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.
National
Bhutto-Zardari warns rollback of 18th Amendment would be ‘playing with fire’
KARACHI: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, warned on Sunday that any attempt to roll back the constitutional protections for provincial rights enshrined in the 18th Amendment would be akin to “playing with fire,” as he defended his party’s role in safeguarding the country’s federal structure amid ongoing political tensions.
Egypt urges focused role for Gaza peace force, seeks bigger Pakistani role in rebuilding
ISLAMABAD: Egypt’s foreign minister on Saturday outlined a narrowly defined mandate for a proposed international force to stabilise Gaza, emphasising its role in monitoring a ceasefire and securing borders, while calling for an expanded Pakistani contribution to the territory’s reconstruction amid ongoing devastation from the conflict.
Pakistan ready to join Gaza stabilisation force but rules out role in disarming Hamas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is prepared to deploy troops as part of an international stabilisation force in Gaza under a United States-brokered peace plan, but it will not participate in any effort to disarm the Palestinian group Hamas, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday.
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.
By-elections marred by ‘gaps in transparency’; watchdog flags violations, weak turnout
ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz swept the by-elections held on Nov. 23, capturing all six vacant seats in the National Assembly and six of seven in the Punjab Assembly, amid what an independent election monitor described as “recurring violations” of campaigning rules and “gaps” in the transparency of results.
Pakistan blames Afghan soil for deadly attacks, says ceasefire largely collapsed
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on that a fragile ceasefire with Afghanistan was faltering, accusing its neighbour of failing to curb terrorist attacks launched from its territory, as tensions between the two countries reached their lowest ebb since the Taliban seized power in Kabul four years ago.
Foreign Office calls attack on US soldiers ‘act of terrorism’
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Friday strongly condemned the shooting of two United States National Guard soldiers a few blocks from the White House, describing the attack as an act of terrorism that signals a troubling resurgence of the threat on a global scale.
Govt, PTI deny reports of Imran Khan’s ill health amid rising public anxiety
ISLAMABAD: As unconfirmed reports of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s deteriorating health circulated widely on social media and in foreign outlets, both government officials and members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party on Thursday rejected the speculation, insisting that Mr. Khan, held in isolation at Adiala jail, remained in good condition.
Three IHC judges clear out offices as amendment fuels resignation talk
ISLAMABAD: Three judges of the Islamabad High Court have quietly removed their personal belongings from the court building in recent days, fueling speculation about their possible resignations in the wake of a sweeping constitutional amendment that has reshaped the country’s judiciary.