Pakistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed three loan agreements worth $630 million for infrastructure development projects. IDB will provide financial assistance of $475 million for the Sukkur to Hyderabad Motorway project, which is a crucial component of the proposed Peshawar to Karachi Motorway. The agreements also include a program to uplift extremely poor and flood-affected families from poverty, aiming to provide sustainable employment and economic empowerment to these households.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the formation of an independent and empowered National Commission to probe the Radio Pakistan scandal. MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal has expressed his disappointment with the current system in Sindh, stating that every Chief Minister of Punjab has elevated Lahore, but Sindh’s Chief Minister has not done the same for Karachi. He further questioned whether corruption and bribery were not prevalent in the system.
PTI leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has stated that Pakistan cannot negotiate with India over the Kashmir issue. A spokesperson for the hospital has confirmed that the best possible medical facilities are being provided to the patients, including mothers and children.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, a Liberty Bell campaign was launched in Islamabad. According to the American Embassy, American Counselor Natalee Baker inaugurated the Liberty Bell Initiative at the Lincoln Corner in Islamabad. Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in London after attending the World Economic Forum, and an operation is underway to search for people trapped under the debris of a collapsed building in the city.
A severe cold wave is gripping Karachi, with winds blowing at a speed of 20 km/h. Local residents have reported that several families are stranded in traffic in the Hingorja area, with many people stuck in their vehicles for hours due to the extreme cold. A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance has praised the role of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in eradicating polio in Pakistan.
Heavy snowfall has disrupted traffic in various districts, while light to moderate rain is continuing in several cities, including Sindh and Punjab. A trader leader has expressed his frustration over the high maintenance charges, which were set at Rs 245 per square foot. However, despite the high charges, the arrangements were not made.
In a significant development, a woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her husband in a court in Sargodha. The accused was involved in several serious cases, including murder, kidnapping, and dacoity.
The Deputy Commissioner of East District has ordered the regularization of an illegal petrol pump on the campus of the University of Karachi, which was earlier suspended. Former US President Donald Trump has announced that he will continue to work with the Board of Peace, including the United Nations and other countries.
The police have identified the residents of Garden, Metroville, and Gujranwala, who were involved in a recent case of theft and robbery. Bollywood actress Saiyami Kher has revealed that her mother had threatened to cut her wrist if she pursued a career in acting, labeling it a bad and immoral profession.
In a significant initiative, the UAE has launched a new plan to tackle the shortage of water in the country. According to reports from Abu Dhabi, artificial rain will be used to address the shortage of water.
