KARACHI: Renowned pop singer Alamgir has expressed happiness over the restoration of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, calling it a long-awaited and emotional moment. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Alamgir said he had been waiting for years to see closer ties between the two countries. “I am Bengali by origin, but a proud Pakistani. Pakistan has always given me immense love,” he said. His remarks came as Bangladesh’s national airline resumed operations to Karachi after 14 years, marking a significant step towards improving bilateral relations. Alamgir also praised Pakistan Idol, calling it an excellent platform for bringing young talent into…
Author: Web Desk2
NEW DELHI: India has emerged as a potential centre of a global health concern following the spread of the Nipah virus, prompting several countries to step up precautionary measures for travellers arriving from India. As reports of Nipah virus cases surfaced in the Indian state of West Bengal, international health agencies and neighboring countries were placed on high alert. Airports in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam have begun screening passengers arriving from India as a precautionary step. Health experts have expressed concern over the lack of effective preventive measures within India, warning that inadequate containment efforts could…
KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan witnessed the largest single-day decline in the country’s history, according to data released by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA). The association said the price of one tola of gold fell by Rs35,500, bringing it down to Rs537,362 per tola. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold dropped by Rs30,435 to Rs460,701. In the international market, gold prices also saw a sharp decline, falling by $355 to $5,150 per ounce. It is worth noting that gold prices had surged by more than Rs42,000 over the past two days, making the latest drop…
BALOCHISTAN: Security forces carried out intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Harnai and Panjgur districts, killing 41 Indian-backed terrorists, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted on January 29 after credible intelligence reports about terrorist hideouts in the areas. The ISPR said that 30 terrorists were neutralised in Harnai, while 11 were killed in Panjgur. During the operations, security forces also destroyed terrorist safe havens, significantly disrupting their operational capacity. In Panjgur, security personnel recovered cash looted from a bank, along with a large cache of weapons…
Pakistan is set to introduce major reforms in its national identification system as the government moves to gradually replace fingerprint-based verification with modern facial recognition technology. Officials say the shift is aimed at strengthening citizen identity security and reducing financial fraud, after multiple cases emerged in recent years involving fake or cloned fingerprints, particularly in SIM issuance and banking transactions. The proposal was discussed on January 29, 2026, during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, where lawmakers were briefed on the planned reforms. Why the change is being made For years, NADRA’s biometric fingerprint system has…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a reduction in electricity prices for the industrial sector, aiming to support exporters and boost economic activity. The announcement was made during an awards ceremony held in honor of leading exporters and prominent business figures, where the prime minister distributed awards to individuals for their contributions to the national economy. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and several federal ministers were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the government had successfully steered Pakistan away from default through consistent economic measures and negotiations with international financial institutions, particularly the…
LAHORE: Pakistan registered a strong start to the T20I series after defeating Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday. Chasing a target of 169 runs, Australia could only manage 146/8 in 20 overs, falling short despite a fighting knock by Cameron Green (36). Other Australian batters failed to build momentum. Travis Head scored 23, Matt Renshaw 15, Josh Philippe 12, while the remaining batters were dismissed cheaply. Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket each,…
NDMA issues alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Balochistan; temperature likely to drop sharply ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a new spell of rain and snowfall in different parts of the country from January 31 to February 3, issuing warnings for northern and upper regions. According to the PMD, rain and snowfall are expected in northern Balochistan and northern areas during the period. Other parts of the country may also receive rain. The Met Office said that from January 31 to February 3, several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to experience rain and snowfall.…
Sarah Mullally becomes 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide LONDON: In a historic development, the Church of England has appointed Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, ending a centuries-old tradition. The formal ceremony was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where Mullally was officially confirmed during an ancient and traditional process known as the “Confirmation of Election.” The event is both a legal and religious ritual, after which the Archbishop formally assumes office. During the ceremony, Sarah Mullally took an oath of loyalty in front of a senior bishop who attended…
Renowned Pakistani actor and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt has strongly criticized Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, saying that respect is often not reciprocated by some Indian artists. Speaking on his YouTube podcast, Butt said Javed Akhtar is among those Indian figures who, in his view, have lost their artistic credibility and now contribute more to controversy than to art. He recalled that Javed Akhtar had visited Pakistan last year, where he was received with warm hospitality and respect. However, Butt said Akhtar later made statements against Pakistan, which he described as disappointing. Ahmed Ali Butt remarked that he has…
