Author: Maryam Khichi
Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the reserved seats case earlier today, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to become the largest party in the National Assembly, potentially increasing its numbers to 109. This unexpected legal victory declared that PTI, led by the imprisoned Imran Khan, is eligible for reserved seats allocation. This decision facilitates PTI’s return to parliament after being excluded from the February 8 elections due to an ECP ruling in December 2023, significantly altering the National Assembly’s composition and putting pressure on the ruling coalition. Despite PTI’s projected seat increase, the ruling coalition led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz…
The government has decided to procure new printing machines for passports to alleviate the ongoing issuance crisis. According to Express News, the delay in passport issuance across the country is nearing resolution as the government accelerates efforts to address the problem. The decision to acquire additional passport printing machines has been made, with the Directorate General of Passports and Immigration preparing a requisition and sending it to the Ministry of Interior. The new machines are expected to be imported by September. Passport officials have indicated that the new equipment will include six desktop printers and two e-passport machines, which can…
In an exciting first semi-final of the World Championship of Legends 2024, Pakistan Champions triumphed over West Indies Champions by 20 runs at the County Ground, Northampton. The thrilling encounter saw Pakistan Champions setting a formidable total of 198 for 8 in their 20 overs, with standout performances from Aamer Yamin and Kamran Akmal. In response, West Indies Champions were bowled out for 178 in 19.5 overs. Rayad Emrit led the chase with an explosive 29 off 9 balls, but the disciplined bowling effort from Pakistan ultimately thwarted their efforts. Sohail Khan’s impressive final over sealed the win, claiming the…
Pakistani weightlifters Sehar Sohail and Veronika Sohail have made history by winning gold medals at the ongoing Weightlifting Championship in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Competing in the 52 kg and 57 kg categories respectively, the sisters excelled in squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall weight, securing top honors and elevating Pakistan’s status in the sport. The Weightlifting Federation’s Secretary, Rashid Malik, confirmed that Pakistan’s total gold medal count at the Asian Pacific African Combined Weightlifting Championship has now reached eight. The achievements of the Sohail sisters have been a highlight, inspiring national pride. Their younger sister, Twinkle Sohail, is set to…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the provision of free solar panels to 100,000 needy households across the province. In an interview with a foreign media outlet, Muzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, stated that the government will supply complete two-kilowatt setups, including batteries, DC fans, and inverters, to these households. Aslam highlighted that KP has already established over 90 power plants, generating electricity at a cost of Rs 6 to Rs 7 per unit, significantly lower than the Rs 27 per unit charged by WAPDA. Additionally, both the Punjab and Sindh governments have previously announced…
The rollout of Punjab Chief Minister Kissan cards is set to commence on August 10, with distribution planned through Bank of Punjab branches. Currently, 250,000 cards are being printed following a meeting led by Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, who noted the completion of verification for 100,000 applicants and ongoing acceptance of new applications. Cardholders will enjoy discounts on fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides starting October 15, underscoring the initiative’s support for agricultural productivity across the province.
The Awami National Party (ANP) solemnly remembered and honored its late leader, Haroon Bilour, who tragically lost his life to terrorism during a campaign event in Peshawar on July 10, 2018. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, ANP’s provincial president, emphasized Bilour’s unwavering commitment to the cause of Pakhtun rights and peace. He praised Bilour’s resilience and bravery in confronting forces that sought to suppress the voice of the Pakhtun community, echoing the principles of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as Bacha Khan. Hussain highlighted the Bilour family’s enduring legacy of sacrifice and dedication to the ANP’s mission despite facing immense challenges. He…
Justice Aalia Neelum made history on Thursday as she was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) at the Governor’s House. Her appointment, approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, followed the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s (JCP) endorsement under Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The ceremony, administered by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, was attended by several LHC judges and dignitaries including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Justice Neelum, third in seniority at LHC, succeeded Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, elevated to the Supreme Court in June.…
In a significant legal win for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned the decision denying reserved seats to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). Justice Mansoor Ali Shah announced the 8-5 majority verdict on a petition filed by the SIC, an ally of PTI. Justices Athar Minallah, Shahid Waheed, Muneeb Akhtar, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha Malik, Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, and Irfan Saadat Khan ruled in favor of PTI. The Supreme Court nullified the Peshawar High Court’s order, which had upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision denying reserved seats to SIC. The apex court…
Pakistan’s auto industry has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past 18 months, setting a new sales record, as reported by ARY News. In the last fiscal year alone, 81,577 cars were sold, marking a significant turnaround for the sector. According to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), June 2024 saw an extraordinary 138% increase in car sales compared to the same period last year, with 10,128 units sold, up from 4,257. PAMA attributes this surge to a robust demand across various vehicle categories. Cars above 1300cc experienced a notable 174% boost in sales, while buses and trucks also saw substantial…