Two children fall into open sewage drain in Kacheri Bazaar, residents blame civic negligence
Two young children narrowly escaped tragedy after falling into an uncovered sewage drain in , an incident residents attribute to alleged negligence by the Municipal Committee. According to local residents, the drain’s protective slabs had been missing for nearly two months, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians. As a result, five-year-old Ibrahim and three-year-old Hamad reportedly slipped into the open drain. During the incident, three-year-old Hamad suffered injuries, while Ibrahim escaped without serious harm. The incident has sparked anger among area residents, who say repeated complaints about the missing slabs went unaddressed.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 19:31 UTC
The Two-Nation Theory: A Reality Beyond Borders
The assassination of student leader Usman Hadi has brought this design into sharp and tragic focus. The Two-Nation Theory was not imposed by geography; it was embraced as a civilizational truth that Muslims, irrespective of language or region, formed a distinct political community entitled to self-rule. The claim that 1971 buried the Two-Nation Theory does not withstand serious scrutiny. The blood of Usman Hadi has added a solemn chapter to this shared history. The Two-Nation Theory has survived war, propaganda, and political manipulation.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 19:07 UTC
Digital platform ‘Zarkheze’ launched to revolutionise agricultural financing
ISLAMABAD - The Finance Division, in collaboration with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), Sunday launched Zarkheze, a digital platform designed to revolutionise agricultural financing. The initiative aims to digitize agriculture finance enabling farmers to digitally apply and obtain financing of upto Rs1 million through Zarkheze app. After necessary verifications and agronomic assessments, the application will be submitted to the bank of farmer’s choice for processing the application. The Zarkheze product will thus not only provide financing but will also improve the farmers’ productivity through quality inputs and advisory services. By digitising the credit journey, we are removing friction for small farmers and ensuring that formal lending is accessible, timely, and helps farmers improve their productivity.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 17:52 UTC
Panda bonds worth $250 million issued; details of government plan revealed Archives
ISLAMABAD: The details of the government’s plan to issue Panda Bonds worth $250 million in the first phase have been revealed. An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding the issuance of Panda Bonds, in which the progress of Pakistan’s first Panda Bond issuance was reviewed.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 17:43 UTC
2025 marks decisive reset in Pakistan-US ties: Washington Times
Photo: HandoutThe Washington Times has described 2025 as a turning point in Pakistan–US relations, citing what it called a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach. The operation demonstrated Pakistan’s military discipline, precision, and strategic reach, sending a clear message that its airspace and national sovereignty would not be violated. Earlier, during his official visit to the United States, Field Marshal Munir praised President Trump for helping prevent “many wars,” including brokering the May Pakistan-India ceasefire. The short but intense May skirmish with India became a decisive turning point, showcasing Pakistan’s military discipline, strategic focus, and asymmetric capabilities - qualities that reportedly surprised Trump. By early 2026, The Washington Times notes, Pakistan sits at the center of Trump’s emerging grand strategy for South Asia and the Far East.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 22, 2025 17:17 UTC
Murder case solved in one hour, ASP Shahr Bano even surpassed the Indian drama CID
In further conversation, ASP Shahrbanu Naqvi also narrates the details of the murder. One user wrote that the ASP solved the murder case in an hour during the podcast, which is an extraordinary speed. Some users took the matter seriously and questioned whether it was realistic to not only arrest the accused but also reveal the entire story in an hour? On the other hand, some users also came out in favor of ASP Shahrbanu Naqvi. So far, no formal explanation or response has come out from ASP Shahrbanu Naqvi on this matter.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 15:22 UTC
Field Marshal Munir honoured with King Abdulaziz
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir was award the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour for his central role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, both sides held discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defence and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges. The interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. “The honour recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s distinguished military service and leadership, as well as his central role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 09:14 UTC
Governor Mehdi Shah demands provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah on Sunday demanded provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan and its inclusion in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Dunya News reported. The governor demanded that the federal government increase the number of seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly from 24 to 30 to ensure better representation. Syed Mehdi Shah said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had pledged to provide 100 megawatts of electricity to the region, expressing hope that the commitment would be fulfilled. Governor Shah said the federation must provide GB with its due share of development funds. He dismissed PML-N claims that the Sindh government was objecting to GB’s inclusion in the NFC.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 09:14 UTC
LHC suspends implementation of Punjab
The Lahore High Court has suspended the implementation of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance following hearings on multiple petitions against it. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard petitions from individuals including Abida Parveen and others. After addressing objections raised in the petitions, the court recommended forming a full bench to further deliberate on the matter. The Punjab chief secretary appeared before the court in response to the judicial order. You would have no right to appeal.”The chief justice also questioned the law’s provisions, stating that it seems individuals can make phone calls to forcefully take possession of properties.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 09:14 UTC
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to $21.1 billion, the highest level since March 2022, marking a significant milestone for the country. This achievement reflects sustainable economic growth and strong investor confidence in the country’s leadership. Furthermore, there has been a 65% reduction in forward foreign exchange liabilities, which is expected to reduce external pressure in the future. Economic experts believed that the reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio, stronger foreign exchange reserves, increased business confidence, and overall economic stability are key indicators of this progress. The recent increase in reserves is seen not just as a numerical improvement, but as a sign of a fundamental shift towards sustainable external economic stability.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
11 killed, six injured in van, oil tanker collision in Chaghi
At least 11 people were killed and six other sustained injuries in collision between a van and oil tanker near Nokundi, a town in Chaghi district of Balochistan province, on Sunday, Dunya News reported. According to SP Chaghi Muhammad Sharif, the accident occurred at the Reko Diq Site Road near Nokundi where an oil tanker collided with a van, killing 11 people on the spot and injuring six others. He informed that the dead and injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital. SP Chaghi Muhammad Sharif also informed that all the people who lost their lives in the traffic accident were Afghan nationals attempting to illegally travel to Iran and then onward to Europe via Pakistan. According to the SP Chaghi, after completing the legal formalities, the bodies of the deceased will be handed over to the Afghan authorities.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
Nation stands united with security forces in
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday said that the entire nation stands united with the security forces in the fight against terrorism, vowing that the hostile designs of enemy elements would be defeated at all costs. Ayaz Sadiq lauded the security forces for eliminating nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in successful operations carried out in Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Speaker paid tribute to the personnel involved in operations against terrorists, commending their courage and dedication in safeguarding the nation. He highlighted the professionalism, swift response, and advanced military capability of the forces, noting that they had once again demonstrated their readiness to make every sacrifice for the defence of the country and the preservation of peace and order. He stressed that there would be no leniency for those who disrupt Pakistan’s peace or support such activities, adding that indiscriminate action against such elements would continue.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
DG ISPR holds interactive session with students
Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, held a special session with the students and faculty of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. The session focused on the importance of understanding the background and real facts behind information spreading on social media to avoid misleading narratives. During the session, DG ISPR answered all questions satisfactorily, clearing many misconceptions and fostering better understanding. Faculty members encouraged students to channel their energy into positive and creative pursuits, advising them to focus on honing their skills. At the end of the session, students expressed their admiration for the professional services of the Pakistan Army and reaffirmed their unwavering support with the statement, “Pak Army is with us, and we are with Pak Army.”
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:51 UTC
Motorways closed at many places as dense f
Dense fog again blanketed plain areas of Punjab including Lahore on night between Sunday and Monday, forcing closure of various motorway sections due to low visibility. The thick fog has badly affected the flow of road traffic in several cities. According to the Motorway Police sources, safe travel times in fog are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Motorway police have appealed the drivers to use Grand Trunk (GT) Road for travelling. Dense fog has also disrupted traffic at several places in the province at the National Highway as visibility is from zero to 100 meters.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:51 UTC
Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras from Cardinals
Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras from CardinalsThe American League East has gotten a bit tougher on Sunday evening. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Boston Red Sox have acquired Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Farjado, and Blake Aita. By acquiring Contreras, the Red Sox have added some middle-of-the-lineup thump. As for what the Red Sox gave up, Dobbins appeared in 13 games, making 11 starts, in Major League Baseball last season. Neither Farjado or Aita rank on MLB Pipeline’s top 30 list for the Red Sox .
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 01:41 UTC