Many people like to draw parallels between the states of Pakistan and Israel. They view many similarities such as both the states being created for people belonging to a certain faith: Israel for Jews and Pakistan for Muslims. And just like Israel, Pakistan would soon find itself to be surrounded by all states that might want to do some harm to this country. Unlike Israel though, Pakistan does not have America on its side. And China is never assertive and protective of Pakistan like America is of Israel.

HYDERABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has arrested the owner of a battery factory from Karachi for tax evasion of crores of rupees. According to Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Regional Tax Office Hyderabad, the owner of a battery manufacturing company involved in tax evasion of more than 600 million rupees was arrested from Karachi and presented in the court of Special Judge Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Karachi. The court handed over the accused to FBR on a 7-day remand, it is feared that the accused is involved in fraud of double amount, investigation is going on in this regard. The Chief Commissioner told Geo News that the private company was involved in sales tax fraud activities, the company was evading taxes by using fake and flying invoices.

Chasing 313 runs by Pakistan in the Sydney Test, Australia’s batting continues in the first innings and the game has been stopped due to rain. Went and the wicket was covered with covers. But on a total of 190, Rizwan got out after playing an innings of 88 runs. Sajid Khan was dismissed for 15 runs while Salman Ali Agha completed the sixth half-century of his Test career he was caught off Mitchell Starc for 53 runs while Hasan Ali was dismissed for no runs. For Australia, Pat Cummins dismissed 5 players while Mitchell Starc got two wickets, one each was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon.

The apex committee showed satisfaction on overall progress achieved in the key sectors under SIFC. PHOTO: APPChief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday assured the unwavering resolve of the Pakistan Army to support the government’s initiatives aimed at the economic recovery of the country. Read more: SIFC key to economic stability, says IT ministerThe committee discussed various projects and initiatives being pursued through the platform of SIFC. The prime minister directed all the stakeholders to vigorously pursue various SIFC initiatives to ensure their accomplishment within the stipulated timeframe. The committee showed satisfaction with the overall progress achieved in the key sectors under SIFC.

These three groups carried out over 78 percent of the total terrorist attacks recorded in the country in the year under review. The report also noted that for the third year in a row, the number of terrorist attacks and consequent casualties posted an upsurge in 2023. This upsurge in terrorist violence in Pakistan also coincided with the Taliban’s rise to power in neighbouring Afghanistan. As many as 15 terrorist attacks took place in Sindh province including 14 attacks in Karachi alone and one attack in Jamshoro in interior Sindh. Six terrorist attacks took place in Punjab in 2023, which claimed 16 lives and injured eight others.

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned a dastardly terrorist attack that took place in the martyrs’ cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman in Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries. Also read: Pakistan condemns terrorist attack at Iranian police headquarters"This disaster will have a harsh response, God willing." “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement. Deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman. Pakistan condemns this heinous act and stands in solidarity with Iran.

After the US troops left Afghanistan, TTP found a considerable liveable space inside the country. Now it keeps sabotaging the border fence and recruits mostly from the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The influx of TTP members is a cause of concern and requires more robust measures in the bordering areas. In an effort to stop illegal movements across the border, Pakistan has adopted a one-visa policy and cancelled all other temporary visit documents. A robust strategy must be put together to stop such dangerous illegal movements and a bigger strategy to respond to the TTP threat

The price of gold per tola in the country has decreased by 1300 rupees. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewelers Association, after a decrease of 1,300 rupees, the price of gold per tola in the country is 2,20,000 rupees. The price of 10 grams of gold has decreased by 1 thousand 115 rupees to 1 lakh 88 thousand 614 rupees. According to the association, the price of gold per ounce in the world market has decreased by 12 dollars to 2 thousand 62 dollars, while in Pakistan this price is 2 thousand 82 dollars by adding a premium of 20 dollars.

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) gathered on Wednesday under the leadership of JI Emir Sirajul Haq to address the nation’s current situation and discuss the upcoming elections. This high-level meeting aimed to focus on issues pertinent to the approaching electoral process. During the session, the JI spokesperson shared, “The JI is gearing up to contest elections in 535 provincial constituencies, anticipating enthusiastic participation from the masses in the electoral process scheduled for February 8.”Furthermore, the JI expressed its commitment to participating in elections for 231 constituencies of the National Assembly. In a statement on Monday, Haq urged the public to cast their votes for the party in the forthcoming elections set for February 8. Speaking at a public gathering in Lower Dir, Haq emphasized, “Those fostering uncertainty about the elections are in violation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s (SCP) order.” He underscored the golden opportunity for the nation to embrace the democratic process in the New Year.

She played a dynamic role in establishing the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA), focusing on women’s empowerment, education and healthcare. Her commitment to social causes set the stage for future generations of women leaders in country, leaving an enduring impact on the nation’s development. Her fearless advocacy for human rights, particularly women’s rights, made her a beacon of hope for those fighting against injustice. Their contributions have paved the way for more subtle political participation, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in politics and beyond. As the torchbearers of change, these women exemplify the strength, intelligence and leadership that women bring to the politics, shaping a more diverse and prosperous future for Pakistan.

The State Bank Governor’s Annual Report for FY2023 describes the state of the economy as “cautiously optimistic.” During the current fiscal year, it anticipates that headline price inflation would decline, the current account deficit will close, and GDP will grow. The paper cautions that this view is dependent on the lack of unfavourable shocks from geopolitical tensions, unanticipated climatic occurrences, and unfavourable changes in global commodity prices. Apart from that, the bank projects that GDP would increase by 2–3%, inflation will drop to 20–22 percent, and the current account deficit will close to 0.5–1.5 percent of GDP. Without a question, fiscal policy plays a crucial role in both our rising inflation and balance-of-payments crisis; the bank cannot fully escape its responsibility. After the elections in February, the newly elected administration will begin its tenure with a heavy task ahead of it.

Former foreign minister and PML-N leader Sartaj Aziz passed away on Tuesday. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. AMEEN.”It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. Caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, taking to X, said that he was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Sartaj Aziz. اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَMr Sartaj Aziz has passed away.

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistani military has been en­gaged in a relentless battle against terrorism by the highly armed Teh­reek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the past two decades. It is evident that TTP militants have access to most advanced weapons left behind by the United States in Afghanistan. The supply of weapons to the TTP has posed a significant threat to re­gional security, especially with a surge in terrorist activities in Paki­stan. On September 6, 2023, TTP terror­ists armed with the latest American weapons launched an attack on mil­itary posts in Chitral. In various instances, customs and security forces intercepted vehicles coming from Afghanistan, revealing the influx of new American weap­ons, including M4, American rifles, and grenades.

From Tribune staff reportsMOUNTAIN BROOK — A Vestavia Hills woman was killed in a crash in Mountain Brook on Friday, Dec. 29, according to Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates. Kathleen A. Troup, 73, of Vestavia Hills, was identified by Yates as the victim in the single car crash. “The decedent was the driver of a motor vehicle involved in a single vehicle,” Yates said. “The Mountain Brook Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.”According to Yates, the crash occurred at 4500 block of Dolly Ridge Road, Mountain Brook just after 2 p.m.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reorganised itself during the peace talks, the interior ministry informed the Senate, adding that recruitment training of suicide bombers in the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the return of terrorist organisation was an alarming development. In a written reply, the ministry said inaction on the part of Afghan interim government – led by the Taliban – after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan had provided an opportunity to the TTP expand its influence and range of activities. The terrorist outfits are using social media platforms around the world to create discord and hate among people by promoting their ideas. And the TTP and other groups aren’t an exception. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular and Pakistan in general have been witnessing the reversal of gains made earlier against the terrorism after the initiation of disastrous peace talks and resettlement of TTP members.