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  • People will take to streets if SC ruling blocked, warns Khan

    People will take to streets if SC ruling blocked, warns Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has warned that people would take to the streets if the government attempts to block the implementation of the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling that directed polls in Punjab to be held on May 14.

    The former Prime Minister talked to his supporters via video link as the party marked ‘Youm-e-Tashakkur’ or ‘thanks giving’ to celebrate the top courts verdict. The speech was broadcasted from his Zaman Park residence through a satellite link on mega screens installed at 75 locations across the country, including in 13 cities of Punjab.

    Addressing his supporters, the former prime minister said, “The nation should wait for my call to ensure that the incumbent rulers should not run away from holding elections; otherwise, neither history nor future generations will pardon this generation for not waging jihad against the forces undermining the rule of law.”

    Talking about elections, Khan said, “I will complete interviews and selection of candidates in 10 days,” adding that the nation will not let the incumbent rulers run away from elections.

    Talking about his rivals, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, Khan said ‘absconder’ Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari were sitting in London and Dubai, respectively, and taking decisions about the fate of Pakistan. 

    The PTI chairman further lamented that the incumbent rulers were also trying to divide the Supreme Court while also working to create a rift between the PTI and the establishment, which “might repeat events of 1971”.

  • ‘Why would we contact Amir?’; Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed clears rumors about bowler’s selection

    ‘Why would we contact Amir?’; Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed clears rumors about bowler’s selection

    Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed has cleared rumors about bowler Muhammad Amir’s selection in the team.

    “We have mentioned that from day one that selection doors are open for every player who performs and is fit. The same goes for Muhammad Amir but we did not contact anyone,” he said.

    The Chief Selector also stated that if a player has been dropped, it does not mean that he will not be considered for future series.

    “Azam Khan did not perform well in the series against Afghanistan, but mistakes happen. However, the door is open for his return if he works on his issues and improves. Many cricketers in the world have been dropped and made a comeback and played cricket for a long time,” Rasheed pointed out.

    Mentioning that the team already has Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris as wicket-keeper batters, and Azam Khan waiting in the wings, Rasheed said that young cricketers like Amir Jamal can also make it to the national team by performing well.

  • Gas shortage worsens in Pakistan amid rising demand and low reserves

    Gas shortage worsens in Pakistan amid rising demand and low reserves

    Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, stated on Wednesday that the general public cannot receive gas 24/7 due to a decline in the commodity’s reserves, which is a significant reason. Pakistan relies heavily on natural gas for energy, and with increasing demand and insufficient supply, load shedding has become a daily occurrence in many areas of the country. This situation worsens during Ramadan when Pakistanis consume more gas for cooking and other purposes, particularly during sehri and iftar timings.

    During a conversation with journalists in Karachi, the minister mentioned that gas load shedding would end during sehar and iftar but did not specify when. “We cannot provide gas for 24 hours as our reserves have decreased,” he stated. Recently, the issue of gas scarcity in Karachi has caught the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has directed relevant officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the commodity. He has instructed that the supply of gas must be monitored, and no negligence should be tolerated.

    Due to the widening gap between gas supply and demand, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced its decision to suspend supplies to captive power plants and industries. The gas utility has stated that this decision has been made due to low gas supply, and the volume of gas in pipelines has decreased. In response, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called for immediate government action to address the shortage of gas supply to Karachi’s industries, stating that the industries cannot operate without gas and would be forced to halt production.

    KCCI President Muhammad Tariq Yousuf said, “It is highly unfair to have such an attitude towards Karachi’s business community, which, despite facing so many challenges, contributes around 54 per cent in terms of exports and more than 68 per cent in terms of revenue.”

    While talking to journalists, Malik said that his visit to Karachi was aimed at resolving the gas supply issues faced by the people and urged them to pay their utility bills. “The gas bill of the rich and poor has been separated; rich people will have to pay more now,” he said, adding that the separation of gas bills for the rich and the poor was now in effect.

  • Police arrest five people for ‘sacrificing’ woman in Indian temple

    Indian police have arrested five men accused of conducting a human sacrifice in a temple in Assam. In 2019, the headless body of a woman was found in Guwahati, leading to an investigation.


    Shanti Shaw, 64, was beheaded with a machete at the temple as an “offering” to the temple goddess, police said.


    “The five people planned the killing of the woman,” police commissioner Diganta Barah said while talking to the media on Tuesday. “A total of 12 people took part,” he added.


    He continued by saying, “During investigation, we found this was a case of human sacrifice to please Maa Kamakhya (a Hindu goddess)”. The commissioner added that the alleged ringleader, Pradeep Pathak, 52, had orchestrated the killing as part of a religious rite to mark the anniversary of his brother’s death.

    “The accused apparently believed that the sacrifice would appease the soul of the deceased,” he added.


    Between 2014 and 2021, 103 instances of human sacrifice were reported to India’s National Crime Records Bureau.

  • Ap ko tab jazbaati hona chahiye tha jab Nawaz Sharif ko nikala gaya, Maryam tells Chief Justice

    Ap ko tab jazbaati hona chahiye tha jab Nawaz Sharif ko nikala gaya, Maryam tells Chief Justice

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz, speaking at a lawyers’ convention, criticised Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial after the Supreme Court (SC) verdict of holding of Punjab polls on May 14.

    “I saw tickers on TV attributed to the CJP, that said that the chief justice got emotional during the hearing.”

    “He should have felt emotional when an elected prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] was ousted on the basis of an expired Iqama (work permit),” she said about the controversial decision that ousted her father from power.

    “An election won by Nawaz was handed over to Imran … why didn’t you get emotional then? Why didn’t you get emotional when your brother [judge] Justice Qazi Faez Isa was suffering?” Maryam asked.

    Regarding the verdict which was given by the three-member bench, she asked, “How can the CJP expect us to accept a decision that even his brother judges are not accepting it? He discluded the judges who had raised legal reservations and instead brought those judges who favoured him.”

    She also pointed out CJ’s remarks about parliamentarians. Bandial had said: “Today when you go to parliament, you find people addressing the parliament who were till yesterday in captivity, imprisoned, declared traitors. They are now talking over there, and being respected because they are representatives of the people.”

    “Instead of taunting Shehbaz Sharif and the entire government for going to jail, the CJP could have mentioned that those who went to jail were imprisoned due to fake cases,” she stated, recalling the number of cases registered against PML-N leaders and the times they appeared before courts.

    “Our leaders like Rana Sanaullah remained in jail for six months and they had a smile on their faces when they were freed. But Imran and his men are getting bail within two hours,” she criticised.

    She also gave an example of herself being in Adiala Jail for months.

    Addressing the CJP again, Maryam said: “You encouraged the man who violated the Constitution and now he is causing anarchy in the country.”

    She claimed that Imran and “his facilitators” have a plan in store, which Maryam claimed was to be executed by September before the new CJP takes charge.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also criticised Bandial’s remarks and said that it is a matter of pride for him that he has been released by the high court on merit in false and fabricated cases.

    “It is our right under the Constitution to express our views in the parliament,” he said

    Earlier, supremo Nawaz Sharif urged the parliament to file a reference of misconduct against Chief Justice Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar who decided on the Punjab election date.

    Calling the verdict a reflection of a “one-man show” in the judiciary, Nawaz argued that one individual should not be allowed to hold multiple functions, such as the prime minister, defence minister, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and above all, parliament.

  • Suzuki Cultus will now be sold for Rs4.36 million following latest price increase

    Suzuki Cultus will now be sold for Rs4.36 million following latest price increase

    On Wednesday, Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) made an announcement that has stirred up the automobile industry – a decision to increase the prices of their diverse range of car models by a substantial amount, up to Rs235,000. The automaker released a notification detailing the revised retail sales prices which will take effect from April 6th.

    As the premier assembler, manufacturer, and marketer of Suzuki cars, pickups, vans, 4x4s, motorcycles, and their spare parts in the local market, PSMC’s pricing strategy has a significant impact on the consumer market. This decision will undoubtedly spark discussions and debates, as car enthusiasts and industry experts alike try to make sense of its implications.

    The latest notification from the automobile giant has set tongues wagging as it brings about changes that may impact the pricing of their products. As per the announcement, the revised retail prices of their vehicles are inclusive of federal excise duty and sales tax, but advance income tax is not included.

    Here are the latest prices of all Suzuki cars effective April 6, 2023:

    ModelOld pricesNew pricesIncrease 
    Alto VX2,144,0002,251,000+107,000
    Alto VXR 2,487,0002,612,000+125,000
    Alto VXR AGS 2,665,0002,799,000+134,000
    Alto AGS2,795,0002,935,000+140,000
    Wagon R VXR 3,062,0003,214,000+152,000
    Wagon R VXL 3,248,0003,412,000+152,000
    Wagon R AGS 3,563,0003,741,000+178,000
    Cultus VXR 3,540,0003,718,000+178,000
    Cultus VXL 3,889,0004,084,000+195,000
    Cultus AGS 4,157,0004,366,000+209,000
    Swift GL MT4,052,0004,256,000+204,000
    Swift GL CVT4,355,0004,574,000+219,000
    Swift GLX CVT4,725,0004,960,000+235,000
    Ravi 1,768,0001,856,000+88,000
    Ravi w/o Deck 1,848,0001,940,000+ 92,000
    Bolan Van 1,848,0001,940,000+92,000
    Bolan Cargo1,852,0001,944,000+92,000

    It’s worth noting that the prices are subject to change without prior notice, which might cause some concern among potential buyers. Additionally, the company made it clear that any government taxes and levies applicable at the time of delivery will be the responsibility of the customers.

    With this new development, the automobile industry is bracing for a potentially significant shift in pricing, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the purchasing behavior of consumers.

  • PTI to celebrate Youm-i-Tashakur in over 75 cities across all provinces today

    PTI to celebrate Youm-i-Tashakur in over 75 cities across all provinces today

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce that his party and supporters will celebrate Youm-i-Tashakur in over 75 cities across Pakistan after Isha prayers today.

    Khan’s announcement comes after Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday declared Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision on delay in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) polls null and void. 

    Khan said, “SC has stood with Constitution & put an end to Doctrine of Necessity, which is used in the absence of Rule of Law. This is also a huge step forward towards Haqeeqi Azadi.”

    The PTI chairman said that he will address and warn his people of the real danger that, despite the SC order, the ruling mafia will still not hold elections because they are petrified of losing.

    “We must be prepared to come out on the streets for peaceful protest in support & protection of SC, which is upholding Constitution,” tweeted Khan.

    The Supreme Court, in its verdict, declared the electoral body’s decision to hold polls on October 8 as “unconstitutional”.

    A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, announced that Punjab polls should be conducted on May 14.

    Regarding the elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the three-member bench said during the course of the hearing nobody represented the provincial governor therefore the issue, only till this extent, will remain under debate.

  • Israeli police attack worshippers in Ramzan during Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

    Israeli police attack worshippers in Ramzan during Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

    Israeli police have attacked and arrested Palestinian worshippers in a violent raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Ramzan.

    In a statement, police said they had “arrested and removed over 350 individuals that violently barricaded” themselves inside the mosque in the Old City of annexed East Jerusalem.

    According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, injuries were reported as a result of the raid but it was not clear how many were hurt. It was also said that medics were prevented from reaching the mosque by the Israeli forces. 

    “I was sitting on a chair reciting (Qur’an),” an elderly woman told Reuters while sitting outside the mosque. “They hurled stun grenades, one of them hit my chest,” she said as she began to cry.

    The Israeli police claimed in a statement that they had to enter the mosque after “masked agitators” locked themselves inside with fireworks, sticks and stones.

    “When the police entered, stones were thrown at them and fireworks were fired from inside the mosque by a large group of agitators,” the statement said, adding that one of the police officers was wounded in the leg.

  • Umar Akmal was not selected because he plays for the country: Kamran Akmal

    Umar Akmal was not selected because he plays for the country: Kamran Akmal

    Kamran Akmal, hero of the 2009 T20 World Cup and former wicket-keeper batsman has backed his brother Umar Akmal stating that it is clear that there the criteria for team selection is not based on performance.

    There are players who have just 30 or 32 runs as their highest and they still got selected because they have strong friendships in Pakistani team, the batsman implied.

    Yesterday Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced squads for T20 and ODI against New Zealand in a series scheduled to begin on April 14. Babar Azam will be the captain and Shadab Khan will hold the vice-captaincy spot.
    PCB crushed all rumors of looking for a replacement for Shadab Khan after he lost a series as captain against Afghanistan in United Arab Emirates.

    Fans, however, are excited to see their favorite players back in the squad particularly Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who will lead the pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    On the other hand senior player Kamran Akmal is not so happy with the selection of the squad, lashing out at the Pakistan cricket board management and selection committee for not selecting Umar Akmal in the T20 squad.

    “I am talking about Umar. They announced the T20 team and didn’t include him in the squad. Why? He played last year’s PSL and this year’s PSL in very tough conditions He tried his best to deliver whenever given an opportunity, a chance, limited amount of balls or overs, etc.,” Akmal said.

    “I don’t need to explain or tell anyone; everyone is well aware of the reality. Yet, I still cannot comprehend why he isn’t being given a chance in the national team, particularly on the batting number where almost every player has been tried,” he added.

    Kamran Akmal stressed that his younger brother doesn’t indulge in flattery, which is why he goes unnoticed.

    “The performance of all these players is crystal clear in front of everyone; despite that, you are still not including Umar because he isn’t in the likings or good books of the selection committee? Or maybe because he doesn’t greet you guys well, doesn’t invest a lot of time in flattering – this is what I can conclude as to why he isn’t a part of the national team.”

    Continuing in the same vein, Kamran Akmal said that it is crystal clear that performance is not the criteria for the selection, adding that one has to be a foot licker or employ flattery for selection in the Pakistan team.

    The 34-year-old Umar, who last played a T20I match against Sri Lanka way back in 2019, stated that his recent performances in domestic cricket are in front of everyone, and it’s up to the selection committee to pick him in the national side.

    “I leave the decision of selection for the upcoming series against New Zealand to the PCB and the selection committee. I take cricket very seriously, be it club cricket, domestic cricket, or international cricket. As you can see, I don’t miss a single club cricket game, and I always give my 100%. I will continue to perform like this till the end,” he said.

  • Anti-corruption force starts investigation against ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed’s brother

    Anti-corruption force starts investigation against ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed’s brother

    The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab has initiated an investigation against Najaf Hameed, the brother of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    According to ACE, Najaf had “superseded several seniors for promotion to the Girdawar post and “accumulated assets beyond his own means”.

    The department has also reached out to Rawalpindi and Chakwal deputy commissioners for Najaf’s records.

    Najaf had been suspended from the post of deputy tehsil dar on February 16 over alleged misconduct. 

    Faiz Hameed has been criticised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for interfering in political matters and exceeding his constitutional limits. The party’s Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz often lashes out at Faiz Hameed in her rallies, accusing him of playing a role in destabilising the country by supporting Imran Khan’s government.