ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s judiciary is grappling with internal divisions over the handling of legal challenges to a contentious constitutional amendment, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi overriding a committee decision to refer the cases to the full Supreme Court hearing, according to minutes of internal communications released on the court’s website.
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Five policemen killed in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR: Militants killed at least five police officers and injured eight others in coordinated attacks on checkpoints across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said Thursday.
Pakistan marks 79th Independence Day with India war victory fervor
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Thursday with nationwide celebrations centred on a recent military victory over India, as leaders urged unity and paid tribute to the armed forces for defending the nation’s sovereignty during a brief but intense conflict earlier this year.
NA restores 90-day anti-terror detentions powers
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a contentious amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, reinstating powers for law enforcement and armed forces to detain suspected individuals for up to three months without charge, a move hailed by the government as vital for national security but condemned by opposition as a threat to fundamental rights.
PHC blocks opposition leader changes in PTI disqualification battle
PESHAWAR: A Pakistani court on Tuesday suspended the appointment of new opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate, responding to petitions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz challenging their disqualification over convictions linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
PTI rejoins National Assembly, passes bills after protest over leaders’ convictions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers returned to the National Assembly on Tuesday, a day after boycotting proceedings over the conviction of party leaders in the May 9 riots, enabling the passage of five bills and the introduction of 16 others, including a historic proposal to carve out a new province in Punjab.
US, Pakistan strengthen counterterrorism alliance with BLA terror listing, high-level talks
ISLAMABAD: The United States on Tuesday reaffirmed its dedication to combating terrorism in all its manifestations alongside Pakistan, a commitment highlighted by the recent addition of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to Washington’s Foreign Terrorist Organisation list, as the two nations navigate a period of markedly strengthened bilateral relations.
Pakistan hails court ruling on Indus waters as India faces binding treaty obligations
ISLAMABAD: A Hague court ruling ordering India to strictly comply with a decades-old water-sharing treaty with Pakistan has handed Islamabad a diplomatic victory, a senior Pakistani official said Tuesday, as leaders in Islamabad issued fiery warnings against any Indian attempts to curb vital river flows amid escalating tensions.
Security forces kill 50 militants in four-day border clashes
QUETTA: Security forces have killed 50 militants in a series of intense operations over the past four days in Balochistan’s Zhob district, thwarting attempts by insurgents to cross from Afghanistan, the military said on Tuesday.
Pakistan resumes military operation in Bajaur, imposes curfew
ISLAMABAD: Security forces on Monday resumed a targeted military operation against militants in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, while the provincial government imposed a three-month curfew in parts of the restive region.