Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has strongly opposed the military operation in the Tirah Valley, saying that the Afridi nation did not agree with the committee members but they were forced to vacate their homes during the snowfall season. In a statement regarding the Tirah Valley operation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that today, the most difficult conditions have once again been imposed on the Tirah Valley. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that when closed room decisions were being imposed on the Tirah Valley, I raised my voice against it. He said that all schools of thought under the umbrella of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and the jirga of all political parties in the province unanimously approved the 15-point agenda. Now the whole world is watching the elderly, children and women who are being displaced, and the operation is not even possible due to snowfall.

NEW YORK : Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar, on Monday said that India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir root cause of instability in South Asia. He said that respect for international law is facing a severe test today. Asim Iftikhar said that unilateral actions have undermined international law, and when law bows to power or expediency, instability deepens, conflicts take stronger root, and peaceful coexistence comes under threat. He added that the only standard between states is respect for international law. India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a clear violation of international law, and such unilateral Indian actions are harming peace and security in the region.

LAHORE :– Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of Stroke Management Centres in every district of the province to ensure timely and effective treatment for stroke patients. The chief minister has given in-principle approval for the deployment of neurologists and paediatric neurologists at all DHQ hospitals. In addition, one doctor and one nurse from each district will be provided three months of specialised stroke management training on an urgent basis. She further announced that stroke management centres will also be established in every children’s hospital across Punjab, adding that no patient should be forced to travel to major cities for treatment. He emphasised that awareness and training for pre-hospital, hospital, and post-hospital stroke care are essential to reduce mortality and long-term disability.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday announced compensation for the traders affected by the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi. Speaking to the media, Murad Ali Shah said that affected traders will be given Rs 500,000 for a period of two months. The families of those who lost their loved ones in the incident will be given Rs 10 million each. Murad Ali Shah stated, “I admit that it was our negligence. An FIR has been registered regarding the Gul Plaza incident, and investigations are underway.

ISLAMABAD (APP) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assured that the federal government would utilize all possible resources to further increase the skills and capabilities of the country’s youth. The prime minister, in a meeting with Chairman of Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, said that the government was prioritising the enhancement of youth’s educational capabilities. Rana Mashhood briefed the prime minister on matters related to the Youth Program, particularly the laptop scheme. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the ongoing initiatives under the Youth Program aimed at promoting the welfare of the youth.

ISLAMABAD : The Federal Constitutional Court has reserved its verdict in the Super Tax case after the conclusion of arguments, marking a crucial moment in a case closely watched by the business community and fiscal policymakers. A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the case. While addressing the courtroom, Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that the bench would make an effort to announce a short order on the same day. The Super Tax case involves key constitutional and financial questions related to taxation authority and its impact on the corporate sector. Legal experts believe the verdict could set an important precedent regarding the balance between state taxation powers and the rights of businesses under constitutional law.

According to the PMD, rain-wind and thunderstorm with snowfall over hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, and northeast Balochistan. Heavy rain accompanied by moderate to heavy snowfall is likely at isolated places in Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, widespread rain with snowfall over hills is likely, with heavy rain and moderate to heavy snow expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, intermittent rain and snowfall is expected, with heavy rain and moderate to heavy snowfall likely in Astore, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, and Jhelum Valley.

It replenishes water tables, supports winter crops, and helps mitigate drought conditions that have plagued many regions in recent years. Snowfall in northern areas also plays a crucial role in feeding rivers and reservoirs, ensuring water availability for downstream communities in the months ahead. If authorities do not act swiftly to clear roads, pre-position supplies, and ensure communication lines remain open, the cost will be borne by ordinary citizens. The arrival of rain should not be treated as an unexpected event it is a seasonal reality that requires planning. Unfortunately, municipal preparedness in many cities remains weak, with clogged drains, uncollected waste, and poorly maintained infrastructure turning rain into chaos.

their spokesperson says that TTP is not a terrorist organization, it is a deaf-mute group. This political group has committed corruption worth billions of rupees, The money this group has received has made them lose sight of politics, deafening silence. they won votes by gaining sympathy from the people, deafening silence. now the people have become aware, they cannot be fooled, they are deaf and dumb. I challenge the incompetent Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to a debate.

Xi stresses securing good start for new five-year plan http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2026-01/21/content_118291518.html19. Officials urged to ensure sound start for 15th Five-Year Plan period as study session concludes http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2026-01/24/content_118298020.html21. Chinese premier chairs symposium to solicit opinions on draft gov’t work report, five-year plan http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2026-01/20/content_118289237.html22. Xinhua Headlines: Xi leads China’s diplomacy to usher in new chapter in turbulent world https://english.news.cn/20260125/18158a805e7e4ea9b8220bdf23773f2a/c.html28. Why China’s swift ousting of Zhang Youxia is a sharp warning on party purity from Xi https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341173/why-chinas-rapid-ousting-2-top-generals-sharp-warning-party-purity?module=top_story&pgtype=section39.

MUZAFFARABAD : Kashmiris across Azad Kashmir and along the Line of Control mark India’s Republic Day on Monday as a “Black Day,” staging protests and rallies to draw global attention to their cause. According to local organisers, demonstrations will be held in the capital and in small and large towns across the region. Kashmir Inspector General of Police V. K. Birdi said that elaborate security arrangements have been finalised around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main Republic Day function is scheduled. “Sensitive areas in Kashmir have seen enhanced security, including road blockades, vehicle checks, security cordons, and search operations,” he said. Kashmiris observe such occasions under heavy restrictions, viewing them as reminders of prolonged repression and denial of political rights in the occupied territory.

LAMABAD : Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the new state-of-the-art monitoring system, Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge Band Response Analytics (SHIKRA), at the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports. The system modernizes passport application processing, printing, and overall operational monitoring. Minister Naqvi praised the DG of Immigration & Passports and his team for implementing advanced technology, saying the system aligns Pakistan’s passport services with global standards. He emphasized that the new system will enhance service speed, security, and efficiency, with passport security features meeting ICAO standards. Senior officials, including DG FIA, DG Immigration & Passports, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and IG Islamabad Police, attended the inauguration.

KARACHI :The record-breaking trend at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continues, as the market has achieved another milestone on Monday amid hopes for a cut in policy rate. On the first day of the trading week, the KSE-100 index witnessed a massive surge of over 1,800 points, pushing it to surpass the 191,000 points mark for the first time in history. The Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet at 10:30 am under the chairmanship of the SBP governor to make the final decision regarding the key interest rate. The policy announcement will set the interest rate for the next two months. At present, the key interest rate stands at 10.5 percent.

MQM leader Farooq Sattar reiterated the demand and said that the Gul Plaza fire incident is a tragic and unfortunate tragedy. The count of missing persons should be completed, otherwise the families will not get peace, he said. The traders of Gul Plaza suffered losses of billions of rupees. he rescue operation at Gul Plaza continued for the ninth consecutive as search teams recovered more human remains from the debris of the collapsed building. Rescue 1122 and Urban Search and Rescue teams are actively engaged in clearing the rubble and searching for missing persons.

ISLAMABAD : The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for several regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, warning of potential rain and snowfall over the next 12 hours. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and snow are anticipated in Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar. In Azad Kashmir, districts including Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Havelian, Kotli, Bhimber, and Neelum are expected to see rain and snow in elevated areas. Rescue and road restoration agencies have been placed on high alert to respond to potential emergencies. Citizens are encouraged to use the NDMA Disaster Alert App for updates, safety guidance, and warnings regarding adverse weather conditions.