DPM, Saudi FM discuss regional situation
BEIJING, Jan 03 :Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, upon landing in Beijing, spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Both leaders deliberated on the recent situation in the region. The DPM/FM welcomed the Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding Yemen and appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve the regional situation amicably.
Source:The Nation
January 03, 2026 18:46 UTC
PM pays tribute to martyrs Capt Asmad, others
LAHORE, Jan 03 Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday paid tribute to Pakistan Army Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan and civilian machine operator Essa, who embraced martyrdom as a result of a snow sliding during a clearance operation at the snow-affected Burzil Pass. The premier prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and also expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs. He stated that the martyrs, without taking care of their lives, continued the operation to reopen the snow-affected Burzil Pass and played their role in ensuring smooth traffic flow. He said, “The nation salutes the martyrs.
Source:The Nation
January 03, 2026 18:46 UTC
2025 was UK's hottest, sunniest year on record
Previous record of 10.03C was set in 2022UK hottest year. Photo: AFP (file)Last year was Britain's hottest and sunniest on record, the national weather service confirmed on Friday, calling it a "clear demonstration" of the impacts of climate change. The previous record of 10.03C was set in 2022. The Met Office had already announced last month that 2025 was the country's sunniest year since that record series began in 1910. The United Kingdom, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, saw 1648.5 hours of sunshine, 61.4 hours more than the previous record set in 2003.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 03, 2026 05:02 UTC
ATC hands double life sentences to
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the reserved verdict shortly after the conclusion of the trial. The court awarded two life sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed Khan. In the case registered at Abpara Police Station, the court sentenced Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain to life imprisonment. In the case registered at Ramna Police Station, sentences were awarded to Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed. It is pertinent to note that under anti-terrorism laws, trials can be conducted in the absence of the accused.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2026 14:52 UTC
Adil Raja, six others handed to double life sentences for 'digital terrorism'
ATC imposes 35 years additional imprisonment Rs1.5m fine as trial conducted in absence of accusedAn Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has handed down double life sentences to YouTuber Adil Raja, former army official Syed Akbar Hussain, and journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, Shaheen Sehbai, and Haider Mehdi. The sentences were announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra in cases regarding “digital terrorism” against state institutions during May 9, 2023. Another rigorous life imprisonment was ordered under Section 120-B of the PPC for criminal conspiracy. In addition to the life terms, the court awarded each convict an additional 35 years’ rigorous imprisonment across five counts, along with a total fine of Rs1.5 million. Read More: UK court imposes £350,000 penalty on Adil Raja in defamation caseThe court ordered that all sentences run concurrently.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 02, 2026 13:46 UTC
IHC terms unlawful police arrest as
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared arrests made by police without due legal process as abduction and ordered action against the involved police officials. It dismissed the police case registered against Muhammad Waqas, Aleem Suhail, Sana Suhail, and Arham Waqas. The matter stemmed from a financial dispute between former PIA Chief Executive Officer Musharraf Rasool and citizens Muhammad Waqas and Aleem Suhail. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued a detailed written verdict on petitions filed by Muhammad Waqas, Aleem Suhail, and Aleem Suhail’s wife Sana Suhail, seeking the quashing of the case registered against them. According to the verdict, the fined amount will be paid by the Islamabad police officials as compensation to the complainant, Sana Suhail.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2026 08:41 UTC
FinMin lauds FBR for record tax collection in Dec 2025
Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb has praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving the highest tax collection in the country’s history in December 2025 and directed officials to further increase tax revenues. He described the performance as clear evidence of the success of the government’s fiscal reform agenda, improved tax compliance, effective enforcement, and digital reforms. This marked the highest-ever tax collection for the month of December in any year, reflecting improved compliance and effective enforcement. Figures showed a 59 percent increase in tax collection in December compared to November, when revenues stood at Rs898 billion, rising to Rs1,427.1 billion in December. Sales tax collection rose by 25 percent to Rs403.7 billion, while federal excise duty increased by 6 percent to Rs72.8 billion.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2026 08:41 UTC
Norse Atlantic gets CAA approval for UK–Islamabad flights
Planned services include routes from London, Manchester and BirminghamPhoto: Norse Atlantic official websiteUK-based Norse Atlantic Airways has been granted permission by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate flights to Pakistan. Pakistan has approved the designation of UK airline - Norse Atlantic. The airline will operate direct flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham to the Capital City - Islamabad. PIA is already operating three weekly flights to Manchester, a route that resumed on October 25 after a five-year suspension. The service initially relaunched with two weekly flights before being increased to three.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 02, 2026 08:33 UTC
Pakistan Inflation Slows More Than Expected as Food Prices Ease
By Bilal HussainPakistan’s inflation rate rose 5.6% in December from a year earlier, according to the Pakistan Bureau ofStatistics. The State Bank of Pakistan cut the policy rate by 50 basis points on Dec. 15 to support growth, citing stable pricepressures. Food costs rose 3.24% last month from a year earlierwhile housing & energy prices climbed 6.86% inDecember, bureau data showed. Food costs rose 3.24% last month from a year earlier, slowing from 5.53% in November. Housing & energyprices climbed 6.86% in December, compared with5.34% a month earlier, bureau data showed.
Source:The Patriot
January 02, 2026 08:23 UTC
A gentle rain, a stronger hope
As Pakistan steps into the New Year, the sound of falling rain has arrived like a gentle blessing, washing away the dust of the old year and offering hope for a better beginning. Rainfall at the start of the year carries deep importance for an agrarian country like Pakistan. Streets washed clean, cooler temperatures, and the rhythmic sound of rain have created a mood of reflection and hope. In cultural and spiritual traditions, rain is often viewed as a blessing from above, encouraging gratitude and patience in difficult times. As Pakistan begins the New Year under cloudy skies and gentle showers, the rain serves as both a gift and a reminder.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 20:33 UTC
Humiliation in India
One of the most enduring sources of humiliation in India is the caste system, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy that has over centuries, shaped the lives of millions. This kind of social humiliation does not just hurt the individual–it perpetuates a cycle of marginalization that hinders societal progress. Women in India face a different but no less pervasive form of humiliation, often rooted in patriarchal values that diminish their agency and value. Humiliation is also a potent political tool in India. On a less visible level, economic humiliation is an issue that affects millions in India.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 20:17 UTC
Karachi Bar Association announces to resolve Rajab Butt issue through talks Archives
Karachi: After the general body meeting on the Rajab Butt issue, the Karachi Bar Association announced a temporary end to the strike. President Karachi Bar Amir Nawaz Warraich says that negotiations will be held between the parties at the Karachi Bar on January 3, and the parties will resolve the issue through negotiations. President Karachi […]
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 17:15 UTC
Stop eating like a glutton, Wasim Akram advises Pakistanis on New Year
Former captain of the national cricket team and world-renowned bowler known as the Sultan of Swing has warned Pakistanis on the arrival of the New Year and advised them to stop eating like scumbags. The Sultan of Swing released his video statement on the social networking site in which he wished his fans and all Pakistanis a Happy New Year 2026. Wasim Akram warned in his video message that the diabetes rate in Pakistan has reached 33 percent, which means that a quarter of the nation has been affected by this disease. He advised Pakistanis to check their sugar levels, show them to the doctor and stop going to the doctors.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 17:15 UTC
Saleem Javed's new Balochi song, a beautiful gift for the New Year
Saleem Javed has made a fresh entry in the New Year by presenting his popular Balochi song in a new tune and a new style. Saleem Javed himself has also called this song a special New Year gift for his fans. The new Balochi tune reflects the deep connection between Saleem Javed that has always existed between his art and Balochi music. It is noteworthy that his first album, released almost forty years ago, also achieved extraordinary success thanks to a Balochi song. In this musically rich environment, this new Balochi song by Saleem Javed has become prominent, attracting old fans as well as the younger generation.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 17:15 UTC
Recommendations sought to provide more facilities to foreign and domestic investors
Islamabad: The Prime Minister has sought recommendations to provide more facilities to foreign and domestic investors and directed that special importance be given to the export sector to increase investment. In his address, the Prime Minister said that all ministries should formulate recommendations for foreign and domestic investment and development projects related to their sectors as soon as possible. The Prime Minister sought recommendations for providing more facilities to foreign and domestic investors and directed that special importance be given to the proposals for the promotion of the export sector and the proposed development projects to increase investment. Mutual coordination of all ministries and mutual cooperation of the federal and provincial governments play a key role for effective economic reforms and overall economic development. Shahbaz Sharif said that to increase foreign investment, the relevant ministries should effectively cooperate to facilitate foreign investors through Pakistani embassies around the world, early awareness of facilities and other important information for investors should be ensured in Pakistani embassies for investment, ministries should pay equal attention to industrial production, agriculture and all other important sectors to increase investment.
Source:The Patriot
January 01, 2026 17:14 UTC