Category: National

More than half of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) residents have rejected the idea of participating in future Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led protests, according to a new survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan.

Reported by a private media outlet, the survey reveals that a large majority of residents in KP prefer collaboration with the federal government instead of street agitation.

The province-wide poll, conducted between February and March 2025 and involving 3,000 respondents, shows that 85 percent of KP residents support working with the federal government for the province’s development. Only 10 percent opposed cooperation, while five percent chose not to respond.

Interestingly, while most respondents back collaborative governance, nearly two-thirds believe that targeted protests can still play a role in pushing for change at the federal level. This indicates a public that wants development through coordination but still sees protest as a legitimate last resort.

Across political lines, 86 percent of PTI voters, 93 percent of PML-N supporters, 87 percent of JUI-F backers and 86 percent of ANP constituencies favoured federal cooperation.

When asked about future PTI-led protests, 53 percent of respondents rejected participation, 40 percent planned to join, and 7 percent were undecided. Regarding past sit-ins and demonstrations, 60 percent criticised the provincial government for allowing such activities to distract from governance and public welfare, while 32 percent supported them and 8 percent did not answer.

Despite some resistance to protest culture, 60 percent still consider protests against the federal government a valid way to demand change. About 32 percent disagreed, while 8 percent did not respond.

The survey also compared provincial leadership. Around 50 percent of KP residents rated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance better than that of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, while 39 percent said Gandapur was performing better. Among PTI supporters, 37 percent also rated Maryam’s performance higher.

When asked whether Gandapur should be replaced, 47 percent favoured removing him, 40 percent opposed the idea, and 13 percent did not respond.

A majority of respondents (53 percent) expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to curb corruption, while 49 percent were unhappy with employment opportunities. However, 47 percent approved of the government’s work to provide jobs.

In terms of public services, 64 percent were satisfied with healthcare and access to clean water, while 34 and 35 percent respectively, expressed dissatisfaction. Access to education was seen positively by 62 percent, though 36 percent remained unhappy.

During PTI’s 13 years of rule in KP, 59 percent said roads improved, 53 percent saw better public transport, and 50 percent noticed better sanitation. However, 54 percent said no further development had happened since the 2024 elections.

Concerns remain about the lack of progress in public transport and sanitation, with 61 percent and 58 percent, respectively, saying the situation is unsatisfactory. Even PTI voters echoed this, with nearly half saying there had been no recent work in these areas.

While 74 percent acknowledged better access to clean water and education, and 66 percent cited improved roads, many still criticised other amenities. About 81 percent were unhappy with libraries, 77 percent with parks, 70 percent with community centres, and 66 percent with gas supply.

The survey also highlighted that southern districts like DI Khan lag behind other regions in basic facilities. Overall, the findings reflect mixed public sentiment, with some recognition of progress but deep concerns over governance, corruption and regional inequalities that could shape KP’s political landscape in the coming months.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has confirmed the removal of two globe-holding hand sculptures that were installed by a private housing society on Margalla Avenue, also known as Iran Avenue.

According to reports citing the CDA, the housing society installed the globe-holding hand sculptures without obtaining the necessary design approval from the relevant department. Following intense public criticism online, the CDA directed the society to take down the structures, which have now been removed.

Earlier, the installation, which the society said was part of a corporate social responsibility initiative, became a target of memes and jokes for its lack of aesthetic appeal and unclear symbolism. Many people on social media questioned how such a structure could appear in a prominent public space without proper approval.

Reports further said that efforts to remove the sculptures had already begun but were delayed due to rain. After the backlash, the CDA clarified that no formal permission was given for the models and that any public structures must be approved by the authority first.

Punjab government will establish ‘No Bird Zones: in and around Lahore to reduce the risk of bird strikes near airports after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed several departments to enforce strict actions aimed at reducing bird presence along aircraft flight paths.

The district administration, Wildlife Department, and Environment Protection Authority have been tasked with the operation. Aerial safety barriers, known as ‘ring fencing’ will be implemented in specific areas to deter bird gatherings. Additionally, the government has launched Punjab’s first Wildlife Force to undertake field operations, overseen by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who also manages environment protection, climate change, and wildlife portfolios.

A range of enforcement actions has been initiated to eliminate factors attracting birds around airports. Unlawful slaughterhouses and poultry farms will be closed, and strict waste disposal regulations will be enforced for bakeries and other establishments. Businesses lacking environmental protections, such as poultry farms, slaughterhouses, and bakeries, will be prohibited from operating near airports. The processing of leather tanning in open spaces will also be banned.

Further restrictions include an outright ban on scattering grains on rooftops and in public areas like shrines, along with a ban on breeding pigeons and large-scale pigeon flying within designated zones. Disposing of garbage or food waste in open locations near airports has been completely forbidden, and the use of covered waste bins is now compulsory.

Wildlife Rangers have been ordered to commence operations without delay. Various sites, including Lahore Eastern Bypass, Manawan Hospital Dahoori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran, have been designated No Bird Zones where these operations will begin.

As per a notification from the Punjab government, rigorous enforcement of the Punjab Wildlife Act will be pursued. Breaches will lead to arrests, penalties, and fines. The notification highlighted that bird strikes during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flights significantly contribute to aircraft accidents.

The government cited statistics from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), noting that over 90 percent of bird strike incidents occur below 3,000 feet.

A clothing vendor from Skardu has become the internet’s latest obsession after a short video of him went viral on social media.

The video features a woman complimenting a vendor on his appearance and asking if anyone has ever told him how handsome he is.

Slightly taken aback, the vendor replies that no one has.

When asked about his work, he shares that he’s from Mardan and sells clothes.

His simple, honest responses were praised by viewers.

When the woman complimented his eyes, he replied, “People say they’re nice.”

He also made it clear that his focus is on business and that he has no interest in modelling.

According to the seller, he has been in the clothing business for years and has been working in Skardu for the past six to seven years.

His simplicity and unwavering determination have brought him recognition on social media.

The internet responded warmly. One fashion designer wrote: “I’m ready to hire him as a model for my next collection. Inspired by the Mughal Era, he’s the perfect fit. Someone please share his contact , I’ll send him the ticket and visa myself. No jokes.”

Another user joked, “All the handsome men were deliberately sent across the border during Partition.”

Many praised his humility, hard work, and sincerity.

 One comment read, “His simplicity and innocence is top tier,” while another declared, “Tom Cruise who?”

Despite the online popularity, the seller is offline and unaffected, going about his everyday business without knowing that his brief encounter has made him an unexpected internet favourite.

Three Pakistani men have reportedly been kidnapped in Thailand by a group of Indian women, according to media reports.

The victims, identified as Usman Amin, Muhammad Ahmed, and Tajammul Shehzad, all residents of Sahiwal, had been in contact with the women by phone before travelling abroad. Family members say the victims left for Thailand on May 26, 2025, accompanied by a friend from Faisalabad.

Upon arrival, they were allegedly abducted and taken to the Myanmar border. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of Rs10 million from their families for their safe release.

The victims’ parents revealed that the women involved in the honey trap provided airline tickets and stayed in touch with them throughout their journey. Unidentified individuals also reportedly saw the men off at Lahore Airport, raising concerns about a wider trafficking network facilitating such crimes.

Families have expressed frustration with the Pakistani Embassy in Thailand, accusing it of negligence and a lack of timely assistance. Despite repeated appeals, the embassy has not provided any significant updates, leaving families desperate for answers.

The case has sparked calls for urgent action from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has previously taken notice of similar incidents involving human trafficking and exploitation abroad.

In its recent crackdown on human trafficking networks, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested nine people involved in visa fraud and trafficking operations. The raids, conducted in Gujranwala, Gujrat, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Mian Channu, uncovered a well-organised network luring citizens with fake promises of employment abroad.

A British travel content creator is responding to criticism over her recent posts from Pakistan, directly addressing comments questioning her stance on women’s rights in the country.

Travellingjezebel, a food, travel, and UGC creator, posted a video responding to comments from people who believe that Pakistan is unsafe for women to visit. She shared that while some accused her of ignoring issues faced by women in the country, particularly in rural areas, she has already written extensively about topics like forced marriages and honour killings on her blog.

In the video, she questioned the motives behind such criticism. She pointed out that many people who challenge her views on Pakistan remain silent about women’s rights violations in other countries. She referenced several countries to highlight what she described as selective outrage and selective concern for women’s rights with serious gender-based issues. 

In the United Arab Emirates, she noted, laws previously allowed for the imprisonment of women in cases involving extramarital sex, even in instances of assault. 

She also cited examples from the United States, where strict abortion laws have, at times, required young rape victims to carry pregnancies to term.

In South Africa, she pointed to significantly higher rates of femicide and domestic violence compared to the global average.

Questioning the criticism directed at her, she asked, “Do you really care about the plight of women in Pakistan?” calling attention to what she sees as a double standard in how such concerns are voiced.

She concluded the video by pointing out how some critics seem to support male celebrities accused of abuse or laugh at inappropriate jokes about underage victims, urging them to reflect on their own standards before targeting others.