The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to delay its review mission to Pakistan until after the anticipated general elections in 2024. This decision follows Pakistan’s commitment to implement new taxes. Talks on the Standby Arrangement (SBA) program will resume with the newly elected government after the elections, with the IMF having already disbursed $1.9 billion out of the total $3 billion under the nine-month SBA. While the schedule for the second review is yet to be confirmed, successful completion could result in the disbursement of the last tranche of $1.1 billion in April 2024, as the SBA program is…
Author: Saifullah
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, addressing the Pakistan National Youth Conference, cautioned the youth about navigating the digital world, emphasizing the critical scrutiny of news and information. He highlighted the Quranic principle of verifying information and warned against social media propaganda aiming to spread negativity and chaos. COAS Munir praised the youth as builders of the country’s future, urging confidence in the nation’s traditions, culture, and themselves. While affirming the army’s readiness against terrorism, he stressed the importance of national cooperation in the fight against militancy, emphasizing that the armed forces are prepared to counter any threat…
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an appeal for Namaz-e-Istisqa, a rain-seeking prayer, urging federal and provincial governments to facilitate these prayers across the country. With the plains of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh experiencing a prolonged dry spell and persistent challenges of dense fog and smog, the ministry emphasizes the need for rainfall. The appeal calls on imams and the public to actively participate, highlighting the broader benefits of rain, including relief from dry and cold conditions, combatting smog, and sustaining vital crops like wheat. The prayer is seen as a means to address both environmental challenges and…
Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Production Gohar Ejaz has been appointed as the Interior Minister following Sarfraz Bugti’s resignation on December 15, 2023. The cabinet issued a notification, and the caretaker Prime Minister directed Ejaz to assume the role immediately. Read More: Caretaker Sindh Minister Clarifies Army Deployment Details for Election Security Known for his expertise in commerce and industries, Ejaz will now oversee crucial law and order matters, actively collaborating with provinces in managing the multifaceted responsibilities of the Interior Ministry. The appointment comes ahead of the upcoming elections on February 8.
Caretaker Sindh Home Minister Brigadier (retd) Haris Nawaz clarified the details of the formal approval for nationwide army deployment for poll security, emphasizing that no security personnel will enter polling booths. Rangers personnel can be summoned if needed, and police contingents will be stationed outside, with lady health staff managing women’s booths. Haris highlighted the Election Commission’s primary role, with administrations providing assistance, and urged fool-proof mechanisms to ensure trouble-free elections. Security measures include a ban on arms display, deployment of 122,000 police officials, 1,984 Pakistan Army soldiers, and collaboration with various departments. The government aims for transparent and impartial…
Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has renewed his criticism of Nawaz Sharif, alleging the latter’s attempt to secure a fourth term as prime minister through unconventional means. In an interview with a foreign news agency, Bhutto emphasized the importance of youth involvement in decision-making, highlighting the significant demographic under 30 years old in Pakistan. Despite financial constraints, he outlined PPP’s plans for free electricity and robust social security programs, including a manifesto addressing climate change and development model restructuring. Bhutto accused Sharif of seeking an alternative route to power, prompting a commitment to block such…
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts the continuation of fog in Islamabad, the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh tonight (Wednesday). Read More: Interior Ministry Proposes Army Deployment for Enhanced Security in 2024 General Elections Cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi are expected to experience fog, leading to exceptionally cold weather in these regions.
The Interior Ministry has forwarded a summary to the cabinet, proposing the deployment of the army during the 2024 general election to address security concerns. Pending approval by the caretaker cabinet, the army is set to be mobilized to ensure the security of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission, aiming to safeguard the electoral process, has reportedly requested the deployment of 277,000 military personnel, including Pakistan Army, Rangers, and FC personnel. With the general elections scheduled for February 8, preparations are in their final stages, and the Election Commission has taken additional measures, including freezing the funds of all local…
PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif took swift action during a political rally in Lahore, instructing the immediate removal of a lion brought to the event. Read More: SC Directs Qasim Suri to Respond in Stay Order Case Former federal minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, PML-N’s spokesperson, shared on a microblogging website that Nawaz Sharif emphasized that no animals, including lions, should be part of any rally. Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of respecting animal rights as per Islamic teachings and related laws.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) concluded their over 30-day sit-in outside the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad on Tuesday. The protest, ongoing since December 20, 2023, focused on “enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.” Dr. Mahrang Baloch, an activist and protest organizer, announced their return to Balochistan, planning a rally on January 27. This decision followed a complaint lodged by NPC Islamabad, seeking the removal of Baloch protesters due to security concerns and financial losses. The NPC administration cited the extended sit-in hindering the venue’s normal functions. Last month, Islamabad police had dismantled the protesters’ camps, leading to widespread arrests,…
