WASHINGTON: The US government noted abuses in India and Pakistan in a shortened human rights report released on Tuesday that said India “took minimal credible steps” to combat the abuses while Pakistan “rarely took credible steps”. The Trump administration scaled back the annual US government report on human rights worldwide, dramatically softening criticism of some…
ISLAMABAD: Moody’s on Wednesday upgraded Pakistan’s credit rating to the speculative grade of Caa1, lifting it from the brink of default, and noted that while debt affordability has improved, it remains the weakest among peers. The rating agency — one of the world’s top three — raised Pakistan’s standing for the first time in a…
HUNZA: A fresh wave of flash floods on Wednesday forced authorities to halt repair work on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), leaving thousands of passengers, including local and foreign tourists, stranded at multiple points across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). Rescue 1122 confirmed the flood situation in Gulmit Gojal in Hunza, stating that the restoration work on the KKH…
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Three policemen were martyred when suspected terrorists ambushed their vehicle in the Alizai area of Kurram tribal district on Wednesday. According to police sources, the attackers hurled a hand grenade at the law enforcers’ vehicle before opening fire on it, resulting in the martyrdom of three cops. The attackers also used rocket-propelled…
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, granting military and civil armed forces the authority to place individuals facing terrorism charges under preventive detention for up to three months. The bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry and sailed through clause-by-clause reading with…
ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 — Pakistan on Thursday celebrated its 79th Independence Day with nationwide ceremonies marked by patriotic fervor and official events. The day commenced with special prayers at mosques for the country’s security, unity, and prosperity. In the federal capital, a 31-gun salute was fired, while provincial capitals marked the occasion with 21-gun salutes…
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday renewed his call for national unity and invited all political parties, stakeholders and civil society to join Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan, as the nation marked its 78th Independence Day alongside celebrations for the Marka-e-Haq victory. Addressing a grand ceremony in the federal capital, the prime minister announced the creation of the…
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in its latest Monetary Policy Report titled “Staying the Course”, said that while macroeconomic conditions have improved in recent quarters, significant risks still cloud the outlook. Stubborn inflation, external vulnerabilities, and deep-rooted structural constraints will require sustained reforms and prudent policymaking to ensure stability. Domestically, the SBP underscored…
ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday decided to establish a new industrial estate on the land of the closed Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and also sanctioned the diversion of Rs2.9 billion in publicity funds for the upgradation of an English news channel operated by the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). The decisions were taken by the Economic…
Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Chief Organizer Alia Hamza has removed Media Cell Head Shayan Bashir from his post for violating party policy. A notification issued by PTI Punjab Chief Organizer Alia Hamza said that PTI Punjab Media Cell Head Shayan Bashir has made irresponsible statements, due to which the party’s identity and objectives have…
