CM Maryam Nawaz calls for unity, slams ‘anti-state protests’

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif criticized ongoing anti-state activities like sit-ins and long marches, asserting that people will no longer heed such disruptions. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kachhi Canal Rehabilitation Project, she condemned those who, she said, obstruct Pakistan’s progress, labeling their actions as “anti-state” and incomprehensible. “Why interfere when Pakistan is on the path of prosperity?...

Death toll rises to 42 in Kurram passenger vans attack

KURRAM: The death toll from the gun attack on passenger vans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Kurram has risen to 42, while more than 30 people were injured, the local deputy commissioner confirmed on Friday. Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud confirmed the casualties, adding that among the deceased were seven women and a nine-year-old girl. Thursday’s attack occurred in the Mandori...

Nicole Kidman lands under speculations for cosmetic surgery

Nicole Kidman’s seemingly different appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2016 has sparked cosmetic surgery speculations. The 57-year-old actress was seen looking at her old modelling pictures with the host in the resurfaced video. Kidman claimed that her changed appearance in a more mature age was because of her changed hairstyle. “I have to say to anyone that has curly hair when you...

ATC declares Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in terrorism case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in a case registered against him under anti-terrorism laws. In a written order issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, the court stated that the case involving Gandapur has been separated from those involving other accused individuals. Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued...

Jennifer Lopez reveals sacrifice she made to reunite with Ben Affleck for ‘Unstoppable’

Jennifer Lopez opened up about the major personal shift she had to make to step into the role of Judy Robles, a wrestler's mother, in the new film Unstoppable, directed by her ex-husband, Ben Affleck. The Bronx-born star shared that to truly honor the character, she had to "let go of her ego" and embrace a completely different persona. In an interview with Amazon/MGM,...

KP abolishes quota-based job appointments following SC orders

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has abolished quota-based job appointments in the province, following the directives of the Supreme Court. According to official details, the Chief Secretary of KP issued a notification to all government departments, instructing that all future recruitments will be made on the basis of open merit. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling against quota-based appointments,...

Babar Awan asserts Imran Khan won’t make deals or leave the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and senior lawyer, Babar Awan, has made it clear that PTI founder Imran Khan will not engage in any deals or leave the country, emphasizing that they won with the public's vote. Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Awan emphasized that the protest scheduled for November 24 would be PTI’s final...

LHC enforces transport policy for students in response to smog emergency

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed school administrations to provide pick-and-drop services for students after the winter break, as part of efforts to counter the growing smog threat. LHC Justice Shahid Karim issued the orders during a hearing related to petitions concerning smog prevention. The court mandated that children must travel to and from school using transportation...

Seven Khawarijs killed in successful IBOs in Bannu, Balochistan

RAWALPINDI: In a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on November 22, security forces neutralized three terrorists and injured two others. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation targeted a terrorist hideout following credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain terrorists, who were involved in multiple attacks...

MDCAT exam postponed in Islamabad amid PTI protest plans

ISLAMABAD: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) on Friday announced the postponement of the MDCAT examination scheduled to be held on November 24 due to the planned protest rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Now the management is considering to hold these exams on December 8 and December 15, respectively. It was reported in the media that the management of SZABMU...

Over 500 PTI activists arrested in Lahore ahead of Islamabad rally

LAHORE: As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its planned rally in Islamabad, law enforcement agencies have launched a large-scale crackdown in Lahore, resulting in the arrest of over 500 party activists. According to police sources, Shahdara’s entry and exit points have been declared sensitive, and containers may be placed in the area to control movement in case of a protest...

Khawaja Asif criticises Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan for exploiting religion and politics

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday strongly criticised PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, accusing them of exploiting religious and political norms for personal and political gains. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Asif remarked, “If Bushra Bibi considers herself synonymous with Sharia, then only God can protect us,” alleging their actions as a desperate attempt...

Islamabad seals Red Zone, unveils traffic plan ahead of PTI’s Nov 24 protest

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has announced a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24. According to the details, multiple entry and exit points to the Red Zone will be sealed on the day of the protest. Key routes, including Murree Road, have been closed, with containers placed...

China to continue working with Morocco to support each other’s core interests: Xi Jinping

CASABLANCA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China is ready to continue working with Morocco to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, and push for greater development of China-Morocco strategic partnership. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan during a technical stop in Casablanca after wrapping up his...

China, Brazil elevate ties to forge shared future

BRASILIA: Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday announced an elevation of bilateral ties to a "community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet." The announcement, made during Xi's state visit to Brazil, was further bolstered by the leaders' commitment to align the China-proposed Belt...