Pakistan

We seem to have come back full circle. The government recently announced its decision to lift a ban on the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which had been in place since April this year, following violent protests by the party. Last month, the then-proscribed group took to the streets once again, calling off its their most recent protests only after reaching a …

PESHAWAR: With two-week measles and rubella vaccination campaign beginning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tomorrow (Monday), health officials fear that the focus of health workers on the children’s protection from two infections will temporarily slow down the coronavirus immunisation. They, however, insist the anti-dengue activities will continue unabated. “During the Nov 15-27 measles and rubella vaccination campaign, the health department will direct …

ISLAMABAD: Members of the foreign affairs committees of both houses of parliament in their separate meetings next week are set to receive detailed briefings on the latest situation in Afghanistan with particular reference to the government’s policy regarding the recognition of the new government in the war-torn country. The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs headed by Senator Sherry Rehman …

LAHORE: The district administration on Saturday constituted five ‘anti-smog squads’ to monitor pollution levels in the provincial metropolis and take action against those contributing to the hazardous air quality index. Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Usman issued the orders for constitution of anti-smog squads while presiding over a meeting at his camp office on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner Umer Sher Chattha was …

ISLAMABAD: A wheat flour shortage has hit Rawalpindi and Islamabad markets as millers went on a strike against a recent decision of the Punjab Food Department. The food department has asked the flour mills to get wheat from Bahawalnagar and sell the 20kg wheat flour bag at Rs1,100. But the millers in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday stopped supply of …

ISLAMABAD: With the onset of chilly conditions, dengue is on the decline as only 43 cases were reported in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday. District Health Officer Islamabad Dr Zaeem Zia said that out of the total 23 cases 12 were reported from urban areas and 11 from rural areas during the last 24 hours. He said three of them …

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has expressed dismay over the conduct of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and the Coast Guard (CG) and observed that both should perform their duties in a professional manner and not humiliate and insult travellers going to work through highways. The observation was made during the hearing on the poor condition of the RCD Highway — also …

ISLAMABAD: Four people, including a son of a renowned journalist/TV anchor, were arrested on the charges of harassing and threatening the staff and students of a college in the capital on Saturday, police said. The Shalimar police registered the case under section 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person otherwise than on …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded its all-time lowest Covid-19 positivity ratio on Saturday and saw a considerable drop in number of cases last witnessed in August 2020. On the other hand, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has taken notice of the unavailability and black marketing of a medicine given to Covid-19 and dengue patients to treat pain and fever. It …

ISLAMABAD: The government and the opposition traded barbs in the Senate over burgeoning external debt, with the opposition chiding the government for setting a new record and the government holding the previous rulers responsible for economic woes. Conceding that the external debt had risen from Rs25 trillion over the last three years to nearly Rs40 trillion at present, Minister of …