Ashura observed nationwide amid tight security, calls for unity and tolerance

Snipers, drones, CNIC scanning app, mobile service suspension among security measures in place MURREE/ KOHAT/ RAWALPINDI/ PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD: More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad as Ashura processions got underway on Friday, with extensive security measures including snipers on high-rise buildings, drones, a custom CNIC scanning app, and a…

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Pakistan proposes steps to enforce UNSC decisions

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said UNSC resolutions were legal obligations under the UN Charter Pakistan and China jointly convened a UNSC Arria-Formula meeting to examine how the world body can ensure the full, effective and non-selective implementation of its resolutions, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday. An Arria-Formula meeting is an informal…

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President, PM renew call for truth, justice on Ashura

Both leaders described the day as one of the most significant moments in Islamic history ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called upon the nation to draw inspiration from the enduring message of Karbala, urging people to uphold the values of truth, justice, patience, sacrifice and moral courage exemplified…

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Mandatory proof required in pre-emption cases, rules SC

Date, time and place of Talb-e-Muwathibat (immediate demand) must be specifically pleaded and proved ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that in a suit for the right of pre-emption, the date, time and place of Talb-e-Muwathibat (immediate demand) must be specifically pleaded and proved, holding that failure to fulfill this mandatory legal requirement is fatal…

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President signs Finance Act 2026-27

Implementation of the nearly Rs18.71 trillion federal budget for FY2026-27 will officially begin on July 1 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday signed the Finance Bill 2026-27 after its passage by parliament, clearing the way for the federal budget to come into force from July 1 following its publication in the official gazette. With…

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Pakistan emerging as global peacemaker: Dar

LAHORE: Pakistan is increasingly being recognised as a global ‘peacemaker’ and an emerging ‘middle power’, following its mediation role to end the war between the United States and Iran, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday. Speaking to the media at Data Darbar in Lahore, Dar said the country’s role in…

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HRCP flags gaps in anti-torture law and custodial abuse, demands reforms

Urges recognition of psychological torture, stronger safeguards and independent investigations The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to strengthen the country’s anti-torture legal framework, warning that gaps in existing laws continue to undermine accountability for torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities. In an open letter issued on Friday to…

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President demands ‘meaningful cost’ on Israel after UN exposes crimes against Palestinian children

A displaced Palestinian boy peers through a tear in a tent wall, in Gaza City, May 6, 2026. Photo: file/REUTERS President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called on influential countries and the international community to impose a “meaningful cost” on Israel for crimes against Palestinian children and to prevent the recurrence of crimes that were exposed…

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PM calls for inter-sect harmony, tolerance on Ashura

Says Karbala teaches sacrifice for truth and justice; urges nation to reject hatred and incitement Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PHOTO: FILE Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Youm-e-Ashura served as a profound reminder of faith, patience, perseverance, sacrifice and commitment to truth, urging the nation to promote inter-sect harmony and counter hatred and incitement….

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Pakistan, Iran agree to strengthen road, rail connectivity

Both sides agreed to discuss measures relating to clearance of trucks and containers moving between the two countries Minister for Communications Aleem Khan holds meeting with Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh. SCREENGRAB Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen road and rail connectivity and reactivate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee to address…

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