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Newsdesk

COAS vows to counter Indian-backed groups in Balochistan

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COAS vows to counter

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has warned that Pakistan will deliver a strict and decisive response to any direct or indirect violation of its territorial integrity, amid what he described as continued propaganda and violence by Indian-sponsored proxy groups in Balochistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir was speaking to participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan, who called on him during an interactive session.

Addressing the participants, the Field Marshal said that Indian-backed proxies are actively spreading violence and attempting to disrupt development in Balochistan. He emphasized that the security forces will thwart these nefarious designs through firm and effective actions.

He reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and will continue efforts to rid the province of terrorism and instability.

Highlighting Balochistan’s strategic importance and its role in Pakistan’s future development, Field Marshal Asim Munir praised the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan, calling them a source of national strength. He noted that both federal and provincial governments are pursuing people-centric development projects across the province.

The COAS also underscored the importance of rejecting narrow political agendas to ensure long-term peace and prosperity in Balochistan, adding that civil society and media play a crucial role in exposing hostile propaganda.

ISPR stated that the session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, during which the Field Marshal responded to queries from the workshop participants.

Govt announces major cut in petroleum prices at start of New Year

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Govt announces

ISLMABAD: The public has received significant relief at the beginning of the new year as the government announced a substantial reduction in petroleum product prices.

According to the official announcement, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs10.28 per litre, while diesel prices have been lowered by Rs8.57 per litre.

 Following the cut, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs253.17 per litre, whereas diesel will now be sold at Rs257.08 per litre.

As per the notification, the revised prices will come into effect from January 1, a move expected to provide noticeable relief to consumers in their daily transportation and household expenses.

Rare 2,000-year-old Buddhist statue discovered from Afghanistan

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Afghanistan

A rare Buddhist-era statue dating back nearly 2,000 years has been discovered in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, according to the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture.

In a statement issued, the department said the ancient statue belongs to the Buddhist period and was crafted in the Greco-Buddhist style, reflecting a blend of Hellenistic and Buddhist artistic influences. The artifact was recovered from a house in the Kara Taz area of Kapisa.

The discovery comes amid long-standing accusations by historians and international organizations that the Taliban have damaged or neglected Afghanistan’s cultural and historical heritage.

Experts believe the statue could provide valuable insights into ancient Afghanistan’s art, culture, and its historical trade and cultural links with Buddhist civilizations.

The statue is currently in the custody of local authorities. However, it remains unclear whether international archaeologists and experts will be granted access to study the artifact.

Shaheen Afridi recalled from Big Bash League after knee injury

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Shaheen Afridi

SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been recalled from the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a knee injury during the tournament.

While representing Brisbane Heat, Shaheen experienced knee discomfort during the match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27. Following the injury, a decision was made to send him back to Pakistan for further assessment and rehabilitation.

Shaheen Afridi is expected to return to Pakistan on Wednesday, where a comprehensive rehabilitation program will be arranged for him at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In a statement, Brisbane Heat said Shaheen would undergo a re-assessment upon the team’s return from Adelaide.

Taking to social media, Shaheen Afridi confirmed that due to the unexpected injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had advised him to return home immediately. He stated that he would complete his rehab in Pakistan and expressed optimism about making a strong comeback to competitive cricket soon.

The fast bowler also thanked Brisbane Heat and his fans for their continued support during his time in the BBL.

Jaideep Ahlawat joins ‘Drishyam 3’ as shooting resumes

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Jaideep Ahlawat

The much-anticipated third installment of the popular thriller franchise Drishyam has received a major boost with the entry of a new actor, adding fresh excitement for fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release.

Following the success of Drishyam and Drishyam 2, viewers have been anxiously looking forward to Drishyam 3. The film’s gripping mystery, layered storytelling, and edge-of-the-seat suspense have made it one of Bollywood’s most loved family thrillers.

After a brief pause, the shooting schedule of Drishyam 3 is set to resume and will now move from Mumbai to Goa. The cast will begin filming in Goa from January 8 and continue until the end of February.

The entire lead cast will be part of this schedule, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor. With this phase of shooting, the story is expected to take a thrilling new turn, especially with the inclusion of acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat.

Known for his intense performances and strong screen presence, Jaideep Ahlawat’s addition is expected to bring an unexpected and powerful new dimension to the Drishyam universe. All cast members are once again set to elevate the family thriller with their compelling performances.

At the heart of Drishyam 3 remains the central question: Will Vijay Salgaonkar once again outsmart the law and the system, or will the secrets of his past finally catch up with him, leading to unimaginable consequences?

Fans are expected to get their answers on Drishyam Day, which is likely to fall on October 2, 2026.

Controversy as Shafqat Amanat Ali stars in romantic video

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Controversy as Shafqat Amanat

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani classical, ghazal, and playback singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, whose soulful voice is admired in both Pakistan and India, is set to release a cover version of Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan’s iconic ghazal Pehli Si Mohabbat.

Shafqat Amanat Ali rose to widespread fame with popular songs including Mathwa, Khamaj, Akhiyan, Jiya Na Jaye, and Teri Jhuki Nazar. Most recently, he earned praise for his performance at Bridal Couture Week, where he captivated audiences with his song Aankhon Ke Saagar.

The upcoming romantic track features Shafqat Amanat Ali alongside celebrated Pakistani film star Resham in lead roles. The song is scheduled to be released on December 31, with its teaser already shared on social media by Resham.

However, the singer has come under public scrutiny for portraying a romantic lead in the music video. Several fans have argued that the role should have been assigned to a professional actor, while others have labeled the video as inappropriate or disappointing. Some social media users also made sarcastic comments referencing the singer’s age.

Despite the criticism surrounding his on-screen appearance, the song itself continues to draw attention, with many listeners expressing anticipation for Shafqat Amanat Ali’s musical interpretation of the timeless ghazal.

Pakistan and UAE leaders discuss strategic, regional collaboration

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Pakistan and UAE

Rahim Yar Khan: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, at Sheikh Zayed Palace, Rahim Yar Khan.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders carried forward discussions from their recent meeting in Islamabad on 26 December, 2025, when His Highness paid his first official visit to Pakistan as President of UAE.

The Prime Minister reiterated his firm resolve to elevate the longstanding, brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE into a strategic, mutually beneficial, economic partnership.

He stressed upon the need for both sides to actively pursue enhancement in bilateral trade through a quantum jump which will bring it to the desired level.

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas including IT, energy, mining & minerals, as well as defence cooperation.

While expressing his great admiration for the UAE’s remarkable progress under His Highness’ dynamic and visionary leadership, the Prime Minister thanked the UAE President for his patronage and commitment to foster stronger ties between the two countries.

He also appreciated the UAE for hosting 2.1 million Pakistanis, who were playing an important role in strengthening ties between both countries.

 In addition to bilateral cooperation, the two leaders also exchanged views on a variety of subjects.

The meeting capped off a year of extensive leadership-level engagements between Pakistan and the UAE.

Pakistan, ADB sign $304.5m agreements for climate resilience projects

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for two projects worth $304.5 million, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and addressing the impacts of climate change.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project and the $124 million Punjab Climate-Resilient Agricultural Mechanization Project.

The agreements were signed by Secretary of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Kareem, ADB Country Director Emma Fan, along with representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Humair Kareem said that ADB will provide $140 million in loans and $0.5 million in technical grants for the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project.

He added that the project will directly benefit the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin, helping protect coastal communities from climate-related risks.

He further stated that the Punjab Climate-Resilient Project will enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience across 30 districts of Punjab.

For this project, ADB will provide $120 million in loans and $4 million in grants, while the Punjab government will contribute $5 million. The initiative will improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart agricultural machinery.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan said that the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will play a key role in safeguarding coastal populations from climate change-induced hazards.

She added that the Punjab Agricultural Mechanization Project represents an important step toward modernizing agriculture and reducing emissions.

The signing of these agreements reflects Pakistan’s continued collaboration with ADB to promote sustainable development and climate resilience across the country.

Iran warns of strict response to any US attack after Trump’s threats

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Iran warns

Tehran: Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any potential attack following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran’s response to any act of aggression would be “very severe.” In a statement posted on X, he stressed that Iran would react strongly to any illegitimate aggression.

Iran’s parliament also reaffirmed the country’s right to self-defense. Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said Iran does not need permission from anyone to defend itself, warning that the Iranian nation’s response to any adventurism would be unpredictable.

The strong statements come after Donald Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would support renewed attacks on Iran if it resumes its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters in Florida after the meeting, Trump claimed that Iran was attempting to rebuild its nuclear facilities and said that immediate strikes should be carried out if Tehran continued nuclear construction.

Trump further stated that if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, “we will have to take it down,” escalating rhetoric amid already heightened regional tensions.

PSX hits record high as KSE-100 crosses 174,000 points

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PSX hits record high

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a historic milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an all-time high during intraday trading.

During the session, the KSE-100 Index crossed the 174,000-point level for the first time in history, reflecting strong investor confidence.

The market opened on a positive note at the start of the business week, with the index gaining momentum throughout the session and at one point rising more than 1,411 points above 174,000.

By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index settled at 173,896 points, registering a net gain of 1,495 points.

Trading activity remained robust, with around 850 million shares changing hands, valued at approximately Rs42 billion. Market capitalization increased by Rs125 billion to reach Rs19,590 billion.

According to economic analysts, positive developments related to key institutions, including the Fauji Foundation, and other favorable economic indicators contributed to the strong bullish trend in the stock market.