The election commission of Pakistan has issued a rather unique statement saying that it would be approaching the electronic media regulator incase if there is debate on delay in elections in the country. The move comes after rumours being circulated in the country that elections could perhaps be delayed under the pretext of security or as its being said Nawaz Sharif not having enough time to prepare for elections

More PTI leaders booked on terror charges| Pak poll body issues direction for media houses

Unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Karachi have assassinated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Hanzla Adnan, who planned the 2015 attack on a BSF (Border Security Force) convoy in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Udhampur attack key conspirator shot dead in Pakistan

<p>At least four children, aged between seven and ten, and three adults were injured in a blast that occurred in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar early Tuesday (Dec 5).</p>

<p>According to officials, an improvised explosive device (IED) containing four kilogrammes of explosives went off on a busy road at around 9:10 am local time.</p>

<p>The target of the attack was a moving police vehicle which had passed the target spot just moments before the explosion took place, according to sources.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Caught on camera: Four people, including three children, injured in a roadside explosion in Pakistan's Peshawar.<br />
<br />
The target was reportedly a police vehicle that had just passed by.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/DQX7M6zmn5">pic.twitter.com/DQX7M6zmn5</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1731929092130209952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4 injured include 3 children. Children were not in school uniform. Says hospital source. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peshawar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Peshawar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Warsak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Warsak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SdqJaan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SdqJaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mushtaqtanoli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mushtaqtanoli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Waheed_jornalst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Waheed_jornalst</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorism</a> <a href="https://t.co/mCP3BJx0YC">https://t.co/mCP3BJx0YC</a> <a href="https://t.co/2drHPcjNa1">pic.twitter.com/2drHPcjNa1</a></p>
— 𝑴𝒖𝒎𝒕𝒂𝒛 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒉 (@BangashMumtaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/BangashMumtaz/status/1731903336037728409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bilal Ahmad Faizi, the spokesman for emergency rescue services, said four children had sustained injuries in the attack.</p>

<p>No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.</p>

<p>Mohammad Asim, a spokesman for the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, said that two of the four children were “critically injured.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-based-khalistani-terrorist-lakhbir-singh-rode-dies-of-heart-attack-666279"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pak-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode dies of ‘heart attack’: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Peshawar is frequently targeted by militant groups, including Islamic State and the Pakistani Taliban, due to its proximity to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.</p>

<p>It was in the same city where terrorists attacked an army-run academy and killed at least 153 people, most of them being children.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Trial in cipher case continues as Imran Khan steps down from PTI chair</strong></p>

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<p>According to officials, it was not clear whether the Tuesday attack was targetted at school children.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least four children, aged between seven and ten, and three adults were injured in a blast that occurred in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar early Tuesday (Dec 5).

At least four children, aged between seven and ten, and three adults were injured in a blast that occurred in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar early Tuesday (Dec 5). According to officials, an improvised explosive device (IED) containing four kilogrammes of explosives went off on a busy road at around 9:10 am local time. The target of the attack was a moving police vehicle which had passed the target spot just moments before the explosion took place, according to sources. Caught on camera: Four people, including three children, injured in a roadside explosion in Pakistan's Peshawar. The target was reportedly a police vehicle that had just passed by.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/DQX7M6zmn5 — WION (@WIONews) December 5, 2023 × 4 injured include 3 children. Children were not in school uniform. Says hospital source. #blast #Peshawar #Warsak @SdqJaan @mushtaqtanoli @Waheed_jornalst #terrorism https://t.co/mCP3BJx0YC pic.twitter.com/2drHPcjNa1 — 𝑴𝒖𝒎𝒕𝒂𝒛 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒉 (@BangashMumtaz) December 5, 2023 × Bilal Ahmad Faizi, the spokesman for emergency rescue services, said four children had sustained injuries in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Mohammad Asim, a spokesman for the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, said that two of the four children were “critically injured.” Also read: Pak-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode dies of ‘heart attack’: Report Peshawar is frequently targeted by militant groups, including Islamic State and the Pakistani Taliban, due to its proximity to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. It was in the same city where terrorists attacked an army-run academy and killed at least 153 people, most of them being children. Watch: Pakistan: Trial in cipher case continues as Imran Khan steps down from PTI chair × According to officials, it was not clear whether the Tuesday attack was targetted at school children. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: At least seven injured, including four children, in Peshawar IED blast; police vehicle was target

Political conundrum continues in Pakistan. According to the two latest developments, Pakistan's former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan is set to step down while Nawaz Sharif has been acquitted in the Avenfield case.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan to step down as PTI Chief, Gohar Khan nominated | Race to Power

Pakistan’s stock market is witnessing a red-hot surge as foreign investors flock to the country amid easing financial & political tensions

Pakistan's stocks emerge as top choice in emerging markets

<p>A fire tore through a shopping mall in the southern&nbsp;Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 people, officials and local media said on Saturday (November 25).</p>

<p>Local broadcaster Geo News said the blaze started early in the morning at the multi-story RJ shopping mall in&nbsp;Pakistan's most populous city, and that the fire brigade had rescued around 50 people but more remained inside the building.</p>

<p>The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in a generator on the third floor of the mall and the flames spread to the fourth level where several call centres were located, an official told Reuters. At least 11 people, mostly employees of the call centres, died in the fire, he said.</p>

<p>Geo reported several people injured in the fire were also being treated in hospital.</p>


A fire tore through a shopping mall in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 people, officials and local media said on Saturday (November 25).

A fire tore through a shopping mall in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 people, officials and local media said on Saturday (November 25). Local broadcaster Geo News said the blaze started early in the morning at the multi-story RJ shopping mall in Pakistan's most populous city, and that the fire brigade had rescued around 50 people but more remained inside the building. The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in a generator on the third floor of the mall and the flames spread to the fourth level where several call centres were located, an official told Reuters. At least 11 people, mostly employees of the call centres, died in the fire, he said. Geo reported several people injured in the fire were also being treated in hospital.

At least 11 people killed in Pakistan shopping mall fire, says official

Political dynamics are fast changing ahead of the upcoming February 2024 general elections as former Pakistani President, Asif Zardari remarks on remarks on Bilawal saying he is 'not fully trained' for politics

Political dynamics change in Pakistan change ahead of 2024 general elections | WION

24 hours after a close aide of Masood Azhar was killed in Pakistan, 2 Lashkar terrorists were killed in broad daylight. Who is killing these terrorists? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?

Nawaz Sharif wants to build a pan-national alliance. He wants to form strategic alliances in all provinces ahead of the Feb 8 polls. But PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari isn't impressed. He advised PML-N party supremo, Nawaz Sharif to “focus on Lahore” for the upcoming general elections. Watch the story to know the reason

Why is Bilawal angry with Nawaz Sharif

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 jolted Pakistan on Wednesday early morning (Nov 15), reported India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS). The epicentre of the quake was located at latitude 35.96 and longitude 71.58, indicating a region close to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.</p>

<p>This comes amidst increased seismic activity in the South Asian region. A devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal earlier this month, resulting in 153 fatalities and 160 injuries—the deadliest earthquake since 2015.</p>

<p>The depth of this earthquake in Pakistan was recorded at 18 kilometres. It hit the country at around 5:35 am local time.</p>

<p>The NCS in a social media post on X sad, "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.2, Occurred on 15-11-2023, 05:35:06 IST, Lat: 35.96 &amp; Long: 71.58, Depth: 18 Km, Region: Pakistan."</p>

<p>As of now, there have been no reports of causalities or damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Another earthquake hits Afghanistan-Tajikistan border</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, another earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region on Wednesday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.</p>

<p>The quake was at a depth of 109 km (67.73 miles), GFZ said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nepal earthquake death toll rises to 157: Likely to rise further</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, on the evening of November 13, 2023, Tajikistan felt earthquake tremors with a magnitude of 4.9. The NCS reported the event, stating that the epicentre was at Lat: 38.73 and Long: 72.49, with a depth of 194 km.</p>

<h2><strong>Series of earthquakes in South Asian region</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, neighbouring Afghanistan also experienced massive earthquakes one after another, killing more than 1,000 people.</p>

<p>The country saw three major earthquakes hitting it within a week, which resultantly left people panicked and traumatised.</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Sri Lanka, according to the NCS. The seismic event occurred at 12:31:10 IST, with coordinates at -2.96 latitude and 86.54 longitude, and a depth of 10 km.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-shakes-again-with-26-pre-diwali-earthquake-jolts-third-in-a-week-657559"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Why do Nepal quakes shake north India? Delhi NCR buildings under threat?</strong></a></p>

<p>The epicentre was located 1326 km southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. While there are no immediate reports of casualties, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau affirmed that there is no danger to Sri Lanka, stating that the earthquake took place 800 km southeast of the country in the Indian Ocean.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 jolted Pakistan on Wednesday early morning (Nov 15), reported India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS). The epicentre of the quake was located at latitude 35.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 jolted Pakistan on Wednesday early morning (Nov 15), reported India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS). The epicentre of the quake was located at latitude 35.96 and longitude 71.58, indicating a region close to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. This comes amidst increased seismic activity in the South Asian region. A devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal earlier this month, resulting in 153 fatalities and 160 injuries—the deadliest earthquake since 2015. The depth of this earthquake in Pakistan was recorded at 18 kilometres. It hit the country at around 5:35 am local time. The NCS in a social media post on X sad, "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.2, Occurred on 15-11-2023, 05:35:06 IST, Lat: 35.96 & Long: 71.58, Depth: 18 Km, Region: Pakistan." As of now, there have been no reports of causalities or damage. Another earthquake hits Afghanistan-Tajikistan border Meanwhile, another earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region on Wednesday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake was at a depth of 109 km (67.73 miles), GFZ said. Watch: Nepal earthquake death toll rises to 157: Likely to rise further × Earlier, on the evening of November 13, 2023, Tajikistan felt earthquake tremors with a magnitude of 4.9. The NCS reported the event, stating that the epicentre was at Lat: 38.73 and Long: 72.49, with a depth of 194 km. Series of earthquakes in South Asian region Last month, neighbouring Afghanistan also experienced massive earthquakes one after another, killing more than 1,000 people. The country saw three major earthquakes hitting it within a week, which resultantly left people panicked and traumatised. Earlier on Tuesday, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Sri Lanka, according to the NCS. The seismic event occurred at 12:31:10 IST, with coordinates at -2.96 latitude and 86.54 longitude, and a depth of 10 km. Also read: Why do Nepal quakes shake north India? Delhi NCR buildings under threat? The epicentre was located 1326 km southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. While there are no immediate reports of casualties, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau affirmed that there is no danger to Sri Lanka, stating that the earthquake took place 800 km southeast of the country in the Indian Ocean. (With inputs from agencies)

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits Pakistan, another strikes Afghan-Tajik border

General Elections in pakistan will be held on the 8th of February next year. With the announcement of the date, political activity has gained momentum in the country 3-time former pakistan prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has directed party leaders to get ready for the electoral battle.

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif holds party meet for poll strategy, to lead party

<p>At least five people were killed in a bomb blast on Friday (Nov 3) that targeted a police patrol in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan, about 350 km southwest of the country's capital Islamabad. Additionally, another 21 people were reported injured.</p>

<p>The bomb exploded close to a police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan city, police official Mohammad Adnan was quoted as saying by the Dawn publication.</p>

<h2><strong>Dera Ismail Khan bomb blast: Where exactly the blast occurred?</strong></h2>

<p>The explosion occurred in Tank Adda in Ponda Baza of Dera Ismail Khan city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the home state of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists</strong></p>

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<p>According to a report in Dawn, a vehicle carrying officers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elite Force was targeted.</p>

<h2><strong>Caretaker Pakistan Prime Minister reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar extended condolences to the kins of the deceased, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.</p>

<p>"Thanks to the sacrifices of the law enforcement agencies, we have been thwarting the evil intentions of terrorists," he added.</p>

<p>After Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its purported ceasefire in November last year, Pakistan's security forces have increasingly become the focus of targeted killings.</p>

<p>In July, as many as 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed in separate military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan, where armed separatists continue to be active since decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;the data of&nbsp;Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) cited by the Dawn, the number of targeted attacks in August was the highest tally for monthly strikes in almost nine years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least five people were killed in a bomb blast on Friday (Nov 3) that targeted a police patrol in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan, about 350 km southwest of the country's capital Islamabad.

At least five people were killed in a bomb blast on Friday (Nov 3) that targeted a police patrol in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan, about 350 km southwest of the country's capital Islamabad. Additionally, another 21 people were reported injured. The bomb exploded close to a police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan city, police official Mohammad Adnan was quoted as saying by the Dawn publication. Dera Ismail Khan bomb blast: Where exactly the blast occurred? The explosion occurred in Tank Adda in Ponda Baza of Dera Ismail Khan city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the home state of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Also watch | Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists × According to a report in Dawn, a vehicle carrying officers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elite Force was targeted. Caretaker Pakistan Prime Minister reacts Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar extended condolences to the kins of the deceased, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. "Thanks to the sacrifices of the law enforcement agencies, we have been thwarting the evil intentions of terrorists," he added. After Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its purported ceasefire in November last year, Pakistan's security forces have increasingly become the focus of targeted killings. In July, as many as 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed in separate military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan, where armed separatists continue to be active since decades. According to the data of Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) cited by the Dawn, the number of targeted attacks in August was the highest tally for monthly strikes in almost nine years. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Five killed, 22 injured as bomb blast targets police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan

The PML-N supreme leader presided over the formal party meeting at Jati Umra in Lahore for the first time in four years as the court revived former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's appeals with "all legal consequences" and upheld the caretaker government of Punjab's decision to suspend Sharif's sentence in the Al-Azizia case.

PLM-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to start nation-wide tour ahead of elections

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is back in Pakistan after nearly four years in self-exile. Sharif has served as Pakistan’s prime minister three times and was once ousted in a military coup - so the big question is has there been an arrangement between him and the Pakistani Army for his safe passage? Can Sharif play a decisive role in helping Pakistan to revive its battered economy?

Nawaz Sharif to chair party meet after 4 years | Race to Power

<p>Amid an intense economic crisis, Pakistan is bracing for another shocker this winter: An impending energy crisis fueled by a grave shortage of gas supplies.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s Dawn reported that Pakistanis have been made aware of the government’s plans to limit the duration of gas supply to just eight hours a day.</p>

<p>Gas prices have already witnessed a sharp hike earlier this year, with the country’s Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali saying that the move was necessary in order to curb the gas sector’s circular debt.</p>

<p>“There will not be a resurgence of the circular debt in the gas sector after the recent increase in gas prices,” he said, adding that the government was working to avoid the addition of further circular debt in the power sector under a commitment with the International Monetary Fund.</p>

<h2><strong>Price hikes</strong></h2>

<p>Justifying the hike in the prices of natural gas, Muhammad Ali said that it was due since no price hike took place during the first half (July to December 2022) of the previous fiscal year.</p>

<p>He also said that due to the persistent shortage of natural gas, the daily household supplies would be limited to eight hours every day, in morning, afternoon and evening intervals.</p>

<p>He further advised Pakistani consumers to shift to LPG.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistani government has also made clear that an old ban on issuing new gas connections would continue.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gas sector on the verge of collapse</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistani minister admitted that the country’s gas sector was on the verge of collapse as “the exploration and production (E&amp;P) companies were leaving the country due to financial risks.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan sets up centres for Afghan migrants, to be given food and medical aid</strong></p>

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<p>He explained how the IMF’s policies had further aggravated the problem since they couldn’t invest enough in exploration activities and nor could import gas.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The government says it has arranged two LNG cargoes for December to minimise the winter gas crisis. It claims it was looking to book two more cargoes for January.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-apologise-for-1971-genocide-says-bangladesh-minister-huq-pays-tribute-to-indian-soldiers-651595"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan should apologise for 1971 genocide, says Bangladesh minister Huq, pays tribute to Indian soldiers</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the government could face serious challenges in securing these cargo supplies as suppliers have largely stopped offering spot shipments to Pakistan due to the nation’s credit risk.</p>

<p>Factories across the country are shutting down because of high energy costs or lack of gas, exacerbating Pakistan’s economic malaise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Amid an intense economic crisis, Pakistan is bracing for another shocker this winter: An impending energy crisis fueled by a grave shortage of gas supplies. Pakistan’s Dawn reported that Pakistanis have been made aware of the government’s plans to limit the duration of gas supply to just eight hours a day.

Amid an intense economic crisis, Pakistan is bracing for another shocker this winter: An impending energy crisis fueled by a grave shortage of gas supplies. Pakistan’s Dawn reported that Pakistanis have been made aware of the government’s plans to limit the duration of gas supply to just eight hours a day. Gas prices have already witnessed a sharp hike earlier this year, with the country’s Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali saying that the move was necessary in order to curb the gas sector’s circular debt. “There will not be a resurgence of the circular debt in the gas sector after the recent increase in gas prices,” he said, adding that the government was working to avoid the addition of further circular debt in the power sector under a commitment with the International Monetary Fund. Price hikes Justifying the hike in the prices of natural gas, Muhammad Ali said that it was due since no price hike took place during the first half (July to December 2022) of the previous fiscal year. He also said that due to the persistent shortage of natural gas, the daily household supplies would be limited to eight hours every day, in morning, afternoon and evening intervals. He further advised Pakistani consumers to shift to LPG. The Pakistani government has also made clear that an old ban on issuing new gas connections would continue. Gas sector on the verge of collapse The Pakistani minister admitted that the country’s gas sector was on the verge of collapse as “the exploration and production (E&P) companies were leaving the country due to financial risks.” Watch: Pakistan sets up centres for Afghan migrants, to be given food and medical aid × He explained how the IMF’s policies had further aggravated the problem since they couldn’t invest enough in exploration activities and nor could import gas. What next? The government says it has arranged two LNG cargoes for December to minimise the winter gas crisis. It claims it was looking to book two more cargoes for January. Also read: Pakistan should apologise for 1971 genocide, says Bangladesh minister Huq, pays tribute to Indian soldiers However, the government could face serious challenges in securing these cargo supplies as suppliers have largely stopped offering spot shipments to Pakistan due to the nation’s credit risk. Factories across the country are shutting down because of high energy costs or lack of gas, exacerbating Pakistan’s economic malaise. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

No new connections, price hike and limited supplies: Pak caught in grave gas crisis ahead of winters

Nawaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan. He's seeking better ties with India. He wants to solve the Kashmir issue amicably. But the PML-N supremo is not yet Pak's PM.

Pakistan: Will the 'Lion of Punjab' contest elections?

Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan but political career uncertain

A special court in Pakistan indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday for violating secret laws of the country. Both Khan and Qureshi have pleaded not guilty in the case, said the sources.

Pakistan: Former Pak PM Imran Khan indicted in leaked document case

<p>A Pakistani court on Thursday granted bail to the country’s exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, clearing legal hurdles ahead of his potential return to the South Asian nation.</p>

<p>Sharif’s lawyer announced that Sharif “cannot be arrested on his arrival” now.</p>

<p>"The honourable Islamabad High Court has granted Nawaz Sharif protective bail until October 24," Amjad Pervaiz, Sharif's lawyer, was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p>Sharif is hoping to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party again before the January 2024 general elections, even as his prime opponent and former PM Imran Khan languishes in jail.</p>

<p>The 73-year-old politician is set to return to Pakistan on Saturday (Oct 21), ending his four-year-long self-imposed exile in UK.</p>

<p>His legal team had earlier applied for protective bail in the Islamabad High Court.</p>

<h2><strong>How Sharif ended up in London?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2017, he stepped down from his PM position due to the conviction in a corruption case. Two years later, while facing more corruption charges, he cited chest pains and received permission from his successor, Imran Khan, to travel to London for medical treatment. In 2019, he extended his stay in London, citing advice from his doctors.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war | The state belongs to Palestinians: Pakistani demonstrators</strong></p>

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<p>Since 2020, Pakistani authorities have been pursuing the PML-N leader, issuing a warrant for his arrest when he didn't return from London. Sharif is now preparing to end his self-imposed exile of nearly four years, most of which was spent in London. Recently, he travelled to Saudi Arabia. Now he&nbsp;plans to fly to Dubai before returning to Pakistan on Saturday.</p>

<h2><strong>Sharif's sentence</strong></h2>

<p>In 2018, Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the Avenfield Properties corruption case, involving assets exceeding his declared income. He also received a concurrent one-year sentence for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan's prime anti-graft agency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-avoid-training-in-bengaluru-players-suffer-from-viral-infections-reports-648067"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan avoid training in Bengaluru, players suffer from viral infections</strong></a></p>

<p>Furthermore, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case resulted in a seven-year prison term, with Sharif being incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. He was fined 1.5 billion Pakistani Rupees and ordered to pay US $25 million in this case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Pakistani court on Thursday granted bail to the country’s exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, clearing legal hurdles ahead of his potential return to the South Asian nation.

A Pakistani court on Thursday granted bail to the country’s exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, clearing legal hurdles ahead of his potential return to the South Asian nation. Sharif’s lawyer announced that Sharif “cannot be arrested on his arrival” now. "The honourable Islamabad High Court has granted Nawaz Sharif protective bail until October 24," Amjad Pervaiz, Sharif's lawyer, was quoted as saying by AFP. Sharif is hoping to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party again before the January 2024 general elections, even as his prime opponent and former PM Imran Khan languishes in jail. The 73-year-old politician is set to return to Pakistan on Saturday (Oct 21), ending his four-year-long self-imposed exile in UK. His legal team had earlier applied for protective bail in the Islamabad High Court. How Sharif ended up in London? In 2017, he stepped down from his PM position due to the conviction in a corruption case. Two years later, while facing more corruption charges, he cited chest pains and received permission from his successor, Imran Khan, to travel to London for medical treatment. In 2019, he extended his stay in London, citing advice from his doctors. Watch: Israel-Palestine war | The state belongs to Palestinians: Pakistani demonstrators × Since 2020, Pakistani authorities have been pursuing the PML-N leader, issuing a warrant for his arrest when he didn't return from London. Sharif is now preparing to end his self-imposed exile of nearly four years, most of which was spent in London. Recently, he travelled to Saudi Arabia. Now he plans to fly to Dubai before returning to Pakistan on Saturday. Sharif's sentence In 2018, Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the Avenfield Properties corruption case, involving assets exceeding his declared income. He also received a concurrent one-year sentence for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan's prime anti-graft agency. Also read: ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan avoid training in Bengaluru, players suffer from viral infections Furthermore, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case resulted in a seven-year prison term, with Sharif being incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. He was fined 1.5 billion Pakistani Rupees and ordered to pay US $25 million in this case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan: Exiled former PM Nawaz Sharif gets bail ahead of his return this week

Pakistan's CPEC ambitions face a setback as its all-weather ally China has refused to inject fresh investments. Despite repeated requests from Islamabad, Beijing is reportedly holding back amid the country's deteriorating security situation and persistent political instability. Watch this video for more details.

Gravitas: Pak's Ambitions Face Setback, China Won't Expand Investments | Beijing's Betrayal Explained

<p>A court in Pakistan on Thursday (Sept 21) directed the troubled former Prime Minister Imran Khan to appear in a case related to his alleged “un-Islamic” third marriage.</p>

<p>According to the allegations, the cricketer-turned-politician tied the knot with his wife Bushra Bibi in an “un-Islamic” fashion, a criminal offence in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The Islamabad High Court directed him to appear on September 25, as per an order issued by civil Judge Qudratullah to the Superintendent of Attock prison.</p>

<p>The court also advised Imran Khan’s lawyers to prepare arguments to be submitted before the court next week in the same case.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the allegations against Khan?</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is accused of marrying his third wife Bushra Bibi even as her 'Iddat' was going on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iddat refers to the Islamic practice of a woman abstaining from marriage for a period of time after getting divorced or becoming a widow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, a petition was filed against Imran Khan alleging criminal conduct. The petition accused Khan and his wife of cohabiting after their initial "nikkah" during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Big win for Imran Khan against govt</strong></p>

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<p>Khan has been incarcerated following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, with his arrest taking place at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on August 5.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brief timeline of the case</strong></h2>

<p>In July, the PTI chairman challenged the trial court's decision to admit a petition concerning the alleged unlawful marriage, resulting in a detailed judgment by Judicial Magistrate Qudratullah on July 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This ruling declared the petition admissible and summoned both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to appear in court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, on July 14, Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Azam Khan transferred the case to the judicial magistrate, overturning another civil court's ruling that deemed the plea against the marriage's legality inadmissible.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-potentially-faces-death-sentence-charged-under-criminal-conspiracy-over-may-9-violence-638361"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan: PTI party urges Chief Justice to schedule early hearings of Imran Khan`s cases&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>In his petition, the former Pakistan PM said that the allegations mentioned in the private complaint do not constitute an offence within the ambit of Section 496 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).</p>

<p>It further stated, “Thus continuation of the trial would amount to the abuse of the process of law.”</p>

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A court in Pakistan on Thursday (Sept 21) directed the troubled former Prime Minister Imran Khan to appear in a case related to his alleged “un-Islamic” third marriage.

A court in Pakistan on Thursday (Sept 21) directed the troubled former Prime Minister Imran Khan to appear in a case related to his alleged “un-Islamic” third marriage. According to the allegations, the cricketer-turned-politician tied the knot with his wife Bushra Bibi in an “un-Islamic” fashion, a criminal offence in Pakistan. The Islamabad High Court directed him to appear on September 25, as per an order issued by civil Judge Qudratullah to the Superintendent of Attock prison. The court also advised Imran Khan’s lawyers to prepare arguments to be submitted before the court next week in the same case. What are the allegations against Khan? The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is accused of marrying his third wife Bushra Bibi even as her 'Iddat' was going on. Iddat refers to the Islamic practice of a woman abstaining from marriage for a period of time after getting divorced or becoming a widow. Earlier, a petition was filed against Imran Khan alleging criminal conduct. The petition accused Khan and his wife of cohabiting after their initial "nikkah" during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. Watch: Pakistan: Big win for Imran Khan against govt × Khan has been incarcerated following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, with his arrest taking place at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on August 5. Brief timeline of the case In July, the PTI chairman challenged the trial court's decision to admit a petition concerning the alleged unlawful marriage, resulting in a detailed judgment by Judicial Magistrate Qudratullah on July 18. This ruling declared the petition admissible and summoned both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to appear in court. Additionally, on July 14, Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Azam Khan transferred the case to the judicial magistrate, overturning another civil court's ruling that deemed the plea against the marriage's legality inadmissible. Also read: Pakistan: PTI party urges Chief Justice to schedule early hearings of Imran Khan`s cases In his petition, the former Pakistan PM said that the allegations mentioned in the private complaint do not constitute an offence within the ambit of Section 496 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). It further stated, “Thus continuation of the trial would amount to the abuse of the process of law.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan: Court summons Imran Khan over ‘un-Islamic’ marriage with third wife

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan's jail detention for charges of leaking state secrets was extended for another two weeks.

Pak former PM Imran Khan to remain in jail at least till September 26

Will Pakistan's 'Accidental PM' become a termless head of govt? Pak's Election commission has delayed polls due to delimitation of constituencies & its political leaders are in trouble. Will Kakar rule for a longer period? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will Pakistan's interim PM's tenure be extended?

<p>All eight people, including children, were rescued by officials in Pakistan on Tuesday night (Aug 22) after they were left trapped&nbsp;900 feet mid-air in a cable car. The accident took place when a line snapped, causing the occupiers of the cable car to hang in balance for hours before a rescue&nbsp;began.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, after having rescued four people,&nbsp;the Special Services Group (SSG) reportedly halted the helicopter rescue operation due to light and weather issues. However, a separate ground mission was initiated to rescue the remaining people. Under the mission, a small gondola was sent near the affected cable car using the same cable and people were rescued individually.<br />
<br />
The gondola was also used to deliver food and other essential items to the cable car.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rescue video of another person.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/battagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#battagram</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZflGHoNqov">pic.twitter.com/ZflGHoNqov</a></p>
— Rana Suhaib | Pakistan (@RanaSuhaibphoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanaSuhaibphoto/status/1693980765204492353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The chairlift was dangling in the middle of a deep ravine surrounded by towering mountains and a rocky surface, along with the Jhangri river beneath it, Pakistan's Dawn reported.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pakistan's armed forces began the rescue operation after local authorities failed to initiate the missions due to difficult terrain and a lack of resources.</p>

<p>Helicopters of Pakistan Army Aviation and Pakistan Air Force were earlier present at the site and were struggling to rescue the stranded persons.</p>

<h2><strong>How grave was the situation?</strong></h2>

<p>Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old who was earlier stuck on the chairlift, informed Pakistan's Geo News via phone that there was not even drinking water on board.</p>

<p>He mentioned that a 16-year-old passenger, who has a heart condition, had been unconscious for good three hours. Gulfraz explained that the teenager was en route to the hospital using the chairlift.</p>

<p>Gulfaraz said that the initial wire broke at 7 AM, followed by the breakdown of another cable shortly after. Since early morning, the passengers had been awaiting help.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/video-eight-trapped-3000-ft-mid-air-in-pakistan-kp-after-cable-car-wire-snaps-627833"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Watch: Pak army races against time to save 8, including 6 kids, trapped in 900 ft-high cable car</strong></a></p>

<p>Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar had directed authorities to rescue all individuals stuck on the chairlift. He urged national and provincial disaster management agencies to utilise available resources and enforce safety measures for cable cars in mountainous regions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Video: Children trapped 900 ft mid-air in Pakistan, army rescue ops on</strong></p>

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<p>As per Zafar Iqbal, a local school teacher, approximately 150 students brave the perilous cable car journey to school daily due to the absence of road infrastructure in the region, as reported by the Dawn newspaper.</p>

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All eight people, including children, were rescued by officials in Pakistan on Tuesday night (Aug 22) after they were left trapped 900 feet mid-air in a cable car.

All eight people, including children, were rescued by officials in Pakistan on Tuesday night (Aug 22) after they were left trapped 900 feet mid-air in a cable car. The accident took place when a line snapped, causing the occupiers of the cable car to hang in balance for hours before a rescue began. Earlier in the day, after having rescued four people, the Special Services Group (SSG) reportedly halted the helicopter rescue operation due to light and weather issues. However, a separate ground mission was initiated to rescue the remaining people. Under the mission, a small gondola was sent near the affected cable car using the same cable and people were rescued individually. The gondola was also used to deliver food and other essential items to the cable car. Rescue video of another person.#battagram pic.twitter.com/ZflGHoNqov — Rana Suhaib | Pakistan (@RanaSuhaibphoto) August 22, 2023 × The chairlift was dangling in the middle of a deep ravine surrounded by towering mountains and a rocky surface, along with the Jhangri river beneath it, Pakistan's Dawn reported. Earlier, Pakistan's armed forces began the rescue operation after local authorities failed to initiate the missions due to difficult terrain and a lack of resources. Helicopters of Pakistan Army Aviation and Pakistan Air Force were earlier present at the site and were struggling to rescue the stranded persons. How grave was the situation? Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old who was earlier stuck on the chairlift, informed Pakistan's Geo News via phone that there was not even drinking water on board. He mentioned that a 16-year-old passenger, who has a heart condition, had been unconscious for good three hours. Gulfraz explained that the teenager was en route to the hospital using the chairlift. Gulfaraz said that the initial wire broke at 7 AM, followed by the breakdown of another cable shortly after. Since early morning, the passengers had been awaiting help. Also read: Watch: Pak army races against time to save 8, including 6 kids, trapped in 900 ft-high cable car Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar had directed authorities to rescue all individuals stuck on the chairlift. He urged national and provincial disaster management agencies to utilise available resources and enforce safety measures for cable cars in mountainous regions. Watch: Video: Children trapped 900 ft mid-air in Pakistan, army rescue ops on × As per Zafar Iqbal, a local school teacher, approximately 150 students brave the perilous cable car journey to school daily due to the absence of road infrastructure in the region, as reported by the Dawn newspaper. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan cable car accident: All 8 stranded individuals including children saved in miracle rescue

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