Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: A delegation from the United Ulama Council of Pakistan, led by Maulana Muhammad Amin Ansari, visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi to meet Consul General Akbar Eissa Zadeh. The delegation extended best wishes for the success of the new consul and expressed solidarity with the Iranian government and people amid recent developments in the country. During the meeting, Consul General Eissa Zadeh thanked the Pakistani government and citizens for their support during the twelve-day war imposed by Israel and the United States on Iran, and for backing the Palestinian resistance.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, underlined the country’s commitment to economic stability and investor confidence during a meeting with a delegation from World Liberty Financial USA in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The delegation was led by Zachary Witkoff, the CEO of a prominent global fintech firm. The discussions highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to create an environment that encourages responsible private sector participation in national development. Officials said the meeting reflected growing international interest in Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape, particularly in the fintech sector, which has been identified as a key…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Senator Musadik Malik criticized the previous government for granting $4 billion in zero-interest loans to just 50 individuals, arguing that the funds could have been better used to support small factories and create employment opportunities for young people. Musadik Malik made the remarks during the Pakistan Policy Dialogue, highlighting what he described as a stark contrast between the policies of the current administration and those of its predecessor. Malik pointed out that the present government borrows dollars at an interest rate of 12 per cent, suggesting that the previous approach had entrenched wealth and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Petroleum prices in Pakistan are likely to decrease by 4.59 rupees per liter from 16 January, according to sources. Petrol is expected to drop by 4.59 rupees per liter, while diesel could fall by 2.70 rupees per liter. Over the next fifteen days, kerosene prices may decrease by 1.82 rupees per liter, and light diesel by 2.08 rupees per liter. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is set to submit its final calculations to the Petroleum Division on 15 January. The Ministry of Finance will then make the ultimate decision on price adjustments in consultation…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has reiterated that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a terrorist organization, saying political debate should not interfere with counterterrorism efforts. Speaking to the media, Gohar clarified that Suhail Afridi is not named in any case related to the 9 May incident, and the forensic report regarding the video of Afridi remains inconclusive about its location. “We make it clear in no uncertain terms that the TTP is a terrorist group,” he said. “There should be no politics over terrorism. The National Action Plan must be implemented fully, and there should…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: The United States has formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood operating in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as a terrorist organization. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move aims to thwart the group’s attempts at violence and destabilization. “We will use all available means to block the Brotherhood’s financial resources,” he added. According to US media reports, the designation means any financial assistance to the Muslim Brotherhood will now be considered illegal, and its members will face restrictions on entry into the United States. The decision reflects Washington’s broader strategy to counter transnational groups it views…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Karachi Union of Journalists has called for the immediate withdrawal of a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against senior journalist Aslam Shah and urged that he be released without delay. In a strongly worded statement, the union criticised what it described as deliberate delays by the state prosecutor and the investigating officer of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. These, it said, were obstructing Shah’s right to seek bail and preventing the case from moving forward. On Monday, Shah’s bail could not be secured after proceedings were once again postponed. A…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senator Rubina Khalid, chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program, emphasized the need to devolve education and health-related programs to the provinces to strengthen the federation. She made the remarks during a visit to the Sindh Social Protection Authority and the social protection department of the Sindh government. The BISP chairperson was received by Sindh’s minister for social protection, Saeed Ghani, and briefed by Irshad Sodhar, the chief executive officer of the Sindh Social Protection Authority. Khadim Hussain Channa, secretary of the social protection department, was also present. Senator Khalid said the core BISP cash support…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A delegation from the Sindh Association of North America (SANA), led by President Dr. Maqbool Halepoto, visited the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Rehabilitation Centre in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, on Friday, highlighting growing transnational support for children with intellectual disabilities in Sindh. Dr. Halepoto praised the dedication of the NDF team, led by President Abid Lashari, for providing free rehabilitation services to children from marginalized communities across the province. He described the center’s work as vital, offering hope and opportunities to families often excluded from mainstream social and medical support. Highlighting the alignment between SANA and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) held a meeting with Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil, to discuss the challenges facing journalists across the country. The PFUJ delegation included Secretary Shakil Ahmed, Vice President Qaiser Mirza, and Federal Executive Council members Yasir Nazar Awan and Ishaq Chaudhry. During the talks, they raised pressing issues such as delays in issuing health cards, ongoing layoffs in media organizations, non-payment of dues, and concerns over the list of plots allocated to journalists under the Housing Foundation quota. The PFUJ representatives told the…