Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Dr Niaz Ahmad, the vice-chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, as the new chair of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The federal education ministry has issued a notification confirming the appointment, which has been made for a two-year term under the amended HEC Act. Dr Ahmad was selected following a formal search process led by a nine-member committee headed by the federal education minister, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-Pakistan. After conducting interviews, the committee submitted a summary to the prime minister recommending three candidates: former NED University vice-chancellor Dr…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said investigators have established that the terrorist involved in a deadly attack in Islamabad had travelled to and from Afghanistan, as authorities probe what he described as emerging links between India and Taliban elements. In a statement, Asif said the attacker who targeted worshippers in a mosque was an enemy of both religion and the state. He said security guards challenged the suspect at the mosque entrance, after which the attacker opened fire before carrying out the bombing. According to the minister, the suicide bomber detonated himself near the back rows…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Power regulator has approved an increase in electricity prices under the fuel cost adjustment mechanism, adding further pressure to households already struggling with high living costs. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has raised the price of electricity by 28 paisas per unit for December’s fuel price adjustment, according to an official notification. The increase will be charged to consumers in February’s electricity bills and will apply across the country, including customers of K-Electric. Nepra said the higher tariff would not apply to lifeline consumers or to electric vehicle charging stations. Fuel price adjustments are…

By our correspondent QUETTA: The Balochistan government announced that the overall security situation across the province had largely returned to normal, following a period of heightened unrest and targeted attacks. Authorities said that while day-to-day life was stabilizing, focused security operations continued in specific areas of Quetta, guided by ongoing intelligence assessments. Shahid Rand, spokesperson for the provincial administration, confirmed that around 100 suspected individuals had been taken into custody during recent operations in Quetta, with a number of weapons recovered in coordinated raids. The Balochistan spokesman added that internet services in the city were expected to be fully restored,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed across Pakistan on Thursday, with events held to express support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination. The annual observance aims to draw the attention of the international community to ongoing human rights violations and alleged atrocities in the region, highlighting the long-standing humanitarian and political crisis. Across Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, solidarity walks, seminars, and exhibitions were organized to commemorate the day. Participants carried banners, flags, and placards, calling for global recognition of the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. Officials…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Munis Alvi, chief executive officer of K-Electric, has resigned from his position, sources confirmed on Thursday. Following his resignation, the company’s board of directors, chaired by Mark Skelton, has formally accepted it. Alvi, who served as K-Electric’s CEO for 18 years, was the longest-serving head in the company’s history. His resignation letter was submitted to the board, and officials said the Pakistan Stock Exchange would be officially informed once the board’s formal approval process is complete. Sources indicated that three candidates from Karachi, all with extensive experience in the energy and finance sectors, have been shortlisted…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Mushal Malik, wife of Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, has questioned the international community’s silence over what she described as open acts of terrorism in Kashmir. In a video message, she said Kashmir was not merely a territorial dispute but a dangerous global nuclear flashpoint. She condemned the detention of Yasin Malik in solitary confinement, calling it “equivalent to punishing the entire Kashmiri nation.” “By sentencing Kashmiri leadership to death, the Modi government seeks to silence their voices. Is demanding peace and freedom now considered a crime for Kashmiris?” she asked. Mushal Malik further said that while…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Heated exchanges reportedly took place during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party meeting, highlighting internal disagreements among senior members. Sources said the session at KP House brought together PTI and opposition parliamentary party members. During the meeting, Punjab Assembly opposition leader Mian Qureshi voiced frustration with the party, saying that while the government presented challenges, PTI’s own social media channels were undermining its work. “We all have to work within our capacities and according to our provinces. We are human; happiness and sorrow touch everyone. Yet if someone misses a meeting due to illness, accusations are spread…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Balochistan chief minister Sarfraz Bugti said Pakistan would never compromise on its unity, development, or the safety of its people, as the province continued to grapple with security challenges linked to terrorist violence. In a message shared on social media, Bugti described Operation Radd-ul-Fitna as a clear and uncompromising signal to those he accused of spreading bloodshed and instability across Balochistan. He said the operation reflected the state’s resolve to confront militancy and restore peace in a region that has repeatedly borne the brunt of violent attacks. The chief minister singled out the Balochistan Liberation Army…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and under the patronage of the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi, hosted the 38th Annual Urdu Haiku Mushaira on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Haseena Moin Hall, Arts Council of Pakistan. The event was coordinated by Ms. Wazahat Naseem and presided over by Mr. Firasat Rizvi, while the Consul General of Japan in Karachi attended as the Chief Guest. Proceedings began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mr. Saleem Ahmed, General Secretary of PJCA Sindh, followed by…