Japan and UNDP Partner to Strengthen Local Governance and Public Service Delivery in the Merged Districts
Islamabad, — The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), have launched a new initiative titled “The Project for Development of Public Service Infrastructure in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” to strengthen local governance and improve access to essential public services in KP’s Merged Districts. Implemented under UNDP’s Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP), the partnership was formalized through a signing ceremony in Islamabad. Following their merger with KP in 2018, the Merged Districts are undergoing a critical transition toward decentralized governance and localized service delivery. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mahmood Khan, Joint Secretary (UN), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of Pakistan, highlighted: “The Merged Districts present both complex challenges and opportunities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative for UNDP Pakistan, said: “This is our commitment in action: to deliver services to communities that need them most, strengthen institutions that endure, and rebuild trust where it matters most.
Source:The Patriot
December 23, 2025 17:10 UTC
Saba Qamar's bold rehearsal, received with mixed reactions from users
Saba Qamar, a well-known actress of the Pakistani drama industry, is known for her lively acting, but she often comes under severe criticism due to her bold style. Saba Qamar, who has shown the essence of her acting in many popular dramas like Pani Jessa Pyaar, Baaghi, Besharm, Cheek, Digest Writer and Fraud, was recently seen walking the ramp at Bridal Couture Week. Fans appreciated Saba Qamar’s style and were seen praising her. However, during the same Bridal Couture Week, a video of Saba Qamar’s backstage rehearsal went viral in which she was seen walking in a bold style wearing a very tight dress.
Source:The Patriot
December 23, 2025 15:20 UTC
Stock exchange in Pakistan reaches new historical heights
The positive effects of the economic reforms implemented by the government in Pakistan are starting to emerge. The Pakistan Stock Exchange has become one of the best-performing markets in the world due to positive economic reforms. Since January 2025, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has given an impressive return of 47% in US dollars and 48% in Pakistani rupees. Due to this extraordinary performance, the stock exchange is considered one of the leading stock markets globally. The number of equity investors in the Pakistan Stock Exchange has increased to 450,000.
Source:The Patriot
December 23, 2025 15:20 UTC
Maryam Nawaz's strong reaction to the suspension of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance by the Lahore High Court
Lahore: Mary Nawaz’s strong reaction to the suspension of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance by the court came to light, in which she said that this decision will benefit the land mafia. Reacting to the suspension of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Immovable) Act 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in her statement that the government has set a limit for settling land and property cases that have been going on for years and generations in 90 days for the first time. She said that we have made a law to help millions of people of Punjab who have been persecuted for years and decades. The elected provincial assembly of the people made this law so that the people could be saved from the clutches of the powerful land mafia. This law gave the people the power to protect their legal land and property for the first time, for which a law based on evidence was prepared.
Source:The Patriot
December 23, 2025 15:20 UTC
NASA spacecraft close to breaking record for miles traveled on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover is close to breaking the record for the longest journey on Mars. The previous record for the longest distance traveled on Mars was held by NASA’s Opportunity rover, which traveled about 28.06 miles (45.16 kilometers). NASA’s latest rover, Perseverance, has traveled about 25 miles (40 kilometers) and is close to breaking Opportunity’s record. The mission’s goal is not only to travel farther, but also to find ancient biological traces in Mars’ Jezero Crater. Mission engineers believe Perseverance could travel many more miles in the future, especially if it remains operational until 2028 or beyond.
Source:The Patriot
December 23, 2025 15:20 UTC
When Capitalism Gives Back
Nowhere is this reality more visible than in the United States, where capitalism has produced astonishing prosperity alongside extreme concentration of wealth. It is here that capitalism, paradoxically, often produces its most noble outcomes. This was not the rejection of capitalism, but its final evolution—capital redirected from accumulation to social investment. In effect, capitalism would be financing its own social correction. In theory, it is a virtuous cycle: wealth creates opportunity; opportunity creates productivity; productivity sustains growth.
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2025 06:59 UTC
Rana Mashhood declares Pakistan’s Youth as the nation’s future at MOIC Summit 2025
Rana Mashhood declares Pakistan’s Youth as the nation’s future at MOIC Summit 2025ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan attended the inaugural ceremony of the International MOIC Summit Pakistan 2025 here at the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized that youth are Pakistan’s most valuable national asset and the key drivers of future progress. He added that targeted investments in education, innovation, and employment are vital to prepare Pakistan’s youth for global competition. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan underlined the significance of international platforms such as the MOIC Summit in fostering youth leadership and global collaboration. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan concluded by emphasizing that the International MOIC Summit Pakistan 2025 provides a platform for youth leaders, experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders.
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2025 05:56 UTC
Cadets urged to choose integrity over shortcuts
Addressing the 63rd Annual Parents Day at Cadet College Petaro in Jamshoro district on Monday, Bilawal urged the young cadets to make service to Pakistan their lifelong commitment. He emphasised that Pakistan of tomorrow will be built by people who choose integrity over shortcuts, service over self-interest, and courage over convenience. Referring to the May 7 victory of Pakistani armed forces against Indian aggression, he said the victory was not merely tactical but moral. He praised the armed forces for demonstrating professionalism, preparedness, and unity of command, defending the country's sovereignty and achieving clear military success. He noted that institutions like Petaro Cadet College continue to produce leaders forged in discipline and guided by principles.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 23, 2025 03:15 UTC
Sindh objects to NFC terms shifting costs to provinces
Official documents show that during the maiden meeting of the NFC, the CM stated the inclusion of these three terms of reference in the NFC notification was unconstitutional. Syed Murad Ali Shah is a member of the NFC in his capacity as the finance minister of Sindh. "The Sindh chief minister observed that agenda items (d), (e), and (f) do not fall within constitutional limits," the documents said. Term (f) concerns issues relating to financial expenses for national projects to be shared by the federation and the provinces. Sources said during one of the follow-up meetings convened at the technical level, Punjab suggested that the NFC sub-group should only cover terms related to fiscal expenses incurred by the federation in the provinces.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 23, 2025 02:59 UTC
Dense fog shuts major motorways across Punjab
Dense fog once again blanketed large parts of Punjab, including Lahore, on the night between Sunday and Monday, severely disrupting road traffic and forcing the closure of several motorway sections due to extremely low visibility. The thick fog reduced visibility to near zero in many areas, hampering the smooth flow of traffic in multiple cities. A spokesperson for the Motorway Police said that several key routes were closed for all kinds of traffic to ensure public safety. The police also urged drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed and switch on fog lights while travelling. Dense fog also disrupted traffic at several points along the National Highway, where visibility ranged between zero and 100 metres, causing additional difficulties for commuters.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 20:03 UTC
President Zardari visits sacred shrines in Iraq, prays for unity of Muslim Ummah
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday paid visits to several revered holy shrines in Baghdad during his four-day official trip to Iraq. The president visited the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) and the mausoleum of Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (RA) in Baghdad. He also went to Kazimiya, where he offered Fateha at the shrines of Imam Musa al-Kazim and Imam Muhammad al-Taqi al-Jawad (AS). During the visits, prayed for peace, unity, and security across the Muslim Ummah. At the Kazimiya shrine, he recorded his reflections in the visitors’ book, describing the teachings of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as a timeless source of guidance, patience, wisdom, and moral strength.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 19:58 UTC
Punjab introduces fully digital environmental approval system to replace colonial-era forest law
The Punjab government has abolished the British-era Forest Act and introduced a modern, technology-driven system designed to curb corruption and strengthen environmental governance. Launched under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the reform aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency across environmental and forestry institutions. With this transformation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has become Punjab’s first government department to function entirely through a paperless digital framework. The new platform, named e-FOAS (e-File Online Approval System), has been made mandatory for all departments dealing with environmental matters. The digital reform also covers import permits, laboratory certifications, protection orders, and official government recommendations, ensuring a unified and transparent approval process.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 19:32 UTC
Mark Kimmitt on Trump’s Pakistan Policy Shift: A Must Read
A country long viewed through a narrow security lens and often treated as a reluctant or problematic partner is now being reimagined as a central pillar of United States policy in South Asia. A decisive trigger for this policy shift was the brief but intense Pakistan India military confrontation in May. In this context, the assumption that India alone could anchor United States interests in South Asia began to look increasingly flawed. The article further explains that the initial thaw in Pakistan United States relations did not begin publicly but through discreet counterterrorism exchanges. By early 2026, the article suggests, Pakistan is likely to be positioned close to the centre of Trump’s broader grand strategy.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 19:31 UTC
Smart mobility for a smarter Pakistan
The adoption of EV technologies can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve urban air quality, and lower public health costs. Beyond environmental benefits, EV technologies can stimulate local industry and employment. AI can optimize EV charging networks, manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and integrate electric transport with smart city planning. EV technologies and artificial intelligence are not luxuries for Pakistan they are strategic necessities. With vision, planning, and sustained commitment, Pakistan can harness these technologies to build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable future.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 19:31 UTC
All problems can be solved through dialogue: SK Niazi
Law and order situation must be improved for CPEC: Dr. Qibla Ayaz, If India wages war, it will get a harsh response: Ghulam Rasool BalochBy Staff ReporterISLAMABAD: Editor In Chief Pakistan Group of Newspaper and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, i have personally heard the Field Marshal’s speech, what the Field Marshal said in the conversation is correct, reducing terrorism is very difficult, all countries must sit together and play their role to eliminate terrorism, Pakistan-US relations have improved a lot, all these matters are getting better because of the Field Marshal, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is working day and night for the development of the country, the economic situation of the country is not good, the government is focusing on improving the economic situation, Economic conditions are going to improve, due to Field Marshal, the country has embarked on the path of development, PTI doesn’t understand anything at this time, things are getting difficult for PTI day by day, PTI has disintegrated, possibilities of improvement are emerging for PTI, all problems can be solved through dialogue, there is justice in the country. Former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz said the country is gradually moving towards political stability, Pakistan has given India the worst defeat, the Prime Minister and Field Marshal are being given great respect, Pakistan is receiving recognition worldwide, Pakistan has received a lot of respect after May 10, Pakistan will soon move towards stability, only the state can declare jihad, Field Marshal also said the same in his speech, the message of Pakistan has twenty-two points, no one can declare jihad on their own, no group can make such a declaration, Libya has been a very prosperous country, this country is going through very difficult times after Gaddafi, Libya understands the importance of Pakistan, a national unity government should be formed in Libya, there has been a lot of improvement in the media, SK Niazi, you are the man of crisis in the media, SK Niazi sir, your programs are very good, law and order situation must be improved for CPEC. Former ambassador Ghulam Rasool Baloch said conditions in Pakistan are improving day by day, It was very difficult for us when Trump was coming to India, the situation in Pakistan is very different now, Pakistan’s relations with the US have improved, Pakistan has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia, this agreement is very welcome for us, Pakistan gave India the worst defeat, Pakistan’s image has improved a lot, Pakistan will not forget the defeat of India, we have now reached an agreement with Libya as well, Pakistan has moved towards development, now Pakistan’s voice is being heard all over the world, if there is Pakistan, then we are all there, Pakistan is signing agreements with countries around the world, there is a need to improve internal conditions, if the internal situation is improved, the country will progress further, Pakistan is a nuclear country, Pakistan knows how to protect itself, no one can look at Pakistan with a dirty eye, Field Marshal has put the country on the path of development, the situation in the country is improving day by day, our army is the best army in the world, our intelligent pilots have proven their mettle all over the world, our pilots proved their capabilities during the war, we gave India the worst defeat that will be remembered for centuries, our relations with all countries have improved, India is not digesting all this, If India wages war, it will get a harsh response: justice should be seen being done in the country.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 19:31 UTC