LAHORE: After an 18-year prohibition that stemmed from deadly accidents involving razor-sharp kite strings, the Punjab government on Tuesday lifted its ban on kite flying, paving the way for the revival of the ancient Basant festival under a stringent new regulatory framework.
People
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.
Judicial reshuffle sees Aurangzeb confirmed to Supreme Court, new provincial chief justices appointed
ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan elevated Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to a permanent position on the Supreme Court on Tuesday, marking the body’s first meeting since the adoption of a landmark constitutional amendment.
Civilian deaths surge as militant violence edges up in Pakistan, report says
ISLAMABAD: Militant violence in Pakistan escalated slightly in November, with a sharp increase in civilian fatalities even as losses among security forces plummeted, according to a report released by a leading think tank on Monday.
Karachi’s failing infrastructure claims life of 3-year-old boy
KARACHI: The body of a 3-year-old boy who plunged into an open manhole in the bustling Gulshan-i-Iqbal neighborhood in Karachi on Sunday night was recovered on Monday, more than 12 hours after the accident, rescue officials said, underscoring the persistent dangers of the city’s neglected infrastructure.
Son of jailed Imran Khan voices fears of ‘irreversible’ harm to father
ISLAMABAD: The son of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister, said on Monday that he feared the authorities were hiding “something irreversible” about his father’s well-being, amid weeks of blocked family visits and swirling rumors of a possible transfer to a more secure facility.
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.
Defence minister seeks to quell rumors over holdup in top military appointment
ISLAMABAD: Defence minister on Sunday sought to quell mounting speculation over the delayed appointment of the country’s new chief of defence forces, saying that the formal notification would be issued “in due course of time” once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from a medical trip abroad.
Minister Naqvi says no passenger with proper documents should be stopped from flying
ISLAMABAD: The interior minister said on Saturday that no traveller with valid documents should be prevented from leaving the country, amid widespread complaints of passengers being arbitrarily removed from flights despite possessing proper paperwork.
Pakistan spinners rout Sri Lanka to clinch tri-series T20 final
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s spinners orchestrated a stunning Sri Lankan collapse as the hosts claimed a six-wicket victory in the T20 tri-series final on Saturday, chasing down 115 with eight balls to spare.