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Author: News Desk

  • Legal fraternity criticises Justice Naqvi’s resignation over expected perks

    Legal fraternity criticises Justice Naqvi’s resignation over expected perks

    Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, who has been facing allegations of misconduct, has resigned from the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday. The esteemed justice cited circumstances that had become “a matter of public knowledge” as the reason behind his resignation.

    The resignation letter, obtained by Dawn.com, was formally addressed to President Dr. Arif Alvi. Justice Naqvi expressed gratitude for the honor of serving as a judge, both in the Lahore High Court and later in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

    “In the circumstances, which are a matter of public knowledge and to some extent public record, it is no longer possible for me to continue to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” stated Justice Naqvin

    Acknowledging the importance of due process, he added, “Considerations of due process also compel. I, therefore, effective today, resign as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.”

    Mian Dawood, a Lahore-based lawyer, one of the complainants against Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, declared the resignation a win for lawyers and asserted that they would challenge his resignation in the Supreme Court.

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) leader Khwaja Asif demanded that assets of the judge and his children should be investigated in the same manner as is done for politicians.

    Lawyer Abdul Moiz Jaferii took tok X (former Twitter) and said, “This resignation should be rejected. He should face the SJC and the truth should out. If he is guilty of the accusations against him, he should not have the choice to take a million rupee a month pension off into the sunset like other supposedly compromised agents before him.”

    Lawyer Nighat Dad also criticised the move and said, “Pakistanis should only focus on the perks #JusticeMazaharAkbarNaqvi he and his family will be enjoying from our tax money after resignation. His pension amount will be determined on the basis of years of service. He will have one driver and one orderly. A police guard at residence. 300 free local calls, 2000 units of electricity, 25 HM of gas, water and 300 litres of petrol per month.”

    https://twitter.com/nighatdad/status/1745028741779304547?s=20

    Journalist Matiullah Jan also questioned the merits of resignation.

    The Case

    In October last year, the SJC had issued a show-cause notice to Justice Naqvi in connection with 10 complaints lodged against him and directed the judge to submit a reply within two weeks.

    The ten complaints include the complaints of Mian Dawood, a Lahore-based lawyer, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Lawyers Forum, Punjab, PBC Vice Chairperson Haroon Rasheed and Council’s Chairperson Executive Committee Hasan Raza Pasha and Advocate Ghulam Murtaza Khan, for amassing illegitimate assets and misconduct.

    In his response, Justice Naqvi raised issues with the SJC inquiry against him and called for Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and two other judges to recuse themselves from the matter.

    On Nov 20, Justice Naqvi contested the SJC proceedings against him and also challenged the show-cause notice issued to him by the council, stating the initiation of proceedings was coram non-judice and without lawful authority.

    Subsequently, the SJC issued a fresh show-cause notice to Justice Naqvi on Nov 22, with a direction to come up with his defense by filing a reply within a fortnight.

    On December 4, Justice Naqvi had again approached the apex court and expressed his intent to pursue the constitutional petition he had moved earlier seeking to quash the revised show-cause notice issued by the SJC.

    Two days later, Justice Naqvi had invited the attention of the SC committee comprising three senior-most judges to the silence over his petitions challenging the issuance of the show-cause notice (SCN) despite the lapse of time as stipulated in the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023.

    Justice Naqvi had also written a separate letter to the SJC secretary, asking the latter to furnish a number of documents without which, the judge said, he would not be in a position to prepare his reply to the show-cause notice within time.

    On December 15, the SJC, in an open hearing, had given two weeks to the top court judge to respond to the misconduct allegations and directed him to submit a reply to the show-cause notice by January 1.

    On January 8, Justice Naqvi had withdrawn his objection to the three-judge bench hearing his plea challenging the issuance of a show-cause notice to him.

  • Reversal trend: Gold price settles at Rs216,100 per tola, erasing recent upsurge

    Reversal trend: Gold price settles at Rs216,100 per tola, erasing recent upsurge

    In Wednesday’s trading session, the domestic gold market witnessed a reversal, wiping out gains from the previous day. 

    The price of 24-karat gold in Pakistan experienced a notable decline, dropping by Rs300 per tola to reach Rs216,100. 

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported that the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold also reflected this downturn, standing at Rs185,271 with a decline of Rs257. 

    Similarly, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold experienced a decrease, reaching Rs169,832, down by Rs235.

    Silver prices followed suit, with 24-karat silver selling at Rs 2,650 per tola and Rs 2,271.94 per 10-gram. 

    The decline in the domestic market is attributed to a slight dip in international prices and the persistent strengthening of the home currency.

    The international spot gold market observed a $3 drop when the Karachi Sarafa Association released the local gold rates. 

    This decrease is attributed to a stronger US dollar and elevated Treasury yields. Market participants are eagerly awaiting the US inflation report scheduled for Thursday, anticipating insights into the US Federal Reserve’s stance on a potential policy shift.

    Furthermore, the ongoing appreciation of the Pakistani rupee (PKR) against the greenback continues to exert additional pressure on the domestic gold market. 

    In the preceding session, the PKR secured its fifth consecutive victory against the US dollar, breaking a 13-day upside streak. 

    The dynamics of international and domestic factors are shaping the trajectory of the gold market, making it a focal point for investors and analysts alike.

  • In Pictures: Maaz Khan’s dholki brings joy to Aiman, Minal Khan

    In Pictures: Maaz Khan’s dholki brings joy to Aiman, Minal Khan

    Aiman and Minal’s brother, Maaz Khan, is getting married to Saba Rehman, and photos from the celebrations are now being released on social media. Their first pre-wedding celebration, the first dholki, was a joyful family affair filled with colors and love.

    Check out the stunning HD pictures from the event captured by Yasee Photography. Their second dholki took place on Tuesday evening, and the entire family dressed up in black. The bride looked stunning in pink, standing out beautifully in a sea of dark colours. Even little Amal had a great time at her uncle’s dholki. Take a look:

  • When is rain expected in Lahore?

    When is rain expected in Lahore?


    Lahore is experiencing bone-chilling cold as the smog-choked city waits for rain. The Meteorological Department has predicted that rains will start on January 15, reports City 42.


    According to Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Aslam, there is no possibility of rain in Lahore this week, however, a spell will start after January 15. In the next few days, the weather will remain cold and dry, which is likely to drop temperatures in the city.

    Karachi recorded the coldest night of the season with the temperature dropping to 12 degree Celsius. It is expected to get colder in the coming days as the temperature is expected to drop as low as 10 C in the coming days while the maximum temperature is likely to rise between 25 C to 27°C, reports Geo.


    On the other hand, a severe cold wave in the country continued to cause fog in the plains while snow falls on the mountains. In Skardu, temperatures dropped to -8 C.

    The plains of Punjab, Upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to be shrouded in fog. In North Balochistan, rain fell in some places while it snowed in the mountains.

  • Israeli soldier blows up Gaza neighbourhood as gift for wife

    Israeli soldier blows up Gaza neighbourhood as gift for wife

    A video of an Israeli soldier blowing up a Gaza neighbourhood as a gift for his wife is being slammed on social media.

    The soldier, who says his wife has been his strength, pays tribute to her. “My life, I wish you good luck, you are the best in the world and because of your strength, I am here.” He goes on to explain that as a gift he is dedicating the explosion to her. “This explosion is for you, as big as your heart,” he says.


    This is not the first time Israeli soldiers are seen committing what experts call war crimes as tributes to their families. In another video, soldiers are seen celebrating the bombing.

    IDF troops from unit 9219 of the Combat Engineering Corps Battalions were filmed in another video blowing up multiple residential buildings while smoking hooka to depict that they do not care about the consequences of their actions.

    IDF soldiers also proudly take photos after bombing Gaza’s residential area.


    In an online livestream, an Israeli woman confessed to killing five Palestinians in a celebratory manner.

  • PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah has said on Wednesday that the party has finalized the list of its candidates for general elections 2024, and will release the names by today evening or tomorrow morning.

    “We will issue the list today evening or tomorrow,” Sanaullah said during an appearance on Geo News show Geo Pakistan.

    He also confirmed that the matter of seat adjustment between PML-N and the Jahngir Tareen-led Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has been settled.

    The former interior minister also stated that PML-N has now agreed to provide seven National Assembly (NA) seats and 11 provincial assembly seats, against the IPP’s demand for 13 NA seats and 22 provincial seats.

    PML-N has also agreed on seat adjustments with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), he acknowledged.

    “PML-N will hold 60 rallies in the country,” said Sanaullah while sharing details of the party’s election campaign, confirming that party head Nawaz Sharif will start his own election campaign on January 17.

  • Pakistani director Parmesh Adiwal embraces Islam

    Pakistani director Parmesh Adiwal embraces Islam

    Renowned Pakistani director Parmesh Adiwal recently embraced Islam. Previously belonging to the country’s Hindu community, Adiwal has directed popular projects such as Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Ishrat Made In China, where he served as the co-director.

    But his talent doesn’t stop there! He’s also directed music videos, including the OST of the drama serial Masters, and worked with amazing artists like Amjad Sabri, Maya Khan, Sarah Khan, and Urwa Hocane. Not to mention his iconic TV commercials.

    The ace director shared photos from his Umrah experience on Instagram, where friends and colleagues like Feroze Khan and Humayun Alamgir offered support. Parmesh Adiwal’s Muslim name is Muhammad. His friend has shared a picture of the director from Khana Kaaba.

  • Tribunal declares Imran Khan ineligible to contest polls from NA-122 Lahore

    Tribunal declares Imran Khan ineligible to contest polls from NA-122 Lahore

    An election tribunal established at the Lahore High Court (LHC) has validated the returning officer’s (RO) decision to dismiss Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s nomination papers from the NA-122 constituency in Lahore.

    The lawyer of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) argued before the tribunal that Imran Khan is not eligible to contest the election and his proposer didn’t reside in the constituency.

    Justice Tariq Nadeem of the appellate tribunal announced the decision after hearing all the parties.

    On December 30, 2023, Imran Khan’s nomination papers were rejected for National Assembly (NA) seats from Lahore and his home town, Mianwali.

    The former prime minister and PTI founder had submitted nomination papers from Lahore’s NA-122 and Mianwali’s NA-89 for the upcoming polls set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mian Naseer raised objections to Imran Khan’s nomination papers, mentioning that the PTI founder is disqualified for five years in Toshakhana case, and the ECP found him guilty of corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017.

    After viewing the objections, the RO rejected the nomination papers of the former prime minister.

  • Four crores looted from bus passengers in Rawalpindi

    Four crores looted from bus passengers in Rawalpindi

    Four crore rupees were looted late in the night from passengers in a bus on Chakwal road, reports 24 Pakistan.

    The late-night robbery was been committed in Dhok Amb area of Jatli police station in Rawalpindi.


    The robbers looted all the passengers on the bus, travelling from Peshawar to Lahore, on Suhawa Chakwal Road after the vehicle had to exit the Motorway at Balaksar Interchange due to intense fog.


    A passenger named Daniyal informed the police over the phone that he was a cattle trader who was going to Lahore from Peshawar by public transport bus. The robbers fled the scene.

    Passengers on the bus were mostly cattle traders travelling from Peshawar to Lahore to buy cattle.

    Police were told that seven robbers, riding in a Toyota Corolla, blocked the bus before looting the passengers.

  • Overseas remittances to Pakistan soar to $2.4 billion

    Overseas remittances to Pakistan soar to $2.4 billion

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed that the inflow of overseas workers’ remittances reached $2.4 billion in December 2023, marking a notable 5.4 per cent increase from the previous month’s $2.25 billion, according to data released on Wednesday.

    On a yearly basis, December’s remittances exhibited a robust growth of 13.4 per cent, totaling $2.1 billion compared to the same period in the previous year.

    These remittances continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining Pakistan’s external account, fostering economic activity, and supporting the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households.

    Despite the December upswing, the cumulative workers’ remittances for July-December FY24 recorded a decline of 6.8 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY), amounting to $13.43 billion.

    This decrease amounted to $982.8 million compared to the $14.42 billion reported in the corresponding period of FY23.

    Saudi Arabia

    Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia led the remittance surge in December, contributing $577.6 million. This figure marked a 6 per cent increase from the previous month and over 9 per cent higher than the same month in the previous year.

    United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    Remittances from the UAE witnessed a marginal monthly increase of nearly 2 per cent, rising from $411.8 million in November to $419.2 million in December. Year-on-year, these remittances surged by almost 27 per cent.

    United Kingdom (UK)

    December saw an uptick in remittances from the United Kingdom, totaling $368 million—a 7.5 per cent increase compared to November 2023.

    European Union (EU)

    Remittances from the European Union demonstrated substantial growth, rising by 19 per cent YoY and 6 per cent on a monthly basis, reaching $284.9 million in December 2023.

    United States (US)

    Overseas Pakistanis in the United States sent $263.9 million in December 2023, reflecting an 8.5 per cent YoY increase.

    This breakdown underscores the significance of remittances from various regions, contributing to Pakistan’s economic resilience amid global challenges. 

    The upward trajectory in December bodes well for the nation’s economic prospects as it navigates through the fiscal year.