January 31 Deadline Could Be Extended if Meaningful Progress is Made Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Shibli Faraz has suggested that the deadline for dialogue with the government could be extended beyond January 31 if significant progress is achieved. Speaking to a local channel, Faraz noted that with 20 days remaining, clarity on the direction of talks would soon emerge. He emphasized that meaningful progress in negotiations could justify a short extension, adding that the next round of talks could be arranged on a day’s notice. However, no concrete steps have been taken so far. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Bangladesh Relaxes Visa Conditions, Calls for Economic Cooperation Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, has announced that Pakistani citizens can now apply for Bangladeshi visas online as Dhaka has eased visa conditions. He made this statement during his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The ambassador highlighted that the people of Bangladesh desire a friendly relationship with Pakistanis and emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the two nations. He acknowledged the LCCI’s role in boosting bilateral trade. This development follows the establishment of an interim government in Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus after…
Over 1,100 Levies Personnel Joined Police Forces in Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela The Levies forces in Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela districts of Balochistan have officially been merged with the police. This decision was finalized during a meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the merger, stating that it is expected to improve law and order in the province. The director general of Levies in Balochistan had previously sent a letter to the additional chief secretary of the Home Department, proposing the integration of Levies forces from Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela into their respective…
Over 1,100 Levies Personnel Integrated into Police in Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela The Levies forces in Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela districts of Balochistan have been officially merged with the police. This decision was finalized in a meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the merger, emphasizing its role in enhancing the province’s capacity to maintain law and order. The director general of the Levies had recommended merging the Levies of Quetta, Gwadar, and Lasbela with their respective police forces. A total of 1,116 Levies personnel, including weapons inspectors, clerks, risaldars, naib risaldars, dafadars,…
A special protection zone has been established in response to a bird flu outbreak in the Angus area. As per BBC, a dangerous strain of bird flu, called H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was detected at Over Ascreavie House, located in the Kingoldrum area near Kirriemuir. In response, authorities have created two zones around the location of the bird flu outbreak. A 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) protection zone has been established around the site where the bird flu was detected. Certain restrictions have been enforced to prevent the movement of poultry, dead birds, eggs, poultry waste, and manure. These restrictions aim…
Exposure to smoke from wildfires can trigger anxiety disorders, experts warn. Following the recent wildfire in California, Los Angeles, which destroyed over 10,000 homes and buildings, mental health experts have cautioned that wildfires can affect a person’s mental health for years. According to CNN, Dr. Jyoti Mishra, associate director of the UC Climate Change and Mental Health Council, who researched the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California, revealed that people who experience wildfires may suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Dr. Mishra stated, “It can also make you feel cognitively impacted. Our work has shown that it’s difficult to…
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), emphasizing industrialization, special economic zones (SEZs), clean energy, agriculture, and livelihood projects. The fifth meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) was held in Beijing on January 11, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. The group acknowledged the “pivotal role of CPEC in promoting regional connectivity, win-win cooperation, and common prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries.” Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the progress…
The Tata Group is undergoing a significant generational transition as Noel Naval Tata steps in as chairman of Tata Trusts following the passing of Ratan Tata. Leah and Maya Tata have recently joined the board of trustees at the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTII), while Neville heads the Star Bazaar division of Trent, the retail arm of the group. This move marks a strategic integration of the next generation into the leadership of one of India’s largest conglomerates. Noel Tata’s appointment as Ratan Tata’s successor has paved the way for his children to assume increased responsibilities. Leah and Maya…
Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari announced on Thursday that the government is working to reduce electricity tariffs by Rs12 per unit. This significant reduction was discussed during a parliamentary session, where Leghari briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power about ongoing efforts. The government is considering eight to nine factors before implementing the tariff cuts. Key measures include revising contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) and state-owned power generators to secure favorable terms. Leghari expressed optimism about finalizing these deals by the end of the month. Additionally, talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding captive…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the removal of the 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on aircraft for Pakistan International Airlines Company Limited (PIACL), a move aimed at improving its financial health. This decision is expected to clear Rs 45 billion of PIACL’s negative equity. The development was discussed during the fifth meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation, chaired by Dr. Farooq Sattar, a senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). The committee also reviewed the Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and deferred it for further discussion. To capitalize on the IMF’s decision, the committee…
