ISPR shares update on health of former army
RAWALPINDI : The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has shared an update on health of former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. “Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa sustained injuries due to a fall at his residence,” the military’s media wing said in a statement on Thursday. A day earlier, it emerged that General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa has sustained injuries after a fall at his residence. Qamar Javed Bajwa is a retired four-star general who served as the 16th Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army from November 2016 to November 2022. During his tenure as army chief, Bajwa received a three-year extension, allowing him to remain in office until November 2022.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Bangladesh votes in landmark election after 2024 Gen Z uprising
Bangladeshis lined up outside polling booths on Thursday as voting began in a pivotal election for the South Asian nation after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising. It is the world’s first election after an uprising led by under-30s, or Gen Z, to be followed by Nepal next month. “I am feeling excited because we are voting in a free manner after 17 years,” Hossain said as he waited in line. “This election is not just another routine vote,” Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, head of an interim government installed after Hasina’s ouster, said this week. He is the only one who can establish Allah’s law, and lead to a non-corrupt, and developed Bangladesh,” she said.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Sri Lanka score highest total of ongoing World Cup against Oman
Sri Lanka posted the highest score of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the 16th match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Balagolla, against Oman on Thursday. Earlier, Oman won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat. Speaking after the toss, Oman captain Jatinder Singh said that there was slight moisture in the strip and they wanted to take advantage of it. He said that two changes have been made to the Oman team, with J. Odedra and Mohammad Nadeem included in the side. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said that they are happy to bat first.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Gold edges lower on firmer dollar after strong US jobs data
Gold prices dipped on Thursday, as the U.S. dollar firmed after stronger-than-expected January jobs data dented expectation for near-term interest rate cuts, while investors awaited inflation data due on Friday for more monetary policy cues. Spot gold edged 0.3% lower to $5,065.98 per ounce by 0318 GMT. “The stronger jobs report leading to a slight pare back in Fed rate-cut expectations may have played a role in gold’s lacklustre move,” said Christopher Wong, a strategist at OCBC. The U.S. dollar index (.DXY) rose following the surprisingly strong employment report that suggested underlying U.S. economic health. “Sensitivity to the dollar, yield repricing, and uncertainty around Fed policy should continue to pose two-way risks for gold in the interim,” Wong said.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
CM Maryam Nawaz launches Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026
LAHORE:– Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, with the participation of 3,400 women athletes from across the province. The opening ceremony was held at Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park Sports Complex, where the chief minister received a warm welcome. Maryam Nawaz visited every pavilion in the stadium to personally encourage the women athletes, boosting their morale. Athletes from each division carried the Pink Games torch around the stadium before lighting it, marking the official start of the event. The Pink Games aim to provide women a level playing field and encourage them to step into the spotlight.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Punjab launches 'One App' digital traffic challan system
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the “One App” digital traffic challan system, introducing an evidence-based enforcement mechanism for the first time in the country. According to a Traffic Police spokesperson, the new system ensures transparency by issuing challans supported with video evidence. Recordings of traffic violations will be securely stored and remain verifiable. In the second phase, a point-based system will be introduced, along with the registration of FIRs for certain traffic violations. DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir said the initiative would ensure transparent and impartial enforcement through digital evidence.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Israel has joined Trump's 'Board of Peace,' Netanyahu says
WASHINGTON : Israel has joined US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday during his visit to Washington where he met Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Visuals released earlier on Wednesday after the Netanyahu-Rubio meeting showed them holding a document with Netanyahu’s signature on Israel joining the board. Netanyahu said on X he “signed Israel’s accession as a member of the “Board of Peace”.”He later discussed Iran with Trump. Under Trump’s Gaza plan, the board was meant to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance. Israel’s presence on the board is expected to bring further criticism as the board does not include a Palestinian.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Pakistan sends 29th aid consignme
LAHORE On the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched the 29th relief consignment to Palestine, consisting of 100 tons of essential food items. The aid, sent in collaboration with the Al-Khidmat Foundation via a special flight from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, includes flour, rice, dates, cooking oil, and other necessary supplies. Officials confirmed that, to date, a total of 29 relief shipments have been sent to Palestine. The dispatch ceremony was attended by NDMA and Foreign Ministry officials, government representatives, and Al-Khidmat Foundation personnel. The Government of Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the Palestinian people during difficult times and pledged to continue taking all possible measures to meet their humanitarian needs.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Dancing may be effective in treating depression
Dancing may be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression, according to a new study. Australian researchers say aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming and dancing have the most significant impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even light exercise, such as walking, can bring about significant improvements in symptoms. In the study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, scientists from James Cook University in Queensland wrote that exercise “should be recommended with the same confidence as conventional treatment.”They added that exercise should be included in public health policies as a simple, effective and scientifically proven first-line intervention for mental health (especially for young adults and women going through the postpartum period), where its effects have been seen to be strongest. Almost one in six people in the UK suffer from depression, with women at almost twice the risk of developing the mental disorder than men.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Opposition should not do politics on Imran Khan's
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Senator Rana Sanaullah has said that the opposition should not do politics on Imran Khan’s health. He said this in response to the expression of opinion of Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas in the Senate session. Rana Sanaullah replied in the House that the report given by Barrister Salman Safdar on Imran Khan’s health has mentioned all the facilities, exercise machines in the jail, three meals a day. The Chief Justice himself has said that the reports of Salman Safdar and the jail superintendent are the same. Salman Safdar’s report did not say that he was denied treatment.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Ambreen Jan appointed new PEMRA chairperson
ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday approved the appointment of Ambreen Jan as chairperson of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Dunya News reported. According to sources in the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent a summary to the President for approval of the appointment of former Information Secretary Ambreen Jan as PEMRA chairperson. Earlier, the parliamentary committee had recommended Ambreen Jan’s appointment as chairperson of PEMRA. Following this, the Prime Minister forwarded the recommendation to the President, and President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Teacher dies after Thailand school shooting
BANGKOK :A female teacher died on Thursday in southern Thailand’s Hat Yai district after a gunman opened fire at a school where she worked, the provincial administration said on social media. A 17-year-old used a firearm stolen from a police officer to shoot the teacher, identified as Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, at the Patongprathankiriwat School in Songkhla Province’s Hat Yai district on Wednesday before being detained by police. A female student was also shot. Gun violence and ownership are not uncommon in Thailand. In 2002, a former police officer killed 36 people, including 22 children, in a gun-and-knife attack at a nursery in the east of the country.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
internal issues including Gaza Peace Board
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari discussed important national and internal security issues, including Pakistan’s perspective on the Gaza Peace Board. According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidential Palace. Sources said that the meeting was also attended by central leaders of both parties, in which the overall political, economic and security situation of the country was discussed. Important national and internal security issues were also discussed in the meeting and consultations were also held on the election of the new President of Azad Kashmir. Sources said that the Gaza Peace Board and Pakistan’s perspective were also discussed on this occasion.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Pakistan seeks details from India on Sawalko
He emphasized that under the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has the right to obtain all relevant details. “We urge India to adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding matters peacefully but will not compromise on the water rights of its people. Afghanistan and Security ConcernsRegarding security matters, Andrabi said Pakistan had presented evidence at international forums that Afghan territory was used in a recent suicide attack in Islamabad. Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held contacts with counterparts from Azerbaijan, Iran, and Türkiye. Andrabi further stated that the prime minister will attend an upcoming Board of Peace meeting, accompanied by the foreign minister and a high-level delegation.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC
Afghanistan remains a persistent th
Pakistan has repeatedly raised alarms at the UN Security Council about nearly 6,000 TTP fighters operating from Afghan soil, using it as a launchpad for attacks inside Pakistan. The UNSC’s 37th Monitoring Team Report, released last week, described the terrorist presence in Afghanistan as a “serious concern,” noting a marked increase in TTP-orchestrated cross-border violence that has triggered military exchanges along the Durand Line. The Taliban regime has failed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, instead providing operational space, freedom of movement, and protection to these groups. Combined with large-scale drug production, arms smuggling, and the deliberate export of instability, Afghanistan no longer operates as a rational state but as a generator of regional and global threats. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended designating Afghanistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to “systematic, ongoing and egregious” violations of religious freedom.
Source:The Patriot
February 12, 2026 15:10 UTC