Author: molexn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday arrived in Egypt to participate in the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit and attend the signing ceremony of a peace agreement aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. Two years of Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian enclave have claimed more than 67,000 lives, with the continuing to rise as more bodies are recovered. Last month, US President Trump had mediated a truce with the help of eight Muslim nations between Hamas and Israel and paved the way for the end of genocide in Gaza through a 20-point plan. Last week, Hamas and Israel had signed an…

In a day of high political drama at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, PTI’s Sohail Afridi was elected the province’s new chief minister. However, his victory unfolded amid walkouts, protests, and a deepening constitutional crisis over whether the outgoing CM, Ali Amin Gandapur, had even truly vacated his seat. As chants of “Sohail Afridi zindabad” echoed through the assembly hall, the opposition staged a walkout, declaring the entire process “unconstitutional.” Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, however, pressed ahead and ruled it lawful under Article 130, declaring Afridi’s election valid even as questions swirled over Gandapur’s disputed resignation, returned by Governor Faisal Karim…

South Africa left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy took 6-117 on Monday, including three wickets in four balls, as Pakistan collapsed from 362-5 to 378 all out on day two of the first Test in Lahore. The 31-year-old’s maiden five-wicket Test haul helped the visitors restrict Pakistan, who began the day on 313-5, on a Gaddafi Stadium pitch beginning to take more turn. South Africa’s openers negotiated four overs to reach lunch at 10-0. Aiden Markram was on five and Ryan Rickelton on four. Earlier Salman Agha hit five fours and three sixes in his 93 and was the last man out,…

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters, who had camped at Muridke after authorities blocked their route to Islamabad by digging up trenches, were dispersed on Monday after clashing with law enforcement personnel, according to police. Authorities moved to close roads and motorways again in and around Lahore and Islamabad — which had started reopening on Sunday — after the development as panic spread among citizens about the potential outcome of the clash. Meanwhile, some schools in Islamabad also closed before the usual time. The TLP, which began its protest march in Lahore on Friday, was planning to reach Islamabad and stage a…

ISLAMABAD – Sohail Afridi was picked as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s new chief executive in Chief Minister’s provincial assembly session overshadowed by opposition walkout and uncertainty over the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. KP Assembly Speaker went ahead with election despite the opposition’s absence, announcing that candidates Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan (PPP) did not receive any votes. Who is Sohail Afridi? Sohail Afridi, a first-time member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly, is poised to take over as the province’s Chief Minister following the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur, acting…

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail on Monday wondered whether judges comprising the Supreme Court’s (SC) Constitutional Bench (CB) hearing petitions against the 26th Amendment could do so if they were its “beneficiaries”. The Amendment was passed by the parliament during an overnight session in October last year, with the PTI claiming seven of its lawmakers were abducted to gain their favour as the party opposed the legislation. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) also alleged its two senators were being pressured, with both later defying party line to vote in the tweaks’ favour. The legislation, which altered judicial authority and tenure, has…

LAHORE – Metrobus service in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities have been partially suspended in wake of ongoing protests by TLP. Several inner-city roads and motorway entry and exit points have also been closed, causing issues for commuters. Amid heightened security concerns, authorities partially suspended Metrobus service as a precaution against potential incidents. The closures also caused major traffic disruptions, affecting commuters heading to offices and hospitals. An ambulance carrying deceased person on Ferozepur Road reportedly got stuck due to the roadblocks. The Chungi Amar Sadhu-Ferozepur Road remains closed to traffic. Metrobus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remains suspended for…

PTI MPA Sohail Afridi on Monday was elected the new chief executive of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during an assembly session marred by the opposition’s walkout and despite uncertainty regarding the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, who pushed ahead with the election despite the opposition walkout, announced that Afridi had won the election after securing 90 votes. He had needed to secure at least 73 votes in the 145-strong KP Assembly to win the election. Opposition decries ‘unconstitutional procedure’; speaker pushes ahead During the session, Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah held up…

An eight-judge Constitutional Bench (CB) of the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday resumed hearing a set of pleas challenging the 26th Amendment and mull on the petitioners’ request to form a full court. The Amendment was passed by the parliament during an overnight session in October last year, with the PTI claiming seven of its lawmakers were abducted to gain their favour as the party opposed the legislation. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) also alleged its two senators were being pressured, with both later defying party line to vote in the tweaks’ favour. The legislation, which altered judicial authority and…

KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati on Monday pushed ahead with the election for the provincial chief executive despite the opposition’s walkout over the “unconstitutional procedure”. At the outset of the session, Gandapur gave his “advance congratulations” to Sohail Afridi, the PTI’s pick for his replacement, as the treasury benches thumped their desks. He assured them that the PTI’s fight for justice would continue under the leadership of party founder Imran Khan. He expressed pride at the fact that he had submitted his resignation on October 8 on the directives of Imran. He also called for allowing the democratic process…