KHARAN: In Kharan district of Balochistan, terrorists of Fitnatul Hindustan attacked city police station and banks during several operations and looted lakhs of rupees, however, security forces killed 12 terrorists in a strong action. The statement said that the terrorists attacked the City Police Station, National Bank and Habib during this time and looted Rs 3.4 million from the banks. The ISPR said that the security forces retaliated strongly and forced the terrorists to retreat and killed 12 terrorists at 3 different locations during the clearance operation. The ISPR said that the terrorists planned to create a hostage situation at the police station, but this was effectively thwarted. The statement said that action is being taken to eliminate the presence of terrorists in the said area and its surroundings.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Karachi: The government has formally decided to print new currency notes ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000 to adapt the currency notes to international security standards, but its impact will be felt by the public. The federal government has decided to print new currency notes ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000 in Pakistan, which is not just a design change but a major economic step that will have an impact on the pockets of every citizen. However, the aim has been stated to be to adapt the Pakistani currency to international security standards. Important themes like Pakistan’s history, geographical beauty and women’s development will be made part of the design in the new currency notes so that these notes can present a bright face of the country at the global level. Similarly, by replacing old notes with new ones, the money circulating in the market that is not currently part of the formal economy will also return to the banking system.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Senior Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari is facing criticism from social media users for making a personal joke about her co-star Javed Sheikh. Bushra Ansari said some sentences during a press event regarding the personal life of senior and legendary Pakistani showbiz actor Javed Sheikh, especially his divorce, which not only offended Javed Sheikh, but social media users also slammed Bushra Ansari for this comment. This incident occurred when Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh, Behrooz Sabzwari, Rubina Ashraf, and Shabbir Jan were attending a press event. During the event, Bushra Ansari spoke sarcastically about Javed Sheikh’s personal life, especially his divorce, which offended Javed Sheikh. Some users also wrote that Bushra Ansari is undoubtedly a great artist, but her statements with Omar are becoming increasingly bitter.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Pakistani actress and morning show host Fiza Ali’s daughter Faral’s photos of her attending her father’s second wedding have gone viral on social media, with users commenting on the actress’s response. Fiza Ali, the host of the program ‘Morning with Fiza’, is often in the news for her statements or pictures on social media. A few days ago, she was trending in the news for several days for her statement regarding TV host Nida Yasir. Fiza Ali gained everlasting fame from PTV’s popular drama serial Mehndi, her other dramas include Love, Life and Lahore, Mom, Saath Nibhana Hai, Saat Sar Rishtan Ke, Chanri, Lagan, Ghao and others. Fiza Ali is also very popular on social media and has 5.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million followers on Instagram, while she is currently hosting the morning show ‘Morning with Fiza’.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has said that Donald Trump is the main culprit behind the deaths and financial losses in the recent protests. According to the International News Agency, the Iranian Supreme Leader accused Donald Trump of being directly responsible for the protests, saying that the US president is directly behind them. The Iranian Supreme Leader said that the recent anti-Iran uprising was different in that the US president was personally involved in it. Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei said that hostile forces wanted to spread hatred against the regime using economic difficulties as an excuse. After which Donald Trump claimed that Iran had stopped implementing the death penalty for the protesters.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
In Pakistan, more than 1 million web links and URLs have been blocked for spreading digital content against religion, state and morality. More than 174,000 links of illegal content on TikTok were checked, whilemore than 163,000 links of TikTok videos were blocked. The blocking rate on X was the lowest, with only 62% of the content blocked. More than 1.4 million links and URLs of contempt of court, obscenity, anti-religious, proxy and hateful content were blocked. Obscenity and anti-moral content topped the list, with more than 1.061 million links blocked.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Muslims across Pakistan observed Shab-e-Meraj on Friday night with great religious zeal and devotion. The holy night commemorates the ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the highest levels of Heaven. After Isha prayers, mosques were filled with worshippers offering special prayers that continued until Fajr. Religious scholars delivered sermons emphasizing the significance of the night and its blessings, while also reflecting on the teachings and life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It was on this night that the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH), making it one of the most revered nights in Islam.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2026 03:31 UTC
By Sardar Khan NiaziPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities develop a beneficial Ramadan package to reach the maximum number of Pakistanis and instructed disbursement of financial assistance through digital wallets, Sharif’s office said. In 2024, the Sharif-led government had announced a historic Ramadan package with a subsidy of $26.8 million (Rs7.5 billion) to lower the prices of essential items for over 30,96,00,000 families. The annual Ramadan relief package offers subsidies on essentials such as wheat, sugar, oil, and pulses. Prime Minister said that the third-party validation of the Ramadan package, conducted by a globally renowned and credible audit firm, would find the government’s package to be effective and transparent. The Prime Minister underscored that all measures should ensure transparency and maximum inclusion of deserving beneficiaries in the upcoming Ramadan package.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2026 00:27 UTC
Report: Dodgers, Kyle Tucker agree to second-richest-AAV dealThe Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again. Pulling off yet another shocking off-season heist, the back-to-back reigning World Series champions have signed free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Thursday, landing the top available bat on the open market. Tucker’s contract with the Dodgers will be worth $240 million over four years, per FanSided’s Robert Murray, who first reported the contract details. Toronto’s front office, meanwhile, had preferred a long-term deal with Tucker, possibly extending as far as 10 years. But the four-time All-Star has, instead, opted for a short-term, high-AAV mega deal.
Source:The Nation
January 16, 2026 20:37 UTC
Report: Phillies had a seven-year deal on the table for Bo BichetteWith Bo Bichette signing a short-term, high-AAV deal with the New York Mets, news about other deals and agreements from the offseason are starting to trickle out when it comes to the former Jays infielder. Per Bob Nightengale at USA Today , the Philadelphia Phillies had reportedly agreed to Bichette’s contract demands for a seven-year, $200 million deal, and an agreement appeared to be on the horizon before the Mets sealed the deal with their recent offer. With the Mets contract, Bichette can opt out of the contract after year one and year two, with the infielder able to test the market in relatively short order. The Phillies’ deal would have paid Bichette ~$28.5 million AAV, and he likely would have played either second base or third base for Philadelphia, given Trea Turner’s spot at shortstop. Realmuto to a three-year deal worth $45 million, which has incentives that could push it to $60 million overall.
Source:The Nation
January 16, 2026 20:29 UTC
LAHORE : The daughter of Bushra Bibi has approached the Lahore High Court for permission to meet her mother in Adiala Jail. Mubashra Khawar Maneka filed a petition through Advocate Asif Niswana, who is the president of the Lahore High Court Bar. The petitioner named the Punjab government, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, and others as respondents. The petitioner contended that Bushra Bibi has currently been imprisoned in Adiala Jail. The petitioner requested the court to direct the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to arrange an immediate meeting with her mother.
Source:The Patriot
January 16, 2026 16:29 UTC
LAHORE : The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court on Friday extended interim bail until February 13 for several individuals, including Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, Azam Swati, and Fawad Chaudhry, in cases related to the arson and violence of May 9. Former federal minister Asad Umar appeared before the court after the expiry of his interim bail period. Counsel for Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Fawad Chaudhry filed applications seeking exemption from personal appearance. The court approved the exemption requests for Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, and also granted a one-day exemption from appearance to Azam Swati and Fawad Chaudhry. Later, Asad Umar told the media that Shah Mahmood Qureshi is innocent in five cases.
Source:The Patriot
January 16, 2026 16:29 UTC
KARACHI : Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday staged a strong recovery, snapping days long bearish momentum as increasing forex reserves have lifted investor sentiments. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves inched up by $16 million over the past week, according to figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan. The central bank said its official reserves rose from $16.0557 billion to $16.0718 billion, showing a modest gain during the week. The State Bank also noted that commercial banks’ holdings went up by $5.6 million, reaching $5.1927 billion. A day earlier, the stock exchange dropped by over 1,100 points due to massive selling pressure.
Source:The Patriot
January 16, 2026 16:29 UTC
During the hearing, Islamabad Police DIG Javed Tariq appeared before the court, where Judge Afzal Majoka inquired about the failure to execute the arrest warrants. The court then announced a break, warning that failure to comply with the orders could result in contempt charges. Earlier, at the start of the hearing, the court summoned the DIG and the Director of the FIA to explain why Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha were not presented in court. The court took strict note of the situation and summoned the DIG Operations and FIA Director to appear in person. Later, the sessions court gave 24 hours to authorities to arrest Mazari and her husband in the case.
Source:The Patriot
January 16, 2026 16:28 UTC
ISLAMABAD (APP) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the government’s firm resolve to defeat terrorism through a unified national effort, stressing that peace, stability and prosperity remained the country’s core objectives. He said Pakistan was now on a fast track towards development, but terrorism remained the most serious challenge. The prime minister stated that over 100,000 Pakistanis had embraced martyrdom in the war against terrorism. Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said the national narrative to discourage terrorism and promote peace and stability would be further strengthened. They said the Qaumi Paigham-e-Aman Committee symbolized national unity and would play a critical role in fostering peace, harmony and stability across the country.
Source:The Patriot
January 16, 2026 16:28 UTC