Author: Ayan Achakzai

Khawaja Asif Condemns KP CM Over Direct Talks with Afghanistan In a heated session of the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif, the Defense Minister, strongly criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his statement advocating direct talks with Afghanistan. Asif condemned this position, describing it as an attack on the federation. He stressed that individual provinces should not engage directly with foreign countries, as it undermines the federal government’s authority over foreign policy matters. For more on this issue, visit our Pakistan News section. Concerns Raised Over Provincial Foreign Engagements Khawaja Asif’s remarks came in response to Gandapur’s…

Petrol and Diesel Prices in Pakistan: Trends and Upcoming Drop Fuel prices in Pakistan, including petrol and high-speed diesel, may drop by Rs12 per litre from September 16, 2024. This change comes as the global oil market continues to decline. The expected reduction follows a year marked by significant fluctuations in fuel prices in Pakistan. For more updates, visit our Pakistan News section. Fuel Price Trends in Pakistan Throughout 2024 Throughout 2024, petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan have changed multiple times. At the beginning of the year, the government raised fuel prices by Rs35 per litre. This decision aimed…

Electricity Tariff Relief: Up to Rs2.65 Per Unit Reduction Announced In an effort to counter rising electricity costs, Pakistan’s Power Division has announced a relief of up to Rs2.65 per unit (tax inclusive) in the September electricity bills. This adjustment, due to fuel cost variations, aims to ease the financial burden on consumers amid soaring power tariffs. For more updates, visit our Pakistan News section. Who Benefits from the Electricity Tariff Relief? The electricity tariff relief primarily benefits agricultural and domestic consumers using up to 300 units per month. These consumers will see a specific reduction of Rs2.19 per unit…

Polio Team Attack in Bannu: Cop Martyred, Justice Demanded A tragic incident in Bannu has resulted in the death of a policeman guarding a polio vaccination team, igniting widespread outrage and calls for swift justice. The attack, which occurred while a polio team was conducting a vaccination campaign, has sparked protests by both locals and police, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators. Background: A History of Attacks on Polio Teams in Pakistan The attack in Bannu is part of a troubling pattern of violence against polio vaccination teams in Pakistan. Since 2012, over 100 health workers and police officers involved…

Committee Formed After Arrests of PTI Parliamentarians In response to the recent arrests within Parliament, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has established an 18-member special committee. The group includes members from both government and opposition benches, aiming to address house-related issues and restore order. Action Taken Following the Arrest of PTI Parliamentarians The formation of this committee follows the controversial arrests inside Parliament, an incident that has heightened political tensions. The event involved masked men and police, leading to calls for maintaining parliamentary sanctity and upholding democratic values. Political Reactions and Call for Order Key political figures, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif…

Pakistan Mini-Budget: Stricter Taxes to Meet IMF Loan Conditions A Pakistan mini-budget is expected as the government tries to comply with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) loan conditions. Pakistan secured a $3 billion standby arrangement from the IMF in July 2023, conditional on strict economic reforms. With the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) falling short of its Rs2,654 billion target for the first quarter, the government plans to introduce new taxes and tighten enforcement measures to meet the IMF’s fiscal requirements. New Tax Measures and Targets Under the Pakistan Mini-Budget The proposed Pakistan mini-budget could see the government imposing additional…

During a heated debate, Kamala Harris confronted Donald Trump over his stance on abortion, legal troubles, and racial rhetoric, sparking a fiery exchange. Harris questioned Trump’s fitness for office, making this debate particularly contentious. Kamala Harris Presses Trump on Key Issues Harris criticized Trump’s position on abortion, accusing him of eroding women’s rights. She also highlighted his legal troubles, pointing out the numerous lawsuits and investigations he faces. Additionally, Harris condemned Trump’s use of racial rhetoric, which she claimed fuels division in the country. For more details, check the NBC News coverage. Trump’s Counterattacks on Immigration and Crime Trump responded…

A Turbat bank explosion injured five people in what police suspect to be a hand grenade attack. The explosion occurred near a local bank, and all victims are currently receiving treatment for minor injuries. Law enforcement agencies, along with a bomb disposal squad, have started investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Suspected Grenade Attack Sparks Investigation Police confirmed that a suspected hand grenade caused the Turbat bank explosion, prompting an immediate response from security personnel and emergency services. The bomb disposal squad was deployed to the scene to assess any further threats and secure the area. Authorities are…

PSB sports funding has reached an impressive Rs1.07 billion over the last five years, providing significant support to various national sports federations and associations in Pakistan. This major investment reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s sports infrastructure and supporting athletes across multiple disciplines. PSB Sports Funding Priorities: Key Beneficiaries Identified The PSB sports funding has primarily focused on volleyball, hockey, and athletics, allocating substantial resources to develop these popular sports. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) aims to strengthen the performance of these sports on both national and international levels. Additionally, other sports, such as chess, cycling, and individual…

The federal government has canceled plans for expo centers privatization in Pakistan, citing strong revenue growth and self-sufficiency as the main reasons for this shift. This decision marks a significant change in the government’s privatization strategy, opting to retain state-owned assets that are performing well financially. Expo Centers Privatization: A Strategic Shift Initially, the government intended to move forward with expo centers privatization to reduce public expenditure. However, due to the impressive financial performance of these centers, the plan has been scrapped. By retaining these assets, the government aims to sustain their revenue-generating potential. The Pakistan Business Review highlights how…