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Category: National

  • ‘Pakistan doesn’t need UN aid as Rs4.3 trillion development budget enough for flood relief’

    ‘Pakistan doesn’t need UN aid as Rs4.3 trillion development budget enough for flood relief’

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the country does not need any flood-related assistance from the United Nations (UN) as Pakistan has ample resources for rescue and relief efforts.

    Addressing the Pakistan Business Summit as a keynote speaker in Peshawar, Aurangzeb said that the funds from the country’s Rs4.3 trillion development budget could be repurposed with effective prioritisation and coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

    The statements come as Pakistan informs the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of economic losses amounting to Rs371 billion in the aftermath of recent floods, severely damaging infrastructure and agriculture.

    The government had at the time of the annual budget set a real GDP growth target of 4.2% for the ongoing fiscal year; however, in light of the flood-related damages, authorities have projected a downward revision of the target by 0.3% points, bringing it to 3.9%.

    Speaking at the occasion, Aurangzeb also said that Pakistan had made a significant improvement in remittances, which reached $38 billion last year and were projected to grow to $41-43 billion in the current fiscal year.

    The minister said that Pakistan successfully repaid $500 million in Eurobond obligations in September this year without market disruption and it is well-positioned to repay the $1.3 billion Eurobond in April 2026.

    The conference was the first major business activity in Peshawar in years as policymakers, investors and corporate leaders from across the country participated in the event under the theme of “Shaping What’s Next”.

    The summit was also addressed by acting president and Senate chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammad Ali, KP Advisor for Finance Muzammil Aslam, former minister Mohammad Azfar Ahsan and others.

    Aurangzeb said that the remittance inflows into the formal economy had increased. “Last year, we had $38 billion in remittances. This year, we expect $41-43 billion,” he said.

    He maintained that the policy rate, which remains at 11%, is expected to be lowered in the ongoing fiscal year. “Although the policy rate is very much the domain of the central bank, I think there is enough cushion that we can continue to push the rate south during the course of this fiscal year.”

    The finance minister also said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had been reduced to a tax collection forum, and economic policymaking had been shifted to the finance division.

    On the privatisation front, Aurangzeb told the participants that 24 state-owned enterprises had been handed over to the Privatisation Commission.


    On foreign direct investment and the road to the international market, he said that recent visits to Beijing, Riyadh and New York yielded tangible results.

  • Malala supporters, detractors clash as Greta gets arrested for trying to break Gaza siege

    Malala supporters, detractors clash as Greta gets arrested for trying to break Gaza siege

    The internet is not happy with Malala Yousafzai for what they perceive as her silence on the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group of boats that activists were taking to Gaza with aid supplies to break Israel’s inhuman siege of the embattled strip. 

    As Israeli naval vessels surrounded the boats earlier in the week, the world waited on tenterhooks for any news about the activists on board, which included climate icon Greta Thunberg, Irish comedian Tahdg Hickey, Pakistani legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and American veteran Greg J. Stoker. 

    Greta has been repeatedly singled out by Zionists and Israeli accounts for continuously speaking up for Palestine. The climate activist, once the darling of Western media, was making her second attempt to reach Gaza with a flotilla and aid supplies for the starving population. 

    Her arrest led to an outpouring of concern on social media, along with anger at Malala for not talking about the flotilla. 

    One tweet said that Greta had unmasked the falsehood of Malala. “The nobility and courage she embodies are beyond expression. After the people of Gaza, she stands as the true hero who has illuminated the path for humanity,” it said. 

    Another account wrote that Malala lived in a parallel world. 


    “Greta’s throwing major shade at Malala, who seems lost in a parallel world. She shows no concern for the urgent aid needed in , let alone education for young women. These so-called icons of women’s empowerment & humanity are nothing more than tools of the Western establishment.” 

    Another person wrote: “Greta Thunberg finds herself, lamentably, in the unlawful custody of the Israel Defense Forces, this being the second such grievous occurrence. One cannot help but ponder the whereabouts of  Malala Yousafzai and the curious silence she maintains on this pressing issue. I would counsel you to inspire your daughters to embody the steadfast valor of Miss Thunberg, rather than the reticent disposition of Miss Yousafzai.” 

    While Rafia Zakaria tweeted, “I wish Malala would be a little more like @GretaThunberg” 

    However, many others defended Malala, including one tweet that said Pakistanis suffer from Malala Derangement Syndrome. 
    “Pakistanis all have a severe case of Malala Derangement Syndrome. Living in the subcontinent does something dark to your brain.” 

    One social media reminded everyone that Malala had been shot once before, staring, “Hmmm you guys Malala was shot, I’m sure she doesn’t want to be in that kind of danger ever again.” 


    Another social media user said, “Unhinged Malala hate is a mental illness. After taking a bullet to the head for a cause as a 11 yo  these a**wipes want her to do what exactly? She should chill on a warm Caribbean beach for the rest of her life.”


    While Malala hasn’t tweeted about the flotilla recently, one of her latest tweets, posted on September 27 in a thread about her trip to Egypt, did in fact mention Gaza and called Israel’s actions there a genocide. 

    She wrote, “Palestinian children have been hit hardest by Israel’s genocide. Israeli forces have killed their families & destroyed their homes & schools. Thousands have been forced to flee to other countries like Egypt.

    Girls’ education is one of the biggest casualties of conflict. World leaders must act: end the siege, open all border crossings & implement a permanent ceasefire. Children deserve dignity, safety & a future.” 

  • PPP asks Maryam Nawaz to ‘rethink tone’ as coalition rift deepens over floods, water rights

    PPP asks Maryam Nawaz to ‘rethink tone’ as coalition rift deepens over floods, water rights

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has asked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to “rethink her tone” after her fiery remarks against coalition partners triggered a fresh row over flood relief and water distribution.

    Top leaders of PPP and PML-N met in Islamabad on Thursday to defuse tensions after Maryam’s speech in Faisalabad, where she declared that Punjab’s money and water were its own business. She said all provinces receive equal funds under the NFC Award and questioned how others use their share. She added that Punjab never interferes in other provinces’ affairs and others should not interfere in Punjab’s.

    During the meeting at the National Assembly Speaker’s office, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Senator Rana Sanaullah met PPP’s Naveed Qamar and Ijaz Jakhrani. It was decided that the matter would be taken up with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz.

    The dispute, which started with criticism over flood compensation, had now expanded to water rights on the Indus. PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from both the National Assembly and Senate to protest Maryam’s remarks.

    At a press conference, senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira cautioned Maryam against fanning “narrow nationalism.” He said, “Differences should be kept within limits. You are a woman and our sister, and our leader Benazir Bhutto too was a woman. Rethink your tone. What do you want to achieve by playing narrow nationalism? Do you want the rest to leave Punjab, and their rights to be ended?”

    Kaira also criticised Maryam’s remark about “breaking hands and silencing tongues,” calling such language unbecoming of a coalition partner. He stressed that PPP had supported the PML-N in good faith, but written agreements were never fully honoured. “We do not just give advice, we give opinions. If those are not acted upon, then criticism is our democratic right,” he said.

    He added that PPP would praise good work where due but would also criticise failures, citing the floods as an example. Referring to Sindh’s concerns over NFC allocations and rehabilitation of victims, he warned, “We are not asking for power-sharing, but we are supporting the government. Do not forget the last time we parted ways.”

    Kaira also defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), noting its global recognition and IMF endorsement. “Should we leave Punjab? You govern, but do not end others’ rights. Your words should strengthen the federation, not weaken it,” he said.

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari strongly condemned Kaira’s remarks, saying the PPP was “racing” to hold press conferences against the Punjab government. “You claim not to politicise the plight of flood victims, yet you hold pressers against Punjab? Before criticising Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s daughter, you should have looked at your own past,” she said.

    “The party whose leader was a woman is now collectively targeting a woman leader. Keep your popularity in view before questioning ours. Such statements will not affect us, nor will they help PPP stand on its own feet,” she added.

    Bukhari accused PPP of “pointing fingers at Punjab in unison,” insisting that CM Maryam, her cabinet and provincial institutions had been with flood victims “since day one.” She argued that PPP was free to run BISP in Sindh, but Punjab had chosen its own model. “You can give Rs10,000 to victims there, but Maryam Nawaz is giving Rs1 million to Punjab’s victims because that is what they need,” she said.

    “Punjab’s resources belong to its people. We do not need anyone’s advice on how to spend them. With provincial funds, Punjab has built 20,000 kilometres of roads, and more than 90 initiatives of Maryam Nawaz are being funded without a single rupee from the federation. As Punjabis, this should make you proud, not resentful,” Bukhari added.

    A day earlier, senior PML-N leader and PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, while addressing the PPP’s stance on flood relief via BISP, had also cast doubts on the data of the BISP. Referring to the CM’s statement about the canals project, Sanaullah said the province had the right to utilise its share of water as it deemed fit.

  • Imran Khan tells Gandapur, sister Aleema to stop taking internal rift public

    Imran Khan tells Gandapur, sister Aleema to stop taking internal rift public

    As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) internal rifts make headlines, former prime minister (PM) and party founder Imran Khan has told Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his sister Aleema Khan to avoid issuing statements against each other.

    According to reports, the instructions were conveyed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar as Imran also urgently summoned CM Gandapur for a meeting at Adiala Jail.

    Addressing speculation during a media briefing outside the jail, Zafar said that the jailed former premier’s urgent summon for Gandapur was for a meeting and not a reprimand.

    Rubbishing reports of the KP chief executive’s possible sacking, Zafar said that disagreements should not be aired publicly.

    He also confirmed that the founder had nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai to act as the opposition leader pending the resolution of Omar Ayub’s legal cases.

    It merits a mention that the development comes days after CM Gandapur accused Aleema of creating a divide within the party and alleged that she was being facilitated by the Military Intelligence (MI) and “establishment.”

    “Imran Khan is my leader and I am loyal to him. It is my right to convey the truth to him … I made him aware of all that has been happening [during my meeting with him yesterday],” he said in a video statement.

    The KP CM said that he had conveyed to the party founder that Aleema had a big role in dividing the party and some members being discredited. He also alleged that no steps were being taken for Khan’s release. “Instead, there is groupism in party which some people are using to serve their own interests.”

    He alleged that Aleema was in contact with “vloggers” working to create divide in the party. “And instead of stopping them… she is provoking them. And Hafeezullah Niazi sahib refers to Aleema Khan as the prime minister in his articles. He writes that she should become the party chairperson,” he alleged.

    Last week, unconfirmed reports had also quoted Khan as barring his sister Aleema from interfering in party matters.

  • PM expresses concern, orders probe and swift resolution as AJK protests turn deadly

    PM expresses concern, orders probe and swift resolution as AJK protests turn deadly

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the deadly protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), ordering transparent probe into the matter and the provision of immediate assistance to affected families.

    In a statement, the premier said that peaceful protest was a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, however, demonstrators could not be allowed to harm public order.

    “Government is always ready to resolve the issues of its Kashmiri brothers,” he said as at least six civilians and three police personnel were killed in the protests staged by the Awami Action Committee. Over 170 police personnel and 50 civilians were also injured with the condition of 12 reported as critical.

    The protests revolve around a 38-point charter of demands, among which are ending 12 reserved seats for refugees and rolling back “privileges of the elite”.

    Reacting to the reports of unrest, PM Shehbaz appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful and assured them that their issues will be resolved as he was personally overseeing the negotiations.

    He directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and patience with the protesters, ensuring respect for public sentiments and avoiding any unnecessary harshness. He also called on the negotiation committee to find a peaceful resolution to the issue.

    The premier directed the negotiation committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad and find an immediate and lasting solution to the situation, submitting its recommendations and proposed solutions without delay.

    Meanwhile, negotiation committee members said that most of the demands raised by the Awami Action Committee had already been accepted and the remaining issues were being discussed.

    AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq also said that most of the protesters’ demands had been accepted and federal ministers stood as guarantors to ensure implementation.

    Addressing a press conference, he said that abolishing seats reserved for refugees in the Legislative Assembly and reducing the number of ministers required constitutional amendments, and slammed the action committee for taking the protest into a dead end.

  • Senator Mushtaq’s last audio message for Pakistanis before Israeli forces detained him

    Senator Mushtaq’s last audio message for Pakistanis before Israeli forces detained him

    Former senator and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmed Khan released an audio message to Pakistanis before Israeli forces detained him during a raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

    The audio, posted on his official Facebook account, urged Pakistanis to take to the streets in solidarity with Gaza. “The people of Europe have already come out against the attack on the flotilla, so Pakistanis must also come out,” he said in his message, received by page administrators around 3 a.m. before contact was lost.

    The administrator of his page said Khan had consistently appealed to the nation for the past two years to protest against the “inhumane massacre” in Gaza. “Today, as he himself has become a victim of Israeli terrorism, the nation must finally rise,” the admin said. Khan had also backed the call of the Pakistan-Palestine Forum to join demonstrations, which the group says it will now carry forward.

    Protests have been announced for Thursday afternoon outside press clubs in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Karachi against Israel’s raid on the flotilla and Khan’s arrest.

    According to reports, Israeli naval forces stormed the Global Sumud Flotilla, which included more than 40 boats carrying food and medicine for Gaza’s besieged population. The attack targeted several vessels with water cannons before soldiers boarded and detained participants. Khan was among the 500 people on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

    Organisers said Israeli forces seized control of the vessel Deir Yassin and cut all live broadcasts and communications. They confirmed that 13 boats had been stopped, but 30 others remained on course toward Gaza, just 46 nautical miles from the enclave.

    Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s assault on the flotilla and demanded the immediate release of all detainees. Israel’s foreign ministry said passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port and would later be deported.

    The Israeli military said the flotilla had been warned it was entering a combat zone and was told to reroute to Ashdod port, from where aid could be delivered to Gaza.

    Despite the interceptions, flotilla organisers pledged to continue their mission. “We are reaching a decisive stage,” said Tiago Avila, a member of the steering committee, in an audio message from his ship.

    Turkish activists on board said Israeli drones hovered over the flotilla throughout the night before cyberattacks disabled the navigation and internet systems of Alma, the main vessel. Turkish participant Metihan Sari said Israeli naval ships came within five to 10 meters of their boat. “They tried to scare us, but we told them we would not be afraid,” he said.

    The Global Sumud Flotilla has drawn widespread attention as it challenges Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007. Amnesty International has called for international protection for the flotilla and its passengers.

  • Islamabad High Court allows child bride to live with husband

    Islamabad High Court allows child bride to live with husband

    The Islamabad High Court has allowed a 15-year-old girl to live with her husband in a case concerning underage marriage.

    Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued a detailed verdict stating that although child marriage is not invalid under Sharia law, it is a criminal offense under the law.

    The court recommended that the government improve NADRA’s system so that marriage certificates cannot be issued without age verification. It also said that marriage registrars must be bound not to register marriages involving anyone under 18 years of age.

    The case involved Madiha Bibi, who had married of her own choice. In her statement to the court, she expressed her wish not to return to her parents and insisted she wanted to live with her husband. Even during her stay at the crisis center, she continued to express the same desire.

    The judgment highlighted that, according to Sharia law, a marriage is valid with consent and after puberty. 

    However, the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025 makes marriage under the age of 18 a criminal act. While the marriage certificate listed the bride’s age as around 18, NADRA records confirmed that she was 15.

  • Court issues non-bailable warrants for Imaan Mazari, spouse in tweets case

    Court issues non-bailable warrants for Imaan Mazari, spouse in tweets case

    An additional district and sessions judge on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case pertaining to tweets posted on X (formerly Twitter) after they failed to appear before the court.

    At the start of proceedings, Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka indicted the duo but neither showed up for court.

     Mazari-Hazir and Chattha had already registered their attendance but had traveled to Rawalpindi for another hearing, a junior attorney told the judge.

    Four witnesses were named in a seven-page challan submitted by the prosecution during the session: Assistant Director Imran Haider, Sub-Inspector Shahroz Riaz, Wasim Khan, and Technical Assistant Anisur Rehman. 

    According to the challan, Mazari-Hazir had shared controversial tweets that Chattha later retweeted.

    The judge instructed police to arrest and bring the two to court after becoming frustrated with their frequent absences and issued non-bailable arrest warrants.  

    The hearing was then adjourned until today (Wednesday).

  • Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Islamabad has reported 52 new cases of dengue in a single day, leading federal health officials to implement emergency protocols. The Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has instructed officials to increase fogging operations throughout the city to curb further transmission.

    The minister has ordered hospitals to establish dedicated wards for dengue patients and ensure a continuous supply of medications, diagnostic kits, and beds. He emphasized the necessity for public health facilities to be well-prepared for a potential rise in patients following the recent increase in cases.

    Kamal mentioned that the government is coordinating measures to control the virus, which has surged after heavy rainfall created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

    He pointed out that Bhara Kahu and other areas identified as high-risk are receiving prioritized surveillance, spraying initiatives, and precautionary actions. Public awareness campaigns are also being initiated to promote preventive measures at the community level.

    The health minister urged district administrations to enhance sanitation efforts and eliminate stagnant water, which is a significant source of mosquito breeding for dengue. He encouraged citizens to adhere closely to the Ministry of Health’s preventive guidelines, such as covering containers with water and using mosquito repellents.

    “The safety of public health remains the government’s utmost priority. We will employ all available resources to protect the population from epidemics and diseases,” Kamal stated, while calling on the media and civil society to assist with awareness initiatives.

    The capital has experienced a consistent increase in dengue infections recently, reflecting patterns seen in other regions of the country where heavy rains have contributed to mosquito-borne illnesses. Health officials indicate that the disease presents a seasonal challenge, with cases usually rising during the monsoon season when water collects in urban and semi-urban environments.

  • Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    The Ministry of Finance has cautioned that the devastating floods of 2025 could disrupt supply chains and push inflation higher, even as the economy shows signs of stability in other areas.

    “Due to ongoing floods in 2025, the agriculture sector is expected to suffer,” the ministry said in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for September 2025.

    It went on to say that flood-related disruptions could exert pressure on food supply chains, leading to an uptick in prices with inflation expected to rise but remain contained within the 3.5-4.5 percent range.

    Despite widespread floods since July, inflation decreased, large-scale manufacturing improved and fiscal imbalances were kept in control. While damage assessments of Kharif crops and livestock continue, the government has declared climate and agriculture emergencies across the country.

    It also highlighted that overall economic activity had stayed the stable in spite of these concerns.

    “The rebound in large-scale manufacturing, supported by encouraging trends in cement dispatches, automobile production and allied industries indicates strengthening industrial momentum in the months ahead,” the report said and predicted stability in the external sector.

    With exports showing early signs of recovery and remittances offering strong support, the current account deficit is also expected to remain manageable despite increased import demand. Declining global commodity prices could further ease the import bill.

    According to the report, the economy maintained its stabilisation and growth trajectory during the first two months of the ongoing fiscal year.

    On the fiscal side, the ministry said performance would continue to improve in FY26, following “an eight-year low fiscal deficit and a 24-year high primary surplus”.

    Net federal revenues, however, rose by just 7.7percent in July, driven by 23.9percent growth in non-tax revenues and 14.8percent in tax revenues. Non-tax revenues were mainly supported by petroleum levy, dividends and defence receipts.

    Between July and August, the FBR’s net collection grew by 14.1percent, while expenditures increased by 28.8percent. As a result, the fiscal deficit was contained at 0.2percent of GDP, and the primary surplus improved to Rs228.9 billion (0.2percent of GDP) compared to Rs107.1billion (0.1percent of GDP) in the same period last year.

    The external sector remained under pressure. The current account deficit widened to $624 million in July-August FY26 from $430million a year ago. Exports rose 10.2pc to $5.3bn, while imports increased 8.8percent to $10.4billion, pushing the trade deficit to $5.1billion. Remittances climbed 7percent to $6.4billion, with Saudi Arabia (24.6percent) and the UAE (20.6percent) remaining top contributors.

    Net FDI inflows, however, fell 22 percent to $364.3 million. Portfolio investments saw outflows of $74.8m (private) and $11.8m (public). By Sept 19, foreign exchange reserves had improved to $19.8 billion with $14.4 billion held by the State Bank as compared to just $9.5 billion at the same time last year.

    According to the ministry, there was significant investor confidence as the stock market maintained its bullish run and monetary conditions remained solid.