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Author: News Desk

  • Shehbaz, Bilawal heap glowing praises on golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution

    Shehbaz, Bilawal heap glowing praises on golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution, took to Twitter and said that the ‘sacred document had weathered many storms over the past 50 years and held the federation together.’

    “The nation today commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the 1973 Constitution, a sacred document that has weathered many storms over the past 50 years & held the federation together. We pay our rich tribute to the framers of the Constitution for their political foresight,” tweeted the PM.

    “Constitution of Pakistan continues to be central to shaping our national character, identity & future trajectory. Time has come to place Parliament at the core of national life both in letter & spirit. Rules of the game framed in light of the Constitution show us the way forward.”

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that April 10 has always been a historic day for Pakistan.

    “It is the day in 1973 when we got our constitution. In 1986 SMBB received her historic welcome in Lahore. It is the day in 2022 when for the first time VONC was successful; selected was rejected & ejected by parliament,” tweeted Bilawal.

    The National Assembly (NA), under the leadership of Speaker Raja Pervez Asharf, is all set to celebrate 50 years of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.

    The month-long celebrations are set to commemorate the country’s charter with a series of events that will commence on April 10. The celebrations will be followed by a joint session of the Parliament, scheduled for 2pm.

  • ‘Never seen such a thing’: Armeena Khan slams PML-N for sharing photo of her holding her baby

    Actor Armeena Khan has slammed Pakistan Muslim League Noon (PML-N) for harassing her by sharing a picture of her with her newborn daughter from the party’s media Twitter account. Khan had defended people’s right to call out politicians, in response to the viral video where a woman was seen trolling Maryam Nawaz. The actress wote that freedom of speech was an essential right, because in Pakistan people are kidnapped for holding politicians accountable.

    “Had this happened in Pakistan, the selfie lady would’ve ‘disappeared.’ ;),” wrote Khan. “I’m glad we have such freedoms in the U.K where we hold our politicians to account. If you’re going to live on British soil then it is OUR rules. We have freedom of speech.”

    https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1645020915124649985?s=20

    In response to this comment, an account associated with PMLN shared a picture of Khan with her daughter with a huge cross drawn around it, with the caption saying “How will the sick minded youthias train the coming generation and the fifth generation youthia will be at the lowest level.”

    Khan slammed PMLN supporters for harassing her by what she said was an attempt at invading her personal life, especially by targeting her daughter, saying that she had never seen such a vile act committed by a political party before.

    “Maryam Nawaz hates babies I guess. Poor thing couldn’t take it with her thin skin so sent her official goons to harass a private citizen of another country. I’ve never seen such a thing before from a mainstream political party before,” Khan tweeted.

    https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1645059402242686978?s=20

    Khan’s husband, Fesl Raza-Khan critcised PML-N and demanded that the political party send them an apology for targeting their daughter.

    “PMLN leadership, you are responsible for this account. You have posted a photo of my infant, just to troll my wife, thus crossing all bounds of decency. My daughter & I have no interest in PK politics. But as a Father I will protect my child. Apologise immediately,” he wrote.

    https://twitter.com/frk1/status/1645146111080820736?s=20

    Twitter users criticised PMLN politicians for refusing to condemn this heinous act, and for choosing to stoop so low to even target an infant child of a critic. Because political opinions aside, choosing to target the personal life of an individual is completely wrong and demonstrates how classless and disgraceful your morals are.

    https://twitter.com/deewanikth/status/1645162437870514176?s=20

  • Cabinet approves bill seeking parliament validation for election funds

    Cabinet approves bill seeking parliament validation for election funds

    The federal cabinet on Monday approved a summary prepared by the Ministry of Finance seeking to release funds for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections in Punjab on May 14 as ordered by the Supreme Court, which will now be forwarded to the parliament.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the bill before parliament today.

    Earlier today, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, decided to send the matter to the parliament, observing that the Lower House was supreme and whatever decision it would make, would be acceptable.

    On Sunday the cabinet decided to refer to parliament the issue of the release of funds to the ECP for holding elections in Punjab.

    The cabinet asked Dar to prepare a summary for the guidance of the Parliament.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the SC has ordered that federal government to release Rs21 billion by April 10 for holding polls in Punjab.

  • No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has revealed that they have not contacted anyone in regard to establishing new teams in Pakistan Super league (PSL). His comment came in the backdrop of excitement among PSL fans after Javed Afridi revealed that Sialkot or Faisalabad might get to become part of the League. “We discussed new teams in PSL but existing franchises have revenue issues. But it is my desire to have two new teams,” he said.

    Najam Sethi assured fans that, “A lot of potential buyers are ready to purchase the two new teams in PSL.”

    “So I think Javed Afridi has fired the first shot that Faisalabad and Sialkot will be the two new teams in PSL. We haven’t had any discussions with the franchises, we didn’t make any decision, but it’s my desire that at least two new teams should be added,” he said.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and the impact on market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to sit and discuss the issue because without them, we can’t move forward,” Sethi emphasized.

    Reiterating that all franchises have to be part of the consultation process, Sethi said that many people are interested in buying these two teams. “If the addition of these two teams is coming in the PSL, then there will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.

    The 74-year-old also reassured the existing franchises that they would not suffer any loss and instead, make a profit from this decision:
    “I assured the rest of the teams that the revenue will be increased, not decreased. Trust me, you will make profit instead. I promise to the rest of the teams that you will not suffer any loss. If you face any loss we will help you in this matter.”


    Speaking about the possibility of taking the PSL to the United States, Sethi said that many people had approached him with the idea.

    PCB chief also mentioned that the board will conduct an internal debate to consider the possibility of switching to an auction system for selecting teams in the PSL. Under an auction model, each team would have a certain amount of money to bid for players, while the highest bidder would acquire the player’s services.
    “We will do an internal debate on this [introducing auction model in PSL],” he concluded.

  • PTI issues ‘white paper’ on Shehbaz led govt’s one year performance

    PTI issues ‘white paper’ on Shehbaz led govt’s one year performance

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday issued a “white paper” on the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government’s “one-year dark period”.

    The 51-page “white paper” has been divided into six sections. PTI highlighted the incumbent government’s “poor governance, economy, rising inflation, constitution, democracy, the rule of law, political exploitation of state institutions, attack on the judiciary, chained foreign policy, and law and order.

    The party has dedicated the white paper to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, party workers, and the people of Pakistan, who are “fighting and facing torture for real independence” and democracy.

    Khan — in a video address marking one year since his ouster — threatened to take to the streets if the elections are not held in the country.

    “There is no other way except the elections,” he said.

    Khan accused former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Genereal Qamar Javed Bajwa of hatching a conspiracy alongside Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to topple his government with the help of former envoy Hussain Haqqani.

    Khan asked, “Would anyone question the man (Bajwa) who ravaged the country’s all indicators for his extension which was promised by present PM Shehbaz Sharif.”

    The PTI Chairman admitted that the conspiracy to overthrow his government was not hatched in the US. It was actually Gen Bajwa who had orchestrated the conspiracy with the help of Shehbaz Sharif and then hired Hussain Haqqani to launch propaganda that “Gen Bajwa was pro-America and Imran Khan was anti-America”. “The cipher made entry came only after the conspiracy had taken its roots,” the former premier acknowledged.

    Giving a message to the “all-powerful” and Nawaz Sharif for making a ‘London Plan’, the PTI chief said political parties could not be crushed by violence, torture, and harassment tactics. 

    It is pertinent to mention here that Khan’s government was toppled on April 9 last year through a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly.

  • World Bank and IMF spring meetings to address global economic uncertainties and climate change

    World Bank and IMF spring meetings to address global economic uncertainties and climate change

    On Monday, the 2023 spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commence in the US capital to examine the “uncertainties and risks weighing heavily” on the global economy. The meetings, which run from April 10 to 16, will take place at the IMF and World Bank headquarters and will focus on the impact of climate change, which is endangering lives and livelihoods worldwide.

    Finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world will attend the meetings to reconnect with international financial leaders, and some may hold one-on-one meetings with officials from the US Treasury and State Department. Pakistan will be represented at the meetings by the secretaries of finance and economic affairs, as well as the State Bank governor, in place of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

    An official statement outlining the issues to be discussed at the meetings indicated that “stubborn inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and slower growth effects” are causing harm to the poor and most vulnerable. The statement further highlighted that record-high debt is impeding the progress of developing countries, and that the consequences of climate change are threatening lives and livelihoods globally. According to Dawn, experts are urging the World Bank and the IMF to create a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges that developing nations are facing.

    A picture on the UN Foundation’s website illustrates the widespread devastation caused by last year’s floods in Pakistan, prompting international financial institutions to devise a new mechanism to “assist communities affected by (climate change) catastrophes.” The caption beneath the photo emphasised that “many lives were lost, and millions lost their homes, with one-third of the country submerged.”

    According to a World Bank study released shortly after the floods, “Pakistan urgently requires substantial investment in climate resilience to safeguard its economy and reduce poverty.”

  • Here’s how you can apply for govt’s paid internship program

    The Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Program (BNIP) was established by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives at the request of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, to ensure Pakistani youth is economically empowered.


    The program aims to provide 60,000 paid internships to recent graduates across Pakistan.


    “Despite lengthy stints at educational institutes, gaps remain among Pakistan’s young graduates in terms of marketable skills and practical experience. This serves as a barrier to their entry in the job market and underlies their high unemployment rate. The Prime Minister’s Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Program is breaking these barriers for young graduates by equipping them with requisite skills through off-job and on-job training, and providing them with the work experience they require for entering the job market. Please create an account on this portal through the ‘Register’ feature, login to your personalised dashboard, and apply to internship opportunities available in various fields.”

    Who is eligible for the program?


    Graduates up to the age of 30 holding a Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or higher from an HEC-recognized university or institution in Pakistan, or abroad are eligible to apply for BNIP internships.


    Is the internship paid?

    The monthly stipend for the internship is Rs25,000-40,000.

    How to apply for the internship?

    You can apply for an internship at this website.

  • Justice Faiz Isa questions disposal of his order to stop all suo motu proceedings

    Justice Faiz Isa questions disposal of his order to stop all suo motu proceedings

    Supreme Court (SC) Justice Qazi Faiz Isa has raised multiple questions over the verdict of a six-member larger bench of the Supreme Court which deposed his order that all suo motu proceedings should be stopped.

    In a nine-page note issued on Saturday, Justice Isa maintained that as the gathering in a court of six distinguished judges was not permissible under the Constitution or under any law, “the Supreme Court’s order dated 29 March 2023 passed in Case No 4 could not have been set aside by the 4 April Note”.

    Justice Isa noted that the Constitution did not confer jurisdiction on a bench or on judges of the SC (no matter how many in number) to sit in an appeal over an order of the top court.

    The judge further pointed out that Ishrat Ali, a federal government employee, was sent on deputation to the SC to work as its registrar.

    He maintained that Ishrat Ali was “withdrawn” by the federal government, however, he refused to abide by the order.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Justice Faiz had asked the registrar to resign for issuing a circular, discarding his judicial order related to suo motu proceedings.

    Earlier, a six-member bench of the Supreme Court was formed in unusual haste to deliberate on Justice Faez Isa’s order freezing all the suo motu notices. The bench closed the case after a hearing that lasted a total of five minutes.

  • Gujranwala: robbers loot 35 suits from tailor’s shop

    Gujranwala: robbers loot 35 suits from tailor’s shop

    Twenty-five outfits were stolen from a tailor’s shop in a unique robbery case.


    As per the details, the incident took place in Rahwali, Gujranwala.

    The thieves entered the shop pretending to be customers and then held the tailor and his employees hostage at gunpoint.

    Twenty-five outfits that were given to the tailor by various customers for stitching were stolen by the criminals. Additionally, they took away the employees’ cell phones before running away from the crime scene.

    The shopkeeper has requested authorities to act quickly and bring the thieves to justice.

  • Thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims to participate in Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan

    Thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims to participate in Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi has announced that it has issued 2,856 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India. The visas will allow the pilgrims to travel to Pakistan and participate in the annual Baisakhi festivities, which are set to take place from April 9-18, 2023. The issuance of these visas falls under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.

    Every year, many Sikh Yatrees from India travel to Pakistan to observe different religious festivals and occasions. The High Commission’s issuance of visas to these religious pilgrims is in accordance with the Pakistani government’s commitment to fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between the two countries.

    Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Salman Sharif, congratulated the pilgrims on the occasion and wished them a fulfilling journey. He added that Pakistan is dedicated to preserving sacred religious places and ensuring that visiting pilgrims are provided with necessary facilitation.

    The pilgrims will visit several sites, including Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib. They will arrive Pakistan on April 9 and return to India on April 18.