ISLAMABAD: The interior minister handed over extradition papers on Thursday to Britain’s top diplomat in Islamabad for two prominent pro opposition critics of the government living in the United Kingdom, escalating a campaign against what officials describe as fake news and anti-state propaganda spread from abroad.
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Pakistan plans live broadcast of PIA privatisation bidding on Dec. 23
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will hold bidding for the privatisation of the national airline on Dec. 23, with the process to be broadcast live on media outlets, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, marking the government’s most aggressive push in decades to offload the debt-laden carrier.
Parliament passes minority rights bill amid furor over Ahmadi protections
ISLAMABAD: In a raucous joint session of Parliament on Tuesday, lawmakers approved a long-delayed bill to create a national commission dedicated to protecting the rights of religious minorities, but only after excising a clause that had ignited fierce opposition over its potential implications for the Ahmadi community, a group long subjected to persecution by extremist elements in Pakistan.
Interior minister vows major crackdown on online misinformation
LAHORE: The interior minister announced on Monday a sweeping campaign against the spread of false information on social media, warning that the government would no longer tolerate unsubstantiated claims that sow panic or undermine national stability.
Information Minister Tarar criticises Imran Khan’s sisters for appearing on Indian TV
ISLAMABAD: Information minister on Sunday sharply criticised the sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan for appearing on Indian television to voice concerns about his imprisonment, accusing them of defaming the country and failing to condemn India’s policies toward Muslims and Kashmir.
Military says Afghan Taliban aiding terrorist infiltration across border
ISLAMABAD: The military said Afghan forces opened fire on Pakistani border posts last Friday to create diversions that allow terrorists to infiltrate the country, escalating tensions between the two neighbours amid a surge in cross-border violence and stalled diplomatic talks.
Pakistani official flags major UAE visa slowdown, no ban says embassy
ISLAMABAD: A top Pakistani official said on Thursday the United Arab Emirates had largely halted issuing visas to Pakistani citizens, raising alarms about potential strains in the longstanding economic and cultural ties between the two nations, even as Emirati diplomats insisted no outright ban was in place and touted recent reforms to ease the process.
PTI calls for family visit, official statement on jailed Imran Khan’s health amid viral rumours
ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party called on the government on Thursday to dispel persistent rumours about the health of its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, and to allow his family to meet with him, as unverified claims about the former prime minister’s condition spread across social media and drew attention from some foreign outlets.
Omar Ayub Khan declared proclaimed offender by anti-terror court
ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Wednesday declared opposition leader and former finance minister Omar Ayub Khan a proclaimed offender after he repeatedly failed to appear in connection with charges linked to a violent protest last year, escalating legal pressure on allies of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
ICC places India, Pakistan in same T20 World Cup group, clash set for Colombo
KARACHI: India and Pakistan, the nuclear-armed neighbors whose cricket rivalry often transcends sport, have been drawn into the same group for the T20 World Cup, setting up a high-stakes clash on Feb. 15 in Colombo, the International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday.