ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election commission has postponed by-elections in nine constituencies in Punjab province, overwhelmed by catastrophic flooding that has left dozens dead, millions displaced and rescue efforts stretched thin across the region.
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Pakistan, China pledge to fast-track CPEC 2.0 projects, sign raft of MoUs in Beijing
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed their commitment on Thursday to advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure initiative central to their strategic partnership, during a meeting Sharif described as “warm and most productive.”
Divided IHC adopts contentious rules, senior judges in revolt
ISLAMABAD: A deeply divided Islamabad High Court (IHC) adopted the High Court Establishment (Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2025, on Wednesday, pushing through a contentious set of regulations despite fierce opposition from senior judges, Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.
Wapda seeks 91 percent hike in hydel revenue to Rs364.9 billion for 2025-26
LAHORE: Pakistan’s state-owned Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has proposed a 91% increase in its total revenue requirement, including hydel levies, to Rs364.872 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, up from Rs190.909 billion set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for 2022-23, according to a tariff petition filed with the regulator.
Pakistan cotton arrivals up 9 percent by Aug. 31, but floods threaten gains
KARACHI: As Pakistan grapples with devastating floods that have submerged vast farmlands, early signs of a stronger cotton harvest are offering little solace to farmers and mill owners, who warn that surging import costs and lost exports could deepen the nation’s economic woes.
SBP signals green light to legalise digital currencies, regulatory framework pending
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central bank has signalled its intention to legalise digital currencies, marking a reversal of its previous ban as the government advances plans to regulate the sector through the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025.
Lahore ATC grants bail to Imran Khan’s nephew in May 9 case
LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Wednesday granted bail to Shahrez Khan, the nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, in a case tied to the attack on a military official’s residence during violent riots in May 2023 that followed the opposition leader’s arrest.
Punjab braces for more flooding after India warns of high Sutlej, Tawi levels
LAHORE: Authorities issued fresh warnings Wednesday of potential flooding along key rivers in Punjab province after India alerted Islamabad to high water levels in the Sutlej and Tawi, even as a surge on the Chenab River threatened to inundate downstream districts already battered by weeks of monsoon deluges.
IHC Justice Sattar accuses Chief Justice Dogar of eroding judicial independence in rare public critique
ISLAMABAD: A judge on Islamabad High Court has issued a blistering critique of the court’s leadership, accusing Chief Justice Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar of eroding judicial independence, transparency and institutional norms in a letter that lays bare deep divisions within the judiciary.
UPDATE-Suicide blast near Quetta stadium kills 13, injures dozens after political gathering
QUETTA: A suspected suicide bombing tore through a crowded parking area near Shahwani Stadium on Quetta’s Sariab Road late Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others, hospital officials and police said.