Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Dr Shamshad Akhtar, chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Board, said Pakistan’s strategic location positions it well to serve as a hub for the region’s capital markets. Speaking virtually at the joint International Capital Market Conference and Expo 2025, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Capital Market Infrastructure, Dr Akhtar highlighted the benefits of regional integration. “History shows that regional harmonization brings advantages,” she said, noting that connectivity and coordination across South Asia would promote sustainable and inclusive investment growth. Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Shehryar Gul Memon, an officer of BPS-19, resumed his duties as Coordinator of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for the Sindh polio program on 11 November 2025 in Karachi. Memon, a seasoned Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer, had previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Benazirabad, where he earned a reputation for administrative competence and effective governance. Officials said Memon’s appointment to the polio program reflects the Sindh government’s commitment to strengthening its public health initiatives through experienced leadership. During his previous postings, he demonstrated a capacity to manage complex administrative tasks, coordinate with multiple departments, and…

Afghan terrorists, guided by their handlers across the border, infiltrated Cadet College Wana, sparking a tense security operation to protect students and staff By our correspondent WANA: Security forces in South Waziristan successfully completed the operation inside Cadet College Wana on Tuesday, neutralized five terrorists, including one suicide bomber, who had infiltrated the campus, officials confirmed. The assault came days after the militants launched a brazen attack on the institution, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by educational facilities in the region. According to security sources, the attackers were Afghan nationals who had been receiving instructions via phone from handlers across…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior MQM-P leader Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan has accused the Sindh government of “fearsome corruption” by failing to implement the Karachi Strategic Master Plan, calling it “a living proof of the PPP’s looting and malpractice.” Speaking at a press conference at the MQM-P’s Bahadurabad headquarters alongside opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi, senior leaders, and legal experts, Izhar alleged that the provincial government embezzled Rs26 billion from a World Bank-funded solar energy project, contradicting Bilawal Bhutto’s stated vision. He said the court, on MQM’s petition, had directed institutions to ensure implementation of the master plan, exposing…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has firmly dismissed reports of a power-sharing arrangement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over the formation of the Balochistan government, rejecting claims made by PML-N lawmakers and insisting it will complete a full five-year term in the province. In a pointed statement, senior PPP leader Shazia Marri said there was “no agreement related to the formation of a PML-N government in Balochistan,” calling the rumours politically motivated and misleading. She criticized what she described as “closed-room decisions” on development schemes, arguing that such practices undermine transparency and alienate elected representatives.…

Pakistan and Poland pledged deeper cooperation against human smuggling as Interior Minister Naqvi vowed a nationwide crackdown and tighter border surveillance. By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a meeting that highlighted the growing international urgency around migration and border control, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi described illegal immigration as an “extremely sensitive issue” for the country, during talks with a visiting Polish delegation in Islamabad. The discussions, led by Poland’s Deputy Interior Minister Bartosz Grodecki, reflected a shared recognition of the complex security challenges tied to transnational crime and human smuggling networks operating across regions. The high-level talks brought together…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Saddiq Idris, senior leader of the Mahajir Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), has called on the Mahajir community to unite under their flag and ideology, stressing the need to learn from past mistakes. Speaking at a meeting with Mahajir elders at Chairman Afaq Ahmed’s residence, Idris said historical divisions among Mahajir leadership had often been exploited by others, to the detriment of the community. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but insisted the community must not be left isolated. A grassroots campaign connecting neighbourhoods and communities is underway to foster unity and organisation under the Mahajir banner. Idris urged…

Discussion between key figures from coalition partner’s focuses on national challenges, with both sides stressing need for ‘unity’ By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday in Karachi in a significant political engagement, reflecting efforts to consolidate coordination among ruling coalition partners amid pressing domestic and security challenges. The meeting, held at Bilawal House, focused on the country’s overall political situation, law and order, and measures being implemented to ensure internal stability. According to an official readout, Naqvi briefed Bhutto-Zardari on the steps taken by the government to…

Pakistan relaxes barter trade rules with Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia, allowing simultaneous imports and exports and extending transaction deadlines to 120 days. By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has relaxed the rules governing its barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia, in an effort to boost cross-border commerce and address operational challenges that have hampered the mechanism since its launch last year. The Ministry of Commerce announced the revised framework on Tuesday, introducing amendments designed to make the state-to-state and business-to-business trading system more practical and accessible for private enterprises. Under the updated rules, companies can now conduct imports and exports…

By our correspondent PANJGOR In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces in Balochistan have killed a senior militant identified as Jamil, also known by his alias ‘Tank’, described as a “highly wanted” leader of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The operation represents a key milestone in the government’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the restive province and restore stability to the region. Jamil, a resident of Panjgor district, was believed to be a central figure behind multiple attacks across Balochistan. Security officials linked him directly to the 2022 assault on the Panjgor district headquarters, a brazen attack…