The United States Department of State’s spokesperson, Mathew Miller, has expressed limited surprise at the Islamic Emirate’s decision to abstain from participating in the second Doha meeting. The country has also acknowledged that diverse stakeholders beyond Taliban play a role in shaping Afghanistan’s fate. Speaking at a press briefing, Miller emphasized that the Taliban do not exclusively represent the interests shaping Afghanistan’s future. He underscored the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring the voices of all Afghans, including women and girls, are considered in determining the nation’s trajectory. Miller outlined three primary objectives the U.S. aimed to achieve through its participation in…
Author: Web Desk2
Afghanistan has been a prominent fixture in global news for over a decade, often associated with the Taliban, terrorism, burkas, and beards. However, beyond the war-related headlines, Afghanistan holds a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and the emergence of a new nation, according to Lyse Doucet. Here are some lesser-known facts about Afghanistan. Nowroz and Buzkashi Nawroz, the Afghan New Year celebrated on March 21, marks the first day of spring. In the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, locals partake in Nawroz festivities, including the raising of the Janda, an Islamic banner, signaling the arrival of spring and the start of the…
The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has agreed with the Balochistan government to settle a substantial royalty of Rs 12.6 billion for the Uch Gas Field. Since September 2021, OGDCL has suspended royalty payments to the Balochistan government. It cited an unusual surge in the revolving credit of power-buying entities. The recently reached agreement outlines a comprehensive mechanism for the payment of royalties. It spans from August to January 2024, with disbursements scheduled monthly. Mardan Brings Matter at National Level This significant development follows concerted efforts by the Balochistan government to recover overdue royalties. These are owed by…
The Swat Circuit Bench of the Peshawar High Court granted bail to Sadidur Rahman. He is a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Bisham Tehsil Council chairman. Police arrested Rahman recently following a violent protest after the general elections in Shangla. The court considered the arguments presented by the petitioner’s lawyer. Later, it ruled in favor of granting bail to Rahman and ordered his immediate release. The police had apprehended approximately two dozen PTI workers who were participating in a protest in Alpuri. The demonstration became violent, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. Subsequently, the police filed charges against about…
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has denied entering into a power-sharing agreement with any political party to form a government in Balochistan. The party insists on leading the administration with the backing of its allies, rejecting reports of collaboration. Sheikh Jafar Mandukhail, the provincial president of PML-N, reaffirmed the party’s position, asserting their majority and determination to establish the government. While recognizing the PPP’s wish to nominate its CM, Mandukhail emphasized PML-N’s plan to form a coalition with its allies. Expressing concerns about alleged electoral irregularities, Mandukhail accused opponents of manipulating results through bribes to return officers. He called for…
Ali Amin Gandapur, a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated that the party is committed to spark economic renaissance in KPK and addressing the country’s economic crisis. He made these remarks while speaking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday. Gandapur, the PTI’s candidate for the position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, was at the PHC to seek bail in a criminal case. PTI’s Solo Mission: Jobs and Business He assured that the PTI-led government in the province would focus on providing employment opportunities and fostering a business-friendly environment. PTI denied forming any alliance with PPP…
In a significant development for Pakistan’s energy sector, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) announced a major gas discovery in Balochistan, at the Maiwand X-1 ST-1 well in Block 28 of the Kohlu District in Balochistan. The exploration well was initiated on June 12, 2023, and reached a final depth of 2,516 meters by November 12, 2023. Flow Rates The testing of the well has yielded promising results, with gas flow rates from various formations. The Dughan & RaniKot formation, after completion, exhibited a gas flow of 4.14 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP)…
In the heart of Peshawar, a thrilling operation unfolded, with real stakes and severe consequences. Under the leadership of Director Nisar Tanoli, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Commercial Banking Circle Peshawar carried out a significant crackdown on the secretive world of illegal hundi business. This recent raid resulted in the arrest of two key suspects, Karimullah and Shahzad Ahmed Umar. The Raid: A Blow to Illegal Hundi Operations The operation leading to these arrests was not a random sweep but a carefully planned effort to suppress the illegal hundi business—an unofficial money transfer system that circumvents official banking channels. The…
Supporters of two political parties clashed during a vote recount in Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries. The Parties Involved The clash occurred between supporters of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) outside the office of the returning officer in Hub, an industrial town on the border with Karachi. The clash took place while a recount of the votes from 39 polling stations was being conducted. According to SSP Hub Manzoor Ahmed Buledi, fights broke out between supporters of both candidates. Fatalities and injuries came as a result of gunfire. The clash…
The spokesperson of the KP chapter of the PML-N, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, rejected the election results of the KP. He alleged that if Ali Amin Gandapur becomes the Chief Minister, the province will become Afghanistan’s Tora Bora. It should be noted that Tora Bora is associated with the battle that took place on December 3–17, 2001, when a U.S.-led coalition attacked the cave complex in the White Mountains. Khan further accused the PTI founder of adopting an anti-state agenda by appointing Gandapur as the Chief Minister. He stated that the PML-N rejected the election results in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Appointment of…