Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly in recent months, marked by escalating cross-border violence and complex challenges surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan. In 2024, Pakistan experienced a surge in terrorist attacks, with over 2,500 fatalities—a stark increase from the previous year. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan territory, has intensified its campaign against Pakistan, utilizing sophisticated weaponry left after NATO’s withdrawal. Despite Pakistan’s appeals, the Afghan Taliban have been reluctant to curb the TTP’s activities, fearing internal dissent and potential defections to rival groups like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP). The strained relations have led to…
Author: Zahid
In Pakistan, blood donation statistics reveal a mixed picture of generosity and challenges in the healthcare system. Approximately 3.5 million people donate blood annually, reflecting a significant level of participation. However, 90% of these donations occur only in response to emergencies or specific medical needs, such as surgeries, accidents, or critical illnesses. This reactive trend highlights a lack of a consistent culture of voluntary and regular blood donations, which are essential to maintaining a stable blood supply. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a notable 350,000 individuals contributed to blood donations last year, showing active participation in one of the country’s provinces. However,…
Hindu Marriage Act’s Inactivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Deprives 55,000 Hindus of Legal Marriage Status, Property Division, and Inheritance Rights In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the inactivity of the Hindu Marriage Act has left around 55,000 members of the Hindu community without any legal recognition of their marriages. This has also made the division of property and inheritance rights a significant challenge. The previous PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa passed the Hindu Marriage Act in 2017, after a wait of 70 years, to address issues related to Hindu marriages and property distribution. This development initially brought joy to the Hindu community, who believed…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Irrigation Department is burdened with liabilities exceeding Rs. 11 billion, while only Rs. 9 billion has been allocated in the budget. Out of this, Rs. 5 billion will go towards clearing liabilities, leaving the department with just Rs. 4 billion to manage its operations for the entire year. This amount is insufficient not only to address future challenges like food security and access to clean water but also to meet current needs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, being an integral part of Pakistan, is equally affected by the challenges posed by climate change. In the near future, issues like food security…
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a gradual reduction in the operational and investigation funds allocated to police stations has been reported, with a cumulative decrease of Rs. 37 million over the last three years. This report, submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, raises concerns about its potential impact on police efficiency and operational capabilities. Highlights of the Report that Funds in 2021-22 Police stations were allocated Rs. 122 million for operational and investigative purposes. Funds in 2022-23 The funding was reduced to Rs. 95 million.Funds in 2024 The allocation dropped further to Rs. 85 million, marking the lowest funding level in three…
A parliamentary committee has released a detailed report on the damages caused during an Islamabad Police operation at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) House. The total losses have been estimated at over 30 million PKR, with significant damage to government property and missing items belonging to the Chief Minister (CM). Fact finding report says that Chief Minister’s Missing Belongings total value is 3.5 million PKR Missing items include,An M4 rifle worth 2.5 million PKR,An iPhone worth 600,000 PKR,A bulletproof jacket worth 150,000 PKR In Missing Government Assets Official weapons, mobile phones, and cash were reported missing. Items worth 4.5 million PKR,…
The case of wheat spoilage worth Rs10 billion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken a new turn as it emerges that district food officers from 24 districts had warned the provincial Food Directorate in advance. Despite early alerts in April 2023 about the short shelf life of imported wheat, no preventive measures were taken, raising questions about mismanagement and negligence. In April 2023, district food officers wrote a formal letter to the Food Directorate, warning that imported wheat has a shorter shelf life and requires immediate attention. The letter emphasized the urgency of taking proactive steps to protect the wheat stock,…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tradition of Unutilized Budgets Continues: Only 13% of Development Funds Spent in Six Months Amid Protests Against Federal Government. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has spent just 13% of its allocated development budget during the first six months of the fiscal year 2024-25. This underutilization is attributed to the government’s preoccupation with protests against the federal government and the demand for former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release. The performance of ministers and departments has been deemed unsatisfactory, with most departments spending only 10% of their allocated development funds. Budget Allocation and Utilization Highlights 1. Total Allocation…
The health crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has escalated dramatically, as cases of diphtheria, measles, dengue, and malaria have shown a sharp rise in 2024. According to the annual report of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS), the number of cases for several diseases has more than doubled compared to 2023. The report paints a concerning picture: Diphtheria cases recorded an alarming 182% increase. While there were 337 cases in 2023, the figure surged to 952 in 2024, indicating the resurgence of a disease once considered under control. Dengue fever cases skyrocketed by 176%, jumping from 1,980 cases in…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly convened a special session to address the province’s law and order situation. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati expressed confidence in the capabilities of the provincial police and stated that decisions on military deployment would be made after a briefing from the Corps Commander. He noted that the military has been granted powers under the “Action in Aid of Civil Power” law but emphasized that civilian oversight/parliament would guide any further actions. Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Gandapur delivered an in-camera briefing to the lawmakers during the session. Assembly members shared their recommendations, which will be revisited…
