The State Bank of Pakistan has announced another cut in the interest rate, bringing it down to 13%. This is the fifth consecutive reduction in the policy rate. The decision was made during a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The committee highlighted that inflation has eased, but risks such as higher global commodity prices and additional measures to address revenue gaps remain. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the 2% reduction in the interest rate. He called it a positive step for the economy. The move, he said, would enhance investor confidence and attract more investment into the country.…
Author: Web Desk
Shangla: A terrorist attack in Chakesar, Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeted a police checkpoint with a grenade. The attack led to the martyrdom of two policemen and injuries to three others, according to Khyber News. Police identified the fallen officers as Assistant Sub-Inspector Hassan Khan and Constable Nisar Khan. The injured include Muharrar Arshad Khan, Constable Arshad Khan, and Constable Rifat. The wounded officers were transported to a hospital in Battagram for treatment, officials said. Terrorist attacks have become frequent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, often targeting law enforcement and security personnel. In a separate incident, militants gunned…
Prominent businessman Arif Habib has expressed optimism about the economic benefits resulting from meetings between Army Chief General Asim Munir and traders. He stated that most promises made during the three meetings have been delivered, with further economic improvements expected in the coming days. Speaking to a private TV channel, Arif Habib welcomed the recent reduction in the interest rate. He said it is a positive step for the business sector. However, he suggested that the interest rate could have been reduced by 3 percent, given the government had the capacity to do so. He emphasized that the downward trend…
Peshawar (Zahid Usman) The number of terrorists in Afghanistan is estimated to be around 24,000, while up to 18,000 terrorists are believed to be operating within Pakistan, revealed Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. Addressing foreign media at the Chief Minister’s House on Sunday, Gandapur stressed that negotiations with Afghanistan are the only way to resolve ongoing issues. He pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bears the brunt of these problems due to its long shared border with Afghanistan. He noted that the federal government has finally acknowledged the importance of engaging in dialogue with Afghanistan. However, he criticized…
Peshawar (Zahid Usman) : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Department is grappling with a severe shortage of officers across several grades. Official records reveal that this shortage is affecting the department’s ability to function effectively. In Grade 19, the police department is missing 22 officers. Only 35 officers are currently in service, despite 57 posts being sanctioned for PSP officers at this level. Similarly, in Grade 18, there is a shortfall of 14 officers. The approved number of posts in this grade stands at 131. The issue extends to Grade 17 as well. The department requires 15 officers for these positions…
To strengthen trade with regional countries, including Afghanistan and Central Asia, Pakistan is finalizing a major project at the Torkham border. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) approved the International Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) for Torkham, Chaman, and Wagah border crossings. This state-of-the-art project is now in its final stages. The Asian Development Bank is supporting the project, while the National Logistics Cell (NLC) oversees construction. Work on the modern Torkham Transit Terminal began in 2019 and is now nearing completion. Officials say this terminal will revolutionize trade by making the clearance process faster and more efficient, boosting trade…
As Pakistan observes the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, the nation renews its resolve to eliminate terrorism. Leaders across the country reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s safety and peace. In connection with the anniversary, schools in Punjab and Islamabad remain closed. Punjab authorities cited “the prevailing security situation” as the reason for this precaution. Remembering the APS Tragedy On December 16, 2014, heavily armed militants launched the deadliest attack in Pakistan’s history. They stormed the APS building, killing 147 people, including 132 innocent children. This devastating incident spurred the government to take decisive…
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has already expressed distrust in his own party leaders. Speaking during a TV program, Asif questioned the idea of initiating talks with PTI under such circumstances. “How can negotiations succeed when their founder himself lacks faith in his party?” Asif asked. He added that the sudden focus on dialogue has left many puzzled. Meanwhile, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized PTI’s contradictory stance. Siddiqui pointed out that PTI cannot demand negotiations while promoting civil disobedience at the same time. “You cannot extend…
South Africa secured a decisive seven-wicket win against Pakistan, clinching the T20 series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead. Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen led the charge with sensational performances, outclassing Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Pakistan, batting first, set a competitive target of 207 runs. Saim Ayub stood out with an exceptional 98 off 57 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes. He opened the innings with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who managed only 11 runs from 13 balls before being dismissed by Ottneil Baartman. Saim found solid support from Babar Azam, who contributed 31 off 20 balls,…
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed concerns over the proposed Madrasa Bill and its potential implications. He fears that registering seminaries under the Societies Act could trigger sanctions under FATF (Financial Action Task Force) and GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus). Sources revealed on Friday that the president raised eight key objections to the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024. The bill aims to register madrasas, but President Zardari believes it could harm Pakistan’s international image and create internal instability. Earlier this month, President Zardari returned the bill with his objections. He warned that registering religious seminaries under this law could…