Peace talks enabled TTP to resettle and regroup, Senate told
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.
Source:The Nation
January 03, 2024 01:33 UTC
Trussville City Schools names Bus Drivers of the Year
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.”
Source:The Express Tribune
January 02, 2024 19:29 UTC
Seasoned politician Sartaj Aziz passes away
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.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2024 17:52 UTC
BarracudaXII: Pakistan Navy kicks off multi-nation oil spill exercise in Karachi today
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.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2024 13:52 UTC
Inflation hits 29.7%, defying expectations for slowdown
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.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 02, 2024 12:52 UTC
Electricity price will be reduced for industries: Caretaker Energy Minister
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.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2024 12:04 UTC
Restoration of 10-year disqualification: NAB could not get immediate relief from the court
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.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2024 10:33 UTC
Balochistan’s fisheries sector faces multiple challenges
Balochistan’s fisheries sector faces multiple challenges like over-fishing, depleting stocks of fish, illegal fishing by big trawlers and lack of infrastructure to fetch the high price of fish catch, according to WealthPK. About 80% of the total fish catch from Balochistan’s cost is dried up for export to the Middle East. However, Balochistan’s fisheries sector is not operating in an ideal environment and faces multiple challenges. “The challenges are immense and are affecting us badly”, Ramzan Rind, a representative of the fisheries sector association of the province, told WealthPK. The Balochistan government plans to improve the fisheries sector with new technologies and support for fishermen, said Fayyaz Moosa, Director Fisheries Department.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2024 09:46 UTC
Resolution demands strict penalties against anti-army propaganda
The resolution was presented by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Tangi during the session chaired by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. The resolution gained unanimous approval, reflecting cross-party consensus on the need for stringent measures against those spreading anti-military narratives on social media platforms. The resolution acknowledged the significant sacrifices made by the armed forces in the war against terrorism. The resolution underlined the Senate’s concern over derogatory content targeting the Pakistan Army on social media and urged the government to take strict action against those involved in spreading anti-military propaganda. Shahadat Awan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Samina Mumtaz Zahri and Kuhda Babar proposed, as private members, the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, and a constitutional amendment bill to increase seats of minorities in the National Assembly.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 02, 2024 05:43 UTC
Multi-nation oil spill exercise involving Saudi Arabia to kick off in Karachi today
The convoy was fired upon near the Yarik interchange on the Islamabad-DI Khan motorway on Sunday, according to Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party. However, police said Rehman was not accompanying the convoy at the time of the incident in the Dera Ismail Khan district. “For a peaceful environment, there is no harm if the elections are moved forward by a few days,” he urged. Months later, Hafiz Hamdullah, a senior JUI-F figure, was injured along with several others in a blast in Balochistan’s Mastung area. He said a level playing field was not only a matter of one party, but a peaceful environment should be provided to all, including those in KP and Balochistan.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2024 05:27 UTC
Jan 4 last date for GCUF admission
FAISALABAD - January 4 (Thursday) is the last date for admission to the second phase programmes of Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF). A spokesperson for the university said here on Monday that GCUF offered admission to various BS degree programmes (4 years), BS degree programmes (5 years), BEd (1.5 year), BS (Bridging), MS/MPhil degree programmes (2 years), associate degree programmes (2 years) and PhD degree programmes. The eligible candidates should apply online at university website http://gcuf.edu.pk/admission till January 4. The entrance test would be held on January 6-7, whereas more information in this regard could be obtained through telephone numbers 041-9201552 and 041-9200886, he added.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2024 01:50 UTC
General Elections: How many papers were collected from across the country and how many were approved? Details ongoing
Islamabad: The Election Commission has released the details of approval and rejection of papers in connection with general elections. According to the Election Commission, 7,473 candidates submitted their nomination papers for the National Assembly, out of which the papers of 1,024 candidates were rejected, while the nomination papers of 6,449 candidates were declared valid, including the papers of 1,094 men and 355 women. Details released by the Election CommissionAccording to the Election Commission, 7,20 men and 445 women submitted papers for the National Assembly, out of which 934 men and 90 women were rejected. According to the Election Commission, 18 thousand 478 candidates submitted papers for the four provincial assemblies, including 17 thousand 670 men and 808 women. And 135 women’s papers were rejected while 16 thousand 262 papers were approved for the four provincial assemblies, in which 15 thousand 590 men’s and 671 women’s papers were approved.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2024 23:01 UTC
Lass But Not Least: A Jeopardy quiz for you
I’ve always been a big fan of trivia games and trivia TV shows, and the holy grail of trivia shows is Jeopardy. Since that perfectly describes me, I was inspired to come up with my own Jeopardy category and questions. Trussville Life for $200: It often divides our neighborhoods and unites them at the same time. Trussville Life for $600: Everybody looks forward to it, but it only occurs about every ten years. Trussville Life for $800: Drive carefully because one may unexpectedly show up on the street.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 01, 2024 23:01 UTC
Academician files FIR against TTP for life threats
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under Section 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section 25-D of the Telegraph Act against alleged members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based on a complaint by Prof. Dr. Hassan Ul Amin. In his complaint, the NDU professor stated that he has been receiving threats from the banned militant group TTP via WhatsApp messages and letters for an extended period. Additionally, he reported that unknown motorcyclists have been harassing and terrorizing his daughter, a student at Quaid e Azam International University, Islamabad. The applicant informed the police that he previously faced life threats from the TTP when he organized multiple training camps for seminary teachers. Expressing concern for his safety, Dr Hassan Ul Amin urged the police to take action by registering a case against the militants from the banned outfit and apprehending them.
Source:The Nation
January 01, 2024 22:21 UTC
2023 proved to be the year of the Palestinian genocide
2023 proved to be a genocidal year for Palestinians under Israeli attack, with every day and every moment of the last three months of the year being bombarded by Israeli bombardment and missiles. The number of Palestinian martyrs in the ongoing attacks since October 7 has increased to 21,800. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the total number of injured in Israeli attacks has reached 56 thousand 451. 506 Palestinians were martyred in the year 2023 due to Israeli attacks in the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Authority of Statistics, the year 2023 was the worst year for Palestinians since the Nakba in 1948.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2024 05:32 UTC