Tag: Top News

  • No ‘bat’ symbol for PTI: Peshawar High Court

    No ‘bat’ symbol for PTI: Peshawar High Court

    The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has accepted the review petition of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and restored the ECP’s ruling on the intra-party polls and election symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Justice Ejaz Khan announced the reserved verdict today after hearing all parties.
    The Election Commission’s lawyer, Sikander Bashir Mohmand, and PTI’s lawyers, including Shah Faisal Uthmankhel and Qazi Anwar, were present in court today.

    The ECP had submitted a review petition in high court against PHC’s order that suspended the ECP’s decision of declaring PTI’s intra-party elections “illegal” and stripped it of using the ‘bat’ symbol.

    In its petition, the ECP requested the court to review the PTI’s intra-party elections and its decision related to the election symbol.
    However, PTI’s chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, said that PTI will move to the apex court to get justice in this matter.
    “The Supreme Court has already stated that revoking a party’s symbol is tantamount to disbanding the entire party,” the PTI leader said, hoping that his party would get relief from the top court.

  • Which Tafseer will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    Which Tafseer will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s lawyer Intezar Hussain Panjutha has on Wednesday tweeted about the Tafseer of the Holy Quran that Khan is reading in Jail.

    The Study Quran is written by a group of writers and the chief editor is Iranian Philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr.

    It can be ordered online via Readings and Liberty Books in Pakistan.

    This is not the first time Imran Khan is either reading a commentary on the Quran or a book during incarceration. In August, his sister Aleema Khan told the media, “He has started finishing the Quran for the second time and has also read Islamic history.”

    The same lawyer, Panjutha, is seemingly the most regular supplier of books to Khan as he has posted about sending him books previously as well.

    To read more about how Imran Khan is spending time in jail, read TV, 29 books, four pillows and so much more: list of things provided to Khan in jail.

  • Tributes pour in after senior politician Sartaj Aziz’s death

    Tributes pour in after senior politician Sartaj Aziz’s death

    Senior politician, diplomat, and former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away at the age of 94 in Islamabad on Tuesday night.

    Born in February 1929 in Nowshera, Aziz was a veteran politician from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He served in key governmental posts in his long political career, including as the minister for finance and economic affairs. He also remained a senator from 1985 to 1999 and was elected as an advisor on national security and foreign affairs in the 2013 general elections.

    Aziz’s vast political career spanned academia, civil service, and public office holding.

    Besides serving as the federal minister, Aziz also fulfilled responsibilities as assistant president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Commodities and Trade Division.

    The two-time finance minister was considered a respected figure in the national discourse, bearing keen insights and analysis on economic and political issues.

    PML-N announced the death of the senior politician on X (formerly Twitter). “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon, and a towering figure! His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten.”

    Other politicians and his colleagues started posting pictures of him and recalled the time, they served with him. Ahsan Iqbal said he had the “honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance”.

    Shehbaz Sharif termed it as “not just a personal loss but a loss for the nation.”

    Miftah Ismail said, “Sartaj Aziz’s passing is surely the end of an era.”

    Engineer Khurram Dastgir called it a profound loss to the nation.

    Reacting to the demise of a veteran politician, President Arif Alvi expressed deep grief and solidarity with the survivors of the deceased. He also prayed for Aziz’s forgiveness and patience for his family.

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also expressed sorrow and said that his contributions to the country will always be remembered.

    Career diplomat Maleeha Lodhi paid tribute to him by saying, “Pakistan will be poorer without him.”

    Fellow Academic Adil Najam lauded him by saying, “Thank you, Sartaj sb, for a life well lived; a life of unwavering commitment to Pakistan.”

    Senior journalist, Nasim Zehra showed her respect towards Sartaj by praising him for his “commitment to the very best for Pakistan as Foreign and Finance Minister.”

    Fellow diplomat, Kristof Duwaerts tweeted, “I had the pleasure of interacting with H.E. late Sartaj Aziz on a number of occasions during my time in Pakistan.”

    Indian journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, praised him for being a gentleman and a great diplomat.

    Social worker and activist Khaleel Tetaly lauded Sartaj Aziz as a key advocate for community-led development in Pakistan.

    Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad extended condolences on the passing of Sartaj Aziz for serving Pakistan with his exceptional talent in various capacities for over seven decades.

    Beaconhouse National University paid tribute to their esteemed founding Vice Chancellor and cherished mentor.

  • Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    The Supreme Court issued notices on Wednesday to the Inspector General of Police Punjab (IGP), chief secretary, and advocate general in response to a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking a level-playing field in the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024.

    A three-member bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musrat Hilali, heard the case and adjourned the hearing until January 8.

    PTI leader and lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, presented arguments on behalf of party leader Shoaib Shaheen.

    The proceedings of the case were broadcast live on SC’s website and YouTube channel.

    The apex court directed the ECP on December 22 to address the concerns of PTI regarding level playing field in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8.

    At the beginning of the hearing, CJP Isa reprimanded Khosa for using the title “Sardar” with his name.

    “Stop using words like Sardar, Nawab, and Peer,” the CJP said while expressing displeasure over the use of such a title.

    Qazi Faez Isa asked the PTI lawyer for evidence that ECP violated the apex court’s direction regarding level-playing field matter.

    “I have brought the CD containing all evidence,” Khosa replied adding that PTI leaders were not allowed to submit their nomination papers.

    “The entire Pakistan has seen what is happening with PTI.”

    After this, CJP advised PTI lawyer to avoid “political speech” in the courtroom and talk about constitution and law.

    “What does the IG and the chief secretary have to do with the election?” the CJP wondered.

    “Do you want action against individuals or the Election Commission?” the CJP asked.

    Sardar Latif Khosa replied to CJP that it’s the responsibility of ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.

  • Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    The caretaker setup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come up with a new plan to make do with the scarcity of funds. According to Dawn, the provincial government did not release the funds required by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board to publish course books due to the financial crisis in the last three years.

    In the meantime, the government provided books to students free of charge.

    The caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided in the last cabinet meeting to reduce the size of textbooks and provide half of schoolchildren with old course books hoping this will save over three billion rupees for printing books.

    The printing of books in the upcoming academic year 2023-24 was estimated to cost Rs8.528 billion but the amount will go down to Rs5.247 billion by cutting the size of textbooks and providing 50 percent of schoolchildren with the books that were collected from the students after their promotion to next grades.

    As per the report, the government is on a saving spree, and for that, 6-12 graders will be given 50 percent of old books to be collected by schools from students promoted to the next grades. The government says that only the books in good condition will be given away to students with the move saving the government Rs1.8 billion, according to the documents.

    The students of grades 4-5 will use 20 percent of the old books saving the government Rs334 million.

    Reducing the textbook size from nursery-grade 12 will save the government Rs. 1.1 billion.

    Dawn’s Muhammad Ashfaq talked to officials in the Education department of the province who stated that downsizing of textbooks and distribution of old books to school children came “under compulsion” as the finance department didn’t release funds for printing textbooks to the board on time. They said that even the total payment of Rs 10 billion to printing companies for the previous year was done in piecemeal. This time around, printing companies have shown no interest although the bid was announced multiple times.

    The officials feared a two-month learning loss for schoolchildren in the next academic year saying the publishers won’t be able to deliver orders by the end of May.

  • Fashion guru Asim Jofa’s daughter passes away in London

    Tragedy has struck the family of designer Asim Jofa.
    The fashion guru has taken to his Facebook page to share the heart-wrenching news of the passing of his youngest daughter from a sudden brain hemorrhage in London. Jofa requested prayers for his daughter.

    Adcave Pk also conveyed the sad news, extending heartfelt condolences to Asim Jofa on the loss of his youngest daughter. The post urged everyone to keep the departed soul in their prayers.

    Jofa, a standout Pakistani fashion designer known for his distinctive designs, high-quality clothing, modern cuts, and innovative marketing, has been a stalwart in the fashion industry for many years.

  • Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    The Canadian government intends to give remote work visas for freelancers and digital nomads in 2024, to adapt to the changing nature of the labour market, reports Samaa.

    The program is aimed at drawing international talent by enabling people to live temporarily in the country while working remotely.

    According to the policy, a specific visa will be issued to freelancers, who are working remotely in Canada.

    Digital nomads were previously permitted a maximum of six months of stay on tourist visas in Canada.

    The government is now developing a comprehensive “tech talent strategy” to attract foreign workers in an effort to increase the size of its workforce.
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesman Isabelle Dubois emphasized the expected advantages, stating, “We anticipate that some digital nomads will opt to stay in Canada, contributing their skills to employers here.”

    In an attempt to draw in highly qualified IT professionals who thrive in remote work, plans are in motion to establish a framework that would allow entrepreneurs to apply for extended work licenses, which might last up to three years.

    Asserting Canada’s dedication to allowing remote workers, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Office promised further information in the coming months.

    The number of US citizens who work as digital nomads soared to 17.3 million, moving up by 2 percent in 2023.

    Apply for a Canada visa from Pakistan

    Pakistanis can also apply for a Canada Visit, via a temporary resident visa that allows South Asians to travel for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family members, according to Pakistan Observer.

    For Pakistanis, the Canada Visitor Visa offers multiple entries over 10 years, allowing stays of 180 days per entry. To apply for a visa, applicants must be without criminal or immigration convictions.

    The financial statement should prove the job, own residence, or family, to demonstrate a temporary visit intention. Adequate funds for the stay is also a pre-requisite.

    Required documents include a valid passport, national ID, and possibly additional documents like bank statements. The application process involves the submission of forms, checking the accuracy, and uploading supporting documents, followed by an appointment at the local visa center.

    Visa and biometric fees need to be paid at the center, and tracking information is shared.

  • Video: Mother saves child from getting crushed by train

    Video: Mother saves child from getting crushed by train

    A mother in India risked her life to save her child from getting hit by a train. The video of the incident has gone viral.

    According to Indian media, the incident happened in the state of Bihar where the mother risked her life to save her infant last week.

    On Saturday, the woman and her children reached Bihar’s Barh Railway Station to board the Vikramshila Express to Delhi along with their family. A large group began to board the train and in a rush to get on, all three were pushed off the platform and fell on the tracks.

    In the video, it can be seen that the mother is lying on the track on top of the child and the train passed over her, luckily not hitting her.

    After the train passed, people picked up the woman and the child and made them sit on the platform.

  • Fully funded scholarship in Sweden; Here’s how you can apply

    Fully funded scholarship in Sweden; Here’s how you can apply

    Sweden has announced a scholarship opportunity supported by the Swedish Government, aimed at achieving and contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals encompass extraordinary opportunities. Participants become lifelong members of the Future Global Leaders, developing relationships within the Swedish Alumni Networks. This scholarship program is fully funded by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Course Duration:

    Master’s Degree Programs for 1-2 years.

    Fields of study:

    For a comprehensive list of eligible master’s programs for the academic year 2024/2025, the link to the details of the program is https://si.se/app/uploads/2017/10/updated.-sisgp_eligible_master_programmes_2024_2025.pdf

    Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

    1. The candidate must have work experience of a minimum of 3000 hours.
    2. The candidate must have demonstrated leadership experience from the employment.
    3. The candidate must be engaged as a leader in civil society engagements.
    4. The candidate must be able to get admission to an SI Scholarship-eligible master’s program.

    How to Apply?

    1. Visit UniversityAdmissions.se and apply for your master’s program(s) by January 15, 2024. After submitting your application, you will receive an eight-digit personal application number. Keep this number for your SI Scholarship application to ensure accuracy and avoid disqualification.
    2. The candidate has to apply for SI scholarships separately after completing the admission application.
    3. You can apply for up to 4 master’s programs for SI Scholarship in Sweden 2024.
    4. Once an applicant submits his or her admission application, he or she will receive a personal application number.
    5. A candidate must save this application number for applying to the Global Professional Program (Swedish Institute Scholarship).

    Benefits of the Scholarship:

    1. The scholarship will cover the full tuition fee.
    2. The living expenses will be covered and a monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 will be given.
    3. Medical insurance will be covered.
    4. A travel grant of SEK 15,000 will be provided for the entire period of study.
    5. The fellows will get membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders.

      Required documents for the scholarship:
      1. Motivation letter
      2. CV
      3. Letters of reference
      4. Valid and completed proof of work and leadership experience
      5. Copy of your valid passport

      Deadline:
      Applicants can apply for the Global Professional Scholarship from 10 February to 28 February 2024.

  • State won’t accept ‘elements’ supporting terrorists in Balochistan, says PM Kakar

    State won’t accept ‘elements’ supporting terrorists in Balochistan, says PM Kakar

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar criticised “elements” who are backing terrorists and militants in the name of supporting Baloch protesters demanding the release of all missing persons.
    The prime minister’s statement came during a press conference in Lahore as the Baloch families of missing persons protested against “enforced disappearance” and “extrajudicial killing” in Islamabad.

    PM Kakar said that the state would not tolerate elements who are supporting militants and terrorists involved in the killing of individuals from Balochistan, including teachers, doctors, and lawyers.

    The Prime Minister also criticised the media for portraying the Baloch families protest in an inaccurate way, but in reality, he said, Baloch stood with Pakistan.

    The premier said that there was no restriction on freedom of expression and that every citizen has the right to protest within constitutional limits. “The families have the right to protest for their beloved ones, but others are just launching baseless criticism.”

    However, he also said that the state won’t allow those elements who want to support militants and terrorists in the country.
    “Those who want to support them [armed militants] should join the camp of the militant outfits who termed terrorism as a movement,” he added.
    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also said that the Indian spy agency, Research and Analysis Wing (Raw), is funding terrorists in Balochistan.

    On the other hand, Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch tweeted on X (previously Twitter) in response to Kakar’s press conference: “From the inception of our movement, our demands have been clear: an end to all forms of human rights violations in Balochistan and the cessation of the Baloch genocide. We’ve presented these demands to the state through the media. Our stance has remained clear from the beginning – we seek negotiations with the state regarding these demands. Sadly, the world witnesses the continuous irresponsibility and stubbornness of the state, where peaceful protestors endure torture and arrests, and media trials are conducted against this peaceful movement. Today, the Prime Minister of Pakistan declared victims of enforced disappearances as terrorists, insulting victim families and addressing peaceful political activists in a threatening tone. However, we assert to this state and government that we will persist in informing the world about your oppression and barbarism.”