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
Toshakhana verdict clearly reflects
Prime Minister’s Adviser, Rana Sanaullah, stated that the verdict in the Toshakhana case is a clear reflection of the corruption during PTI’s tenure. In his statement, he accused the founder of PTI and his team of looting the country during their rule. On the other hand, Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, said that the Toshakhana case was a clear one, and a conviction was inevitable as they had no defense. He added that Bushra Bibi and the PTI founder had taken items such as a rare and expensive necklace in the first Toshakhana case, along with dinner sets and phones, and falsely valued them. He emphasized that the Toshakhana is meant to hold gifts in trust for the government, and they had betrayed that trust by keeping items worth billions for a few rupees.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
President Zardari to leave for Iraq on five-day official visit today
President, Asif Ali Zardari, will leave for Iraq on five-day official visit today (Saturday) at the invitation of President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. The visit underscores the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared bonds of faith, culture, and mutual respect, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said. Discussions will also cover regional and international developments, as well as cooperation at multilateral fora. The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally warm and cordial ties between the two countries, identify new avenues of partnership, and enhance people-to-people linkages, particularly in the context of religious tourism and economic collaboration. The official visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with Iraq and its commitment to fostering a results-oriented, forward-looking, and strategic partnership that contributes to Iraq’s stability and development, as well as to regional peace and prosperity.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Toshakhana-II sentences to begin
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on Friday clarified that the prison sentences awarded to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case will commence after the completion of the earlier 14-year sentence in 190 million-pound case. In a statement, Tarar explained that following the conclusion of the 14-year term, the 17-year prison sentence imposed in the Toshakhana-II case will begin. “The gifts were misappropriated for personal gain, resulting in losses of approximately three to seven crore rupees to the government,” he said, adding that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had benefited financially from retaining the undervalued gifts. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Toshakhana-II verdict in line with
– Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Saturday said that the verdict announced against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case was fully in line with the Constitution and the law. He alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi deliberately undervalued a Bulgari jewellery set to obtain it at a fraction of its actual price, causing loss to the national exchequer. He added that accountability under the law was essential to uphold transparency and the rule of law. Earlier in the day, the accountability court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where both accused were present at the time of the judgment.
Source:The Patriot
December 20, 2025 08:57 UTC
Pakistan open to Gaza stabilisation force: Rubio
Rubio revealed that Pakistan was among the countries willing to consider participation in the force. While several nations are ready to support stabilization, Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/TOBs5qRrbd — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 19, 2025He added that further clarity was still needed. Rubio calls for Palestinian technocratic authority in GazaAddressing the current situation in Gaza, Rubio said the ongoing insufficient flow of aid, periodic ceasefire violations, and lack of reconstruction are unsustainable in the long term. Rubio noted that a stabilization force on the ground is critical to protecting aid deliveries. But with a stabilization force in place, the technical and logistical aspects can be handled by the Palestinian technocratic organisation along with international partners,” he said.
Source:The Express Tribune
December 19, 2025 23:50 UTC
Safeguarding miners’ human rights
By Sardar Khan NiaziDeep beneath the earth, far from the glare of public scrutiny, Pakistan’s miners extract the coal and minerals that fuel industry and livelihoods. Safeguarding miners’ human rights is not merely a labor issue; it is a test of the state’s commitment to dignity, justice and the rule of law. Protecting miners’ rights is not anti-development; it is a prerequisite for sustainable growth. Pakistan’s miners work in darkness so others may live in light. Ensuring their safety, dignity and rights is not an act of benevolence but a constitutional and ethical imperative.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 20:56 UTC
Energy sector reforms and the road to sustainability
Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik’s personal ownership of gas sector sustainability sends a clear message that the government is prepared to take responsibility for difficult but necessary reforms. Pakistan’s gas sector faces deep-rooted structural inefficiencies, including financial losses, governance issues, and outdated operational models. Collaboration on LPG sector reforms and capacity building of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) also reflects a holistic approach. The discussion on improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) and enhancing fuel standards further broadens the scope of energy reforms. Linking energy sector reforms with environmental objectives demonstrates an understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved in silos.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 20:56 UTC
Rays trade Shane Baz to Orioles
Rays trade Shane Baz to OriolesThis trade-filled Friday has continued. Just minutes after trading Brandon Lowe out of the American League East , the Tampa Bay Rays made a second move, trading starting pitcher Shane Baz to the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the Rays received Caden Bodine , Slater de Brun, Austin Overn, Micheal Forret, and the Orioles’ Competitive Balance Round A pick. It’s a lot to give up for an oft-injured pitcher who didn’t have the best 2025 season. The right-handed pitcher ranks one spot behind Bodine on the Orioles top prospect list according to MLB Pipeline .
Source:The Nation
December 19, 2025 19:18 UTC
Field Marshal Sayed Asim Munir meets with the Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces Archives
Rawalpindi: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir holds important meeting with Libyan Armed Forces Chief. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Juraat, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, is currently on an official visit to Libya where he met with Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan […]
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 17:54 UTC
U.S. and Pakistan Partner to Strengthen STEM Education
Karachi: The U.S. Mission in Pakistan, in partnership with Vanderbilt University (Tennessee, USA), marked the completion of the STEMpowered project, a $294,000 initiative that brought U.S. teaching and leadership expertise to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Pakistan. In partnership with Sukkur IBA (SIBA) University and Beyond the Classroom Education, the program included a week-long immersion at Vanderbilt for SIBA faculty, focusing on STEM teaching methods, research, AI in education, and refining practical solutions for classroom challenges. The program also strengthened ties with peer institutions, including faculty from Aga Khan University, and reaffirmed U.S. leadership in global STEM education. Participants in the program produced a STEM Toolkit and a Curriculum Quality Assurance Framework which will support nationwide adoption of U.S. best practices. Low-cost, inquiry-based methods increased student confidence in STEM experiments by 60–80%, while culturally-relevant teaching raised girls’ participation and leadership in STEM by over 30%.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 15:32 UTC
Panda bonds worth $250 million issued; details of government plan revealed
ISLAMABAD: The details of the government’s plan to issue Panda Bonds worth $250 million in the first phase have been revealed. An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding the issuance of Panda Bonds, in which the progress of Pakistan’s first Panda Bond issuance was reviewed. Terming the bond issue as part of a prudent debt strategy, the Finance Minister said that Panda Bond will help balance the debt burden and diversify financial resources. The delegation briefed the Finance Minister about their business models and practical difficulties. The Finance Minister described the role of telecom infrastructure as important in digital connectivity.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 15:32 UTC
Under-19 Asia Cup: Pakistan defeats Bangladesh by 8 wickets
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. In the knockout match of the event played in Dubai, Pakistan achieved the target of 122 runs in the 17th over for the loss of 2 wickets. Earlier, batting first at the invitation of Pakistan, the Bangladesh team was bowled out for 121 runs in the 27th over. For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan took 4 and 2 wickets respectively. Ali Raza, Muhammad Sayam and Ahmed Hussain took 1 wicket each.
Source:The Patriot
December 19, 2025 15:32 UTC