Khawaja Asif Highlights Corruption eating away Pakistan like termites Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an address to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, acknowledged the deep-rooted corruption plaguing Pakistan. He described corruption as a “disease” that has become a significant obstacle to the country’s progress. He stressed that even a 50% reduction in corruption could eliminate Pakistan’s reliance on International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance. Khawaja Asif criticized the entrenched corruption in the system, citing customs collectors who openly accept bribes of up to Rs 400–500 million. He also lamented the erosion of ethical values in distinguishing between…
Author: Farhan Ali
KP CM Gandapur Summons Apex Committee Meeting Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has called for an urgent session of the provincial apex committee on Friday to address the escalating crisis in Kurram district. Key Agenda of the Meeting: Law and Order Review The committee will conduct a detailed assessment of the law-and-order situation in Kurram, focusing on recent incidents of violence and unrest. Essential Supplies and Basic Needs Discussions will include strategies to ensure the supply of essential commodities and basic necessities to the affected region, where residents have reported severe shortages of food, oil, and medicines…
Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations: A Complex Tapestry of History and Challenges Afghanistan and Pakistan share deep-rooted historical, geographical, and economic ties that span decades. Despite ongoing conflicts and instability in Afghanistan, Pakistan has consistently supported its neighbor, offering humanitarian aid, infrastructure assistance, and refuge during critical times. However, while the relationship remains significant, emerging challenges like economic instability and political movements such as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) complicate the bond between the two nations. Historical Bonds and Economic Dependence Afghanistan, long marred by wars and internal conflicts, remains one of the poorest countries globally. With a per capita GDP of only…
FO Confirms Four Pakistanis Among Victims of Greece Boat Tragedy The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed the death of four Pakistani nationals in a tragic Greece boat tragedy near the Greek island of Crete. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 14, when a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off the island of Gavdos in southern Greece, resulting in at least five deaths, as reported by foreign media. In a statement, the FO spokesperson expressed deep sorrow and shared that Greek authorities have identified four Pakistani victims among the deceased. “Our mission in Athens is in touch with the Greek authorities…
Second Delay in Balochistan’s Anti-Polio Drive Sparks Concern The anti-polio campaign in Balochistan has faced yet another delay due to the ongoing boycott by the Grand Health Alliance. Originally scheduled to begin on December 16, the campaign will now commence on December 18, according to the Polio Emergency Center. This marks the second postponement, adding to worries about the timely vaccination of children against the polio virus. The province-wide vaccination campaign is crucial for immunizing over 2.6 million children under the age of five. More than 11,000 teams have been mobilized to ensure every child in Balochistan receives the polio…
NUTECH Partners with Barrick for Mining Training Program NUTECH Islamabad has kicked off a specialized mining training program for 18 graduates from the Reko Diq Mining Company. This initiative is a part of Barrick’s International Graduate Development Program 2024, aiming to equip selected graduates with critical skills for the mining sector. The program includes two months of advanced training at NUTECH, followed by an 18-month on-the-job learning experience at Barrick’s international mining sites. During the training, graduates will gain expertise in mining operations and associated technical disciplines. The curriculum focuses on key areas such as geology, exploration, safety measures, and…
22 Rescued in Afghanistan Mine Collapse, No Casualties Reported Twenty-two miners have been successfully rescued following a Afghanistan mine collapse Dara-i Sof Payin district, located in the northern Samangan province. The incident, which occurred late Saturday, triggered an hours-long rescue operation that concluded with no casualties reported. Esmat Muradi, spokesperson for the Samangan governor, initially revealed that 32 miners had been trapped underground after the collapse. “Excavators and rescuers have been working since early morning, but unfortunately the opening to the mine is not cleared yet,” he stated early Sunday. Later in the day, the province’s governor, Mullah Muhammad Shoaib,…
Nation Remembers APS Victims: 10 Years of Mourning and Unity On the solemn 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, Pakistan honors the memory of the 147 lives lost, including 132 innocent children. The devastating tragedy of December 16, 2014, remains an indelible scar on the nation’s collective memory, symbolizing both profound grief and unwavering resolve against terrorism. A Day of Heartbreak and Reflection The APS tragedy is remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history. For the families of the victims, the pain remains as raw as ever. Parents cling to cherished keepsakes—schoolbooks,…
Bannu Anti-Polio Campaign: Section 144 Imposed for Seven Days To facilitate the smooth execution of the upcoming Bannu anti-polio campaign, the district administration has imposed Section 144 for seven days. Announced by Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hameed, the restrictions include a ban on carrying weapons, double riding on motorcycles, and the use of tinted vehicle windows. These measures aim to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the campaign, which begins on December 16. Violators of these restrictions will face strict action, according to the DC. Anti-Polio Drive Faces Significant Challenges The Bannu anti-polio campaign is part of a larger provincial effort…
Shaheen Afridi Creates History with 100 Wickets Across All Formats Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Pakistani cricketer to claim 100 wickets in all three formats of international cricket—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Shaheen achieved this milestone during the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa in Durban. Despite Pakistan’s loss, the left-arm pacer delivered a stellar performance, taking 3/22. His 100th T20I wicket came when he trapped Nqabayomzi Peter in front of the stumps. Elite Club: Shaheen Afridi joins an exclusive global list of bowlers…