Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a combined fine of Rs50 million on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) and the National Grid Company for repeated delays in implementing essential “black start” facilities. Each company has been fined Rs25 million, officials said, following persistent shortcomings in meeting regulatory requirements designed to prevent prolonged power outages. Nepra explained that the black start mechanisms, which allow power plants to restart quickly after a total shutdown, were mandated in the wake of nationwide blackouts in 2021. Despite repeated instructions and prior show-cause notices, both CPPA and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Barrister Gohar, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has reaffirmed his party’s longstanding position that a strong military is vital to Pakistan’s security. Speaking to the media after a joint parliamentary party meeting, Gohar said PTI has never refused dialogue and consistently favours resolving matters through mutual understanding. “We want the situation to improve and always support negotiations,” he said. He added that he would continue to advocate for dialogue within the National Assembly. Highlighting PTI’s respect for state institutions, Gohar said: “Our position has always been clear—a strong military remains the guarantor of Pakistan’s stability.”

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start selling surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international markets from 1 January, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has announced. Speaking at a press conference, Malik said Pakistan currently imports LNG from Qatar and the Italian firm ENI. However, in recent months, reduced gas consumption for electricity generation has left the country with excess supply. This surplus has forced the government to divert imported, costly gas to domestic consumers, increasing circular debt in the gas sector and causing losses of nearly Rs1 trillion. “From 1 January, we will sell this surplus gas internationally, limiting…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A recent survey by Transparency International indicates a marked improvement in public perception of corruption in Pakistan, suggesting growing trust in transparency measures. According to the report, 66 percent of Pakistanis said they had not paid any bribes for government services in the past year, reflecting a notable shift in everyday interactions with public institutions. The survey also highlighted public views on the government’s economic performance: 60 percent of respondents acknowledged that the current administration had stabilized the economy and successfully removed Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. When asked about personal…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has said he has already presented the government’s response to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report in the Senate, noting that the report itself was prepared by the government. He added that the IMF had praised Pakistan’s reform efforts. Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Aurangzeb acknowledged that the report pointed out some structural shortcomings. He urged parliamentarians to read the document, which contains 15 recommendations. “Based on these recommendations, we will submit an action plan before 31 December. Many initiatives are already underway,” he said. The finance minister also…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Health Minister, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, has raised concerns over a surge in measles cases in the province, revealing that more than 700 infections were reported in 2024, with numbers rising to over 3,000 in 2025. Between 2018 and 2023, measles claimed 16 lives in Sindh, highlighting ongoing public health challenges. Addressing the Sindh Assembly, Dr Pechuho pointed to persistent gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly in densely populated areas where parents often fail to bring their children for immunization. She highlighted difficulties not only with measles but also with polio and HPV vaccines in Karachi,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has transferred 166 cases related to Sindh to the province’s Anti-Corruption Department, including 107 references, sources said. According to sources, 28 investigations were also handed over, covering cases linked to Sindh’s food, local government, and culture departments. Additional cases involve the Revenue and Special Education departments. Of the transferred cases, 52 references are currently under court proceedings. The Anti-Corruption Department has yet to receive full records for 64 of the cases. Sources added that NAB also transferred 711 corruption complaints to Sindh’s Anti-Corruption Department, which will now continue investigations. The transferred…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Womenza Pakistan successfully held Women Summit 2.0 at the Russian House, bringing together inspiring voices, engaging discussions, and meaningful collaborations. The event was led by Aiman Sami Khan and Bushra Izhar and was powered by Shield Pakistan, with support from PShave. The summit featured multiple insightful sessions, including a thought-provoking discussion on Neutral Thinking by Qalender Shoor, alongside an engaging segment from Bachoon ka Qalender Shoor Monthly. Participants also benefited from an informative investment session hosted by MCB. A dynamic branding session was moderated by Bushra Izhar and included an expert panel comprising Jawwad Ali, GM…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The city of Karachi witnessed a gathering of scholars, students, and devotees as the Imam Ahmed Raza Conference 2025 convened to honor the legacy of one of Islam’s most influential thinkers, Maulana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi. The event, held with considerable reverence and scholarly engagement, brought together a wide array of religious and academic figures who reflected on the enduring impact of Maulana Barelvi’s teachings. The conference featured speeches from prominent scholars including Dr Majeedullah Qaadri, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri, Dr Abu Bakar, G.M. Abbasi, Prof Badiuddin Suharwardy, Mufti Syed Zahid Siraj, Dr Syed Abdul Reham,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Anjuman Mubasareen-e-Pakistan, in collaboration with the Karachi Maymar Lines Club, hosted a grand Mushaira (poetry gathering) at a local club, celebrating 52 years of the Anjuman’s literary and cultural norm. The event was presided over by senior poet Rounaq Hayat, while poet Dr Iftikhar Malik Advocate, attended as the chief guest. The program began with an overview of the Anjuman’s achievements by President Dr Furqan Ahmed, who also expressed gratitude to the Maymar Lines Club for their support. The evening featured recitations by poets Yasir Saeed Siddiqui, Shehzeen Faraz, Tajur Shakeel, Arian Farhat, Sahar Ali, and…