A strategic imperative for Pakistan
These systemic weaknesses have prevented scientific research from translating into practical solutions for farmers and industry. The government’s proposed reform agenda, discussed during a high-level meeting with Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, signals an important shift in policy thinking. Such specialized hubs can help Pakistan keep pace with rapidly evolving global agricultural technologies and enable researchers to address emerging challenges more effectively. Equally important is the recognition that agricultural research cannot remain confined within isolated institutional silos. Another vital component of the reform plan is the creation of a Digital National Agricultural Research Information System (NARIS) platform.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 21:11 UTC
Why did Hania Aamir ask for 2 million
Pakistani actor and digital content creator Meraj Haq has exposed host Adnan Faisal, who claimed that actress Hania Aamir demanded Rs 2 million for a podcast. Actress Hania Aamir is currently considered Pakistan’s biggest Generation Z star, having shown her acting chops in several hit dramas. Adnan Faisal alleged that Hania Aamir had demanded Rs 2 million for the show. Adnan Faisal again claimed that Hania Aamir had indeed demanded Rs 2 million for the podcast. He said that when he has not paid even a big name like Faisal Qureshi, why would he pay Hania Aamir?
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 19:26 UTC
Cabinet Committee approves inclusion o
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the inclusion of Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) in the consortium. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting approved the inclusion of Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited in the consortium. FFC will purchase 33.99 percent of PIA Equity Limited’s shares, with Arif Habib Corporation continuing to be the lead consortium member in the PIA privatisation process. The cabinet committee’s decision was sent to the federal cabinet for ratification.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 11:26 UTC
Finance Minister signals further increase in petroleum prices
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has indicated a possible further increase in petroleum product prices in the coming days. Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Aurangzeb said the government is implementing austerity and cost-saving measures on the instructions of the prime minister, but petroleum prices are still expected to rise in the near future. During the meeting, officials from the Petroleum Division informed the committee that Pakistan currently has five refinery plants, most of which are outdated. Officials also revealed that two oil tankers carrying crude oil for Pakistan are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. During the discussion, Senator Farooq H. Naek questioned who benefits from repeated increases in petroleum prices, stating that Pakistan’s poor cannot bear an additional Rs55 hike in fuel prices.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 11:26 UTC
Instagram down in many countries including Pakistan
Users are facing difficulties due to the disruption of social media platform Instagram in various countries of the world, including Pakistan. According to Down Detector, a website that monitors faults in digital services, reports of technical disruptions in the Instagram app and website started appearing in Pakistan at around 7:10 am. Thousands of users in many other countries, including the United States, are also complaining about similar problems. Reports have indicated that Instagram service is being affected in Europe, Canada, and possibly some parts of the Middle East. Meanwhile, after the service was affected, users have also started expressing their complaints and reactions on other social media platforms.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 06:13 UTC
Spain strongly protests; recalls its ambassador from Israel
Spain has announced the recall of its ambassador from Israel in protest against the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the aggression in Gaza. After this decision, the Spanish embassy in Israel will be temporarily headed by a chargé d’affaires. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had recently called the US and Israeli military operations against Iran unjustified and said that his country does not support this war. It should be noted that Spain is one of the few governments in European countries that has consistently criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza. In October last year, the Spanish parliament imposed a permanent ban on the sale of weapons, military equipment and dual-use technology to Israel because it was intended to be used in Gaza.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 06:13 UTC
Important developments in the 190 million pound
ISLAMABAD: A significant development has come to light before the hearing of the application for suspension of sentence in the 190 million pound case in the Islamabad High Court. NAB has filed a separate application to declare the suspension of sentence applications of the founder of PTI and Bushra Bibi inadmissible. The application states that the main appeal against the sentence in the case has not been scheduled for hearing, no formal notice has been issued on the appeal against the sentence, the suspension of sentence applications are inadmissible.
Source:The Patriot
March 12, 2026 06:13 UTC
Building the Digital Nation
The launch of the spectrum auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS), including 5G, signals a significant policy move aimed at strengthening digital connectivity and accelerating the country’s digital transformation. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja described the auction as a historic milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy. Digital connectivity has become a backbone for multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, and national security. Another noteworthy policy step is the government’s decision to abolish Right of Way (RoW) charges for telecom infrastructure. Achieving these goals requires robust digital infrastructure and long-term commitment to technological progress.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 21:19 UTC
Gold prices increased in global and local markets, while silver prices remained stable.
Gold prices increased in global and local markets, while silver prices remained stable. The price of gold per ounce in the international bullion market increased by $37 to $5,205. The price of gold per tola in the country also increased by Rs3,700 to Rs543,262, while the price of gold per ten grams increased by Rs3,172 to Rs465,759. The price of silver per tola remained unchanged at Rs9,354, while the price of silver per ten grams remained unchanged at Rs8,019.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 21:19 UTC
Iran will not participate in the FIFA World Cup
Iran’s Sports Minister has announced that Iran will not be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, after the US assassinated our Supreme Leader. According to media reports, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said that it was not possible for Iran to participate in this global event after the US and Israeli attacks and the ongoing war situation in the region. These attacks targeted a large number of citizens, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 21:14 UTC
Afzal Khan's desire for a second marriage
Senior actor of Pakistan showbiz industry Afzal Khan recently expressed his desire for a second marriage in a program. Speaking in an interesting manner, Afzal Khan also expressed his feelings at the time of his departure. The actor humorously said that he would like to spread the rumor about himself that he has got a second marriage. Afzal said that he worked hard day and night to build a house before marriage and this struggle was what he remembered at that moment. John Rambo said that Islam allows second marriage, but at present he has no such intention.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 21:14 UTC
Trophy unveiling ceremony held at National Stadium Karachi
The PSL 11 trophy unveiling ceremony was held on Wednesday at the new building of the National Stadium Karachi. PSL CEO Salman Naseer was the chief guest at the simple but dignified ceremony. It should be noted that the 11th edition of the league, consisting of 8 teams, will be played from March 26 to May 10. A total of 44 matches are scheduled in the league in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad. The opening match will be played between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 21:14 UTC
Austerity measures implemented
The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly announced that he will forego all benefits, including salary and government petrol, in the national interest as part of austerity and energy conservation measures. According to Express News, austerity measures have been implemented in Punjab like the federation and other provinces, a notification of which has also been issued. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan took steps under the austerity campaign of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan announced that he will forgo all benefits, including his salary and government petrol, in the national interest. As part of the austerity campaign, it has been decided to reduce the salaries and allowances of members of the Punjab Assembly by 25 percent for two months.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 19:27 UTC
National hockey team meets PCB chairman
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi met with the players led by national hockey team captain Imad Butt, in which the team’s recent performance and future plans were discussed. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer and other directors. On this occasion, Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the national team for qualifying for the Hockey World Cup after eight years and appreciated the hard work and dedication of the players for their excellent performance in the World Cup Qualifier tournament. The Chairman PCB announced that steps would be taken to provide employment to the hockey players who are currently unemployed. He also said that the Pakistan Cricket Board will bear the medical expenses of the injured hockey players.
Source:The Patriot
March 11, 2026 19:27 UTC
Maple Leafs’ Bo Groulx reflects on positives from first NHL game since 2023-24
Maple Leafs’ Bo Groulx reflects on positives from first NHL game since 2023-24Bo Groulx finally made his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens and left a positive impression despite not getting on the scoresheet. Appearing in his first NHL game since April 12, 2024 when he was with the Anaheim Ducks, Groulx started the game on the third line with Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson. When speaking with reporters after the game, Groulx said it doesn’t get much better to have his return to the NHL happen in Montreal with his family in attendance. As the game went on, I felt better and better,” he said. While the losing has been certaintly impacted the mood of the team , Groulx felt that the players were maintaining a positive attitude, so he feels the slump won’t last much longer.
Source:The Nation
March 11, 2026 15:38 UTC