Two Nations, One Struggle: Pakistan and Bangladesh Reclaim a Shared Historical Truth
Pakistan and Bangladesh are siblings shaped by a common crucible of history—colonial exploitation, Hindu majoritarian domination, and the struggle for dignity and self-rule. Their separation did not negate the Two-Nation Theory; it exposed the perils of centralized power that ignored regional voices and democratic pluralism. Today, as separate nation-states, Pakistan and Bangladesh remain bound by civilizational ties, people-to-people connections, and a shared experience of resisting domination. With firm support from Pakistan and a shared resolve against Hindutva-driven interference, Pakistan and Bangladesh are poised to corner an ideology that thrives on division and dominance. The Two-Nation Theory has not only succeeded; it endures as a living framework of identity and solidarity.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2025 16:30 UTC
DCAB honours journalists with ‘Media Award-2025’ for excellence
Celebrating excellence, creativity and impact, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Sunday presented the "DCAB Media Award-2025" to three of its members in recognition of their contributions to diplomatic reporting and to inspire further professional development. They expressed optimism that DCAB members would continue to play a constructive role in foreign policy discourse through analytical and objective reporting. DCAB introduced the DCAB Media Award in 2024, making this year’s event its second edition. Editor Reaz Ahmad said diplomatic journalism in Bangladesh differs from general current affairs reporting and noted that DCAB members are producing high-quality journalism. He also said in terms of quality and professionalism, diplomatic journalists in Bangladesh are ahead of their counterparts in neighboring countries.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 21, 2025 14:59 UTC
EU, Pakistan discuss broader cooperation at Brussels talks
The security situation in Afghanistan, threats emanating from its territory, and the need for sustained humanitarian assistance were also discussed. The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard fundamental freedoms, including the rights of women, children, laborers, and migrants. Trade and GSP+EU–Pakistan trade relations featured prominently, with both sides reviewing market access challenges and cooperation under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Both sides agreed that priority areas under the Multiannual Indicative Program, green inclusive growth, human capital development, and governance, remain aligned with Pakistan’s national development agenda. The EU welcomed Pakistan’s steps to counter irregular migration and migrant smuggling, while both sides stressed that returns must be “safe and dignified,” the MoFA statement said.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 09:48 UTC
Dense fog engulfs Karachi early morning, near-zero visibility
Fog affected Super Highway, Scheme 33, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Clifton early morningDense fog disrupts traffic, diverts flights in KarachiDense fog reduced visibility to near zero in parts of Karachi early on Sunday, disrupting road traffic in areas including Super Highway, Scheme 33, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Clifton. The conditions caused difficulties for motorists during early morning hours, particularly on major arteries and high-speed corridors. The fog began to dissipate after sunrise, gradually improving visibility across Karachi. The Met Office said weather conditions are expected to remain dry over the next 24 hours, with cold temperatures likely during the night and early morning. The maximum temperature today is forecast to range between 27°C and 29°C, compared to 30.8°C recorded a day earlier.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 21, 2025 09:29 UTC
Imran Khan calls for nationwide protest after Toshakhana-II verdict
Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called for countrywide protests following his conviction in the Toshakhana-II case. Speaking through his legal team, Imran Khan said the ruling did not come as a surprise and described it as another politically motivated decision. “The nation must stand up for its constitutional rights,” Khan reportedly said, adding that his legal team had been directed to immediately file an appeal against the judgment. Khan criticised the trial process, claiming the verdict was delivered hastily without fulfilling legal requirements. Addressing a press conference, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that Imran Khan had conveyed a clear message of resistance, stressing that he would not seek forgiveness or compromise under pressure.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 09:17 UTC
Khalid Maqbool vows to free MQM from individuals' dominance
Now, decisions in the party will not be made at the will of an individual, but collectively with consultations. These views were expressed by Federal Minister for Education and MQM Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at a party meeting in Bahadurabad here on Saturday. He said that there was no place in the party for those who commit treason and have their personal interests. The MQM chairman said MQM is not anyone’s personal estate, but rather it is a trust soaked in the blood of sincere workers. Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui further said that the movement is now cleansing its ranks of all kinds of vested interests.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 09:17 UTC
Vehicles barred to use motorways after thick fog in parts of Punjab
Thick fog and cloudy weather engulfed many parts of Punjab and reduced visibility to a very poor level for motorists, forcing the police to shut motorways at several locations. Due to fog, Motorway M2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M3 from Lahore to Samundri, while Sialkot Motorway M11 was also closed, in addition to Motorway M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad. There is also fog in Sundar, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar and Pattoki on the national highway. Visibility on the national highway ranges from zero to 100 metres. He highlighted that lane violations in foggy conditions can trigger severe accidents and urged road users to adhere strictly to lane discipline.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 08:54 UTC
Rain, snowfall grip Balochistan, KP and
Widespread rain and snowfall across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir on Sunday have significantly intensified cold weather conditions, bringing relief from prolonged dry spells while also causing localized disruptions. In Balochistan, rainfall was recorded after nearly ten months, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures across the province. Quetta and its surrounding areas experienced light morning rain, making the weather cold but refreshing. Light rain was also recorded in Abbottabad and surrounding areas, adding to the cold spell. The rain and snowfall also helped extinguish forest fires in the area.
Source:The Patriot
December 21, 2025 08:54 UTC
Centre, K-P NFC award politics heats up
Under the 7th NFC award, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's share was determined at 14.62% of the provincial share in the divisible pool. Although the 7th NFC award was originally envisaged for a five-year period, the absence of consensus on subsequent NFC awards necessitated the continued implementation of the 7th NFC Award framework, according to the Finance Ministry. Accordingly, K-P continues to receive its due share, including the additional allocation for the war on terror, it added. Additional Federal Support beyond NFC the ministry said that over Rs1.4 trillion, which is equal to 18% of the total transfers, is also given to K-P in addition to its share in NFC. Following the merger of former FATA into K-P after the 7th NFC Award, and in the absence of a revised NFC formula, the federal government has been financing the expenditures of the newly merged districts from its own NFC share, said the finance ministry.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 21, 2025 06:28 UTC
Tosha Khana Case: End of the Moral Monopoly
Asif MahmoodThe conviction of Imran Khan and his wife in the Toshakhana case is a stark reminder of how power, when mixed with arrogance and moral grandstanding, often circles back on itself. For years, Imran Khan built his political identity on the language of purity. This is what makes the episode a classic case of moral retribution. The Toshakhana case is significant not only because of the legal outcome but because of what it exposes about political culture. The fall of Imran Khan should remind all political actors that the law eventually catches up, and rhetoric cannot permanently shield reality.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 21:09 UTC
Stability through reform, not rhetoric
By Sardar Khan NiaziPakistan’s recurring crises, economic fragility, political polarization, internal insecurity and eroding public trust are discussed as isolated problems. Stability and security will not come from short-term fixes or emotional appeals, but from sustained institutional reform, political maturity and a renewed social contract between the state and its citizens. Stability demands that all actors political, judicial and security-related operate strictly within constitutional limits. Stability and security will not come from one leader, one institution or one narrative. They will come when the state chooses reform over rhetoric, inclusion over coercion, and long-term planning over short-term survival.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 21:09 UTC
Lahore Corps Commander visits NCA, praises nation-army unity
The Corps Commander Lahore visited the National College of Arts (NCA) in a special event that brought together students and faculty members. During his address, the Corps Commander said that the entire nation takes pride in the armed forces. As part of his visit, the Corps Commander inaugurated the Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos halls at NCA. He also toured an exhibition featuring paintings created by students in honor of the armed forces. They praised the armed forces for enhancing Pakistan’s standing in global affairs.
Source:The Nation
December 20, 2025 11:05 UTC
From Institutions to Identity Fracture: How Intellectual Decline Spreads Through a Nation
Furthermore, a nation cannot be held together by institutions that have lost their fundamental purpose. When Institutions Lose Faith:Classrooms are not the only places where intellectual loss occurs. Institutions gradually lose their purpose rather than abruptly ceasing to function. Institutions gradually lose their purpose rather than abruptly ceasing to function. Rather of creating a common intellectual foundation, the system gradually separated it.
Source:The Nation
December 20, 2025 09:57 UTC
Imran, Bushra Bibi receive 17-year prison
A special court on Saturday handed down prison terms and fines to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, after convicting them on corruption-related charges. Bushra Bibi received an identical sentence of 17 years’ imprisonment under the same legal provisions. Charges were framed against PTI founder Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case on December 12, 2024. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were arrested on July 13, 2024. On October 23, 2024, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to the accused, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, under Section 4-A.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 09:19 UTC
ECNEC approves 11 projects in various sectors
ISLAMABAD:A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, approved 11 projects pertaining to various sectors, ranging from transport to communications and the environment. The meeting was attended by the minister for planning, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, ministers from Sindh & KPK, various federal secretaries from the concerned ministries and provincial heads of the development departments, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said in a press release. The committee approved revised PC-1 of Dasu Hydropower Project, besides it also approved a policy paper regarding training opportunities for up to 10,000 young engineers annually who would be placed in development projects.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC