Tag: Peshawar

  • Peshawar: Mob protesting Quran desecration attacks police station

    Peshawar: Mob protesting Quran desecration attacks police station

    A riled-up mob in Peshawar protesting against the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran attacked a police station in an attempt to punish the man already booked on the same charges.

    Several policemen, including a senior officer at Khazana police station in the Charsadda Road area, resultantly suffered injuries. 

    Dawn reports that nearly 2,000 people attacked the police station and clashed with the cops as they were demanding the custody of a man who was already arrested for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran during a domestic fight.

    The report also quotes a police official who stated that the mobsters damaged the main gate of the police station and pelted stones on the premises.

    The police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial gunfire to disperse the mob in response. 

    An FIR has been registered against the mob. 

    The violent protest led to the closure of the major Charsadda Road, which connects Peshawar with the Charsadda district and creates inconvenience for thousands of commuters. 

    The city police’s official statement informed the media that the desecration incident took place in the Riaz Ghari area under the jurisdiction of the Khazana police station.

    The accused was immediately taken into custody and shifted to the police station for interrogation by the police. 

    The officials detailed that police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial gunfire to disperse the mob as a large number of locals had taken to the streets and blocked the Charsadda Road while suspending traffic. 

    The superintendent of police (rural division), Inam Jan and several officials suffered injuries during the stone pelting by miscreants.

    A team of higher-ups of the city police headed by Peshawar SSP (operation) Kashif Zulfiqar held talks with the local elders and religious leaders in a bid to persuade mobsters to disperse peacefully.

    The protesters took leave after the police assured them of legal action against the alleged desecration of the Quran. 

    The police claimed that no loss of life was reported during the protest as a result of their “good strategy.”

    The police also pledged to prosecute mobsters under the relevant laws while acknowledging that there are also reports of protesters suffering injuries, but their number is not known.

  • Flour mills across Pakistan to strike over withholding tax

    Flour mills across Pakistan to strike over withholding tax

    Flour mills in different cities have stopped grinding wheat and supplying flour across the country today, leading to fears of a shortage.

    1500 mill owners have gone on strike along with flour dealers, the Flour Mills Association has said.

    Chairman Flour Mills Association Asim Raza said, “We will not collect withholding tax. The price of a bag of flour will rise by Rs 200 after imposing withholding tax.”

    Today, 73 flour mills in Gujranwala district are completely closed, and more than 60 flour mills in Multan are also shut down. Meanwhile, all 100 flour mills are closed in the four districts of the division.

    A spokesperson of the Flour Mills Association stated that after the closure of flour mills in Faisalabad, the supply of 200,000 bags of flour per day has stopped. In contrast, all ten flour mills in Kamalia city and four in Khushab district are closed.

    A strike is also taking place in Peshawar on the appeal of the Flour Mills Association, while in Quetta, a strike is being carried out on the call of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association.

    Chairman Flour Mills Association (South Zone) Aamir Abdullah told Geo News that flour mills in Sindh have also stopped the supply of flour. “Tax collection is the job of FBR; we should not be made tax agents. Until our demands are approved, the supply of wheat products will remain closed.”

    A few days ago, flour mill owners announced a strike while holding a press conference and said that they had tried to negotiate. They stressed that they have conveyed demands to the government that tax collection is not their job.

  • Khan’s release not possible under current PTI leadership, says Fawad Chaudhry

    Khan’s release not possible under current PTI leadership, says Fawad Chaudhry

    Former leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Fawad Chaudhry, has criticized the party’s current heads, stating that there is no possibility of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release in the presence of the current leadership, Geo News reported on Sunday.

    “[Due to] lack of political strategy of current PTI leadership, all of us are suffering,” said the former vice president of the party, who left PTI after the May 9 events.

    He also replied to criticism that those who left Imran Khan during a difficult time have started speaking up for him now that the draught period has passed.

    “Tough times have not ended for the jailed former premier and other PTI leaders. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and others are still behind bars and going through a difficult time,” Fawad Chaudhry said.

     “Some people start their journey from Peshawar and return after staging a rally in Lahore,” he remarked.

  • Forced activation of feeders backfires on PTI, Rehman Baba grid station not restored

    Forced activation of feeders backfires on PTI, Rehman Baba grid station not restored

    The Rehman Baba grid station in Peshawar experienced a major technical fault after feeders were forced to remain operational by PTI leaders and their supporters, Geo News reported.

    According to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), power supply to 32 feeders from the grid station was disconnected after they were forced to continue.

    The spokesperson stated that at 2 o’clock that day, protesters forcibly entered the grid station and switched on the feeders.

    The angry protesters reportedly verbally abused the PESCO staff and confiscated their mobile phones.

    A PESCO team is currently engaged in repair work. Restoring electricity may take hours, and consumer issues are escalating due to ongoing protests.

    Previously, Fazal Elahi, PTI Member of the Provincial Assembly, entered the Rehman Baba Grid Station and restored power to 10 feeders.

    While earlier this week, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur visited the Dera Ismail Khan grid station following unannounced load shedding of electricity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He issued a clear threat to the federal government, stating that if power supply to the National Grid from the province is reduced, he will halt it. Gandapur further criticised WAPDA for mistreating the province, accused government officials of holding positions through electoral fraud, and asserted that the federal government is neglecting its responsibilities.

  • 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.”