Pakistan

The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday condemned Israel’s unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters as well as the arbitrary detention and reported mistreatment of humanitarian workers. The statement came a day after Israel’s far-right national security minister posted a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground, sparking international condemnation. In the statement released on Thursday, the FO said, “The government of Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli occupying forces in the international waters as well as arbitrary detention and reported mistreatment of humanitarian workers onboard.” The statement said that those detained also reportedly included humanitarian activist Saad Edhi, son of prominent social worker Faisal Edhi and grandson of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. “Pakistan demands the immediate release of all ...

The Afghan Taliban government’s new decree governing the separation of spouses “reinforces systemic discrimination” and erodes the rights of Afghan women and girls, the United Nations said on Thursday. Published in mid-May, the 31-article code sets out various grounds for separation in Afghanistan, including a husband’s prolonged disappearance, “incompatibility” between couples, renunciation of Islam and “failure on the part of the husband”. The decree, which appeared in the country’s Official Gazette, also states that marriage contracts drawn up by relatives “on behalf of a minor boy or girl” can be annulled, which suggests child marriage is permitted in Afghanistan, according to the UN. In most cases, the procedures for women seeking a separation are more complicated than those for men. The document, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, “is part of a broader and deeply concerning trajectory in which the rights of Afghan women and girls are being eroded”, said Georgette Gagnon, deputy special re...

A total of 60 flights were cancelled across Pakistan on Thursday, while 14 others faced major delays due to operational issues, affecting both domestic and international travel.

Pakistan Railways has started releasing travelling allowances pending for Grade IV employees over the last eight years, bringing relief to workers after a long wait.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly hot and dry weather in most parts of the country on Thursday, while very hot conditions are expected to continue in southern regions during daytime hours.

The Hajj flight operation to transport Pakistani pilgrims under the government scheme to Saudi Arabia has entered its final phase, with 114,078 pilgrims (96 per cent) already reached the holy cities via the ‘Route to Makkah’ initiative and other scheduled flights.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed on Thursday that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism “will continue with full national resolve” until “enduring peace and stability” were achieved across the country, the military’s media wing said. CDF Munir made the declaration at an investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to confer military awards on officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The CDF was the chief guest at the ceremony, where he “conferred awards on the families of shuhada (martyrs), officers and soldiers in recognition of exceptional gallantry in operations and distinguished services rendered to the nation”, the statement said. It added that awards conferred on the occasion included 50 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 12 Tamgha-i-Basalat. “Medals awarded posthumously were received with honour by families of shuhada,” it said. “Shuhada and Ghazis remain th...

Pakistan Railways has announced the launch of three special trains for Eidul Azha to facilitate passengers travelling between major cities during the holiday season.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism will continue with full strength until lasting peace is achieved.

Heatwave conditions are likely to persist across the country from May 25 to May 31, with the mercury expected to touch 50°C in some parts of the country, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Thursday. Pakistan will celebrate Eidul Azha on May 27 (Wednesday), while the federal government has announced a three-day public holiday from May 26-28 (Tuesday to Thursday). In an advisory, the department predicted that “high pressure is likely to develop in the upper atmosphere on May 25 and likely to strengthen on May 26”, under the influence of which, “moderate to severe” heatwave conditions are expected to develop from May 25 to May 31. It said the maximum temperature is likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to 47-50°C in the following districts: Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiyari, Tando Muhamad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro, Sang...

The Islamabad High Court and subordinate courts will remain closed from May 26 to 28 on account of Eid al-Adha holidays, according to an official notification issued by the court administration.

The Excise Taxation and Anti Narcotics Department Balochistan and the Pakistan Navy have seized narcotics and foreign liquor worth an estimated Rs31 billion during a joint operation in Balochistan’s coastal region.

Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran on Thursday amid ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the US, according to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency.

The court has accepted the federal government’s appeal for a hearing and issued notices to all parties involved in the case, while also seeking the complete record from the High Court.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V for his commitment to promoting peace, stability and constructive engagement with governments and international partners.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran during a high-level visit focused on regional developments and ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 around Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases and commercial airports across the province, tightening security measures to safeguard flight operations and prevent potential threats.

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Thursday expressed the desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives during a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. Prince Rahim is undertaking his first visit to Pakistan since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year. According to a statement by the PMO, the premier warmly welcomed Prince Rahim and appreciated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners. The prime minister also assured him of Pakistan’s shared commitment to these ideals. PM Shehbaz also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and commended the organisation’s contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship, it said. He part...

Pakistan strongly criticised India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing New Delhi of sponsoring terrorism, violating international law, suppressing minorities and continuing its “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Punjab government on Thursday banned multiple activities near airports and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases, which may pose a “serious risk” to flight operations and aviation assets, under Section 144 for 30 days. A notification issued by the Home Department dated May 19 said that, according to reliable sources, certain activities — including pigeon homing, the use of laser lights, and throwing of meat (sadqa) for the consumption of carnivorous birds around air bases and airports — may “pose a serious risk to flight operations and aviation assets”. It said that there were sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 144 as an “immediate prevention to disturbance of public peace, safety of lives and property of public and tranquility”. Therefore, the government banned pigeon homing; the use of laser lights by hotels, malls, or shops, etc.; and throwing of meat (sadqa) in open areas or on rooftops. The Home Department secretary, under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), banned the activiti...