Factsheet on the Draft New Constitution
Rule of Law and Legal GuaranteesThe draft Constitution significantly strengthens legal safeguards and procedural rights, including:Explicit protection of the legal profession through a dedicated constitutional article on advocacy. Core Principles and ValuesThe draft Constitution consists of a Preamble, 11 sections, and 95 articles. Separation of State and ReligionThe draft Constitution reinforces the secular nature of the state, clearly separating religion from government and affirming the secular character of education and upbringing. While introducing a fundamentally updated constitutional framework, the draft acknowledges the role of the existing Constitution in Kazakhstan’s state-building and historical development. Next StepsPublic consultation on the draft Constitution continues via the e-Otinish and eGov platforms.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 23:17 UTC
Russia sent $2.5 billion in cash to Iran to break sanctions, British newspaper claims
The British newspaper The Telegraph has claimed in its report that Russia secretly transferred about $2.5 billion in cash to Iran in 2018 to avoid US sanctions. The funds were delivered to Tehran’s central bank in 34 large transfers through Russian state-owned Promsoyuz Bank, weighing a total of about five tons. According to the documents, the money was sent at a time when Donald Trump imposed tough sanctions on Iran. Experts say the payments reflect a closer relationship between Russia and Iran and were likely made in exchange for weapons or military equipment. Analysts have warned that cash transactions are difficult to trace, so Russia is likely to continue to rely on this strategy in the future.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 23:17 UTC
“Culture, Climate and the Coastline”
For decades, development policy has treated the coast mainly as a site for ports, industry and real estate. Climate change has added a new layer of threat, accelerating coastal erosion and endangering fragile ecosystems that have sustained communities for centuries. Maritime heritage is not a romantic luxury. A well-managed maritime heritage sector can generate jobs, attract tourists, support research and inspire young people to pursue careers in marine sciences, shipping, fisheries and port management. Junaid Chaudhry is right to call for a “whole-of-government approach.” Maritime heritage cuts across jurisdictions: ports, environment, culture, education, tourism and security all have a stake.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 23:17 UTC
CPSC Monitor (February 9, 2026)
Pakistan, China deepen security cooperation in Islamabad https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/02/05/pakistan-china-deepen-security-cooperation-in-islamabad/6. Pakistan, China Strengthen Security, Cybercrime Collaboration https://thedailycpec.com/pakistan-china-strengthen-security-cybercrime-collaboration/7. Provision of ‘maximum security’ to Chinese nationals top priority, interior minister tells envoy https://www.dawn.com/news/1971233/provision-of-maximum-security-to-chinese-nationals-top-priority-interior-minister-tells-envoy9. Chinese premier signs decree to revise, repeal administrative regulations http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2026-02/06/content_118320696.html13. Chinese premier urges efforts to boost development, improve people’s well-being http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2026-02/03/content_118313908.html15.
Source:The Nation
February 09, 2026 18:31 UTC
Report: Pirates, Marcell Ozuna agree to one-year deal
Report: Pirates, Marcell Ozuna agree to one-year dealAt long last, veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna has found a new home. The 35-year-old Ozuna, who had spent the last six seasons with the Atlanta Braves, will now officially move on after reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report the signing. Ozuna’s contract is pending a physical and hasn’t been officially confirmed by the team yet. He’s had an incredible run, in two different times with the Pirates.
Source:The Nation
February 09, 2026 17:49 UTC
Japan election landslide clears path for Takaichi to deliver tax cuts
The uncertainty has triggered a selloff in government bonds and pushed the yen towards historic lows against other currencies. Prolonged uncertainty over funding risks another bond market sell‑off, analysts warn, with investors already sensitive to Japan’s deteriorating fiscal outlook. Worries over fiscal sustainability could also trigger further yen weakness, inflating import prices and broader inflation — potentially diluting the benefit to households from any tax cuts. Shinichi Ichikawa, senior fellow at Pictet Asset Management Japan, said markets may prove Takaichi’s toughest opponent. Well aware of the risks of reigniting a backlash, Takaichi appeared notably sombre in television interviews following the election victory.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 15:18 UTC
Leading China critic Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20
HONG KONG :– Hong Kong’s most vocal China critic, media tycoon Jimmy Lai, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in jail, ending the city’s biggest national security case which drew international concern about the city’s freedoms and autonomy. Lai’s sentence was enhanced by the fact that he was the “mastermind” and driving force behind “persistent” foreign collusion conspiracies, the judges said. Beijing in 2020 imposed the national security law upon Hong Kong, saying it was necessary to stabilise the city after months of sometimes violent unrest. “I feel that Mr. Lai is the conscience of Hong Kong,” said a man named Sum, 64, who was in the queue. Trump too, raised Lai’s case with Xi during a meeting in October.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 15:18 UTC
Islamabad ATC indicts PTI leaders in terrorism case
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in the case of alleged links with terrorists, charges have been formally framed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court conducted hearings against PTI leaders Rauf Hassan and Ahmed Waqas Janjua. During the session, presiding judge Tahir Abbas Supra formally charged both leaders in the case. Rauf Hassan appeared in court along with his lawyer Ayesha Khalid. The court has summoned prosecution witnesses for the next hearing and adjourned proceedings until February 23.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 15:18 UTC
Decision on Pakistan-India match in ICC T20 World C
LAHORE :- A final decision regarding the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is expected on February 12, sources said. According to Indian media, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had given Pakistan a deadline of February 9 to clarify its position. Sources confirmed that the final decision on whether Pakistan will play against India rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Talks involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding Pakistan’s potential boycott of the match concluded late last night. Earlier, following government directives, the PCB had decided to participate in the T20 World Cup but refrain from playing against India.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 15:18 UTC
Supreme Court rejects request for immediat
ISLAMABAD : The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the request for an immediate meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, while significant developments were also reported during the hearing in the cipher case. The chief justice remarked that the court cannot issue such an order without serving notice to the relevant authorities. CIPHER CASEMeanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a three-member bench to hear appeals against the acquittal of the PTI founder in the cipher case. The court also directed the formation of a three-member bench to hear appeals against Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s acquittal in the same case. Later, the court adjourned the hearing on the bail cancellation petitions in the cipher case and the May 9 incidents for two weeks.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 15:18 UTC
Carbon emission causing melting of glaciers, floods, rising
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik has said that carbon emission is causing melting of glaciers, rising of temperature and floods. He said, “Two countries on our border emit 40 per cent of the world’s carbon, whereas Pakistan emits less than one per cent.”He stated that 10 countries emitting nearly 75 per cent of the world’s carbon were receiving 85 per cent of global green financing. The minister stressed that taking loans was not a solution to climate-related challenges. The minister said that as part of the long-term strategy, dams could be constructed. He said, “The programme provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to pitch climate-focused business ideas.”
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 13:57 UTC
Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Tr
WASHINGTON : The presidents of Argentina and Romania said Sunday they have been invited to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace” in Washington on February 19. On Saturday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he, too, had received an invitation to attend the meeting, and that he intended to go. Trump launched his “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, and some 19 countries have signed its founding charter. Dozens of world leaders have received invitations to be part of the “Board of Peace”. Under its current charter, the “Board of Peace” has Trump both as its chairman and as the US representative.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 13:55 UTC
Terrorism could never break nation's resolve: Hanif Abbasi
Hanif Abbasi visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Poly Clinic Hospital to inquire after the victims injured in Islamabad suicide bombing. The minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack and said that terrorism could never break the resolve of the nation. He added that Pakistan is now taking strict measures against terrorist organizations. He said that more than twenty terrorist organizations are active in Afghanistan. Bilal Azhar Kayani further stated that Afghanistan must take positive steps to eliminate terrorism, saying that terrorist organizations pose a threat not only to Pakistan but to the entire world.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 13:47 UTC
Senate, National Assembly to resume proceedings today
ISLAMABAD – The Senate and the National Assembly will separately resume their proceedings at the Parliament House in Islamabad today (Monday), Dunya News reported. According to sources, the Upper House (Senate) is scheduled to meet at 4:00pm, while the Lower House (National Assembly) will resume its proceedings at 5:00pm. Besides legislation, both the Houses will discuss matters of national and international importance.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 07:18 UTC
People rejected PTI's call for chaos, violence: Marriyum Aurangzeb
LAHORE : Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday said that the public did not pay heed to PTI’s call for protests and has rejected the call for chaos and violence, Dunya News reported. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that due to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s efforts, young people are reconnecting with their culture. She said that Maryam Nawaz made dedicated efforts to ensure the success of the Basant Festival. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the CM Punjab organized the Basant Festival with the support of all institutions, and that Maryam Nawaz taken difficult decisions. The senior provincial minister further stated that free transportation facilities were provided to the public during Basant Festival, and than 2 million people availed free travel during the festival.
Source:The Patriot
February 09, 2026 07:18 UTC