Quaid-i-Azam’s vision, ideals in focus as nation celebrates his 149th birth anniversary
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership highlighted Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a sovereign, democratic and inclusive nation as the country celebrated his 149th birth anniversary on Thursday. According to state-broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the day began with a 31-gun salute in federal capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered at mosques after Fajr prayer for the Quaid, as well as for peace, prosperity and development of the country, the Radio Pakistan report said. A change of guards ceremony was also held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi. In his message on the Quaid’s birth anniverdary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: “This day offers an opportunity for collective reflection and renewal of our commitment to the Quaid’s guiding principles — democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, religious harmony, and the vision of a welfare state grounded in equality and the rule of law.” He said the Quaid’s enduring ideals of faith, unity, and discipline remained the foundation of our national strength and a guiding light for future generations. “A visionary leader and a statesman of global stature, Quaid-i-Azam’s political wisdom, unwavering resolve, and selfless struggle altered the course of history and made possible the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent,” the premier further stated. He ended his message with reaffirming “our collective resolve to follow in the footsteps of the Quaid-i-Azam and to carry forward his enduring legacy, in the service of Pakistan’s honour, security, progress, and prosperity”. Similarly, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised the “enduring relevance of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership” and urged the nation to renew its commitment to the democratic and inclusive ideals laid down by him. Paying tribute to him on his birth anniversary, the president said in a statement that the Quaid’s leadership, vision, and guiding principles continued to inspire the nation in facing contemporary challenges. The Quaid, he said, “exemplified conviction, perseverance, and hard work that laid the foundation of Pakistan. The Quaid’s principles of democracy, justice, and equality remained central to the country’s national journey and must continue to shape its institutions and decision-making”. The president said the Quaid’s call for unity, faith, and discipline provided a clear direction to the nation, adding that these ideals were essential for progress, social cohesion, and national confidence. He urged the nation, particularly the youth, to uphold the Quaid’s ideals and contribute to building a “peaceful, inclusive, and forward-looking Pakistan”. The president said that despite the challenges being faced by the country, unity, strength, and resilience would enable the nation to move forward. More to follow
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Ex-SAPM Mirza Shahzad Akbar attacked in UK
LONDON: Former special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) Mirza Shahzad Akbar has confirmed to Dawn that he was attacked in the United Kingdom, where he has been living in self-imposed exile since April 2022, on Wednesday. “I have been attacked and been in hospital and with the police. Bruised and fractured,” the ex-SAPM said in text messages after Dawn reached out to him, seeking confirmation of a post about the incident on PTI’s X account. The PTI’s post at 9:50pm PKT on Wednesday said Akbar was attacked at his house in Cambridge in the morning. “The attacker punched him repeatedly in the face, as a result of which his nose and jaw have been fractured. “Local police have collected all details, and an investigation is under way,” the post added. More to follow
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Khaleda Zia’s heir set to end exile, return to Bangladesh after 17 years
DHAKA: The heir to Bangladesh’s longtime ruling family and a leader of its most powerful political party, Tarique Rahman is set to return home after 17 years in exile and ahead of key elections. Rahman, 60, an aspiring prime minister who has lived in London since he fled Bangladesh in 2008 over what he called a politically motivated persecution, is due to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday. Acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he is expected to take the reins from his ailing mother, 80-year-old former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in the February 12, 2026 elections. But she was hospitalised soon after that pledge, and she has been in intensive care ever since. The elections will be the first s...
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UK woman jailed after heroin worth £8.5m found
LONDON: A woman has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison after National Crime Agency (NCA) officers found 85 kilograms of heroin worth an estimated £8.5 million in her home in Bradford. Sidrah Nosheen, 34, was part of an organised crime group that smuggled heroin from Pakistan into the United Kingdom and supplied it across the country, the NCA said in a statement. Officers arrested Nosheen at her property on Woodside Road, Wyke, in June 2024. During the operation, they discovered that her back bedroom had been converted into what investigators described as a heroin processing plant. The NCA said heroin concealed inside items of clothing including leather jackets had been delivered to Nosheen’s address. She would remove the drugs and package them into one-kilo deal bags. D...
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De-escalation urged as US-Venezuela tensions simmer
• Current trajectory serves no one’s interest, Pakistan tells Security Council• China, Russia slam US ‘bullying’ and ‘cowboy-like’ conduct• Caracas warns of self-defence against ‘oil grab’• Islamabad seeks diplomatic approach to resolve Iran nuclear issue UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions, as the United States continued to interdict vessels off the coast of Venezuela, a situation that drew sharp condemnation from China and Russia at the UN Security Council. Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon addressed the council during a meeting requested by Venezuela. He emphasised that the “current trajectory serves no one’s interest”. “In a world marred by polarisation with conflicts affec...
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Fauji Fertiliser Company joins winning consortium after PIA auction
ISLAMABAD: Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) on Wednesday decided to join a consortium led by the Arif Habib Corporation Limited, which emerged as the winning bidder for the acquisition of a 75 per cent stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday. Confirming the development, Arif Habib told Dawn that FFC had joined his consortium and that discussions were under way to finalise the terms and conditions of the partnership. FFC was one of the four bidders for the acquisition of a 75pc stake in PIA, but it withdrew from the bidding process ahead of the submission and opening of bids. Under the conditions, a bidder that withdraws has the right to join the winning consortium, subject to meeting the criteria set by the Privatisation Commission. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Priva...
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Despite PTI reluctance, alliance expresses ‘willingness’ for dialogue
• Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar says TTAP has ‘conditionally resolved’ to take up govt offer• PTI spox puts the ball in Achakzai, Raja Nasir Abbas’ court; says Imran has barred party from entering any talks ISLAMABAD: A day after PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in a political dialogue, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) expressed its willingness to engage in such a process, albeit conditionally. At a recent national conference, organised by the TTAP alliance, participants had agreed that the door for dialogue must never be closed in a democracy. But if the spokesperson for the country’s main opposition party is to be believed, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is not interested in sitting across the table from the government. A ...
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Bars back high court in spat over suspension of Punjab property law
• Term legislation ‘unconstitutional and unlawful’• SCBA, LHCBA accuse provincial govt of ‘appeasing’ land mafia• Court refers matter to LHC CJ for full bench ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The controversy surrounding the recently enacted Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act, 2025 intensified on Wednesday as various lawyers’ associations — irrespective of their political affiliation — endorsed the Lahore High Court’s intervention to suspend its implementation. Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Vice Chairman Chaudhry Tahir Nasrullah Warraich strongly condemned the statement made by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in which she reportedly sought to justify the law empowering deputy commissioner-led committees to decide property disputes. The Punjab chief minister had argued that the law was e...
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PM orders reforms at ports to boost trade, connectivity
• Seeks steps to reduce dwell time, transparent auction of abandoned cargo • Distributes laptops at AJK varsity, urges students to stand for ‘facts & responsibility’ ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed measures to enhance the capacity of seaports to accelerate trade, connectivity, and economic activity through a reduction in port fees and an end to unnecessary delays. Chairing a meeting of the ports working group, the premier stated that various departments associated with ports should enhance coordination to facilitate the business community so that cargo dwell time could be reduced among other measures. A statement by the PM’s Office said that he was presented with recommendations regarding facilities and reforms at ports for the business community. The PM s...
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Fake visa notices target Pakistani applicants in US; missions warn against unauthorised applications
WASHINGTON: The Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles issued a stern warning against a message circulating online and on messaging platforms that claims to be an “important notice” regarding Pakistan visas. Officials have confirmed that the message is false and is part of a pattern of phishing scams designed to collect sensitive personal and financial information from unsuspecting applicants. Upon accessing the consulate’s website, the following notice was prominently displayed. A screenshot of a notice from the Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles warning about unauthorised visa applications. — Screengrab A statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington stated: “The Consulate General disassociates itself from all such unauthorised individuals, agents, or entities and shall not be re...
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PTI rejects govt’s offer for negotiations; cites directions from Imran
The PTI has said that it will not engage in negotiations with the federal government. Party Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the stance was taken following the instructions of party founder Imran Khan. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his offer for talks with the opposition but also emphasised that dialogue between the two sides could only proceed on “legitimate matters”. Later that day, Akram appeared on ARY News programme ‘The 11th Hour’, where he was asked if the PTI wants to negotiate with the government. He categorically said that the party was “not interested” in talks. “I met Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and he said that Imran instructed the party not to engage with the government in any way,“ Akram explained. “He also ordered that if anyon...
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Punjab Assembly passes kite flying regulation bill
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, with a majority vote, introducing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate kite flying across the province to protect human life and property. The bill, which cleared the assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs on December 15, proposed a near-total ban on kite-flying, except on specific days and designated locations across the province, with strict penalties to curb fatal accidents and property damage. The bill will now be sent to the governor for his signature to make it an act of the provincial assembly. Under the new regulations, the use of metallic wire, nylon string, and chemically or glass-coated kite strings has been completely banned. It prescribes strict punishments for flyi...
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Couple shot dead over ‘honour’ in Karachi’s Machar Colony
KARACHI: A couple who married with mutual consent was allegedly gunned down by the woman’s father in Machar Colony on Wednesday, in what the police described as a so-called ‘honour killing’ The Docks police, in a statement, said that the victim, Ateeq Gul, was gunned down while his wife, Zainab, was shot and injured by her father inside a home near Ayesha Masjid in Machar Colony. The body and the injured woman were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi, and further investigation is underway, the statement added However, the woman passed away during treatment, said Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed. South-DIG Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that the couple had married of their own free will and had a four-month-old daughter. They had been living in a rented house in Machar Colony for the last five m...
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Kite flying regulation bill soars through Punjab Assembly
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, with a majority vote, introducing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate kite flying across the province to protect human life and property. The bill, which cleared the assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs on December 15, proposed a near-total ban on kite-flying, except on specific days and designated locations across the province, with strict penalties to curb fatal accidents and property damage. The bill will now be sent to the governor for his signature to make it an act of the provincial assembly. Under the new regulations, the use of metallic wire, nylon string, and chemically or glass-coated kite strings has been completely banned. It prescribes strict punishments for flyi...
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Police constable martyred in crossfire at Wana’s Rustam Bazaar
PESHAWAR: A police constable was killed on Wednesday during a crossfire between two rival groups at the busy Rustam Bazaar in Wana, officials said. The incident occurred when an exchange of fire erupted between the two sides during a confrontation, claiming the life of Constable Islamuddin Wazir, who was deployed on law-and-order duty in the local market. “He sustained critical injuries and succumbed on the spot,“ said police. “Constable Islamuddin Wazir was performing his official duties to maintain peace and public safety when he was hit by bullets during the crossfire,” said police officials. Following the incident, panic spread in the marketplace, prompting police to immediately cordon off the area and bring the situation under control. City Police Station Wana SHO Razaullah Wazir c...
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UN expert decries Bushra Bibi’s detention; urges communication with lawyers, family
A United Nations (UN) expert on Wednesday warned that Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, is being “detained in circumstances that could pose a serious risk to her physical and mental integrity”. Bushra is serving a seven-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case. She was recently sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in the Toshakhana 2 case, which revolved around the purchase of an expensive jewelry set gifted to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during his May 2021 visit. “The state has an obligation to protect Mrs. Khan’s health and ensure conditions of detention compatible with human dignity,” Alice Jills Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur, said in a statement issued on Wednesday. Earlier in May, the Adiala prison administration submitted a detailed repo...
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PCB receives 12 bids for two new PSL franchises
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced that it has received an “exceptional and encouraging” response to its tender for the sale of two new franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with 12 parties submitting bids within the stipulated deadline. According to the PCB, the bidders hail from five countries — the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan — underscoring the league’s growing global footprint and commercial appeal. The board said the outcome of the initial phase of the bidding process will be announced on December 27. In the next stage, bidders who meet the technical requirements will be invited to take part in an open competition bidding process for the acquisition of the two new teams. This phase is scheduled to be held on ...
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4 children injured in quadcopter attack in KP’s Kurram
At least four children were injured in the Gondalabad area of Kurram district on Wednesday after a quadcopter attack, said official sources. For months, militants in the region have used quadcopters to drop explosives on security forces and the current year has seen an increase in such attacks. In today’s attack, a quadcopter released its explosive payload over a residential area. As a result, three boys and a girl sustained injuries, confirmed official sources. The injured minors were shifted to a nearby medical facility for medical treatment. Security sources condemned the attack, calling it “an act of violence against innocent civilians and children”. “Such incidents reflect a deliberate targeting of non-combatants and have nothing to do with religion or humanitarian values,” they ad...
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Military top brass says no malicious interest, political or otherwise, will be tolerated
The military’s top brass on Wednesday vowed that no malicious interest, political or otherwise, aimed at undermining national unity would be tolerated, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. These remarks were made at the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference, which was convened at General Headquarters (GHQ) and chaired by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “The forum categorically rejected the nexus between terrorism, crime, and vested political interests,” the ISPR’s statement read. “It resolved that no malicious interest, political or otherwise, aimed at undermining national unity, security and stability would be tolerated, nor would anyone be allowed to create divisions between the Armed Forces and the people of Pakist...
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UAE President Al Nahyan to make first official visit to Pakistan on Dec 26: FO
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will arrive in Pakistan for an official visit on December 26 (Friday), according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) issued on Wednesday. This will be the second time the Emirati president will visit Pakistan this year, having met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, Friday’s trip, according to the FO, will be his first official visit as president. According to the statement, President Al-Nahyan will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with PM Shehbaz and the pair will “exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest”. “The visit will provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations be...
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UAE President Al Nahyan to make first official visit to Pakistan from Dec 26: FO
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will arrive in Pakistan for an official visit on December 26 (Friday), according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) issued on Wednesday. This will be the second time the Emirati president will visit Pakistan this year, having met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, Friday’s trip, according to the FO, will be his first official visit as president. According to the statement, President Al-Nahyan will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with PM Shehbaz and the pair will “exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest”. “The visit will provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations be...
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27 cops martyred in 134 terrorist attacks in 2025, says Bannu DIG
BANNU: Bannu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan said on Wednesday that 27 cops were martyred in 134 terrorist attacks targeting personnel in the district in 2025. He made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at his office, where he gave a detailed breakdown of the overall law and order situation in the district and operations carried out against terrorist elements. According to the DIG, Bannu police conducted comprehensive, well-organised and result-oriented operations against militants. He said the data showed that during 2025, a total of 134 terrorist attacks targeted police stations, police posts, checkpoints, police mobiles and police parties. In these attacks, 27 police personnel were martyred, while 79 sustained injuries. In retaliatory action by police, 53 terror...
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Daytime movement of heavy vehicles banned in Karachi for 2 months
The daytime movement of heavy traffic vehicles has been banned in Karachi for two months, it emerged on Wednesday. The development comes as the city has recently witnessed a steep increase in traffic accidents, with many resulting from collisions with heavy vehicles such as dumper trucks and water tankers. A notification issued on Tuesday by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, a copy of which is available with Dawn, said that the deputy inspector general of the Karachi Traffic Police had requested the imposition of a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles during the daytime “in order to resolve traffic congestion issues due to the influx of heavy vehicular traffic and to prevent road traffic accidents”. The notification added that in the interest of protecting human lives and ensurin...
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India space agency launches its heaviest satellite
India’s space agency launched its heaviest ever payload on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the deployment “a significant stride” for the space sector. The LVM3-M6 rocket launched the US-built AST SpaceMobile communications satellite into low-Earth orbit. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said it was the “heaviest payload to be launched from Indian soil”. The launch is a boost for India’s ambitious low-cost space programme, with plans for an uncrewed orbital mission and human spaceflight in the coming years. The satellite, weighing 6,100 kilogrammes (13,448 pounds), was launched on a modified version of a rocket that India plans to use for its future space missions. India is vying for a larger slice of the booming commercial satellite business as phone, i...
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Finance minister says Pakistan’s economy shifting toward export-led growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that Pakistan had reached a critical turning point, with macroeconomic stability, sustained reforms, and policy continuity restoring confidence and steering the economy toward export-led, long-term growth. In an interview with USA Today, the minister said this was opening new horizons for domestic and global investors, and positioning the country for sustainable, long-term economic growth. He said this transition was enabled by macroeconomic stabilisation, easing inflation and improved external balances, with the government driving export-led, productivity-based growth through structural reforms, sustaining reform momentum despite challenges, and actively encouraging global investment in emerging opportunities across agriculture, min...
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Asif says govt satisfied with PIA sale, sees it having great ‘symbolic value’
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said that the government was satisfied with the sale of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), adding that it had great “symbolic value”. He expressed these views on Geo News programme ‘Geo Pakistan’ when asked whether the government was satisfied with the process. “Yes, the government is satisfied. This is the first biggest transaction of our privatisation process. This transaction has a great symbolic value,“ he said, recalling that previously First Women Bank had also been privatised but that transaction was not as big. A consortium led by the Arif Habib group won the auction for a controlling stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIACL) on Tuesday with a bid of Rs135 billion after a competitive, televised process, ma...
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Gold tops $4,500, silver and platinum hit records in metal markets frenzy
Gold surged past the $4,500-an-ounce mark for the first time on Wednesday, while silver and platinum also scaled record highs, as investors piled into precious metals on safe-haven demand and expectations that US interest rates will fall further next year. Spot gold rose 0.1 per cent to $4,492.51 per ounce by 3:59am GMT (8:59am PKT), after touching a record high of $4,525.19 earlier in the session. US gold futures for February delivery climbed 0.3pc to a record high of $4,520.60. Silver gained 1.2pc to $72.27 an ounce, after hitting an all-time peak of $72.70 earlier, while platinum jumped 3.3pc to $2,351.05 after rising to a historic high of $2,377.50. Palladium climbed almost 2pc to $1,897.11, its highest level in three years. “Precious metals have become more of a speculative narrati...
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Five extortion networks active in Karachi from abroad: Sindh home minister
• Lanjar claims efforts underway for extradition of foreign-based gangsters• Says KP govt asked to take action against 11 arms dealers supplying weapons to riverine area gangs KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar said on Tuesday that five major extortion networks operating from abroad were active in Karachi and that efforts were underway to have their ringleaders extradited and arrested. Speaking at a press conference at the Central Police Office, the home minister identified the ringleaders of the five networks as Wasiullah Lakho, Jameel Changa, Bahadur PMT, Gul Sher Jagirani and Azeem. Accompanied by Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and Karachi police chief Javed Alam Odho, the minister said the Sindh government had approached the federal government for extradi...
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Train services suspended after blast on tracks near Dera Murad Jamali
DEAR MURAD JAMALI: A bomb planted on a railway track near Dera Murad Jamali exploded on Tuesday, damaging a section of the track, while another explosive device was defused by police. Police said unknown miscreants had planted an improvised explosive device (IED) on the main railway track near the Notal area of Nasirabad district. The device detonated before the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express, coming from Peshawar, reached the site. The explosion damaged a portion of the track, forcing the suspension of train services. “About four feet of the railway track was blown up in the powerful blast,” a senior police officer told Dawn, adding that another IED, weighing around 10 kilogrammes, was found planted at a similar distance from the first blast and was defused by the concerned authorities. R...
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Harassment outside office can still fall under ‘workplace’: LHC
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that the statutory definition of a “workplace” under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, is expansive and covers situations linked to official activity even if the harassment occurs outside office premises. Justice Raheel Kamran issued the ruling while dismissing a petition filed by a government official seeking to overturn his removal from service for workplace harassment, a penalty imposed by the Punjab Ombudsperson and later upheld after the rejection of his representation by the governor. The petitioner, Umer Shehzad, a district manager, was accused by his female subordinate, an ad hoc teacher, of persistent harassment. According to the complaint, Shehzad allegedly used his supervisory position to c...
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Israeli minister’s remarks about ‘resettling Gaza’ sow confusion
JERUSALEM: Israel’s defence minister denied any intention to resettle the Gaza Strip after earlier remarks sowed confusion on Tuesday by suggesting the Jewish state would one day like to do so, comments at odds with US President Donald Trump’s plan for the Palestinian enclave. Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking at a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said the military would never leave all of Gaza and planned to station a type of unit — Nahal — that has historically played a role in establishing Israeli communities, including settlements. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that Katz’s announcement was “a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement” and “completely goes against” Trump’s peace plan. After Israeli media reported the comment as a plan to resettle Gaza, where...
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Jirga seeks reopening of Chaman border
QUETTA: A Pashtun tribal jirga urged the government to reopen the Pak-Afghan border crossing in Chaman to facilitate thousands of travellers, including traders, who are stranded in Afghanistan following the closure of the international border in the wake of the October clashes. Amanullah Khan and Malik Abdul Khaliq Lala Ghabizai, the tribal elders, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, said that trade had been suspended for the past two months, bringing all business activities in the border region to a standstill. “Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan are not allowed by the authorities concerned to return to Pakistan,” Malik Ghabizai said, adding that such a situation was causing humanitarian concerns. He demanded that those stranded on the other side of the border be allowed to...
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Interim bail of Imran, Bushra extended till Jan 27
• Court directs ex-PM to appear at next hearing in person or via video link• Lawyer again barred from meeting PTI founder to sign power of attorney ISLAMABAD: A local court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the May 9 cases and five other matters, while directing the former prime minister to appear at the next hearing either in person or through video link. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the pre-arrest bail applications. Advocate Shamsa Kayani appeared on behalf of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. However, arguments on the bail pleas could not be advanced due to the unavailability of the ex-PM. Consequently, the court extended the interim bail and adjourned the hearing till Jan 27, directing that...
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Govt sets two-month timeline for spectrum auction
• IT minister says process to improve 3G and 4G services, pave way for 5G launch• Claims 245m Pakistanis ‘making do’ with 274MHz, compared to 600MHz available in Bangladesh• ECC approves over $7m bailout package for PIA-IL to discharge $4m tax liability ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday approved the process for the auction of 600 megahertz (MHz) spectrum within two months, followed by the rollout of 5G internet in five to six months, on the recommendation of a US-based consultancy firm. The decision was made at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, which also approved a Rs20bn (more than $7m) bailout package for Pakistan International Airlines Investment Limited (PIA-IL) to discharge $4m tax liability against Roosevelt Hotel, New York, and other domes...
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Foreign loan inflows surge by 46pc in July-Nov
ISLAMABAD: Inflow of foreign loans and grants to Pakistan increased 14 per cent to $3.032 billion in the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year compared to $2.667bn, mainly on the back of support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Inflows in November alone amounted to $511m, relatively higher than $471m in October, but almost 46pc lower than $944m in the same month of last year. Of the total, foreign loan inflows rose 46.22pc to $2.521bn in 5MFY26 compared to $1.724bn last year. Grants, on the other hand, fell by 43pc to $54m from $94m in the same period last year. These inflows do not include $1.2bn disbursed by the IMF early this month and would be accounted for later. MoF reports Pakistan receives over $3.03bn, including grants The target for total fore...
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Libya’s top military chief killed in plane crash in Turkiye
The Libyan army‘s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, died in a plane crash on Tuesday after leaving Turkiye’s capital Ankara, the prime minister of Libya’s internationally recognised government said, adding that four others were on the jet as well. “This followed a tragic and painful incident while they were returning from an official trip from the Turkish city of Ankara. This grave loss is a great loss for the nation, for the military institution, and for all the people,” Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said in a statement. He said the commander of Libya’s ground forces, the director of its military manufacturing authority, an adviser to the chief of staff, and a photographer from the chief of staff’s office were also on the aircraft. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Y...
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Thousands stranded after Karakoram Highway blocked by rockslide: official
GILGIT: The Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) Chanas area was blocked by a large rockfall on Tuesday, leaving thousands stranded, according to a local official. Nagar district Deputy Commissioner Asghar Khan told Dawn that the rockfall occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. He advised travellers and tourists to avoid the area until confirmation about the status of the KKH was received. “The [rock] slide occurred around Fajr time in the boundary area between the Nagar and Gilgit districts,” Khan said. “We immediately informed the FWO (Frontier Works Organisation), and they arrived with machinery.” Khan added that the boulders blocking the road were very large and would require blasting to clear. Nobody was hurt in the rock slide, but access to the Hunza and Nagar distri...
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FIR against Dhurandhar film crew not legally possible, court told
KARACHI: Police informed a sessions court on Tuesday that a criminal case against the director, producer and actors of the Bollywood film Dhurandhar for defaming the PPP was legally not possible. In response to an application filed by PPP worker Mohammad Amir seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against the director, the producer, and other crew members of Dhurandhar, SHO Darakhshan stated that, during the course of an inquiry, police found that all the proposed accused are Indian nationals and have no residential, business, or legal presence in Pakistan. “The impugned film was produced, filmed and released in India, and all alleged acts took place outside the territorial jurisdiction of Pakistan. No material or evidence has surfaced to suggest screening, circulation, or availabilit...
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PTI sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka concludes as Aleema, party workers leave without meeting Imran
PTI founder Imran Khan‘s sister Aleema Khan and PTI workers ended their sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka on Tuesday, hours after they were again barred from moving towards Adiala Jail in a bid to meet the incarcerated ex-premier. Over the past several weeks, the PTI founder has been denied meetings in prison with his family, party members and lawyers, prompting them to stage sit-ins near or outside the prison complex every Tuesday and Thursday — the court-mandated days for visiting Imran. At times, police also used water cannons and baton charges to disperse them. The PTI founder’s sisters left Factory Naka and headed towards Gorakhpur — further along Adiala Road — on foot. At around 9pm, the Saddar police station house officer had arrived at the protest site and began negotiations w...
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New Epstein releases turn up more emails about Trump
WASHINGTON: Thousands of new documents linked to the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made available on Tuesday by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), amid mounting criticism over the pace of the publication and heavy redactions. The latest release includes around 11,000 files containing 30,000 pages of documents, with many redactions, including an email from a prosecutor indicating President Trump had travelled aboard his private jet “many more times than previously has been reported”. The tranche of materials released on Friday included photographs of former Democratic president Bill Clinton and other famous names. According to BBC News, these include the likes of pop stars Diana Ross, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, actor Kevin Spacey, British politician Peter Man...
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PPP Senator Palwasha Khan files privilege motion against Aleem Khan, calls his conduct ‘highly unbecoming’
Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Palwasha Khan on Tuesday submitted a privilege motion in a Senate committee against Communications Minister Aleem Khan for reacting in a manner “highly unbecoming” to hold public office. A heated exchange was witnessed between Minister for Communications Aleem Khan and Senator Palwasha Khan last week during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Communications over a question related to the construction of a road project. Palwasha blamed Aleem for personal attacks as he reacted angrily to parliamentary scrutiny. “We will treat you the way we are treated,” Aleem had responded, saying that he cannot stand the allegations levelled against him. During a press conference in Islamabad today, the senator, along with other party members, condemned the behaviour of t...
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Palwasha Khan files privilege motion against Aleem Khan, calls his conduct ‘highly unbecoming’
Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Palwasha Khan on Tuesday submitted a privilege motion in a Senate committee against Communications Minister Aleem Khan for reacting in a manner “highly unbecoming” to hold public office. A heated exchange was witnessed between Minister for Communications Aleem Khan and Senator Palwasha Khan last week during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Communications over a question related to the construction of a road project. Palwasha blamed Aleem for personal attacks as he reacted angrily to parliamentary scrutiny. “We will treat you the way we are treated,” Aleem had responded, saying that he cannot stand the allegations levelled against him. During a press conference in Islamabad today, the senator, along with other party members, condemned the behaviour of t...
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Security forces kill 8 terrorists after attack on police vehicle martyrs 5 cops in KP’s Karak
LAKKI MARWAT: Eight terrorists were killed in a search operation launched after five cops were martyred when their police mobile came under attack in Gurguri area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak on Tuesday. The district police spokesman, Shaukat Khan, confirmed the incident and the casualties, saying that all of the martyred personnel were constables. The martyred policemen were identified as constables Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar and Muhammad Abrar, who was also the mobile’s driver, Khan added. He said that on the instructions of the Kohat Regional Police Office and the Karak district police officer, a joint operation between the Karak Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was launched in the area. “Eight terrorists were killed as they were pursued through tricky and mo...
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CDF Field Marshal Munir talks about security challenges, highlights ‘indirect, ambiguous approaches’ used by hostile actors
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday warned of “indirect and ambiguous approaches” employed by actors hostile to Pakistan, including the use of proxies, during a visit to Islamabad’s National Defence University (NDU). According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the CDF was briefed by civil and military participants of the ongoing national security and war course about their academic perspectives on challenges to national security. “The field marshal highlighted that hostile elements increasingly employ indirect and ambiguous approaches, including the use of proxies to exploit internal fault lines, rather than overt confrontation,” the statement read. “He stressed that future leaders must be trained and rema...
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Arif Habib consortium emerges victorious in PIA auction with Rs135bn bid
ISLAMABAD: A successful bid of Rs135bn by Arif Habib won the auction for Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIAC) after the process moved to an open auction round, marking the country’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades. Initially, pre-qualified bids were submitted by Lucky Cement, private airline Airblue and investment firm Arif Habib in the morning. Airblue exited the race after the first round, with a bid lower than the reference price of Rs100bn. In the first round, Lucky Cement put up a bid of Rs101.5bn, Airblue Rs26.5bn, and the Arif Habib consortium bid Rs115bn. The session resumed with the base price set at Rs125bn, following a 30-minute break opted by Lucky Cement. In the second round, Lucky Cement revised its bid to Rs134bn, while in response, Arif ...
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Two prospective PIA buyers bid above reference price of Rs100bn; second round of auction underway
ISLAMABAD: A second round of auction for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines is currently underway after the conclusion of the first round, which saw two prospective buyers — Arif Habib and Lucky Cement — bidding higher than the reference price of Rs100 billion. The second round began with Rs115bn as the base price. The round concluded with Lucky Cement revising its bid to Rs120.25bn, while in response, Arif Habib revised its bid to Rs121bn. Following this, the consortiums opted for a 30-minute. The bids submitted in the morning came from pre-qualified bidders, Lucky Cement, private airline Airblue and investment firm Arif Habib. In the first round, Lucky Cement put up a bid of Rs101.5bn, Airblue Rs26.5bn, and the Arif Habib consortium bid Rs115bn. Following the announc...
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Social media posts case against Imaan, Hadi: prosecution, defence nearly come to blows after heated courtroom exchange
ISLAMABAD: Proceedings in the controversial social media posts case against lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatha took a tense turn on Tuesday as lawyers for the prosecution and defence nearly engaged in a physical altercation after a heated exchange during today’s hearing. A detailed cross-examination of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) witnesses exposed procedural gaps and triggered heated exchanges inside the courtroom. The court began recording the statements of prosecution witnesses afresh last Tuesday in compliance with directives issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) the day prior, while hearing a petition filed by Mazari challenging the trial court’s November 19 order. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge M...
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Two prospective PIA buyers bid above reference price of Rs100bn; second round of auction begins
ISLAMABAD: A second round of auction for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines is currently underway after the conclusion of the first round, which saw two prospective buyers — Arif Habib and Lucky Cement — bidding higher than the reference price of Rs100 billion. The second round began with Rs115bn as the base price. The bids submitted in the morning came from pre-qualified bidders, Lucky Cement, private airline Airblue and investment firm Arif Habib. In the first round, Lucky Cement put up a bid of Rs101.5bn, Airblue Rs26.5bn, and the Arif Habib consortium bid Rs115bn. Following the announcement of the reference price — approved by the Privatisation Commission Board and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation — a 30-minute break has been taken so that the two top bidders...
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Controversial social media posts case: prosecution, defence nearly come to blows after heated courtroom exchange
ISLAMABAD: Proceedings in the controversial social media posts case against lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatha took a tense turn on Tuesday as lawyers for the prosecution and defence nearly engaged in a physical altercation after a heated exchange during today’s hearing. A detailed cross-examination of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) witnesses exposed procedural gaps and triggered heated exchanges inside the courtroom. The court began recording the statements of prosecution witnesses afresh last Tuesday in compliance with directives issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) the day prior, while hearing a petition filed by Mazari challenging the trial court’s November 19 order. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge M...
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Ceremony to announce successful bidder for national carrier PIA commences
ISLAMABAD: The ceremony to open three bids for the privatisation of loss-making national airline Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) has commenced. The sealed bids are now being opened. Submitted on Tuesday morning, they came from pre-qualified bidders Lucky Cement, private airline Airblue and investment firm Arif Habib. At the outset of the ceremony, the Adviser to the prime minister on privatisation, Muhammad Ali, addressed the audience. Representatives of the bidding groups walked in one by one to deposit sealed offers into a transparent box, briefly fumbling as they pushed envelopes through the slot in a public ceremony in Islamabad that was broadcast on state television. The reference price for PIACL’s bidding will now be approved by the Privatisation Commis...
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Aleema, PTI workers stage sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka after being stopped from reaching Adiala Jail to meet Imran
PTI founder Imran Khan‘s sister Aleema Khan and PTI workers staged a sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka on Tuesday as they were barred from moving towards Adiala Jail in a bid to meet the incarcerated ex-premier. Over the past several weeks, the PTI founder has been denied meetings in prison with his family, party members and lawyers, prompting them to stage sit-ins near or outside the prison complex every Tuesday and Thursday — the court-mandated days for visiting Imran. At times, police also used water cannons and baton charges to disperse them. As they again gathered near the prison complex today, Aleema said that Imran was being kept in “solitary confinement”, stressing that the “government had become so fearful of Imran’s message that they had resorted to breaking the law” — in a ...
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Corruption charges spark protests against Albanian government
Protesters in Albania’s capital of Tirana hurled petrol bombs at the government building housing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office on Monday, demanding the government’s resignation after prosecutors indicted the deputy prime minister for alleged corruption. Political tensions in Albania have escalated in recent weeks after accusations were made against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Along with several officials and private companies, she has been accused of using state funds to favour some companies in major infrastructure projects. View this post on Instagram She referred to the accusations in parliament last month as “mudslinging, insinuations, half-truths and lies,” and stated that she would fully cooperate with the judiciary. The Special Prosecution Office, tasked with combat...
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Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over protests targeting its diplomatic facilities, vandalism at visa centre
Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned India’s high commissioner in Dhaka to protest what it described as violent incidents targeting its diplomatic facilities in India, including vandalism at visa centres and protests outside its mission in New Delhi. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey Dhaka’s grave concern over what it called “regrettable incidents” outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the ambassador’s residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh visa centre in Siliguri on December 22 by “extremist elements.” The ministry condemned what it described as premeditated acts of violence and intimidation against diplomatic establishments. It said such acts not only “endanger the safety of d...
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IT minister says spectrum auction to be completed early next year, will pave way for better internet services
Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday said that the auction of 600 MHz spectrum would be completed early next year, stating that it would pave the way for providing better internet services in the country. She made the remarks while addressing a press conference alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurganzeb in Islamabad. At the outset of the press conference, Aurangzeb said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved the recommendations of the Spectrum Advisory Committee. In her remarks, Khawaja said that the recommendations would now be taken to the federal cabinet. “After that, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue an information memorandum based on which consultations and negotiations will be held with stakeholders and the ...
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International Finance Corporation announces first local currency investment in Pakistan
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the private sector arm of the World Bank Group – has announced its first local currency investment in Pakistan, which it said was aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector. According to a press release issued by the IFC on Tuesday, its first Pakistani rupee-denominated investment via an unfunded partial credit guarantee of up to Rs33.6 billion would support long-term financing from Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited to Engro Fertilisers Limited. “The engagement marks IFC’s first local currency investment in Pakistan, thus expanding access to long-term financing solutions in both local and foreign currency, critical for economic growth, particularly in important sectors such as agriculture and micro, small, and medium enterprises,” ...
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IT minister says 5G spectrum auction to be completed early next year
Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday said that the 5G spectrum auction would be completed early next year, stating that it would pave the way for providing better internet services in the country. She made the remarks while addressing a press conference alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurganzeb in Islamabad. At the outset of the press conference, Aurangzeb said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved the recommendations of the Spectrum Advisory Committee. In her remarks, Khawaja said that the recommendations would now be taken to the federal cabinet. “After that, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue an information memorandum based on which consultations and negotiations will be held with stakeholders and the telecom ...
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Punjab CM argues against LHC’s suspension of land protection law. says move will ‘benefit encroachment mafias’
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong concern on Tuesday on the suspension of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act, 2025 by the Lahore High Court (LHC), arguing that the move would “benefit encroachment and land-grabbing mafias”. Maryam‘s statement issued by the CM’s Office comes a day after LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued an interim order suspending the operation of the newly enacted Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act, 2025, which empowers dispute resolution committees led by deputy commissioners to resolve property disputes. The ordinance was approved by the Punjab chief minister on Oct 31 and mandates the resolution of land disputes within 90 days. The law has been challenged in the LHC, about which Mary...
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Five cops martyred as police vehicle comes under attack in KP’s Karak
LAKKI MARWAT: Five cops were martyred after a police mobile came under attack in Gurguri area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak on Tuesday. The district police spokesman, Shaukat Khan, confirmed the incident and the casualties, saying that all of the martyred personnel were constables. The martyred policemen were identified as constables Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar and Muhammad Abrar, who was also the mobile’s driver, Khan added. He said that a large police contingent, including the district police officer, was present at the scene and a search operation was underway. While the exact nature of the incident is not yet clear, an image shared by the police spokesman showed what appeared to be the charred remains of the vehicle which came under attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif co...
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‘If they are ready, govt is definitely ready’: PM Shehbaz reiterates offer for dialogue with opposition
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that he was reiterating his offer for talks with the opposition but also emphasised that dialogue between the two sides could only proceed on legitimate matters. The proposition by the premier was made during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, where he referred to news reports of the opposition PTI and its “companions talking about dialogue“. He recalled that he had previously invited the opposition for talks on multiple occasions, including in the assembly. “If they are ready for this, the Government of Pakistan is definitely ready,” he said, adding that harmony among all political parties was necessary for the progress and prosperity of the country. However, he continued, there should be no “blackmailing” under the guise of talks and ...
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3 bids received for privatisation of national carrier PIA
ISLAMABAD: Three bids have been received for the privatisation of loss-making national airline Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) — the country’s most high-profile transaction of a state-owned entity. The sealed bids, submitted on Tuesday morning, came from Lucky Cement, private airline Airblue and investment firm Arif Habib. Representatives of the bidding groups walked in one by one to deposit sealed offers into a transparent box, briefly fumbling as they pushed envelopes through the slot in a public ceremony broadcast on state television. The reference price for PIACL’s bidding will only be approved by the Privatisation Commission Board and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation after bids have been received. The bids will be opened in a ceremony starting at 3...
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‘Highly respected general’: No end in sight to Trump’s praise of CDF Field Marshal Munir
US President Donald Trump, who has now on several occasions in the past praised Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, has now called him a “highly respected general”. The US president’s latest remarks came as he addressed a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. During the press conference, Trump announced a new class of heavily armed warships that will be named after himself — an honor usually reserved for leaders who have left office. Asked about the progress of talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said that his administration had so far “stopped eight wars” — claim that he has repeated in the past. “We stopped a potential nuclear war between Pakistan and India,” Trump said. “The head of Pakistan and a highly respecte...
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‘Call of Duty’ co-creator Vince Zampella killed in Los Angeles car crash
Vince Zampella, the acclaimed co-creator of video gaming juggernaut “Call of Duty,” has died in a car crash, gaming giant Electronic Arts confirmed on Monday. He was 55. The developer and executive died on Sunday while driving his Ferrari on a scenic road north of Los Angeles, according to local broadcaster NBC4. “For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed,” the California Highway Patrol said in a statement, without identifying the two victims in the crash. The CHP added that both the driver and a passenger who was ejected from the vehicle succumbed to their injuries. Witnesses posted video of the mangled cherry-red Ferarri, engulfed in flames, on the mountain road. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. His...
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Education, health fees among key concerns
China to legislate on preschool education
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International group praises green revival
A high-level international advisory body applauded China's efforts to improve the environment and suggested a 15-year strategy against pollution in a draft recommendation report on Monday.
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Memorial Day a time to 'remember', 'inspire'
A memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre committed during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) brought together hundreds of activists and members of the Chinese and other Asian communities on Sunday in San Francisco.
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More military technologies targeted for civilian sector to boost economy
China will strengthen innovation by developing high-tech industries with military technologies to boost military-civil integration, a move that aims to cultivate new growth drivers and boost the economy, said a recent State Council guideline.
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