Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva wherein both sides discussed Pakistan’s ongoing IMF program and the macroeconomic stability achieved through the government’s comprehensive reform agenda. The meeting held on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms …

ISLAMABAD: The abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left behind billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, which has since fallen into the hands of terrorist organizations that have been exploiting these advanced weapons, escalating violence in Pakistan and across South Asia, destabilizing the region, and fueling cross-border terrorism. Since the start of the withdrawal, Pakistan has been raising …

Pakistan has fallen two positions to rank 135th among 180 countries in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI), according to the watchdog’s 2024 report released Tuesday. The South Asian nation scored 27 out of 100 points, down from its previous rating, making it the 46th most corrupt country globally. This marks a continued decline from 2023, when Pakistan ranked 133rd …

Light rain and snowfall continue to transform the upper regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) into a winter wonderland, dropping temperatures and attracting tourists from across the country. In Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley has been experiencing light snowfall since the morning, while lower areas, including Leepa Valley and Jhelum Valley, are witnessing light rain. Snow has …

Pakistan and Qatar held the second round of political consultations in Doha, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors. The meeting was led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Marakhi. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the discussions covered a wide range of topics, including political, economic, …

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, highlighted Pakistan’s security concerns at the UN Security Council meeting, questioning why global discussions on terrorism threats often overlook the dangers Pakistan faces. He urged the UN General Assembly to establish a dedicated institution to counter terrorism more effectively. During the session, Pakistan raised concerns about the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) …

Another migrant boat has capsized near the coast of Libya, with Pakistani nationals reportedly among the passengers, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson. Authorities are currently gathering information regarding the incident. The spokesperson further stated that the Pakistani Embassy in Tripoli has been informed about the boat accident. The vessel, which overturned near Marsah Della port in Zawiya city, was …

Islamabad witnessed a large-scale protest by lawyers against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Judicial Commission meeting scheduled for today. The demonstration, called by the National Action Committee, saw lawyers from Sindh and other regions gathering outside a private hotel in the capital. Chanting slogans against the amendment, the protesting lawyers expressed strong opposition, claiming that the amendment is an …

The federal government’s non-tax revenue witnessed a significant increase of Rs. 1,623 billion during the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to official documents. From July to December, non-tax revenue surged to Rs. 3,602 billion, compared to Rs. 1,979 billion recorded in the same period last fiscal year. A major portion of the increase came from the …

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation has arrived in Pakistan to evaluate efforts to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and improve governance reforms. The delegation will stay in Islamabad until February 14 and hold meetings with key officials. According to sources, the IMF team will meet with representatives from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, and …

Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar has stated that the 26th amendment could only be repealed by a parliamentary decision or a Supreme Court ruling. In a 20-page note issued in the bench powers case, Justice Mazhar agreed with the constitutional bench’s decision. He emphasised that only a constitutional bench has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws, and …

Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers including Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s daughter Meher Bano Qureshi and Javed Hashmi’s son-in-law Makhdoom Zahid Bahar Hashmi were arrested in Multan on Saturday. According to police officials, PTI leaders and supporters took out a rally despite restrictions imposed under Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings. The rally, led by Meher Bano Qureshi, Makhdoom Zahid …

The federal government’s expenditure exceeded Rs 8,200 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year, significantly outpacing its net income of Rs 5,887 billion According to a report released by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, the shortfall has resulted in a budget deficit of Rs 2,313 billion. The report highlights that a substantial portion of the expenditure—Rs …

The Supreme Court’s constitution bench on Friday dismissed objections of the registrar office to the petition filed by PTI founder Imran Khan against the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act. A five-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the petition, with Shoaib Shaheen representing the former prime minister. During the proceedings, the court sought arguments on whether the …

Just days ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 which would see Pakistan as host of a mega-event after quite a hiatus, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi stadium. Speaking on the occasion, the PM said the project saw the light of the day at a rapid pace. The renovation, he stated, was an example of …

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have expressed reservations over the government’s decision to allow third parties to sell up to 35% of their gas. However, officials from the Petroleum Ministry have clarified that this move will not cause any financial loss to the Sui companies. According to the Petroleum Ministry, the Sui …

The security forces eliminated three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). According to the ISPR, the operation took place in Dattakhel during the night between February 6 and 7. A fierce clash erupted, resulting in the deaths of three militants. The eliminated insurgents had attempted to escape under the guise of female …

Four senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan have written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, requesting him to postpone the appointment of new judges amid ongoing legal and constitutional challenges. The letter, signed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Athar Minallah, highlights concerns regarding the pending petitions …

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Beijing on Thursday. Noting that bilateral cooperation is expanding in scope and achieving more and more positive results, Li said that the ironclad friendship between the two sides has been renewed and deepened. Li added that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important …

            Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2025. Xi held talks with Zardari, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with …

BEIJING: Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Beijing on Wednesday. China is willing to work with Pakistan to continue the traditional friendship, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future …

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced its decision to issue licenses for the provision of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), aimed at enhancing the country’s satellite communication infrastructure. A draft policy outlining the terms and conditions of the new licensing regime has been prepared and released for public consultation. According to the draft, the license will be valid for a …

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday held a high-level meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. During the meeting, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah were also along with the president during the huddle. During …

The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Lahore on Wednesday after traveling from Auckland via Dubai to participate in the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan. According to media reports, the team was escorted to their hotel under tight security measures, ensuring the safety of players ahead of the series. The New Zealand squad is scheduled to take a complete rest …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on India to move beyond its August 5, 2019, stance and engage in meaningful and productive talks to resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day in Muzaffarabad, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people, stressing that dialogue was …

Authorities have started considering hosting a cricket match at Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium after a gap of 20 years. According to police officials, an ICC delegation visited the stadium to assess its suitability for hosting PSL matches. The team conducted a comprehensive survey of the ground, pavilion, route for foreign players, and hotel access. The Peshawar Police Chief briefed the …

During the hearing of an intra-court appeal against the trial of civilians in military courts, Justice Jamal Mandokhail questioned the extent of powers granted to military courts under the Army Act. A seven-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, is hearing the appeal. The bench included justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarat Hilali, Naeem …

The federal government has declared February 5 (Wednesday) a public holiday on account of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The federal government has notified February 5 has a public holiday on account of Kashmir Solidarity Day. Meanwhile, all public and private banks will also remain closed tomorrow to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. “The State Bank of Pakistan will remain …

The federal government has decided to repatriate registered Afghan refugees living in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to a notification letter issued by the Prime Minister’s House, the refugees will be relocated by March 31. The decision is part of a phased repatriation plan, which will initially focus on refugees living in the twin cities. The government …

Thirteen Pakistani nationals who lost their lives in a tragic boat accident off the coast of Morocco have been identified, diplomatic sources confirmed on Tuesday. The identification process, carried out with assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has now been completed. The deceased were among the passengers of a Europe-bound vessel that capsized last month while attempting …

At least seven people were injured in a gas leakage explosion at Darman Hospital in Balochistan’s Pishin district on Sunday, causing severe damage to the hospital building. According to police officials, the blast occurred due to accumulated gas, which ignited and led to the explosion. The impact was so intense that it shattered windows and caused portions of the hospital’s …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday attributed the ongoing sacrifices of the country’s armed forces to past “blatant mistakes and wrong decisions,” which, he said, had led to the release of thousands of terrorists. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister condemned the recent attack in Kalat, where 18 soldiers were martyred. He also visited the injured, praising their …

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Asif Ali Zardari will pay a state visit to China from February 4 to February 8. This visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan in 2015, as well as the joyous occasion of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The visit holds great significance in charting …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities for securing the release of a Pakistani family falsely accused of drug smuggling, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior. The ordeal began when Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore, traveled to Saudi Arabia with her four family members—Haroon Ali, Malik Aziz, Fouzia Aziz, and …

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has stated that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) is not limited to any specific region but represents the entire country, as Islamabad symbolizes the federation. He affirmed that the recent transfer of judges was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Press Association, Chief Justice Afridi …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued directives for holding corrupt mafia accountable without discrimination. He chaired a meeting in this regard and announced that a new act will be implemented for the restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Establishment. The chief minister has directed to finalise the proposed ‘Anti-Corruption Force Act’. Under the act, the Anti-Corruption Establishment will be …

The two-phase operation to eliminate encroachments and clean up Punjab is currently carried underway in the province. The encroachments on roads, markets, and streets are being cleared in different districts of Punjab. The sheds falling under the category of encroachments are being demolished. The provincial government is also carrying out a campaign to install standardised shop signs. This campaign will …

Four Balochistan Levies personnel and a civilian were martyred after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the Daraban Tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to sources, the attack occurred while the Levies personnel were en route to DI Khan to recover a stolen truck. The vehicle had been taken from the Khanozai area of Pishin, …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has fallen short of its revenue collection target by R 85 billion for January 2025, recording a total collection of Rs 872 billion against the set target of Rs 957 billion. Although this represents a 26% year-on-year growth compared to Rs 677 billion collected in January 2024, the figures highlight a significant gap in …

The hearing on the intra-court appeal challenging the decision to conduct trials of civilians in military courts has been postponed until Monday. Lawyer for Jawad S. Khawaja, Advocate Khawaja Ahmed Hussain, argued that civilians are not subject to the Army Act, which applies to military personnel and civilian employees of the armed forces. He emphasized that the trials of those …