Author: Our Correspondent

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 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 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 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 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…

By our correspondent LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked its Deputy Chairman, Imran Khwaja, to conduct back-channel negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, a foreign media reported on Wednesday. Khwaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association and is seen within the ICC as a neutral figure, has been tasked with persuading Pakistan to play the group match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, reported Firstpost. The announcement follows Pakistan’s government statement on Sunday confirming the country’s participation in the T20 World Cup…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a conversation with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchway on Thursday, emphasizing Pakistan’s longstanding role as a founding member of the Commonwealth and reaffirming the country’s commitment to democracy, good governance, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. During the discussion, both leaders explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration across key areas of mutual interest, focusing particularly on enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation. Dar highlighted Pakistan’s continued engagement with Commonwealth initiatives and underscored the importance of collective efforts to address global challenges, including economic development, social progress, and institutional capacity-building. The dialogue also provided a platform to…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday acknowledged the pivotal role of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector in promoting public health, generating employment, and contributing to overall economic activity. Speaking to a delegation from the Pharma Bureau in Islamabad, he highlighted the sector’s significance as both a driver of healthcare access and a contributor to the nation’s economic growth. Discussions covered key policy, regulatory, and economic issues, with particular focus on pricing and availability of medicines, regulatory procedures, investment facilitation, taxation, innovation, and the sector’s export potential. The delegation emphasized the need for a conducive policy environment that would…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will undertake a two-day official visit to Pakistan on February 5 and 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The visit reflects the growing bilateral ties between the two countries, the Foreign Office added ahead of the Uzbek leader’s state visit. President Mirziyoyev, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and business leaders, will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum. “Discussions will focus on reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identifying new avenues to further deepen cooperation…