In June 2024, Pakistan successfully averted what seemed to be an impending default, silencing speculation and rumors of a financial collapse. Last year, social media was rife with predictions that Pakistan would default on its external debt obligations, with the country needing to meet hefty payments totaling $27 billion in 2024 alone. However, Pakistan’s economic recovery efforts were stronger than anticipated, tackling each major financial hurdle and managing its resources effectively, which quickly changed the narrative. Several key factors contributed to this financial turnaround. Firstly, Pakistan recorded an increase in exports and remittances, which provided a boost to the national…
Author: Saifullah
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In a story of courage, perseverance, and unbreakable resolve, two men emerged as the champions of justice for government employees unlawfully detained while serving the people. Kamal Shah, a dedicated member of Rescue 1122, and Fateh Ullah Barki, an advocate at the Islamabad High Court, fought tirelessly to secure the release of Rescue 1122, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police, and TMA employees arrested under questionable circumstances. The incident unfolded at the Hazro Interchange, where Punjab Police reportedly detained Rescue 1122 personnel, KPK police guards, and TMA employees. These officers were stationed to assist with emergencies at the request of the Chief…
Pakistan’s administrative structure comprises 38 divisions spread across its four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan—and two autonomous regions, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Each province is divided further into districts, tehsils, and union councils, forming a complex network that helps govern and deliver services to the nation’s over 220 million people. Punjab has 8 divisions, Sindh 5, KP 7, Balochistan 6, AJK 3, and GB 3, all forming a framework essential for the country’s administration. However, given the population and diversity within these areas, many argue that restructuring these provinces into smaller units could enhance…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, for a key position in women’s cricket management following the resignation of Tania Malik. While Shehrbano’s public service background is commendable, it raises questions about the PCB’s decision to prioritize bureaucrats over individuals with cricketing expertise. The leadership role in women’s cricket should ideally be filled by someone who understands the nuances of the game, the challenges players face, and the dynamics of cricketing culture. Former cricketers, who have firsthand experience and insights into the sport, are better positioned to advocate for the…
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan has called upon the international community and various organizations to hold Israel accountable for the recent massacre of journalists in Gaza. The United Nations General Assembly designated November 2nd as a day to highlight the need for protection and justice for journalists worldwide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the critical role journalists play in keeping the public informed, stating that they often face numerous dangers and hardships in their pursuit of truth. He expressed regret over the violence and threats journalists endure, particularly in…
LAHORE: In a tragic incident, three family members—a man and his two sons—were shot dead in Lahore while heading to court for a scheduled appearance in broad daylight. According to police reports, unknown gunmen opened fire on Saggian Road, targeting the father and his sons as they traveled by rickshaw. Initial investigations suggest that the assailants arrived on motorbikes, with motives pointing to an old enmity behind the brutal attack. In the crossfire, another individual sustained injuries. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the incident, demanding a report from Lahore’s CCPO and expressing condolences to the bereaved…
ISLAMABAD: The government is deliberating on an installment plan to support low-income and middle-class citizens preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage. Under the proposed plan, pilgrims will have the option to pay their Hajj expenses in three installments instead of a lump sum. This initiative has been submitted for approval by the federal cabinet. Sources suggest that this installment option is part of the government’s comprehensive Hajj policy, which is anticipated to gain the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ endorsement. The new payment structure will allow prospective pilgrims to cover a total cost of Rs 1.1 million in three parts. Initially, applicants…
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has greenlit two significant infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the ongoing traffic challenges in Islamabad. These initiatives are expected to enhance daily commutes for residents of both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The foundation stones for the Serena Chowk Interchange and F-10 Exchange Chowk Interchange will be laid next week. The completion timelines for these projects have been significantly expedited; the Serena Chowk Interchange is set to be operational in just three months, incorporating two underpasses and connecting roads. Meanwhile, the F-10 project will take four months to complete and will feature a flyover, an underpass,…
During Imran Khan’s recent court appearance for the high-stakes £190 million Al-Qadir Trust scandal, his unexpected silence and absence of family support sparked intense speculation. Known for seizing any chance to address the media, Khan’s unusual quietness raised eyebrows. Bushra Bibi, his wife, and other close family members were nowhere to be seen—a fact that seemed to deepen the aura of isolation around him. In past proceedings, Khan had been vocal, even using the court rostrum to address grievances, often calling out perceived injustices and rallying his supporters. But this time, he stood in silence, not a word to the…
Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $1 billion from its Resilience and Sustainability Trust, aiming to counter climate risks and propel the country’s shift toward sustainable energy. Currently, Pakistan’s power sector grapples with a circular debt crisis that has ballooned to Rs2.66 trillion ($9.5 billion). This increase stems largely from inefficiencies in the power distribution system and costly contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). To mitigate these issues, the government plans comprehensive reforms focused on optimizing IPP costs, reassessing fiscal impacts on consumers, and fostering competition through electricity unbundling. This approach is expected…
