I am in a lot of pain today
Senior news anchor and broadcaster Ishrat Fatima, who made her mark with Pakistan Television’s newscasts, has announced the end of her 45-year-long association with Radio Pakistan. She said that she deeply thanked Radio Pakistan and the audience, who supported her on this long journey. Later, in a 13-minute video message, Ishrat Fatima spoke openly about the background to her decision. Ishrat Fatima said that she was repeatedly made to feel that she was no longer needed, which was a very painful experience for her. Ishrat Fatima said that she waited for a long time for things to improve, but finally she had to decide to leave Radio Pakistan.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 19:42 UTC
Visa delays and the human cost of uncertainty
By Sardar Khan Niazi“We hope routine processing of immigrant visas will resume soon,” Andrabi said–an expression of optimism that resonates far beyond bureaucratic corridors. The suspension or slowdown of immigrant visa processing is not merely a technical issue; it is a human one, with social, economic, and diplomatic consequences that demand urgent attention. For thousands of applicants, visa processing is the final bridge between years of planning and a future long imagined. Students defer admissions, professionals lose job offers, and families endure prolonged separations that strain mental health and financial stability. Restoring routine visa processing is not a concession; it is a responsibility.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 19:42 UTC
Accused of violence against protesters:
Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on five senior officials, including Ali Larijani, for their role in the violence against protesters during the recent riots and demonstrations, and has warned that it is tracking the Iranian leadership’s funds, which are being transferred to banks around the world. Those affected by the US sanctions include Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security Ali Larijani and other security commanders Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, Nematollah Bagheri, Azizollah Maliki and Yadollah Bouali. The US Treasury Department has accused the individuals of being involved in money laundering, along with a shadow banking network, to hide the proceeds from the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products in foreign markets. He said, “Rest assured, we will track him and you, but there is little time for that. It should be noted that these sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran are the first step after Donald Trump’s threats to maintain pressure on Iran.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 19:42 UTC
India Shuts Kashmir Medical
In a move widely perceived as a response to protests by right-wing Hindu groups, India has shut down the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute (SMVDMI) in Indian-administered Kashmir after Muslim students made up the majority of its inaugural medical batch. The National Medical Commission (NMC), the federal authority overseeing medical education in India, revoked the college’s recognition on January 6, citing alleged deficiencies in faculty, hospital infrastructure, and teaching resources. Legislators from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) petitioned the region’s lieutenant governor to reserve seats exclusively for Hindu students. Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, pledged to reassign SMVDMI students to other medical colleges in the region, ensuring their education continues. “I appeared for one of the hardest exams in India and earned my place at a medical college.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 16:31 UTC
Ethiopia, Pakistan Forge Strategic
Jafar Bedru Geletu, Executive Director of the Institution Foreign Affairs (IFA) Ethiopia, and H.E. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, Ambassador designate of Ethiopia to Pakistan witnessed the ceremony here at the ISSI, Islamabad, while his counterpart Ambassador Atif Sharif Mian was present at the IFA Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa, said the ISSI Chairman while emphasizing on establishing robust academic linkages that are crucial to foster joint research, delegations exchange and policy dialogues for benefit of both the nations. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Ethiopia H.E.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 16:31 UTC
Security forces conduct operations
Security forces killed 13 Khawarij members belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna-ul-Khawarij during two intelligence-based operations in Bannu and Kurram districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on January 13 and 14. According to the ISPR, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district on information about the presence of Khawarij. During the operation, forces effectively targeted the Khawarij hideout, killing 8 Khawarij members after a fierce exchange of fire. The security forces will continue operations at all costs to uproot the scourge of terrorism from the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the security forces for killing 13 terrorists and said that under the vision of determination of stability, the security forces are achieving great successes against terrorism.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 16:31 UTC
United in purpose — when the nation, democracy, and the army stand as one
For decades, the Pakistan Army has stood guard over the nation’s frontiers and its internal peace, often at an immeasurable human cost. Supporting the Pakistan Army does not mean abandoning democratic values or silencing debate. This approach reflects political maturity — understanding that a strong army and a strong democracy are not competitors, but partners. Pakistan’s adversaries understand a painful truth: they cannot defeat the Pakistan Army militarily unless they succeed in dividing the nation politically and socially. The answer to this strategy is unity — between the people and the army, between political forces, and between democracy and defense.
Source:The Nation
January 15, 2026 15:12 UTC
A delegation
Rawalpindi :A delegation of World Liberty Financial USA led by Mr. Zachary Witkoff, Chief Executive Officer of a leading global Fintech firm, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF. The meeting reflected the growing interest of international private investment groups in Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and also signals rising global confidence in Pakistan’s fintech potential and aims to strengthen financial inclusion and cross border digital finance. Mr Witkoff highlighted the immense economic potential Pakistan holds and lauded the efforts of Pakistan’s leadership in embracing futuristic technologies to realize the full possibilities of its economic prowess. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the exchange of views and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to economic stability, investor confidence, and enabling an environment conducive to responsible private sector participation in national development.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Taza Kazakhstan: National Environmental
By Dana OmirgazyASTANA – At the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Taza Kazakhstan large-scale national environmental campaign has become one of the most significant social movements in the country. In October 2024, the government adopted a resolution approving the Taza Kazakhstan concept for the development of environmental culture for 2024–2029. According to official figures, since the start of Taza Kazakhstan, more than 1.6 million tons of waste have been collected, and 859,000 hectares of land have been cleaned. Kazakhstan generates more than 4.5 million tons of municipal waste annually, while the recycling rate in 2024 stood at 25.8%. The Taza Kazakhstan initiative clearly demonstrates that systematic state support, combined with civic engagement, can deliver tangible results.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Terrorist attack on police check post
DERA ISMAIL KHAN :- Police successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on a police check post in Dera Ismail Khan late on Wednesday night, killing two militants in a timely response. According to DPO Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed, terrorists launched an attack on the Khatti police check post in the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan. Police personnel stationed at the post responded promptly, engaging the attackers and foiling their attempt to breach the checkpoint. The DPO confirmed that one police official sustained injuries during the attack and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Security in the area has been tightened following the incident, and a search operation was carried out to ensure no other attackers were present nearby.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Pakistan will definitely succeed i
ISLAMABAD :- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan will definitely succeed in the war against terrorism. A meeting of the federal cabinet was held in the federal capital under the chairmanship of Shehbaz Sharif, which was attended by federal ministers and other senior officials. Addressing the meeting, he said that after winning the war against India, global demand for Pakistan’s fighter jets has increased. The Prime Minister said in his address that Pakistan will certainly succeed in the war against terrorism, and added that we will not rest until this menace is completely eliminated. Shehbaz Sharif further stated that Pakistan has shown better economic progress in a short period of time.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Trump's 'military intervention' in Iran 'appears likely': officials warn
WASHINGTON: US military intervention in Iran now appears likely and could take place within the next 24 hours, officials have warned, amid sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East. An American official said on Wednesday that the evacuation of Al Udeid Air Base was a precautionary move following warnings from a senior Iranian official. Meanwhile, two European officials said military intervention now appeared likely, with one suggesting it could come within the next 24 hours. An Iranian official has said more than 2,000 people have died. Direct contacts between Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, the official added.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Freezing temperature grips Balochistan
QUETTA – Quetta and several other districts of Balochistan continue to experience cold and dry weather, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting severe cold conditions in the province’s northern areas along with partly cloudy skies. The minimum temperature in Quetta was recorded at 0°C, while Kalat experienced even colder conditions with temperatures dropping to -2°C. In Ziarat, the minimum temperature also touched 0°C, whereas Zhob recorded 4°C. Cold weather conditions were also reported in Balochistan’s coastal belt. The minimum temperature in Gwadar was recorded at 13°C, while Jiwani experienced a low of 14°C.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
Pakistan calls for peaceful resolut
ISLAMABAD :– Pakistan has said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and wants a peaceful resolution to the issue, reaffirming its commitment to playing a role for peace and stability in the region. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, while speaking at the weekly briefing, said Pakistan supports a peaceful solution to the Iran issue and will continue to play its role for peace. He added that Pakistan stands by peace and stability in Iran and hopes the country will soon overcome its current crisis. He further said that Pakistan has seen reports regarding restrictions on US visas and is in contact with American authorities on the matter. “The United States is reviewing its visa policy, and we hope that visas for Pakistan will be restored soon,” he said, adding that Pakistan remains in contact with US authorities regarding immigration policies.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 08:33 UTC
ISSI Delegation Undertakes Study Visit
Islamabad; The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) undertook an official study visit to the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) on January 13 2026. Led by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), ISSI, the delegation sought to gain firsthand insights into Pakistan’s indigenous radio and telecommunication capabilities, with a focus on innovation, self-reliance, and their strategic relevance to national security. He further underscored that secure, resilient, and indigenous communication systems constitute a vital pillar of national security, enabling effective command, control, and informed strategic decision-making. Brigadier Azmat Shabbir, Managing Director, NRTC, provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s mandate, core functions, and ongoing projects. The visit concluded with the exchange of mementos, reflecting mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to continued engagement in support of Pakistan’s strategic and technological advancement.
Source:The Patriot
January 15, 2026 00:35 UTC