A 'car bomb' exploded outside the Lahore residence of Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan says a 'hostile' intel agency was behind the blast by the timing of the incident tells a different story. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: 'Car Bomb' explodes outside Hafiz Saeed's residence

At least 3 people have been killed and 24 others injured in a major blast in Lahore, Pakistan. According to reports, the blast took place near the residence of anti-India militant leader Hafiz Saeed.

At least 3 killed in bomb blast near house of Hafiz Saeed in Lahore

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 rare rebuke of Pakistan's powerful Army, the Lahore High Court Chief Justice has called it the country's 'biggest land grabber' and said that its uniform is for the service to the nation and not to rule as a king.

Lahore HC Chief Justice says Pakistan army 'biggest land grabber’

Protests have erupted in several cities across Pakistan after Lahore police took the far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi into custody. So far 3 people including one policeman has been killed in the violent demonstrations.

Protests across Pakistan after Lahore police arrested far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing.

As per local media, approximately 550 doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> have gone missing from a hospital in Lahore.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-hit-pak-pm-imran-khans-in-person-meeting-sets-twitter-abuzz-373100" hreflang="en">Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz</a>

While there has been no explanation from any authority about the missing vaccine doses, the principal of the Services Hospital has claimed that the vaccines have not disappeared. He has reported that there has been an issue with the compilation of records.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said the government is already carrying out an audit of the vaccine doses and a report of the conclusion will soon be delivered to the authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-prime-minister-imran-khan-rules-out-general-lockdown-374601" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan rules out general lockdown</a>

It has also been reported that an additional 350 doses of vaccine stored at Lahore's Government Mozang Teaching Hospital have "gone to waste".

After the 350 doses went to "waste", the medical superintendent of the Services Hospital was suspended from his duties immediately.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jumping-queue-pak-minister-creates-stir-for-getting-family-vaccinated-against-covid-19-374293" hreflang="en">Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has also been trying to catch up in vaccinating people.&nbsp;

As of now, 0.8 million doses have been administered to locals till now. Pakistan had received 0.5 million vaccines from China on February 01.

Locals in Pakistan have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, leading to a low turnout in the inoculation drives.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of coronavirus cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing.

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of coronavirus cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing. As per local media, approximately 550 doses of coronavirus vaccine have gone missing from a hospital in Lahore. Also read | Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz While there has been no explanation from any authority about the missing vaccine doses, the principal of the Services Hospital has claimed that the vaccines have not disappeared. He has reported that there has been an issue with the compilation of records. Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said the government is already carrying out an audit of the vaccine doses and a report of the conclusion will soon be delivered to the authorities. Also read | Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan rules out general lockdown It has also been reported that an additional 350 doses of vaccine stored at Lahore's Government Mozang Teaching Hospital have "gone to waste". After the 350 doses went to "waste", the medical superintendent of the Services Hospital was suspended from his duties immediately. Also read| Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19 Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has also been trying to catch up in vaccinating people. As of now, 0.8 million doses have been administered to locals till now. Pakistan had received 0.5 million vaccines from China on February 01. Locals in Pakistan have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, leading to a low turnout in the inoculation drives.

Lahore: 550 doses of coronavirus vaccine go missing; 350 go to waste

Pakistan has unveiled a statue of Allama Iqbal in Lahore. The 'astounding' craftsmanship has triggered a meme fest. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: This statue has sparked outrage in Pakistan

Social media users in Pakistan slammed the country's national poet Alama Iqbal's statue in a Lahore park&nbsp;for being badly made with the hastag #AllamaIqbal dominating Twitter.

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Just Saw this and got very disappointed. Is it Allama Iqbal’s statue? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/LeL16yOytH">pic.twitter.com/LeL16yOytH</a>
— Shahjhan Malik | #WearAMask (@shahjhan_malikk) <a href="https://twitter.com/shahjhan_malikk/status/1356513733690982402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Twitterati was further enraged after Yasir Gillani the city’s parks and horticulture authority (PHA) chairman said that it was "prepared by maalis at their own and they made it with love for Iqbal and to pay homage from their heart."

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Dear, this is prepared by maalis at their own , they made it in shere love for Iqbal and to pay homage from their heart. Authority didn't approved or even paid a single penny for it. 
WE WILL ADDRESS IT but can anyone see from maalis eye's, their love and their عقیدت, <a href="https://t.co/qAdf0Nw4E9">pic.twitter.com/qAdf0Nw4E9</a>
— Yasir Gillani PTI (@yasir_gillani) <a href="https://twitter.com/yasir_gillani/status/1356512137376649216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Several people on social media&nbsp;asked the statue to be removed including Pakistan's Punjab&nbsp;chief minister Usman Buzdar. The statue was unveiled on Pakistan's 73rd Independence Day on August 14 last year however it came into focus this year.

Iqbal who was a lawyer was known for his Urdu and Persian poetry. He is still followed by many in Pakistan and is revered as a national icon.

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Punjab govt remove statue of Alama Iqbal and tweets 
Le IQBAL <a href="https://t.co/RcLwdAaYPQ">pic.twitter.com/RcLwdAaYPQ</a>
— No one's valentine (@BABL00_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BABL00_/status/1356585459435061249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This picture tell us what u are and what trying to make 🤗🤣😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/alamaiqbal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#alamaiqbal</a> <a href="https://t.co/eYWDJ5ycdm">pic.twitter.com/eYWDJ5ycdm</a>
— Huma Sultan (@HumaSultan7) <a href="https://twitter.com/HumaSultan7/status/1356703262875992064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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😀If you can see the resemblance, I think the art resembles more Gen.Bajwa than Alama Iqbal sahab.. <a href="https://t.co/Z6vkKEfSrj">pic.twitter.com/Z6vkKEfSrj</a>
— 𝙔𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇𝘿𝙊 (@yasserronaldo99) <a href="https://twitter.com/yasserronaldo99/status/1356523377440280581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Social media users in Pakistan slammed the country's national poet Alama Iqbal's statue in a Lahore park for being badly made with the hastag #AllamaIqbal dominating Twitter.

Social media users in Pakistan slammed the country's national poet Alama Iqbal's statue in a Lahore park for being badly made with the hastag #AllamaIqbal dominating Twitter. Just Saw this and got very disappointed. Is it Allama Iqbal’s statue? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LeL16yOytH — Shahjhan Malik | #WearAMask (@shahjhan_malikk) February 2, 2021 × The Twitterati was further enraged after Yasir Gillani the city’s parks and horticulture authority (PHA) chairman said that it was "prepared by maalis at their own and they made it with love for Iqbal and to pay homage from their heart." Dear, this is prepared by maalis at their own , they made it in shere love for Iqbal and to pay homage from their heart. Authority didn't approved or even paid a single penny for it. WE WILL ADDRESS IT but can anyone see from maalis eye's, their love and their عقیدت, pic.twitter.com/qAdf0Nw4E9 — Yasir Gillani PTI (@yasir_gillani) February 2, 2021 × Several people on social media asked the statue to be removed including Pakistan's Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar. The statue was unveiled on Pakistan's 73rd Independence Day on August 14 last year however it came into focus this year. Iqbal who was a lawyer was known for his Urdu and Persian poetry. He is still followed by many in Pakistan and is revered as a national icon. Punjab govt remove statue of Alama Iqbal and tweets Le IQBAL pic.twitter.com/RcLwdAaYPQ — No one's valentine (@BABL00_) February 2, 2021 × This picture tell us what u are and what trying to make 🤗🤣😂#alamaiqbal pic.twitter.com/eYWDJ5ycdm — Huma Sultan (@HumaSultan7) February 2, 2021 × 😀If you can see the resemblance, I think the art resembles more Gen.Bajwa than Alama Iqbal sahab.. pic.twitter.com/Z6vkKEfSrj — 𝙔𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇𝘿𝙊 (@yasserronaldo99) February 2, 2021 ×

Twitterati in Pakistan slam poet Iqbal's statue in Lahore park

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported.

The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-christian-girl-killed-for-turning-down-muslim-mans-marriage-proposal-347920" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal</a>

Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers".

Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government."

Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753" hreflang="en">Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan</a>

In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-seeks-debt-suspension-for-some-nations-till-covid-19-crisis-gets-over-347475">Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over</a>

"I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah.

Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News.

He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally. Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported. The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country." Also read| Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers". Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government." Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers. Also read| Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM. Also read| Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over "I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah. Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News. He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi died on Thursday in Lahore at the age of 54. The cause of his death was not immediately clear.

There are speculations that he had contracted COVID-19.&nbsp;

Rizvi breathed his last at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Sheikh Nawaz said.

The TLP chief had a fever for the last 10 days or so. Despite that, he attended the TLP protest on Sunday in Rawalpindi against the publication of "blasphemous" caricatures in France, Nawaz said.

"Today he felt severe pain in his chest at his home in Chowk Yateem Khana in Lahore. He was rushed to PIC where he passed away before getting any treatment," he said.

Replying to a question about Rizvi having diagnosed with COVID-19 symptoms, Nawaz said he couldn't confirm this, but the TLP chief had severe fever and cough.

Rizvi led several protests in the country over the years, most recent being a rally against the caricatures of the Prophet in France.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi died on Thursday in Lahore at the age of 54. The cause of his death was not immediately clear.

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi died on Thursday in Lahore at the age of 54. The cause of his death was not immediately clear. There are speculations that he had contracted COVID-19. Rizvi breathed his last at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Sheikh Nawaz said. The TLP chief had a fever for the last 10 days or so. Despite that, he attended the TLP protest on Sunday in Rawalpindi against the publication of "blasphemous" caricatures in France, Nawaz said. "Today he felt severe pain in his chest at his home in Chowk Yateem Khana in Lahore. He was rushed to PIC where he passed away before getting any treatment," he said. Replying to a question about Rizvi having diagnosed with COVID-19 symptoms, Nawaz said he couldn't confirm this, but the TLP chief had severe fever and cough. Rizvi led several protests in the country over the years, most recent being a rally against the caricatures of the Prophet in France. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s ‘blasphemy activist’ Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

A survey has revealed that a majority of Pakistanis fear that the South Asian country has been moving in the wrong direction since 2019. The survey was conducted by France-based lpsos, world’s third-largest market research company, and released on Sunday.

‘4 out of 5 Pakistanis fear country headed in wrong direction,’ says survey

Pakistan is among a handful of countries to have witnessed a dramatic drop in the number of daily coronavirus cases, from nearly 7,000 to 200 over the past few months

Pakistan schools reopen after 6 months of lockdown

Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday he would like convicted rapists to be publicly executed or chemically castrated, reacting to a question on the rape of a woman on a highway last week that has caused an uproar in the South Asian nation.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan suggests chemical castration for rapists

A brutal gangrape in Pakistan's Lahore has shaken the people in the country. Women took this to the streets of Islamabad over Pak's government inaction towards investigating the horrifying incident.

Public outrage in Pak over govt's inaction towards brutal gangrape in Lahore

Cries of shock and rage struck out across Pakistan over the alleged gang-rape of a woman by two ‘robbers’ in front of her children on the main highway. The social media users and television pundits are calling for the suspects to be publicly hanged.

Mother gang-raped in front of her kids in Pakistan: Lahore cop's victim-blaming sparks anger

Pakistani Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur, resident of Nankana Sahib, who had embraced Islam and become Ayesha Bibi was released from women shelter home Darul Aman Lahore and has gone with her husband Mohammad Hassan.

According to the reports, Jagjit Kaur lived in Lahore’s Darul Aman for one year and now back to her husband 'as per her own decision and her own will'.

Last year, there was news that Jagjit Kaur was allegedly forcefully converted to Islam and Imran Chisti, the brother of Hassan, the man who had allegedly abducted Jagjit Kaur, led a violent mob of residents that vandalized the Nankana Gurdwara Sahib.

The Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur aka Ayesha Bibi's father serves as the Panthi at the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara.

The Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan's Punjab province is one of the holiest Sikh shrines where the first Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Nanak - was born.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur, resident of Nankana Sahib, who had embraced Islam and become Ayesha Bibi was released from women shelter home Darul Aman Lahore and has gone with her husband Mohammad Hassan.

Pakistani Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur, resident of Nankana Sahib, who had embraced Islam and become Ayesha Bibi was released from women shelter home Darul Aman Lahore and has gone with her husband Mohammad Hassan. According to the reports, Jagjit Kaur lived in Lahore’s Darul Aman for one year and now back to her husband 'as per her own decision and her own will'. Last year, there was news that Jagjit Kaur was allegedly forcefully converted to Islam and Imran Chisti, the brother of Hassan, the man who had allegedly abducted Jagjit Kaur, led a violent mob of residents that vandalized the Nankana Gurdwara Sahib. The Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur aka Ayesha Bibi's father serves as the Panthi at the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara. The Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan's Punjab province is one of the holiest Sikh shrines where the first Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Nanak - was born. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha now lives with husband Mohammad Hassan

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands.

But now that Pakistan has launched a plan to move vehicles over to electric power, Hussain is excited about the prospect of no longer spending 4,000 rupees ($24) each month on petrol.

"It would be a substantial saving for me to switch to an electric motorbike," said Hussain, who works as a driver for a family in the upscale Gulberg district, earning about 20,000 rupees a month.

"Eventually I'd like to buy a small car for the family, as the children are getting older. I would buy an electric car, if they are affordable."

He will have to wait a while to find out.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-international-airlines-ground-pakistani-pilots-over-reports-of-fake-licences-309361" hreflang="en">Several international airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'fake licences'</a>

After a lengthy delay, Pakistan's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) policy was approved for implementation this month, but a late-stage change leaves cars out of its first phase.

Critics warn this means it will take longer for Pakistanis to reap the policy's environmental and financial benefits.

Covering buses and trucks, as well as two- and three-wheel vehicles, including rickshaws and motorcycles, the new policy introduces a raft of incentives to encourage manufacturers to start producing electric vehicles and customers to buy them.&nbsp;

Passed on June 10, the new policy was originally approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, with the goal of cutting air pollution and curbing climate change.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-suspends-receiving-passengers-from-pakistan-over-covid-fears-309356" hreflang="en">UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears</a>

It aims to bring half a million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system over the next five years.

The goal is to have at least 30% of all vehicles running on electricity by 2030.

After pushback from traditional automakers, the first stage of the policy bypasses cars to focus on motorbikes and rickshaws - the most common form of transport in Pakistan's densely populated urban areas - as well as buses and trucks.&nbsp;

Malik Amin Aslam, climate change advisor to the prime minister, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that incentives for cars would be added to the policy "at a later stage", without specifying when.

Leaving out cars makes the new policy "like a wedding party arriving with no bridegroom", said Shaukat Qureshi, general secretary of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles and Parts Manufacturers and Traders Association (PEVPMTA).

"The rest of the world is adopting this technology and it is pollution-free. The sooner it comes, the better it is for everyone," he said.

Abdul Waheed Khan, director general of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, which represents petrol-powered carmakers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the policy "states the broad parameters to which we agreed".&nbsp;

"We appreciate the direction and are awaiting further details," he added.

POORER FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND

Mian Ali Hameed, marketing director at Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, a leading rickshaw manufacturer, said his company was ready to start producing electric rickshaws before the end of 2020.

Hameed confirmed that Sazgar's e-rickshaws will be more expensive than traditional versions, costing about 400,000 rupees, compared with 250,000 rupees for a petrol-powered ride.

However, customers will soon see savings, as their petrol use drops dramatically and they spend less on maintenance like oil and filter changes, he explained.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/vietnam-grounds-pakistan-pilots-after-iatas-concern-over-irregularities-in-pilot-licences-309295" hreflang="en">Vietnam grounds Pakistan pilots after IATA's concern over irregularities in pilot licences</a>

"Customers could recover the (purchase) cost in one year, according to our estimates," he said.

One potential obstacle to the speedy uptake of EVs is a lack of charging infrastructure. To address that, the policy makes it cheaper for authorities and companies to install charging stations in cities and along motorways.

But Qureshi of the PEVPMTA noted that owners of electric motorbikes, e-rickshaws and small electric cars do not need to wait.

"You just plug them in at home, like a fan," he said.

Qureshi worries that leaving cars out of the policy for now will disadvantage lower-income families, estimating that switching to a small electric car could save up to 25,000 rupees a month in fuel costs.

"For many families in Pakistan, this much savings per month means a change in their lifestyles," he said.

GOOD FOR HEALTH&nbsp;

Addressing concerns about the cost of electric vehicles, climate advisor Aslam said the policy includes incentives for their owners, such as removing yearly registration fees and a 50% discount on motorway tolls.

In a country where large cities routinely suffer high levels of air pollution, the benefits to Pakistan's environmental health will also be significant, he added.

Each electric vehicle produces 65% fewer pollutants than traditional petrol-powered engines, he said.

According to the latest World Air Quality Report, Pakistani and Indian cities dominated the most polluted cities in 2019.

Much of that pollution is due to Pakistan's rapid motorisation, environmental experts say.

A World Bank study published in 2014 noted that the number of vehicles on the country's roads jumped from about 2 million in 1991 to more than 10 million two decades later.

The blue skies Pakistanis witnessed during the coronavirus lockdown showed "the extremely strong nexus between congested vehicle traffic and air pollution, especially in urban centres", Aslam said.

According to Syed Muhammad Abubakar, an independent environmental researcher based in Lahore, the transport sector produces more than 40% of the air pollution in Punjab province.

There is "no time to lose" in cleaning up the air in Pakistan's cities, especially in the midst of COVID-19, he said.&nbsp;

Pointing to a recent study by researchers at Harvard University, Abubakar noted that even a small increase in long-term exposure to air pollution particles can lead to an 8% jump in the rate of deaths caused by the respiratory illness.

"Pakistan must learn and take drastic measures to limit the increase in air pollution. Otherwise, the lives of many will be at risk," he said.

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands.

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands. But now that Pakistan has launched a plan to move vehicles over to electric power, Hussain is excited about the prospect of no longer spending 4,000 rupees ($24) each month on petrol. "It would be a substantial saving for me to switch to an electric motorbike," said Hussain, who works as a driver for a family in the upscale Gulberg district, earning about 20,000 rupees a month. "Eventually I'd like to buy a small car for the family, as the children are getting older. I would buy an electric car, if they are affordable." He will have to wait a while to find out. Also read: Several international airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'fake licences' After a lengthy delay, Pakistan's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) policy was approved for implementation this month, but a late-stage change leaves cars out of its first phase. Critics warn this means it will take longer for Pakistanis to reap the policy's environmental and financial benefits. Covering buses and trucks, as well as two- and three-wheel vehicles, including rickshaws and motorcycles, the new policy introduces a raft of incentives to encourage manufacturers to start producing electric vehicles and customers to buy them. Passed on June 10, the new policy was originally approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, with the goal of cutting air pollution and curbing climate change. Also read: UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears It aims to bring half a million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system over the next five years. The goal is to have at least 30% of all vehicles running on electricity by 2030. After pushback from traditional automakers, the first stage of the policy bypasses cars to focus on motorbikes and rickshaws - the most common form of transport in Pakistan's densely populated urban areas - as well as buses and trucks. Malik Amin Aslam, climate change advisor to the prime minister, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that incentives for cars would be added to the policy "at a later stage", without specifying when. Leaving out cars makes the new policy "like a wedding party arriving with no bridegroom", said Shaukat Qureshi, general secretary of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles and Parts Manufacturers and Traders Association (PEVPMTA). "The rest of the world is adopting this technology and it is pollution-free. The sooner it comes, the better it is for everyone," he said. Abdul Waheed Khan, director general of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, which represents petrol-powered carmakers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the policy "states the broad parameters to which we agreed". "We appreciate the direction and are awaiting further details," he added. POORER FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND Mian Ali Hameed, marketing director at Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, a leading rickshaw manufacturer, said his company was ready to start producing electric rickshaws before the end of 2020. Hameed confirmed that Sazgar's e-rickshaws will be more expensive than traditional versions, costing about 400,000 rupees, compared with 250,000 rupees for a petrol-powered ride. However, customers will soon see savings, as their petrol use drops dramatically and they spend less on maintenance like oil and filter changes, he explained. Also read: Vietnam grounds Pakistan pilots after IATA's concern over irregularities in pilot licences "Customers could recover the (purchase) cost in one year, according to our estimates," he said. One potential obstacle to the speedy uptake of EVs is a lack of charging infrastructure. To address that, the policy makes it cheaper for authorities and companies to install charging stations in cities and along motorways. But Qureshi of the PEVPMTA noted that owners of electric motorbikes, e-rickshaws and small electric cars do not need to wait. "You just plug them in at home, like a fan," he said. Qureshi worries that leaving cars out of the policy for now will disadvantage lower-income families, estimating that switching to a small electric car could save up to 25,000 rupees a month in fuel costs. "For many families in Pakistan, this much savings per month means a change in their lifestyles," he said. GOOD FOR HEALTH Addressing concerns about the cost of electric vehicles, climate advisor Aslam said the policy includes incentives for their owners, such as removing yearly registration fees and a 50% discount on motorway tolls. In a country where large cities routinely suffer high levels of air pollution, the benefits to Pakistan's environmental health will also be significant, he added. Each electric vehicle produces 65% fewer pollutants than traditional petrol-powered engines, he said. According to the latest World Air Quality Report, Pakistani and Indian cities dominated the most polluted cities in 2019. Much of that pollution is due to Pakistan's rapid motorisation, environmental experts say. A World Bank study published in 2014 noted that the number of vehicles on the country's roads jumped from about 2 million in 1991 to more than 10 million two decades later. The blue skies Pakistanis witnessed during the coronavirus lockdown showed "the extremely strong nexus between congested vehicle traffic and air pollution, especially in urban centres", Aslam said. According to Syed Muhammad Abubakar, an independent environmental researcher based in Lahore, the transport sector produces more than 40% of the air pollution in Punjab province. There is "no time to lose" in cleaning up the air in Pakistan's cities, especially in the midst of COVID-19, he said. Pointing to a recent study by researchers at Harvard University, Abubakar noted that even a small increase in long-term exposure to air pollution particles can lead to an 8% jump in the rate of deaths caused by the respiratory illness. "Pakistan must learn and take drastic measures to limit the increase in air pollution. Otherwise, the lives of many will be at risk," he said.

Pakistan launches electric vehicle plan with cars in slow lane

Pakistan reports one death due to Covid 19 in Lahore. Punjab health minister Dr, Yasmin Rashid said that the number of coronavirus cases in the province has risen.

One death in Pakistan due to Coronvirus

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has sent Hafiz Saeed to jail for 5 years. But the verdict makes no mention of his terrorist acts. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this sentence is an eyewash on WION Edit.

WION Edit: Why Hafiz Saeed's conviction is a sham

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/government-has-a-week-to-decide-on-maryams-request-to-be-struck-off-exit-control-list-lhc-267233">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz</a> (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The two-judge bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lahore-high-court-to-hear-maryams-petition-for-removal-of-name-from-exit-control-list-today-267151">Maryam's petition</a> on February 10, Geo News reported.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-to-hear-maryam-nawazs-petition-on-removal-of-name-from-ecl-on-january-15-273070">petition filed by Maryam</a> on December 21 last year seeks the removal of her name from the no-fly list as well as one-time permission to travel abroad.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imrans-government-denies-maryam-nawaz-permission-to-travel-abroad-269631">Imran's government denies Maryam Nawaz permission to travel abroad</a>

Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is currently undergoing treatment in London, had first approached the court with this request on December 7. The petition was disposed of two days later.

Maryam and her father were placed on the ECL on August 20, 2018. Maryam is currently free on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, in which she is a suspect, but her name remains on the no-fly list.

Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, travelled to London in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to fly abroad on medical grounds.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported. The two-judge bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear Maryam's petition on February 10, Geo News reported. The petition filed by Maryam on December 21 last year seeks the removal of her name from the no-fly list as well as one-time permission to travel abroad. Also Read: Imran's government denies Maryam Nawaz permission to travel abroad Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is currently undergoing treatment in London, had first approached the court with this request on December 7. The petition was disposed of two days later. Maryam and her father were placed on the ECL on August 20, 2018. Maryam is currently free on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, in which she is a suspect, but her name remains on the no-fly list. Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, travelled to London in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to fly abroad on medical grounds.

Lahore HC's two-judge bench to hear Maryam Nawaz's plea to be allowed to travel abroad

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore.

An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-chinese-among-5-under-observation-for-suspected-coronavirus-in-pakistan-276879">Pakistan: 4 Chinese among 5 under observation for suspected coronavirus</a>

According to residents, at least 15 workers were inside the factory when the fire broke out.

Further details are awaited.

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore. An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris.

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore. An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris. Also Read: Pakistan: 4 Chinese among 5 under observation for suspected coronavirus According to residents, at least 15 workers were inside the factory when the fire broke out. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan: 12 killed, 2 injured in gas clyinder blast in Lahore

A Pakistani Journalist Wahid has been put under 3-day remand by Lahore court after getting accused of putting anti-national posts on Facebook.

Pak Journalist under 3-day remand, accused of putting anti-national posts on Facebook

Pakistani anchor Amin Hafeez is in news again. The man who had earlier interviewed cattle has once again discovered a unique way to report news.&nbsp; 
 
A video posted on Twitter shows Hafeez dressed like an emperor, brandishing a sword while reporting from the Lahore Fort, before signing off.&nbsp;

A behind-the-scenes&nbsp;video of Hafeez was shared by another Pakistani journalist on Twitter that went viral almost instantly. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> Famous reporter amin hafeez in action <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/VJe7VQPJWA">pic.twitter.com/VJe7VQPJWA</a>
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) <a href="https://twitter.com/ghulamabbasshah/status/1217153358018109440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another Twitter user shared the final footage that was aired on Geo News. Hafeez was reporting on the uproar that's been created after a wedding was hosted inside the premise of the historic Lahore fort.

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Here is the final cut... as received from my friend Amin Hafeez himself. This is Cool 😎 <a href="https://t.co/WmNQItByQS">https://t.co/WmNQItByQS</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAepMjiS0U">pic.twitter.com/DAepMjiS0U</a>
— Umashankar Singh उमाशंकर सिंह (@umashankarsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/umashankarsingh/status/1217329327655665664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hafeez himself shared the entire report on his Facebook page.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="410" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Famin.hafeez.52%2Fvideos%2F2573300509614832%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

In no time, the video went viral and Indians on Twitter wondered how long would it take before the idea was copied by various news channels in the country.&nbsp;

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This is going to happen on Indian tv news soon. I can’t believe we haven’t done it yet <a href="https://t.co/M3FWAIKw2h">https://t.co/M3FWAIKw2h</a>
— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nidhi/status/1217164654490923009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Such innovative &amp; brilliant news TV. Shape of things to come for us too, I suppose. On news TV nuttiness, what Pakistan thinks today India thinks tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/IX7Z9e38xt">https://t.co/IX7Z9e38xt</a>
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShekharGupta/status/1217288078844289024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Reminding me of Indian journalists in space suits, police and army uniforms. A neck to neck race in the news world of the bizarre. <a href="https://t.co/XKVUndc1e5">https://t.co/XKVUndc1e5</a>
— Storywallah (@neeleshmisra) <a href="https://twitter.com/neeleshmisra/status/1217293016613785600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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अब बात निकली है तो माशाल्लाह दूर तक ही जाएगी। <a href="https://t.co/YVNhPIxtwf">https://t.co/YVNhPIxtwf</a>
— Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/anubhavsinha/status/1217290772317274112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hafeez has always been known for his innovative news reporting. His cattle interview a few years back is still used as meme material in the subcontinent and now the anchor seems to have moved to grander things.&nbsp;

Pakistani anchor Amin Hafeez is in news again. The man who had earlier interviewed cattle has once again discovered a unique way to report news. A video posted on Twitter shows Hafeez dressed like an emperor, brandishing a sword while reporting from the Lahore Fort, before signing off.

Pakistani anchor Amin Hafeez is in news again. The man who had earlier interviewed cattle has once again discovered a unique way to report news. A video posted on Twitter shows Hafeez dressed like an emperor, brandishing a sword while reporting from the Lahore Fort, before signing off. A behind-the-scenes video of Hafeez was shared by another Pakistani journalist on Twitter that went viral almost instantly. #Pakistan Famous reporter amin hafeez in action #PTC pic.twitter.com/VJe7VQPJWA — Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) January 14, 2020 × Another Twitter user shared the final footage that was aired on Geo News. Hafeez was reporting on the uproar that's been created after a wedding was hosted inside the premise of the historic Lahore fort. Here is the final cut... as received from my friend Amin Hafeez himself. This is Cool 😎 https://t.co/WmNQItByQS pic.twitter.com/DAepMjiS0U — Umashankar Singh उमाशंकर सिंह (@umashankarsingh) January 15, 2020 × Hafeez himself shared the entire report on his Facebook page. In no time, the video went viral and Indians on Twitter wondered how long would it take before the idea was copied by various news channels in the country. This is going to happen on Indian tv news soon. I can’t believe we haven’t done it yet https://t.co/M3FWAIKw2h — Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) January 14, 2020 × Such innovative & brilliant news TV. Shape of things to come for us too, I suppose. On news TV nuttiness, what Pakistan thinks today India thinks tomorrow. https://t.co/IX7Z9e38xt — Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) January 15, 2020 × Reminding me of Indian journalists in space suits, police and army uniforms. A neck to neck race in the news world of the bizarre. https://t.co/XKVUndc1e5 — Storywallah (@neeleshmisra) January 15, 2020 × अब बात निकली है तो माशाल्लाह दूर तक ही जाएगी। https://t.co/YVNhPIxtwf — Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) January 15, 2020 × Hafeez has always been known for his innovative news reporting. His cattle interview a few years back is still used as meme material in the subcontinent and now the anchor seems to have moved to grander things.

Pakistani anchor dresses up like an emperor to report news, Twitter feels India will follow soon

The Lahore High Court&nbsp;on Monday annulled the death sentence given to former military dictator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/musharraf-challenges-special-courts-verdict-in-high-treason-case-270655">Pervez Musharraf </a>by the special court earlier in the high treason case against him, news agency AFP reported.

A wave of controversy was sparked in Pakistan after a session court ruled the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">death sentence to Musharraf</a>. It was the first time a former leader of the armed forces had faced such a sentence for treason in Pakistan.

According to the report, The Lahore court ruled the previous judgement "illegal" and there is "no judgment against him any longer".

"Yes, he is a free man. Right now there is<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-dictator-musharraf-calls-death-sentence-a-personal-vendetta-269111"> no judgment against him any longer</a>," news agency AFP quoted the prosecutor representing the government, Ishtiaq A. Khan as saying.

"The filing of the complaint, the constitution of the court, the selection of the prosecution team are illegal, declared to be illegal... And at the end of the day the full judgment has been set aside," Khan said.

Watch |&nbsp;The Story Of General Pervez Musharraf &amp; His Troubled Legacy

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Musharraf's lawyer, Azhar Siddique, also told media outside the court in Lahore that it has "nullified everything".

The prosecution now has the option to file a new case against Musharraf with the approval of the federal Cabinet.&nbsp;

In 2013, Musharraf was booked in the treason case for imposing a state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, and suspending the Constitution till the mid of December 2007.&nbsp;

He was handed down the death penalty by the special court on December 17 with a two to one majority.

Musharraf first took power after ousting prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Lahore High Court on Monday annulled the death sentence given to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf by the special court earlier in the high treason case against him, news agency AFP reported.

The Lahore High Court on Monday annulled the death sentence given to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf by the special court earlier in the high treason case against him, news agency AFP reported. A wave of controversy was sparked in Pakistan after a session court ruled the death sentence to Musharraf. It was the first time a former leader of the armed forces had faced such a sentence for treason in Pakistan. According to the report, The Lahore court ruled the previous judgement "illegal" and there is "no judgment against him any longer". "Yes, he is a free man. Right now there is no judgment against him any longer," news agency AFP quoted the prosecutor representing the government, Ishtiaq A. Khan as saying. "The filing of the complaint, the constitution of the court, the selection of the prosecution team are illegal, declared to be illegal... And at the end of the day the full judgment has been set aside," Khan said. Watch | The Story Of General Pervez Musharraf & His Troubled Legacy × Musharraf's lawyer, Azhar Siddique, also told media outside the court in Lahore that it has "nullified everything". The prosecution now has the option to file a new case against Musharraf with the approval of the federal Cabinet. In 2013, Musharraf was booked in the treason case for imposing a state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, and suspending the Constitution till the mid of December 2007. He was handed down the death penalty by the special court on December 17 with a two to one majority. Musharraf first took power after ousting prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court annuls Musharraf's death penalty

Three days after the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara was vandalized by a mob in Pakistan, more arrests have followed.&nbsp;

The police have named 55 persons and are examining their role in the stone-pelting incident at one of the holiest Sikh shrines.&nbsp;

This action comes after India registered its strong protest over the attack and demanded the culprits to be brought to justice.

The Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan's Punjab province is one of the holiest Sikh shrines where the first Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Nanak - was born.

Three days back, this religious place of the Sikhs was vandalized by a group of local Muslims.&nbsp;

Tensions sparked after a Muslim man abducted and later converted a Sikh girl to Islam.&nbsp;

The girl's father serves as the Panthi at the Gurudwara. Police registered an FIR concerning the gurudwara attack on Sunday and have identified 55 persons whose role in the attack is being probed.

Pakistan government denied reports of the Gurudwara being vandalized. They claim the dispute broke out between two families.&nbsp;

The FIR registered at Nankana police station also includes provisions under the anti-terrorism act. 72-hours after the incident, necessary action is finally being taken.

India strongly condemned the vandalism and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety, security and well being of the Sikh community of Pakistan.

Indian politicians from across the political spectrum including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and union minister Harsimrat Badal termed the incident shameful, appealing Pakistan to take immediate action.

The chief minister of Punjab - Captain Amarinder Singh appealed to the Pakistani Prime Minister to immediately intervene and ensure that the devotees stranded in Gurdwara Nankana Sahib are rescued.

The Indian government has found a reason to point fingers at Pakistan's ill-treatment towards Sikhs, who form a minority in Pakistan. India recently amended its citizenship law to grant citizenship to Sikhs facing religious persecution in Pakistan.

Just two months ago, Pakistan rolled out the red carpet for the Sikhs with the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor facilitated access between two major Sikh shrines - Gurudwara Darbar sahib in Pakistan and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India.

After the Nankana sahib attack, Sikhs in India have openly appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister to secure the interest of the Sikh community in Pakistan. The registration of an FIR is just one step as Pakistan faces the big task to bring the culprits to book.

Three days after the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara was vandalized by a mob in Pakistan, more arrests have followed. The police have named 55 persons and are examining their role in the stone-pelting incident at one of the holiest Sikh shrines.

Three days after the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara was vandalized by a mob in Pakistan, more arrests have followed. The police have named 55 persons and are examining their role in the stone-pelting incident at one of the holiest Sikh shrines. This action comes after India registered its strong protest over the attack and demanded the culprits to be brought to justice. The Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan's Punjab province is one of the holiest Sikh shrines where the first Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Nanak - was born. Three days back, this religious place of the Sikhs was vandalized by a group of local Muslims. Tensions sparked after a Muslim man abducted and later converted a Sikh girl to Islam. The girl's father serves as the Panthi at the Gurudwara. Police registered an FIR concerning the gurudwara attack on Sunday and have identified 55 persons whose role in the attack is being probed. Pakistan government denied reports of the Gurudwara being vandalized. They claim the dispute broke out between two families. The FIR registered at Nankana police station also includes provisions under the anti-terrorism act. 72-hours after the incident, necessary action is finally being taken. India strongly condemned the vandalism and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety, security and well being of the Sikh community of Pakistan. Indian politicians from across the political spectrum including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and union minister Harsimrat Badal termed the incident shameful, appealing Pakistan to take immediate action. The chief minister of Punjab - Captain Amarinder Singh appealed to the Pakistani Prime Minister to immediately intervene and ensure that the devotees stranded in Gurdwara Nankana Sahib are rescued. The Indian government has found a reason to point fingers at Pakistan's ill-treatment towards Sikhs, who form a minority in Pakistan. India recently amended its citizenship law to grant citizenship to Sikhs facing religious persecution in Pakistan. Just two months ago, Pakistan rolled out the red carpet for the Sikhs with the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor facilitated access between two major Sikh shrines - Gurudwara Darbar sahib in Pakistan and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India. After the Nankana sahib attack, Sikhs in India have openly appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister to secure the interest of the Sikh community in Pakistan. The registration of an FIR is just one step as Pakistan faces the big task to bring the culprits to book.

Pakistan Police register FIR in Nankana Sahib Gurudwara attack case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-have-advised-shifting-nawaz-sharif-to-us-for-treatment-pml-n-267225">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's</a> (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. 
 
Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. 
 
"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. 
 
She had further urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-was-near-site-of-stabbing-incident-at-london-bridge-265491">the LHC</a> to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. 
 
The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. She had further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

Government has a week to decide on Maryam's request to be struck off Exit Control List: LHC

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a> (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-moves-high-court-over-removal-of-name-from-exit-control-list-266846">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz </a>(PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-name-likely-to-be-removed-from-exit-control-list-260835"> Exit Control List</a> (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the petition, which was filed on Saturday, a day after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) moved the Supreme Court against the LHC's decision to grant bail to Maryam in Chaudhry Sugar Mills investigation, reported the Express Tribune.

Maryam's name was placed on the no-fly list by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-an-underdog-emerges-as-challenger-152858">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf</a> (PTI) led federal cabinet on NAB's request on August 20, 2018.

Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argues in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard.

"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition.

She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal.

The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition,"

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday will hear a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz which seeks the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported. A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the petition, which was filed on Saturday, a day after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) moved the Supreme Court against the LHC's decision to grant bail to Maryam in Chaudhry Sugar Mills investigation, reported the Express Tribune. Maryam's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on NAB's request on August 20, 2018. Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argues in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition,"

Pakistan: Lahore high court to hear Maryam's petition for removal of name from Exit Control List today

&nbsp;

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. 
 
"The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune. 
 
Baloch noted that all arrangements for running the train have been completed. The train will make four detours and its fare is fixed at Rs 30. Two passenger coaches and the engine of the train have been overhauled and renovated using resources of the railway&nbsp;department. 
 
"In addition to two passenger cars, the shuttle train is also equipped with a brake van," he said. 
 
As per the details, the train was operational between Wagah to Lahore since the partition of India till 1997 after which the service was closed due to certain operational and security reasons. 
 
"The train will start from Lahore railway station and will take two up-down rounds each in the morning and the evening," Baloch said. 
 
He said now the railway has decided to revive the service on a daily basis to provide good transportation facilities to the people coming to Jalo Park in Lahore and Wagah. 
 
"If there is an increase in the demand, more passenger boogies could be renovated and added to the shuttle service," Baloch stressed. 
 
He also proposed that is required the train service will be extended to Shahdara railway station, Kot Lakhpat and Kot Radha Krishan railway station for the convenience of the passengers.

&nbsp;

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. "The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. "The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune. Baloch noted that all arrangements for running the train have been completed. The train will make four detours and its fare is fixed at Rs 30. Two passenger coaches and the engine of the train have been overhauled and renovated using resources of the railway department. "In addition to two passenger cars, the shuttle train is also equipped with a brake van," he said. As per the details, the train was operational between Wagah to Lahore since the partition of India till 1997 after which the service was closed due to certain operational and security reasons. "The train will start from Lahore railway station and will take two up-down rounds each in the morning and the evening," Baloch said. He said now the railway has decided to revive the service on a daily basis to provide good transportation facilities to the people coming to Jalo Park in Lahore and Wagah. "If there is an increase in the demand, more passenger boogies could be renovated and added to the shuttle service," Baloch stressed. He also proposed that is required the train service will be extended to Shahdara railway station, Kot Lakhpat and Kot Radha Krishan railway station for the convenience of the passengers.

Pakistan: Lahore-Wagah train service to be restored after 22 years

At least one person was killed, six others wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Lahore on Saturday evening.&nbsp;

The blast reportedly occurred at an electronics shop in Lahore's township area, local media reported.

According to The Dawn, the explosion took place as gas was being filled in a refrigerator unit.&nbsp;

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Pakistan: One dead and five injured in an explosion in Lahore. <a href="https://t.co/5DBcydhRwR">pic.twitter.com/5DBcydhRwR</a>
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The deceased, who was a technician,&nbsp;and the injured have been rushed to Jinnah Hospital.

The area has been cordoned off, more details are awaited.&nbsp;

The explosion comes just over a week after seven people were injured following an alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-7-injured-in-lahore-cylinder-blast-265248">cylinder blast in a rickshaw near the Al Qadsia Masjid</a> in the Chauburgi area of Lahore on November 29.

(With inputs from ANI)

At least one person was killed, six others wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Lahore on Saturday evening. The blast reportedly occurred at an electronics shop in Lahore's township area, local media reported.

At least one person was killed, six others wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Lahore on Saturday evening. The blast reportedly occurred at an electronics shop in Lahore's township area, local media reported. According to The Dawn, the explosion took place as gas was being filled in a refrigerator unit. Pakistan: One dead and five injured in an explosion in Lahore. pic.twitter.com/5DBcydhRwR — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2019 × The deceased, who was a technician, and the injured have been rushed to Jinnah Hospital. The area has been cordoned off, more details are awaited. The explosion comes just over a week after seven people were injured following an alleged cylinder blast in a rickshaw near the Al Qadsia Masjid in the Chauburgi area of Lahore on November 29. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan: One killed, six wounded as blast rocks Lahore 

Pakistan cabinet having a meeting today. It could decide further course of action on Nawaz Sharif. It may also review the decision of Lahore High Court for relief to Nawaz Sharif. For now, He has flown to London in his air ambulance for treatment. Last week Lahore High Court allowed the Pakistani former Prime Minister to go abroad for the treatment as he urgently needs the medication. Watch this video to find out more in detail.

Pakistan cabinet meet today, may review the decision of Lahore HC for relief to Nawaz Sharif

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