Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, president of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), issued a strong response on Thursday to the Indian army chief’s recent anti-Pakistan statement, calling it baseless and a deliberate attempt to disrupt regional peace. Expressing his views, Aleem Khan demanded an apology from India for its provocative remarks. He stated, “The Indian army chief’s statement is a fabricated narrative and a malicious effort to sabotage regional peace.” The minister remarked, “Such irresponsible comments cannot overshadow Pakistan’s consistent efforts toward peace.” He emphasized that Pakistan has always championed stability, harmony, and brotherhood in the region. Highlighting India’s controversial role…

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the “Honhar Scholarship Program” for the Gujranwala Division at Government College University Sialkot, aiming to support talented students from remote areas and promote higher education across the province. Maryam Nawaz expressed her affection for the students, took selfies with them, and praised their talent and passion. During the ceremony, she emphasized the program’s transparency and merit-based selection, saying: “Not a single scholarship has been awarded on recommendation but on 100% merit. This is your trust, and I am answerable to Allah and the people of Punjab.” She further mentioned that during her 11-month tenure…

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to commemorate February 8, the first anniversary of the general elections, as Black Day with nationwide protests. According to party insiders, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all lawmakers, including MNAs and MPAs, to organize and participate in demonstrations within their constituencies to voice their grievances and concerns. In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting also stressed the importance of party discipline, issuing strict directives to avoid making statements against JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.…

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To improve road safety and traffic management, Lahore has introduced a dedicated biker lane on both sides of Ferozepur Road, stretching from the Canal to Lahore Bridge. This eco-friendly initiative separates motorcyclists from the main highway with colorful dividers, enhancing safety and streamlining traffic. Led by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), the project aligns with a broader vision to elevate Lahore to the standards of developed global cities. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq stated that this biker lane aims to reduce traffic accidents significantly while promoting safer commuting options. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on her official X account,…

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A new polio case has been confirmed in Jacobabad District, Sindh, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) on January 14, 2025, marking another instance of the virus in Pakistan. Details revealed that the affected child showed signs of disability on December 27, 2024. This latest case brings the total number of polio cases in the country to 71 for the year 2024. The NIH spokesperson announced that the first nationwide polio eradication campaign of 2025 would begin in the first week of February. They urged parents to ensure the vaccination of children under the age of five. “Administering…

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The sleep aid Ambien may inadvertently increase the risk of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease by allowing toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain, according to a recent study. Research published on January 8 in the journal Cell revealed that zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, suppresses a natural system responsible for clearing protein waste during dreamless sleep. This system, known as the glymphatic system, plays a vital role in removing harmful proteins like tau and amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The study highlights potential risks associated with certain sleep medications. Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the…

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Gold prices in Pakistan experienced a significant drop on Tuesday, reflecting a decline in international markets. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold dropped by Rs1,400 per tola, bringing it down to Rs277,900. The price of ten-gram gold also saw a reduction of Rs1,201, settling at Rs238,254. This follows Monday’s decrease of Rs1,500 per tola, which brought the price down to Rs279,300. The decline is attributed to a fall in the international gold rate, which APGJSA reported at $2,661 per ounce (with a $20 premium), a $14 decrease from the previous day. In…

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An increase in petroleum prices is anticipated starting January 16 due to rising costs in the global market. The price changes will be applicable for the next 15 days. The oil industry has submitted a working document to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) regarding petroleum products. According to the report, petrol prices may rise by up to Rs3.5, while diesel could become Rs3.70 more expensive. Light diesel oil may increase by Rs5, and kerosene could see a hike of over Rs6. The current prices of petrol and diesel stand at Rs258.66 and Rs258.34, following a 56-paisa and Rs2.96…

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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, in his keynote speech at the Asian Financial Forum 2025 on January 13, 2025, stated that Pakistan aims to pursue additional joint ventures with Hong Kong and explore opportunities for secondary listings of its companies on the Hong Kong stock exchange. He said, “If there is an opportunity for companies from Pakistan, through joint ventures with local companies, to come in and do primary and secondary listings in the Hong Kong stock exchange, it can be a real win-win, not only in terms of the investment expected back in Pakistan but also outward investment.” Aurangzeb is…

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Shell Pakistan Limited has rebranded itself as Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, effective January 13, 2025, according to a notice issued to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The company announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name on January 13, 2025, officially changing the company’s name from “Shell Pakistan Limited” to “Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited.” In October of the previous year, Shell’s Board of Directors approved the proposal to adopt the name Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited. This decision followed Wafi Energy Holding Limited’s acquisition of an additional 22,165,837 ordinary shares of…

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