Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday directed the central bank to provide Rs 21 billion for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces after the government failed to provide funds for the polls.

The issue of the election has taken centre stage in Pakistani politics as former prime minister Imran Khan has been pushing for timely elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The apex court on April 4 ordered the federal government to provide Rs 21 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by Monday to enable it to organise polls in

Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, previously ruled by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. 
Instead, the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, introduced a bill titled ?Charged Sum for General Election (Provincial Assemblies of Punjab &amp; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Bill 2023? in Parliament on Monday to authorise the release of the required funds for the ECP to hold elections.

The bill, sent to the House Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue for discussions by the National Assembly Speaker, was rejected on Thursday.

The apex court took up the case of failure of the government to arrange necessary funds despite the court verdict of April 4 to provide money to the Election Commission of Pakistan by April 10.

A three-member panel led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the case where State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Deputy Governor Sima Kamil and other officials including Attorney General Mansoor Awan were present.

After the hearing, the chief justice ordered the SBP to release Rs 21 billion and send an ?appropriate communication? to this effect to the finance ministry by April 17.The court had already ordered elections in Punjab on May 14 but the ECP had been hamstrung due to the non-availability of money to carry out the exercise.

The government has been using the pretext of a deteriorating economic situation to avoid the release of funds.

However, the top court is adamant that elections are held on time. Separately, the court is also hearing petitions on the failure of the federal government to implement the order to provide Rs 21 billion by April 10.

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Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday directed the central bank to provide Rs 21 billion for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces after the government failed to provide funds for the polls.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday directed the central bank to provide Rs 21 billion for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces after the government failed to provide funds for the polls. The issue of the election has taken centre stage in Pakistani politics as former prime minister Imran Khan has been pushing for timely elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The apex court on April 4 ordered the federal government to provide Rs 21 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by Monday to enable it to organise polls in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, previously ruled by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Instead, the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, introduced a bill titled ?Charged Sum for General Election (Provincial Assemblies of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Bill 2023? in Parliament on Monday to authorise the release of the required funds for the ECP to hold elections. The bill, sent to the House Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue for discussions by the National Assembly Speaker, was rejected on Thursday. The apex court took up the case of failure of the government to arrange necessary funds despite the court verdict of April 4 to provide money to the Election Commission of Pakistan by April 10. A three-member panel led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the case where State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Deputy Governor Sima Kamil and other officials including Attorney General Mansoor Awan were present. After the hearing, the chief justice ordered the SBP to release Rs 21 billion and send an ?appropriate communication? to this effect to the finance ministry by April 17.The court had already ordered elections in Punjab on May 14 but the ECP had been hamstrung due to the non-availability of money to carry out the exercise. The government has been using the pretext of a deteriorating economic situation to avoid the release of funds. However, the top court is adamant that elections are held on time. Separately, the court is also hearing petitions on the failure of the federal government to implement the order to provide Rs 21 billion by April 10. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan SC orders central bank to provide funds for elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Suspected militants attacked a police station in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat district early Sunday, killing four police personnel and critically injuring four others, Associated Press reported citing the police.&nbsp;Nawaz Khan, an officer of the targeted police station said the attackers used grenades and automatic weapons on the station before fleeing the scene overnight. Khan said police personnel on duty retaliated and called for reinforcement before the attackers fled the scene. Police are searching for the attackers, the officer added.&nbsp;

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The deceased personnel were identified as Head Constable Ibrahim, Imran, Khairul Rehman, and Sabz Ali, according to a report by the Business Recorder. Their funeral prayers were held at the Lakki police line on Sunday.&nbsp;

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack till now. However, past attacks on police personnel in the Lakki Marwat district were claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is also known as the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;

Sunday's attack comes after the TTP in November ambushed a routine police patrol in the district's Dadewala area, killing all six police personnel.&nbsp;

Also in November, a suicide bomber blew himself up near a truck carrying police personnel on their way to protect polio workers near Quetta. A police officer and three family members travelling in a car nearby were killed while 23 others were injured, the Associated Press reported.&nbsp; 
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Suspected militants attacked a police station in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat district early Sunday, killing four police personnel and critically injuring four others, Associated Press reported citing the police.

Suspected militants attacked a police station in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat district early Sunday, killing four police personnel and critically injuring four others, Associated Press reported citing the police. Nawaz Khan, an officer of the targeted police station said the attackers used grenades and automatic weapons on the station before fleeing the scene overnight. Khan said police personnel on duty retaliated and called for reinforcement before the attackers fled the scene. Police are searching for the attackers, the officer added. ALSO READ | Pakistan summons senior Afghan diplomat over repeated cross-border clashes The deceased personnel were identified as Head Constable Ibrahim, Imran, Khairul Rehman, and Sabz Ali, according to a report by the Business Recorder. Their funeral prayers were held at the Lakki police line on Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack till now. However, past attacks on police personnel in the Lakki Marwat district were claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is also known as the Pakistani Taliban. Sunday's attack comes after the TTP in November ambushed a routine police patrol in the district's Dadewala area, killing all six police personnel. Also in November, a suicide bomber blew himself up near a truck carrying police personnel on their way to protect polio workers near Quetta. A police officer and three family members travelling in a car nearby were killed while 23 others were injured, the Associated Press reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Four cops killed after attack on police station in Lakki Marwat district

Currently in London, UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met his brother and&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League-N supremo, Nawaz Sharif. At the meeting, the duo agreed on holding the next general elections in the country at a stipulated time.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, the brothers, whilst talking about the next general elections, also agreed that the current coalition government will complete its constitutional term.&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM talking about the elections comes in the backdrop of former PM Imran Khan putting incessant pressure on the ruling government to hold the voting.

As reported by WION, in a public rally in&nbsp;Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's (K-P) Charsadda district last week, Imran&nbsp;called Sharif's government, an 'imported government' and urged it to allow the 'change' to come through votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you stop this ‘peaceful revolution’ then as World Bank has predicted the game [situation] would get out of everyone’s hand. Let the change come through vote,” said Imran.&nbsp;

“No matter what you do you cannot win this match you have already lost this match...economy is sinking fast and the world is not willing to give them [government] financial aid for flood victims.” he further added.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-cant-stop-this-revolution-imran-khan-challenges-shehbaz-sharifs-imported-government-517296">'You can't stop this revolution', Imran Khan challenges Shehbaz Sharif's 'imported' government</a>

The&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief has repeatedly accused Sharif is delaying the elections so that he can appoint a 'patriotic'&nbsp;army chief that toes his line.&nbsp;

However, on Saturday,&nbsp;Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif informed the media that PM Sharif will be appointing the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) come November.&nbsp;

“Former premier Nawaz Sharif has fulfilled this political responsibility four times and Shehbaz will do the same in November,” Khwaja told the reporters.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-to-appoint-next-army-chief-in-november-says-defence-minister-asif-517303">Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif</a>

The minister also trained his guns on Imran Khan by adding,&nbsp;“He just wants to make the Army Chief’s appointment controversial. Politics is separate but institutions should not be made controversial.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Currently in London, UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-N supremo, Nawaz Sharif.

Currently in London, UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-N supremo, Nawaz Sharif. At the meeting, the duo agreed on holding the next general elections in the country at a stipulated time. According to local media reports, the brothers, whilst talking about the next general elections, also agreed that the current coalition government will complete its constitutional term. The Pakistan PM talking about the elections comes in the backdrop of former PM Imran Khan putting incessant pressure on the ruling government to hold the voting. As reported by WION, in a public rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's (K-P) Charsadda district last week, Imran called Sharif's government, an 'imported government' and urged it to allow the 'change' to come through votes. “If you stop this ‘peaceful revolution’ then as World Bank has predicted the game [situation] would get out of everyone’s hand. Let the change come through vote,” said Imran. “No matter what you do you cannot win this match you have already lost this match...economy is sinking fast and the world is not willing to give them [government] financial aid for flood victims.” he further added. Read more: 'You can't stop this revolution', Imran Khan challenges Shehbaz Sharif's 'imported' government The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief has repeatedly accused Sharif is delaying the elections so that he can appoint a 'patriotic' army chief that toes his line. However, on Saturday, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif informed the media that PM Sharif will be appointing the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) come November. “Former premier Nawaz Sharif has fulfilled this political responsibility four times and Shehbaz will do the same in November,” Khwaja told the reporters. Read more: Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif The minister also trained his guns on Imran Khan by adding, “He just wants to make the Army Chief’s appointment controversial. Politics is separate but institutions should not be made controversial.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif agrees to hold general elections: Sources

The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday.

The announcements come as the country continues to witness a tremendous surge in the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases despite the measures being taken by the government, the Express Tribune reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tightens-borders-as-covid-19-cases-soar-382597">Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar</a>

"The public transport, tourist destinations, parks, business and shopping malls and markets will remain closed during the eight-day lockdown," Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said.

She said to ensure complete lockdown police, Rangers, and Army personnel will be deployed in the province in line with the decision of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to restrict the movement of people during the Eid holidays.

Rashid said that pharmacies, medical stores, coronavirus vaccination centres, petrol pumps, food takeaways, small grocery stores, dairy, vegetable and fruit shops and meat shops will remain open during the lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hospitals-in-lahore-almost-out-of-oxygen-supply-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-377292">Hospitals in Lahore almost out of oxygen supply amid rising COVID-19 cases</a>

Notices regarding the lockdowns were also issued by the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and PoK. 
Planning Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, had said recently that stricter precautionary measures along with an expanded vaccination drive have had a positive impact.

The pandemic first emerged in the country in February last year. It started ebbing in July after seeing its peak in June, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pakistanis-forced-to-opt-for-expensive-jabs-from-private-markets-amid-slow-govt-vaccination-drive-377310">COVID-19: Pakistanis forced to opt for expensive jabs from private markets amid slow govt vaccination drive</a>

However, the cases spiked towards the end of the year, dubbed by the experts as the second wave.

The third wave of the disease started in March, the report added.

So far over 18,537 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> since the beginning of the pandemic last year while the number of active Covid-19 cases is 845,833 as of May 5, media reports said.

The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday.

The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday. The announcements come as the country continues to witness a tremendous surge in the number of coronavirus cases despite the measures being taken by the government, the Express Tribune reported. Also read | Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar "The public transport, tourist destinations, parks, business and shopping malls and markets will remain closed during the eight-day lockdown," Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said. She said to ensure complete lockdown police, Rangers, and Army personnel will be deployed in the province in line with the decision of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to restrict the movement of people during the Eid holidays. Rashid said that pharmacies, medical stores, coronavirus vaccination centres, petrol pumps, food takeaways, small grocery stores, dairy, vegetable and fruit shops and meat shops will remain open during the lockdown. Also read | Hospitals in Lahore almost out of oxygen supply amid rising COVID-19 cases Notices regarding the lockdowns were also issued by the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and PoK. Planning Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, had said recently that stricter precautionary measures along with an expanded vaccination drive have had a positive impact. The pandemic first emerged in the country in February last year. It started ebbing in July after seeing its peak in June, the report said. Also read | COVID-19: Pakistanis forced to opt for expensive jabs from private markets amid slow govt vaccination drive However, the cases spiked towards the end of the year, dubbed by the experts as the second wave. The third wave of the disease started in March, the report added. So far over 18,537 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Pakistan since the beginning of the pandemic last year while the number of active Covid-19 cases is 845,833 as of May 5, media reports said.

COVID-19: Several regions in Pakistan announce complete lockdown during Eid holidays

In a regressive step, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made it mandatory for female students of government-run schools to cover themselves up in the province's educational institutions.

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to make it mandatory for female students of government-run schools to cover themselves up in the province's educational institutions, Adviser to Chief Minister on Elementary and Secondary Education Ziaullah Bangash was quoted as saying by Dawn on Monday.

Bangash claimed the decision is "in line with tribal values and the traditions of Islam."

"We have to take decisions which are in the best interest of our culture, people and the province. If such a measure can convince the parents to send their girls to schools, why not go ahead with it?" he said.

This decision was enforced in Peshawar where the heads of all government girls middle, high and higher secondary schools in the district have been directed by the authorities to instruct their students to cover themselves up with a gown, abaya or chador "in order to protect them from any unethical incident".

The decision has been criticised by Former KP education minister and Awami National Party MPA Sardar Hussain Babak who said it will have a negative impact on education trends. 
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In a regressive step, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made it mandatory for female students of government-run schools to cover themselves up in the province's educational institutions.

In a regressive step, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made it mandatory for female students of government-run schools to cover themselves up in the province's educational institutions. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to make it mandatory for female students of government-run schools to cover themselves up in the province's educational institutions, Adviser to Chief Minister on Elementary and Secondary Education Ziaullah Bangash was quoted as saying by Dawn on Monday. Bangash claimed the decision is "in line with tribal values and the traditions of Islam." "We have to take decisions which are in the best interest of our culture, people and the province. If such a measure can convince the parents to send their girls to schools, why not go ahead with it?" he said. This decision was enforced in Peshawar where the heads of all government girls middle, high and higher secondary schools in the district have been directed by the authorities to instruct their students to cover themselves up with a gown, abaya or chador "in order to protect them from any unethical incident". The decision has been criticised by Former KP education minister and Awami National Party MPA Sardar Hussain Babak who said it will have a negative impact on education trends.

Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government makes it mandatory for female students to 'cover-up'

Over 900 more people have been affected by dengue fever in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which is in the grips of the mosquito-borne disease outbreak.

Most cases of the illness also referred to as 'break-bone fever' were reported in Peshawar, while two more patients were diagnosed in Lahore and at least 32 cases were reported from the provincial capital, Dunya News reported on Saturday.

The deadly fever has affected 80 people in Rawalpindi, 12 in Faisalabad, 8 in Bahawalpur and Attock, six in Lodhran and five persons in Sargodha.

Several dengue cases have also been reported in Gujranwala, Muzaffargarh, and Gujrat of the country.

Moreover, data suggest that close to 2,286 people tested positive for dengue fever in Punjab while close to 59,739 people are in the grip of the deadly fever, which has claimed the lives of three people so far.

Over 900 more people have been affected by dengue fever in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which is in the grips of the mosquito-borne disease outbreak.

Over 900 more people have been affected by dengue fever in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which is in the grips of the mosquito-borne disease outbreak. Most cases of the illness also referred to as 'break-bone fever' were reported in Peshawar, while two more patients were diagnosed in Lahore and at least 32 cases were reported from the provincial capital, Dunya News reported on Saturday. The deadly fever has affected 80 people in Rawalpindi, 12 in Faisalabad, 8 in Bahawalpur and Attock, six in Lodhran and five persons in Sargodha. Several dengue cases have also been reported in Gujranwala, Muzaffargarh, and Gujrat of the country. Moreover, data suggest that close to 2,286 people tested positive for dengue fever in Punjab while close to 59,739 people are in the grip of the deadly fever, which has claimed the lives of three people so far.

Pakistan: Dengue affects 900 more people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Scores of leaders and workers of the Pashtoon Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) have been arrested by the Sindh police under anti-terrorism laws after they organised a rally on the outskirts of this city of Pakistan, officials said Tuesday.

According to senior police officials, the PTM leaders and workers were booked for resorting to "undesirable language against state institutions" at the rally held at Sohrab Goth here.

An FIR was registered by the state through Sohrab Goth Station House Officer Rao Zakir, they said.

The PTM is a social movement for Pashtun human rights based in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan.

"The workers of the PTM under directions of Manzoor Pashteen organised a rally at a ground and when the complainant SHO rushed to the scene and asked the PTM president of the area, Naurazay Tareen, to show relevant permission documents, he became jittery and created hindrance in official work and chanted slogans against state institutions and police," reads the contents of the FIR.

Police alleged that the organisers did not listen to the SHO and spread provocation, "creating an atmosphere of serious fear and chaos".

Police invoked various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7-ATA (Anti-Terrorism Act) against 250-300 persons, including 16 identified by name.

Earlier, North Waziristan MNA Mohsin Dawar, who is a top leader of the PTM, in a tweet claimed the arrest and subsequent disappearance of Alamzeb Mehsud, described as an active member of the PTM and a campaigner for missing persons.

The lawmaker said the young man's arrest was the latest in a series of incidents involving Sindh police and security agencies harassing PTM workers and activists following the party's successful rally in Karachi on Sunday.

Dawar demanded the immediate release of Mehsud and other PTM workers.

The regional chapter of Amnesty International also expressed concern over the disappearance of the PTM activist.&nbsp;

"We are concerned about reports of the disappearance of PTM activist Alamzeb Mehsud. His whereabouts must be disclosed immediately. Either produce him in court or release him without delay," read a statement issued by the human rights watchdog.

Scores of leaders and workers of the Pashtoon Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) have been arrested by the Sindh police under anti-terrorism laws after they organised a rally on the outskirts of this city of Pakistan, officials said Tuesday.

Scores of leaders and workers of the Pashtoon Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) have been arrested by the Sindh police under anti-terrorism laws after they organised a rally on the outskirts of this city of Pakistan, officials said Tuesday. According to senior police officials, the PTM leaders and workers were booked for resorting to "undesirable language against state institutions" at the rally held at Sohrab Goth here. An FIR was registered by the state through Sohrab Goth Station House Officer Rao Zakir, they said. The PTM is a social movement for Pashtun human rights based in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan. "The workers of the PTM under directions of Manzoor Pashteen organised a rally at a ground and when the complainant SHO rushed to the scene and asked the PTM president of the area, Naurazay Tareen, to show relevant permission documents, he became jittery and created hindrance in official work and chanted slogans against state institutions and police," reads the contents of the FIR. Police alleged that the organisers did not listen to the SHO and spread provocation, "creating an atmosphere of serious fear and chaos". Police invoked various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7-ATA (Anti-Terrorism Act) against 250-300 persons, including 16 identified by name. Earlier, North Waziristan MNA Mohsin Dawar, who is a top leader of the PTM, in a tweet claimed the arrest and subsequent disappearance of Alamzeb Mehsud, described as an active member of the PTM and a campaigner for missing persons. The lawmaker said the young man's arrest was the latest in a series of incidents involving Sindh police and security agencies harassing PTM workers and activists following the party's successful rally in Karachi on Sunday. Dawar demanded the immediate release of Mehsud and other PTM workers. The regional chapter of Amnesty International also expressed concern over the disappearance of the PTM activist. "We are concerned about reports of the disappearance of PTM activist Alamzeb Mehsud. His whereabouts must be disclosed immediately. Either produce him in court or release him without delay," read a statement issued by the human rights watchdog.

Pakistan: Scores held under anti-terrorism laws after PTM rally in Karachi