A Key Figure in India’s Economic Reforms and Political Landscape Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. He had been admitted to AIIMS in Delhi earlier in the day after his health deteriorated. Dr. Singh, who retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024 after a remarkable 33-year parliamentary career, had been a prominent figure in India’s political and economic landscape. He first joined the Rajya Sabha in 1991, shortly after being appointed Union Finance Minister in the government of PV Narasimha Rao. Born on September 26,…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Global Shifts in Politics and Economy Amid Rising Inflation and Changing Governments Inflation played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of 2024, with rising costs affecting citizens across the globe. Although inflation dropped in most economies, public anger over soaring prices led to significant political changes, with incumbent governments facing backlash in election after election. In the United States, inflation was a key factor in Donald Trump’s return to the presidency after being ousted in 2020. His supporters, who had failed to overturn election results previously, made their voices heard at the ballot box, ushering in a new…
Today marks the 17th death anniversary of Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, observed with great devotion and respect. The main congregation is being held in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the ancestral town and final resting place of the Bhutto family. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other central and provincial leaders are addressing the gathering. Benazir’s youngest child, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who serves as Pakistan’s First Lady and the central president of the Ladies Wing, is present at the event. Faryal Talpur, a member of the Sindh Assembly, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah have…
Caution Against Fake Listings and Contact Information on Google Maps The European Union (EU) office has issued a “scam alert” warning Pakistani citizens about misleading information being circulated by criminal organizations regarding visa and consular appointments. The EU Delegation to Pakistan stated that fake listings of embassies and incorrect contact details, including phone numbers, have been found on Google Maps. The EU office emphasized that citizens should rely only on official websites of EU member states’ embassies for authentic visa and consular information. The EU Delegation clarified that they do not issue passports or visas; these are handled by the…
Karachi Traffic Police Announces Diversion Routes Amid Protests Against Parachinar Situation Commuters in Karachi faced severe difficulties on December 27, 2024, as the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) staged sit-ins across several key roads in the city to protest the situation in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The protests, which began the previous day, blocked major arteries, resulting in traffic jams during the morning rush hour. In response, additional contingents of traffic and district police were deployed to manage the situation. A traffic diversion plan was also put in place to accommodate commuters, as at least six major roads were closed. The closed roads…
that their water and gas rights would not be compromised, referring to the federal government’s plans for constructing six canals on the River Indus. Zardari promised that all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh, would receive their due rights. He urged people not to panic and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Sindh’s people, which helped him secure his second term as president. He also reflected on the reversal of the verdict in Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s case, calling it a judicial murder that would remain so in history. Meanwhile, the PPP and its supporters are observing the…
Cabinet Also Approves Amendments to Income Tax Ordinance, 2024 The federal cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the contentious “Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024,” which deals with madrassa registration, after the government and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) resolved their differences over the disputed legislation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting approved amendments to the Societies Registration Act 1860 based on recommendations from the law ministry. This development came two days after JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza stated that all differences between the government and his party regarding the madrassa registration bill had been resolved. “A…
“Stop TTP from Killing Our Innocent People,” PM Urges Afghan Government to Take Action Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again urged the Afghan government to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that is carrying out terror activities from across the Afghan border, describing it as unacceptable and a “red line” for Pakistan. During his opening remarks at a cabinet meeting, the prime minister said, “Unfortunately, TTP is operating from Afghanistan and carrying out terror attacks, killing innocent people inside Pakistan. This cannot continue. We have conveyed to the Afghan government that we desire good relations with them, but…
During a media briefing, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized that no political leader or party should place their aspirations above Pakistan’s interests. Highlighting the importance of dialogue, he welcomed politicians resolving issues through peaceful negotiations, stating that all political leaders and parties are respected by the Pakistan Army. Lieutenant General Chaudhry reaffirmed the army’s impartiality, emphasizing its role as a national institution rather than being affiliated with any specific ideology or party. He underscored that state interests remain paramount for officers, with accountability ensured for any involvement in political activities. Discussing Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight…
ISLAMABAD: Federal health authorities are progressing with efforts to establish the Pakistan Food and Drug Authority (FDA), a unified regulatory entity inspired by global models. This new authority will replace the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and oversee the regulation of food, pesticides, and cosmetics. The initiative aims to enhance public health, boost exports, and align Pakistan with international standards. A second review meeting on the project was held at Drap, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Health Coordinator, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath. Dr. Bharath stressed the urgent need for a centralized FDA to address the challenges caused by fragmented regulations.…
