Category: National

Govt says its decision to not evacuate Pakistani nationals from China ‘not final’

evacuated from novel coronavirus-hit China for the fear of the epidemic spreading across Pakistan, the Senate was informed that the decision was not final. “If the situation changes, we will evacuate the Pakistani students on its basis,” said leader of the House in the Senate Shibli Faraz.

National emergency declared against swarms of desert locust

The government has finally declared national emergency to eliminate attacking swarms of desert locust which have destroyed crops in Sindh and are headed towards Punjab. The four provinces also approved a national action plan (NAP) that requires Rs7.3 billion to overcome the crisis. The PM directed the authorities concerned to make immediate measures on basis of damage of ripened crops.

Afghan man carrying fake documents detained at Islamabad airport

An Afghan citizen carrying fake documents was detained at the Islamabad airport Thursday morning. He was travelling to Canada, according to the PIA vigilance team. He had boarded the flight PK-781 to Toronto. He was offloaded after the vigilance team couldn’t verify his Canadian residence card. The man has been handed over to the FIA.

JUI-F to resume anti-govt campaign from March 19

The Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl has geared up its preparations to resume its campaign against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government from Lahore on March 19. JUI-F’s central secretary general Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri  announced and said that PTI had no justification to stay further in power. The JUI-F will organise the provincial workers’ convention in all four provinces and after it, a national-level ‘Constitution of Pakistan Conference’ would be held in Lahore on March 19. 

Punjab govt gives Nawaz three days to provide fresh medical reports

The Punjab government has given former premier Nawaz Sharif three days to submit the required medical reports for seeking an extension of bail. In a letter addressed to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, provincial home department said that a medical board had found reports submitted by Khawaja Haris on December 23 to be insufficient to form a conclusive opinion.

Child rapist caught in Punjab extradited to UK

A child rapist caught in Pakistan has been extradited back to the UK to serve a 19-year sentence. Choudhry Ikhalaq Hussain, 42, is among a gang in the UK’s Rochdale who were prosecuted for abusing a teenager. He was given judge’s permission in 2015 to attend a family member’s funeral and used this as an excuse to flee to Pakistan. 

Man moves court to remove ban on digital currency

A man has filed a case in the Sindh High Court asking for the removal of the ban on digital currency in Pakistan. The petitioner has said that cryptocurrency will bring in more investment into the country. The State Bank of Pakistan, in its reply, has said that many people in the country aren’t educated because of which digital currency can be used to scam them. The trade of cryptocurrency may lead to money laundering. 

Pakistan and China to get 5 sister cities under new agreement

In a bid to boost local infrastructure, the Punjab government has decided to initiate the “Five Sister Cities” project with China. The Local Development Department, in collaboration with Punjab Authorities, has prepared a letter of intent which proposes the creation of five sister cities under the Year of Friendship Sister Cities 2019 to promote friendly relations between the two countries.

Four Pakistani students in China tested positive for the coronavirus

Four Pakistani students in China tested positive for the coronavirus, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza revealed on Wednesday. On Prime Minister Imran Khan’s behalf, Mirza assured the children’s families of the government’s support. He said that they will take on the responsibility of these children and all Pakistanis in China.

Pakistani aviation industry to welcome another new airline soon

A new entrant to the Pakistani aviation industry, K2 Airways, is all set to commence its operations later this year. Based in Karachi, the new airline will serve destinations across the country including Chitral, Skardu, and Islamabad with expansion plans likely to follow later as the company also aims to fly to international destinations soon.