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Scope: Today · past 48 hours

112 storiesPast 48 hours

Punjab

politics53 min ago

Shafay ‘distances’ himself from Salik

LAHORE: Punjab Commerce and Investment Minister Shafay Hussain has apparently distanced himself from his younger brother Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis who levelled corruption allegations against the provincial government of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz a few days ago. Shafay’s unequivocal support for Maryam has reportedly saved his position in the Punjab cabinet. “Shafay Hussain’s recent interviews have been supportive of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, so we have no plan to denotify him from the Punjab cabinet,” Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari told Dawn on Wednesday when asked whether the provincial government was considering removing him following his younger brother’s outburst against the chief minister. “Shafay Hussain has rejected Salik’s allegations,” she added. The PML-Q has only one minister in the Punjab cabinet — Shafay Hussain. On Tuesday, Ms Nawaz served a Rs5 billion defamation notice on Salik over his corruption allegations against her government, demanding that he retract his remarks. Salik said on Wednesday that he would respond to the notice. Azma says no plan to denotify elder brother The controversy also drew in former Punjab

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politics

Pakistan

politics1 h ago

As Pakistan International Airlines rolls out its new cabin crew uniform, netizens are asking what went wrong

As Pakistan International Airlines rolls out its new cabin crew uniform, netizens are asking what went wrong Asia News Network

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Islamabad

politics1 h ago

NAB summons Fazl’s son in Pakistan Post case

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former federal minister for communication Asad Mahmood, who is the son of JUI-F president Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for alleged irregularities in 4,252 appointments at Pakistan Post during his 2022-23 term. The development came after Maulana Fazl’s new tirade against the government and state institutions on issues concerning main opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and terrorism. According to a NAB notice, the bureau is investigating alleged irregularities in appointments made at Pakistan Post during Mr Mahmood’s tenure as federal minister between 2022 and 2023. The ex-minister is accused of making as many as 4,252 appointments against fewer approved vacancies, with discrepancies in the number of sanctioned posts in Pakistan Post. The anti-graft watchdog has directed Mr Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on Nov 10 at 11am. Bureau to probe excessive appointments allegedly in violation of cabinet committee’s direction Mr Mahmood had served as federal minister during the last PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government in 2022-23. The PDM had formed the government after toppling the Imran Kh

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Islamabad

politics1 h ago

Number of blue passports brought down to 49,000 from 74,000, DG says

ISLAMABAD: The number of official, or blue, passports has been brought down to 49,000 from 74,000 in keeping with international obligations and administrative requirements, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the director general of Immigration and Passports, disclosed on Wednesday. He shared this information with Syedaal Khan Nasar, the deputy chairman of Senate, during a meeting. The existing mechanism for issuance of passports, institutional performance, security features and facilities being provided to the public came under discussion during the meeting. The meeting also discussed the proposed introduction of passport issuance facilities through the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in the near future, further strengthening passport security and measures to improve the country’s ranking. Senate deputy chairman lauds promotion of using technology to facilitate public Mr Nasar appreciated the government’s initiatives aimed at improving the passport issuance system, promoting the use of modern technology and enhancing public facilitation. He termed the performance of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and its efforts towards institutional reforms commend

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Islamabad

politics2 h ago

UN panel hails Pakistan’s marriage-age law, flags bonded labour

• Experts seek details on child brides, rehabilitation of flood victims and reconstruction efforts• Pakistani delegation says 600,000 destroyed homes rebuilt ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on Wednesday concluded its review of Pakistan’s second periodic report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, welcoming the country’s 2025 legal amendment raising the minimum age of marriage to 18. However, committee members raised questions about bonded labour and reconstruction efforts following the 2022 and 2025 floods, among other topics. Committee expert and member of the task force for Pakistan, Michael Windfuhr, welcomed the 2025 amendment to the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929, which raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both males and females. However, he noted that the committee remained concerned about the high number of child brides and asked about the impact of measures taken to prevent child marriage. Lazhari Bouzid, another committee expert and member of the task force for Pakistan, said bonded labour continued to be prevalent in agriculture and was also found in the informal sector, partic

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Pakistan

politics3 h ago

Analysis: Midterms clip Trump’s wings at home, not abroad

THE world had good reason to watch the US midterm elections with bated breath, because their outcome would not only determine the balance of power in Washington, but also shape the course of major international conflicts — particularly in the Middle East — and establish how much political bandwidth President Donald Trump would retain to pursue his foreign policy during the final two years of his presidency. The verdict has been considerably harsher than many had anticipated, chiefly because of the fallout of the Iran war. As the election outcome was influenced by an external issue, the implications will accordingly be reflected more on the foreign policy front. For foreign capitals, the significance of the result lies less in the change of congressional control itself but what it means for Trump’s ability, and willingness, to use American power abroad. A midterm defeat does not automatically diminish presidential authority over foreign affairs and military operations. Trump, therefore, retains considerable discretion over military operations and negotiations, as well as executive powers over sanctions and trade. What he has actually lost is political room to manoeuvre as Democr

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Islamabad

politics3 h ago

Riyadh rolls over $3bn as prospects of $10bn US facility wane

• Aurangzeb says proposed US facility is not essential, would provide additional support if secured• Further Eurobond, Panda bond and rupee-linked dollar-settled issuances planned• Govt targets $4bn reduction in external debt ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured a $3 billion rollover from Saudi Arabia, as prospects of a proposed $10bn US backstop facility appear to have waned, it emerged on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that Riyadh had extended the $3bn financing it provided in April this year to bridge a gap arising from $3.5bn in repayments to the United Arab Emirates. “It has been extended and for a reasonable period. You don’t need to worry as to for how long given the kind of strategic relationship we have,” he said when asked about the facility, which matured on Oct 31 under its three-month term. He said he had a very good meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, during the recent World Bank-IMF meetings in Bangkok. Saudi Arabia had already extended its $5bn facility until 2028. Asked whether Pakistan had also sought additional support, the minister categorically denied it, saying this was not

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Pakistan

politics3 h ago

US federal court blocks Afghan deportation plan

WASHINGTON: A US federal court blocked on Tuesday the Trump administration’s plans to deport scores of Afghan immigrants back to Afghanistan, a move advocacy groups said could endanger their lives. Judge Valerie Caproni of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that the United States could not send any Afghan nationals to Afghanistan or Pakistan this week. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deputy Assistant Director Christopher George told the court there were “no planned or confirmed chartered or commercial flights” to deport Afghan nationals in the US to Afghanistan or Pakistan this week, according to court documents. US media reported last week that more than 150 Afghans in the US would be deported via Pakistan to Afghanistan as part of President Donald Trump’s latest immigration crackdown. Among the group were relatives of Afghans who assisted the US military in the country prior to the fall of Kabul, according to AfghanEvac, a group seeking to help former Afghan allies. “A week ago, there was a plane. Today, the government told a federal judge there isn’t one,” AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver said in a statement after Tuesday’s rulin

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Islamabad

politics3 h ago

Exports to Europe dip despite GSP+

ISLAMABAD: Despite having Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) status, Pakistan’s exports to major western and eastern European markets fell in the first quarter of 2026-27 compared with the previous year. Overall exports to Europe dipped modestly, with a slight increase in proceeds from southern and northern European countries during the July-September quarter, raising serious concerns for policymakers. The ongoing Middle East conflict has accelerated the decline in exports to these markets, along with the European Union’s preferential market access offered to India, one of Pakistan’s key competitors in textiles. Data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that exports to European countries contracted 1.84pc to $2.350 billion in 1QFY27 from $2.394bn a year ago. Trade analysts warn that the Middle East conflict could further dampen export demand, as rising energy costs are likely to squeeze consumer spending in Europe, which is already under strain from the economic fallout of the Ukraine war. Exports to northern Europe increased by 21.07pc to $236.321m in 1QFY27 from $195.191m a year ago. Exports to southern Europe grew 5.26pc to $879.896m in 1QFY27 from $835.862m

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Islamabad

politics3 h ago

Foreign ministry told to tighten accounting rules

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Wednesday criticised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for having no control over funds management and lax accounting procedures, instructing its new secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad to streamline and tighten accounting procedures and make rules and share them with the committee. The directive came after the Public Accounts Committee, while discussing audit objections of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2024-25, observed that its staff posted in foreign missions was embezzling and mismanaging public funds without accountability. One case in particular caused massive losses to the public exchequer, when an ex-accountant posted in the Pakistan embassy in Vienna, Austria, fraudulently drew 442,256 euros and $134,292 over a period of two years. Officials from the office of Auditor General of Pakistan suspected that the former accountant was not alone in tampering and transferring the public money into his personal and wife’s bank accounts and that senior officials in the Pakistani Mission were also involved in the scam. PAC told staff posted in foreign missions ‘embezzling funds’ The PAC expressed strong dissatisfaction with Federal Investiga

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Islamabad

climate energy3 h ago

Swat basin faces over 5°C warming by century’s end

ISLAMABAD: A glacier risk assessment of the Swat watershed has warned that the basin is expected to warm by more than 5°C by the end of the century, particularly between October and June. Winter rainfall is expected to change little, but summer rainfall could more than double under some climate scenarios, according to the assessment carried out by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The changes are likely to increase the risk of severe floods and erosion, cause a short-term rise in water availability due to glacier melt and runoff, and lead to long-term declines as glaciers continue to recede, according to the assessment made available on Wednesday. The Swat basin, which has more than 10,000 glaciers, faces an increased risk of infrastructure failure and resulting floods. The assessment also warned of agricultural losses, erosion in valley areas, and a short-term water surplus followed by a long-term deficit. The GCF has conducted glacier risk assessments for four representative watersheds: Kura (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), Naryn (Kyrgyz Republic, with downstream links to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan), Pyanj (Tajikistan

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politics

Pakistan

politics3 h ago

What setback to Trump in US midterms means for India, Pakistan?

What setback to Trump in US midterms means for India, Pakistan? India Today

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politics

Pakistan

politics4 h ago

Pakistan’s opposition agrees to strengthen parliamentary coordination — Dawn

Pakistan’s opposition agrees to strengthen parliamentary coordination — Dawn UA.NEWS

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Pakistan

politics5 h ago

US sanctions individuals, entities over alleged efforts to supply Iran with air defense systems

State Department designates 2 individuals, Nigeria-based firm that it says is tied to Iran’s MANPADS procurement

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Pakistan

politics6 h ago

Punjab to support Balochistan's Safe City projects

Bugti, Maryam agree on joint initiatives, technical assistance to modernise security infrastructure

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Pakistan

politics6 h ago

Countering terrorism top priority, says Kundi

Provincial police seek special package of Rs40b from federal government

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politics

Punjab

politics6 h ago

Toxic air threatens wildlife in Pakistan’s Punjab as monitoring lags

Toxic air threatens wildlife in Pakistan’s Punjab as monitoring lags Eco-Business

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politics

Pakistan

politics7 h ago

Trump Has Shifted the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship

Trump Has Shifted the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship Foreign Policy

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Pakistan

politics8 h ago

'United opposition' gathers at Fazl's Islamabad residence, vows stronger alliance

Opposition leaders on Wednesday gathered at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad and agreed to strengthen their alliance and parliamentary coordination. After a meeting during which they discussed several matters, including the emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JUI-F and TTAP decided to form committees to resolve mutual differences and take forward consultations on a multi-party conference (MPC). National Assembly (NA) and Senate opposition leaders, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, respectively, attended the meeting. MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, NA Chief Whip Amir Dogar and Senator Noorul Haq Qadri were present from PTI. Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) — headed by Achakzai — termed it a meeting of a “united opposition”. An earlier statement by JUI-F said the gathering was to discuss “the situation of emergency and governor’s rule” in KP, as well as plans for an MPC. In its statement, TTAP said the meeting was also “discussing unity and solidarity among opposition parties, the supremacy of the Constitution

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Pakistan

geopolitics8 h ago

Pakistan tests its first indigenous air-to-air missile Fa’az

Pakistan successfully flight-tested its first indigenously developed air-to-air missile, Fa’az, on Tuesday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the test as a significant advancement in national defense capabilities.

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Pakistan

politics9 h ago

Saudi Arabia extends $3 billion loan rollover

Pakistan secures crucial financial relief from Riyadh

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Pakistan

politics9 h ago

Cabinet ratifies defence pact with Kuwait

Announces fuel subsidy to continue until end of December

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Pakistan

geopolitics9 h ago

Pakistan and Kuwait Ratify Defense Cooperation Agreement

Pakistan's federal cabinet ratified a defense cooperation agreement with Kuwait. The agreement aims to foster collaboration in the defense sector.

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Pakistan

politics10 h ago

Noose tightens for Fazl, inner circle

Multiple notices issued over alleged financial irregularities

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Pakistan

politics10 h ago

PML-N/Q war of words escalates

Salik vows to give 'proper response' to legal notice

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Islamabad

politics10 h ago

Pakistan, Britain hold counter-terror dialogue

Islamabad, London pledge deeper security cooperation

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Pakistan

politics10 h ago

FCC says its legal observations binding on Supreme Court

Justice Aamer Farooq says Article 189 makes FCC judgments binding on all courts

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Punjab

politics10 h ago

ECP objects to retired judge's comments on 2023 election ruling

The Election Commission of Pakistan objected to remarks made by a retired Supreme Court judge. The comments concerned the 2023 ruling on Punjab and KP polls.

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Pakistan

politics10 h ago

Petrol price dropped by Rs7.06 per litre, high-speed diesel by Rs3.71

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Pakistan

governance11 h ago

Police use tear gas on teachers marching in Karachi

Police deployed tear gas and detained teachers marching towards the Chief Minister House. The teachers were demanding the restoration of their service structure, promotions, and employment rights.

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