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.

From Tribune staff reportsTRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools named the Bus Drivers of the Year on Tuesday, according to TTCS Transportation Coordinator Dale Posey. This year’s winner are Paine Elementary School bus 23-01C driver Paul Guthrie and aide Jay Segers and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School bus 09-08 driver Lisa Crumley. “To say we appreciate all of our drivers and aides would be an understatement,” Posey said. “The job they do each day is pretty extraordinary when you consider all of the obstacles they face. From a bus load of loud students to roads full of distracted drivers, they do their best to take care of each and every one on the bus.”

Former foreign minister and leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sartaj Aziz passed away on Tuesday. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon and a towering figure,” Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wrote on its official X handle. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَMr Sartaj Aziz has passed away.

KARACHI – The Pakistan Navy launches its international exercise focusing on oil spill response in Karachi, welcoming participants from various nations including Saudi Arabia and China. The 12th Barracuda exercise aims to showcase Pakistan’s expertise in addressing the adverse impacts of oil spills and sea pollution. Spanning from January 2 to 4, this year’s exercise involves Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, China, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and representatives from oil-importing companies in Pakistan. Naval exercises between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are frequent occurrences, contributing to the training and readiness of naval personnel, fostering coordination among diverse navies, testing equipment, and experimenting with innovative tactics. The enduring bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia spans various sectors, encompassing defense, economy, finance, trade, and media.

The inflation rate surged both in urban and rural areas, according to the PBS. There was a massive increase in non-food inflation in urban areas that surged to 32.4%, while it jumped to 26.4% in rural areas. The food inflation decelerated in cities but marginally increased in rural areas. The inflation rate for the transport consumer price group was up by 28.6% despite a reduction in fuel prices. The average inflation rate for the first six months in rural areas was 30%, whereas it was 28% in urban areas.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali has said that the Caretaker Government is going to do a great job in which the price of electricity for industries will be reduced. In a special conversation with Geo News, Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali said that we are going to do two or three things in the Caretaker Government, electricity prices will be reduced for industries, due to which industries will be able to provide affordable things for homes. Also read thisWorking on power tariff reduction to be completed by next month: Caretaker Energy MinisterIncrease in gas prices necessary to end country’s loss: Caretaker Energy MinisterHe said that apart from this, reduction in revolving debt and reduction in urea fertilizer price are also included in this. Regarding capacity payments, the caretaker minister said that the caretaker government will not be able to solve the issue of capacity payments completely, but it will give a road map to solve it.

Islamabad: NAB could not get immediate relief from the court on the issue of 10-year disqualification of persons convicted by NAB. NAB has filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the decision to reduce the 10-year disqualification of convicted persons to 5 years, which the court has fixed for hearing on January 4. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Taman Rifat of Islamabad High Court heard the main appeal of NAB, in which Senior Special Prosecutor NAB Muhammad Rafi appeared before the court and held that the decision against Faiq Ali Jamali in 9 references in Balochistan. 10-year disqualification of NAB convict should be restored, NAB reached Islamabad High CourtThe court asked why did you file a separate application. On this, the NAB prosecutor said that tomorrow is the last date to file an appeal on the nomination papers for the election.