DAVOS: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic reforms, describing him as a leader who completes what he commits to. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Georgieva said she holds deep respect for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and acknowledged his seriousness and determination toward Pakistan’s economic development. “When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sets his mind to a task, he ensures it is completed,” she said, referring to their multiple meetings focused on achieving agreed economic targets. The IMF chief said the Fund has been working constructively with Pakistan for a long time,…
Author: Web Desk2
WASHINGTON: A powerful winter storm has swept across several US states, bringing life to a standstill in Texas and Oklahoma as heavy snowfall and freezing conditions disrupted daily activities. Authorities said that more than two dozen airports were completely shut down, while thousands of flights were cancelled, leaving travelers stranded across the country. Major highways were also closed due to dangerous road conditions, further worsening the situation. Officials have issued winter storm warnings for over 150 million people nationwide, urging residents in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. In several states, people rushed to stores to stock…
CHITRAL: A devastating avalanche in Chitral has killed nine members of a single family, while one child was rescued alive after being trapped under snow, local authorities confirmed on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Chitral Rao Hashim said that 10 people were buried when the avalanche struck their home in a mountainous area. Rescue teams worked under extreme weather conditions and successfully retrieved the bodies of nine victims from the debris. “The rescued child was shifted to a nearby medical facility, while the bodies have been transported to Wardaap, Drosh, for legal and medical formalities,” the deputy commissioner said. Authorities added that…
Islamabad: Severe snowfall in Pakistan’s upper regions has disrupted daily life, blocking roads and stranding hundreds of people, prompting large-scale rescue operations by the Pakistan Army and emergency services. Several feet of snow have fallen across upper areas, cutting off road links and isolating communities. Heavy snowfall was reported in Neelum Valley, Sudhanoti, Bagh, Hattian Bala, Athmuqam, Upper Neelum, and other high-altitude areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In Haveli district, around 25 vehicles, including ambulances, were stranded due to snow-covered roads. The Pakistan Army successfully rescued 32 passengers, while nearly 100 people remained stuck in vehicles at various locations.…
Stockholm: Sweden has issued a clear ultimatum to Afghan refugees, asking those involved in criminal activities to leave the country, while calling on the European Union to take collective and stricter measures. According to foreign media reports, Swedish authorities have described Afghan refugees as a growing security concern for Europe. Sweden has urged the European Union to introduce a joint documentation and identification system for Afghan migrants to improve monitoring and enforcement. A Swedish minister stated that criminal Afghan refugees have no right to stay in Europe, stressing that individuals involved in crimes would be deported at any cost. The…
Lahore: Riphah International University, Gulberg Campus, has launched its flagship Innovation & Wellness Fest 2026, a seven-day multi-sector event aimed at strengthening academia–industry collaboration while promoting community health and youth entrepreneurship. Organized under the leadership of Mr. Muhammad Umer Farooq, Regional Director, Riphah International University Lahore, the festival brings together students, academics, industry professionals, healthcare experts, and community organizations on a single platform to translate learning into practice and innovation into impact. The festival was inaugurated by DG NCHD Ali Asghar and Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan Chancellor Riphah International University , Chancellor Riphah International University, Mr Hassan Muhammad Khan, stated…
Lahore: Former and current Pakistani cricketers have rejected reports of alleged fraud, saying they had made investments in a private company and that no fraud has occurred so far. In a joint stance, the players said the company remains in contact with them and has assured that all pending payments will be cleared by March. They clarified that only two cheques were returned, adding that the matter is being resolved. The cricketers also confirmed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi contacted them regarding the issue. They said they informed him that there is no serious problem at present and that they…
Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to further strengthen the Crime Control Department (CCD) and has sought approval for 1,000 new recruitments in the department. According to official sources, 450 personnel will be recruited on constable positions, while a proposal has also been submitted for the hiring of 100 drivers for deployment across various districts of the province. Sources said the new recruitment will require a grant of Rs491 million to cover salaries and allowances for constables and drivers. Following approval from the Chief Minister of Punjab, the proposal has been forwarded to the provincial cabinet. Once final approval is…
Murree: Continuous and heavy snowfall in Murree has severely disrupted daily life, leaving thousands of tourists stranded as weather conditions worsened overnight. The intensity of snowfall increased late last night, prompting authorities to deploy additional staff and snow-clearing machinery. According to the district administration, efforts are under way to safely evacuate around 5,000 tourists from the hill station. Speaking to the media, DPO Murree said visibility on roads has dropped sharply due to the snowstorm, while weather conditions continue to deteriorate. He added that all major roads are currently open and traffic is moving, but snowfall and rain are expected…
Karachi: Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has decided to ensure uninterrupted gas supply for domestic consumers, providing relief to households facing shortages. According to Sui Southern, gas supply to industrial units and CNG stations will remain suspended for two days as part of load management measures. The gas supply for industries and CNG stations will remain closed from Saturday 8:00am until Monday 8:00am, the company said, adding that the move aims to prioritize residential consumers during the peak demand period. SSGC urged industrial consumers and CNG station owners to plan operations accordingly while assuring domestic users of complete gas availability…
