Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to transform Islamabad’s Safe City into a Capital Smart City, integrating modern technology with public safety measures. The decision was announced following a visit to the Safe City headquarters by Minister Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, where they reviewed the city’s monitoring system on the digital …

Punjab has launched the country’s first and unique “CM Convenience On-the-Go Bazaars,” attracting public attention by providing affordable, high-quality goods while offering street vendors dignified livelihoods, officials said. Under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, more than 400 stalls have been allocated to street vendors through a lottery system, enabling them to become formal shop owners. In Lahore, ten …

An audit report for the fiscal year 2022-23 has exposed significant financial irregularities involving contractors at the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company, officials said. The report revealed that contractors caused a loss of Rs21 million to the company. Contractors, who had secured contracts for parking and livestock taxation, failed to make full payments before absconding. Out of a …

Pakistan has restored its strategic importance at the global level by effectively leveraging its geographical location, defence capability and diplomacy, according to an analysis published by an international journal. The Carolina Political Review has acknowledged what it described as effective decision-making by Pakistan’s civilian government and military leadership, stating that the country regained a significant position in global politics during …

Following the first snowfall of the winter season, tourists have started thronging the scenic hill resort of Malam Jabba in Swat to enjoy chairlift rides, snow-covered landscapes and the region’s natural beauty. After a prolonged dry spell, snowfall in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa blanketed the mountains in a thick white layer, transforming the area into a picturesque winter …

As the year 2025 draws to a close, the overall performance of the Balochistan government reflects a mix of notable achievements and slow progress across key sectors, according to an official and policy review of the year. During the year, the provincial government introduced several initiatives in education, transport, urban development, employment, agriculture and social welfare, some of which have …

Pakistan has strongly condemned any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, rejecting Israel’s recent announcement recognizing the so-called independence of Somaliland, a region within the Federal Republic of Somalia. In an official statement, Pakistan described such actions as illegal and provocative, noting that they constitute a blatant violation of international law. The statement emphasized that …

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has constituted three benches for the upcoming judicial week, which begins on Monday, according to the court’s latest roster and cause list. Each of the court’s three registries Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi will hear cases through a designated bench. At the Islamabad principal seat, a two-member bench comprising Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Musrat Hilali …

Former Finance Minister and Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, has passed away. Her funeral prayers will be held tomorrow after Zuhr in Karachi. Dr. Akhtar assumed office as the 14th Governor of the State Bank on January 2, 2006, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She brought extensive national and international experience in …

The Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi held the passing out parade for the 124th Midshipman and 32nd Short Service Commission courses, marking a ceremonial milestone for the graduating cadets. Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Al Bin Ali, Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, attended the event as the chief guest and was welcomed by Chief of the Naval Staff, …

More than 5,700 cases of sexual abuse involving minor boys and girls were reported in Punjab over a six-year period, according to an official report. The report states that between the last six years, a total of 5,761 cases of sexual violence against children were registered across the province. Among these, 638 cases involved gang rape of minors. Police had …

The color of sea water along the coastal belt from Pasni to Jiwani has turned green due to a Noctiluca bloom, a natural seasonal phenomenon, according to WWF Pakistan. Technical Adviser WWF Pakistan, Muazzam Khan, said the Noctiluca bloom appears every year between November and February and is part of a natural marine process. He clarified that the phenomenon has …

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the rain-bearing weather system, earlier expected to arrive today, will now enter Pakistan on December 29 due to slow movement. According to the Met Office, Lahore and most parts of Punjab are likely to remain dry, while rain and snowfall are expected mainly in the northern regions of the country. In Lahore, …

A contempt of court petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari over their public statements regarding court orders related to the Punjab Property Ownership Act. The petition was filed by citizen Munir Ahmed through Advocate Azhar Siddiq. The petitioner argued that the critical remarks made by …

Railway Police returned cash worth around Rs3.8 million to a passenger after it was left behind on a moving train, setting an example of honesty and professionalism. The passenger, Mohsin Mushtaq was travelling from Karachi to Toba Tek Singh on Pakistan Express. Upon reaching Hyderabad railway station, he got off the train briefly for personal reasons. During this time, the …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have prepared separate appeals to challenge the verdict announced against them in the Toshakhana-II case. The appeals will be filed in the Islamabad High Court. According to the appeal documents, the trial court relied on the statement of Inamullah Shah, who had already been dismissed from …

Italy has officially opened its labour market to Pakistani workers by allocating a total quota of 10,500 jobs over the next three years, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Official sources said the quota will be implemented from 2026 to 2028, allowing 3,500 Pakistani workers to travel to Italy each year. Under the arrangement, 1,500 …

ISLAMABAD: On the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ruler of Abu Dhabi paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan today. This marked his first official visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed …

LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has issued a detailed written verdict in two cases related to the May 9 violence in Gulberg, involving arson and damage to vehicles. The court acquitted 23 accused individuals due to lack of evidence, while seven others, including senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, were convicted. Senior PTI leader Mian Mahmood Rashid received a total …

The Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan chaired a high-level review meeting in Peshawar to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening judicial infrastructure and improving public facilitation, with a special focus on underserved and remote districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was attended by the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, the …

Pakistan has issued a formal demarche to the acting British Deputy High Commissioner over an anti government protest held outside the Pakistani Consulate in the UK city of Bradford, officials said on Friday. According to sources, the British Deputy Head of Mission was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Pakistan lodged a strong protest over the demonstration. The demarche was …

he Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has established a six-member Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to oversee financial accountability in the region. Former Finance Minister and member of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Majid Khan, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee. According to a notification issued by the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Majid Khan will receive privileges equivalent …

The Punjab government has announced that buses and rickshaws will operate for free in Lahore on February 6, 7, and 8 as part of measures for the upcoming Basant festival. An important meeting was held in Lahore to discuss Basant arrangements and safety precautions, officials said. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that free public transport aims to reduce the …

The Pakistani government has written to the United Kingdom, urging action against social media accounts linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party that are circulating videos calling for the assassination of the country’s Army Chief. According to media reports, in the letter sent to the British Home Office, the government described the content as a clear attempt to incite violence …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an alarming rise in dog bite incidents, with more than 87,000 cases reported across the province during 2025, according to official data from the Health Department. The department’s annual report shows that 87,364 dog bite cases were recorded in 2025, compared to 60,223 cases in 2024, reflecting an increase of over 27,000 cases within a single …

The Islamabad High Court disposed of a total of 15,805 cases during 2025, according to the court’s annual performance report released on Friday. The report shows that single benches decided 11,108 cases, while larger and division benches disposed of 4,697 cases over the year. Justice Inam Amin Minhas topped the list by deciding 2,039 cases, making him the most productive …

At least 257 suspects were arrested during December 2025 for attempting to travel illegally to Iran via sea routes, according to law enforcement officials. Officials said the arrests were made during operations conducted along the coastal belt, particularly from the Gwadar and Jiwani areas. The suspects were trying to cross from Pakistan to Iran through illegal sea routes. Among those …

Sindh Interior Minister Zia Lanjar has revealed that extortion groups in Karachi have adopted a new modus operandi, exploiting children and unemployed individuals to carry out their criminal activities. Speaking in a local TV provramme, the minister said that extortionists are recruiting vulnerable individuals to gather information, take photographs of under-construction buildings, and relay details to criminal networks involved in …

The Balochistan Provincial Assembly Secretariat has released a comprehensive performance report for the Assembly’s second parliamentary year, covering the period from February 28, 2024, to December 2025. The report highlights significant legislative activity, parliamentary proceedings, and progress in addressing public issues during 92 sitting days. According to the report, the provincial assembly passed a total of 26 bills during this …

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has made it mandatory for all mobile phone SIMs to be registered in the name of the actual user, declaring the use of SIMs registered to other individuals illegal. In a statement, the PTA directed mobile users to ensure that all SIMs in their possession are registered under their own names. The authority warned that …

Cold and dry weather prevailed across several cities of Balochistan on Wednesday morning, with sub-zero temperatures recorded in parts of the province, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The Met Office said that cold conditions are expected to persist in most districts of Balochistan, while northern areas will continue to experience severe cold. It also forecast partly cloudy weather …

Chairman of the Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib, has said that his consortium is keen to acquire 100 percent ownership of the national airline and intends to purchase the remaining 25 percent stake within the next 90 days. Speaking to the media, Arif Habib said the consortium was already interested in full ownership of the airline. He stated that under …

Christians across Pakistan and around the world are celebrating Christmas today with religious devotion and festive spirit. As Christmas Eve arrived, special prayer services began in churches worldwide. In Pakistan, churches in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and other cities held special prayers, where worshippers prayed for national security, prosperity, and the country’s continued progress. Major cities around the world, including …

The 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is being observed across the country today with devotion, respect, and national enthusiasm. A public holiday has been declared nationwide to mark the occasion. A dignified guard changing ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) was the chief guest at the …

In a major counterterrorism operation, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Lakki and Lakki Marwat police have killed a highly wanted terrorist commander during a joint action in the district. According to a spokesperson for Lakki Marwat police, the operation was carried out in the outskirts of Wanda Amir Khan area of Lakki district. Volunteers from local peace committees also participated …

ISLAMABAD: (Internews) Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that the development of both countries has injected strong momentum into China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While addressing to the 9th CPEC Media Forum hosted by Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), in collaboration with China Economic Net and embassy of Peoples Republic of China on Wednesday, ambassador said that it is a …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the Pakistan Armed Forces delivered a lesson to India that it will remember for a lifetime. Addressing a ceremony where laptops were distributed among students in Azad Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that during the war with India, Pakistan, including the people of Kashmir, prayed for the armed forces, which enabled the military …

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed authorities to reduce various port charges, introduce a transparent system for auctioning abandoned cargo, and establish separate yards for such cargo at different ports across the country. The directives were issued during a meeting of the private sector working group on ports and economic growth, chaired by the Prime Minister. The working group presented …

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, on his birthday, remembering the conviction and hard work that shaped Pakistan. The President said that Jinnah’s leadership and principles continue to guide the country as it navigates contemporary challenges. “The Quaid stood for democracy, justice and equality. These values remain central to our …

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan met with Alisher Tukhtaev the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to review bilateral trade, connectivity, and broader economic cooperation on Wednesday in Islamabad,. The Coordinator expressed appreciation for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and commended the development of Tashkent, noting that its infrastructure and urban planning are comparable …