WASHINGTON, Nov 15 (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded a constructive staff visit to Pakistan from November 12 to 15, focusing on economic policy and reform measures under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved earlier this year. Nathan Porter, IMF’s Pakistan mission chief, commended Pakistan’s renewed commitment to reforms aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. The discussions, though preliminary, highlighted significant economic weaknesses. Key concerns included a revenue shortfall of nearly 190 billion rupees ($685 million) in the fiscal year’s first quarter, an external financing gap of $2.5 billion, and the…
Author: Web Desk2
The Interior Ministry has instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across Pakistan, citing their misuse in terrorist communications, financial crimes, and access to prohibited content such as pornography and blasphemous material. This directive aligns with PTA’s ongoing efforts to tighten VPN regulations. The authority revealed that it has already blocked over 100,000 URLs containing blasphemous content and more than 840,000 pornographic websites. Additionally, nearly 20 million attempts to access such material are intercepted daily at the international gateway level. The Interior Ministry’s letter highlighted the rising misuse of VPNs by terrorist groups to…
ISLAMABAD: Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), has stated that using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access blocked or prohibited content violates Islamic principles. Emphasizing the religious duty of the government, he highlighted that banning VPNs aligns with Islamic injunctions aimed at safeguarding societal values. Dr. Naeemi remarked that bypassing restrictions imposed for ethical and social benefits constitutes aiding in sin (‘Aun ala al-ma’siya’), a concept explicitly forbidden in Islamic jurisprudence. While VPNs have legitimate uses for privacy and security, their misuse to access unethical or illegal content, such as adult websites or platforms…
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has cautioned against the growing threat of “Fitna-tul-Khawarij,” referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), highlighting its role as a breeding ground for global terrorism. Speaking at the Margalla Dialogue 2024, organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Gen Munir addressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering regional peace amidst evolving global challenges. The army chief stressed the destabilizing impact of misinformation, calling for regulations to counter the spread of disinformation and hate speech. He described unregulated freedom of expression as a factor eroding moral values and fueling divisions along religious and…
On November 14, 2024, security forces, led by Major Muhammad Haseeb, acted swiftly in response to intelligence about terrorists planning to target innocent civilians in Harnai District, Balochistan. Upon mobilizing to neutralize the threat, the forces engaged the terrorists, resulting in the death of three militants. However, the operation turned tragic when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on the leading vehicle of the security forces. Major Muhammad Haseeb, aged 28, from Multan, and Havildar Noor Ahmed, aged 38, from Barkhan, both made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, embracing Shahadat (martyrdom) while fighting gallantly to protect the…
An IMF delegation, led by Nathan Porter, visited Islamabad this week to hold discussions regarding Pakistan’s $7 billion loan program, which was approved in September 2024. The team, which arrived unexpectedly, met with key officials from the ministries of finance, energy, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Although the visit is not related to the official review of the loan—which will take place in 2025—it serves as an important interim check on Pakistan’s progress in meeting the program’s objectives. One major topic of discussion was Pakistan’s domestic debt. According to the central bank, the country’s domestic debt has risen…
On the night of November 13-14, 2024, North Waziristan witnessed a tragic escalation in the internal conflict among militant factions, specifically between Fitnat al-Khawarij and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. A powerful explosion in a mosque in Tapi village of Miran Shah not only led to the destruction of several surrounding homes but also tragically claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including women and children. This incident underscores the complex and violent nature of militant infighting that has been escalating in the region. According to defense analysts, the Fitnat al-Khawarij, which claims to operate under strict Sharia principles, has been…
In Tapi village, North Waziristan, an explosion took place on the night of November 13-14 when a vehicle loaded with explosives detonated, reportedly as it was being prepared for a terrorist attack. This incident led to the deaths of several individuals identified as members of Khawarij, along with damage to nearby homes and loss of life among local residents. The blast, which shook the area, highlighted security concerns due to the large amount of explosives stored in a residential zone. Read More: DG ISPR Engages with Abbottabad Students and Faculty on National Issues The incident drew attention to the village’s connection…
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, DG ISPR, held an interactive session with around 750 students and faculty members from various educational institutions in Abbottabad. The meeting focused on addressing national challenges and countering misinformation on social media. During the session, participants actively engaged with DG ISPR, voicing their concerns about Pakistan’s current issues. Students appreciated the candid responses, noting that the discussion helped clarify misconceptions and provided insight into tackling negative propaganda. One student remarked, “The session highlighted the importance of discovering facts to counter misinformation,” while another mentioned that it was a valuable opportunity to hear the DGIS’s perspective…
Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, recently met with General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, at the General Headquarters (GHQ). Their discussions focused on global and regional security issues, emphasizing the significance of strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia in ensuring peace and stability. During the meeting, General Munir expressed Pakistan’s gratitude for its relationship with Australia, highlighting the importance of continuing to strengthen defense and security cooperation. General Stuart acknowledged Pakistan’s commendable efforts in countering terrorism and reiterated his country’s commitment to enhancing defense ties. Upon arrival at GHQ, Lieutenant…