We are free to carry out military action in any country, Trump says
US President Donald Trump has said that he has the authority to carry out military action against all countries of the world, and that his “own morals” are the only limit that can restrain him. “I do not recognise any international law.”In an interview to The New York Times, President Trump made it clear that his decisions are not constrained by international laws. President Trump said that at times it may seem necessary to follow international law, but its application depends on how that law is defined. President Trump said that what action China takes regarding Taiwan depends on the Chinese president. He said he would not be pleased with any Chinese action against Taiwan, while also expressing hope that China will not take action against Taiwan.
Source:The Patriot
January 09, 2026 08:52 UTC
Asif urges PTI to change attitude for dialogue
Minister for Defense Khawaja Asif on Thursday urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to change it’s an attitude for initiating dialogue with government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should also extend full support to security institutions for fighting war on terror, he said while talking to a private television channel. He said, we are facing terrorism in the provincial parts due to weak policies of PTI’s last regime. PTI leaders should accept the mistakes made in the past, he stated. In reply to a question about talks with Afghan, he said Pakistan needs a written document from Afghan authorities so that terrorism issues facing our country could be addressed properly.
Source:The Patriot
January 09, 2026 08:52 UTC
Govt ready to hold talks with opposition: Tariq Fazal
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, while terming dialogue another name for democracy, said on Thursday that the government is ready to hold talks with the opposition on all matters. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said that the Prime Minister has invited the opposition for negotiations for five times. He pointed out that there appear to be conflicting views within PTI regarding talks with the government. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the opposition could also use the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly to initiate dialogue with the government. He said that the opposition should play its role in the Parliament adding that the Prime Minister wants a model of good governance in the country.
Source:The Patriot
January 09, 2026 08:52 UTC
Trump’s War on the World Order: Burying the United Nations and NATO
This sweeping decision followed a government-wide review of every international organization, treaty, and convention in which the United States holds membership or provides financial support. Immediately upon returning to office, President Trump renewed the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement. If the United States were to assert control over Greenland, NATO would not collapse under external attack; it would die of internal contradiction. With the United Nations weakened and multilateral forums abandoned, disputes that once might have been mediated now drift toward unilateral force. The choice before the world is stark: rebuild collective order—or prepare for an era in which power alone decides, and the world order is not merely weakened, but buried.
Source:The Nation
January 09, 2026 06:21 UTC
20 nations back Somalia sovereignty, condemn Israeli FM visit to Somaliland
RIYADH: Twenty nations have reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and denounced the recent visit of Israel’s foreign minister to Somaliland, a separatist-seeking region of the country, according to a joint statement issued early on Friday. The nations dismissed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity, and urged Israel to revoke its decision immediately. The nations condemned Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Somaliland on Tuesday, days after Israel became the only country to formally recognize the breakaway region of Somalia. Saar said Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, had accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel. Somaliland has denied recognition allows for Israel to establish military bases there or for the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Source:The Nation
January 09, 2026 06:19 UTC
AJK PM says PPP to sweep elections in valley
With elections only six months away, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore ruled out any alliance with PML-NThe Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), said AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Thursday. After Sindh, PPP was the strongest political force in AJK, Rathore said while talking to the media at an event in Karachi. With elections only six months away in the liberated territory, Rathore ruled out any alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Regarding the PTI, he said it has lost its relevance in AJK. Rathore proposed the establishment of a Kashmir House in Karachi, stating that discussions would be held with the Sindh government for land allocation.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 09, 2026 05:35 UTC
Investment steps lack transparency
The ministry prepared the report as part of an action plan of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment. The body was set up after Gulf nations complained about the lack of coordination among various entities of Pakistan, which was blocking investment inflows. This can weaken efficiency, blur the distinction between facilitation and discretion, and constrain the credibility of investment governance mechanisms, it said. The IMF's governance report also highlighted the issues arising out of the parallel existence of the Board of Investment and the SIFC. "While the SIFC was established to accelerate investment and privatisation efforts, the Board of Investment continues to exist," stated the IMF's report released six weeks ago.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 09, 2026 05:03 UTC
A double-edged sword in economic growth
By Sardar Khan NiaziIn the world of economics, private sector credit is often hailed as the lifeblood of growth. However, the relationship between private sector credit and economic prosperity is far from straightforward. Private sector credit refers to the loans and financial products extended by banks and other financial institutions to businesses and individuals. In developing economies, the absence of private sector credit can stifle growth. The question then becomes how do we ensure that private sector credit serves its intended purpose.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 19:57 UTC
A season that tests our readiness
Severe winters are not new to these regions, yet their impacts are often underestimated until daily life is disrupted. Cold weather exacerbates illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, posing serious risks to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The NDMA’s assurance of timely early warnings and dissemination of information is encouraging, as proactive communication remains the cornerstone of effective disaster risk management. Community-level preparedness, including local volunteers and disaster response units, can play a decisive role in mitigating the worst effects of severe weather. As climate variability increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cold waves should no longer be viewed as routine seasonal challenges.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 19:57 UTC
Bitget TradFi Surpasses $2 Billion in Daily Volume as Gold Trading
Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has recorded more than $2 billion in daily trading volume on Bitget TradFi, marking a major milestone since its public rollout on January 5. The surge in trading activity reflects the real need for Bitget TradFi, which enables crypto-native traders to participate in global markets through a seamless trading interface. Since its launch, Gold (XAUUSD) has emerged as the most actively traded pair on Bitget TradFi, ranking first by volume. Bitget TradFi has been designed as an event-driven trading environment, offering short-term access to global financial instruments. With $2 billion in daily TradFi volume now recorded, Bitget is lowering the barriers typically associated with traditional markets.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 16:54 UTC
Ali Amin Gandapur declared proclaimed offender, cs
An Islamabad district and sessions court has declared Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in a liquor and illegal arms recovery case and issued permanent arrest warrants against him. Consequently, the court formally declared Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender. The judicial magistrate also cancelled the surety bonds submitted on behalf of the accused and ordered the issuance of permanent non-bailable arrest warrants. Additionally, the court directed that Ali Amin Gandapur’s name be included in the list of proclaimed offenders. According to court records, the case against Ali Amin Gandapur is registered at Bara Kahu Police Station in Islamabad.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 08:55 UTC
CM Maryam Nawaz distributes honorarium cards to mosque Imams
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif distributed honorarium cards to mosque Imams across the province, on Thursday. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the vital role of religious leaders in guiding the community during times of joy and grief. Starting from the end of February, the honorarium will be directly deposited into the Imams’ Punjab Bank accounts. The chief minister stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the government and religious leaders to maintain societal harmony. Highlighting the role of religious leaders in public awareness, she urged Imams to help communicate government initiatives to the community.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 08:54 UTC
PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Quetta for one-day official visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta today (Thursday) on a one-day official visit. During his visit, the prime minister is scheduled to hold a busy day, including presiding over a high-level meeting to review law and order, security, and the overall situation in Balochistan. In addition, Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet parliamentary leaders of allied parties to discuss provincial and federal matters. The premier will also inaugurate the Danish School in Quetta as part of his visit, highlighting the government’s focus on education and development initiatives in the province. The one-day visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to improving security, governance, and educational infrastructure in Balochistan.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 08:54 UTC
Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 challenged in LHC
The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, questioning the legality of allowing kite flying under the new law. In the petition, it was argued that the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The petitioner contended that the government had earlier imposed strict bans and severe punishments on kite flying due to the dangers it poses to public safety. Allowing kite flying again, the petition argued, is a hazardous step that could put citizens’ lives at risk, particularly due to the use of metallic and sharp kite strings. The petitioner also urged the court to declare the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 null and void.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 08:54 UTC
Nepra cuts power tariff by Rs0.93 per unit for January
National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reduced power tariff by Rs0.93 per unit, giving a relief to electricity consumers across Pakistan. NEPRA stated that the tariff cut aims to pass on the benefit of lower fuel costs to consumers, providing temporary relief amid rising energy expenses. Meanwhile, NEPRA has also approved an increase of Rs1.79 per unit in electricity prices effective from January 1, 2026. As a result, the average electricity tariff from January 2026 has been fixed at Rs33.38 per unit. Currently, the average base electricity tariff stands at Rs31.59 per unit.
Source:The Patriot
January 08, 2026 08:54 UTC