News
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday restored former finance minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar’s Senate membership following the directives of the Supreme Court (SC).
Little Joey, a three-year-old boy, has been exposed to a hidden message during a YouTube video by a creepy clown which showed images of children being stabbed in the neck and mutilated.
Stephanie Zikmann, the mother of the infant, has issued a chilling warning to other parents.
Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin on Monday dismissed reports about complete autonomy being granted to the State Bank of Pakistan, saying the government will still “retain control” over the central bank after the passage of the State Bank of Pakistan Amendment Act.
“The SBP will not be completely autonomous.”
“IMF told us to stop borrowing money from the State Bank,” he said, adding that the government has not borrowed from the SBP for the ast two and a half years anyway. “However, the earlier loans [by the SBP] amount to Rs7,000 billion,” the minister added.
Murder convict was shifted back to prison as soon as news leaked to media, say sources
Shahrukh Jatoi, the murder convict of 2012 Shahzeb murder case, has been living a “lavish life” on the upper floor of a little known private hospital in Karachi’s Gizri area on the pretext of medical treatment.
Chinese government is financing the modern medical facility plan which spreads over 68 acres of land. Pak-China Friendship Hospital project in Gwadar under the CPEC will be completed in December 2022 at a cost of $100 million.
Chinese government is financing the modern medical facility plan which spreads over 68 acres of land.
Time for the PM to take action.
A Karachi-born Bengali student, who secured A-1 in her matriculation and intermediate exams, failed to get admission at a medical college after her national identity card was blocked, ARY News reported.
Former naval chief and senior military commander Arun Prakash has warned that India could descend into civil war as political leadership of the country had failed to condemn the recent genocide calls against Muslims by Hindu hardliners.
Leaders of several far-right Hindu groups had called for genocide of minorities in India, particularly country’s 200-million-strong Muslim community at a three-day ‘hate speech conclave’ organised by the controversial Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand in December, 2021.
Indian Congress Leader Udit Raj has claimed that “power-hungry” Narendra Modi had planned the Pulwama terror attack that took place in February 2019, just weeks before the Indian parliamentary elections that saw the latter consolidating his grip on the country.
In a tweet, the Congress leader termed the security breach during recent Modi’s visit to Indian Punjab a “drama”, saying it proved that Modi was behind the ghastly terror attack in which 40 personnel lost their lives.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) Judge Justice Ali Zia Bajwa on Friday dismissed a petition filed against a woman who remarried without completing her iddat (period a Muslim woman has to observe after the dissolution of marriage).
A case was filed in the LHC in which the petitioner, Amir Baksh, filed a case of fornication (zina) against his ex-wife Amina and her new husband Ismail.
Chinese CG urges Pakistanis to appreciate sacrifices of Chines
Consul General (CG) of Peoples Republic of China Mr Li Bijian has said that the Chinese companies have provided over 100,000 direct jobs to Pakistani workers in the first phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistanis would benefit with millions of more jobs in the second phase of the CPEC – the pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Bank lending to the housing and construction sector increased by an unprecedented 85% in calendar year 2021, while loan disbursements under the Prime Minister’s low-cost housing program also increased reached 38 billion rupees.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday announced very high growth in funding for the housing and construction sector, but it still fell short as the government wants to build 5 million houses over the course of his term of office ending next year.
The real story is another, Delhi police dashed to grab this man to the safety of Yogi’s UP police ashram, before Mumbai police can nab him. But most Pakistani media tell the story otherwise.
An open source app on the Github platform called ‘Bulli Bai’ — a derogatory term to describe Muslim women — had shared pictures of dozens of women without their consent before it was taken down.
Employees and schoolchildren juggled work and studies with weekly Muslim prayers on the first ever working Friday in the United Arab Emirates as the Gulf country formally switched to a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
Some grumbled at the change and businesses were split, with many moving to the Western-style weekend but other private firms sticking with Fridays and Saturdays, as in other Gulf states.
Calls to kill minorities, weak mainstream media and negligent officials – India sees a rising tide of communalism. Plus, Russia’s ever-growing media blacklist.
Amid a spike in anti-minority hate speech, independent journalists in India uncover Hindu extremist gatherings and the truth behind a bizarre mobile app claiming to “sell” prominent Muslim women.
Deceased include eight members of the same family after their vehicles were submerged in snow, officials say.
At least 21 people froze to death after heavy snow trapped them in their vehicles as tens of thousands of visitors thronged Pakistan’s hill town of Murree.
Pakistan Navy on Friday carried out rescue and relief operations in the rain-affected areas of Balochistan.
According to a naval spokesperson, food packets and drinking water were distributed in the calamity-hit areas of Balochistan. aval troops shifted stranded people to safer places and provided food and shelter. Medical teams of the Pakistan Navy have established several camps where affectees were provided free medicines after check-up. Pakistan Navy’s troops also assisted the civil administration in draining out accumulated rainwater and vowed to help the public.
After days of violent protests, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev vowed to destroy “armed bandits” and gave “special thanks” to Russia’s Vladimir Putin for sending troops to quell the unrest.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday declared that constitutional order was “mainly restored” after the unprecedented unrest in recent days.
The app, now taken down, displayed more than 100 women ‘for sale as maids’, with victims saying they have little hope of action by police.On January 1, Quratulain Rehbar, a journalist from Indian-administered Kashmir, woke up to see herself listed for an “online auction”. Her photograph was sourced without her permission and uploaded on an app for “sale”.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said industrialisation and exports were essential for uplift of economy and the PTI government was taking measures to expand industrialisation and boosting exports.
The Prime Minister expressed these views at the launching ceremony of Pakistan-China Business Investment Forum. The forum is aimed at promoting communication and enhancing information exchange by opening up new avenues of cooperation between businesses of the two countries.
Illegal occupants thrown out of Overseas Pakistan's house
An overseas Pakistani’s house worth Rs20 million has been vacated from illegal occupants by the Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC).
According to details, Haji Muhammad Rafique, an overseas Pakistani living in Switzerland, had complained to the OPC that he has rented out his house in Pakistan which has now been illegally occupied by the tenants.
Counter opposition’s ‘fake narrative’ on mini-budget, PM.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the government’s spokespersons and ministers to counter the “fake narrative” of opposition parties targeting the recently-tabled finance bill.
The prime minister presided over a meeting of the spokespersons on Monday, which was attended by the PTI leaders and cabinet members.
Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin briefed the participants on the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021, which was introduced in the National Assembly last week.
Pakistan-China joint research chamber launched in Karachi, Beijing
Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the government’s spokespersons and ministers to counter the “fake narrative” of opposition parties targeting the recently-tabled finance bill.
The prime minister presided over a meeting of the spokespersons on Monday, which was attended by the PTI leaders and cabinet members.
Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin briefed the participants on the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021, which was introduced in the National Assembly last week.
Pakistan, China vow to tap full potential of strategic Gwadar Port
The CPEC is the flagship project of China’s ambitious USD 60 billion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and it links China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar port in Balochistan province. All-weather allies Pakistan and China have agreed to use the full potential of the strategic Gwadar Port in Balochistan province, a major project under the CPEC that provides the Communist-giant an opening to the Arabian Sea.
COAS Bajwa lauds medical community’s role in fight against Covid-19
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that doctors and healthcare workers are the heroes who worked tirelessly for the safety and well-being of the people of Pakistan during COVID-19 despite all of the challenges.
He expressed these views while addressing as a chief guest on the occasion of 54th Convocation Ceremony of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).
Nearly after a year of battling with Covid-19 and its economic fallout, Pakistan entered 2022
Pakistan entered 2022 with multiple challenges, the especially fast-changing situation in northwestern neighbour Afghanistan, on the way ahead and aspirations for regional peace and strengthening diplomatic ties with the world.
In the outgoing year, Pakistan witnessed an upward trajectory in relations with the Gulf States but received a mixed response from the new administration in the US.
Here are some events that provide a sneak peek into Pakistan’s engagement on the diplomatic front in 2021.
$17 trillion: That's how much the pandemic could take away from today's kids
“Usually those who are not achieving these basic metrics are the ones that are disadvantaged, discriminated against or coming from a lower socioeconomic background,” he explains. According to the new report, learning poverty is expected to potentially affect more of those children because of the pandemic – up to 7 in 10.
Federal cabinet approves ‘Finance Supplementary Bill 2021’
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Thursday announced that the Federal Cabinet has approved finance bill. On his official twitter handle, the federal minister said that the finance supplementary bill 2021 will be introduced in the National Assembly (NA). 17% GST on 144 items to yield Rs360 billion. The actual revenue impact from slapping GST on the 144 items will be far higher than the estimated Rs352 billion, as many of them will be taxed for the first time. Their revenue impact was not available with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
JUI-F leader challenges Chief Justice and Sindh CM.
JUI-F leader challenges Chief Jusice and Sindh CM to implement mosque demolition orders If you have the courage then show it and try bulldozing any mosque in Karachi, warns Rashid Soomro
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Sindh Secretary General Rashid Mahmood Soomro on Wednesday dared Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to implement the top court’s order to demolish illegally constructed mosques in Karachi.
PIA resumes flights to Iran after five-year hiatus
Reportedly, direct flights from Karachi to Mashhad will begin on January 1 next year.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has Thursday resumed direct flights to Iran after a five-year gap to develop people-to-people contacts and boost tourism industry.
Abdullah Khan, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s national flag carrier told , Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that the first PIA flight departed from Lahore to Mashhad on Wednesday night (December 29).
Addition of two new motorways in CPEC
As work on Western alignment of China Pakistan Economic Corridor is in full swing, the incumbent government has initiated eleven new road projects under the CPEC.
According to official sources in the CPEC Authority, two new projects worth 314 billion rupees were added to the CPEC in the meeting of 10th Joint Coordination Committee on CPEC.
Consul General of Japan Toshikazu Isomura travels on Green Line bus in Karachi
“These bus services are common in Japan, however, we are delighted to witness modern transport facility in Karachi,” he said and added that he would again visit the Green Line bus service once it is fully made operational. Toshikazu Isumora earlier in the day visited the Numaish stop of the bus service along with his other staffers and got the ticket while standing in the queue. He later traveled in the bus like other passengers and review the working of the service.
ISI Chief General Anjum wants no media coverage
Pakistan’s spymaster Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum has urged authorities not to release to media organisations photographs and video footage of him at official meetings.
General Anjum was appointed as the Director-General of ISI in October after a political slugfest between the civilian and military leadership in the country. Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), the highest forum for coordination on security issues, approved its first-ever National Security Policy on Monday.
Expressway to link Gulberg to M-2
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced an elevated expressway from Gulberg to Lahore-Islamabad Motorway with an estimated cost of Rs50 billion besides several other road infrastructure development schemes for the provincial capital.
He made the announcement while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Gulab Devi Underpass on Ferozpur Road on Monday. He announced naming of the underpass after acclaimed philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi.
Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen conference on Wednesday
National Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority will hold a conference on Wednesday to connect the prominent Muslim scholars across the world in a bid to offer solutions to issues that are plaguing Islamic society today.
According to the Ministry of Education and Professional Training, the conference is aimed at examining the causes of moral and ethical degradation of the society that could be because of structural or ideational reasons.
Qatar celebrates its National Day
The royal court announced that Sunday will be an official holiday in the country as the National Day falls on Saturday which is a usual weekend.
Qatar Saturday marked its National Day with celebrations, including a walk by Emir Tamim bin Hamad along the Doha Corniche greeting people.
The anniversary marks founding the state of Qatar at the hands of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed in 1878.
First spell of winter showers lashes Karachi
Karachi received its first spell of winter showers throughout the day on Monday as westerly winds lashed the metropolis and are expected to remain here until Tuesday.
The forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Quaidabad and Gulshan-i-Hadeed received the highest rainfall at 50 millimetres each.
Satellite with 5m resolution by China launched
China on Sunday launched a new satellite with a camera that can take pictures of the ground with a resolution of five meters, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
The satellite, called “Ziyuan-1 02E” or “five-meter optical satellite 02,” was launched at 11:11 a.m. Beijing Time by a Long March-4C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.
Work On Modern KCR Project To Start Next Month
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, revealed on Saturday work on the modern Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project would start from next month in January, ARY News reported.
He announced this while speaking during ARY News programme Aitraz Hai.
“The construction work on the new KCR project would start from January 2022,” he said, adding that significant progress was made on all five projects of KTP including Green Line BRT Project, K-IV Water project, cleaning of three nullahs, Karachi Circular Railways and Railway Freight Corridor.
Rana Shamim got affidavit notarized in Nawaz Sharif's office: Fawad
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said that Rana Shamim got his affidavit against Saqib Nisar notarized in Nawaz Sharif’s office.
Fawad Chaudhry, in a tweet, said that new revelations have once again proved Sharif family is Sicilian mafia and how this mafia is capable of blackmailing of institutions of country including judiciary.
Pakistani celebrities wish the Christian community Merry Christmas
Pakistan beat India in the Group A match of ACC U19 Asia Cup 2021 in a thrilling fashion by 2 wickets on Saturday. Pakistan surpassed the target of 238 runs on the last ball of the 50-over match.
It was a thrilling finish as Pakistan needed 8 off the last over with Ahmad Khan and Zeeshan Zameer in the pitch. On the first ball of the last over, Ravi Kumar removed Zameer for a duck. On the next 3 balls, Pakistan scored 4 runs and the equation came down to 4 required off 2 balls. Ahmad took 2 off the penultimate ball. On the last ball of the over, Ahmad hit a four to take his side home.
Pakistani celebrities wish the Christian community Merry Christmas
The Christian community is celebrating its religious festival of Christmas with fervour and zeal today (Saturday).
Christmas eve saw people thronging shopping malls in order to buy new clothes and gifts for their relatives. Houses were also decorated with the same zeal with events related to the occasion organized at various locations.
PM, President felicitates Christian community on Christmas
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have extended their “heartiest greetings to all our Christian brethren” on the occasion of Christmas and reiterated the government’s resolve to empower the minorities socially, economically and politically for the national development.
The Christian community is celebrating its religious festival of Christmas with fervour and zeal today. In their separate messages, Alvi and Imran highlighted spirit of auspicious occasion of peace, brotherhood and love for the whole humanity.
Nation celebrates Quaid’s 145th birth anniversary today
The nation is celebrating the 145th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, on Saturday with traditional zeal and fervor.
The day dawned with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of the country, while a change of guards ceremony also took place at the Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi.
PM Imran hails President Putin’s remarks against Islamophobia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not freedom of expression!
The remarks from the Russian president were shared during his annual press conference, as Putin expressed the importance of artistic freedom without hindrance to religious freedom. Russian News Agency TASS reported.
Parliamentary delegation led by chairman Saudi Shoura Council arrives in Pakistan
A parliamentary delegation led by the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council arrived in Pakistan for a three-day visit on Wednesday, the Pakistani national assembly said.
Pakistan committed to host SAARC summit if ‘artificial obstacles’ removed —foreign minister
Pakistan was committed to host the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit if “artificial obstacles” created in its way were removed, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Pakistan approves major motorway in Sindh among projects worth $1.4bln
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved four projects, including the construction of the much-delayed Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway to complete a hassle-free road network between Karachi and Peshawar, with an estimated cost of Rs265 billion ($1.4 billion), the state-run APP news agency reported.
Fawad stresses need for promoting film, culture
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday underlined the need for promoting film, drama, music and culture to effectively present national narrative at the international level.
Addressing a press conference after signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Information, National Arts Council and Pakistan Television (PTV) regarding National Entertainment Awards, the minister said that political debates did not promote the national narrative as effectively as do the mediums of entertainment.
Afghan Taliban stop Pakistan army from fencing international border
Afghan defense ministry official says Taliban forces stopped the Pakistani military from erecting an ‘illegal’ border fence on Sunday.
The border incident happened the day Islamabad was hosting the OIC summit to discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
KABUL/PESHAWAR: Taliban soldiers in Afghanistan disrupted the erecting of a security fence by the Pakistani military along the border between the two countries, Afghan officials said on Wednesday.
Foreign content if aired on Channels to be taxed at higher rates
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said Wednesday the government plans to impose higher taxes on foreign content as the local film and drama industry had taken a hit due to it.
Addressing a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Information Ministry, Pakistan Television, and the Arts Council of Pakistan regarding National Entertainment Awards, Chaudhry said the government had finalized a new film policy through which it aims to incentivize the industry.
Saudi Arabia to privatize all of its airports
Saudi Arabia aims to boost passenger handling capacity to 300 million by the end of this decade.
Speaking to Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) head Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said that 22 airport operators will be transformed into holding companies, tasked with construction, operation and management.
Surge in Food exports - by 26.68% to $1947 mln in 5 months
The food exports from the country surged by 26.68 percent during the first five months of the current fiscal year as compared to the exports of the corresponding period of last year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.
The food group exports during July-November (2021-22) were recorded at $1947.414 million as against the exports of $1537.317 million in July-November (2020-21), according to PBS data.
Pakistan test fires cruise missile with 900 KMs range: ISPR
The military test-fired a home-grown Babur cruise missile on Tuesday that has a range of more than 900 kilometres (560 miles), twice the distance of an earlier missile of the same model, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
The missile’s extended range further enhances the nuclear-armed nation’s military capability.
New leaked audio: Maryam claims credit of ‘ruining PTI’ through Geo, Dunya TV
In a new twist to the stories about media management by a PML-N media cell, a new alleged audio clip of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Tuesday surfaced on social media wherein she appears to be praising her “media management” skills.
In a short clip making the rounds on Twitter, the PML-N leader allegedly says: “Look at my media management. Geo News and Dunya News have ruined them [Imran Khan].”
possibility of abolishing tax on small vehicles
The federal cabinet has approved a new auto policy, proposing to abolish additional customs duties on small vehicles.
According to sources, under the new auto policy, tax exemption is proposed on small vehicles, tax exemption is proposed on vehicles up to 850 cc. Sources said that it is proposed to abolish excise duty on locally manufactured vehicles and also to abolish holding tax on small vehicles.
China imposes retaliatory sanctions against US over Xinjiang
The tit-for-tat sanctions on Tuesday added to spiralling tension over Xinjiang, where over a million minority Muslim Uighurs are believed to have been forced into reeducation camps.The chairwoman and three members of the US panel are barred from visiting mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and any assets they have in the country will be frozen, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.
WHO CONTACTED ZARDARI ON BEHALF OF ESTABLISHMENT
Asif Ali Zardari should name the person who had contacted him on behalf of the establishment and sought his help for a future setup, a senior defence source said. Talking to The News, the source lamented that every now and then statements are made and hints are given about “deals” (with establishment) which is both unfortunate and irresponsible.
SLOW INTERNET DUE TO FAULT IN SUBMARINE CABLE
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Tuesday said the authority was working to remove fault that reported in international submarine cables.
“A fault in one of the international submarine cables has been reported in the sea near Karachi affecting some internet traffic in peak hours,” the PTA said “Work is underway to remove a fault reported in one of the international submarine cables in the sea near Karachi that affected some internet traffic,” it added.
Pakistan, Iran, Turkey launch railway corridor to unlock trade potential
The beginning of the train service is a “significant step towards regional connectivity which will unlock immense trade potential as the train is the cheapest mode of transportation in the world,” Amjad Ali, director-general of the ITI train project, told Gulf News. The train has the capacity to carry a maximum of 80,000 tonnes of goods.
Pakistan conducts successful test flight of Babur Cruise Missile 1B: ISPR
ISPR says Babur Cruise Missile 1B is an “indigenously developed” weapon. Strategic Plans Division DG congratulates team of scientists and engineers for achieving excellence in cruise missile technology domain. Expresses confidence in the test saying it will further strengthen Pakistan’s strategic deterrence.
France’s prestigious National Order of Merit given to a Pakistani origin woman
The French authorities has fixed Asma Ashraf the National Order of Merit which is the 2nd nationalist bid aft the Legion of Honour. This grant is fixed to radical who person distinguished merits successful the workout of public, civilian oregon subject relation oregon of backstage enactment for astatine slightest 10 years.
PM Imran admits PTI 'made mistakes' in K-P LG polls
Depreciation in rupee is a double-edged sword for the Reserve Bank of India. While a weaker currency may support exports amid a nascent economic recovery from the pandemic, it also poses risk of imported inflation, and may make it difficult for the central bank to maintain interest rates at a record low for longer.
QuantArt Market Solutions expects the rupee to decline to 78 per dollar by end-March, falling past the previous record low of 76.9088 reached in April 2020, while a Bloomberg survey of traders and analysts forecast the rupee at 76.50. The rupee is set to drop about 4% this year in a fourth straight year of losses.
And Asia’s worst-performing currency is - Indian currency
Depreciation in rupee is a double-edged sword for the Reserve Bank of India. While a weaker currency may support exports amid a nascent economic recovery from the pandemic, it also poses risk of imported inflation, and may make it difficult for the central bank to maintain interest rates at a record low for longer.
QuantArt Market Solutions expects the rupee to decline to 78 per dollar by end-March, falling past the previous record low of 76.9088 reached in April 2020, while a Bloomberg survey of traders and analysts forecast the rupee at 76.50. The rupee is set to drop about 4% this year in a fourth straight year of losses.
AIOU, JICA to provide skill training on CPEC projects
AIOU VC says varsity designed specific course to train people on SEZs The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are launching a joint project to provide skill-based training to citizens in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) who are being set up along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“Initially, training will be started in Rashakai and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Industrial Zones, and later its scope will be extended to all other SEZs,” said AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum. He added that the varsity has designed a specific course to train local people. The course has been developed keeping in view the specific requirements of the industrial zones, so that individuals could easily find jobs, and benefit from the multi-billion CPEC project, he added.
Pakistan to launch TV channel with Malaysia & Turkey
The idea of a joint tv channel was first floated in 2019 after PM Khan’s meeting with Turkish President and Malaysian Prime Minister on the sidelines of Pakistan is taking shape , a TV channel is set to launch with Malaysia and Turkey. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry revealed the news while speaking to the media during the Organization of Islamic Council (OIC) summit.
Fawad Chaudhry said the joint tv channel will help tackle issues of extremism in Pakistan, Malaysia, and Turkey. Important to note, the idea of a joint tv channel first floated in 2019 when PM Khan announced the decision.
2300-year-old Buddhist temple, treasure discovered in Swat
According to reports, the temple is 2300 years old and is from the Buddhist period. Interestingly, archaeologists also discovered coins, an onyx-made seal, and many other pots and plates with ancient inscriptions on them.
Archaeologists discover an Apsidal temple from the Buddhist period in Bazira area of Barikot Tehsil, Swat. According to reports, the well-preserved four-meter high temple is 2300 years old and is from the Buddhist period.
PM Imran's remarks on Afghanistan 'not insulting': Taliban FM responds to Hamid Karzai
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Monday that former president Hamid Karzai’s statement criticising Prime Minister Imran Khan for linking the prevalent situation in the war-torn country to corruption by previous governments, was not insulting.
RESOLUTION: OIC agrees to set up Humanitarian Trust Fund; launch food security program for Afghans
A specially convened meeting of the 57 member states of the OIC Sunday vowed to play a leading role in delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of war-torn Afghanistan and unanimously agreed on establishing a Humanitarian Trust Fund, launch a Food Security Programme and engage with the World Health Organization for securing vaccines and medical supplies.
SHEIKH NAHYAN BIN MUBARAK AL NAHYAN, HAS CALLED FOR JOINT BUSINESS VENTURES TO BOOST UAE-PAKISTAN TRADE.
While chairing the Sindh Investment Conference held as part of Pakistan’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan said, “We learn from each other to improve on economic front and endeavour to enhance trade and investment. The UAE and Pakistan work together to ensure regional security and economic development as successful economy is fundamental to regional growth.”
AFGHAN ISSUE MUST BE LOOKED AT ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS, SAYS SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER.
The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is underway. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Afghanistan’s economic crisis will be catastrophic for the region.
PASSPORT DELIVERED AT DOORSTEPS WITHIN 24 HOURS
The government of Pakistan has introduced a new service titled ‘Fast Track Service’ aimed at delivering passports to applicants at their doorstep within 24 hours.
PAKISTANI NATIONAL WINS GOLD AWARD
A Pakistani national, Muhammad Umar Ilyas of Group EVP – Data Centre & Technology Operations (PTCL & UFONE) at PTCL Group, has won a global award at the World CIO 200 Summit 2021.
OIC Summit - A worthwhile achievement by Pakistan.
22–24 February 1974 was the first ever OIC summit to be held in Pakistan after forty two years. Islamabad ready to host big meeting
Another achievement of the Imran Khan government on the foreign front, the extraordinary OIC meeting in Pakistan
CreditBook, a Pakistani fintech that helps micro-entrepreneurs digitise and keep records of their transactions, has raised $11 million in the latest round of funding,
Two years ago, a group of entrepreneurs in Pakistan began surveying the market to understand why financial services weren’t reaching the majority of merchants in the world’s fifth most populous nation.
Pfizer says pandemic could extend until 2024
The company said it is testing a three-dose course of the vaccine in all age groups under 16
“The data are illustrating the impact of a booster and that our vaccine works best as a primary regimen of three doses,” Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten said
COVID-19 pandemic would not be behind us until 2024-Pfizer
OIC meeting to help bridge gap between Taliban, world: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said that with members of the international community and the Taliban at the same platform, the coming meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad would prove to be a stepping stone in finding solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
U.S. House approves proposed State Dept. anti-Islamophobia office
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) attends a news conference addressing the anti-Muslim comments made by Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) towards Omar, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to approve a Democratic proposal for a U.S. State Department office to address anti-Muslim bias, after a Republican congresswoman used an Islamophobic slur against a Democratic colleague.
Sheikh Hasina urged to visit Pakistan and address parliament
Dr. Moonis Ahmar, Meritorious Professor, University of Karachi, has asked Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed to pay a visit to Pakistan and also address its Parliament here. He was addressing a webinar on “Pakistan-Bangladesh relations” organised by the Institute of Regional Studies here Tuesday.
Imran Khan Ranked 17th Most Admired Man In The World
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has been inducted into the list of most admired men in the world.
According to details, the British market research company has released the list of the most appreciated men in the year 2021. PM Imran Khan is ranked 17th on the list due to his impressive personality.
Grocery Startup Scores Pakistan’s Largest Early-Stage Funding
Pakistan’s rapid delivery startup Krave Mart has raised the country’s largest early funding to grow its business in the world’s fifth-most populous nation.
india's Chest Thumping acts
A statement issued here by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the unwarranted, gratuitous and provocative comments made by the Indian Defence Minister at an event in New Delhi on 12 December 2021, questioning established historical facts, levelling unfounded allegations in the context of terrorism, and hurling threats against Pakistan.
China – A great growth globalizer
Over the past 20 years since its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has embarked on an odyssey to embrace globalization by constantly deepening its integration into the global economy.
Gwadar Protests
Following a month of protests, the prime minister on Sunday ordered “strong” steps against illegal fishing off the coast of Gwadar, a key route of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
SBP to launch Asaan Mobile Account scheme tomorrow
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced today that it will be launching the Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) scheme on Monday under its National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to bank the country’s sizably unbanked population.
China brands US democracy ‘weapon of mass destruction’
BEIJING: China branded US democracy a “weapon of mass destruction” on Saturday, following the US-organised Summit for Democracy which aimed to shore up like-minded allies in the face of autocratic regimes.
CPEC brought prosperity to remote areas: official
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought prosperity to remote areas in Pakistan including those in Balochistan, Khalid Mansoor, special assistant to Prime Minister on CPEC affairs said.
HEC Announces new international Scholarship
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced fully funded scholarships for studies in China for the session 2022-23. HERE’S HOW TO APPLY
![PPP government receives Rs1,200bn per annum to develop the province andall of it goes into its coffers. The provincial capital of Sindh [Karachi] is not begging for its rights from the chief minister of Sindh, said Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Asad Umar Sunday in a hard-hitting press conference.](https://sirfpakistan.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Karachi-will-not-beg-for-its-rights-from-Sindh-CM-683x1024.jpg)
Karachi will not beg for its rights from Sindh CM: Asad Umar
PPP government receives Rs1,200bn per annum to develop the province andall of it goes into its coffers.
The provincial capital of Sindh [Karachi] is not begging for its rights from the chief minister of Sindh, said Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Asad Umar Sunday in a hard-hitting press conference.
Air chief condoles death of Rashid Minhas’ mother
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Saturday expressed heartfelt condolences on the death of Begum Rasheeda Minhas — mother of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, the youngest recipient of Nishan-i-Haider.
PM Imran Khan launches Karachi’s Green Line bus service
Prime Minister Imran on Friday inaugurated the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit Service (BRTS), the first-ever modern mass transit system of Karachi.
CORPS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday presided over the Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
“Corps Commanders’ Conference presided over by COAS [was] held today at GHQ,” said a brief statement by the ISPR after the meeting.
China and South Korea offer support for Pakistan’s green initiatives
China and South Korea have gifted thousands of tree saplings to Pakistan at two different ceremonies as both countries offered support and expertise for green initiatives in Pakistan.
Pakistani filmmaker Samar Minallah Khan bags Best Short Film award at Sport Film Festival Netherlands
Pakistani filmmaker Samar Minallah Khan bags the award of Best Short Film…
France will not join a diplomatic boycott by other Western countries of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in China's capital
Education and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said . Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, meanwhile, said that Paris was still seeking a common European Union stance on the issue.
Pakistan wants to enhance economic ties with Egypt
Pakistan Embassy in Cairo organised a seminar to mark the “Pakistan-Egypt Friendship Day”. At the beginning of the seminar titled “Pakistan’s Engagement with Africa – the Continent of the Future”, a video message of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan dilating upon the Engage Africa Policy of the government was played for the audience.
CPEC turning green with China Pakistan collaboration
Pakistan and China are keeping their commitment to making the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a green project, and enable future generations to have a green environment.
ADB approves $603mn loan to support Pakistan's Ehsaas program
Under the Integrated Social Protection Development Program, ADB will provide a regular loan of $600 million and a $3 million grant from the Asian Development Fund
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $603 million results-based lending program to strengthen and expand social protection programs in Pakistan.
Pakistan says NO to US invitation
Pakistan, China’s all-weather ally, on Wednesday turned down US’ invitation to take part in the Summit for Democracy, a virtual event set to take place on December 9-10, reported local media citing the country’s Foreign Office. Pakistan, China’s all-weather ally, on Wednesday turned down US’ invitation to take part in the Summit for Democracy, a virtual event set to take place on December 9-10, reported local media citing the country’s Foreign Office.
PAKISTAN ARMY CONDOLES OVER DEATH OF INDIAN CDC BIPIN RAWAT, OTHERS
Pakistan Army has expressed condolence over the death of Indian defence chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 others in a helicopter crash, ARY NEWS reported quoting Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Indian CDS General Bipin Rawat and 12 Others Die In Helicopter Crash
Indian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed on the evening of Wednesday, December 8. He was among the 14 people who were on board, including his wife and staff members. Thirteen people have succumbed to the crash, including CDS Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and 11 others.