ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Monday announced that the moon marking the Islamic month of Jamadi-us-Sani 1446 AH was not sighted, ARY News reported.According to a notification issued by the ministry, the first day of Jamadi-us-Sani will fall on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.The decision was made following the guidance of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad. The announcement aligns with the lunar calendar’s observance protocols followed nationwide.Muslims across the country will now prepare for the start of this month as per the officially declared date.Read More: Pakistan witnessed the last supermoon of 2024In November 2024, Pakistan witness the last supermoon of the year.The supermoon was visible from at 2:28 AM PST. During this event, the moon appeared 14 percent (pc) larger and 30pc brighter than usual.During the supermoon, the distance between the Earth and the Moon was 360,378 kilometres, compared to their average orbital distance of 384,400 kilometres.On August 20, Pakistan witnessed the first supermoon of the current year.The supermoon captivated the eyeballs of people across the country, including in Karachi, Quetta, and Lahore.This ethereal event, known as the “Blue Supermoon,” appeared 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon.August’s blue supermoon marks the third supermoon of the season, a rare phenomenon where both a supermoon and a blue moon occur simultaneously.Such an event happens only once every decade, making it a spectacular sight for skywatchers.The brilliant moonlight added a magical glow to the night, drawing attention from people across the nation who marvelled at the extraordinary sight.

KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a notification announcing 18 paisas per unit reduction in electricity prices for Karachi consumers under the September 2024 monthly adjustment, ARY News reported.According to reports, this reduction will be reflected in the electricity bills for December 2024. However, the reduction will not apply to consumers who use up to 300 units of electricity per month, as stated in the notification.Earlier, K-Electric had requested a reduction of 16 paisas per unit for the September adjustment. Additionally, the utility company had sought permission to return Rs 247 million to its consumers as part of this adjustment.Read More: NEPRA hikes power tariff for K-electric consumers Last month, NEPRA approved 40 paisas per unit increase in the power tariff for K-Electric consumers.As per the details, the hike was part of the August 2024 monthly adjustment, and consumers will be billed extra in their January 2025 bills.Additionally, K-Electric consumers will pay an additional Rs 3.17 per unit in November bills as part of the June adjustment. In December, consumers will pay an extra Rs 3.03 per unit as part of the July 2024 adjustment.K-Electric had requested a 51 paisas per unit increase in the August monthly adjustment, but NEPRA approved 40 paisas per unit. The notification for the tariff hike has been issued, and consumers will bear the brunt of the increased electricity costs.Similarly, K-Electric announced an adjustment of Rs. 2.17 per unit for the month of November in their monthly electricity bills.This was in addition to the existing price of Rs. 3.17 per unit, making the total price Rs. 4.91 per unit.KE also announced a quarterly adjustment of Rs. 1.74 per unit, which will be charged separately.This adjustment was part of the quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism, which aims to pass on the fuel price variation to consumers.It is worth noting that K-Electric had previously announced an increase of Rs. 2.59 per unit for October, which was a major burden on consumers.

Chairman of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid, has announced an increase in the quarterly payments under the Benazir Kafaalat programme, offering much-needed financial relief to marginalised families.The payment amount will rise by Rs 3,000, bringing the total to Rs 13,500 per quarter, up from the previous Rs 10,500.Launched in 2008, the BISP Kafaalat programme is the largest cash transfer initiative in Pakistan’s history. It aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households, with both short and long-term goals in mind.In the short term, the initiative aims to protect disadvantaged groups from the adverse impacts of inflation, rising food prices, and slow economic growth. Long-term, the BISP Kafaalat programme strives to eliminate extreme poverty and empower women, aligning with Pakistan's commitments to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Currently, the BISP Kafaalat programme supports over 9.3 million families nationwide, and the government aims to extend assistance to 10 million families by next year.Starting in January 2025, all registered families under the Benazir Kafaalat programme will receive Rs 13,500 every quarter, reflecting the government's commitment to providing relief amid ongoing inflation.New Banks added for withdrawl: Previously, beneficiaries could withdraw their assistance only from Habib Bank Limited (HBL), often facing long wait times. To address this issue, the government has expanded the list of participating banks, making it easier for families to access their payments.Eligible families can now withdraw their quarterly payments from the following banks: Bank Al Falah Bank of Punjab Mobilink Microfinance (JazzCash) Telenor Microfinance Bank Habib Bank Limited HBL Microfinance

Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has achieved another important milestone with the discovery of gas and condensate at Pateji-X1 well, in the Shah Bandar Block, located in the Sujawal district of Sindh, ARY News reported.This PPL discovery marks the fourth consecutive hydrocarbon find in the block, where PPL holds a 63 percent (pc) working interest (WI). Its joint venture partners include Mari Petroleum Company Limited (32 pc WI), Sindh Energy Holding Company Limited, and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (2.5 pc WI).After the initial discovery in the Upper Sand (D-Sand) layer, further exploration confirmed a promising hydrocarbon zone. Testing based on drilling results showed a flow rate of 12.4 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas and 196 barrels per day (bbl/d) of condensate from the C-Sand layer at a wellhead pressure of 2,551 pounds per square inch (PSI).Pateji-X1 was started on October 11, 2024, after detailed geological and geophysical studies, with drilling reaching a depth of 2,475 meters to evaluate the Lower Goru Formation’s potential.This ongoing discovery highlights PPL's technical expertise and its commitment to strengthening Pakistan's energy security. The new reserves are expected to increase the country’s supply of hydrocarbons, reduce dependence on expensive energy imports, and save valuable foreign exchange.Read More: OGDCL announces new gas discovery in Sindh’s Khairpur districtBack in September of this year, the OGDCL announced a new gas discovery in Sindh’s Khairpur district.Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a significant gas discovery in the Sawan South Block as the Akhiro-1 exploratory well.The OGDCL revealed that the Sawan South Joint Venture, consisting of OGDCL, United Energy Pakistan Limited, Government Holding Private Limited and Sindh Energy Holding Limited, has made this successful gas discovery at the Akhiro-1 well.The exploratory well, Akhiro-1, was drilled to a total depth of 12,442 feet. Upon testing, the well demonstrated promising results, producing approximately 10 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) of gas. The wellhead flowing pressure registered at 4,000 pounds per square inch, confirming the well’s capacity for substantial gas output.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved financial assistance for the delegation travelling to the United States regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's health and potential repatriation, ARY News reported. According to reports, the approval comes in response to a request from Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, highlighting the urgency of bringing Dr. Aafia Siddiqui back to Pakistan.The Islamabad High Court, under Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, conducted a hearing where Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui's lawyer Imran Shafiq, and court assistant Zainab Janjua were present.During the hearing, the Foreign Ministry's representative informed the court that visa applications for the delegation had been submitted and were expected to be approved within a week. The government assured the court of its full support for Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui’s efforts.\https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF3ZzZHm_Z8However, the Additional Attorney General stated that Senator Irfan Siddiqui, initially expected to join the delegation, would be unable to travel due to personal reasons. Instead, Senator Bushra will accompany the team to the U.S.The court has adjourned the case until January 13, awaiting further progress on the delegation’s efforts and developments in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case.Read More : US Keeping Diplomatic Communications on Aafia Siddiqui PrivateIn October 2024, PM SHehbaz SHarif appealed to the US president Joe Biden for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui seeking humanitarion grounds, however the US government intended to keep its “diplomatic communications” regarding the matter private.The Pakistani High Court had asked the Pakistani government for a comprehensive report on diplomatic efforts to secure Aafia Siddiqui’s release. In response, the government presented a letter dated October 13, indicating a direct appeal from PM Sharif to President Biden to reconsider Siddiqui’s case on humanitarian grounds.“I certainly wouldn’t get into private diplomatic communications, and on the case itself, I would refer you to the Department of Justice for any inquiries regarding Dr. Siddiqui’s incarceration,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department, Vedant Patel, said during a press briefing.Aafia Siddiqui is currently serving her sentence at a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas, without the possibility of parole.In his letter to President Biden, PM Sharif highlighted that Siddiqui’s incarceration has severely affected her mental and physical health, noting concerns for her well-being, including the possibility of self-harm.Emphasizing his duty to protect Pakistani citizens, Sharif requested that Biden “exercise his authority to grant clemency and secure Siddiqui’s release on humanitarian grounds.” He stated that millions of Pakistanis expected Biden to perform this “act of kindness.”

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued arrest warrants for several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including the party’s founder Imran Khan, in connection with a protest held at D-Chowk, ARY News reported.According to reports, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the warrants as part of Case No. 1032, which involves allegations of illegal activities during the protest. The warrants were secured by Kohsar Police, targeting 96 individuals named in the case.Prominent figures facing arrest warrants include PTI foudner's wife Bushra Bibi, Barrister Gohar, Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, and Aamir Mughal. Other PTI leaders such as Omar Ayub, Khalid Khurshid, Faisal Javed, and Sher Afzal Marwat are also among those named.Additionally, the court has issued warrants for sitting MNA Abdul Latif, former provincial minister Riaz Khan, and other notable figures, including Ali Zaman, Pir Masoor, Khaliqur Rehman, Sohail Afridi, and Shahram Khan Tarakai.The list of accused also includes high-profile names like Zulfi Bukhari, Murad Saeed, Rauf Hassan, Mushtaq Ullah, Rashid Tipu, and Salman Akram Raja. Police have stated that these warrants are part of efforts to advance the investigation into alleged unlawful activities during the D-Chowk protest.Read More: PTI founder sent on 14-day remand in seven casesEarlier, the ATC in federal capital sent PTI founder, Imran Khan, on a 14-day judicial remand in a New Town police station case.Imran Khan, currently confined in Adiala Jail, was re-arrested by the police in the New Town PS case after being granted bail in the Toshakhana case.The ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the plea and approved his judicial remand in New Town police station and seven other cases.The development came after the former prime minister was arrested in seven more cases related to vandalism.Earlier, the ATC handed over Imran Khan, to police on a five-day physical remand in a New Town police station case.The prosecution team sought 15-day physical remand of the former prime minister, but the ATC judge granted five-day physical remand to the police and ordered them to continue the investigation inside the jail. 

ISLAMABAD: PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Monday slammed PTI for making hue and cry over the loss of imaginary, unnamed lives without funerals or graves, while conveniently ignoring the 131 forgotten bodies lost in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.In a statement posted on his social media account X, Siddiqui, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed his concerns over PTI’s apparent disregard for the victims of Kurram.He said “The tragic incident in Kurram has claimed 131 innocent lives, each with a name, a funeral prayer, and a grave. Despite the devastating impact on families and communities, PTI seems to have overlooked this.”Also read: PTI founder, key leaders face charges over Islamabad protestThe statement came after PTI made several claims that their workers were shot dead during Islamabad protest.PTI initiated its march towards Islamabad on November 24, following a final call from its founder. The government had set up roadblocks in an attempt to prevent the protesters, but they managed to break through and reached the Blue Area.Later, law enforcement agencies launched a major operation to disperse the protesters.Police and Rangers successfully cleared Blue Area of PTI demonstrators, and by the end of the operation, the protesters began returning to their homes.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 3-4, 2024 to participate in the “One Water Summit.”A joint initiative of Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank, the Summit aims to promote global cooperation and a coherent international approach towards water resource management through high-level political commitments, according to a curtain raiser issued by the Foreign Office.At the Summit, the prime minister will deliver a keynote address at a Roundtable focusing on restoration, preservation, and adaptation in the context of fresh water resources and wetlands.He will also highlight the steps being taken by Pakistan to promote water conservation, strengthen climate resilience, improve water quality, create livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity.Prime Minister Shehbaz will underline the importance of international cooperation to tackle the impact of climate-induced floods, erratic and extreme weather patterns, and heat stress on water resources and ecosystems.He will also call for meaningful international collaboration for sustainable water resource management.On the sidelines of the event, the prime minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings and engagements.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Monday dismissed speculations about PTI founder Imran Khan's health.In his media talk after meeting the PTI founder in Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar said Imran Khan is fit and sound in Adiala Jail and rumours regarding his health are 'baseless.'He said the matter of the grand operation against PTI workers in D-Chowk also came under discussion with the incarcerated party founder in today's meeting. He thanked people who came out of their homes on the Final Call of protest, Gohar added.The PTI chairman further said Imran Khan has directed the lawmakers of the party to raise the D-Chowk issue in both the upper and the lower houses of the Parliament.Responding to a question, Gohar stated that future strategy will be revealed by Imran Khan himself later.Read more: PTI founder is in Adiala Jail, not shifted: Jail sourcesOn Sunday, sources within Adiala Jail told ARY News that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is in good health.The clarification came after reports allegedly suggested PTI founder Imran Khan’s transfer to another location.Sources revealed that the PTI founder is locked in a cell designated as part of the New Town Police Station jurisdiction.Daily medical checkups by jail hospital doctors confirm his blood pressure and sugar levels are normal. The PTI founder maintains his fitness with regular exercise twice a day.Following jail manual guidelines, all necessary facilities are being provided. Special care is being taken regarding his diet and overall well-being. Jail authorities have ensured all arrangements for his comfort and health are in place.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officers Monday held tax administration and policies responsible for the shortfall in the tax collection target.In a statement, the Inland Revenue Service Officers Association (IRSOA) rejected the impression of officers lacking in collecting tax.The failure to meet tax targets is attributed to flaws in tax administration and policies, the IRSOA said in its statement released on Monday.The Inland Revenue Service Officers Association also criticised the FBR's transformation plan and termed it a mere show piece that has caused discontent among tax officials.The statement said that 80% of junior field tax officers have the lowest salaries and many lack access to transport, fuel, and residential facilities.The association pointed out the large-scale transfers of tax officers to remote areas have also created logistical difficulties. Frequent transfers accompanied by corruption allegations are damaging the reputation and dignity of tax officers."Harsh administrative practices and poor tax policies are undermining the officers' capabilities and morale."Read more: FBR transfers 60 inland revenue officersThe FBR officers association said that over the past five months, there has been a tax revenue shortfall of Rs356 billion.Earlier it emerged that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would fail to reach its tax target collection for November 2024.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) could demand a mini budget from Pakistan if the tax collection authority would fail to attain its target of December, according to sources.Despite heavy taxes imposed, the FBR failing to reach to tax targets with overall 343 billion rupees shortfall in tax collection, sources said.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has witnessed a reduction in pending cases, with the number dropping to 58,487, ARY News reported.According to the report, the number of pending cases had previously exceeded 60,000 during the tenure of former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.The latest data, which covers the period from November 16 to 30, the court has managed to dispose of an additional 674 cases.The report reveals that the court is currently dealing with 31,458 civil appeals, 10,208 criminal appeals, 18 suo motu cases, 2,209 civil review petitions, 136 human rights cases, and 3,251 jail petitions.As per the report on September 4, the number of pending cases before the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan was more than 60,000 when Justice Faez Isa was in the CJP office.According to a 15-day report (August 16 to 31), 861 fresh cases were filed with the top court of the country. The report, issued under Article 19-A which guarantees the right to information, read that the number of pending cases was 60,508 on August 31, 2024.It's worth mentioning here that the Supreme Court’s full court had vowed to decide around 60,000 pending cases at the earliest.“The meeting was convened to assess the performance of Supreme Court in the institution and disposal of cases, focusing on measures to reduce cases backlog and enhance judicial efficiency. The Registrar provided an overview of the current caseload and outlined the steps toward timely decision of cases,” a press statement issued.

Federal Ombudsman on Monday announced the dismissal of a professor in Karachi for harassing a female colleague, ARY News reported.According to Federal Ombudsman for anti-harassment, Federal Urdu University for Arts and Science and Technology (FUUAST) professor Hafiz Ishaq was proven guilty for harassing female teacher.According to the spokesperson of Federal Ombudsman office, lady professor filed complaint against Professor Hafiz Ishaq for 'harassment'.FUUAST professor Hafiz Ishaq was found guilty during the proceedings. He was dismissed from his services and was asked to deposit Rs1 million as fine from which Rs800,000 to be paid to the victim.Read more: Court awards 10-year jail term to former KU teacher in harassment caseEarlier, a local court awarded 10-year sentence to a former assistant professor of Karachi University over harassing a female colleague on the internet.The court also imposed 50,000 rupees fine on Dr. Farhan Kamrani, who was assistant professor at the psychology department of the university.A female teacher in the complaint lodged with the FIA said that Kamrani had set up a fake social media profile impersonating her.The FIA officials said that the lecturer’s photos were also doctored by the accused. Dr. Farhan Kamrani had posted immoral pictures on the fake social media account.The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Cell had arrested Kamrani under the harassment charges.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked to monitor sugar mills during the ongoing crushing season, ARY News reported.Following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, FIA has formed special teams to oversee sugar production and stock records in mills.The FIA teams will maintain daily sales records of sugar mills to prevent tax evasion. Director FIA said that the record of cane deliveries and the number of trolleys arriving at mills will be documented.In Lahore, teams have been stationed at three sugar mills under the head of Zonal Director Sarfraz Khan.FIA authorities have directed the teams to maintain data responsibly and with integrity as curbing tax evasion is an important national duty, and no negligence will be tolerated.All sugar mills have been crushing season since November 21.Read more: COAS Asim Munir urged to initiate action against sugar mafiaThe decision to start crushing season from November 21 was taken during a meeting of Sugar Advisory Board chaired by the Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain in Islamabad.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said action would taken against mills that fail to comply with the government's orders.Upon the request of Pakistan Sugar Mills Association for permission to export additional sugar, the minister said that the government cannot grant further permission until the first export quota is completed.Besides, the Sugar Advisory Board reviewed the estimates for the sugarcane crop and the overall stock position of sugar for the upcoming crushing season. The board expressed satisfaction with the current sugar prices in the local market.

KARACHI: In a shocking incident, human remains were discovered near Paracha Cemetery in Qasba Colony, Karachi, police confirmed.According to police, the human remains are likely of a woman as the police team had found a severed head of a female near a drain in the same area, few days back.The body parts have been sent for post-mortem examination by the police while as per the initial statement of Karachi, the condition of the remains poses a challenge to identify the body.Earlier, the local police of Karachi found a body of a woman from a pit at the Metroval graveyard in the Site area of Karachi.Read more: Tortured body of woman found in KarachiAccording to SSP Keamari, Faizan Ali, the woman was killed after brutally tortured, with her hands found tied behind her back.The identity of the deceased is still unknown, and further investigation is underway to uncover the details of the crime.The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.As per the police officials, the diseased person was identified as Fazal Zaman, while a letter from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has been found from the car of the victim, seeking permission for commercial shops, leading authorities to believe that the person might be in the real estate business.

KARACHI: Wintry winds from Quetta have started entering in Karachi, temperatures being dropped in the metropolis, weather department official said.Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz has said Quetta's winds entering in Karachi and day and night temperatures in the city likely to drop further from December 5 and 6.He said the daytime temperature could go down to 28 to 30 degree Celsius. "The mercury could drop up to 14 to 16 Celsius in nights," weather official said.The weather in Karachi is changing owing to rainfall in Baluchistan and upper Sindh areas, official said.The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted declining temperatures over the next few days, signaling the arrival of wintry weather in Karachi.Weather forecast indicates that the city is likely to experience cool and dry conditions, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop to 15°C within next seven days. Daytime weather will remain predominantly dry.

China has announced a scholarships programme 2025-26 for the AJK, Pakistani students to pursue their studies and conduct research in Chinese Universities.According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) the deadline to Submit Online Application is Monday 09, December 2024.Only those applicants are considered under Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26 who have already obtained a valid HAT (score obtained on or after December 09, 2022 is valid) or USAT score (score obtained on or after December 09, 2023 is valid). Applicants must submit a valid score on HEC portal during application submission for consideration.To submit online application on China Scholarship Council’s portal under category A (agency No. 5861), please visit Campuschina.org or https://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua .With a view to enhance educational cooperation between China and Pakistan, the Chinese Scholarship Council, Government of China is offering Pakistani students/scholars to study and conduct research in Chinese Universities. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, HEC is nominating agency for these scholarships in the academic year 2025-26.China Scholarship Council (CSC), entrusted by the Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China, is responsible for the enrollment and the administration of Chinese Government Scholarship Program. Qualified applicants can apply for scholarship for Undergraduate/Bachelors, Masters & Doctoral/PhD programs in respective field of studies.? As per eligibility criteria, applicants must be Pakistani/AJ&K national. Dual nationality holders are not eligible to apply.Read more: Pakistan allocates Rs60m for scholarshipsApplicants must be in good health. Applicants with incomplete degrees on closing date of application are not allowed to apply.Applicants for Undergraduate/Bachelors program must have intermediate/A-level/FA-FSC (12 years) of education and be under the age of 25 at the time of application. Applicants for Masters program must have a Bachelors degree (16 years) and be under the age of 35 at the time of application.Applicants for PhD/Doctoral program must have a Masters degree MS/MPhil and be under the age of 40 years at the time of application. Meet the application requirement as prescribed on China Scholarship Council website & portal. Meet the admission requirements of the applied universities in terms of academic eligibility, language proficiency and other relevant criteria. Applicants may not be in receipt of any other types of scholarship currently.All applicants are required to provide HAT or Usat score (HAT for masters/phd and USAT for undergraduate)?. Applicants must have obtained a minimum score of 50 out of 100 in HAT or USAT test.??Without providing minimum HAT or USAT test score (50 out of 100), applications will not be considered for further process. The test validity for HAT is 02 years and USAT is 01 year. For this scholarship, applicant must have already obtained a valid HAT (score obtained on or after December 09, 2022) or USAT score (score obtained on or after December 09, 2023).?As per tuition funds details, it will be comprehensively used by the host university. It may cover education, administration costs, health insurance and expenditures to support student activities.Meanwhile, free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy will be provided to each awardee. While stipend will be given as per China Govt. Scholarship policy.The willing candidates are encouraged to apply online at: http://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/ after registering and filling your profile, please select “Learning Opportunities Abroad”.After submission of the application, get its printed copy to be signed by the applicant. HEC online application portal shall close on Monday, 09th December 2024 (04.00 PM Pakistan Standard Time).

RAWALPINDI: The anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, on a 14-day judicial remand in a New Town police station case, ARY News reported.Imran Khan is currently in Adiala Jail as police arrested him in the New Town PS case after getting bail in Toshakhana case.The ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the plea and approved his judicial remand in New Town police station and seven other cases.The development came after the former prime minister was arrested in seven more cases related to vandalism.Earlier, the ATC handed over Imran Khan, to police on a five-day physical remand in a New Town police station case.The prosecution team sought 15-day physical remand of the former prime minister, but the ATC judge granted five-day physical remand to the police and ordered them to continue the investigation inside the jail. Also read: PTI founder is in Adiala Jail, not shifted: Jail sourcesPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legal woes continue as multiple cases have been filed against founder Imran Khan, along with leaders and protesters who took part in the recent unrest in the federal capitalAccording to reports, among those named in the eight cases are PTI founder, Imran Khan and former First Lady Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other key figures.The cases also include prominent individuals such as Salman Akram Raja, Sheikh Waqas Akram, local leadership, and thousands of unidentified people.The charges have been filed at various police stations, including Shahzad Town, Sihala, Bani Gala, Khanna, Shams Colony, Tarnol, Noon, and Nilore.The charges cover a range of offences, including terrorism, violation of the Assembly Act, attacks on police, abduction, interference with government duties, and violations of Section 144.PTI initiated its march towards Islamabad on November 24, following a final call from its founder. The government set up roadblocks in an attempt to prevent the protesters, but they managed to break through and reached the Blue Area.

ISLAMABAD: "Matters are moving on backdoor with the PTI's founder but the May 09 issue has been the sticking point", JUI leader Hafiz Hamdullah said in an interview with ARY News on Monday."PTI's founder is saying, he didn't commit anything, why he beg pardon over it," Hamdullah said.He said the party's founder is also not been prepared to go outside the country."It was said in a meeting that the PTI's founder talks about election, 'how could it happens'"."Any breakthrough with the PTI's founder is not improbable," JUI leader said.Hafiz Hamdullah said, "Nawaz Sharif and the People's Party did that thing, what they were promising not to do"."This is not a government and neither I accept their mandate," JUI leader said."If the government completed its tenure, it will be on the cost of playing havoc with the country," he said."The JUI will not back the military courts at any cost," replying a question he added.

ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected a petition regarding treating all prisoners by the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978 without any special privileges or preferential treatment, ARY News reported.The six-member Constitutional Bench, headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and comprising Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard the petitions of Chaudhry Mazhar Iqbal, Hammad Saeed and Muhammad Awais versus the Federation of Pakistan through the Secretary, Ministry of Interior.The Court, while maintaining the objections of the Registrar SCP office over the maintainability of the petition, rejected the plea observing that it is not the job of the Supreme Court to oversee facilities provided to the prisoners.Additional Attorney General for Pakistan, while agreeing to the objections of the registrar’s office, argued before the court that the petition seemed to be personal.Justice Jamal Mandokhail advised the petitioner to approach the provincial government or concerned High Court if he has objections over the rules.In a separate development earlier prisoners in Punjab jails demanded same facilities as those provided to Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail.Also read: Prisoners demand same facilities as PTI founder: IG prisonsIn a letter written to Punjab advocate general, IG prisons stated that the prisoners have requested the same privileges as Imran Khan, including six meetings with his lawyers in a day.The prisoners have expressed their discontent with the special treatment given to the former prime minister. They have argued that providing such facilities to one person while denying them to others is a violation of the Prison Rules 1978.Earlier, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi expressed displeasure over the overcrowding in jails of the country, saying that over 108,000 persons are incarcerated in the prisons originally designed for 66,625 inmates.Chaired a meeting focused on improving prison conditions and the welfare of prisoners, the CJP while quoting the Law and Justice Commission said that 36,128 prisoners have been waiting for trial for over a year.CJP Yahya Afridi said that Punjab province is the most affected by overcrowding in jails with 67,837 prisoners being held in facilities meant for 36,365. He was of the view that the large number of prisoners waiting for trial highlights the need for judicial reform.

LAHORE: Punjab traffic police issued over 841,000 driving licences in November 2024, ARY News reported on Monday.According to the performance report released by the Punjab traffic police spokesperson, for November, significant progress was made in licence issuance across the province.The report stated that over 841,000 driving licences were issued in November across the province, including more than 243,000 citizens who obtained learner driving licences.The Punjab traffic police spokesperson further said that 308,000 fresh driving licences were issued during the same period.Approximately 284,000 licences were renewed, including both learner and regular categories.Over 4,500 international driving licences were issued to citizens, while licensing centers in major cities remained operational 24/7, stated Additional IG Traffic, the report stated.Read more: Good news for rickshaw drivers seeking licence in PunjabIn a separate development, the Punjab traffic police has dedicated a full day to issuing driving licences to rickshaw drivers.The decision was taken in a meeting between Additional IG Traffic and Secretary Transport.As per the agreement, a special driving test for rickshaw drivers will be held every Sunday at designated licensing centers throughout the province, the spokesperson said.In 2023, Punjab accomplished a record of issuing over 10mln driving licences in 2023.The announcement was made by the then-Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi in his post on X, formerly known as Twitter said: “Alhamdulillah! Punjab surpasses 1 crore driving licenses in 2023! Appreciation for Punjab Police and PITB for their efforts in achieving this significant milestone in such a short time.”