PM announces Rs4.04 per unit cut in power tariffs for industry
We are close to finalising agreement for two billion dollar investment by Azerbaijan in Pakistan: PM. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that future FDI would be encouraged only in export-led projects, which would help generate foreign exchange and strengthen the country’s reserves. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to reduce reliance on external debt, stating that “there is no respect for nations that beg for money.”The prime minister said that at this moment, in the 3rd quarter, the country’s foreign exchange reserves had doubled, but that included loans from friendly countries as well. The prime minister also emphasized tax compliance, warning industries against withholding taxes collected from consumers. Prime Minister Shehbaz also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and several cabinet members for their role in economic reforms, privatization, and export promotion, terming the progress a result of teamwork and selfless service.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 11:05 UTC
One killed in CNG station fire in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD - A truck refilling CNG at a CNG station, located very close to Wadhu Wah Gate on Hyderabad Bypass road on Friday, caught fire killing one person in the incident. An unknown person was burnt to death in the fire which engulfed the Star CNG station and a neighbouring house, the spokesman of Rescue 1122 Dilbar Halepoto informed. The fire spread a scare among the residents of coterminous buildings and bungalows as the CNG station is surrounded by residential units while an unauthorized transport stands also functions at the same place. The Rescue official said it took 3 fire tenders more than an hour to douse the blazes whose black smoke had covered the sky. He told that a completely burnt dead body was later found from the CNG station during the cooling process.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:55 UTC
Balancing Power Relief
Providing relief to industries is not merely desirable; it is necessary. Pakistan’s economic recovery hinges on restoring the viability of its manufacturing base, improving productivity, and attracting investment. Disparities in tariff structures risk entrenching a narrative of unequal treatment, undermining public trust in economic reforms that are otherwise well-intentioned. The government has, to its credit, initiated several positive measures to rationalise the power sector, enhance transparency, and address structural inefficiencies. A balanced approach, one that cushions households while energising industry, would reinforce the credibility of these initiatives and demonstrate that economic recovery is not being engineered for select constituencies.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:26 UTC
A Failing UN
Let us go back through history and imagine a world where the Second World War never happened. In the wake of that catastrophic failure and the subsequent horrors of world war, the international community conceived the United Nations. It was a reformed successor built upon the same pillars: the preservation of global peace and security. However, contemporary and historical evidence suggests a bitter reality: the UN is failing. As desperate cries for justice from Gaza to Ukraine, and Sudan to Yemen, go unanswered, and the shadow of a Third World War looms on the horizon, we must confront the truth: the United Nations is failing.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:21 UTC
US National Defence Strategy
The recently released US National Defence Strategy reveals a massive paradigm shift in the US approach at the geopolitical and geostrategic levels. The objectives of this national defence strategy are very emphatic and clear. To that end, it will erect a strong “denial defence” (anti-access/area denial strategy) along the First Island Chain, reinforce deterrence through denial, and expect US allies to share the burden. The third LoE is increasing burden sharing with allies and partners: it is one of the most striking priorities of this US strategy. Furthermore, the US hopes to expand transatlantic defence industrial cooperation and reduce defence trade barriers.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:19 UTC
Now It’s Our Turn
Climate change is a serious issue for Pakistan. Rising temperatures, floods, smog, and water shortages are affecting our lives every year. The Government of Punjab has taken important steps to address climate change. These efforts show that the government understands the dangers of climate change. Schools, media, and communities should also raise awareness about climate change.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:17 UTC
850 billion was saved in last financial year paying off debt early
Also, it fails to address an important part of the national debt problem, foreign debt, and the foreign exchange needed to repay it. As a result, it has been possible to retire debt, only to contract it again at a lower rate of interest, in a process known as debt switching. What this has meant is that Rs 850 billion was saved in the last fiscal year, and it is estimated that Rs 800 billion will be saved in this fiscal. However, while rupee-denominated debt has declined to Rs 80 trillion from Rs 80-5 trillion, dollar-denominated debt remains the real problem. Retiring foreign loans early might a possible pathway to easier debt management, but is not possible without increased exports, because it cannot be accomplished merely by government action.
Source:Pakistan Today
January 31, 2026 01:41 UTC
Pakistan’s fiscal debate
Agriculture, services, property, and retail — sectors largely under provincial jurisdiction — dominate Pakistan’s economy. Property taxes in Pakistan are archaic, under-assessed, and riddled with discretion. Despite rapid urbanization and soaring real estate prices, property tax collection remains trivial. Ultimately, Pakistan’s fiscal crisis cannot be solved by squeezing the same narrow set of taxpayers or by perpetually seeking external bailouts. Without meaningful provincial tax effort, every reform package will remain incomplete, and every stabilization will be temporary.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 23:48 UTC
Clear policies to unlock foreign investment
The minister’s emphasis on protecting the interests of investors in the oil and gas sector comes at a critical time. Pakistan has long struggled to attract consistent foreign and domestic investment in its energy industry due to policy uncertainty, delayed payments, regulatory bottlenecks and shifting taxation regimes. By publicly committing to regulatory stability, contract protection and transparency, the government is sending a much-needed signal that it understands investor confidence is not optional, it is essential. The minister’s call for clear, forward-looking and investor-friendly policies reflects the reality of a rapidly changing global energy landscape. Pakistan must move beyond short-term fixes and adopt long-term, integrated planning that links petroleum, gas, power, renewable and infrastructure into a coherent national strategy.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 23:48 UTC
Cyber Security and Its Impacts on Pakistan: Challenges, Threats, and Strategic Responses
Summary A brief sketch of the cybercrimes reported in Pakistan in previous years is given below; (DAWN, 2018) blackmailing, stalking, violation of privacy, impersonation, fraud etc. Currently, the total number of internet users in Pakistan is 111 million. This agency has the expertise as to dealing with cyber security, cyber fraud, technical investigation, digital forensics. A brief sketch of the cybercrimes reported in Pakistan in previous years is given below; (DAWN, 2018) blackmailing, stalking, violation of privacy, impersonation, fraud etc. Cyber Rescue 1991 is also providing 24/7 services to help the victims of Cyber Crime.
Source:Pakistan Today
January 30, 2026 21:54 UTC
Lahore contractor to pay Rs10 million to Bhaati Ga
LAHORE : Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed deep shock over the death of a mother and daughter who fell into a sewer line in Bhaati Gate area, calling the incident unacceptable in a major city like Lahore. Expressing sympathy with the affected family, the chief minister announced that Rs10 million would be secured from the responsible contractor to provide financial assistance. Maryam Nawaz revealed that briefings confirmed construction work was ongoing at the accident site, the sewer line was extremely high, and water flow varied constantly. The chief minister stated that everyone present at the site shared responsibility, noting that multiple manholes were left open and safety measures were completely lacking. Criticising the handling of the site, Maryam Nawaz noted that though the area had been cordoned off with pannaflex, lighting was not arranged, and those who left the site unsecured appeared unconcerned.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 07:50 UTC
PSX sees strong recovery as KSE-100 surpasses 184,000 barrier
KARACHI :The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a significant surge on Friday a day after it witnessed a bloodbath due to geopolitical tensions. During intraday trading, the market soared by over 1,700 points, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index reaching 184,062 points. The positive momentum comes as regional tensions eased after US President Donald Trump said he hoped to avoid military action against Iran, which has threatened to strike American bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack. During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 933.099 million shares with a traded value of Rs 66.413 billion, against 953.917 million shares valuing Rs 48.878 billion in the previous session. Out of 487 active companies in the ready market, 83 advanced, 364 declined, while 40 remained u
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 07:50 UTC
CM Afridi calls off sit-in near Adiala jail, heads back to KP
Concerned over the reports regarding the PTI founder’s health, Afridi arrived in Rawalpindi to meet him at Adiala jail yesterday. On this, he decided to stage a sit-in near the jail. Tarar said eye specialists had examined the PTI founder at Adiala Jail and advised that he be shifted to Pims for further assessment and treatment. Following the procedure, the minister said, he was shifted back to Adiala Jail with the necessary medical instructions. Citing a hospital doctor, the report stated the former prime minister underwent a procedure for an eye ailment, and was returned to Adiala jail the next day.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 07:50 UTC
LHC halts underground parking projects
LAHORE : The Lahore High Court has ordered the suspension of the ongoing underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate in the provincial capital. Justice Karim called the incident a “very tragic event” and directed that the underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate be halted immediately. The court also summoned the director general of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Advocate General of Punjab for the next hearing. The court directed the DG PHA to take suo-motu action and meet with the Vice Chancellors of all universities. The matter of tree cutting at Punjab University will also be referred to the Anti-Corruption Department.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 07:50 UTC
PIA privatisation deal signed with Arif Habib consortium
ISLAMABAD :Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with the signing of the transaction agreement between the government and the Arif Habib Consortium in a ceremony held in Islamabad. The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Prime Minister Sharif congratulated the nation, saying the privatisation process had reached a successful conclusion. Recalling the airline’s peak years, especially in the 1960s, he expressed confidence that the consortium would restore PIA to its former glory. I am confident that Arif Habib and his entire team will bring PIA back to this position,” he said.
Source:The Patriot
January 30, 2026 07:50 UTC