International rating agency Moody’s has upgraded the outlook for Pakistani banks from stable to positive, citing improvements in the country’s economic conditions and financial resilience over the past year. In its latest statement issued on Wednesday, Moody’s acknowledged the strong performance of Pakistani banks, highlighting their record-breaking profits in 2024 and a more stable operating environment. The agency also noted …

The residents of the UAE were set to enjoy up to five days off for the Islamic festival of Eid Al Fitr, marking the first extended holiday of 2025. The break was expected to last either four or five days, depending on the sighting of the crescent Moon, with the holiday coinciding with the weekend. According to astronomical calculations, a …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that China stands ready to walk hand in hand with Pakistan on our respective paths to modernization and welcomes Pakistan to benefit first from China’s further comprehensive deepening of reforms and expansion of high-level opening-up. While addressing at the seminar on the Two Sessions themed “China’s Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared …

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Dhadar area of Bolan Pass on Tuesday. In their separate statements, they lauded the security forces for their bravery and professionalism demonstrated in the operation against terrorists and rescuing 104 passengers. The President said attacks on unarmed civilians …

Pakistan has fully activated its early warning system for natural disasters, enabling predictions up to 10 months in advance and potentially reducing damage by 45%, according to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Inam Haider Malik. Speaking at a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting chaired by Junaid Akbar, Malik revealed that Pakistan is now connected to 277 satellites, providing comprehensive …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the establishment of Danish University following the success of Danish Schools. He stated that the university will be an applied sciences institution aimed at achieving global recognition. Chairing a meeting of the Danish University Steering Committee, the prime minister emphasized that leading scholars and experts from around the world will be invited to contribute …

Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take note of the support provided by the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram told the council that Islamabad possesses “clear evidence” demonstrating the Taliban regime’s backing of the TTP, which continues to launch cross-border attacks …

Relief is on the way for Karachi residents, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a drop in temperatures starting tomorrow. According to meteorologist Anjum Zaigham, today marks the last day of the ongoing heatwave in the city. From tomorrow, temperatures are expected to gradually decrease, and sea breezes will resume, bringing much-needed relief. By Thursday, temperatures in Karachi are …

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza has once again caught the internet’s attention, this time with a thought-provoking Instagram post about privacy, self-growth, and healing. On Sunday, the former world No. 1 shared a carousel of snapshots offering glimpses into her life—cherished moments with her son Izhaan Mirza Malik, Ramadan decorations at her Dubai home, workouts, travel adventures, and gatherings with …

The Jaffar Express  –  traveling from Quetta to Peshawar –  came under heavy firing between Gudalur and Peru Kanri on Tuesday. According to initial reports, the train driver sustained serious injuries, while some passengers were also wounded in the incident. Railway officials confirmed that around 450 passengers were onboard the train’s nine coaches at the time of the attack, raising …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted an Iftar dinner at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday in honour of a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) delegation, led by its Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif lauded the leadership of the PPP for its continuous cooperation with the federal government and its active role in improving the lives of ordinary …

The price of sugar in Lahore continues to surge during Ramadan, reaching Rs170 per kilogram in the open market. Wholesale prices have also climbed, with sugar now being sold at Rs168 per kilogram. The cost of a 50-kilogram sugar bag has skyrocketed to Rs8,400, reflecting a steady increase in prices. Just two days ago, sugar was being sold at Rs165 …

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commenced policy-level discussions on the next tranche of the $7 billion loan program, with the review set to continue until March 14. According to officials from the Ministry of Finance, the IMF delegation will assess the country’s progress in implementing economic reforms under the program’s conditions. The discussions will also include consultations …

ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable celebration of global cinema, renowned Pakistani singer and DJ Adil Khan has released a rap song paying tribute to the success of the Chinese animated movie NeZha 2. The film has garnered international acclaim for its breathtaking animation and captivating story. Adil, who was deeply impressed by the movie’s visual and conceptual brilliance, expressed his admiration …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former national assembly speaker Asad Qaiser has demanded the resignation of prime minister. Qaiser stated that the law and order situation had deteriorated in the country. He urged the government to conduct free and fair elections immediately. He announced that PTI would hold a meeting with all allied parties this week to formulate a comprehensive …

A tragic incident occurred in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Maymar Afghan Basti, where the roof of a house collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six people, including five sisters, while four others sustained injuries. According to police, the five sisters had come from Bannu to visit their maternal uncle’s house. The accident happened due to ongoing construction work in the house. Residents were …

Spanish police have arrested 10 Pakistani nationals on terrorism charges in a large-scale operation targeting an alleged extremist network involved in inciting violence. According to a statement issued by the Spanish authorities, the arrests were made in a joint operation conducted by the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police), the Spanish National Police, and Italian law enforcement. One additional suspect was taken …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Chinese leadership and nation, on the successful convening of the “Two Sessions” of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. During the course of the meeting with Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the prime minister conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier …

Punjab Police thwarted a major attack by militants on the Lakhani check post near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border in the early hours of Saturday, officials said. According to Punjab Police, a group of 15 to 20 heavily armed militants launched a coordinated assault on the security post at dawn, using rocket launchers and other heavy weaponry. The attackers attempted to …

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reiterated their commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, underscoring the crucial role they play in shaping Pakistan’s future. In their messages marking International Women’s Day, the two leaders emphasised the need to address the challenges faced by women, including gender discrimination, violence, and economic barriers. They …

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on Friday ordered the government to submit a daily progress report in the case of the murder of senior journalist Arshad Sharif. A six-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the suo motu case regarding the murder of Arshad Sharif. The bench included Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Naeem …

The Islamabad High Court witnessed a new twist in the case regarding the repatriation and well-being of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The government has filed a miscellaneous application seeking the immediate disposal of the plea for her release. During the hearing, the court issued a notice to the government, demanding a response on the matter. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan engaged …

The federal government has amended the Civil Servants Rules, 1973, introducing new promotion policies for senior bureaucrats following the Prime Minister’s directives. According to the official notification, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated for Grade-21 officers seeking promotion to Grade-22. These policy changes aim to streamline promotions within the bureaucracy and ensure a more structured and transparent process …

The federal government on Friday announced the portfolios of the newly inducted cabinet members, with Hanif Abbasi appointed as the Federal Minister for Railways and Mustafa Kamal taking charge of the Ministry of Health. According to an official notification, Khawaja Asif will now only retain the portfolio of the Ministry of Defense, while Azam Nazir Tarar has been assigned the …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur visited Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak on Wednesday to condole martyrdom of Maulana Hamidul Haq. Gandapur met with Maulana Abdul Haq Sani, the successor of Maulana Hamidul Haq Shaheed, and his brother Maulana Rashidul Haq. The Chief Minister expressed condolences on the martyrdom of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani. He said that the …

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani remains at odds with the government over the non-implementation of opposition Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s production order. Despite the ongoing dispute, Gilani is set to preside over today’s Senate session, scheduled for 11:30 AM at Parliament House. However, new production orders for Senator Ejaz Chaudhry have not been issued for this session. PML-N Parliamentary Leader Senator …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): The DASU Hydro-power Project has commenced the excavation of the dam foundation pit, marking a critical phase in the construction of this major water conservancy hub According to a statement released by Energy China on Wednesday, this marks a crucial phase in the development of one of the country’s major water conservancy projects. The excavation works, which span …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to complete eradication of polio from the country. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, he praised the timely identification of polio cases and the negative trend in these cases, acknowledging the efforts of all provincial authorities. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the complete eradication of polio from the country will only …

Security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in a swift and effective operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported. According to ISPR, the operation resulted in the elimination of 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers. However, five brave soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the cantonment. The terrorists attempted to breach the security by ramming two explosive-laden vehicles …

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday formed a committee to ensure the prompt implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) he signed with Azerbaijan during his most recent visit to the friendly country. While chairing a meeting to review the implementation of accords, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to present an action plan to take the …

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have entered the policy-level phase of discussions regarding the country’s ongoing $7 billion loan programme, following the completion of technical talks. The IMF delegation –  led by Nathan Porter –  met with Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his economic team, including Finance Secretary and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), …

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has initiated emergency measures to tackle smog and air pollution, including a large-scale afforestation drive under the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan Initiative. The plan aims to plant 42.5 million trees across 48,368 acres in the province. According to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, 7.361 million trees will be planted over 8,496 acres during the …

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench continued hearings on intra-court appeals challenging the annulment of military trials for civilians. Civil society lawyer Faisal Siddiqui concluded his arguments, emphasizing that in the U.S., both parties have the right to propose judgments at the end of a case. He suggested alternatives to court-martial proceedings. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that punishment should be …

Supreme Court’s seven-member constitutional bench has adjourned the hearing of an intra-court appeal regarding the trial of civilians in military courts until tomorrow. During the proceedings, civil society’s lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, argued that if his argument is accepted, not the law but the trials themselves would be declared null and void. He stated that cases in which sentences are still …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of gas shortages during Sehar and Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan and directed immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted supply to consumers. In response to public complaints, the prime minister convened an emergency meeting late Monday night, attended by the managing directors and senior officials of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and …

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, is grappling with a severe water crisis as the holy month of Ramadan begins. Despite the completion of pipeline repair work, water supply remains disrupted in major parts of the city, leaving residents in distress. The crisis has paved the way for the tanker mafia to exploit the situation, selling water at exorbitant prices. According to …

As the first Iftar of Ramadan approached, a large number of citizens rushed to model bazaars in Lahore, hoping to buy essential food items at subsidized rates. However, many shoppers at Johar Town Model Bazaar expressed disappointment, calling the Punjab government’s ‘Sasta Ramazan Bazar’ initiative a joke due to negligible price differences and inconsistent product quality. Despite claims of affordability, …

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed across major cities, leaving citizens struggling to afford basic food items. Despite the government’s promises to curb inflation, profiteers and hoarders continue to exploit the situation, causing an artificial shortage and price manipulation. How Punjab’s price control magistrates failed to deliver on first Ramazan Lahore’s model …

The deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who were given the opportunity for voluntary return, has now passed, marking the beginning of their deportation to Afghanistan. According to the details, the voluntary repatriation deadline for individuals holding the Afghan Citizen Card ended on March 31. As of today, those with the Afghan Citizen Card will be considered illegal residents. Following …