With Israel bombarding the beleaguered Palestinian territory on Monday with no end in sight to the war that Hamas claims has taken more than 20,000 deaths, Palestinians said they had “no joy” this Christmas. The occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, which is regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, practically abandoned its celebrations, as there were hardly any worshippers or tourists in the typically bustling streets. Early on Monday, the Hamas organisation in the Gaza Strip reported 50 strikes in core areas, including the Nuseirat refugee camp. Fadi Sayegh, whose family has previously been granted permission to travel to Bethlehem for holidays, declared he would not be enjoying Christmas this year at a hospital in the recently-fighting southern city of Khan Yunis.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the prime minister, has allayed concerns regarding the February 8 election. In an interview with a private television channel, he stated that because candidates have begun filing their nomination papers and political parties are working to create compelling narratives to win over voters, there should be no room for uncertainty over the results of polls. According to the Prime Minister, elections are required under the constitution and will take place on February 8 in order to form a new elected administration. In response to a query, he stated that the government of Pakistan is in charge of ensuring the safety of the country’s political elite and electorate. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar stated that the caretaker administration will carry out its duties while elections were taking place.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Friday evening stripped off the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its iconic ‘bat’ symbol — a sign that depicts its founder,...
In the cypher case, the Supreme Court granted bail to former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday. It ordered the PTI leaders to produce one million rupee surety bonds apiece. On a series of PTI petitions, the ruling was made by a three-judge panel led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and consisting of Justices Athar Minallah and Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. The Federal Investigation Agency’s charge sheet in the cypher case claims that Imran never returned a diplomatic document. The PTI has long maintained that the document was a threat to remove Imran from office as prime minister from the United States.
Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court said on Friday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claims that the equal playing field is being denied in advance of the next general elections are “prima facie correct.” While listening to the PTI’s demand for equal rights in the general elections, he offered these observations. The petition was heard by a three-judge panel that included Justice Minallah, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, and Acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood. Regarding the raid on the former leader of the Pakistan Terrorist Organisation, Justice Minallah stated that all events at the residence of politician Usman Dar were reported in the press. In the courtroom was also the director general law of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP official was instructed by the highest court to meet with the PTI attorneys at 3:00 PM today.
Madad Ali Sindhi, the acting federal minister for education and professional training, emphasised on Friday the necessity for a paradigm change in educational exams and evaluation systems in order to bring them into compliance with the demands of the contemporary technological era. Exams and assessment are essential components of the educational system, and we must implement policies that foster critical thinking, creativity, and the application of knowledge in real-world contexts. He made these remarks at the opening session of the two-day IBCC First Annual Conference, “Examination and Assessment Practices in Pakistan.” Academicians, teaching faculty, students, and vice-chancellors of universities from throughout the nation attended the conference, which was arranged by the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) here at a private institution.
On Friday, Murtaza Solangi, the federal minister for information, broadcasting, and parliamentary affairs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent general elections on February 8 of the next year. He ruled out any chance of a postponement and declared that the general elections would proceed according to the timeline provided by the Pakistani Election Commission. Speaking with media representatives, he stated that there was no chance of Chief Election Commissioner Raja Sultan resigning and that he did enjoy the conference of majority people. In response to a query, Solangi stated that the caretaker government aimed to keep good relations with all political forces and that he was unable to comment on internal party matters.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday permitted commercial centres in the city to stay open till midnight as the last stages of Christmas celebration preparations get underway. The thick smog that descends upon cities in the early winter months, causing respiratory disorders and other health issues, is primarily caused by the burning of agricultural residue, factories, and automobiles. Judge Shahid Karim of the LHC made directives during the hearing of a petition asking the court to intervene in order to reduce smog. The court granted retail centres permission to remain open until midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in anticipation of Christmas. Additionally, the bench of the high court mandated the de-dealing of rice mills and recommended developing the rooftop gardening plan.
In a rural area of South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an under-construction police station was attacked by unidentified assailants, resulting in the deaths of at least five workmen. One of the labourers employed by the police station was hurt in the late-night shooting on Thursday, according to the police. The police stated that the bodies and the injured worker had been taken to a Wana district hospital. District Police Officer (DPO) Farmanullah stated that after the incident is investigated, all details will be disclosed. He continued by saying that information on the firing event cannot be released at this time.
According to UK-based anti-poverty charity Oxfam, 90% of Gaza’s population is on the verge of starvation as a result of Israel’s attack, as reported by Anadolu Agency. Sally Abi Khalil, regional director of Oxfam for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “Some UN Security Council member states are still toying with words rather than voting for a ceasefire, while over 90pc of people in Gaza cannot find their next meal.” Khalil was cited as saying, “Gaza’s shocking descent into starvation was so predictable as to be premeditated, an ongoing war crime by the Government of Israel.” The current US leadership, “which preaches principles hat it then betrays as it enables Israel’s atrocities,” has been urged by a top UN official to be opposed by UN members.
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