Trump says US struck IS targets in Nigeria after
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. launched a “powerful and deadly” strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the West African country’s government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians. Trump ordered the Pentagon last month to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria to try and curb the so-called Christian persecution. And the U.S. recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. U.S. forces likely would have to be drawn from other parts of the world for any larger-scale military intervention in Nigeria. Trump has nonetheless kept up the pressure as Nigeria faced a series of attacks on schools and churches in violence that experts and residents say targets both Christians and Muslims.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
Jordan armed forces chief meets Field
Major General Yousef Ahmed A Al Huneiti, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces, has visited General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to meet Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS and CDF of Pakistan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. During the meeting, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), both leaders explored matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics and opportunities to enhance bilateral defence and military cooperation. The Jordanian military chief praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening defence ties with Jordan. He emphasised the significance of joint efforts in addressing evolving security challenges facing the region.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
UAE president arrives in Pakistan on first official visit
President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has arrived in Pakistan today on a one-day official visit. Ahead of UAE president visit, extensive preparations have made in Islamabad to accord a warm and befitting welcome to the Emirati leader. During his visit, the UAE president will hold meetings with Pakistan’s political and military leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest, regional developments, and ways to further enhance Pakistan-UAE cooperation. The Cabinet Division issued a notification announcing the closure of the Pakistan Secretariat and all federal government offices within the capital. Hospitals, banks, emergency services, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, CDA offices, Islamabad Police, IESCO, and Sui Northern Gas offices will continue to function as usual.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
KP CM arrives in Lahore today for three-day visit
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrives in Lahore today (Friday) for a three-day official visit. During his visit, the KP chief minister is expected to hold meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarians at the Punjab Assembly. The chief minister is also likely to visit the residences of detained PTI leaders as part of his outreach efforts. According to sources KP CM may also visit Zaman Park, the residential area of PTI founder Imran Khan, during the trip. Further engagements and meetings may be added to the schedule depending on developments during the three-day visit.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
ECP extends deadline for Islamabad LG elections nomination filing
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has extended the deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers for the upcoming Islamabad local government elections. Earlier, the last date to file nomination papers was set for December 27, 2025. The ECP has now granted candidates an additional two days, making the new deadline December 30, 2025. According to an official spokesperson of the Election Commission, the extension has been provided to facilitate prospective candidates and ensure a smooth nomination process. The Islamabad local elections are part of the broader efforts to strengthen local governance in the federal capital.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
Lahore ATC issues written verdict in May 9 cases, Mehmood ur Ras
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore has issued its written verdict in two cases related to the events of May 9, sentencing Mehmood ur Rashid to 33 years in prison, while Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Umar Cheema have each been sentenced to 10 years. The court awarded Rashid a cumulative sentence of 33 years’ imprisonment along with a fine of Rs600,000. Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, and Ijaz Chaudhry were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. It held that the presence of Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Omer Sarfraz Cheema at conspiracy meetings was proven. According to the verdict, the prosecution stated that four leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, incited unrest among the public to fuel arson and violence across the country.
Source:The Patriot
December 26, 2025 09:01 UTC
Quaid’s vision, ideals in focus as nation celebrates his 149th birth anniversary
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership highlighted Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a sovereign, democratic and inclusive nation as the country celebrated his 149th birth anniversary on Thursday. The country’s military leadership also paid tribute to the Quaid on his birth anniversary. They emphasised that Quaid-i-Azam’s “exemplary leadership, constitutionalism and steadfast resolve continue to guide the nation and its armed forces in confronting contemporary challenges,” the statement added. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed the ceremonial guard duties. Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry was the chief guest on the occasion.
Source:The Nation
December 25, 2025 22:38 UTC
The vision that still guides Pakistan
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah stands as one of the most towering figures of the twentieth century, not only for founding Pakistan but for articulating a political vision rooted in constitutionalism, equality, and democratic governance. Jinnah’s greatness lay not merely in achieving the creation of Pakistan against overwhelming odds, but in the method by which he did so. At the heart of Jinnah’s political philosophy was the protection of rights especially those of minorities. The gap between his vision and present realities is a reminder that independence was not an endpoint but a beginning. Only then can Pakistan truly claim to be the nation Jinnah dreamed of and struggled to create.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 19:22 UTC
PIA privatization a step forward
The assumption was simple; PIA was too politically sensitive, too unionized, and too symbolic to touch. With the privatization of PIA, a long-standing misfortune appears to have been broken. PIA once a regional aviation leader, trained staff for foreign airlines and helped launch carriers across Asia and the Middle East. Fiscal discipline, civil service reform, and regulatory strengthening are harder, slower, and less headline-friendly — but without them, no privatization can deliver durable benefits. The challenge now is to ensure it was a step forward, not merely a step taken.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 19:22 UTC
Saba Qamar gave a sarcastic response to the request for a case against her
A petition has been filed against Saba Qamar in the Lahore Sessions Court, alleging that she wore a police uniform without official permission. During this controversy, Saba Qamar reshared an Instagram post by Diva Magazine Editor-in-Chief Raheel Rao, in which he had strongly defended the actress. Saba Qamar also reacted humorously to Raheel Rao’s statement instead of remaining silent. It seems I have become very famous these days” and also added smiling emojis, which social media users found very interesting. Currently, legal action has been initiated on this matter, while Saba Qamar’s sarcastic response is gaining a lot of attention on social media.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 15:14 UTC
Security forces conduct operation against Fitnatul Hindustan in Kalat, 8 terrorists killed
Eight terrorists were killed in an operation by security forces against Fitnat-ul-Hindustan in Kalat. During the operation, security forces effectively targeted the hideout of the terrorists and after a fierce exchange of fire, 8 Indian-backed terrorists were killed. Prime Minister and Federal Interior Minister pay tribute to the security forcesPrime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to the security forces for their operation against the terrorists of Fitnatul Hindustan in Kalat district. He praised the security forces for killing 8 terrorists in the operation and said that the security forces are achieving great successes against terrorism under the vision of determination of stability. He said that the security forces have successfully carried out an operation in Kalat and have thwarted the nefarious intentions of the Khawarij.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 15:14 UTC
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir
Rawalpindi:Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, attended the Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, joining the Christian community in commemorating the joyous occasion. Paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Field Marshal highlighted the Founder’s vision of equality, freedom and religious tolerance, emphasizing the protection of minority rights as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ideology. Interacting with the congregation, Field Marshal highlighted the enduring contributions of Pakistani Christians to national development and security, including their proud and distinguished service in the Pakistan Armed Forces across generations. The COAS & CDF reaffirmed Pakistan Armed Forces’ commitment to upholding the dignity, security and equal rights of all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. The Christian community leaders expressed gratitude for the Field Marshal’s visit, acknowledging Pakistan Armed Forces’ role for protection of homeland, inclusivity, religious harmony, and national unity in Pakistan.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 11:24 UTC
Message of Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam
ISLAMABAD : On the Auspicious Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founding Father of l the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I extend my respectful felicitations to the Government and Nation of Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to the causes of the Islamic Ummah, and tireless struggle for justice and dignity continue to inspire generations in Pakistan and beyond. His enduring ideals of unity, faith, and discipline remain the guiding pillars of Pakistan’s national journey. The historic date of 25 December holds a special significance, symbolizing both universal values of peace and goodwill, and the commemoration of the birth of Pakistan’s great founding father. It stands as a reminder of the principles of harmony, tolerance, and moral leadership that Quaid-e-Azam so firmly upheld.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 09:37 UTC
Opp alliance shows willingness to accept PM's talk offer
Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP), Pakistan Constitutional Protection Movement, has expressed its willingness to accept the Prime Minister’s offer for negotiations, saying new charter is an absolute necessity in the negotiations. The meeting of the alliance was held under the chairmanship of Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The two-day national conference of the opposition was declared a success in the meeting. According to the opposition alliance declaration, readiness was expressed for transparent elections, the appointment of a unanimous new Election Commissioner, and parliamentary supremacy under the new charter. According to the announcement, the establishment of provincial and district sub-committees will be announced soon.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 09:06 UTC
Mohsin Naqvi pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam on
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the life of Quaid-e-Azam was a shining example of supremacy of law and truthfulness. While paying glowing tribute to the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on his birth anniversary, Mohsin Naqvi said that Quaid-e-Azam changed the course of history through principled leadership, honesty, and an unmatched struggle. Through extraordinary hard work and unwavering determination, Quaid-e-Azam transformed the struggle for Pakistan into a well-organized mass movement. Mohsin Naqvi stated that Quaid-e-Azam united Muslims on a single platform and turned the dream of an independent Muslim state into reality. Thanks to Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistanis today breathe freely in an independent homeland, a debt that can never be repaid.
Source:The Patriot
December 25, 2025 09:06 UTC