National

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    Fazlur Rehman welcomes SC order for Imran’s hosp…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Fazlur Rehman described the decision as a positive development. He said the hospital transfer should have been ordered much earlier. The JUI-F chief said the current political situation in the country should be assessed carefully before drawing conclusions. He also called for issues concerning the provinces to be discussed openly rather than reduced to simple political positions. Fazlur Rehman said the opposition had an important responsibility in a parliamentary system. He said opposition parties should identify weaknesses and shortcomings in government policies. He stressed that debates on provincial matters should focus on both principles and practical realities. According to him, political issues require serious discussion instead of being viewed only through the lens of support or opposition. The JUI-F chief also criticised what he described as a tendency in journalism to divide every issue into opposing camps. He said drawing a rigid line between supporting and opposing a position had contributed to worsening national problems. His remarks came after the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. The court also directed authorities to facilitate regular meetings between Imran and his family. The ruling has been welcomed by several political figures, including members of the opposition. The court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Imran’s condition and directed that his personal physician be given access.

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    Maryam announces Basant 2027 dates

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that Basant will be celebrated in Lahore from March 12 to 14, 2027. In a statement, Maryam said the announcement followed the successful celebration of Basant in 2026. She expressed hope that the festival would once again bring Lahore to life with colours, culture, music and celebrations. The chief minister described Basant as a festival for the people. She encouraged citizens to participate in the celebrations and create lasting memories. Maryam also invited overseas Pakistanis and international visitors to attend the event. She asked them to mark March 12 to 14 on their calendars and plan their visits to Lahore. She said Lahore would once again be illuminated by the enthusiasm of the people during the festival. The announcement comes as preparations for the 2027 celebrations are expected to build on the experience of the previous year. The provincial government is expected to focus on organising the festivities while ensuring that the celebrations are conducted in an orderly manner. Maryam said she looked forward to welcoming visitors from Pakistan and abroad. She also expressed confidence that Basant 2027 would be organised successfully. The festival is traditionally associated with colourful kites, cultural activities and public celebrations. Lahore has historically been at the centre of Basant festivities in Punjab. Maryam concluded her announcement with a pledge to make Basant 2027 another successful and memorable celebration for the people.

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    Four family members killed in Lahore firing

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: A case has been registered over the killing of four members of a family in Lahore’s Chuhng area. The incident involved a man who allegedly opened fire on his in-laws. Four people were killed in the shooting. According to the FIR, the victims included the suspect’s wife, his father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law. The complainant alleged that the suspect carried out the killings with the involvement or encouragement of his father and brothers. The victim’s brother told police that the family had previously registered a kidnapping case against the suspect at Sunder Police Station. He alleged that the case was filed after his sister was allegedly abducted. Police identified the suspect as Imran Shaukat. According to officials, he had married the woman around six months ago. The shooting took place in the Chuhng area, where the suspect allegedly targeted members of his wife’s family. The incident left four people dead and caused panic in the area. Police said the suspect fled or moved away from the scene after the shooting before turning the weapon on himself. He died from the gunshot wound. Investigators have registered a case and begun examining the circumstances surrounding the killings. Police are also looking into the allegations contained in the FIR regarding the suspect’s family members and the earlier kidnapping case. Officials said further investigation would determine the exact motive behind the incident and establish the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting. The case has raised concerns about a possible dispute between the two families following the marriage. Police are expected to question relatives and examine available evidence as part of the investigation.

  • 50,000 scholarship cards announced for Pakistani youth

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore – A total of 50,000 scholarship cards have been announced for Pakistani youth with the deadline for submitting applications set for August 21, 2026. According to details, the Hunarmand Punjab Advanced IT and Technical Training Program has been launched to promote digital and technical skills among Pakistani youth. The deadline for applications for the program is August 21, 2026. Eligibility criteria All Pakistani citizens aged 15 to 50 years who have at least a matriculation-level education are eligible to apply for the program. Under the initiative, 50,000 scholarship cards will be distributed across the country. Of these, 25,000 will be allocated to Punjab while the remaining 25,000 will be distributed among Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan. Applicants will be required to obtain at least 85% marks in the final evaluation test and fulfill the other program requirements to qualify for a scholarship card. According to the announced merit criteria, candidates who secure 85% marks may qualify for fee reimbursement. Candidates scoring 86% to 88% will be eligible for a solar panel while those securing 89% to 91% will be offered a Chromebook. Candidates who score 92% to 94% will be eligible for a laptop while those obtaining 95% or above will be offered an e-bike. The training program includes courses in more than 30 fields including artificial intelligence, digital marketing, web development, graphic designing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, data science, freelancing, video editing, app development and YouTube monetization. Other courses offered under the program include Amazon Virtual Assistant, Shopify and Daraz business, WordPress, React and Node.js, MERN Stack, PHP Laravel, Python programming, machine learning, SEO, Google Ads, IELTS preparation, textile designing, digital embroidery and penetration testing among others.

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    PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates Google office in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Google’s new office in Pakistan. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also met with a Google delegation where they discussed the promotion of digital technology in Pakistan and prospects for future cooperation. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan marks the beginning of an important and exciting new journey for Google adding that there are enormous opportunities for Google in the country. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of promoting Pakistan’s digital economy and strengthening cooperation with international companies in the field of modern technology. On the occasion, Google’s Vice President said that the company seeks to establish a long-term partnership with Pakistan. He said further steps were needed to promote digital technology in the country. The Google Vice President also made an important announcement for Pakistani students stating that Pakistani students will soon be provided with free access to Google Gemini for one year. He said the initiative would give students access to modern artificial intelligence technology enabling them to benefit from it in their educational and research activities. The inauguration of Google’s office in Pakistan is being described as an important development for the promotion of digital technology, artificial intelligence and modern digital skills in the country.

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    Senate questions $387 million ADB water project allocation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs raised serious concerns over inequities in the allocation of foreign funded development projects across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing that flood affected districts have been largely bypassed while relatively unaffected areas received more infrastructure funding. The meeting, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, highlighted discrepancies in road and irrigation project implementation, questioned external pressures from international lenders, and warned that mismanagement could exacerbate Pakistan’s mounting national debt, which has soared from Rs40 trillion in 2022 to approximately Rs90 trillion today. During the session, committee members expressed alarm that districts most devastated by floods, including Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Chitral, received fewer road reconstruction projects compared to Mardan, which saw 16 roads built despite experiencing minimal flood damage. In Dir, only 12 kilometres of road were reconstructed despite extensive damage. Similarly, nine roads were completed in Peshawar, a city that did not face flood related destruction. Senator Rubina Khalid termed this “inequitable allocation” and warned that such disparities hinder balanced regional development, while Senator Waqar Mehdi questioned whether donor agencies were being misled about project priorities. The committee also scrutinized the financial management of foreign funded schemes. Officials reported that 770 kilometres of roads were constructed at a total cost of Rs69 billion, with an additional Rs43 billion spent on bridges and related infrastructure. Each kilometre of road cost approximately Rs70 million. The Asian Development Bank supported KP Road Rehabilitation and Upgradation Project, covering 249.5 kilometres, was completed ahead of schedule at a cost of $146.2 million. Similarly, $387 million in ADB funded water projects and $295 million from the World Bank are being implemented in irrigation and flood protection schemes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While project completion rates were impressive, reaching 100 percent for most schemes, the committee raised concerns about undue interference by external entities. Chairman Saifullah Abro questioned the role of the World Bank’s local representative in the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transmission Project, noting that the lender should only finance and recover loans, not dictate project execution. He estimated that resisting unnecessary external pressures could save Sindh around Rs14 billion and cited previous instances where committee intervention prevented $890 million in unwarranted costs on the Peshawar Torkham project. The committee underscored the need for transparency, calling for a clear distinction between grants and loans and insisting that provincial authorities ensure funds are spent only for their approved purposes. Senator Hidayatullah stressed that provinces receiving loans must allocate them to the intended projects to benefit local populations, while Senator Kamil Ali Agha urged planning for infrastructure that accounts for emerging climatic challenges, including improved stormwater drainage systems. Senator Abro also criticized the concentration of contracts among a few large construction firms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, directing officials to provide detailed information on the Notice Inviting Tender process to ensure competitive bidding. While district road projects were reportedly nearing completion across Swat, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera, the committee emphasized that project selection criteria and equitable distribution remained critical issues. The meeting concluded with a clear warning that Pakistan’s growing reliance on foreign loans, coupled with misallocated resources, could have serious economic repercussions. Senator Abro noted that while international assistance is vital, the country must maintain ownership and control over project execution to ensure accountability, prevent cost escalation, and deliver tangible benefits to the communities most in need.

  • Senate slams 20-year delay in gas supply to Ghotki villages

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on Petroleum has expressed serious concern over a delay of more than 20 years in providing gas to localities within five kilometers of Pakistan’s gas fields, highlighting administrative lapses despite directives from the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court. The Sub Committee, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, called for accountability of the authorities responsible for failing to implement these binding instructions, particularly in Ghotki, one of the country’s major gas producing and densely populated districts. During the session, MNA and subcommittee members reviewed the progress of gasification projects, noting that out of 57 villages identified in Ghotki, only 42 fall within the five kilometer radius of gas fields. Despite being included in earlier phases of the project in 2021, several schemes remain incomplete. Senator Haji Hidayatullah also raised concerns about ungasified localities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing that many eligible areas were still awaiting service. Officials informed the committee that approximately Rs670 million is required to complete gasification in Ghotki, while around Rs1 billion may be made available in phases. The funding will be released as a grant and not through the PSDP, with the Petroleum Ministry responsible for preparing a phased implementation mechanism. The committee instructed the Ministry to present a comprehensive plan within a week, detailing timelines, responsibilities, and funding strategies to ensure full compliance with Supreme Court orders. The Sub Committee criticized inconsistent and potentially misleading information previously provided by the Director General (Gas), Petroleum Division. The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Privileges to ensure future information is accurate, complete, and supported by official records. Additionally, the absence of the OGRA Chairman, despite prior directions to attend, was strongly noted. The committee decided to inform the Cabinet Division and request his presence at the next meeting to provide viable solutions. The Managing Director of SSGC briefed the committee that Rs480 million had been used in accordance with existing subsidy and tariff provisions, but emphasized the need for a structured, transparent mechanism to ensure funds reach the intended localities. The Sub Committee also requested the Attorney General for Pakistan to attend the next meeting to explain the legal implications of Supreme Court judgments on gas provision. Senator Abro underscored that the directions of both the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court must be implemented “in letter and spirit,” warning that no further undue delay would be tolerated. The Sub Committee emphasized the importance of a fully funded, transparent, and time bound strategy to ensure that all eligible villages in Ghotki, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other regions within the five kilometer radius of gas fields receive gas access without further postponement. The next meeting date and time will be announced separately, with expectations that all relevant stakeholders, including the OGRA Chairman, SNGPL representatives, and the Attorney General, will be present to finalize implementation plans.

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    Justice delayed for Imam and Muhammad Umar

    ByJustpaste.in

    Hani Rasheed Through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the tragic case of Imam and Muhammad Umar, two brothers whose family is still waiting for justice. Their suffering has raised serious questions about the protection of innocent citizens and the effectiveness of our justice system. The pain of their family cannot be ignored. When innocent people suffer and justice is delayed, public trust in the law is badly affected. Every citizen deserves protection, dignity and a fair investigation, regardless of their background. The authorities must take immediate notice of this case and ensure a transparent investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable according to the law. Justice should not depend on influence or power. The family of Imam and Muhammad Umar deserves answers, and the people deserve justice. I hope the relevant authorities will act without further delay and provide justice to the affected family

  • Dera police arrest alleged inter-provincial robbers after encounter

    ByJustpaste.in

    Dera Ismail Khan: Police in the City Circle arrested an alleged inter-provincial robber and his accomplice in an injured condition following an exchange of fire during a police operation. According to police, DSP City Syed Sagheer Gillani received information that an alleged inter-provincial robber was travelling with an accomplice from Peshawar to Punjab via Dera Ismail Khan. Acting on the tip-off, the DSP, along with a police contingent, set up a checkpoint at Sheikh Yousaf Chowk. Police said that when officers signalled a suspicious vehicle to stop, one of the occupants allegedly opened fire on DSP Gillani with a pistol instead of complying. Police returned fire, injuring both suspects. Their vehicle reportedly went out of control, veered off the road and crashed into a nearby wall. After the exchange of fire ended, police searched the vehicle and identified the injured suspects as Safdar Ali and his accomplice, Ahsan, son of Sajjad, a resident of Faisalabad. According to the police spokesperson, the two suspects were wanted by police in Punjab and Dera Ismail Khan in connection with 51 serious criminal cases, including murder, robbery, theft and illegal arms trafficking. Police further stated that the suspects were also wanted in robbery and theft cases registered at City, Town and Paharpur police stations in Dera Ismail Khan. The injured suspects were taken to hospital for medical treatment after the completion of legal formalities, while further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ismail Khan commended the police team for the successful operation, stating that indiscriminate action against criminal elements would continue and that every possible measure would be taken to maintain peace and security in the district.

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    Field Marshal Asim Munir,  Iranian Momeni hold ke…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest, including regional security, defence cooperation and effective border management between Pakistan and Iran. Both sides exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination to address common security challenges and strengthen bilateral relations. The Iranian interior minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. He acknowledged the country’s role in encouraging dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions to regional disputes. The two sides also underscored the importance of continued cooperation to improve border security and strengthen mechanisms aimed at preventing cross-border threats while promoting stability in the region. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and maintaining regular coordination in support of regional peace, security and mutual prosperity.