In 2024, a total of 270 terrorists were killed by security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This included some high-profile militants with bounties on their heads, according to a report from the Provincial Police Department. The security forces arrested 802 suspects during anti-terror operations. In cases related to terrorism, the conviction rate also increased significantly from 13.3% last year to 38% in 2024. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Terror Crackdown: High Profile Terror Groups Targetted In Various Ops In 2024

Pakistani women hope their life will change once they learns how to drive a motorcycle after undergoing a training program that teaches women how to operate two-wheelers in the bustling eastern city of Lahore.

Pakistan: Women On Wheels | Driving School Programme Empowering Women

In Pakistan, schools have been closed in the main cities of Punjab province, including the capital Lahore, until November 17 in a bid to lower children's exposure to pollution, especially during the morning commute when it is often at its highest. This comes as the UN Children's Agency warned that the health of 11 million children in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province is in danger due to air pollution, which experts say has become a fifth season in recent years. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan's Record Smog Triggers Anguish & Anxiety

Pakistan's pollution crisis is worsening by the hour. So much so that toxic smog blanketing skies is now visible from space. Satellite imagery from NASA's worldview shows a vast, grey smog cloud stretching over Pakistan's Punjab province. According to health officials, 40,000 have sought treatment for respiratory issues. Moreover, UN has said the pollution crisis has its devastating impact on children and pregnant women. Watch this video to find out more.

Nasa Satellite Captures Toxic Smog Blanket Over Lahore, UN Says Worst Effects On Children

Pakistan: Lahore's Record Smog Triggers Anxiety and Anguish

Authorities in the Pakistani province of Punjab have ordered educational institutions in several areas to close until November 17, and they have further shifted to online teaching to protect children and curb pollution....

Pak Air Pollution: Schools Shut, Barbecue Restaurants Curbed

<p>Pakistan’s Lahore city recorded unprecedented levels of air pollution on Saturday (Nov 2), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 1,900. This is the highest-ever pollution recorded near the India-Pakistan border.</p>

<p>The data was released by both the provincial government and the Swiss group IQAir. Lahore, which is Pakistan’s second-largest city, topped IQAir’s real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday (Nov 3).&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Swiss air quality rating agency IQAir, the AQI in Lahore surged to 1,067 around 9:30 am, which hit 1,900 later in the day.</p>

<p>The Lahore administration took several measures in response to pollution crises. Primary schools in several cities, including Lahore have been closed for a week and parents are advised to ask their kids to wear masks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-at-seasons-worst-as-aqi-drops-to-severe-post-diwali-773061">Delhi air at season's worst as AQI drops to 'severe' post-Diwali</a></strong></p>

<p>Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb said half of all office employees would be forced to work from home in a bid to reduce vehicle pollution.</p>

<p>Hospitals across Lahore have also been equipped with special smog counters and asked to be prepared for any further emergencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Lahore Grapples With Severe Air Pollution as AQI Spikes To 'Record' 1067</strong></p>

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<p>The government also imposed a ban on three-wheelers, and rickshaws putting a temporary halt on construction activities. Factories and construction sites that do not comply with these new regulations risk being shut down. However, this was not enough for the Pakistan administration it seems; hence they started putting blame on India for rising pollution.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan blames India for rising pollution in the country</strong></h2>

<p>In a strange move, Senior Minister of Punjab Aurangzeb blamed the winds-carrying pollutants from neighbouring India, leading to an “unexpected” air pollution situation in Pakistan.</p>

<p>She said, "This cannot be solved without talks with India," adding that the provincial government plans to initiate talks through Pakistan's foreign ministry.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-democrat-lawmakers-urge-biden-to-leverage-pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khans-release-from-prison-770256">Over 60 Democrat lawmakers urge Biden to secure Pakistan ex-pm Imran Khan's release from prison</a></strong></p>

<p>Lahore's air pollution crisis is similar to that of India's capital city Delhi, which worsens during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution near the ground.</p>

<p>Aurangzeb specifically blamed polluted wind from the Indian cities of Amritsar and Chandigarh for worsening Lahore’s air quality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stressing the need for dialogue with India, she said, "We cannot stop or redirect the Indian air; the only solution is dialogue.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan’s Lahore city recorded unprecedented levels of air pollution on Saturday (Nov 2), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 1,900. This is the highest-ever pollution recorded near the India-Pakistan border.

Pakistan’s Lahore city recorded unprecedented levels of air pollution on Saturday (Nov 2), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 1,900. This is the highest-ever pollution recorded near the India-Pakistan border. The data was released by both the provincial government and the Swiss group IQAir. Lahore, which is Pakistan’s second-largest city, topped IQAir’s real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday (Nov 3). According to Swiss air quality rating agency IQAir, the AQI in Lahore surged to 1,067 around 9:30 am, which hit 1,900 later in the day. The Lahore administration took several measures in response to pollution crises. Primary schools in several cities, including Lahore have been closed for a week and parents are advised to ask their kids to wear masks. Also Read | Delhi air at season's worst as AQI drops to 'severe' post-Diwali Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb said half of all office employees would be forced to work from home in a bid to reduce vehicle pollution. Hospitals across Lahore have also been equipped with special smog counters and asked to be prepared for any further emergencies. Watch | Pakistan: Lahore Grapples With Severe Air Pollution as AQI Spikes To 'Record' 1067 × The government also imposed a ban on three-wheelers, and rickshaws putting a temporary halt on construction activities. Factories and construction sites that do not comply with these new regulations risk being shut down. However, this was not enough for the Pakistan administration it seems; hence they started putting blame on India for rising pollution. Pakistan blames India for rising pollution in the country In a strange move, Senior Minister of Punjab Aurangzeb blamed the winds-carrying pollutants from neighbouring India, leading to an “unexpected” air pollution situation in Pakistan. She said, "This cannot be solved without talks with India," adding that the provincial government plans to initiate talks through Pakistan's foreign ministry. Also Read | Over 60 Democrat lawmakers urge Biden to secure Pakistan ex-pm Imran Khan's release from prison Lahore's air pollution crisis is similar to that of India's capital city Delhi, which worsens during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution near the ground. Aurangzeb specifically blamed polluted wind from the Indian cities of Amritsar and Chandigarh for worsening Lahore’s air quality. Stressing the need for dialogue with India, she said, "We cannot stop or redirect the Indian air; the only solution is dialogue.” (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan blames India for rising air pollution in country as Lahore's AQI hit 1900

Air pollution in Pakistan's second biggest city Lahore has worsened with an official calling it a record high for the smoke choked city. Watch this report to know more.

Pakistan: 14 Million People Enveloped By Smog

Pakistan has reached out to neighbor India for climate diplomacy in a move to combat smog that leads to severe air pollution during the winter months. This comes ahead of India's foreign minister Dr S Jai Shankar's visit to Pakistan in the coming week to attend the Shanghai cooperation organization Summit.

New Delhi And Lahore Among Most Polluted Cities In The World

Amid police raids, arrests of party leaders and workers, and impositions of stringent conditions, the PTI staged a sizeable public rally at the Cattle Market Kahna on the outskirts of Lahore. The PTI power show was permitted after a deadlock between the party and the Punjab government ended late last night; the former was permitted to hold the rally, subject to compliance with 43 conditions.

Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf's (PTI) power show concludes in Lahore

The Lahore administration on Friday permitted Imran Khan's PTI to hold its rally in the provincial capital tomorrow from 3-6 pm at Ring Road’s Kahna area, subject to compliance with 43 conditions.

Pakistan: Lahore Administration Permits Imran Khan's PTI to Hold Rally at Ring Road

Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI gets go-ahead to hold rally from Lahore administration

Pakistan's second-largest city of Lahore is facing record-breaking rainfall, with hospitals flooded, power interrupted and streets in the metropolis submerged. One person has been killed by electrocution as a result of Thursday's cloudburst.

Pakistan: One killed by electrocution amidst heavy rains in Lahore

A record amount of rain fell on Pakistan's second city of Lahore on Thursday, flooding houses and hospitals. Some areas of the city, which is close to the border with neighboring India, saw 353 millimetres (14 inches) in a matter of hours, the water and sanitation agency said.

Heavy rains inundate Pakistan's Lahore, emergency services on high alert

<p>The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC. The latest reports suggest that this high-voltage game will be among the last league games in the 15-match competition that will run from&nbsp;February 19 to March 19.</p>

<p>Hours after India and Pakistan faced off in a low-scoring thriller at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup, their next match’s schedule started making headlines. With the eight-team tournament almost eight months away, fans from both countries remain eager for yet another blockbuster tie.</p>

<p>Per Cricbuzz, India's participation remains subject to approval from the Indian government to allow the team to travel to Pakistan for the first time in around 15 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-india-floor-arch-rivals-pakistan-in-low-scoring-thriller-730354">T20 World Cup: Bumrah's heroics help India floor arch-rivals Pakistan in low-scoring thriller</a></strong></p>

<p>Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, the BCCI denied sending its team across the border, proposing a hybrid model instead. Later, Sri Lanka and Pakistan co-hosted the six-team tournament, with India playing all its games in Sri Lanka, including the final. Though UAE also emerged as the second option for&nbsp;Asia Cup, harsh weather conditions during those months saw it getting ruled out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite BCCI’s stance of not sending the Indian Team to Pakistan for any series or a tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been&nbsp;told to begin with the preparations. As things stand, neither the ICC nor the hosting board PCB are considering a hybrid model, with all eyes now on the Indian Cricket Board and the ruling government to take the&nbsp;final call.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, of&nbsp;the three venues, Lahore will host seven matches, including all India matches, while Rawalpindi will host five and Karachi only three. If India qualifies for the semis, it will play its semi-final match at the Gaddafi Stadium.</p>

<h2>India beats Pakistan in New York</h2>

<p>The Men in Blue were victorious in their latest T20 WC game against Pakistan in New York, beating them by six runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India batted first and scored 119 runs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a gritty 42, while seamers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah returned with three wickets each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a modest total, Pakistan lost their captain, Babar Azam, inside the Powerplay. Although they were placed well during the ten-over stage, the Indians made a stunning comeback, restricting Pakistan within the asked target.</p>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India, picking three wickets for just 14 runs.</p>

<p>While India sits in the top two with four points, Pakistan tumbled to the fourth position with no wins in two matches played thus far.&nbsp;</p>


The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC. The latest reports suggest that this high-voltage game will be among the last league games in the 15-match competition that will run from February 19 to March 19. Hours after India and Pakistan faced off in a low-scoring thriller at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup, their next match’s schedule started making headlines. With the eight-team tournament almost eight months away, fans from both countries remain eager for yet another blockbuster tie. Per Cricbuzz, India's participation remains subject to approval from the Indian government to allow the team to travel to Pakistan for the first time in around 15 years. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Bumrah's heroics help India floor arch-rivals Pakistan in low-scoring thriller Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, the BCCI denied sending its team across the border, proposing a hybrid model instead. Later, Sri Lanka and Pakistan co-hosted the six-team tournament, with India playing all its games in Sri Lanka, including the final. Though UAE also emerged as the second option for Asia Cup, harsh weather conditions during those months saw it getting ruled out. Despite BCCI’s stance of not sending the Indian Team to Pakistan for any series or a tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been told to begin with the preparations. As things stand, neither the ICC nor the hosting board PCB are considering a hybrid model, with all eyes now on the Indian Cricket Board and the ruling government to take the final call. Meanwhile, of the three venues, Lahore will host seven matches, including all India matches, while Rawalpindi will host five and Karachi only three. If India qualifies for the semis, it will play its semi-final match at the Gaddafi Stadium. India beats Pakistan in New York The Men in Blue were victorious in their latest T20 WC game against Pakistan in New York, beating them by six runs. India batted first and scored 119 runs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a gritty 42, while seamers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah returned with three wickets each. Chasing a modest total, Pakistan lost their captain, Babar Azam, inside the Powerplay. Although they were placed well during the ten-over stage, the Indians made a stunning comeback, restricting Pakistan within the asked target. Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India, picking three wickets for just 14 runs. While India sits in the top two with four points, Pakistan tumbled to the fourth position with no wins in two matches played thus far.

Champions Trophy 2025: Lahore to host India-Pak game and final, Karachi gets opener in proposed schedule

In Pakistan, Lawyers clashed with police outside Lahore High Court. The clashes began at around noon when police tried to stop lawyers from entering the court premises. Police have detained about a dozen lawyers and at least 10 policemen were injured in the clashes.

Pakistan: Protest against division of courts, lawyers & police clash in Lahore

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<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, in the initial draft shared with the ICC for hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament, scheduled for the mid-February-March window next year, will see the return of an ICC tournament to Pakistan after a gap of nearly 30 years.</p>

<p>The Men in Green are defending champions, having last won against arch-rivals India in 2017. Although the ICC had then decided to scrap this tournament, they brought it back in 2022, including it in the new rights cycle (2023-27), with Pakistan getting the hosting rights.</p>

<p>The 2025 Champions Trophy will be an eight-team tournament played across two weeks, the exact dates of which&nbsp;are not revealed&nbsp;yet. The hosts - the PCB, had finalised the venues and the schedule following the ICC&nbsp;team’s&nbsp;visit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-boss-defends-players-military-training-after-injuries-denied-pakistan-series-win-over-nz-716001">PCB boss defends players’ military training after injuries denied Pakistan series win over NZ</a></strong></p>

<p>"We've&nbsp;sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy,"&nbsp;PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said during a presser in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;ICC's&nbsp;security team came, and we had&nbsp;a very good&nbsp;meeting. They looked at arrangements here, and&nbsp;we'll&nbsp;also share stadium upgrade plans with them.&nbsp;We're&nbsp; continuously&nbsp;in touch with the ICC. We are trying to ensure we host&nbsp;a&nbsp;very&nbsp;good&nbsp;tournament in Pakistan,”&nbsp;Naqvi continued.</p>

<p>Although India has remained firm on not travelling to Pakistan for the marquee event, the latest draft submitted to the ICC has&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;games scheduled in Pakistan. However, as per the process, after the draft is submitted, it goes through various changes, after which it is shared with the broadcaster and the remaining participating boards before the final schedule&nbsp;is announced.</p>

<h2>India’s&nbsp;stance a worry for Pakistan</h2>

<p>Owing&nbsp;to frosty relationships between&nbsp;both&nbsp;governments across borders, India has not toured Pakistan since last visiting them during the 2008 Asia Cup.&nbsp;However, both teams only play each other during Asia Cup&nbsp;and ICC-related tournaments, with the Indian government barring bilateral ties between both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup,&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;call&nbsp;to not visit the country&nbsp;forced them to go ahead with the hybrid model, with Sri Lanka joining in as the co-host.</p>

<p>However, given the tight&nbsp;scheduling,&nbsp;involving multiple franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, the ICC&nbsp;will have to&nbsp;find the right window to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.</p>


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, in the initial draft shared with the ICC for hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, in the initial draft shared with the ICC for hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament, scheduled for the mid-February-March window next year, will see the return of an ICC tournament to Pakistan after a gap of nearly 30 years. The Men in Green are defending champions, having last won against arch-rivals India in 2017. Although the ICC had then decided to scrap this tournament, they brought it back in 2022, including it in the new rights cycle (2023-27), with Pakistan getting the hosting rights. The 2025 Champions Trophy will be an eight-team tournament played across two weeks, the exact dates of which are not revealed yet. The hosts - the PCB, had finalised the venues and the schedule following the ICC team’s visit. ALSO READ: PCB boss defends players’ military training after injuries denied Pakistan series win over NZ "We've sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said during a presser in Lahore. "The ICC's security team came, and we had a very good meeting. They looked at arrangements here, and we'll also share stadium upgrade plans with them. We're continuously in touch with the ICC. We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan,” Naqvi continued. Although India has remained firm on not travelling to Pakistan for the marquee event, the latest draft submitted to the ICC has India’s games scheduled in Pakistan. However, as per the process, after the draft is submitted, it goes through various changes, after which it is shared with the broadcaster and the remaining participating boards before the final schedule is announced. India’s stance a worry for Pakistan Owing to frosty relationships between both governments across borders, India has not toured Pakistan since last visiting them during the 2008 Asia Cup. However, both teams only play each other during Asia Cup and ICC-related tournaments, with the Indian government barring bilateral ties between both countries. Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, India’s call to not visit the country forced them to go ahead with the hybrid model, with Sri Lanka joining in as the co-host. However, given the tight scheduling, involving multiple franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, the ICC will have to find the right window to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Lahore, Rawalpindi among three venues PCB proposes for 2025 Champions Trophy at home

The main accused in the murder of Indian prisoner in Pakistan - Sarabjit Singh, has been shot dead - Amir Sarfaraz Tamba. He was a close aide of the Lashkar-E-Taiba leader Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan: Sarabjit Singh's killer Amir Sarafaraz Tanba shot dead by unidentified men

Sarabjit Singh's killer Amir Sarfaraz Tamba killed in Lahore, was close aide of Hafiz Saeed

In Pakistan, a high drama unfolded between the military and police officials in the Punjab province. The incident has shocked the world which took place in Bahawalnagar which is 400 kms away from Lahore.

High drama unfolds in Pakistan's Punjab province, Pak Army storms police station in Bahawalnagar

Total twenty Pakistani judges have received threatening white-powder letters till now. Lahore police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have launched an investigation into the matter. Watch in for more details!

Antharax-coated letters to Pakistan Judges: Chief Justice Qazi Faez also recieves letter

<p>A student from Pakistan was sentenced to death by a Pakistani local court for allegedly sharing blasphemous messages over WhatsApp. The case was filed against the 22-year-old student back in 2022 by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Another student, 17-year-old, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the same case.</p>

<p>Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan and reports keep emerging sporadically from the nation of people accused of this crime being lynched, and killed by others, even before their cases are taken to trial.</p>

<p>The case against the students was filed in Lahore but was later transferred to a court in Gujranwala.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan rain and floods: More than 30 killed in heavy rain in Pakistan</strong></p>

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<p>Parents of the students have said they will appeal the ruling in a&nbsp;higher court. They claim they have been trapped in ‘false cases’.</p>

<h2><strong>The court ruling</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by BBC, judges stated that the 22-year-old student produced videos and images containing derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wives. The plaintiff alleged that he had received the offensive materials. Consequently, the younger student received a sentence for sharing them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiZ4rLuvOaEAxUYSmwGHVOXDNYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ4rLuvOaEAxUYSmwGHVOXDNYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China</a></strong></p>

<p>The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confirmed the presence of "obscene material" on the complainant's phone after examination.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous cases</strong></h2>

<p>In August of last year, over 80 Christian residences and 19 churches in Pakistan suffered vandalism following allegations against two Christian siblings for "desecrating" the Quran.</p>

<p>One of Pakistan's most notable cases involved Asia Bibi, a Christian woman embroiled in a decade-long blasphemy dispute. Eventually, her death sentence was overturned, leading to her departure from the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A student from Pakistan was sentenced to death by a Pakistani local court for allegedly sharing blasphemous messages over WhatsApp. The case was filed against the 22-year-old student back in 2022 by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

A student from Pakistan was sentenced to death by a Pakistani local court for allegedly sharing blasphemous messages over WhatsApp. The case was filed against the 22-year-old student back in 2022 by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Another student, 17-year-old, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the same case. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan and reports keep emerging sporadically from the nation of people accused of this crime being lynched, and killed by others, even before their cases are taken to trial. The case against the students was filed in Lahore but was later transferred to a court in Gujranwala. Watch: Pakistan rain and floods: More than 30 killed in heavy rain in Pakistan × Parents of the students have said they will appeal the ruling in a higher court. They claim they have been trapped in ‘false cases’. The court ruling According to a report by BBC, judges stated that the 22-year-old student produced videos and images containing derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wives. The plaintiff alleged that he had received the offensive materials. Consequently, the younger student received a sentence for sharing them. Also read: India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confirmed the presence of "obscene material" on the complainant's phone after examination. Previous cases In August of last year, over 80 Christian residences and 19 churches in Pakistan suffered vandalism following allegations against two Christian siblings for "desecrating" the Quran. One of Pakistan's most notable cases involved Asia Bibi, a Christian woman embroiled in a decade-long blasphemy dispute. Eventually, her death sentence was overturned, leading to her departure from the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Student given death sentence in Pakistan for ‘sharing blasphemous messages'

<p>A Pakistani woman in Lahore last weekend&nbsp;narrowly escaped death after an extremist mob misinterpreted the Arabic prints on her attire as verses from the holy Quran.&nbsp;The incident, captured in viral videos, unfolded when the woman and her husband were shopping, and a mob demanded she remove the shirt adorned with Arabic prints.</p>

<p>The police officer at the scene, identified as ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, is being praised online for her efforts to defuse the situation. Videos circulating online show Naqvi escorting the woman away from the agitated crowd.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Violent misunderstanding over Arabic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/calligraphy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#calligraphy</a> dress narrowly averted in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lahore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lahore</a> as ASP Shehrbano Naqvi intervenes, saving woman’s life. Dress bearing innocuous message ‘Halwa’ misconstrued as Quranic verses by enraged mob, highlighting need for education and tolerance. ” <a href="https://t.co/isV54GEUTZ">pic.twitter.com/isV54GEUTZ</a></p>
— Haشeem🇵🇰 (@hash_eem22) <a href="https://twitter.com/hash_eem22/status/1761878701581468055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Lahore just escaped a Horror story. This women would have been slaughtered in the name of religion had this ASP not rescued her on time. The charge on her was wearing an Arabic written verses outfit. We are just horrible," a user on X wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Praising the&nbsp;woman police officer's&nbsp;effort to diffuse the violent crowd, another netizen wrote: "Meet ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi – what an incredibly courageous woman. One particularly shared clip showed the woman seated in apparent distress inside a restaurant, surrounded by police and onlookers as the mob continued outside."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-four-men-sentenced-to-death-on-blasphemy-charges-details-inside-632779">Pakistan: Four men sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. Details inside</a></strong></p>

<p>Several other individuals defended the woman, asserting that the Arabic prints on her shirt were not Quranic verses but merely Arabic words. Supporters shared a picture of the same shirt from an Instagram page&nbsp;to add it was part of the "best Ramadan 2022 collection."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The clothes the girl wore in Lahore turned out to be a Saudi Arabian brand called "Shalik Riaz "<br />
<br />
It was an ignorant, uneducated crowd who had no knowledge of religion or the world 😡<br />
Shame 😭😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viralvideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viralvideo</a><br />
ASP Shehrbano Naqvi <a href="https://t.co/jmnaKdriVV">pic.twitter.com/jmnaKdriVV</a></p>
— حسن (@Raja33147) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raja33147/status/1762040596590399668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The woman later issued an apology and clarified&nbsp;that she had no intention of offending public values.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Punjab police recommends ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi's name for Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal</strong></p>

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<p>A Muslim cleric, present during the moment when the woman issued&nbsp;an apology, mansplained&nbsp;that she&nbsp;had committed not to wear the controversial attire again.</p>

<p>Pakistan has some of the strictest laws on the planet against blasphemy or acts&nbsp;of purported&nbsp;insult that show contempt against the god. The Pakistan Penal Code penalises blasphemy with&nbsp;punishment up to death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Pakistani woman in Lahore last weekend narrowly escaped death after an extremist mob misinterpreted the Arabic prints on her attire as verses from the holy Quran.

A Pakistani woman in Lahore last weekend narrowly escaped death after an extremist mob misinterpreted the Arabic prints on her attire as verses from the holy Quran. The incident, captured in viral videos, unfolded when the woman and her husband were shopping, and a mob demanded she remove the shirt adorned with Arabic prints. The police officer at the scene, identified as ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, is being praised online for her efforts to defuse the situation. Videos circulating online show Naqvi escorting the woman away from the agitated crowd. “Violent misunderstanding over Arabic #calligraphy dress narrowly averted in #Lahore as ASP Shehrbano Naqvi intervenes, saving woman’s life. Dress bearing innocuous message ‘Halwa’ misconstrued as Quranic verses by enraged mob, highlighting need for education and tolerance. ” pic.twitter.com/isV54GEUTZ — Haشeem🇵🇰 (@hash_eem22) February 25, 2024 × "Lahore just escaped a Horror story. This women would have been slaughtered in the name of religion had this ASP not rescued her on time. The charge on her was wearing an Arabic written verses outfit. We are just horrible," a user on X wrote. Praising the woman police officer's effort to diffuse the violent crowd, another netizen wrote: "Meet ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi – what an incredibly courageous woman. One particularly shared clip showed the woman seated in apparent distress inside a restaurant, surrounded by police and onlookers as the mob continued outside." Also read | Pakistan: Four men sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. Details inside Several other individuals defended the woman, asserting that the Arabic prints on her shirt were not Quranic verses but merely Arabic words. Supporters shared a picture of the same shirt from an Instagram page to add it was part of the "best Ramadan 2022 collection." The clothes the girl wore in Lahore turned out to be a Saudi Arabian brand called "Shalik Riaz " It was an ignorant, uneducated crowd who had no knowledge of religion or the world 😡 Shame 😭😭#viralvideo ASP Shehrbano Naqvi pic.twitter.com/jmnaKdriVV — حسن (@Raja33147) February 26, 2024 × The woman later issued an apology and clarified that she had no intention of offending public values. Also watch | Pakistan: Punjab police recommends ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi's name for Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal × A Muslim cleric, present during the moment when the woman issued an apology, mansplained that she had committed not to wear the controversial attire again. Pakistan has some of the strictest laws on the planet against blasphemy or acts of purported insult that show contempt against the god. The Pakistan Penal Code penalises blasphemy with punishment up to death. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan woman escapes mob lynching over 'controversial' attire after woman police officer intervenes

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers have been accepted by the Election Commission despite questions on his eligibility to contest the February 8 general elections in the wake of 'life-long disqualification' by the apex court.</p>

<p>"PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers for NA-130 (National Assembly seat from Lahore) have been accepted by the Election Commission," Sharif's lawyer Amjad Pervez told reporters on Tuesday.</p>

<p>He said no objections to 73-year-old Sharif's candidature have been raised.</p>

<p>"Nawaz Sharif will now contest both from Lahore and Mansahra city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he said.<br />
<br />
When asked whether Sharif was disqualified to contest polls for life time, Pervez said: "Sharif's disqualification has ended after his acquittal in corruption references against him."</p>

<p>All the leadership of the Sharif family -- Sharif, his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and nephew Hamza Shehbaz -- are mainly contesting from Lahore.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Pakistan's 'drug drones' infiltrate india</strong></p>

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<p>After his return to the country this October from London where he spent four years in self-exile on medical grounds, Sharif was acquitted in two major corruption cases — Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia Steel Mills — by the Islamabad High Court.</p>

<p>Barrister Zafarullah Khan said that Sharif can contest elections, citing an amendment to the Elections Act by the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government. That amendment to Section 232 of the Elections Act caps disqualifications at five years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-announces-his-candidacy-for-prime-ministership-674073">Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announces his candidacy for prime ministership, releases poll manifesto</a></strong></p>

<p>According to senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas, the amended law cannot benefit Sharif since the legislature did not amend Section 232 retrospectively. He said since the amendment entails penal consequences, it cannot deal with the matter in the past.</p>

<p>"The law that deals with punishment cannot be applied retrospectively unless the legislature categorically gives this effect. The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling says disqualification under Article 62(1f) of the Constitution is lifelong. This ruling directly impacts Nawaz Sharif, who was disqualified under this provision," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relief-for-imran-khans-party-peshawar-high-court-restores-ptis-bat-election-symbol-673753">Relief for Imran Khan’s party: Peshawar High Court restores PTI’s ‘bat’ election symbol</a></strong></p>

<p>Another senior lawyer Kashif Ali Malik said that the lifelong interpretation in the Elections Act cannot interpret, override or defeat constitutional provisions.</p>

<p>Sharif, the only Pakistani politician who became the prime minister of the coup-prone country for a record three times, has been receiving PM-designate protocol with the blessings of the military.</p>

<p>Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party alleges that under the 'London Plan' Sharif will be made the Prime Minister following the February 8 polls with the blessing of the military establishment under Army Chief Gen Asim Munir.</p>


Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers have been accepted by the Election Commission despite questions on his eligibility to contest the February 8 general elections in the wake of 'life-long disqualification' by the apex court.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers have been accepted by the Election Commission despite questions on his eligibility to contest the February 8 general elections in the wake of 'life-long disqualification' by the apex court. "PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers for NA-130 (National Assembly seat from Lahore) have been accepted by the Election Commission," Sharif's lawyer Amjad Pervez told reporters on Tuesday. He said no objections to 73-year-old Sharif's candidature have been raised. "Nawaz Sharif will now contest both from Lahore and Mansahra city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he said. When asked whether Sharif was disqualified to contest polls for life time, Pervez said: "Sharif's disqualification has ended after his acquittal in corruption references against him." All the leadership of the Sharif family -- Sharif, his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and nephew Hamza Shehbaz -- are mainly contesting from Lahore. Gravitas: Pakistan's 'drug drones' infiltrate india × After his return to the country this October from London where he spent four years in self-exile on medical grounds, Sharif was acquitted in two major corruption cases — Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia Steel Mills — by the Islamabad High Court. Barrister Zafarullah Khan said that Sharif can contest elections, citing an amendment to the Elections Act by the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government. That amendment to Section 232 of the Elections Act caps disqualifications at five years. Also Read | Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announces his candidacy for prime ministership, releases poll manifesto According to senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas, the amended law cannot benefit Sharif since the legislature did not amend Section 232 retrospectively. He said since the amendment entails penal consequences, it cannot deal with the matter in the past. "The law that deals with punishment cannot be applied retrospectively unless the legislature categorically gives this effect. The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling says disqualification under Article 62(1f) of the Constitution is lifelong. This ruling directly impacts Nawaz Sharif, who was disqualified under this provision," he said. Also Read | Relief for Imran Khan’s party: Peshawar High Court restores PTI’s ‘bat’ election symbol Another senior lawyer Kashif Ali Malik said that the lifelong interpretation in the Elections Act cannot interpret, override or defeat constitutional provisions. Sharif, the only Pakistani politician who became the prime minister of the coup-prone country for a record three times, has been receiving PM-designate protocol with the blessings of the military. Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party alleges that under the 'London Plan' Sharif will be made the Prime Minister following the February 8 polls with the blessing of the military establishment under Army Chief Gen Asim Munir.

Pakistan’s election body accepts Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-130 Lahore

<p>Artificial Rain technology was reportedly deployed in Pakistan's Lahore city on Saturday (Dec 16) in an unprecedented first. The move was targeted to address perilous smog levels in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ten areas of the megacity were targeted in this groundbreaking experiment, Pakistani media reported.</p>

<p>Caretaker chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, Mohsin Naqvi, said that the unprecedented initiative was made possible through the assistance of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE's intervention comes as Pakistan's economy is estimated to have contracted during the current financial&nbsp;year, according to World Bank data.</p>

<p>Emirati teams, accompanied by two specialised planes equipped with cloud seeding technology, arrived in Lahore approximately 10 to 12 days ago.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"The gift of artificial rain from the United Arab Emirates is an innovative approach to tackle the ongoing smog crisis," stated Naqvi during a media briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The effectiveness of the artificial rain was expected to be assessed by Saturday night, providing crucial insights into the potential of this groundbreaking method.</p>

<p>Cloud seeding, colloquially known as artificial rain or blueskying, involves releasing common salt or a mixture of salts into clouds.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Gift from UAE'</strong></h2>

<p>This process stimulates condensation, leading to rainfall. Countries like the United States, China, and the UAE have&nbsp;been increasingly using this weather modification technique to address water scarcity in its arid regions.</p>

<p>Lahore, infamous&nbsp;for being one of the worst global hotspots for air pollution, experiences increased levels of smog during winter due to a combination of low-grade diesel emissions, stubble&nbsp;burning, and cold temperatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-delhis-artificial-rain-plan-is-a-potential-solution-to-pollution-crisis-656631">How Delhi's artificial rain plan is a potential solution to pollution crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>With over 11 million residents affected, the city faces severe health risks, exacerbated by the hazardous levels of PM2.5 pollutants measured at more than 66 times the World Health Organization's safety thresholds on Saturday.</p>

<p>The catastrophic health consequences of prolonged exposure to such toxic air includes strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments, according to the World Health Organization.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will cloud-seeding seek to ease Delhi pollution?</strong></p>

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<p>Despite previous attempts to mitigate air pollution through measures like road spraying and weekend shutdowns, the local administration has struggled to achieve substantial success.</p>

<p>When questioned about a long-term strategy to combat smog, Chief Minister Naqvi called for the need for comprehensive studies to formulate an effective plan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Artificial Rain technology was reportedly deployed in Pakistan's Lahore city on Saturday (Dec 16) in an unprecedented first. The move was targeted to address perilous smog levels in Lahore.

Artificial Rain technology was reportedly deployed in Pakistan's Lahore city on Saturday (Dec 16) in an unprecedented first. The move was targeted to address perilous smog levels in Lahore. Ten areas of the megacity were targeted in this groundbreaking experiment, Pakistani media reported. Caretaker chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, Mohsin Naqvi, said that the unprecedented initiative was made possible through the assistance of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE's intervention comes as Pakistan's economy is estimated to have contracted during the current financial year, according to World Bank data. Emirati teams, accompanied by two specialised planes equipped with cloud seeding technology, arrived in Lahore approximately 10 to 12 days ago. "The gift of artificial rain from the United Arab Emirates is an innovative approach to tackle the ongoing smog crisis," stated Naqvi during a media briefing. The effectiveness of the artificial rain was expected to be assessed by Saturday night, providing crucial insights into the potential of this groundbreaking method. Cloud seeding, colloquially known as artificial rain or blueskying, involves releasing common salt or a mixture of salts into clouds. 'Gift from UAE' This process stimulates condensation, leading to rainfall. Countries like the United States, China, and the UAE have been increasingly using this weather modification technique to address water scarcity in its arid regions. Lahore, infamous for being one of the worst global hotspots for air pollution, experiences increased levels of smog during winter due to a combination of low-grade diesel emissions, stubble burning, and cold temperatures. Also read | How Delhi's artificial rain plan is a potential solution to pollution crisis With over 11 million residents affected, the city faces severe health risks, exacerbated by the hazardous levels of PM2.5 pollutants measured at more than 66 times the World Health Organization's safety thresholds on Saturday. The catastrophic health consequences of prolonged exposure to such toxic air includes strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments, according to the World Health Organization. Also watch | Gravitas: Will cloud-seeding seek to ease Delhi pollution? × Despite previous attempts to mitigate air pollution through measures like road spraying and weekend shutdowns, the local administration has struggled to achieve substantial success. When questioned about a long-term strategy to combat smog, Chief Minister Naqvi called for the need for comprehensive studies to formulate an effective plan. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE 'gifts' bankruptcy-hit Pakistan artificial rain

Toxic smog has been choking Pakistan's Lahore, known historically as a city of gardens, for weeks. In the packed paediatric emergency room of a Lahore public hospital, parents holding sick children lined up for treatment this week, part of a surge of young patients caused by the air pollution crisis in Pakistan's second most populous city.

Toxic smog engulfs Pakistan's Lahore and chokes 11 million residents

Pakistan: Toxic smog engulfs Lahore, chokes 11 million residents | Pediatric hospitals overwhelmed

<p>Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools. The government in the province announced a four-day public holiday in several districts to mitigate the impact of smog.</p>

<h2><strong>What is&nbsp;Punjab government’s plan?</strong></h2>

<p>The provincial government has announced a public holiday from November 9 to 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The government has decided to close down markets for four days from 9 to 12 November in the major cities of Punjab because of smog on the advisory of the health department,” said Amir Mir, the information minister for Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a directive from the provincial government, schools, offices, restaurants, and businesses aside from priority services like pharmacies, hospitals and courts, would all close to limit residents’ movement outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistani province is home to more than 110 million people.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-its-not-entirely-stubble-burning-what-else-fueling-air-pollution-656447">New Delhi: It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air pollution?</a></strong></p>

<p>Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a press conference&nbsp;on Tuesday (Nov 7) that the public holiday will take effect in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions of the province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marriage halls and bakeries will also be open, said Naqvi, according to PTI news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in Lahore</strong></h2>

<p>The provincial capital of Lahore has been among the most polluted cities and its air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday (Nov 8), according to Swiss group IQAir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air quality index of the Pakistani province was at a “hazardous” 432, followed by India’s capital Delhi at 302.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The caretaker Pakistani CM has also reportedly attributed the spread of smog in Lahore and other parts of the province to the burning of the residues of crops in the Indian state of Punjab and requested caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-to-consider-scs-remarks-over-odd-even-rule-after-latter-calls-it-mere-optics-656170">Delhi govt to consider SC’s remarks over odd-even rule, after latter calls it ‘mere optics’</a></strong></p>

<p>Kakar assured the Punjab government of taking up the smog issue with India. This comes as growing industrialisation in South Asia in recent decades has led to more pollutants from factories, construction activity and vehicles. The issue becomes severe in cooler autumn and winter months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heavy smog blanketed Lahore this week leading to low visibility and prompting residents to complain of a threat to their health. “The weather is such that everyone has a bad throat and bad eyes, and everyone's health is getting affected,” said Mohammad Salahuddin, a private guard in Lahore, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools.

Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools. The government in the province announced a four-day public holiday in several districts to mitigate the impact of smog. What is Punjab government’s plan? The provincial government has announced a public holiday from November 9 to 12. “The government has decided to close down markets for four days from 9 to 12 November in the major cities of Punjab because of smog on the advisory of the health department,” said Amir Mir, the information minister for Punjab. According to a directive from the provincial government, schools, offices, restaurants, and businesses aside from priority services like pharmacies, hospitals and courts, would all close to limit residents’ movement outside. The Pakistani province is home to more than 110 million people. ALSO READ | New Delhi: It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air pollution? Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a press conference on Tuesday (Nov 7) that the public holiday will take effect in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions of the province. Marriage halls and bakeries will also be open, said Naqvi, according to PTI news agency. Situation in Lahore The provincial capital of Lahore has been among the most polluted cities and its air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday (Nov 8), according to Swiss group IQAir. The air quality index of the Pakistani province was at a “hazardous” 432, followed by India’s capital Delhi at 302. The caretaker Pakistani CM has also reportedly attributed the spread of smog in Lahore and other parts of the province to the burning of the residues of crops in the Indian state of Punjab and requested caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take action. ALSO READ | Delhi govt to consider SC’s remarks over odd-even rule, after latter calls it ‘mere optics’ Kakar assured the Punjab government of taking up the smog issue with India. This comes as growing industrialisation in South Asia in recent decades has led to more pollutants from factories, construction activity and vehicles. The issue becomes severe in cooler autumn and winter months. Heavy smog blanketed Lahore this week leading to low visibility and prompting residents to complain of a threat to their health. “The weather is such that everyone has a bad throat and bad eyes, and everyone's health is getting affected,” said Mohammad Salahuddin, a private guard in Lahore, as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Punjab govt declares four-day holiday due to pollution-fuelled smog; schools, markets closed

Nawaz Sharif's self-imposed exile may have had a fairytale ending at the moment. But the Lion of Punjab has seen his fair share of twists and turns in his political career. Here is a look back at the PML-N supremo's rise to power, before corruption charges cut short his career in 2018.

Nawaz Sharif seeks to overturn corruption conviction

Days after an emphatic comeback by Pakistan's Lion of Punjab, Nawaz Sharif got a 48-hour bail extension. As the Pakistan establishment paves the way for the former Prime Minister's return, does the timing of his return to the homeland signal an end to jailed ex-PM Imran Khan's political career?

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