Centre, K-P NFC award politics heats up
Under the 7th NFC award, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's share was determined at 14.62% of the provincial share in the divisible pool. Although the 7th NFC award was originally envisaged for a five-year period, the absence of consensus on subsequent NFC awards necessitated the continued implementation of the 7th NFC Award framework, according to the Finance Ministry. Accordingly, K-P continues to receive its due share, including the additional allocation for the war on terror, it added. Additional Federal Support beyond NFC the ministry said that over Rs1.4 trillion, which is equal to 18% of the total transfers, is also given to K-P in addition to its share in NFC. Following the merger of former FATA into K-P after the 7th NFC Award, and in the absence of a revised NFC formula, the federal government has been financing the expenditures of the newly merged districts from its own NFC share, said the finance ministry.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 21, 2025 06:28 UTC
Tosha Khana Case: End of the Moral Monopoly
Asif MahmoodThe conviction of Imran Khan and his wife in the Toshakhana case is a stark reminder of how power, when mixed with arrogance and moral grandstanding, often circles back on itself. For years, Imran Khan built his political identity on the language of purity. This is what makes the episode a classic case of moral retribution. The Toshakhana case is significant not only because of the legal outcome but because of what it exposes about political culture. The fall of Imran Khan should remind all political actors that the law eventually catches up, and rhetoric cannot permanently shield reality.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 21:09 UTC
Stability through reform, not rhetoric
By Sardar Khan NiaziPakistan’s recurring crises, economic fragility, political polarization, internal insecurity and eroding public trust are discussed as isolated problems. Stability and security will not come from short-term fixes or emotional appeals, but from sustained institutional reform, political maturity and a renewed social contract between the state and its citizens. Stability demands that all actors political, judicial and security-related operate strictly within constitutional limits. Stability and security will not come from one leader, one institution or one narrative. They will come when the state chooses reform over rhetoric, inclusion over coercion, and long-term planning over short-term survival.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 21:09 UTC
Lahore Corps Commander visits NCA, praises nation-army unity
The Corps Commander Lahore visited the National College of Arts (NCA) in a special event that brought together students and faculty members. During his address, the Corps Commander said that the entire nation takes pride in the armed forces. As part of his visit, the Corps Commander inaugurated the Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos halls at NCA. He also toured an exhibition featuring paintings created by students in honor of the armed forces. They praised the armed forces for enhancing Pakistan’s standing in global affairs.
Source:The Nation
December 20, 2025 11:05 UTC
From Institutions to Identity Fracture: How Intellectual Decline Spreads Through a Nation
Furthermore, a nation cannot be held together by institutions that have lost their fundamental purpose. When Institutions Lose Faith:Classrooms are not the only places where intellectual loss occurs. Institutions gradually lose their purpose rather than abruptly ceasing to function. Institutions gradually lose their purpose rather than abruptly ceasing to function. Rather of creating a common intellectual foundation, the system gradually separated it.
Source:The Nation
December 20, 2025 09:57 UTC
Imran, Bushra Bibi receive 17-year prison
A special court on Saturday handed down prison terms and fines to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, after convicting them on corruption-related charges. Bushra Bibi received an identical sentence of 17 years’ imprisonment under the same legal provisions. Charges were framed against PTI founder Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case on December 12, 2024. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were arrested on July 13, 2024. On October 23, 2024, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to the accused, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, under Section 4-A.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 09:19 UTC
ECNEC approves 11 projects in various sectors
ISLAMABAD:A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, approved 11 projects pertaining to various sectors, ranging from transport to communications and the environment. The meeting was attended by the minister for planning, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, ministers from Sindh & KPK, various federal secretaries from the concerned ministries and provincial heads of the development departments, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said in a press release. The committee approved revised PC-1 of Dasu Hydropower Project, besides it also approved a policy paper regarding training opportunities for up to 10,000 young engineers annually who would be placed in development projects.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Toshakhana verdict clearly reflects
Prime Minister’s Adviser, Rana Sanaullah, stated that the verdict in the Toshakhana case is a clear reflection of the corruption during PTI’s tenure. In his statement, he accused the founder of PTI and his team of looting the country during their rule. On the other hand, Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, said that the Toshakhana case was a clear one, and a conviction was inevitable as they had no defense. He added that Bushra Bibi and the PTI founder had taken items such as a rare and expensive necklace in the first Toshakhana case, along with dinner sets and phones, and falsely valued them. He emphasized that the Toshakhana is meant to hold gifts in trust for the government, and they had betrayed that trust by keeping items worth billions for a few rupees.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
President Zardari to leave for Iraq on five-day official visit today
President, Asif Ali Zardari, will leave for Iraq on five-day official visit today (Saturday) at the invitation of President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. The visit underscores the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared bonds of faith, culture, and mutual respect, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said. Discussions will also cover regional and international developments, as well as cooperation at multilateral fora. The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally warm and cordial ties between the two countries, identify new avenues of partnership, and enhance people-to-people linkages, particularly in the context of religious tourism and economic collaboration. The official visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with Iraq and its commitment to fostering a results-oriented, forward-looking, and strategic partnership that contributes to Iraq’s stability and development, as well as to regional peace and prosperity.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Toshakhana-II sentences to begin
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on Friday clarified that the prison sentences awarded to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case will commence after the completion of the earlier 14-year sentence in 190 million-pound case. In a statement, Tarar explained that following the conclusion of the 14-year term, the 17-year prison sentence imposed in the Toshakhana-II case will begin. “The gifts were misappropriated for personal gain, resulting in losses of approximately three to seven crore rupees to the government,” he said, adding that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had benefited financially from retaining the undervalued gifts. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Toshakhana-II verdict in line with
– Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Saturday said that the verdict announced against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case was fully in line with the Constitution and the law. He alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi deliberately undervalued a Bulgari jewellery set to obtain it at a fraction of its actual price, causing loss to the national exchequer. He added that accountability under the law was essential to uphold transparency and the rule of law. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Pakistan open to Gaza stabilisation force: Rubio
Rubio revealed that Pakistan was among the countries willing to consider participation in the force. While several nations are ready to support stabilization, Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/TOBs5qRrbd — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 19, 2025He added that further clarity was still needed. Rubio calls for Palestinian technocratic authority in GazaAddressing the current situation in Gaza, Rubio said the ongoing insufficient flow of aid, periodic ceasefire violations, and lack of reconstruction are unsustainable in the long term. Rubio noted that a stabilization force on the ground is critical to protecting aid deliveries. But with a stabilization force in place, the technical and logistical aspects can be handled by the Palestinian technocratic organisation along with international partners,” he said.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 19, 2025 23:50 UTC
Safeguarding miners’ human rights
By Sardar Khan NiaziDeep beneath the earth, far from the glare of public scrutiny, Pakistan’s miners extract the coal and minerals that fuel industry and livelihoods. Safeguarding miners’ human rights is not merely a labor issue; it is a test of the state’s commitment to dignity, justice and the rule of law. Protecting miners’ rights is not anti-development; it is a prerequisite for sustainable growth. Pakistan’s miners work in darkness so others may live in light. Ensuring their safety, dignity and rights is not an act of benevolence but a constitutional and ethical imperative.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 20:56 UTC
Energy sector reforms and the road to sustainability
Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik’s personal ownership of gas sector sustainability sends a clear message that the government is prepared to take responsibility for difficult but necessary reforms. Pakistan’s gas sector faces deep-rooted structural inefficiencies, including financial losses, governance issues, and outdated operational models. Collaboration on LPG sector reforms and capacity building of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) also reflects a holistic approach. The discussion on improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) and enhancing fuel standards further broadens the scope of energy reforms. Linking energy sector reforms with environmental objectives demonstrates an understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved in silos.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 20:56 UTC
Rays trade Shane Baz to Orioles
Rays trade Shane Baz to OriolesThis trade-filled Friday has continued. Just minutes after trading Brandon Lowe out of the American League East , the Tampa Bay Rays made a second move, trading starting pitcher Shane Baz to the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the Rays received Caden Bodine , Slater de Brun, Austin Overn, Micheal Forret, and the Orioles’ Competitive Balance Round A pick. It’s a lot to give up for an oft-injured pitcher who didn’t have the best 2025 season. The right-handed pitcher ranks one spot behind Bodine on the Orioles top prospect list according to MLB Pipeline .
Source:The Nation
December 19, 2025 19:18 UTC