PTA announces 5G spectrum auction on March 10

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman on Wednesday said that the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction would be held on March 10 with plans to roll out services initially in federal and provincial capitals, expanding to other cities in the coming years. “Improved connectivity is critical to achieving the Digital Pakistan vision,” Rehman said during a […]

Bugti distributes Rs3.2b interest-free loans

In a landmark development for Balochistan’s agriculture sector, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday distributed interest-free loans worth Rs3.2 billion to 847 farmers under Phase II of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI). The cheque distribution ceremony, held in Quetta, was attended by senior military and civil officials, along with hundreds of enthusiastic farmers. The […]

Need for an alternative Baloch leadership in Balochistan

Those clamouring for ‘Political Solution Only’ in Balochistan, when sizeable Baloch lands are under active insurgency aimed at seceding from Pakistan, conveniently overlook the overall construct of COIN (counterinsurgency) in modern times. In a situation akin to Baloch lands, political process would naturally follow the kinetic process, or at best be parallel to it, situation […]

UAE president re-emerges in video with US senator after rumours about health

Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appeared in a meeting with a United States senator on Wednesday, making a first appearance since rumours about his health spread following a now-deleted Turkish presidency statement. Earlier this month, Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan went to Saudi Arabia and was meant to later visit the neighbouring United Arab […]

BISP increases Rs1,000 cash support for beneficiaries from 1st of Ramazan

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on Wednesday raised cash support for its beneficiaries, increasing the quarterly amount under the Benazir Kafalat Programme by Rs1,000, bringing the new stipend to Rs14,500 starting from the first of Ramazan. Additionally, BISP announced a Rs500 increase in stipends for recipients of the Benazir Educational Scholarships and the Benazir Nashonuma […]

Pakistan ‘won’t hesitate’ to carry out more air strikes in Afghanistan, says Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said Pakistan would not hesitate to conduct more air strikes in Afghanistan if no action was taken by Kabul against militants on its soil to ensure peace. The federal government has been consistently raising its voice on international forums against terrorist sanctuaries operating in Afghanistan and using its soil […]