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By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assigned India a “C” grade — the second-lowest rating — in its latest annual assessment, raising concerns over the reliability and timeliness of the country’s economic data. According to the report, India’s most recent publicly available figures, dating back to December 2011, were considered both outdated and inconsistent, signaling serious gaps that could hinder accurate monitoring of the economy. The IMF highlighted recurring issues with India’s methodology for calculating GDP, particularly the approach based on income, which experts have repeatedly criticized for its weaknesses. The report comes amid claims by…

By Riaz Narejo DADU: A trader in Tharri Mohabbat, a suburban town in Mehar taluka of Dadu district, staged a protest on Saturday after alleging that influential youths had filmed his school-going daughter and uploaded the video to TikTok with obscene and defamatory captions, while police failed to take action. Ali Sher Khokhar, a local trader, closed his shop and held a sit-in on the road, which drew a large number of shopkeepers and residents who joined him in solidarity. He claimed that Yasir Brohi had recorded the video of his daughter on her way to school and posted it…

These include the K-IV water supply scheme, upgrades to the Hub Dam, and the expansion of major stormwater drains—projects officials say are essential for Karachi’s long-term resilience By Sajjad Shah KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday announced a significant boost to Karachi’s urban infrastructure, revealing that the provincial government had allocated Rs85.5 billion for clean water supply and drainage systems as part of what he described as a “record-breaking” development portfolio that had now crossed the Rs1 trillion mark. Shah, who was chairing a detailed review meeting on the 2025–26 development portfolio, said the funds were being…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The anti-encroachment drive continued across Tehsil Dera Ismail Khan on the orders of Commissioner Zafar ul Islam, with authorities targeting both temporary and permanent obstructions along key commercial areas. Under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Syed Muhammad Arsalan, officials cleared roadside encroachments from Fawara Chowk to Bannu Adda and in Sadar Bazaar. The operation aimed to remove obstacles that had long hindered public movement and caused significant traffic disruptions. The campaign involved a coordinated effort by multiple departments, including the Assistant Commissioner Revenue, DSP Traffic, Tehsildar Dera, TMA and WSSC staff, revenue officials,…

By Riaz Narejo DADU: Members of the Hindu community in Dadu staged a protest on Saturday against controversial remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing his comments as provocative and irresponsible. The rally began at Allama I.I. Qazi Library Park, where participants carried placards and banners as they marched through various routes, eventually reaching the Dadu Press Club. Protesters condemned Singh’s remarks as an attack on Sindh’s integrity, emphasizing that the province is an integral part of Pakistan and will remain so. They insisted that no external force could challenge Sindh’s unity. Participants reiterated that the Hindu community…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Police in Malir Cantonment arrested two men on Friday for their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of alcohol from a hotel, following what officials described as a credible tip-off. The operation, carried out by a local police team, led to the recovery of more than 88 bottles of liquor, which officers said were being sold discreetly under the cover of the hotel’s regular business. The suspects, identified as Shehbaz Ali and Tausif, were taken into custody at the scene. According to police sources, the two men had been operating the illicit trade for some…

By Riaz Narejo DADU: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah addressed media representatives at the Press Club in Bhan Syedabad on Saturday, dismissing rumors about the creation of new provinces and the potential division of Sindh. He urged the public not to worry over these claims, saying, “I do not understand why there is concern on this issue when none of us support it.” When questioned about the 28th Amendment, CM Shah said the government would respond based on verified information. He underlined that any action perceived to undermine the interests of Pakistan or Sindh would not be accepted…

The ISPR chief provided an in-depth briefing on Pakistan’s security landscape, outlining ongoing challenges and the measures taken to address them By ISPR ISLAMABAD: Military spokesman, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, warned that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan had become a danger not only to Pakistan but to the wider region as well as the global threat, accusing it of sheltering militants, enabling cross-border infiltration and refusing to honor international commitments against terrorism. Speaking to senior journalists on 25 November, the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) gave a detailed briefing on the country’s security situation. He said…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two individuals involved in an illegal Hawala and money transfer operation during separate raids across Karachi. According to an FIA spokesperson, the Corporate Crime Circle is conducting a targeted crackdown on dealers involved in unlawful Hawala and foreign currency dealings. The raids in Ancholi and Samanabad led to the arrest of suspects Mudassir and Sajjad Ali, who were reportedly running illegal networks for Hawala, remittances, and foreign currency trading. Authorities recovered PKR 2.835 million and USD 10,000 from the suspects. During a subsequent search at Mudassir’s residence, the…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, announced that 25 NADRA facilitation centers are being established across Dera Ismail Khan and other southern districts. He shared the development during a meeting with a delegation led by senior journalist Muhammad Rehan and businessman Ismail Noor. Governor Kundi said the new citizen facilitation centers, equipped with modern facilities, would ease public hardship by eliminating the need for long-distance travel. “These services will now be available at the doorstep of citizens,” he said, noting that three centers would be set up in major villages of Dera…