Riyadh: A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational air combat exercise “Spears of Victory–2026.” According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent comprises F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft, along with specialized air and ground crew. The contingent reached King Abdulaziz Air Base, where the exercise is being hosted. The multinational aerial warfare drill aims to enhance interoperability, joint combat readiness, and professional cooperation among participating air forces. Fighter aircraft from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States are taking…
Author: Web Desk2
Karachi: Firefighters have successfully brought a massive blaze at Gul Plaza, located on M.A. Jinnah Road, under control after hours of intense efforts. The tragic incident has so far claimed 14 lives, while 22 people were injured. Authorities say 73 individuals are still missing. According to rescue officials, the fire broke out at around 10:15pm on Saturday night on the ground floor of the commercial plaza and quickly spread to the upper floors. The intensity of the blaze caused severe structural damage, with several portions of the building collapsing. Fire brigade officials confirmed that although the fire has been extinguished,…
KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has foiled two separate smuggling attempts at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, recovering 10 gold bars weighing 100 tolas along with foreign currency from passengers traveling abroad. According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), customs officials intercepted the smuggled items during routine checks. The seized goods include 100 tolas of gold and USD 11,900, which were being carried by passengers bound for Dubai and Istanbul. In two separate operations at the airport, customs authorities recovered 10 gold bricks, with the total value of the seized items estimated at Rs50.682 million. Following the recovery, cases have been registered…
India Weaponizing Water May Trigger South Asia Crisis: US Water has long been a source of cooperation and conflict in South Asia. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India with World Bank mediation, is often described as one of the world’s most successful water-sharing agreements. Despite wars and political crises, the treaty survived for over six decades. However, recent developments suggest that this landmark agreement is under unprecedented strain. Historical Background of the Indus Waters Treaty The Indus Waters Treaty divided the rivers of the Indus Basin between the two countries: Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas,…
Lahore: A new weather system has entered Punjab, triggering forecasts of severe cold, rain, and snowfall in various parts of the province over the coming days. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a western weather system began affecting Punjab from Friday. As a result, cold temperatures and foggy conditions are expected to persist across the province, including Lahore. The PDMA said that from January 20 to 23, heavy snowfall and rain are likely in Murree, Galiyat, and other mountainous areas, while rain is also expected in most districts of Punjab during this period. Authorities Put on High Alert…
Islamabad: Former Pakistan cricket captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has permanently moved from Karachi to Islamabad, citing personal reasons behind the decision. Speaking at his new residence in Islamabad, Afridi said he wants to see Pakistan progress as a fast-developing nation, adding that continuity in policies and institutions is the most critical factor for long-term growth. Confirming his relocation, Afridi stated that he shifted to Islamabad due to certain personal considerations and has now settled there on a permanent basis. The former captain said that Pakistan and Pakistan cricket gave him respect, recognition, and identity on the global stage,…
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested 49 terrorists, including an alleged Indian intelligence agency RAW agent, during a series of intelligence-based operations carried out across Punjab over the past week, officials said on Sunday. According to authorities, the arrests were made following credible intelligence inputs. A suspected RAW agent, identified as Mujtaba, was apprehended in Lahore. Security officials said explosives, weapons, and maps of sensitive and key government installations were recovered from his possession. Officials further stated that explosive material and equipment used to manufacture suicide jackets were also seized from other arrested suspects. Preliminary investigations indicate that the…
A bomb explosion occurred outside the residence of Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Ameer Maulana Wahid Gul in Bajaur on Sunday, causing partial damage to his house and vehicle. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported. According to police officials, the blast damaged the outer portion of Maulana Wahid Gul’s home and his parked car. The explosion spread fear and panic in the surrounding area, after which police contingents rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. Initial investigations suggest that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack. District Police Officer Waqas Rafiq confirmed that further investigations are underway…
Electricity consumers in Pakistan may face additional financial pressure, as a proposal to increase power tariffs by Rs0.48 per unit for one month has been submitted to the power regulator. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a request with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) under the monthly fuel price adjustment mechanism. NEPRA is scheduled to hold a hearing on the petition on January 29. According to the application, 8.487 billion units of electricity were generated in December, while 8.208 billion units were supplied to distribution companies (DISCOs). CPPA stated that the average cost of electricity per…
Peshawar: In view of worsening law and order conditions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has decided to provide bulletproof vehicles to field officers to ensure their safety while performing official duties. According to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Administration Department, the decision was taken after repeated security threats and attacks targeting field officers across the province. In the first phase, bulletproof vehicles will be provided to 150 Assistant Commissioners and Additional Assistant Commissioners. The department clarified that instead of purchasing new vehicles, the existing official vehicles currently in use by officers will be converted into bulletproof units. Officials said that the cost of…
