Afghanistan’s New Penal Code: Regression, Not Reform
The core premise of a penal code in any state is simple yet profound: bring uniformity, fairness and predictability to the application of criminal law. This penal code reinforces a system in which women’s autonomy and basic freedoms are subordinated, deepening a crisis that has seen vast numbers of girls barred from education and women from meaningful participation in society. From Geneva to Kabul, observers have repudiated the penal code. The penal code declares that power, not justice, will be the defining metric of law in Afghanistan. Afghanistan today faces not just political isolation, but a profound moral crisis — one that this new penal code only deepens.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 23:45 UTC
Confronting Terror without Ifs and Buts
Asif MahmoodThe terror attacks were decisively repelled and the terrorists eliminated, reflecting a swift and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces. Pakistan is confronting a hydra-headed monster of terrorism, yet the nation remains resolute in facing it head on. The nation must now recognise that the time for “ifs” and “buts” has passed. It is the story of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and security forces. Let it be repeated again : the time for “ifs” and “buts” has passed.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 23:45 UTC
Jannat Mirza's sister announces marriage
Alishba Anjum, the sister of Pakistan’s famous TikToker and social media influencer Jannat Mirza, has expressed her intention to adopt simplicity regarding her upcoming wedding. Contrary to the trend of luxurious weddings of internet celebrities, Alishba says that she will hold a ceremony consisting of Nikah and Valima with limited expenses. On the same occasion, Alishba Anjum also shared the details of the prices of her clothes. This video of Alashba went viral on social media as soon as it was released and a large number of users reacted to it. Alashba Anjum is extremely popular on social media.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
Multiple attacks by Fitnatul Hindustan
Security forces foiled attacks on 12 locations of Fitnatul Hindustan in Balochistan, killing 67 terrorists. According to security sources, last night, Fitnatul Hindustan terrorists carried out cowardly attacks on 12 different locations of Balochistan, after which all these attacks were foiled as a result of timely and effective action by security forces and other law enforcement agencies. Security sources said that the pursuit and engagement of terrorists at different locations is still ongoing. Security forces are pursuing the terrorists and conducting operations and aerial surveillance. He praised the professionalism of the Pakistani armed forces and law enforcement agencies for thwarting infiltration attempts by Fitnatul Hindustan terrorists at several locations.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
Federation inaugurated a digitalized
According to the details, Mustafa Kamal stressed the need to establish DNA laboratories in every province. He expressed these views at the inauguration ceremony of the digitalized federal dispensary in the FC area. Under the Healthcare Digitalization Program, the process of equipping federal primary health centers with modern facilities is underway. The Federal Health Minister inaugurated Karachi’s third digitalized federal dispensary in the FC area. This dispensary has been established in collaboration with Sehat Kahani and the Federal Ministry of Health, which is the sixth dispensary under Sehat Kahani in Pakistan.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
Gold prices fell sharply today
Karachi: Gold prices have further declined today, resulting in gold becoming cheaper in global and local markets. In the international bullion market, the price of gold per ounce fell by $255 on Saturday, bringing the new global price to $4,895 per ounce. Similarly, in the local bullion markets, the price of 24-carat gold per tola fell by Rs25,500 on the last day of the business week, bringing the new price to Rs511,862, while the price of 10 grams of gold fell by Rs21,862 to Rs438,839.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
Islamabad: Rwanda High Commission Hosts Inaugural Rwanda Coffee Festival in Pakistan
The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan successfully hosted the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad, promoting Rwanda’s specialty Arabica coffee and strengthening trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between Rwanda and Pakistan. The session opened with welcome remarks by H.E HARERIMANA Fatou, Rwanda High Commissioner to Pakistan welcoming the delegates from Rwanda and all Participants to the Rwanda’s coffee festival at the first time organized by Rwanda Embassy in Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation and the introducing of Rwanda’s Coffee in Pakistan. Mr. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry of Rwanda, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their interest in Rwanda Coffee and praised Pakistan’s warm hospitality. The Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 was attended by a large and diverse audience, including diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, investors, coffee professionals, media representatives, and members of civil society.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
BLA Terror Attacks Across Balochistan
A series of poorly executed terrorist attacks were carried out across multiple locations in Balochistan on Wednesday as part of a campaign branded by the perpetrators as “Herof 2.0.” Pakistan’s security forces responded swiftly at all locations, thwarting the attacks, neutralizing terrorists, and restoring control within hours. According to security sources, the attacks were executed by Fitna-al-Hindustan (FAH), a foreign-sponsored terrorist network of BLA. Security forces promptly cordoned off the area and engaged the attackers. Security forces responded effectively, inflicting losses on the attackers and preventing further escalation. The BLA as well as BLac are proscribed terrorist organizations under Pakistani law and BLA is also designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States.
Source:The Patriot
January 31, 2026 15:45 UTC
PM announces Rs4.04 per unit cut in power tariffs for industry
We are close to finalising agreement for two billion dollar investment by Azerbaijan in Pakistan: PM. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that future FDI would be encouraged only in export-led projects, which would help generate foreign exchange and strengthen the country’s reserves. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to reduce reliance on external debt, stating that “there is no respect for nations that beg for money.”The prime minister said that at this moment, in the 3rd quarter, the country’s foreign exchange reserves had doubled, but that included loans from friendly countries as well. The prime minister also emphasized tax compliance, warning industries against withholding taxes collected from consumers. Prime Minister Shehbaz also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and several cabinet members for their role in economic reforms, privatization, and export promotion, terming the progress a result of teamwork and selfless service.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 11:05 UTC
One killed in CNG station fire in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD - A truck refilling CNG at a CNG station, located very close to Wadhu Wah Gate on Hyderabad Bypass road on Friday, caught fire killing one person in the incident. An unknown person was burnt to death in the fire which engulfed the Star CNG station and a neighbouring house, the spokesman of Rescue 1122 Dilbar Halepoto informed. The fire spread a scare among the residents of coterminous buildings and bungalows as the CNG station is surrounded by residential units while an unauthorized transport stands also functions at the same place. The Rescue official said it took 3 fire tenders more than an hour to douse the blazes whose black smoke had covered the sky. He told that a completely burnt dead body was later found from the CNG station during the cooling process.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:55 UTC
Balancing Power Relief
Providing relief to industries is not merely desirable; it is necessary. Pakistan’s economic recovery hinges on restoring the viability of its manufacturing base, improving productivity, and attracting investment. Disparities in tariff structures risk entrenching a narrative of unequal treatment, undermining public trust in economic reforms that are otherwise well-intentioned. The government has, to its credit, initiated several positive measures to rationalise the power sector, enhance transparency, and address structural inefficiencies. A balanced approach, one that cushions households while energising industry, would reinforce the credibility of these initiatives and demonstrate that economic recovery is not being engineered for select constituencies.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:26 UTC
A Failing UN
Let us go back through history and imagine a world where the Second World War never happened. In the wake of that catastrophic failure and the subsequent horrors of world war, the international community conceived the United Nations. It was a reformed successor built upon the same pillars: the preservation of global peace and security. However, contemporary and historical evidence suggests a bitter reality: the UN is failing. As desperate cries for justice from Gaza to Ukraine, and Sudan to Yemen, go unanswered, and the shadow of a Third World War looms on the horizon, we must confront the truth: the United Nations is failing.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:21 UTC
US National Defence Strategy
The recently released US National Defence Strategy reveals a massive paradigm shift in the US approach at the geopolitical and geostrategic levels. The objectives of this national defence strategy are very emphatic and clear. To that end, it will erect a strong “denial defence” (anti-access/area denial strategy) along the First Island Chain, reinforce deterrence through denial, and expect US allies to share the burden. The third LoE is increasing burden sharing with allies and partners: it is one of the most striking priorities of this US strategy. Furthermore, the US hopes to expand transatlantic defence industrial cooperation and reduce defence trade barriers.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:19 UTC
Now It’s Our Turn
Climate change is a serious issue for Pakistan. Rising temperatures, floods, smog, and water shortages are affecting our lives every year. The Government of Punjab has taken important steps to address climate change. These efforts show that the government understands the dangers of climate change. Schools, media, and communities should also raise awareness about climate change.
Source:The Nation
January 31, 2026 05:17 UTC
850 billion was saved in last financial year paying off debt early
Also, it fails to address an important part of the national debt problem, foreign debt, and the foreign exchange needed to repay it. As a result, it has been possible to retire debt, only to contract it again at a lower rate of interest, in a process known as debt switching. What this has meant is that Rs 850 billion was saved in the last fiscal year, and it is estimated that Rs 800 billion will be saved in this fiscal. However, while rupee-denominated debt has declined to Rs 80 trillion from Rs 80-5 trillion, dollar-denominated debt remains the real problem. Retiring foreign loans early might a possible pathway to easier debt management, but is not possible without increased exports, because it cannot be accomplished merely by government action.
Source:Pakistan Today
January 31, 2026 01:41 UTC