Drivers Missing, Vehicles Damaged, Goods Destroyed KURRAM: The death toll of security personnel in Thursday’s terrorist attack on an aid convoy in Kurram has risen to two, officials confirmed Friday. According to police, the attack on the convoy transporting essential supplies claimed three drivers’ lives, left five drivers missing, and injured five security personnel. Trader representatives reported that trucks were looted and set ablaze after the attack. One personnel was martyred during the attack, while retaliatory action by security forces resulted in the killing of six assailants. Kurram Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali confirmed that three convoy vehicles were damaged.…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
PTI Founder’s Lawyers Notified About Judgment Announcement in High-Profile Case Rawalpindi: The highly awaited verdict in the £190 million case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, is expected to be announced today after three deferrals. The judgment, reserved on December 18, 2024, will be delivered at 11:30 AM by Judge Nasir Javed in a makeshift court at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Court staff have informed the PTI founder’s lawyers about the announcement. This case is part of the extensive legal challenges faced by the incarcerated PTI founder, who has been in jail for over a…
FO Spokesperson Affirms Islamabad’s Recognition of Neighboring Country’s Sovereignty Islamabad: Pakistan categorically rejected reports of annexing the Wakhan Corridor on Thursday, reaffirming it as part of Afghanistan. However, it renewed calls for the Afghan government to act against terrorist groups finding safe havens across the border. During his maiden weekly press briefing, newly appointed Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “I have seen this baseless speculation. Wakhan is Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighboring country, and we recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan has no intentions of encroaching on its neighbors. These claims are speculative and completely incorrect.”…
Forum Calls for “Restoration of Judicial Independence” and Freedom for All Political Prisoners LONDON: Over a dozen UK parliamentarians demanded the immediate release and fair trial of Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, and all political prisoners facing charges, including the May 9 and November 26 incidents, during an event at Portcullis House on January 16, 2025. The event was organized by the newly formed “Friends of Democratic Pakistan-UK” (FODP), led by Safina Faisal, who aimed to highlight issues such as the killing of peaceful protestors, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests of political workers, women, and journalists. The session…
Pakistan is losing an alarming $17 billion (Rs 4.73 trillion) every year due to the ongoing malnutrition crisis, with the economic burden amounting to 4.6% of the country’s Gross National Income (GNI), according to a recent report by Nutrition International (NI). The report highlights the severity of undernutrition in Pakistan and identifies four key indicators: stunting, low birth weight, childhood anemia, and anemia in adolescent women and girls, which together paint a bleak picture of the nation’s public health and its economic consequences. Stunting is the most significant contributor to this crisis, affecting 34% of children under the age of…
Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year and is the primary cause of lung and heart diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a new rule that would drastically reduce the nicotine level in cigarettes, as reported by NBC. If the proposal is passed, the nicotine content in combustible tobacco products would be reduced to a level where most people will no longer become addicted, though this rule will not apply to vapes and e-cigarettes. Brian King, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, shared during a press conference, stating, “By reducing the nicotine…
Gul Ahmed’s renowned brand “Ideas” has launched its largest flagship store in Karachi, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. This expansive retail space, located at Dolmen Mall in Karachi’s Clifton area, spans 30,000 square feet and aims to redefine the shopping experience in Pakistan. It offers a perfect blend of fashion, home décor, and lifestyle products. Incorporating modern retail practices, the store features wide walkways, interactive displays, and state-of-the-art fitting rooms, enhancing customer convenience and comfort. The clean, open layout fosters a stress-free shopping experience. The grand opening of the store was attended by several prominent business figures and celebrities,…
Shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark index lost over 600 points on Thursday, as “cautious investor sentiment” continued. According to the PSX website, the KSE-100 index closed at 113,836.74 levels after shedding 658.96 points. The local bourse witnessed a consolidation phase on Wednesday, characterized by “notable volatility,” according to a report by Topline Securities. The benchmark index reached an intraday high of 969 points and a low of 505 points before closing at 114,945, marking a decline of 308 points. “This reflects cautious investor sentiment amidst mixed market signals. In the power sector, HUBC drew significant investor interest following…
Gold prices in Pakistan saw another rise on Thursday, following trends in international markets. In the local market, the price for one tola of gold increased by Rs1,400, reaching Rs282,200. In addition, the price for 10 grams of gold rose by Rs1,200, bringing it to Rs241,941, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. On Wednesday, the price per tola had already surged by Rs2,900, settling at Rs280,800. The international gold rate also experienced an uptick on Thursday, with the association reporting it at $2,703 per ounce, which includes a premium of $20. This marks an increase of $13…
The government has announced the winners of the Rs750 denomination national prize bond draw held on January 15, 2025, as per the State Bank of Pakistan. This was the first prize bond draw of 2025 for the Rs750 denomination, according to data from the National Savings Division. Despite increased taxes, many people have invested in lottery bonds. Earlier this month, the central bank announced the prize bond draw schedule for 2025. A lucky winner holding bond number 271541 won the first prize of Rs1,500,000, while bond holders of numbers 317904, 496553, and 800663 won the second prize of Rs500,000 each.…
