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The fourth round of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hit an impasse as PTI refused to participate in the meeting called by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The session, scheduled to take place at the Parliament House, was aimed at resolving key disagreements between the two sides. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had reached out to Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and PTI leader Asad Qaiser, urging them to attend the meeting to address the stalemate through dialogue. “Issues can only be resolved at the negotiation table,” said the Speaker during his conversation with PTI leadership.…

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed the Ministry of National Health Services to modernize the healthcare institutions under the federal government’s purview and make Islamabad a model for healthcare facilities for the entire country. The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the matters about the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, said that the government was prioritizing to ensure access to healthcare facilities across the country, a PM Office press release said. He asked the health ministry to expedite the work on Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center and start the pre-qualification process for…

WASHINGTON : The United States has confirmed halting aid to Pakistan, leaving several projects related to development, health and others in limbo. A US official said the aid will remain suspended for Pakistan until a review is conducted. The move has caused suspension of work on five projects related to energy sector. It has also affected four economic development programmes and five agriculture-related projects besides suspending aid for human rights and governance temporarily. The foreign aid has initially has been suspended for 90 days and it would be resumed after a review by the US authorities. Earlier, the US, the…

ISLAMABAD : A local court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in six cases until February 11. Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka heard the bail applications. Lawyers Ansar Kiani and Shamsa Kiani represented Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in court. During the hearing, Ansar Kiani requested an exemption from Bushra Bibi’s appearance, citing her imprisonment in the £190 million case and proposing her attendance via video link from Adiala Jail. The judge granted the request for exemption and noted that hearings for cases under PECA (Prevention of…

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik held a press conference on Monday to address concerns about gas pricing and explain the government’s initiatives aimed at easing economic challenges. The minister revealed that discussions have been held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to introduce uniform gas rates for industries across the country. He highlighted disparities in gas pricing, stating, “One factory is receiving cheap gas while another pays higher rates. This imbalance is unfair and must be addressed.” In the first phase of this plan, the price of gas for industries has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs3,500 per…

Journalists and media workers across Pakistan, under the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), are all set to stage protests and rallies on Tuesday against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Amendment Bill. The nationwide demonstrations, supported by the Joint Action Committee of journalist organisations, are aimed at opposing what they have labelled a “draconian law” designed to suppress freedom of expression and press. The JAC has vowed to wage a vigorous public and legal struggle against the controversial bill. Key concerns of journalists PFUJ President Afzal Butt, addressing journalists, declared the PECA Amendment Bill a…

The government is reportedly considering a significant reduction in tax rates on property transactions, particularly for high-value properties, in a move aimed at revitalising the property market.  According to sources, the proposed changes include a major cut in taxes on properties worth more than Rs100 million, as well as a reduction in advance tax for filers from the current 4% to just 0.5%. Sources reveal that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has already begun working on proposals to implement these tax reductions. The PM has also reportedly directed authorities to expedite the process, emphasising the need to create a…

The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification regarding family pension rules, stating that young children eligible for family pension will now receive financial support until the age of 21. The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification notification regarding family pensions. The new directive, already outlined in an office memorandum dated September 10, 2024, came into effect immediately on the same date. According to the ministry, the eligibility criteria for family pension, which were formulated on October 23, 2023, will remain in effect, and children will receive pension as per the preferential criteria. The memorandum specifies that the updated rules will…

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a Chinese New Year card in return to friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, saying that China and the United States share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation and can become partners and friends. Xi said in the reply card that the warm reception he received when he visited the beautiful state of Iowa 40 years ago is still fresh in his memory. China and the United States can achieve mutual success and common prosperity for the benefit of both countries and the world at large, Xi said. The Chinese…

China Media Group (CMG) held a “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event in French capital Paris on Friday. Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, delivered a video address highlighting the global recognition of the Spring Festival. Shen noted that the festival, which was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List last year, has become a major celebration worldwide. CMG President Shen Haixiong delivers a video address at a “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event in Paris, France, January 24, 2025. /CMG Shen highlighted that…