ISLAMABAD (INP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs has opened the receipt of applications for the 2026 private Hajj scheme, allowing 37,903 new pilgrims to apply. At the same time, 22,097 pilgrims who missed out last year will be given priority by private Hajj operators. According to the ministry, private Hajj operators are required to first accommodate last year’s registered pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj. A total of 22,097 such pilgrims have already been registered, ensuring that their long wait comes to an end this year. Operators will also provide an affidavit confirming the completion of last year’s registrations…
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ISLAMABAD (INP): The hearing on the plea for early proceedings of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s acquittal petitions new Toshakhana case has been adjourned. In the Islamabad High Court (IHC), a hearing was held on the miscellaneous petitions seeking early listing of the acquittal pleas filed by the PTI founder and his wife. Barrister Salman Safdar, Ali Bukhari, Sardar Masroor, and other lawyers appeared on behalf of the petitioners. Barrister Salman Safdar argued that the cases have been progressing rapidly for a month and a verdict is expected on Monday. If the matter is not heard,…
ISLAMABAD, Sept 19 (INP): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the recent strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had not hidden clauses and it could serve as a model for similar arrangements with other Gulf nations. In an interview with international media, the minister said that, given the current regional dynamics, it is natural that the scope of such agreements might extend to other countries in the Gulf. He emphasized that regional nations may prefer security partnerships with sovereign states like Pakistan, which possess the capacity and willingness to provide protection, rather than depending on distant powers.…
RAWALPINDI (INP): The Home Department’s notification regarding video-link trial in the GHQ attack case has been challenged, while a separate petition has also been filed seeking the physical production of PTI founder Imran Khan in court. Lawyers of PTI founder Khan challenged the notification before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), which admitted the petition for hearing. Defence counsels Faisal Malik and Barrister Ali Bukhari will present arguments. The defence counsel stated that the public prosecutor has also been served notice, and until a decision is made, it is unlikely that Khan will appear via video link. Advocate Faisal Malik said the…
LAHORE (INP): Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Friday stated that despite limited resources, Pakistan Railways is progressing steadily due to strong commitment and effective planning. He expressed confidence that the public will soon witness visible improvements in the railway sector. Chairing a high-level meeting at Pakistan Railways Headquarters, the Minister oversaw several key decisions aimed at reforming and modernizing the system. One of the major decisions was the outsourcing of passenger trains through an open auction, including the review of contracts signed under this model. The meeting also approved the revision of annual revenue benchmarks for trains, for…
Quetta and Turbat to benefit from eco-friendly public transport upgrade QUETTA, Sept 18, 2025 – Big news for the people of Quetta and Turbat: a fleet of 21 modern green buses is on its way from China to Balochistan. According to the Transport Department, the buses have been shipped from a Chinese port and are expected to arrive in the province soon. Under the special directive of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the initiative aims to modernize public transport by ensuring safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel for citizens. Of the fleet, 17 buses will serve Quetta and 4 will operate…
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired a high-level meeting on Afghan refugee evacuation and law and order in Killa Abdullah. Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqat briefed the CM on the evacuation process and coordination with UN agencies. The Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure the safety, dignity, and respect of evacuees, with special attention to women, children, and the elderly. He also ordered strict action against criminals in the area and announced the deployment of temporary female security staff to assist women during the process. Daily progress reports will be submitted to the Chief Minister as the provincial…
Quetta, Sept 18, 2025 – Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti visited Loralai to offer condolences to the family of martyred Captain Waqar Khan Kakar. He paid rich tribute to the fallen officer, stating that the sacrifices of martyrs will never be forgotten. The Chief Minister said that around 28,000 youth from Balochistan are serving in the Pakistan Army, and the province is proud of its brave sons who lay down their lives for the country. He assured the bereaved family that they would never be left alone, adding that the government’s doors will always remain open for the heirs…
