over formation of “Imran Khan Release Force”

April 1, 2026 by Newsdesk

The Federal Constitutional Court(FCC) has sought a response from Suhail Afridi within 10 days in a case challenging the formation “Imran Khan Release Force” formation.

The hearing was held before a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din. The court directed CM Suhail Afridi to submit a detailed reply within the given timeframe.

During proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer presented documents and argued that CM Afridi claimed the force was intended to counter criminals, while existing court rulings, including those from the Karachi High Court on law and order, raise concerns.

Justice Ali Baqar inquired whether the cabinet had authorized the creation of such a force. The petitioner’s counsel stated that no such approval had been given.

The court instructed the federal government to ensure no violation of law occurs. Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din remarked that such a force should not be formed for convicted individuals.

The controversy follows CM Suhail Afridi’s recent announcement to establish the force to assist in the release of Imran Khan.

Punjab Govt announces three weekly holidays for public schools

April 1, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that all public schools across the province will now operate only four days a week.

According to details, educational institutions will remain closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The provincial government has formally declared Friday as an official weekly holiday.

As per the issued notification, all government schools will observe three weekly holidays, with classes to be held from Monday to Thursday only.

Due to the Friday holiday, academic activities will now take place only four days a week.

Eid-ul-Fitr: President, PM urge unity, brotherhood, and prayers for Muslim Ummah

March 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and the global Muslim community, emphasizing unity, brotherhood, and national solidarity.

President Zardari described Eid as the reward for the month of Ramadan, highlighting the spiritual renewal, patience, piety, and selflessness it fosters. He urged citizens to incorporate the lessons of Ramadan into daily life by promoting patience, tolerance, empathy, and justice.

The President also stressed the importance of including the underprivileged, orphans, and marginalized communities in the celebrations, while reiterating the nation’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, law, and collective responsibility. He prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif echoed similar sentiments, calling Eid a manifestation of Allah’s mercy and blessings bestowed upon Muslims after the month of Ramadan. He said the festival revitalizes the values of selflessness, unity, public service, and collective responsibility.

Highlighting support for vulnerable groups, the Prime Minister noted that the government ensured financial assistance through digital mechanisms during Ramadan. He added that collective cooperation is the foundation of national progress and prosperity.

Expressing concern over ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, Sharif emphasized the urgent need for unity within the Muslim Ummah to promote justice, dignity, and sustainable peace.

Both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, tolerance, and fostering brotherhood, praying that the blessings of Eid bring peace and security to the entire world.

CTD foils major terror plot targeting railway system, five held

March 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), in coordination with an intelligence agency, has foiled a major terror plot targeting the city’s railway infrastructure, arresting five suspected militants.

DIG CTD Ghulam Azfar Mahesar identified the suspects as Jhanoor, Ali Jan, Noor Muhammad, Jamak, and Niaz, stating that explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and weapons were recovered from their possession.

According to officials, the suspects are affiliated with the banned Baloch Republican Guard, which had claimed responsibility for multiple explosions in recent months in Shikarpur and Jacobabad, causing partial damage to railway tracks and train bogies.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to carrying out several attacks, including railway track bombings in Jacobabad and Shikarpur, as well on the Jaffar Express in Shikarpur on October 7.

Mahesar revealed that the militants received training and explosive materials from Lehri in Balochistan and used family members as cover to transport explosives to evade detection.

Authorities have formed special teams, in collaboration with intelligence agencies, to apprehend facilitators and handlers linked to the network. Officials also claimed that the group was being funded and supported by a neighboring country.

The DIG added that no major terrorist incident occurred in Sindh in 2025, attributing this to the continuous efforts of CTD, police, and other law enforcement agencies.

He further disclosed that large quantities of explosives—up to 2,000 kilograms—along with suicide bombers, including female operatives, linked to the same network had been apprehended in recent operations.

Pakistan will not allow violence or misuse of religion, says Field Marshal Asim Munir

March 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has stated that violence will not be tolerated in Pakistan and religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite unrest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir made these remarks during a meeting with Shia scholars in Rawalpindi, where discussions focused on national security and inter-provincial harmony.

He emphasized that religious scholars play a vital role in promoting unity, tolerance, and national cohesion. He urged them to actively counter misinformation and sectarian narratives that could destabilize society.

The army chief reiterated that Pakistan is open to dialogue, but stressed that terrorist elements must first be handed over. He also called on the Afghan Taliban to ensure that their territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

“Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for attacks against it,” he said, adding that terrorists and their hideouts would be targeted wherever they are found.

The scholars present at the meeting strongly condemned violence and expressed full support for Pakistan’s security institutions in maintaining peace and stability.

Field Marshal Munir also reaffirmed the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorism completely, referencing ongoing efforts under Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq.

Severe storm in Karachi leaves 19 dead, dozens injured

March 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI-
At least 19 people were killed and several others injured as strong winds accompanied by heavy rain swept across multiple areas of Karachi, causing widespread damage and disruption.

According to reports, intense rainfall and gusty winds affected neighborhoods including North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, FB Area, Saddar, and Clifton. Similar weather conditions were also recorded in Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Jamal, and Garden.

The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning, while power outages were reported in various parts of the city shortly after the rain began. Areas such as Moinabad Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14-A, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, DHA Phases I and II, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony, and North Karachi experienced prolonged electricity suspensions.

The Meteorological Department recorded wind speeds of up to 90 km/h on Shahrah-e-Faisal and 97 km/h in Mauripur, indicating the severity of the storm.

Fallen trees and billboards caused major traffic disruptions across the city. In Clifton, a tree collapsed near the Driving License Branch, trapping two individuals underneath. In Mohammad Ali Society, a billboard fell on Tipu Sultan Road due to strong winds.

The most tragic incident occurred near Moach Goth in Baldia, where a wall collapse claimed 13 lives and left three others injured. Rescue teams transported the victims to nearby hospitals and continued search operations amid fears that more individuals may be trapped under the debris.

Officials stated that the collapsed structure was not a residential building. Initial reports suggested that the victims had taken shelter there due to the rain.

In separate incidents, a man and a woman were killed when a wall collapsed in Quaidabad’s Majeed Colony, while one person was injured. Another fatality was reported in Malir after a lightning strike. In Korangi, a woman died when a roof collapsed, and another man lost his life after a tree fell on him in Korangi No. 5.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the Moach Goth incident and directed authorities to expedite rescue efforts.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site and instructed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and swift recovery of those trapped.

The Meteorological Department stated that no further rain is expected tonight; however, more बारिश is likely after noon tomorrow, with chances of thunderstorms, heavy downpours in isolated areas, and possible hailstorms. Light rain is also المتوقع on the first day of Eid, while another spell of rain may affect Karachi and other parts of Sindh between March 24 and 27.

Pakistan offers to mediate between Iran and US amid rising tensions

March 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

Islamabad : Pakistan has offered to mediate between Iran and the United States in an effort to ease escalating regional tensions, according to Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar.

Speaking to Arab media, Tarar strongly condemned recent attacks on Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Gulf countries.

He emphasized that Pakistan is willing to play an active role in de-escalation efforts and facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

“Pakistan is ready to mediate between Iran and the United States to reduce tensions,” Tarar said, adding that the country has previously played a constructive role in resolving international disputes through diplomacy.

Addressing regional security concerns, Tarar rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban accusing Pakistan of targeting a hospital in Afghanistan.

He described the claims as baseless, stating that the Pakistan Army has not targeted civilian populations and that its operations have been focused solely on terrorist hideouts.

He further noted that misinformation campaigns have previously been attributed to the Afghan Taliban, reiterating Pakistan’s stance against terrorism.

In an earlier interview , Tarar said the Afghan Taliban regime must decide whether it stands with terrorists or with Pakistan. He added that many terrorist networks operating in Pakistan have links to bases in Afghanistan.

Pakistan maintains that its security operations are aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and eliminating threats posed by cross-border terrorism.

PM Shehbaz tasks IB to monitor government austerity drive

March 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned the Intelligence Bureau (IB) the task of overseeing the implementation of the government’s austerity campaign.

According to an official notification, the IB will monitor compliance with the austerity measures across federal ministries, divisions, and autonomous institutions.

The notification further stated that the bureau will also supervise the implementation of the austerity campaign in the secretariats of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Senate of Pakistan.

Under the directive, the IB will submit weekly reports on the progress of the government’s austerity measures to the prime minister and the relevant committee.

The prime minister has instructed authorities to ensure 100 percent implementation of the national austerity campaign.

Earlier, while chairing a meeting to review relief measures for the public, Shehbaz Sharif said that economic stability and public relief remain the government’s top priorities.

He added that due to timely decisions by the government, the country currently has an adequate supply of petroleum products, while nationwide measures to promote savings and austerity have already been implemented and further steps are underway.