Nominating Mahmood Achakzai is a special goal: SK Niazi
Leader of the Muslim League-N, Senator Bahramand Tangi said PTI has always practiced politics of chaos, causing chaos. PTI’s protest on February 8 will not achieve anything, every time PTI protested, the country suffered, PTI members commit arson during protests, causing distress they will come out from here to protest, they will get nothing, they will suffer hardship. we also played our role in the war that Israel waged against Iran, a bitter struggle. our cooperation with Iran will continue, we want the Iranian people not to be harmed, the suffering they endure, we stand with Iran in every way, despite the hardships. PTI members are not ready to talk to anyone, PPP is with us wholeheartedly, if institutions are strong, the country will be strong, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif signed the Charter Democracy, Founder’s cases will not end.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 19:43 UTC
Afghnaistan’s War Economy and the Mineral
Recent disclosures made in Lahore by Mufti Abdul Rahim of Jamia Rasheed, coupled with emerging accounts on Afghanistan’s war economy, fall squarely into that category. It is commonly assumed that Afghanistan’s shattered economy survives almost entirely on war related activity. Afghanistan sits atop some of the world’s most valuable mineral reserves, particularly gold and other strategic resources. Taliban security forces, alongside armed men linked to Bashir Haji Noorzi, opened fire on protesters, resulting in deaths and destruction of property. These mineral rich zones, which also contain uranium and other valuable resources, have become easy targets for smuggling and terror financing.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 19:43 UTC
Winter as a Weapon
The deaths of eight Palestinians in Gaza during a brutal winter storm are not a natural tragedy alone; they are the foreseeable consequence of a man-made catastrophe that refuses to end. In a land already pulverized by months of relentless Israeli bombardment, cold rain and violent winds has become yet another weapon, exposing the cruelty of forcing a civilian population to survive without shelter, safety, or dignity. These deaths are a stark reminder that in Gaza, even the weather has become lethal because the foundations of civilian life have been systematically destroyed. Winter storms are predictable. Until justice, accountability, and genuine humanitarian action prevail, the storms will keep coming, and the dead will keep mounting.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 19:43 UTC
Pakistan, UAE economic ties set to deepen with CEPA progress
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and fast-tracking the Pakistan–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed to build a more robust and balanced trade and investment partnership. This came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi. Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the historical, strategic, and people-to-people ties between the two countries and stressed the government’s focus on medium-term economic growth, export expansion, and regional connectivity, particularly through partnerships with Gulf nations. Ambassador Al Zaabi praised Pakistan’s reform efforts and the professionalism of the technical teams involved in CEPA negotiations. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to maintain close coordination and ensure timely completion of the CEPA process, paving the way for a new phase of mutually beneficial economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 16:36 UTC
S. M. Tanveer concerned over reliance on remittances and not exports for economic grwoth Archives
LAHORE: Mr. S. M. Tanveer, Leader of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has expressed concerns over reliance on remittances and debt-driven consumption, and not exports, for economic grwoth and development. He highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s exports, citing an estimated $60 billion gap in potential exports. In a statement, Mr. […]
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:38 UTC
Some firms left Pakistan due to
ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb has acknowledged that several companies exit Pakistan, admitting that high taxation and elevated energy prices have become serious challenges for businesses. Speaking at the Pakistan Policy Dialogue in Islamabad, the finance minister said that sustainable economic growth is only possible through structural reforms. Referring to remittances, the finance minister said Pakistan received $38 billion in remittances last year, with inflows expected to rise to $41 billion in the current fiscal year. Aurangzeb described the ongoing economic reforms as a potential “East Asia moment” for Pakistan. The finance minister also highlighted progress on privatisation, noting that local investors participated in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), while 24 institutions have been handed over to the Privatisation Commission.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
At least 2,571 killed in Iran's protests, US
The death toll from protests in Iran has reached 2,571 people, the U.S.-based HRANA rights group said on Wednesday, as the Islamic Republic’s clerical rulers face the biggest wave of dissent in years. An Iranian official said on Tuesday about 2,000 people had been killed, the first time authorities have given an overall death toll from more than two weeks of nationwide unrest. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting, promising help is on the way. Asked what he meant by “help is on its way”, Trump told reporters they would have to figure that out. Trump has said military action is among the options he is weighing to punish Iran over the crackdown.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
Regulated Afghan Border
Authorities say tighter controls on the movement of people and goods across the border have strengthened monitoring systems and reduced opportunities for the virus to spread. The Pakistan–Afghanistan border has long posed a challenge for polio eradication due to frequent and largely unmanaged population movement. Health officials say that better regulation of cross-border movement and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan immigrants have reduced this risk. With more structured border management, vaccination at transit points has improved and mobile populations are now easier to track. Experts emphasise that while vaccination remains the cornerstone of eradication, Pakistan’s experience in 2025 shows that regulated cross-border movement is a critical public health measure, particularly in the final stages of eliminating the virus.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
Punjab bans purchase of petrol, diesel vehicles for official use
LAHORE : The Punjab government has announced a ban on the purchase of new petrol and diesel vehicles for government departments in a bid to promote environment friendly transport. Additionally, the government has imposed a condition for the approval of new petrol pumps. This decision ensures that no new petrol pump can operate without providing facilities for electric vehicle charging. A new electric vehicle policy for the province will soon be introduced to further support these efforts. As part of this initiative, NOCs for 170 new petrol pumps in 31 cities have been issued via the E-Biz portal.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
CTD kills three wanted terrorists in DI Khan IBO
DERA ISMAIL KHAN – The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out a successful intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan, killing three most-wanted terrorists, officials confirmed on Wednesday. According to CTD officials, the operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists identified as Naimatullah, Abdul Rauf Afghani, and Mustafa. The slain militants were reportedly involved in direct attacks on police and security forces and were considered highly dangerous. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the CTD for killing three Indian-sponsored terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan. The interior minister emphasized that the achievements of CTD and other security forces in maintaining peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are highly commendable.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
Rain-bearing system to enter Pakistan tomorrow
A rain-bearing weather system is expected to enter Pakistan from the west tomorrow (Thursday), bringing rainfall to upper parts of Punjab, while the plains, including Lahore, are likely to remain dry, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The presence of fog and cloud cover has further intensified the cold weather across the province. However, there is no significant chance of rain in Lahore or other plain areas of Punjab during the next 24 hours. On Wednesday, Lahore recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 14 degrees Celsius. Similar cold and dry conditions are forecast for most plain districts of Punjab, with persistent fog during morning and late-night hours.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
President Zardari reaches Bahrain on four-day official visit
MANAMA – President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Manama on Tuesday on a four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. Upon arrival, the president was received by Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulqader and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present on the occasion, a Presidency’s news release said. During his visit, President Zardari is scheduled to hold meetings with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The president will also address a reception at the headquarters of the Economic Development Board in Manama.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
Trump vows 'very strong action' if Iran hangs protesters
He also said it was unclear what the death toll in Iran actually was. “I hear numbers — look, one death is too much — but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers,” he said. Later, speaking to reporters on his return to Washington, Trump said he would soon be receiving a briefing on Iran. Trump had previously vowed the United States would get involved if protesters were killed, a line crossed days ago. At least 734 people are confirmed to have been killed, though the actual death toll is likely in the thousands, Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said Tuesday.
Source:The Patriot
January 14, 2026 08:37 UTC
From Crisis to Cautious Optimism
The data he provided including enhanced GDP growth and reduced inflation imply that the economy might finally be stabilising after years of turmoil from floods, global inflation, energy crises, and inconsistent internal policies. However, although the signs are encouraging, the longevity of this recovery hinges on a commitment to intensifying reforms rather than easing them. Particularly encouraging is industrial growth of 9.4 per cent, alongside the recovery of large-scale manufacturing after a two-year decline. Fiscal performance, particularly tax collection of Rs 6.2 trillion with a 10 percent increase, signals progress toward fiscal discipline. Yet Pakistan’s tax base remains narrow, and reliance on indirect taxation continues to burden ordinary citizens.
Source:The Patriot
January 13, 2026 19:46 UTC
Sohail Afridi in the Dock?
The report confirms that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, along with Kamran Bangash, Taimur Jhagra, and Irfan Saleem, are among the individuals visible in the videos. In two videos where Sohail Afridi and Irfan Saleem appear, evidence of splicing was also found. Profile photographs of Sohail Afridi, Irfan Saleem, Kamran Bangash, and Taimur Jhagra were compared with the individuals in the footage. Earlier, an anti terrorism court had directed the police to obtain a forensic report in the Radio Pakistan attack case. Following the release of this report, Peshawar Police have begun consultations on nominating Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as an accused.
Source:The Patriot
January 13, 2026 19:46 UTC