CM Afridi rules out military operations
Says peace lies in dialogue, inclusive policiesKhyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi. Photo: FileKhyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, consultation, and social engagement, rejecting any military operations as a solution. "The provincial government, under the leadership of Imran Khan, believes that the resolution of conflicts must be achieved through political, social, and consultative processes," Afridi said. Social Welfare was directed to take special measures for homeless individuals during the winter and ensure arrangements for tourists in hill districts. Afridi concluded by reiterating that collaborative, inclusive policy-making is the only path to lasting peace, warning that decisions made behind closed doors would neither ensure security nor public trust.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 05, 2026 20:04 UTC
CPSC Monitor (January 5, 2026)
Pakistan, China agree to strengthen coordination at bilateral, multilateral forums https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585421/pakistan-china-agree-to-strengthen-coordination-at-bilateral-multilateral-forums3. Pakistan, China call for more ‘visible, verifiable’ actions to eliminate terrorist groups based in Afghanistan https://www.dawn.com/news/19652404. In 2026, the world can continue to place expectations on China: Global Times editorial http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/1231/c90000-20408793.html17. A survey reveals the compelling appeal of contemporary China: Global Times editorial http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/1230/c90000-20408414.html20. Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2026 New Year message https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/1231/c90000-20409287.html23.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 05, 2026 18:29 UTC
Venezuela's Maduro to appear in US court,
New York– Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was due to appear in a US court on Monday after his weekend capture by American forces, with US President Donald Trump leaving open the possibility of another incursion if the United States doesn’t get its way with Venezuela’s interim government. Maduro was detained during a military raid on Saturday in Caracas that has plunged Venezuela into uncertainty. Trump administration officials have portrayed the seizure as a law-enforcement action to hold Maduro accountable for criminal charges filed in 2020 that accuse him of narco-terrorism conspiracy. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who has taken over as interim leader, has said Maduro remains president and has contradicted Trump’s claim that she is willing to work with the United States. The United States has deemed Maduro an illegitimate dictator since he declared victory in a 2018 election marred by allegations of massive irregularities.
Source:The Patriot
January 05, 2026 09:05 UTC
PSX hits record high as KSE-100 crosses 181,000 points
KARACHI : The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has maintained its impressive momentum on Monday, setting new records due to a positive market trend. During trading, the KSE-100 Index reached an all-time high of 181,034 points, crossing the crucial 181,000-point mark for the first time. This continued growth reflects the strong performance of Pakistan’s stock market. In previous session, the KSE-100 closed bullish, gaining 2,679.44 points, a positive change of 1.52 percent, to settle at an all-time high of 179,034.93 points compared to 176,355.49 points on the previous trading day, according to PSX data. Market capitalization increased to Rs 20.213 trillion from Rs 19.968 trillion a day earlier.
Source:The Patriot
January 05, 2026 09:05 UTC
One dead, 7 injured as terrorists target cement
LAKKI MARWAT – An explosion near a private cement factory bus in the Bego Khel area of Lakki Marwat has resulted in one death while seven others, including two women, were injured on Monday. According to the police, the blast occurred when terrorists targeted the vehicle with an IED close to Nawar khel mor, as it was en route to the factory. Officials confirmed that a factory employee lost their life, while seven others, including four factory workers, were injured. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and security measures in the area have been intensified. According to National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Pakistan has been facing scourge of terrorism for last more than 20 years.
Source:The Patriot
January 05, 2026 08:15 UTC
Former Australian cricketer's health improves, he comes out of coma
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martin has recovered and is out of a coma. The 54-year-old was rushed to hospital after falling ill suddenly last week and was placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Former teammate Adam Gilchrist said in a statement on behalf of Martin’s family on Sunday that former Australian batsman Damien Martin has woken up from a coma after suffering from meningitis. Gilchrist added that Martin is in a very good mood and is overwhelmed by the support he has received. It should be noted that Damien Martin performed brilliantly in 67 Tests and 208 ODIs during his time in international cricket and was also a key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning team.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 17:07 UTC
Four policemen martyred in firing by unidentified gunmen in Lakki Marwat and Bannu Archives
Peshawar: Three policemen were martyred when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on traffic policemen in Lakki Marwat. The traffic policemen were on duty when unknown persons opened fire. The martyred officials include Traffic Police In-charge Naurang Jalal Khan, Police Constable Azizullah and Police Constable Abdullah. As soon as the incident was reported, a heavy contingent of […]
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 17:07 UTC
Four policemen martyred in firing by unidentified gunmen in Lakki Marwat and Bannu
Peshawar: Three policemen were martyred when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on traffic policemen in Lakki Marwat. The traffic policemen were on duty when unknown persons opened fire. The martyred officials include Traffic Police In-charge Naurang Jalal Khan, Police Constable Azizullah and Police Constable Abdullah. As soon as the incident was reported, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot and the martyred officials were shifted to Naurang Hospital. On the other hand, policeman Rashid Khan was martyred in the firing of motorcyclists in Qafshi Khel under the limits of Mandan police station in Bannu.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 17:07 UTC
T20 World Cup; Bangladesh announces not to send cricket team to India
Indian Hindu extremism has also engulfed cricket, with Bangladesh announcing that it will not send its cricket team to India for the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh Sports Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul Islam said that the Bangladesh cricket team will not go to India to play the World Cup. He made it clear that there is no justification for going to India now because India is apparently failing to provide security to our players. Bangladesh had demanded that India shift its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 17:07 UTC
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's plan to protest on February 8 has been revealed.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to protest across the country on February 8. According to party sources, a detailed plan for leading the protest at the provincial level has been prepared for this. According to PTI’s plan, the protest in Punjab will be led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, while Shahid Khattak will look after the protest matters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Similarly, PTI’s protest in Balochistan will be led by Mahmood Achakzai, while Allama Nasir Abbas will look after the protest matters in Sindh. According to sources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will finalize all matters related to the protest during his recent visit to Sindh.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 17:07 UTC
Who are Hania Aamir and Sajal Ali going to marry in 2026? A big claim has come to light.
As 2026 began, news about the possible marriage of two famous actresses Hania Amir and Sajal Ali gained momentum in the Pakistani showbiz industry. According to reports, famous actress Hania Amir will likely marry singer and actor Asim Azhar, while Sajal Ali will reportedly start a new journey of life with actor Hamza Sohail. Recently, the YouTube show What’s The 411 mentioned claims that Hania Amir and Asim Azhar will get married first, after which Sajal Ali and Hamza Sohail are expected to get married. Similarly, Hania Aamir has not made any clear statement regarding the marriage, nor has Asim Azhar officially confirmed the news. Will these marriage news really become a reality or will they remain limited to social media and entertainment reports?
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 16:17 UTC
'Wandering planet' discovered in the depths of space
Scientists have identified a ‘wandering’ planet that is floating in space on its own. Most planets discovered in the universe are in some kind of star system, like our Earth and other planets in this solar system. While the main method for identifying other planets is to observe the motion of these planets in front of their stars. Therefore, observing these wandering planets without a star becomes extremely difficult. Now scientists have identified one of these planets using a micro-lensing event (a process in which the light from the star behind the planet is magnified).
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 16:17 UTC
Ishaq Dar visits China, agrees to give new dimension to cooperation in various sectors including CPEC
Beijing: During the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing, the two countries have agreed to take cooperation in various fields, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to a new level. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also met with China’s Executive Vice Premier Ding Shuixiang, during which the commitment to further strengthen the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Partnership was reaffirmed. The two leaders agreed to give a new dimension to cooperation in various fields, including CPEC. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Ishaq Dar held separate telephonic conversations with Malaysian Foreign Minister Muhammad bin Haji Hassan, Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Towhid Hussain, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdul Ati. It should be noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq is on a visit to China where he will also co-chair the 7th Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 16:17 UTC
American pop star Beyonce joins list of billionaire musicians Archives
American pop singer Beyonce, known worldwide as “Queen B”, has achieved another major success in her career and has officially joined the list of billionaires. The leading business magazine Forbes has confirmed this honor by listing Beyonce Knowles Carter as one of the richest singers in the world. According to Forbes, Beyonce is the fifth […]
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 09:08 UTC
Venezuela's Supreme Court orders Delcy Rodriguez
“We demand the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said, calling Maduro “the only president of Venezuela.” A Venezuelan court later ordered Rodriguez to assume the position of interim president. “The people that are standing right behind me” – such as Rubio and Hegseth – would oversee the country, Trump said. He said on Saturday that as president, including his first term, he has overseen military actions that were “only victories.” But none of those involved removing another country’s leader. The United States has leveled similar charges against Maduro, accusing him of running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 election. Various estimates by academics say the actual cost to the United States of its years-long entanglement in Iraq ended up being at least $2 trillion.
Source:The Patriot
January 04, 2026 09:08 UTC