Governor Mehdi Shah demands provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah on Sunday demanded provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan and its inclusion in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Dunya News reported. The governor demanded that the federal government increase the number of seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly from 24 to 30 to ensure better representation. Syed Mehdi Shah said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had pledged to provide 100 megawatts of electricity to the region, expressing hope that the commitment would be fulfilled. Governor Shah said the federation must provide GB with its due share of development funds. He dismissed PML-N claims that the Sindh government was objecting to GB’s inclusion in the NFC.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 09:14 UTC
LHC suspends implementation of Punjab
The Lahore High Court has suspended the implementation of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance following hearings on multiple petitions against it. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard petitions from individuals including Abida Parveen and others. After addressing objections raised in the petitions, the court recommended forming a full bench to further deliberate on the matter. The Punjab chief secretary appeared before the court in response to the judicial order. You would have no right to appeal.”The chief justice also questioned the law’s provisions, stating that it seems individuals can make phone calls to forcefully take possession of properties.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 09:14 UTC
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to $21.1 billion, the highest level since March 2022, marking a significant milestone for the country. This achievement reflects sustainable economic growth and strong investor confidence in the country’s leadership. Furthermore, there has been a 65% reduction in forward foreign exchange liabilities, which is expected to reduce external pressure in the future. Economic experts believed that the reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio, stronger foreign exchange reserves, increased business confidence, and overall economic stability are key indicators of this progress. The recent increase in reserves is seen not just as a numerical improvement, but as a sign of a fundamental shift towards sustainable external economic stability.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
11 killed, six injured in van, oil tanker collision in Chaghi
At least 11 people were killed and six other sustained injuries in collision between a van and oil tanker near Nokundi, a town in Chaghi district of Balochistan province, on Sunday, Dunya News reported. According to SP Chaghi Muhammad Sharif, the accident occurred at the Reko Diq Site Road near Nokundi where an oil tanker collided with a van, killing 11 people on the spot and injuring six others. He informed that the dead and injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital. SP Chaghi Muhammad Sharif also informed that all the people who lost their lives in the traffic accident were Afghan nationals attempting to illegally travel to Iran and then onward to Europe via Pakistan. According to the SP Chaghi, after completing the legal formalities, the bodies of the deceased will be handed over to the Afghan authorities.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
Nation stands united with security forces in
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday said that the entire nation stands united with the security forces in the fight against terrorism, vowing that the hostile designs of enemy elements would be defeated at all costs. Ayaz Sadiq lauded the security forces for eliminating nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in successful operations carried out in Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Speaker paid tribute to the personnel involved in operations against terrorists, commending their courage and dedication in safeguarding the nation. He highlighted the professionalism, swift response, and advanced military capability of the forces, noting that they had once again demonstrated their readiness to make every sacrifice for the defence of the country and the preservation of peace and order. He stressed that there would be no leniency for those who disrupt Pakistan’s peace or support such activities, adding that indiscriminate action against such elements would continue.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:52 UTC
DG ISPR holds interactive session with students
Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, held a special session with the students and faculty of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. The session focused on the importance of understanding the background and real facts behind information spreading on social media to avoid misleading narratives. During the session, DG ISPR answered all questions satisfactorily, clearing many misconceptions and fostering better understanding. Faculty members encouraged students to channel their energy into positive and creative pursuits, advising them to focus on honing their skills. At the end of the session, students expressed their admiration for the professional services of the Pakistan Army and reaffirmed their unwavering support with the statement, “Pak Army is with us, and we are with Pak Army.”
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:51 UTC
Motorways closed at many places as dense f
Dense fog again blanketed plain areas of Punjab including Lahore on night between Sunday and Monday, forcing closure of various motorway sections due to low visibility. The thick fog has badly affected the flow of road traffic in several cities. According to the Motorway Police sources, safe travel times in fog are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Motorway police have appealed the drivers to use Grand Trunk (GT) Road for travelling. Dense fog has also disrupted traffic at several places in the province at the National Highway as visibility is from zero to 100 meters.
Source:The Patriot
December 22, 2025 08:51 UTC
Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras from Cardinals
Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras from CardinalsThe American League East has gotten a bit tougher on Sunday evening. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Boston Red Sox have acquired Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Farjado, and Blake Aita. By acquiring Contreras, the Red Sox have added some middle-of-the-lineup thump. As for what the Red Sox gave up, Dobbins appeared in 13 games, making 11 starts, in Major League Baseball last season. Neither Farjado or Aita rank on MLB Pipeline’s top 30 list for the Red Sox .
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2025 01:41 UTC
Creating a more equitable society for everyone
Instead of creating a fair and just world for all, we live in a system that seems to perpetuate inequality, particularly for those already struggling. Whether through education, healthcare, housing, or employment, the barriers are all too real. These systems, education, healthcare, housing, and employment, are not just disconnected issues. We need policies that ensure education, healthcare, and housing are accessible to all, not just those with the most money. The system is stacked against the poor, but we have the power to fight back, to demand change, and to create a more equitable society for everyone.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 21:05 UTC
Put the Record Straight
For this reason, the press must be granted the freedom it requires to perform its role effectively. However, like every other institution in a constitutional state, that freedom cannot be absolute. Alongside editorial freedom, media organizations also have legitimate economic rights. Advertising revenue, particularly government advertising, is not a favor or charity. According to his statement, the media house in question received advertising revenue amounting to 860 million rupees over a period of 13 months.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 21:05 UTC
Gaza stabilization force plan
Comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday have highlighted the ongoing uncertainty regarding Pakistan’s potential involvement in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza. While addressing the media, Rubio expressed Washington’s gratitude to Pakistan for contemplating participation in the force. Last month, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan was prepared to contribute troops to a Gaza peace force. The UN Security Council endorsed a US-drafted resolution in November that supported Trump’s plan, which included the deployment of the ISF. Any stabilisation force that excludes Palestinians or is seen as doing Israel’s dirty work would be politically unacceptable throughout the Muslim world.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 21:05 UTC
Two-Nation Theory and Pakistan-Bangladesh
Ali AnwarThe Two-Nation Theory has long been the most contested idea to emerge from the political history of the subcontinent. In recent years, Bangladesh’s renewed assertion of its sovereign identity, free from external manipulation, has once again brought the Two-Nation Theory into sharp focus. At its core, the Two-Nation Theory was never a simplistic slogan or a matter of administrative convenience. To misinterpret this lesson as a rejection of the Two-Nation Theory is to confuse governance failures with civilizational truths. The Two-Nation Theory was never merely about the creation of a single state; it was about the recognition of a distinct civilizational identity.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2025 20:37 UTC
Punjab CM congratulates nation on U-19 Asia Cup victory
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the national Under-19 cricket team and the entire nation on Pakistan’s emphatic victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup final against arch-rival India. “This victory belongs to the entire nation. CM Maryam Nawaz said that dedication, discipline, and determination enable even young players to overcome strong opponents, adding that the Under-19 team has won the hearts of the Pakistani people through its outstanding performance. She noted that the players displayed exceptional teamwork and demonstrated their full potential in batting, bowling, and fielding throughout the tournament. Expressing confidence in the team’s future, she hoped that the Under-19 national side would continue to perform brilliantly in upcoming matches and bring further laurels to the country.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2025 19:49 UTC
Report: Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami signs two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox
Report: Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami signs two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are adding some considerable power to their lineup. Baseball insider Jeff Passan at ESPN reported earlier today that Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami and the White Sox have agreed on a two-year deal worth $34 million. While he carries considerable power, Murakami is not without his flaws. It’s a trait that follows big league bats with considerable power, and the White Sox will hope that the plus whiffs come with some additional home runs to their up-and-coming squad. For the White Sox, they add an intriguing power bat that will fit on a roster looking to gain some momentum amongst a younger crew.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2025 18:48 UTC
With the arrival of Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, Pakistan-Ethiopia ties enter a strategic new era of economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba formally assumed charge of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad. The arrival of Dr. Oumer marks a strategic pivot in Ethiopia’s foreign policy toward Pakistan. Before his diplomatic assignment, Dr. Oumer served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, a role of immense responsibility in a nation where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. With an academic background in Economics and an MBA from London, Dr. Oumer brings a “technocratic” edge to his diplomacy. A Blueprint for SuccessPrior to his appointment in Pakistan, Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba served as the Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 17:16 UTC