Author: newsdesk

  • FEB 8 2024

    President Arif Alvi announced on Thursday that the general elections will take place in the country on February 8, 2024.

    The X (former Twitter) account tweeted, “On today’s order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Sikandar Sultan Raja, along with the Attorney General for Pakistan, Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, and four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan, came to meet President Dr. Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, to discuss the date for holding the forthcoming General Elections in the country. The President heard about the progress the ECP has made in delimitation and for elections.”

    It further stated, “After a detailed discussion the meeting unanimously agreed to hold General Elections in the country on 8th February 2024.”

    The Election Commission of Pakistan has also tweeted that elections will be held on February 8.

    The development comes hours after Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa directed the ECP to confer with Alvi on the poll date after the electoral body said that elections would be held on February 11.

    “Let the ECP meet with the President of Pakistan today and the date for holding general elections in Pakistan be appointed,” the top judge said in a written order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.

    He directed AGP Awan to arrange the meeting, provide Alvi with the court order and be available to render assistance. “We expect that the matter of appointing a date for holding general elections shall be settled, and this court will be informed tomorrow (Nov 3),” Justice Isa added.

    The order was issued after a three-judge bench comprising the CJP, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and Justice Athar Minallah heard a set of petitions, calling for holding elections within 90 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures.

  • Bahrain to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Israel

    Bahrain to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Israel

    Bahrain has severed its economic ties with Israel, recalling its ambassador as the country continues bombarding Gaza.

    Bahrain took the step in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza to show its support for the Palestinian cause and “The legitimate right of Palestinian people.”

    The Israeli ambassador had already left Bahrain. This announcement comes on the heels of Jordan’s decision to summon its envoy back home.

    Bahrain is the first Arab country to recall its ambassador from among the four that signed the Abraham Accords with Israel back in 2020. This agreement of normalization of ties brought in huge economic deals and the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Since October 7, Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia have cut ties with Israel and Bahrain is the newest addition to the list.

  • Father confesses to killing son after boy refused to call him ‘papa’

    Father confesses to killing son after boy refused to call him ‘papa’

    A man from Saudabad, Karachi has been arrested for killing his eight-year-old son. The father, Amir, has confessed in front of the police that he was enraged as the boy refused to call him “papa”.

    Amaan’s body was found in Bhains Colony a few days after the father’s complaint of the boy being lost. However, the investigation revealed that the boy was tortured, killed, and dumped by his own father.

    Amaan had come to visit his biological father, as he stayed with his adoptive parents. He was adopted by Amir’s friend and had come to meet his mother, a few days before his death. Amir forced the child to call him ‘papa’, to which the child refused.

    In a fit of rage, Amir then assaulted the child, killing him.

  • Death toll crosses 9,000: What we know about day 27

    Death toll crosses 9,000: What we know about day 27

    Biden finally calls for a ‘pause’ in war

    For the first time since October 7, US President Joe Biden has called for a humanitarian “pause” to Israel’s war in Gaza, asserting the eimportance of evacuation of all citizens in Gaza.

    “I think we need a pause,” he said on Wednesday when a heckler referred to an immediate ceasefire during a campaign speech.

    Biden was asked what he meant by “pause” to which he responded, “Time to get the prisoners out.”

    The White House later clarified that the reference was of captives under Hamas.

    Almost 200 killed, over 100 missing in Jabalia bombing

    According to a report by Gaza’s Government Media Office, more than 1,000 people have been affected by bombing on Jabalia refugee camp which includes 195 killed, 120 missing and at least 777 wounded.

    The Israeli military attacked the camp on Tuesday as well as Wednesday promoting the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to deem the attacks “appalling”, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the “disproportionate attacks” could amount to “war crimes”.

    Israel, on the contrary, claimed to have targeted a Hamas commander.

    12,000 targets in Gaza attacked

    Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari has stated that more than 12,000 targets have been attacked since October 7.

    Eleven bakeries destroyed

    UN relief agency UNOCHA has reported on the destruction of 11 bakeries in Gaza that were struck by Israel since October 7.

    Now, only nine bakeries are reportedly left in Gaza as of Wednesday.

    While UNOCHA is supplying the bakeries with flour, they are, nonetheless, struggling to operate due to fuel shortages and additionally, people have to wait in long queues.

    Israel-Lebanon conflict continues

    Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli army claimed that one of its drones was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired from Lebanon.

    The military responded by attacking the squad and the site from where the rocket was launched.

    Egypt to help evacuate ‘about 7,000’ foreign nationals

    The Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that Egypt will help evacuate “about 7,000” foreigners and dual nationals from Gaza through Rafah border.

    These 7,000 people consist of “more than 60” nationalities.

    At least 60 people detained across the occupied West Bank

    In an overnight raid by the Israeli forces, at least 60 people have been detained across the occupied West Bank.

    The total number of Palestinians detained since October 7 now crosses 1,800.

    Additionally, 132 people have been killed in the occupied West Bank while more than 2,100 are wounded.

    Israeli agricultural sector struggling

    The Ministry of Labor reported that Israel’s agricultural sector is reportedly affected with “significant damage” as thousands of foreign workers have left since October 7.

    More than a quarter of about 30,000 foreign workers working in Israel have departed while about 20,000 Palestinian agricultural workers have not been allowed to enter Israel.

    The ministry has now given a green signal to 5,000 foreign workers to overcome the shortage in the agriculture sector.

    Credits: Al Jazeera

  • Here is how Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals

    Here is how Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals

    In the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan has to play its next match against New Zealand on Saturday, a do-or-die match for the green shirts.

    According to the points table, South Africa, India, and Australia seem to be in a better position to reach the semi-finals, while Pakistan and New Zealand may face tough competition for the fourth spot.

    Pakistan and New Zealand have yet to play their remaining two matches in the World Cup.

    Pakistan will play their last match against England while New Zealand will play their last match against Sri Lanka. Pakistan need to win their remaining two matches to reach the semi-finals, while New Zealand will end the group stage with eight points if they lose both their remaining matches.

    Pakistan can qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points if they defeat their next two opponents.

    Pakistan must win against New Zealand by a good margin in Saturday’s match in Bangalore, an 83-run win or chasing down the given target in 35 or fewer overs will take Pakistan above New Zealand.

  • Raja Riaz, Rana Sanaullah ki prediction sach sabit hui

    Raja Riaz, Rana Sanaullah ki prediction sach sabit hui

    A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah, was hearing petitions filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SBCA) and others seeking directives to hold general elections within 90 days as stipulated by the Constitution.

    During the hearing, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lawyer, Sharjeel Sawati, said that elections will be held on February 11, as per Geo News.

    Former leader of the opposition in National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz had said on August 12 this year that the upcoming general elections would be held in February 2024 – three months later than the constitutionally allowed limit of 90 days.

    Talking to Maria Memon on Sawal ye Hai on ARY News, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) dissident leader said, “Elections will be held 4 to 5 days before or after February 15.”

    While talking to Kashif Abbasi on his program, Off the Record, on Tuesday, August 15, he said, “The ‘elders’ have decided that the general elections will be held in February.”

    PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said on Tuesday, August 15, that his party’s supremo, Nawaz Sharif, was confident that general elections would be held in the country in February next year.

    “He (Nawaz) is sure that elections will take place in February. Delimitation of constituencies has to be completed before then, and it will be completed by December,” Sanaullah said while responding to a question about Nawaz’s expected return to Pakistan during an appearance on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’.

    READ MORE: Finally, ECP gives date for general elections

  • Punjab Police to launch Pet Park in Lahore

    Punjab Police is launching a unique initiative for pets. ASP Sheharbano Naqvi, along with the IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, is bringing a one-of-a-kind Pet Park to Lahore.

    ASP Sheharbano recently made headlines for her compassion towards sniffer dogs of the police department who are now adopted after retirement instead of being euthanized, due to her efforts.

    In a recent post on Instagram, the Police department announced the establishment of a pet park with a caption that stated, “This is going to to be the most amazing place for you and your fur babies which will very soon be complete and it’s like a gift for all animal lovers. A place where you can not only play around with your fur babies, walk them, make them interact with other animals but also have food and snacks that you can order for yourself and your pets.”

    It further explained that the park is being established in collaboration with JFK Animal Rescue and Shelter. Top architects are going to design it and it will have all the facilities one can think of.

    This is the latest in a series of efforts to rescue animals after the launch of a helpline and the establishment of the Police Animal Rescue Centre(P.A.R.C). The tagline was Hifazat Bezuban Ki (Protection of the Voiceless).

  • ‘Horrible human’: Social media outraged after Amy Schumer targets black actress

    ‘Horrible human’: Social media outraged after Amy Schumer targets black actress

    Comedian Amy Schumer is going viral for her Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian content since Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, followed by the Gaza strip getting bombarded relentlessly by the country.

    Now, an African American- Filipino actress Asia Jackson shared the hateful messages she recieved from Amy for her pro-Palestine stance.

    Asia slammed the double standards in the industry , pointing out how Palestinian-American models Gigi and Bella Hadid had to make careful statements about their support for Gaza, while Amy Schumer continues to make racist comments against Muslims and Palestinians.

    Schumer then followed Asia on Instagram and messaged her in private. In screenshots shared by Asia, Amy was seen berating the actress by calling her an anti-semite and also accused her of not understanding the backlash against Jews who feel like targets of racism right now. Mind you, never lecture a Black and Asian actress on facing fear and racism.

    Asia slammed the comedian, who has a history of making racist and abelist comments in the past, for degrading her in this manner. Especially for lecturing a woman from a minority community on racism.

    She further pointed out how Amy continues to spew racist comments from her elite mansion while the Israeli military bombed refugee camps in Gaza and murdered countless babies and civilians.

    Social media users were outraged at Amy’s unhinged behavior, and called her a ‘raging racist’.

    “Amy Schumer made fun of a black comic (for being black and made fun of him for having the disease that would go on to kill him) and then stole his material after he died. Like, not history’s greatest monster, but certainly in the discussion,” a user revealed.

  • ‘Just a tiny facet of some horrible ongoing thing,’ A physicist’s tale of Palestine

    ‘Just a tiny facet of some horrible ongoing thing,’ A physicist’s tale of Palestine

    Physicist Nabil Iqbal, a professor at Durham University, posted a thread on X (Twitter) detailing his experience of teaching in a physics school co-organized by him in the West Bank. He shared that students from Gaza, both undergrads and from the University of Gaza, would send in applications but were never granted travel permits from Israel.

    He reminisces about the time they would conduct Zoom meetings with the physics enthusiasts and check their assignments on the phone. They would also wonder about the time they will get to talk ‘physics’ in person.

    Iqbal recently got connected to one of his students in Gaza. She told him that if this is the end, she wants us to remember that she is a physics student and that she wanted to teach others to be as inspired by science as she is.

    This story is a clear reminder of how such bright minds are wasted in ravaging wars.

  • Pakistan fails to ensure safety of journalists

    Pakistan fails to ensure safety of journalists

    As the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Pakistan’s journalistic community continues to grapple with an alarming surge in violence and impunity.

    Several reports have highlighted the deteriorating situation, shedding light on the challenges faced by media professionals in the South Asian nation.

    According to the recently released annual report by the Islamabad-based independent media watchdog, Freedom Network, Pakistan has failed to combat the rising impunity of crimes against journalists, painting a grim picture of the state of press freedom in the country.

    The report titled ‘One Step Forward, Two Steps Back,’ outlines the harrowing experiences faced by journalists, including incidents of kidnapping, physical assaults, and unjust legal cases.

    Pakistan made history in 2021 by passing two special laws to protect journalists.

    The Sindh Assembly passed the “Sindh Protection of Journalists and other Media Practitioners Act-2021” while the National Assembly passed “Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act-2021” in space of few months.

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab have not passed a similar law for their jurisdictions.

    According to the Freedom Network’s report at least 37.5 percent of the violations in Pakistan – 93 out of the total 248 cases in the period between August 2021- August 2023 – were recorded in Islamabad alone.

    The report further states that during this period there were 11 cases of murders of journalists, plus another 20 unsuccessful assassination attempts.

    25 instances of legal cases registered against journalists.


    11 cases of abductions, plus another case of an unsuccessful kidnapping attempt.

    25 cases of arrests, detentions, or illegal confinements of journalists by the State.

    59 cases of physical assaults, 26 of which caused bodily injuries.

    05 cases of attacks on the homes of journalists.

    30 cases of specific threats of murder or other dire consequences issued to journalists.

    59 cases of harassment of journalists.

    At least 37.5% of the violations (93 out of a total 248 cases) were recorded in the federal capital Islamabad alone.

    Sindh was the second worst with 22.5% of the violations (56 cases) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was a close third at 18.5% (46 cases).

    These were followed by Punjab with 17.3% (43 cases), Balochistan with about 2.5% (6 cases), Azad Kashmir (AJK) with 1.2% (3 cases) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) with 0.5% (1 case).

    The report also cited specific incidents, such as the tragic death of Channel 5 reporter Sadaf Naeem during the coverage of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s rally in Punjab in October 2022.

    The report notes that another Pakistani journalist Ashad Sharif was killed in Kenya on October 23, 2022, and there is still no clarity on his murder.

    Pakistan Press Foundation has also documented at least 157 media-related attacks, including 16 instances of arrests, five instances of detention, and 44 cases of assault this year.

    Between January and September 2023, PPF has documented at least 157 attacks on the media in connection with their work, including 16 instances of arrests and five instances of detention, 44 cases of assault, two cases of damage to property, four instances of raids, 18 instances of registration of cases against media professionals and two instances of legal action, 26 instances of censorship, 20 instances of harassment of journalists or media practitioners, 13 cases of threats, seven confirmed cases of kidnappings and three unconfirmed cases.

    While the country witnessed an improvement in its ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, climbing from 157 in 2021 to 150 in 2023, this progress is overshadowed by the failure to effectively implement the laws designed to protect journalists.