Pause Risks Disrupting Billions in Life-Saving Assistance The US has issued a broad freeze on foreign aid, ordering a review of aid distribution to ensure alignment with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. This decision halts existing assistance programs and pauses new aid, risking disruption of billions in aid, including critical health, education, and civil society projects. The United States is the largest global aid donor, disbursing $72 billion in assistance in 2023. Despite this freeze, some countries, such as Egypt, have been granted waivers for military financing. However, critics argue that the pause will have severe humanitarian consequences, especially in…
Author: Web Desk
9th Edition of Multinational Peace Exercise from February 7 to 11 The Pakistan Navy is set to host AMAN-25, the 9th edition of the multinational Aman (peace) exercise, from February 7 to 11. A key feature of this year’s exercise will be the AMAN Dialogue, where chiefs of naval forces, heads of coast guards, and senior leaders from around the world will convene to discuss regional maritime security and devise joint strategies to counter evolving maritime threats. Around 60 countries will participate in AMAN-25, contributing ships, aircraft, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, marines, and observers. The…
Pakistani student shines on the global stage. Lahore: Pakistani student Rania Ali achieved a remarkable feat by being honored as the Best Delegate at the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) conference held in Dubai, organized by Harvard University. The prestigious event saw 1,000 delegates from over 35 countries come together to showcase their diplomacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ali’s outstanding performance in diplomacy and critical thinking earned her the top award at the conference. “It is an honor for me to represent Pakistan on a global platform,” she said, expressing her pride in presenting a positive image of her…
Roadside vehicle laden with explosives targeted passenger bus. Khuzdar: An explosion near the Khori area of Balochistan’s Khuzdar district on the M-8 Motorway resulted in the death of one person and injuries to seven others, confirmed Levies officials on Sunday. The passenger bus, traveling from Khuzdar to Rawalpindi, passed by a vehicle laden with explosives. The bus was carrying 13 passengers, although it had a capacity of 40. The deceased’s body was shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), while the injured were taken to the Trauma Centre in Khuzdar. This tragic incident comes amid a surge in terrorist activities…
33% Hopeful About Success, 19% Predict Failure ISLAMABAD: A Gallup Pakistan survey has revealed that 44% of Pakistanis fully support the negotiations between the government and PTI, while 16% oppose the process. The survey showed that 33% of respondents are optimistic about the success of the talks, while 19% predict they will fail. Meanwhile, 39% of participants refrained from commenting. Among men, 41% expressed hope for success compared to 25% of women. On the other hand, opposition to the talks was 21% among men and 16% among women. The survey comes as PTI’s Chairman Imran Khan recently announced a “pause”…
NA Speaker Rejects Demand for Rs1 Million Salaries Last Salary Increase Took Place Seven Years Ago ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Finance Committee has approved a significant raise in the salaries and privileges of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and senators, bringing their monthly compensation to Rs519,000. According to parliamentary sources, an informal meeting led by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and attended by senior members of major parties, including PPP, PTI, and PML-N, discussed and approved the proposal. The speaker has forwarded the finance committee’s recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval. The adjustment aligns lawmakers’ salaries with…
Aid convoys ease prolonged shortages; concerns remain over supply issues. PARACHINAR: Residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s conflict-ridden Kurram district have found some relief as food prices have dropped following the arrival of aid convoys. A significant reduction in prices was observed in local markets after the arrival of a large shipment of vegetables. Tomatoes are now priced at Rs150 per kg, onions at Rs250 per kg, and green chilies have fallen from Rs800 to Rs400 per kg. Similarly, fruit prices have decreased, with oranges dropping to Rs400 from Rs600, and lemons to Rs500 from Rs800. The price of live chicken has…
Ex-registrar alleges unfair treatment in contempt case. The Supreme Court removed Nazar Abbas over serious lapses. ISLAMABAD: Former Additional Registrar Judicial Nazar Abbas, recently removed by the Supreme Court over alleged procedural lapses, has claimed that he is facing “double jeopardy.” In his Intra Court Appeal (ICA), challenging the show cause notice for contempt of court, he argued that he was penalized twice for the same issue—once for non-fixation of cases before the correct bench and again for the alleged wrongful fixation. He explained that the original order dated January 13, 2025, set the next hearing date for January 27,…
Says PTI to receive a response if it skips the next meeting. “Dialogue process should continue until reaching a logical conclusion.” Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed optimism that the coalition government’s response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) charter of demands might convince the party to return to the negotiation table. “The government’s response will be assertive and politically relevant,” said Sanaullah during an appearance on Geo News’ program “Jirga” on Saturday. Despite PTI founder Imran Khan’s directive to halt talks with the government, Sanaullah expressed hope that a conclusive outcome could be achieved if PTI chose dialogue…
ISPR reports two ring leaders eliminated in Bagh area. “Weapons and ammunition recovered from killed khwarij.” RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 30 terrorists during three separate counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated on Saturday. According to the military’s media wing, an intelligence-based operation was conducted in the Lakki Marwat district. “After effectively engaging the terrorists at their location, eighteen khwarij were sent to hell, while six were injured,” the statement said. In another operation in Karak district, security forces “successfully neutralized eight terrorists.” In a third encounter in the general area of Bagh, Khyber district, security…
