Author: Ayan Achakzai

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Speech at the UNGA: A Call for Global Action Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, delivering a powerful message on regional and international issues. His speech touched on pressing topics such as Kashmir, Palestine, climate change, and global poverty. Pakistan’s Stand on Indian Aggression PM Shehbaz didn’t hold back in addressing India’s continued aggression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He emphasized that Pakistan would give a strong response to any military moves by India. The premier also criticized…

Pakistan Secures Financing Assurances from China, Saudi Arabia, UAE with IMF Program Pakistan has received “significant financing assurances” from China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. These assurances go beyond a $12 billion debt rollover, providing further financial support. According to IMF Pakistan Mission Chief Nathan Porter, the additional financing commitments will help strengthen Pakistan’s economy. For more updates on this, read Pakistan’s latest economic developments. The IMF’s Executive Board recently approved a $7 billion, 37-month loan agreement for Pakistan, releasing an immediate $1 billion disbursement. This deal…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Addresses UNGA on Palestine and Kashmir NEW YORK — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), focusing on the conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir. The premier, speaking as the second speaker during the plenary meeting, will raise the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. In his speech, PM Shehbaz will call for action on UN Security Council resolutions on these issues, highlighting their importance for global peace and security. The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to multilateralism and the role of the…

Renewed Clashes in Kurram Leave 60 Dead, Dozens Injured PESHAWAR – More than a month after rival tribes in Kurram agreed on a ceasefire, fresh violence has erupted. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi confirmed that 60 people have died, and many others are injured. The conflict began again due to disputes over land and trench construction, which intensified the tensions between the tribes. The fighting, which started a week ago, has led to widespread disruptions in the area. It has resulted in the closure of the Peshawar-Parachinar road, making access to essential supplies extremely difficult for locals. As the violence continues,…

What’s Next for PIA as Privatisation Bidding is Delayed Again? The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has hit another snag, with the government deciding to delay the financial bidding process until October 31. The previous deadline of October 1 was extended due to low bidder interest and unresolved legal and operational issues. This delay has raised concerns about the airline’s future and whether the much-needed reforms will materialize anytime soon. According to sources, the fleet’s ageing and the ongoing European Union ban on PIA flights to Europe have been significant hurdles in attracting investors. Despite these challenges, PIA CEO…

Pakistan Requests Additional $1.5 Billion Loan from IMF for Climate Resilience NEW YORK – Pakistan has formally requested an additional $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its efforts in combating climate change, ARY News reported. The loan will aid Pakistan’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Facility, aimed at promoting economic stability and sustainable development in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the request during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate climate impacts. The IMF has already extended significant support to Pakistan through various programs, including…

Viral Video of Islamabad Cashier’s Remarks on Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa Sparks Debate A video recently went viral showing a cashier from Crusteez, a popular eatery in Islamabad’s Blue Area, making derogatory remarks towards Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, depicts the cashier refusing service to the Chief Justice while using a word that, although not explicitly vulgar, carried a negative connotation akin to a curse or condemnation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ground Zero Pakistan (@groundzeropk_) The incident occurred while Chief Justice Faez Isa…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges UN to Act on Kashmir and Palestine Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In their meeting, PM Shehbaz called on the UN to implement the UN Security Council resolutions regarding Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. He raised concerns about India’s actions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and stressed the need to resolve this dispute for lasting peace in South Asia. Additionally, PM Shehbaz condemned Israel’s genocidal actions against…

Polio Cases in Pakistan Reach 22 as Balochistan Becomes Epicenter ISLAMABAD: A 30-month-old boy from Pishin, Balochistan, has been diagnosed with polio, raising the total number of polio cases in Pakistan to 22 this year. This case highlights the concentration of polio cases in Balochistan, which is now the epicenter of the outbreak. According to officials from the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), the National Institute of Health confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in the child from Pishin. The increasing number of polio cases in Balochistan is alarming, with 15 of the 22 cases in 2024 originating…

FBR Rules Out Mini-Budget, Faces Challenges in Tax Collection The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has ruled out any mini-budget, expressing confidence in achieving its revenue target of Rs12.97 trillion for the current fiscal year, despite existing challenges. Earlier, the FBR considered generating Rs650 billion through a mini-budget but decided to focus on cracking down on tax evaders instead. During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, FBR Member Policy Hamid Ateeq Sarwar acknowledged significant hurdles in meeting the tax target. Sarwar highlighted challenges in conducting audits and recruiting new staff. Out of…