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Tag: Peshawar

  • Babra Sharif breaks silence after decades, talks to media for first time in years

    Babra Sharif breaks silence after decades, talks to media for first time in years

    Veteran actress Babra Sharif recently attended the launch event of filmmaker Altaf Hussain’s film ‘Tere Pyar Nu Salaam.’ The reclusive yesteryears superstar discussed the revival of cinema in the Pakistan film industry.

    “We have never focused on dividing Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore. Our work is for the entire film industry. This divide shouldn’t be a topic of discussion. We owe a lot to Altaf Hussain. He has always promoted films with social messages, never violent ones. He taught me rhythm and dance and is still working hard for the industry’s revival. Revival isn’t a single event; it’s our collective effort and small steps. Let’s not divide the industry. Keep making films, and I hope Altaf Hussain creates another great movie like before.”

    Babra Shairf hasn’t worked for many years, but ,she ruled the silver screen in 1980,s with her captivating performances, stunning looks, and charming on-screen presence. Babra Sharif has given us some of the most iconic films in Pakistani cinema including Mere Apne (1981), Kabhi Kabhi (1983)

  • Hammad Azhar reappears in public after months, escapes police arrest

    Hammad Azhar reappears in public after months, escapes police arrest

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar reappeared in public on Wednesday after almost a year in hiding following a crackdown on PTI workers after the May 9 riots.

    “Yesterday, I received a message from Imran Khan that it’s time to come out of hiding,” said Azhar as he visited the PTI’s Central Secretariat office in Islamabad.

    The senior PTI leader said that he will go to Peshawar to get pre-arrest bail as he has multiple charges pending against him in connection with the May 9 violent protests that erupted last year after Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case.

    “All leaders, including Murad Saeed, will come out of hiding,” he added.

    After knowing about Azhar’s whereabouts, Islamabad police quickly encircled the party’s secretariat in the capital city to arrest him.

    However, the PTI leader managed to escape the party’s office before the police’s arrival.

  • Is PTI getting cozy with the establishment again?

    Is PTI getting cozy with the establishment again?

    Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Ali Amin Gandapur visited Corps Commander House Peshawar on an Iftar invitation and received a security briefing on the province from military officials.

    Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister KPK on Information, clarified to Geo News that it was an iftar invitation and denied rumors on social media that the provincial government held a cabinet meeting at Corps Commander House.

    After the Iftar, mutual discussion on the security situation was held between them.

    More importantly, according to Geo News, Imran Khan was apprised of the said meeting and taken into confidence. Imran Khan displayed complete trust in Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

    Party leadership, especially CM Gandapur, is being criticized by their devout followers on social media for attending this meeting.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet set to take oath today

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet set to take oath today

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet is set to take its oath of office today after Chief Minister of the province Ali Amin Gandapur got approval from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently in Adiala jail serving sentences in multiple cases.

    Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement that he discussed the formation of the KP cabinet with Imran Khan in Adiala jail.

    “Cabinet members will take oath today,” he confirmed.

    After meeting the founder of PTI, the newly-elected chief minister came back to Peshawar and asked relevant authorities to arrange the oath taking ceremony in the Governor House.

    However, the names of cabinet members have not been revealed yet.

    Interestingly, a majority of those considered and approved as cabinet members by Imran Khan were unaware of their selection. The News learnt from its sources that KP CM Gandapur did not disclose the names of his cabinet members, as he was under pressure by certain factions within the party to accommodate their nominees.

  • Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    As per the latest forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), several regions across Pakistan are on high alert as they anticipate rainfall and heavy snowfall starting from Thursday.

    The Met Office has issued a weather advisory indicating that a strong westerly wave is set to approach western parts of the country by February 29, likely affecting most areas by March 1. This weather system is expected to persist for approximately two days, potentially leading to disruptive conditions.

    Areas including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gawadar, Quetta, Chitral, Abbottabad, GB, Kashmir, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms.

    In Sindh, Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur & Dadu, Jamshoro, Thatta, Tharparker, Badin, Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Naushahro feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar districts & Karachi division are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms on February 29 and March 1. PMD has also warned of the possibility of isolated hailstorms during this period.

    Similarly, Balochistan is expected to experience widespread heavy rain along with wind and thunderstorms in areas such as Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Chagi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah during the same timeframe.

    Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rain coupled with thunderstorms from February 29 to March 3, affecting areas like Chitral (Lower & Upper), Dir (Lower & Upper), Malakand, Buner, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan, North & South Waziristan districts.

    Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir are also expected to face heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain, along with windstorms and snowfall throughout the forecast period.

    In Punjab, cities including Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Bhakkar on 01st & 02nd March. Heavy snowfall is also expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding during the period. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar are gearing up for widespread heavy rain accompanied by windstorms.

    The Met Office has issued warnings regarding the possibility of flash flooding in various regions. In Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs on February 29 and March 1. Similarly, hill torrents in KP, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat, as well as local nullahs in Islamabad, could experience flash flooding on March 1 and 2.

    Moreover, the heavy rain and snowfall may result in road closures in popular tourist destinations such as Murree, Naran, Kaghan, and Swat, among others. Consequently, tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

    The PMD has urged all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential risks or untoward situations arising from the forecasted severe weather conditions.

  • Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, continues to be disgruntled after the 2024 nationwide elections, criticising the results. He predicted that the “system would collapse” because the establishment wants a government of its choice.

    While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Maulana alleged that “the establishment wants assemblies and people in them of their choice.”

    “We received information before the elections that it has been decided to reduce the JUI-F’s inclusion [in the assemblies]. Different styles of rigging occurred in every polling station during the polls.”

    “If they think there was no rigging in the polls, then the May 9 narrative is apparently buried. They cannot run the country, and this system will collapse. Those who are sticking to the system will be crying in the coming days,” Fazl predicted.

    The JUI-F chief also said that there is no difference between the elections of 2018 and 2024, emphasising that a public representative should not be a “representative of the establishment.”

  • Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    In a substantial crackdown on the illicit trade of non-duty-paid cigarettes, the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) successfully seized over 679,000 packerites (15,580,000 sticks) of smuggled cigarettes during a two-day operation.

    The confiscated cigarettes, representing various local and foreign brands, including Business Royal, H&P, Platinum, Milano, and Olympic, have an estimated value exceeding PKR 140 Million.

    The enforcement teams targeted local shops in Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot, where the availability of non-duty paid cigarettes had seen a concerning surge.

    This operation was initiated under the directive of Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, Member (IR-Operations), who emphasized the need to curb the illegal trade of tobacco products.

    Criminal proceedings have been set in motion against both manufacturers and transporters involved in this illicit trade.

    One of the key factors contributing to the rise in the popularity of smuggled cigarettes is the substantial price difference compared to duty-paid alternatives.

    While the cost of a pack of 20 duty-paid cigarettes starts at Rs600, the non-duty paid counterparts can be obtained for as low as Rs200. Some reports even suggest that certain brands are being sold at an even more economical rate.

    The increasing prevalence of non-duty paid cigarettes poses a serious concern, not only in terms of lost revenue for the government but also due to health implications.

    Smokers in Pakistan, attracted by the affordability of these illicit products, have contributed to the surge in sales of non-duty paid cigarettes.

    The IREN’s recent operation sends a clear message that the authorities are actively addressing this issue to safeguard public health and financial interests.

    As investigations unfold, it remains to be seen how this crackdown will impact the illicit trade of cigarettes and discourage individuals from opting for non-duty paid alternatives.

  • In a first, Peshawar High Court orders separate queue for transgender voters

    In a first, Peshawar High Court orders separate queue for transgender voters

    Peshawar High Court has directed authorities in the province to establish a separate queue for transgender voters in PK-81 from where trans rights activist Sobia Khan is contesting elections as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first transgender individual participating in general polls.


    The court’s verdict highlighted the absence of specific documents for the transgender quota, as no such provision currently exists. Additionally, the court-mandated security measures for transgender candidate Subiya during the general elections, where she is running independently in PK-81.


    Who is Sobia Khan?


    Sobia is hailing from Peshawar and she has filed nomination papers for the provincial assembly seat from constituency PK-81. She is running her campaign as an independent candidate.


    Notably, Sobia Khan, a graduate and the first transgender broadcaster in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been hosting TNN’s “Sobiya Khan Show” for the past four years.

    Sobia welcomed the court ruling. Talking to Tribal News Network, Sobia detailed her broader goals, aiming not only to champion transgender rights but also to challenge societal perceptions. She aspires to work for the welfare of the constituency, particularly focusing on the rights of women and children, breaking stereotypes about the capabilities of transgenders.


    Sobia Khan, backed by her family and local support, appealed to NGOs, civil society, and the district administration for assistance in her election campaign. Acknowledging the unprecedented nature of a transgender participating directly in elections, she stressed the need for security during her campaign.

  • Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes have been reported between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and police officers, after imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan gave calls for rallies ahead of the February 8 general elections.

    Numerous PTI supporters attempting to organize rallies in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar were taken into custody during the crackdown, adding to mounting political tension. Reports also indicate police raids on election offices, confiscation of party paraphernalia, and the removal of banners and panaflexes, allegedly aimed at intimidating party workers and voters.

    In Lahore, former Punjab governor and PTI candidate for NA-129, Mian Muhammad Azhar, was arrested by the police during an attempt to lead an election rally in his constituency. He was reportedly released later in the day.

    His son, PTI Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar, took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated, “My 82-year-old father was arrested. He wanted to lead a rally as per his democratic and constitutional rights”.

    “Pakistan has today been reduced to a total fascist state with zero human rights or rule of law. One Nawaz Sharif and his daughter calling the shots and ruining the country,” he added.

    Despite the challenges, Mian Muhammad Azhar, upon his release, maintained that he had not committed any crime, asserting that his sole offense was organizing an election rally. He highlighted the apparent disparity in treatment, alleging that all political parties were allowed to conduct rallies and public gatherings, except the PTI.

    In Karachi, over 20 PTI workers were arrested as the party attempted to conduct an election rally near Clifton Teen Talwar. Violent clashes erupted between PTI workers and the police, turning the area into a battleground. The confrontations resulted in injuries to police officials, including SHO Boat Basin Riaz Niazi, whose jaw was reportedly broken.

    Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the PTI workers, leading to further injuries among the protesters. The clash disrupted traffic near Teen Talwar, Clifton, for a significant period.

    SSP South Sajid Amir Sadozai told Express Tribune that no prior permission was taken by PTI workers to hold a rally in Clifton.

    The PTI workers had blocked the road, following which the police asked them to clear the road.

    In reply, they attacked the police with stones and sticks as a result more than 10 police personnel including SHO Boat Basin and a lady SHO were injured. SHO Boat Basin’s jaw was broken and he is in critical condition.

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) chief organiser took to X and said, “They should be dealt with iron hands.”

    PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan condemned the actions of Karachi Police, emphasizing the constitutional right of every citizen to hold a peaceful rally during the election campaign.

    Similarly, in Peshawar, PTI workers held rallies across various locations in the city, including Ring Road. The police apprehended 30 individuals from Pahari Pura, Faqieerabad, Sharqi, Hayatabad, Khazana, and Sarband.

    Moreover, cases were filed against over fifty workers and community leaders.

    Seventeen individuals were mentioned in the FIR within the jurisdiction of Paharipura police station, with seven of them being taken into custody. Likewise, Faqeerabad police station detained seven workers.

    Sarband police arrested 17 individuals, while Hayatabad and Sharqi police each apprehended three PTI workers.

    Earlier, PTI Chakwal candidate Ayyaz Amir reported a peculiar situation emerging in Chakwal involving the police. He highlighted instances of police raids on the homes of prominent local citizens, arrests of their family members, and acts of vandalism against local leaders.

    Major election rallies were observed in various constituencies, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Okara, Chakwal, Mandi Bahudin, Layyah, Bahawal Nagar, Mansehra, Gagu Mandi, Chitral, Banu, Peshawar, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.

  • Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    A father has allegedly killed his son in Budhbir, a suburb of Peshawar after the younger man put up a PTI flag on the roof of the house following a bitter dispute, BBC Urdu has reported.

    A case has been registered on the complaint of Arifur Rahman, the brother of the deceased Atta-ul-Rehman, in which it is said that the father and son had a repeated and bitter verbal argument on politics, upon which the father got angry and opened fire on his son with a pistol.

    Son Atta-ul-Rehman in Qatar


    Arifur Rahman, the complainant in this case and the victim’s brother, told the BBC that his brother had been living in Qatar and was working as a sanitary worker. His brother had come home to Peshawar after taking a two-month leave and was supposed to return to Qatar in 20 days.


    Arif says that the argument between his father and brother started with the hanging of the PTI party flag on the roof of the house, which escalated to bitter words and his father shot Atta-ur-Rehman in a fit of rage. He was visibly upset when the BBC interviewed him. In his words, his younger brother Atta brought the flag home and put it on the roof, but his father did not like it. According to Arif, his father urged his brother to “vote whoever you want, but raising this flag is not right.”


    Arif says that his younger brother started an argument with his father that it was not a big deal to plant the flag and eventually the argument escalated to such an extent that Noor Rehman pulled out a pistol and fired at his son.


    According to the FIR of this case, Atta-ur-Rehman was being taken to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment, but he died on the way.


    Arif has said that his father had retired from his job some time ago. His father does not seem to belong to any political party, but the Awami National Party is supported in his area and representatives of this party are elected. He says that there is an atmosphere of sadness in the house now. Our breadwinner brother is no more and the whole area is saddened by the incident. Atta-ur-Rehman has been buried. His brother relayed that it was not such a big deal, just that the bitterness in the conversation increased so much that no one understood what happened.


    The father has escaped from the house. SP President Division Abdul Salam Khalid says that raids are being conducted in search of the accused.