Author: Ashir Awan

In a significant judicial development, Justice Yahya Afridi was sworn in as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan on Saturday. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President House in Islamabad, with President Asif Ali Zardari administering the oath. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and other distinguished members of the judiciary attended the event. A Special Nomination Process Justice Afridi’s nomination came through a Special Parliamentary Committee (SPC), which was established under the recently legislated 26th Amendment. This amendment introduced changes in the judicial appointment process, adding a parliamentary role in selecting the Chief Justice.…

In a major boost to healthcare access, free Outpatient Department (OPD) services have been initiated in four districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa under the Sehat Insaf Card program. Financially supported by the German development agency KFW, this initiative aims to improve healthcare for residents in Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral by providing cost-free outpatient care. Pilot Program Starts in Mardan The pilot phase of the project has launched in Mardan, with plans to extend to the other three districts in coming months. Health Department officials have confirmed that the project, with a financial backing of €4.9 million, will allow thousands of patients…

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s spinners delivered an exceptional performance on Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory over England in the three-match Test series, marking the team’s long-awaited triumph at home. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan led the charge, dismissing England for just 112 runs in their second innings and leaving Pakistan with a target of only 36 runs to win. The Green Shirts chased it down in 3.1 overs, with Shan Masood scoring an unbeaten 23 to seal the victory on the third day. A Spin-Driven Contest On a spin-friendly pitch, Noman Ali took 6-42 while Sajid Khan contributed 4-69, decimating England’s…

Islamabad – Pakistan’s mobile phone industry has reached a significant achievement, producing a total of 22.59 million devices in the first nine months of 2024. This production includes 13.86 million smartphones and 8.73 million 2G feature phones, highlighting a steady shift towards smartphone usage across the nation. Growth in Local Manufacturing Reduces Import Dependence The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported that commercial imports were limited to only 1.1 million units during this period, underscoring an increase in local manufacturing capacity. Infinix led the sector with a record production of 2.79 million units, demonstrating Pakistan’s ability to meet growing demands through…

Islamabad – In a major development highlighting the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has announced its plan to construct 1,000 houses for Pakistanis. This initiative is part of a broader humanitarian effort aimed at supporting underprivileged communities in Pakistan, particularly those affected by recent floods and other challenges. Strengthening Bilateral Ties Saudi Arabia’s pledge underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Over the years, the Kingdom has played a significant role in supporting Pakistan, providing aid, and investing in various sectors. This housing initiative further reinforces their commitment to Pakistan’s development and welfare.…

Dubai – Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan has added another remarkable achievement to his cricketing career, reaching the milestone of 2,000 runs in Test matches. This achievement marks Rizwan as one of the key players in Pakistan’s Test lineup, showcasing consistency and resilience on the field. A Consistent Performer for Pakistan Rizwan’s journey to 2,000 runs reflects his reliability as a batsman and his contributions in crucial innings. Known for his disciplined batting approach and ability to adapt to challenging situations, he has become a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test squad. Contributions Beyond Batting As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Rizwan’s dual role on the…

Karachi – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a historic milestone as the KSE-100 index soared past the 90,000-point mark, reflecting a surge in investor confidence driven by positive economic indicators. This unprecedented performance highlights renewed optimism within Pakistan’s financial sector. Key Drivers of the Bullish Market Analysts attribute the bullish momentum to declining inflation rates and anticipated policy rate cuts. These favorable economic developments have encouraged both local and foreign investors, who are increasingly seeing Pakistan’s market as a lucrative opportunity amid stabilizing conditions. High Trading Volumes and Increased Market Value With trading volumes reaching record highs, PSX saw…

Sheikhupura – Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Sheikhupura Safe City Project, a major step forward in expanding Punjab’s security infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and urban surveillance, extending Punjab’s Safe City network to more cities across the province. Enhanced Surveillance and Public Safety The Sheikhupura Safe City Project introduces advanced surveillance technology, including CCTV cameras and command centers, to monitor and respond to potential threats in real time. This expansion is expected to improve public safety and support law enforcement efforts in rapidly identifying and addressing criminal activities. Part of Broader Safe City Initiative This project…

ISLAMABAD – Justice Yahya Afridi is set to take his oath in the coming days amid growing controversy surrounding the new judicial appointment process. The debate over the revised procedures has intensified, sparking discussions within legal circles about its implications for judicial independence. Concerns Raised Over Judicial Independence The recent changes to the appointment process have drawn criticism from various quarters, including senior lawyers and judges, who argue that the amendments could compromise the autonomy of the judiciary. Critics fear that the new system might allow increased executive influence, undermining the separation of powers. Supporters Highlight Efficiency However, supporters of…

LAS VEGAS – Pakistan’s Rameez Ibrahim achieved a remarkable feat by winning the gold medal at the prestigious Mr. Universe 2024 competition, organized by the World Fitness Federation in Las Vegas, USA. Competing against athletes from 44 countries, including powerhouse nations like the USA, Australia, Canada, and Japan, Rameez stood tall as a champion in the Men’s Physique category. A Triumph Against All Odds Rameez’s victory not only earned him the coveted gold medal but also a pro card, solidifying his status as a world-class bodybuilder. Despite facing challenges during the registration process and receiving no support, Rameez remained focused…