Current Final

Category: National

  • Trump claims 10 aircraft shot down during May 2025 Pakistan-India conflict

    Trump claims 10 aircraft shot down during May 2025 Pakistan-India conflict

    US President Donald Trump has claimed that ten aircraft were shot down during the May 2025 military conflict between Pakistan and India,  while talking to Fox Business for an interview that aired on Wednesday.

    During the interview, the host was discussing Trump’s “reciprocity policy” in trade and the use of tariffs, when the president said, “And that’s being very nice and gentle. Look, I settled eight wars. Out of the eight wars, at least six were settled because of tariffs.”

    He further explained his approach, saying, “In other words, I said, ‘if you don’t settle this war, I’m gonna charge you tariffs because I don’t wanna see people getting killed.’ And they said, ‘No, what does this have to do with it?’ I said, ‘You’re gonna be charged.’”

    On the Pakistan-India conflict, Trump said, “Like India and Pakistan would’ve been a nuclear war in my opinion. They were really going at it. Ten planes were shot down. They were going at it.”

    Over the past ten months, Trump has repeatedly mentioned aircraft being shot down during the clash, first stating five jets, then raising the figure to seven in October and eight in November.

    During the interview, Trump also cited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as saying that he helped “save at least 10 million lives when he got us to stop fighting.” He added, “Because, see, they were going to nuclear, in my opinion. Without tariffs, that (ceasefire) wouldn’t have happened.”

    He criticized other US presidents on trade, saying, “every single” president in the last 50 years was “bad on trade. But I’m not bad on trade. I’m real good on trade.”

    US-Pakistan relations were highlighted during Trump’s Oval Office meeting with PM Shehbaz in September 2025, where the Pakistani leader thanked him for mediating the ceasefire in the four-day military conflict.

    The conflict had escalated in April 2025 after a deadly terror attack on tourists in Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), which India attributed to Pakistan. Pakistan rejected the claims. Both sides exchanged retaliatory actions before a ceasefire was declared in May 2025.

  • Internet divided after PTI leader says ‘Lahoris should die of shame’ for celebrating Basant

    Internet divided after PTI leader says ‘Lahoris should die of shame’ for celebrating Basant

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shandana Gulzar Khan recently criticised Lahore residents for celebrating Basant, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Her remarks came up after massive public attention on the city’s response to the long-awaited return of the traditional kite-flying festival.

    When asked about PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan’s statement that “Lahoris cannot be stopped from celebrating Basant,” Shandana Gulzar Khan said, “Lahore residents have no sense of shame. I am sorry, I have great respect for Aleema Khan, but the people celebrating during funerals should drown in shame. They should die.”


    Her remarks refer to the celebrations held in Lahore coinciding with the funerals of worshippers killed in a suicide bombing at an Imambargah on the outskirts of Islamabad on February 6. The attack left several injured, with security sources confirming the attacker was a foreign national linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij. 

    Authorities had blocked the bomber at the entrance, after which he detonated himself. Hospitals in Islamabad, including PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital, were put on emergency status to treat the injured.

    Public reaction to Shandana’s statements has been divided. Some criticized her strongly, with one social media user calling her “the most disgraceful woman of Pakistan and a big liar. Her statements are always controversial and we strongly reject her.” Another commented, “She is extraordinary blunt,” while others expressed disappointment in her perspective, noting that her words seemed disrespectful toward Punjabis and questioning her sensibility despite her education.

    However, not all reactions were negative. Supporters defended her blunt approach, with one saying, “I have never been so proud of someone for speaking the truth,” while another noted, “Truth hurts. She is absolutely right.” 

    Aleema Khan, whose family participated in the Basant celebrations, previously told reporters that the festival was celebrated at her Lahore residence despite political differences with the ruling PML-N. Her son, Shahrez, flew kites with his children on February 6, while she also flew kites marked with Imran Khan’s prisoner number, 804. She emphasized that Basant is a festival belonging to no political party and highlighted the city’s widespread enthusiasm, noting that children were also actively participating.

  • Non-bailable warrants issued for Aleema Khan, KP CM Afridi

    Non-bailable warrants issued for Aleema Khan, KP CM Afridi

    Courts in the twin cities on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants in two separate cases involving senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figures, including Aleema Khanum, sister of party founder Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan in connection with a PTI protest case stemming from the November 26 demonstrations. The case was registered at Sadiqabad police station.

    ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah ruled that there was no legal justification for Ms Khan’s absence from court proceedings, noting that she neither appeared before the court nor sought an exemption. Her counsel, Faisal Malik, was also absent, prompting the court to proceed with the hearing in their absence.

    The court accepted Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah’s request to include National Counter Cyber Crime Investigation (NCCI) official Salman Niaz as a prosecution witness and adjourned the hearing until Wednesday (today).

    Earlier, the same court dismissed Ms Khan’s plea seeking the removal of terrorism charges and rejected her challenge to the court’s jurisdiction under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Judge Shah ruled that the case fell within the ambit of the ATA, rejecting the defence’s argument that protest-related cases should not be tried in an anti-terrorism court.

    According to the prosecution, Ms Khan relayed a message from her brother Imran Khan from Adiala Jail, allegedly calling for nationwide protests that later turned violent. 

    Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the Faizabad protest resulted in injuries to police personnel and that gunfire struck a police van, actions which, he said, met the legal threshold for terrorism.

    The prosecution also accused the defence of employing delaying tactics, including repeated adjournment requests citing a lawyers’ strike.

    During earlier proceedings, the court ordered the unfreezing of bank accounts belonging to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University, clarifying that prosecutors had never sought their freezing.


    The November 26 protests saw PTI supporters march towards Islamabad despite government restrictions, leading to clashes with security personnel in the Red Zone.

    Following the unrest, multiple cases were registered under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act at Taxila, Sadiqabad and Naseerabad police stations. Proceedings in the Sadiqabad case are ongoing at the ATC Rawalpindi.


    Separately, an Islamabad court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in a case related to allegedly misleading statements against state institutions and damage to their reputation.


    The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA ), 2016, following allegations that the chief minister made false and defamatory claims against state institutions.



    During the hearing, Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah noted that CM Afridi had once again failed to appear despite repeated summons. The court subsequently ordered his immediate arrest and directed law enforcement authorities to ensure his production before the court. The hearing was adjourned till February 21.

  • CM Maryam Nawaz announces Rs10bn for Balochistan, calls for unity against terrorism

    CM Maryam Nawaz announces Rs10bn for Balochistan, calls for unity against terrorism

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced Rs10 billion in assistance for Balochistan during a one-day official visit to Quetta, pledging “every possible” support for the province and calling for national unity and inter-provincial coordination to counter terrorism.


    Her visit comes amid heightened security in Balochistan following a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across multiple locations on January 31. In response to the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the provincial government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan for one month.

    During a meeting with Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Maryam said that she was pleased that her first visit to the province as Punjab chief minister was to Quetta. She praised the people of Balochistan for their resilience and what she described as their deep attachment to Pakistan.

    “We are with Balochistan,” CM Maryam said, stressing that terrorism could only be defeated through national unity. She added that the Punjab government would extend “every possible” support to help the province overcome its challenges and said that the government wanted to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan.

    CM Bugti welcomed Maryam to the province and described Punjab’s announcement of Rs10 billion in support for security forces as a “positive and commendable step.” He said the government and opposition in Balochistan were united on public welfare and emphasised that national unity was essential in the fight against terrorism.

    According to a statement issued by the Balochistan government, Bugti received Maryam at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. “The two leaders discussed peace, public welfare and development in Balochistan, and signalled a joint commitment by the government and opposition to work together on the province’s priorities,” the statement said. It added that both chief ministers agreed that ending terrorism was only possible through national unity and mutual cooperation.

    Earlier, Maryam was received at Quetta airport by Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, CM Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet and senior officials. After the reception, she attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps headquarters before proceeding to the Governor House, where she met Governor Mandokhail.


    Maryam was accompanied by senior Punjab ministers, including Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari, along with the chief secretary of the province. She is also scheduled to meet families affected by the recent terrorist attacks during the visit and express solidarity with them.


    The visit follows the conclusion of “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan last week, during which security forces carried out coordinated, intelligence-driven operations against what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements.

  • ‘Freedom or death’: PTI finalises post-Eid long march

    ‘Freedom or death’: PTI finalises post-Eid long march

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised plans for a long march two weeks after Eidul Fitr, aiming to press for the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, party sources confirmed to a private media outlet’s reporter. 

    Preparations are already underway, including a specially equipped container that will serve as the command and protest hub during the demonstration. The container has been fitted with modern amenities such as CCTV cameras, air-conditioning units, and speakers to help with coordination and ensure participant comfort in case of an extended sit-in.

    Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi inspected the container, which prominently displays the slogan “Freedom or Death” on its exterior, reflecting the party’s stance ahead of the planned protest. According to PTI insiders, the march is expected to culminate at Adiala Jail, where protesters will stage a sit-in (dharna) until the party founder is released.

    The announcement follows directives issued to PTI’s organisational wings and district units to prepare for the march. Party leadership has indicated that the exact date will be announced before the end of Ramazan to allow time for mobilisation.

    Confirming the development, PTI Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem said the party had taken a clear decision to proceed with the protest. “Our leadership has instructed all workers to prepare for the demonstration,” he said.

    “The protest will remain peaceful, and we will continue our democratic struggle. The party will announce the route, whether to Islamabad or directly to Adiala Jail, and workers will follow the instructions accordingly.”

    Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023.

  • Chicken worth Rs10.75 billion sold during Basant celebrations in Lahore

    Chicken worth Rs10.75 billion sold during Basant celebrations in Lahore

    Chicken worth whopping Rs10.75 billion was sold during the three-day Basant festivities in Lahore, an X post reshared by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has revealed.

    “In Lahore, chicken worth Rs10.75 billion was sold during three Basant days: Poultry Association… over one million vehicles entered Lahore, generating millions of rupees in toll tax,” the post read.

    Separately, data also showed economic gains across several sectors during the celebrations as the event drew residents from Lahore, other cities and even foreigners or expats. These included the purchase of kites and strings, food items, beverages, event tickets, and travel or lodging costs.

    Sales of kites and strings alone generated an estimated Rs2 billion. Hotels in Lahore reported higher occupancy levels during the period, while restaurants and fast-food outlets recorded an increase in customer volume.

    While dessert and sweet shops also reported a rise in sales, analysts estimated that overall business activity during the three days ranged between Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion, reflecting the scale of commercial engagement linked to the celebrations.

    The event also contributed to Pakistan’s visibility abroad. International diplomats and foreign tourists were present during the celebrations, while global media outlets, including BBC and CNN, covered Basant-related developments.

    The coverage focused on the scale of the event, security arrangements and public participation, placing Pakistan on international platforms.

    Urban transport and mobility formed another key aspect of the celebrations. Authorities managed the movement of more than 1.4 million passengers across the city as Lahore’s public transport systems, including the Metrobus and Orange Line, were used extensively.

  • Faisal Vawda says ‘shooting 500 politicians’ could solve Pakistan’s problems

    Faisal Vawda says ‘shooting 500 politicians’ could solve Pakistan’s problems

    Senator Faisal Vawda has said that Pakistan’s problems cannot be resolved unless a large number of politicians from the past several decades are made examples of, including those who have died.

    Speaking on a private news channel’s program, Vawda said, “Until a minimum of 500 politicians, including those who have already died are made examples of, the country cannot move forward.” He added that the number could go up to 5,000, referring to top politicians who had governed Pakistan over the last 30 to 40 years.

    Vawda said even deceased politicians should be included. “They should be taken out of their graves and made examples of. They should be hanged or shot in public,” he stated. He said that punishments should be carried out openly.

    Recalling similar remarks he made after winning the 2018 general election, Vawda said, “I never forget what I say. In 2018, I said in the assembly that 5,000 people are responsible for the state of the country. Today, I say at least 500 of the top politicians should be executed.”

    Referring to Islamabad’s D-Chowk, a site frequently used for political protests, Vawda said, “D-Chowk is very famous because of protests, and this is where punishments should be carried out publicly.”

    During the discussion, Vawda also spoke about the 28th constitutional amendment, saying, “The 28th amendment will come, and the country will move into a better position. NFC and several other matters will also be addressed. Consensus, democratic consensus, will be achieved.”

    Separately,Vawda met President Asif Ali Zardari, where he said the political situation, parliamentary affairs, and other matters of mutual interest were discussed.

  • US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    US invites Pakistan to first Peace Board summit on Gaza

    Pakistan has officially received an invitation to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, scheduled for February 19.

    According to reports, the meeting is expected to be chaired by United States (US) President Donald Trump, with Pakistan confirming its decision to attend.

    Reports quoted sources as saying that the final decision on whether Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif or Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend, is expected in the coming days.

    The White House has confirmed the date, stating that the meeting will bring together key international stakeholders to discuss peace and stability in Gaza.

    According to US officials, the event will also serve as a fundraising conference to support reconstruction in the war-torn Palestinian territory, advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

    “It will be the first Board of Peace meeting and a fundraising conference for Gaza reconstruction,” US officials said.

    The Trump administration has reportedly started contacting dozens of countries to coordinate participation and finalise logistics for the meeting expected to be held at the Institute of Peace in Washington.

  • Imran Khan’s jail visitation request rejected by Supreme Court

    Imran Khan’s jail visitation request rejected by Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday declined a request for an immediate meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The request, filed by senior PTI leader Latif Khosa, sought permission for Khan’s jail visitation. Khan has been in custody since August 2023.

    Earlier, the apex court had scheduled hearings for 13 petitions related to Khan and Bushra Bibi. The memorandum requesting visitation rights was forwarded to the relevant executive authorities for action under the law.

    A two-member bench, including Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, rejected the request, noting that an order could not be issued without first notifying the government. A notice to the government was issued, with a response expected on Tuesday.

    During the hearing, CJP Afridi addressed Khosa, saying, “We have to overcome the hurdle of the maintainability of the application. Keep in mind that you have cases pending in other courts.” He added, “We believe that the case has become infructuous,” referring to an August 24, 2023, order “against which the case was filed.” The chief justice emphasized, “The court cannot issue any order regarding the meeting without issuing notice.”

    The court also directed the formation of a three-member bench to hear appeals against Khan’s acquittal in the cipher case.

    Speaking to reporters, Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar described the hearing of 14 petitions at once as “a sign of political victimisation. Chief justice today heard all the petitioners against the PTI founder’s cases.” He added that the government had filed appeals “against every case in which the former premier had received relief.”

    Referring to the cipher case, Safdar said, “It was the most high-stakes trial in Pakistan, and you saw how it ended. All the live cases are still pending.” He noted that the Supreme Court had “always granted us relief” and that he had sought a meeting with the chief justice. “In the past five months, we have only had a five-minute meeting,” he said. He further added that he was representing Khan in “more than 300 cases,” with 58 bails pending before Judge Afzal Majoka.

    Safdar also said a letter had been written to the Islamabad High Court chief justice, but the court “is not ready to fix any case for hearing.” He said, “IHC has no standing at all. In such a case, the issue should be directed to the SC. IHC has been reduced to a palace for show.”

    On Khan’s health, Safdar said, “The defence has not yet even brought up medical ground in the court. This does not mean that we should be kept in the dark about PTI founder’s health.”

    According to a two-page memorandum filed last Friday, Khan has been held in Rawalpindi’s Central Jail since August 5, 2023, and his rights as a prisoner have been repeatedly violated. The PTI memorandum also cited reports of “Imran being subjected to some secretive medical procedure at a hospital in Islamabad and keeping his relatives in the dark in violation of jail rules.”

  • Student escorted out of Asma Jahangir Conference for confronting German ambassador on Gaza

    Student escorted out of Asma Jahangir Conference for confronting German ambassador on Gaza

    Tensions erupted at the Asma Jahangir Conference (AJCONF2026) in Lahore when Ali Abdullah Khan, president of the Progressive Students’ Collective (PSC), confronted German Ambassador Ina Lepel over Germany’s role in Gaza. 


    PSC is a left-wing, independent student organization in Pakistan that brings together students from various institutions to educate and organize around critical social and political issues.



    During a session on disability rights held on 7th and 8th Feburary, Abdullah challenged Lepel: “Genocide is going on in Gaza over 12,000 children have been disabled by your country. You have to answer this before you start speaking.” Lepel dismissed the question, while the moderator suggested he wait until the end. Abdullah refused, chanting: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” before being asked to leave.


    The AJCONF, a two-day forum titled “Erosion of Fundamental Rights and Resistance Across Borders”, organized with the Supreme Court Bar Association and Pakistan Bar Council, aimed to provide an uncensored platform for discussion on critical human rights issues. The event brought together senior high court justices, international jurists, journalists, media experts, and activists.


    The clash ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Many praised Abdullah’s courage: “Her flabbers were gasted, bro! Good job,” wrote one user, while another commented, “We love to see. Well done PSC for raising the question.” 

    Others highlighted the hypocrisy of allowing speakers from countries implicated in human rights abuses: “Shame on the organizers for inviting funders and enablers of genocide to speak on human rights,” and “The audacity of lecturing on rights while funding a genocide hope she carries this message home.”



    Some criticized Abdullah’s approach: “Your method was wrong. Everyone should have a chance to speak after each segment,” and “The German ambassador is just one person; she doesn’t make foreign policy.” Others offered a more realist perspective: “In the world of politics, only self-interest matters. National interest. Purely national interest.”

    According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany supplied around 30 percent of Israel’s arms between 2019 and 2023, approving €326.5 million in military exports in 2023 alone a tenfold increase from 2022. Since 2003, Germany has exported over €3.3 billion worth of military equipment, including naval vessels used in attacks and blockades in Gaza.