By Sardar Khan NiaziIn the world of economics, private sector credit is often hailed as the lifeblood of growth. However, the relationship between private sector credit and economic prosperity is far from straightforward. Private sector credit refers to the loans and financial products extended by banks and other financial institutions to businesses and individuals. In developing economies, the absence of private sector credit can stifle growth. The question then becomes how do we ensure that private sector credit serves its intended purpose.

Severe winters are not new to these regions, yet their impacts are often underestimated until daily life is disrupted. Cold weather exacerbates illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, posing serious risks to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The NDMA’s assurance of timely early warnings and dissemination of information is encouraging, as proactive communication remains the cornerstone of effective disaster risk management. Community-level preparedness, including local volunteers and disaster response units, can play a decisive role in mitigating the worst effects of severe weather. As climate variability increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cold waves should no longer be viewed as routine seasonal challenges.

Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has recorded more than $2 billion in daily trading volume on Bitget TradFi, marking a major milestone since its public rollout on January 5. The surge in trading activity reflects the real need for Bitget TradFi, which enables crypto-native traders to participate in global markets through a seamless trading interface. Since its launch, Gold (XAUUSD) has emerged as the most actively traded pair on Bitget TradFi, ranking first by volume. Bitget TradFi has been designed as an event-driven trading environment, offering short-term access to global financial instruments. With $2 billion in daily TradFi volume now recorded, Bitget is lowering the barriers typically associated with traditional markets.

An Islamabad district and sessions court has declared Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in a liquor and illegal arms recovery case and issued permanent arrest warrants against him. Consequently, the court formally declared Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender. The judicial magistrate also cancelled the surety bonds submitted on behalf of the accused and ordered the issuance of permanent non-bailable arrest warrants. Additionally, the court directed that Ali Amin Gandapur’s name be included in the list of proclaimed offenders. According to court records, the case against Ali Amin Gandapur is registered at Bara Kahu Police Station in Islamabad.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif distributed honorarium cards to mosque Imams across the province, on Thursday. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the vital role of religious leaders in guiding the community during times of joy and grief. Starting from the end of February, the honorarium will be directly deposited into the Imams’ Punjab Bank accounts. The chief minister stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the government and religious leaders to maintain societal harmony. Highlighting the role of religious leaders in public awareness, she urged Imams to help communicate government initiatives to the community.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta today (Thursday) on a one-day official visit. During his visit, the prime minister is scheduled to hold a busy day, including presiding over a high-level meeting to review law and order, security, and the overall situation in Balochistan. In addition, Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet parliamentary leaders of allied parties to discuss provincial and federal matters. The premier will also inaugurate the Danish School in Quetta as part of his visit, highlighting the government’s focus on education and development initiatives in the province. The one-day visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to improving security, governance, and educational infrastructure in Balochistan.

The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, questioning the legality of allowing kite flying under the new law. In the petition, it was argued that the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The petitioner contended that the government had earlier imposed strict bans and severe punishments on kite flying due to the dangers it poses to public safety. Allowing kite flying again, the petition argued, is a hazardous step that could put citizens’ lives at risk, particularly due to the use of metallic and sharp kite strings. The petitioner also urged the court to declare the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 null and void.

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reduced power tariff by Rs0.93 per unit, giving a relief to electricity consumers across Pakistan. NEPRA stated that the tariff cut aims to pass on the benefit of lower fuel costs to consumers, providing temporary relief amid rising energy expenses. Meanwhile, NEPRA has also approved an increase of Rs1.79 per unit in electricity prices effective from January 1, 2026. As a result, the average electricity tariff from January 2026 has been fixed at Rs33.38 per unit. Currently, the average base electricity tariff stands at Rs31.59 per unit.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast cold and dry weather for most parts of the country, while a severe cold wave is expected to persist in mountainous regions. In Islamabad and surrounding areas, the weather is expected to remain cold and dry. Most districts of Punjab will experience cold and dry conditions, while Murree, Galiyat, and adjoining areas are likely to remain under severe cold. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cold and dry weather will dominate the plains, with fog anticipated in several areas including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience very cold and dry weather.

Report: Chicago Cubs acquire Edward Cabrera from the Miami MarlinsThe Chicago Cubs just got a significant upgrade to their rotation. The rumour mill was flowing early this morning, with reports from those who cover the Marlins reporting that the framework of a deal was in place that would see right-hander Edward Cabrera heading to the Cubs. Since making his debut in 2021, Cabrera has pitched to a 4.07 ERA and a 4.45 FIP across 431 2/3 innings. Because of the injuries, Cabrera has only pitched above 100 innings once in his career. Leading the prospect haul to Miami is Caissie , who is the Cubs’ top prospect heading into 2026.

First halfLazio came out like gangbusters, pinning Fiorentina deep and carving out chances, particularly off Viola mistakes in possession. The set piece defending was even worse: Nicolò Fagioli made not one but two huge goal line saves off Lazio corners, and Rolando Mandragora had another. Lazio started pumping the ball forward and it eventually found Mattia Zaccagni in the box. Lazio had at least half a dozen chances from dead balls that should’ve been turned home. What’s nextLike a balloon full of farts, Fiorentina keeps rising, this time to 18th place with 13 points.

Everyone must be united to eliminate terrorism: Amir Muqam, No one can take away our right to protest: Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah, We have to make better decisions in the interest of the country: Mirza Ikhtiar BaigBy Staff ReporterISLAMABAD: Editor In Chief Pakistan Group of Newspaper and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, the situation in the country is getting very difficult, PTI not ready for talks, Business people are sending their money abroad, there is no employment in the country, the Prime Minister has also called for negotiations, protests harm the country. Federal Minister for Kashmir affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam said the situation in the country is improving, unemployment is decreasing in the country, people are now aware, the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not good at all, we have been well received at the diplomatic level, the situation in the country is improving day by day, PML-N has put the country on the path of development, the government is solving the problems of the people, the country will only be able to breathe after eradicating poverty, DG ISPR has spoken on facts, terrorism is a problem for the entire country, everyone must be united to eliminate terrorism, If there is a country, there is everything, everyone has to play their part for its betterment, PTI has no agenda for talks, PTI is divided among itself, Mahmood Achakzai and Barrister Gohar speak separately, If PTI members stop the chaos, talks will move forward, PTI knows nothing but burning and siege, they will get nothing from the protest, they are doing this only to keep the party alive, protest will not provide any relief to the founder, people have understood that their current protest will fail, people will no longer come out to protest against PTI. Member of National Assembly, PTI Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah said Government not serious about talks: our workers are being picked up, protest is our right, no one can take away our right to protest, Founder PTI is fighting the war of the people, all political parties should sit together, people still stand with the founder of PTI, Sohail Afridi’s visit to Punjab was successful, People in Lahore welcomed Sohail Afridi, Pakistan is important for all of us, Afghanistan is our neighboring country, baseless propaganda is being spread against Sohail Afridi, One step at a time, both parties will have to take a step back for the success of the negotiations, the government should hold new elections. Member of National Assembly PPP Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had signed an LNG contract and we bought it, we have an agreement with Qatar, our LNG demand has decreased, the cargo that is coming is too much, we have to make better decisions in the interest of the country, National Action Plan should be implemented, everyone will have to be united to save democracy, PTI people are talking about protest on February 8, we will allow them to hold public meetings in Sindh, we will welcome those who come under the PTI agenda, we will only die after eliminating terrorists, terrorism will end if National Action Plan is implemented, our youth are sacrificing their lives for the country every day, we will eliminate terrorists selectively, terrorism has caused great damage to the country, Bilawal Bhutto had said in the rally that the elders will have to sit down for the sake of the country, both parties should sit down for talks with seriousness, PTI people are talking about protest, when they come to Sindh, we will welcome them in a good manner, statements do not lead to negotiations.

Bollywood’s most popular couple, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, have officially announced the name of their son, sharing a happy news with their fans. The beautiful couple told the world through social media that their son has been named Vihaan Kaushal. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are considered one of the strong and prestigious couples of Bollywood, however, after becoming a mother, Katrina kept herself away from the glare of the media to a large extent. On this occasion, a simple but emotional black and white picture was posted on Instagram, in which Vicky Kaushal was seen holding Katrina’s baby bump. On November 7, 2025, Katrina and Vicky announced on Instagram that they had a son and called it the greatest joy of their lives.

Attock: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has said that political parties are exploiting the establishment to come to power, while the constitution clearly defines the boundaries of institutions. Addressing a public meeting in Attock, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that the goals of independence have not been achieved since the establishment of Pakistan, the bureaucracy is the guardian of the British system and the civil and military establishment is running the system given by the British. He said that the bureaucracy considers itself the master, not the servant of the people, and political parties exploit the establishment to come to power. The Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer said that there is a need to change the system, not the face, in the country, the boundaries of institutions are clearly defined in the constitution. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that they will also start a new organized movement against the IP mafia.

Journalist Naeem Hanif has publicly apologized for his controversial statements against actress Saba Qamar. The apology came after Saba Qamar sent him a legal notice of Rs 100 million in damages, claiming that he had made insulting and defamatory allegations about her character. View this post on InstagramSpeaking about the controversy, Naeem Hanif admitted in a podcast that his claims were false. He said that the statements made about Saba Qamar were not based on facts and he sincerely apologizes for them. As soon as these statements came to light, there was a strong reaction in social media and the showbiz industry.