The Trump Doctrine: "Hell to Pay" – A New Era in Gaza Policy? The Middle East remains one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions in the world, and as Donald Trump prepares to assume office for his second term as President of the United States, all eyes are on his approach to the ongoing Israel-Hamas…
Politics
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) market-based exchange rate policy has kept the US dollar significantly overvalued against the Pakistani rupee, claims Tola Associates, a leading tax advisory and consultancy firm. In its recent Economy Alert note, the firm revealed that without IMF-imposed conditions, the rupee's value would have averaged Rs. 211.5 to the dollar by…
In a dramatic turn of events, Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been booked for murder. This development makes him the second ex-PM in Pakistan’s history, after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, to face such serious charges. Bhutto, the founding father of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), was…
“All Hell to Pay” – Trump’s Bold Warning US President-elect Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas: release the hostages held in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, or face unprecedented military and economic consequences. In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “If the hostages are not…
Pakistan – Amid rising political tensions, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has once again taken to the streets, voicing opposition to the current government. This has sparked protests in Islamabad and across the country, with thousands of supporters rallying against what they perceive as politically motivated arrests and a…
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) launched a large-scale operation against illegal commercial properties and fee defaulters across various localities in Lahore on Thursday. The initiative, spearheaded by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, aims to enforce building regulations and curb unauthorized constructions across the city. Sealing of Properties and Demolition of Structures During the operation,…
The Punjab Government has taken a historic step to support the media community by allocating 3,200 housing plots for journalists in Lahore. This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aims to provide journalists with secure housing, marking the first large-scale project of its kind in Punjab's history. The Punjab Information Ministry and the Ravi…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced receiving $500 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Programme (CDREP). This inflow will be included in the SBP's foreign exchange reserves for the week ending November 29, 2024, boosting the country’s import cover and stabilizing its currency. As of…
The Punjab government has introduced a revolutionary initiative to uplift the province’s livestock sector by launching the Livestock Card and providing over Rs. 10 billion in interest-free loans. This initiative, spearheaded by Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, aims to enhance meat and milk production, increase…
4o
November 26, 2024: Islamabad, the nerve center of Pakistan's politics, became a battleground as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan defied a heavy security lockdown to demand his release. Khan, who is serving a three-year jail term on controversial corruption charges—a verdict he firmly denies—has once again demonstrated his influence, rallying…
Islamabad witnessed unprecedented protests as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan defied roadblocks and tear gas to march toward the capital. The city remains under strict lockdown since late Saturday, with over 20,000 police personnel deployed to manage escalating tensions.
Key Highlights: Clashes between PTI supporters and security forces have…
The Lahore-Islamabad GT Road has been closed at multiple points due to ongoing protests, causing severe disruptions for travelers. Key areas, including Muridke to Jhelum and the Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat, are blocked with containers, halting traffic in both directions. Blocked Locations Barriers and checkpoints have been reported at: Muridke to Jhelum…
Smog Crisis Intensifies in Punjab Lahore and Multan, two of Punjab’s major cities, are grappling with a smog emergency, prompting the provincial government to impose strict lockdown measures from Fridays to Sundays. Dense smog, caused by toxic pollutants and seasonal crop burning, has led to Air Quality Index (AQI) levels skyrocketing above 2,000 in some…
In a historic week, Pakistan’s government made significant legislative amendments to the Pakistan Army Act and judiciary while addressing global peacekeeping challenges at the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre (IAPTC) conference. These developments mark pivotal strides for political stability, judicial efficiency, and Pakistan’s commitment to international peace efforts. Army Chief Tenure Extended On…
The recent announcement by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif about potentially launching a new airline, "Air Punjab," or acquiring the struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has stirred discussions across the country. With Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, reportedly considering this venture, questions arise: Why has the PML-N suddenly taken an interest…
In an effort to address ongoing economic challenges, Pakistan has officially requested an additional ¥10 billion loan from China. This move underscores Pakistan’s need for financial support to stabilize its economy amid rising external debts, inflation, and fiscal pressures. The request comes as part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance economic resilience and strengthen its…
In a move that left many scratching their heads, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif slipped away on an international tour with barely a whisper to the press. With Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa recently retired, is it just a coincidence, or does this journey carry more political weight than it appears? Health, Strategy, or Both? The…
Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was released on bail from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, concluding nearly nine months of incarceration related to the controversial Toshakhana case involving the sale of state gifts. The Islamabad High Court granted her bail, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s ongoing political saga. Imran…
Pakistan is negotiating with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to curb energy costs and address rising circular debt. The government recently terminated contracts with five redundant IPPs and is revising agreements with bagasse-based IPPs. These moves aim to cut unnecessary capacity payments by adopting a “take-and-pay” model, where payments are only made for energy actually used.…
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan remains incarcerated amid a tumultuous political landscape in Pakistan. The recent release of his wife, Bushra Bibi, has sparked widespread speculation and hope among his supporters about the possibility of Khan’s own release. This article explores the legal battles, political environment, and public response surrounding Khan’s imprisonment and examines…