In a major development, the United States and its key Western allies have identified the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a major threat not just to Pakistan but also to their own security. What was significant in the joint statement was the fact that the US and its Western allies voiced grave concerns over the increasing threat of terrorist groups, including Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP), Al Qaeda, TTP and others, in Afghanistan. Importantly, the joint statement noted that these groups, including TTP, “deeply affect security and stability inside the country, in the region and beyond”, and called on the Taliban to uphold Afghanistan’s obligation to deny these groups safe haven. This was the first time any Western bloc explicitly termed TTP a threat to their security, something that would be welcomed by Pakistan. The renewed interest of these powerful Western countries, which formed the core of the US coalition after the 9/11 attacks, indicated that they were increasingly concerned over the Afghanistan situation.

Share:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali said on Wednesday that giving the election date in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was tremendously difficult. Talking to the media, he said there was progress in the session with the Election Commission of Pakistan and the nation would hear the good news regarding the polls, while claiming consensus would be reached with the ECP. KP governor added the situation of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was change with a significant difference in the security situation of the both regions.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has called for the court martial of former Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. Maryam stressed the need for exemplary punishment for Faiz to ensure that no one would dare to play any "unconstitutional role" in the future. During the interview, she also criticised former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, calling him the "biggest criminal of the nation." Maryam also accused Nisar of doing great injustice to the nation and the elected prime minister, Nawaz Sharif. Saqib Nisar can no longer attend public gatherings," she added.

The United States on Tuesday hinted at reviving some of the counter-terrorism initiatives of the post-9/11 era to assist Pakistan in tackling the renewed threat of terrorism posed by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups. The development came at the conclusion of the two-day counter-terrorism dialogue Pakistan hosted against the backdrop of a new wave of terrorism. The statement suggested that the US wants to maintain counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan despite withdrawing troops from neighbouring Afghanistan in August 2021. The US statement said the counterterrorism dialogue underscores the deepening cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in a range of areas. The US assistance projects in Pakistan were discussed, with a particular focus on capacity building in anti-money laundering and the justice sector.

Pakistani civil society activists carry placard and shout slogans during a rally for women rights on International Women's Day in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFPAs the world celebrates International Women’s Day, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasised the need to empower women for the development of society. Both leaders issued separate messages on the day calling for increasing participation of women from all walks of life. PM Shehbaz added that history has witnessed that the development of human society is not possible without the constructive role of women. Happy International Women's Day to all the ladies and girls out there who are changing the world and dreaming big.

He was speaking to media representatives at an event on “Policy Dialogue on Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Security: Challanges and Way forward for Pakistan,”. He urged the three key stakeholders – the Election Commission of Pakistan, the incumbent government, and all political parties – to develop a consensus on holding elections. The Speaker said that Pakistan was facing severe impacts of climate change, including droughts, forest fires, and recent devastating floods. He praised the Pakistani nation for successfully grappling with these challenges and said that climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture are strongly interlinked. He further highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in finding new ways of transforming agriculture in response to climate change.

PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz has once again reiterated that elections in the country will only take place following accountability of those responsible for destroying the country’s economy and disqualifying her father, ex-PM Nawaz Sharif. “First accountability then elections… general elections will be held but first both sides of scale will have to be balanced,” she said while addressing the party workers in Sheikhupura on Tuesday. Also read: Maryam wants justice first, elections later“Now Saqib Nisar has taken certificate of honesty back from Imran. Referring to the alleged conspiracy, Maryam said her party is ready to contest elections “but first those who conspired against Nawaz will be held accountable”. She also lashed out at ex-PM and PTI chief Imran Khan for skipping court hearings “on the pretext of false health claims”.

The opening ceremony of the 6th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) competition 2023 is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Pabbi, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), as many as seven Pakistan Army teams and 10 international teams including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Jordan, USA, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Qatar are participating in the competition. The statement said three observer countries — Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria — are also part of the 6th International PATS. The 60 hours-long rigorous competition, which is based on evaluating physical endurance, mental agility, and tactical proficiency of the combat teams, will continue from March 7 to 9. Last year, as many as eight Pakistan Army and eight international teams including Jordan, Morocco, Nepal, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka participated in the competition held at (NCTC) Pabbi.

Logansport, IN (46947)TodayPartly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..TonightPartly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.

Former Senate chairman and senior PPP leader Senator Raza Rabbani said on Monday that the people of Pakistan have a right to know if the country's nuclear assets are under pressure. "The dragging of the feet by the IMF on signing the agreement and reluctance of friendly countries, except China, to help sans the IMF, Parliament needs to be taken into confidence." “It appears Pakistan is being softened up to play a role which is against its national and strategic interests,” he added. The senator further pointed out that the government has failed to discuss the issues pertaining to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the increase in terrorism. “It seems be it the PTI or present governments want azadi [freedom] from Parliament and the Constitution, 1973, the senator added.

Many people want to upgrade their homes after the COVID-19 pandemic confined them indoors, industry executives say. "I haven't seen such a mad rush in a decade," said Prashant Thakur, head of research at real estate consultant Anarock. We are getting more calls and as the available inventory is low, luxury properties are being sold quickly nowadays," said Amit Goyal, India CEO at Sotheby's International Realty. Mercedes sold a record number of high-end cars in India last year and luxury goods are in high demand too. So far, around 160 people were invited for a viewing and 17 of 46 flats sold in the eight-storey project.

DOHA: Leaders from the world´s poorest nations poured out their disappointment and bitterness at a UN summit on Sunday over the treatment of their countries by richer counterparts. Leaders of the world´s major economies have been markedly absent from debate, which will last five days, on the turmoil in poor nations. “Central African Republic has always been wrongly considered by certain Western powers as a reserve for strategic materials,” he added. Gold and diamond companies linked to Wagner in Central African Republic and Sudan were also hit by EU sanctions. The LDC summit lasts until March 9 while hundreds of business executives are attending a parallel private sector forum.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday evaded arrest as his supporters prevented the Islamabad police from entering his Zaman Park residence in Lahore amid high drama. The officers and officials of the Lahore police later escorted the Islamabad team to Zaman Park at noon. The police said that the PTI leaders at Zaman Park had assured them that Imran would abide by the law. Till late night, the presence of police contingents had been increased in the surroundings of Zaman Park. The reserves of Anti-Riot Force (ARF) at Qila Gujjar Singh – which is hardly two kilometres away from Zaman Park, were also put on high alert.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan on Sunday said the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan was not a “big deal” and the government could proceed with the move if it so desired but it wanted the courts to convict him first. “If the government wanted, he [Imran] could have been arrested during his appearance at the high court,” he added. Earlier in the day, the Islamabad police travelled to Lahore to arrest Imran over the warrants issued against him in the Toshakhana (gift repository) case. Speaking to the media, Sanaullah said if the court ordered Imran’s arrest, the government would instantly comply with the instructions without any fear of a law and order situation or resistance from PTI activists. Describing the PTI chief as a “coward”, Tarar maintained that there were reports that Imran had locked himself in a room at his residence fearing arrest.

Reports suggest that sensing Islamabad’s position, the Afghan Taliban proposed a new plan that envisaged disarming the TTP and relocating their members from the border areas. However, unlike previous plans, the TTP members will be resettled inside Afghanistan. Currently, there are between eight to 12 thousand TTP militants in Afghanistan, and the number goes up to 30,000 if their family members are included. It is also important to remember that following the Afghan Taliban takeover in August 2021, the PTI government initiated talks with the TTP and allowed hundreds of TTP militants to resettle in Pakistan. There can be no compromise on matters of national security and the time for offering concessions to the TTP is over.