Prime Minister’s Adviser, Rana Sanaullah, stated that the verdict in the Toshakhana case is a clear reflection of the corruption during PTI’s tenure. In his statement, he accused the founder of PTI and his team of looting the country during their rule. On the other hand, Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, said that the Toshakhana case was a clear one, and a conviction was inevitable as they had no defense. He added that Bushra Bibi and the PTI founder had taken items such as a rare and expensive necklace in the first Toshakhana case, along with dinner sets and phones, and falsely valued them. He emphasized that the Toshakhana is meant to hold gifts in trust for the government, and they had betrayed that trust by keeping items worth billions for a few rupees.

President, Asif Ali Zardari, will leave for Iraq on five-day official visit today (Saturday) at the invitation of President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. The visit underscores the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared bonds of faith, culture, and mutual respect, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said. Discussions will also cover regional and international developments, as well as cooperation at multilateral fora. The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally warm and cordial ties between the two countries, identify new avenues of partnership, and enhance people-to-people linkages, particularly in the context of religious tourism and economic collaboration. The official visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with Iraq and its commitment to fostering a results-oriented, forward-looking, and strategic partnership that contributes to Iraq’s stability and development, as well as to regional peace and prosperity.

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on Friday clarified that the prison sentences awarded to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case will commence after the completion of the earlier 14-year sentence in 190 million-pound case. In a statement, Tarar explained that following the conclusion of the 14-year term, the 17-year prison sentence imposed in the Toshakhana-II case will begin. “The gifts were misappropriated for personal gain, resulting in losses of approximately three to seven crore rupees to the government,” he said, adding that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had benefited financially from retaining the undervalued gifts. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.

– Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Saturday said that the verdict announced against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case was fully in line with the Constitution and the law. He alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi deliberately undervalued a Bulgari jewellery set to obtain it at a fraction of its actual price, causing loss to the national exchequer. He added that accountability under the law was essential to uphold transparency and the rule of law. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.

Rubio revealed that Pakistan was among the countries willing to consider participation in the force. While several nations are ready to support stabilization, Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/TOBs5qRrbd — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 19, 2025He added that further clarity was still needed. Rubio calls for Palestinian technocratic authority in GazaAddressing the current situation in Gaza, Rubio said the ongoing insufficient flow of aid, periodic ceasefire violations, and lack of reconstruction are unsustainable in the long term. Rubio noted that a stabilization force on the ground is critical to protecting aid deliveries. But with a stabilization force in place, the technical and logistical aspects can be handled by the Palestinian technocratic organisation along with international partners,” he said.

By Sardar Khan NiaziDeep beneath the earth, far from the glare of public scrutiny, Pakistan’s miners extract the coal and minerals that fuel industry and livelihoods. Safeguarding miners’ human rights is not merely a labor issue; it is a test of the state’s commitment to dignity, justice and the rule of law. Protecting miners’ rights is not anti-development; it is a prerequisite for sustainable growth. Pakistan’s miners work in darkness so others may live in light. Ensuring their safety, dignity and rights is not an act of benevolence but a constitutional and ethical imperative.

Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik’s personal ownership of gas sector sustainability sends a clear message that the government is prepared to take responsibility for difficult but necessary reforms. Pakistan’s gas sector faces deep-rooted structural inefficiencies, including financial losses, governance issues, and outdated operational models. Collaboration on LPG sector reforms and capacity building of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) also reflects a holistic approach. The discussion on improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) and enhancing fuel standards further broadens the scope of energy reforms. Linking energy sector reforms with environmental objectives demonstrates an understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved in silos.

Rays trade Shane Baz to OriolesThis trade-filled Friday has continued. Just minutes after trading Brandon Lowe out of the American League East , the Tampa Bay Rays made a second move, trading starting pitcher Shane Baz to the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the Rays received Caden Bodine , Slater de Brun, Austin Overn, Micheal Forret, and the Orioles’ Competitive Balance Round A pick. It’s a lot to give up for an oft-injured pitcher who didn’t have the best 2025 season. The right-handed pitcher ranks one spot behind Bodine on the Orioles top prospect list according to MLB Pipeline .

Rawalpindi: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir holds important meeting with Libyan Armed Forces Chief. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Juraat, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, is currently on an official visit to Libya where he met with Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan […]

Karachi: The U.S. Mission in Pakistan, in partnership with Vanderbilt University (Tennessee, USA), marked the completion of the STEMpowered project, a $294,000 initiative that brought U.S. teaching and leadership expertise to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Pakistan. In partnership with Sukkur IBA (SIBA) University and Beyond the Classroom Education, the program included a week-long immersion at Vanderbilt for SIBA faculty, focusing on STEM teaching methods, research, AI in education, and refining practical solutions for classroom challenges. The program also strengthened ties with peer institutions, including faculty from Aga Khan University, and reaffirmed U.S. leadership in global STEM education. Participants in the program produced a STEM Toolkit and a Curriculum Quality Assurance Framework which will support nationwide adoption of U.S. best practices. Low-cost, inquiry-based methods increased student confidence in STEM experiments by 60–80%, while culturally-relevant teaching raised girls’ participation and leadership in STEM by over 30%.

ISLAMABAD: The details of the government’s plan to issue Panda Bonds worth $250 million in the first phase have been revealed. An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding the issuance of Panda Bonds, in which the progress of Pakistan’s first Panda Bond issuance was reviewed. Terming the bond issue as part of a prudent debt strategy, the Finance Minister said that Panda Bond will help balance the debt burden and diversify financial resources. The delegation briefed the Finance Minister about their business models and practical difficulties. The Finance Minister described the role of telecom infrastructure as important in digital connectivity.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. In the knockout match of the event played in Dubai, Pakistan achieved the target of 122 runs in the 17th over for the loss of 2 wickets. Earlier, batting first at the invitation of Pakistan, the Bangladesh team was bowled out for 121 runs in the 27th over. For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan took 4 and 2 wickets respectively. Ali Raza, Muhammad Sayam and Ahmed Hussain took 1 wicket each.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the report released by the United Nations human rights experts. The global report has expressed serious concerns about the military actions taken by India against Pakistan in May this year and their impact on international peace and stability. President Zardari appreciated the observations made in the report on India’s announcement of unilateral suspension of its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, aggressive behavior and statements, and civilian casualties resulting from Indian aggression. He said that the Indus Waters Treaty is an international agreement and a foundation for regional stability. India’s disregard for the agreed dispute resolution mechanism and actions affecting the flow of water could lead to consequences based on serious human rights violations, including those of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday witnessed the benchmark 100 Index reaching an all-time high due to a positive trend on the final day of the business week. During trading, the 100 Index rose by 330 points to reach 172,290 points. At one stage, the index even touched its highest-ever level of 172,674 points during the session. It is noteworthy that at the close of trading the previous day, the 100 Index had settled at 171,960 points.

The security agencies have dealt a major blow to the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) by arresting the group’s spokesman, terrorist Khawarij Sultan Aziz Azzam, sources confirmed. According to officials, Sultan Aziz Azzam, the spokesperson of ISIS-K and founder of the group’s official media wing, the Al-Azaim Foundation, was taken into custody during an intelligence-led operation. The Al-Azaim Foundation is considered a key platform for ISIS-K’s recruitment and propaganda activities. Following the arrest of Sultan Aziz Azzam, the group’s media operations have reportedly been suspended. The arrest of ISIS-K spokesman Sultan Aziz Azzam on May 16, 2025, has also been highlighted in the 16th report of the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team.