The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank report claimed a 42 percent sharp increase in terrorist attacks in January 2025 as compared to the previous month. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan.
Reportedly, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) issued a report stating that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants.
117 individuals suffered injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians and 10 militants, report stated.
The report claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan.In KP’s settled districts, insurgents carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
The tribal districts of KP (erstwhile Fata) witnessed 19 attacks, leading to 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
The report observed a concerning spike in kidnappings in KPK as militants abducted at least 37 individuals out of 22 were taken in five incidents across KP’s Lakki Marwat and Tank districts. The remaining 15 were kidnapped in North and South Waziristan.
Meanwhile, security forces ramped up operations across KP and Balochistan, neutralizing 67 militants in KP’s tribal districts (formerly FATA), 71 in its settled areas, and 47 in Balochistan. Counterterrorism raids were conducted in various regions of both provinces as authorities aimed to curb the escalating militant threat.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar
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Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar has promised to modernized all institutions worked under the Ministry of Information.
As per details, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar addresses during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected officer bearers of APP Employees Union at PBC Broadcasting House in Lahore, promised to modernize all institutions working under the Ministry of Information.
Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, and Associated Press of Pakistan are being digitized through the use of the latest technology, the minister added.
He said a reform process has been introduced in all these institutions.
He informed the participants that the recently established Digital Department has been incorporated with Artificial Intelligence.
He also said that the purpose of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is to provide protection to journalists and eliminate incidents of harassment besides other crimes.
He called all the stakeholders to come and discuss how to make PECA law more effective.
He said that the now journalists’ community and private sector will also be represented in Digital Media Protection Authority
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Mashhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Lahore signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
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Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Mashhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Lahore signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Mashhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Lahore reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and the Governor General of Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province, Gholam Hossein Mozaffari, were present at the signing ceremony.
The MoU aims to increase the bilateral volume of exports between the two countries to ten billion dollars.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan informed the participants that his Iranian counterpart expressed great interest in Pakistani products and stressed that both countries should focus on expanding trade relations.
He said the Iranian Governor has guaranteed to consider reducing tourist and business visa fees and improving facilities for easier travel and trade.
It is worth mentioning here that both governors inaugurated a one-day shopping festival organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Expo Center Lahore.
Maryam Nawaz rides Pakistan’s first fully electric bus, marking a milestone in green public transport
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Punjab Chief Minister(CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan’s first fully electric bus service in Lahore on Friday, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation in the province.
As per details, on Friday, CM Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan’s first fully electric eco-friendly bus service in Lahore. This initiative is marking a significant step towards sustainable public transportation in the province.
During the inauguration, CM Maryam Nawaz also rode on the electric bus.
He also thoroughly inspected its features and operational efficiency during the ride.
Minister for Punjab Transport Bilal Akbar provided a detailed briefing on the bus service to the CM Punjab. He also highlights its environmental benefits and technological advancements.
Maryam Nawaz emphasizes the importance of green energy solutions. She directed authorities to establish electric charging stations across the city in collaboration with the private sector.
The initiative aims to enhance Lahore’s transport infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
It is worth mentioning here that the launch of the electric bus service is part of the Punjab government’s broader strategy to modernize public transport and introduce sustainable solutions for urban mobility.
The government is likely to increase petrol prices by Rs1.24 per litre and diesel prices by Rs4.49 per litre starting tonight for the next two weeks. This rise is mainly due to higher petroleum prices in the international market.
Reportedly, according to private media news, global oil prices have gone up slightly because of disruptions in shipping through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, which have affected the cost of US and African crude oil.
As per the industry and official sources estimated that petrol will now cost Rs257.37 per litre, up from the current Rs256.13 per litre. Diesel prices are expected to rise to Rs265.44 per litre after an increase of Rs4.49 per litre. Additionally, kerosene oil may go up by Rs5.93 per litre, and LDO by Rs5.05 per litre.
Earlier, on January 15, the government had raised petrol prices by Rs3.47 per litre until January 31. As per a Finance Division notification, high-speed diesel (HSD) had also increased from Rs258.34 to Rs260.95 per litre after a Rs2.61 hike.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) Ambassador Olof Skoog and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
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European Union(EU) Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) Ambassador Olof Skoog during a week-long visit to Pakistan expressed his concern about the various issues in Pakistan, including human rights, in a bid to reap benefits from GSP+ status.
As per details, the European Union mission headed by EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) Ambassador Olof Skoog is on his week-long visit to Pakistan for assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme.
During the assessment, he laid stresses on addressing a list of issues in Pakistan, including human rights, in a bid to reap benefits from GSP+ status.
As per EU press release, the mission visited Pakistan with the purpose of addressing the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues in Pakistan and discussing Pakistan’s plans to address them.
During his visit, Ambassador Skoog met with military leadership, federal and provincial government ministers, United Nations bodies, senior officials, lawyers, human rights defenders, the business sector, media representatives, and civil society organizations
The special representative confirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in meeting its human rights obligations and, in this regard, “Pakistan remains a key partner for the EU in South Asia. Our relationship is built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international norms. The EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014”.
“As we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation. The trade benefits under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential,” he said.
In meetings with Pakistan’s senior discussers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar and Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.
During the meeting with said ministers, Ambassador Skoog point out areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.
In the meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi the ,Ambassador Skoog focuses was on the judicial backlog as well as the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
He also met with the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, as well as representatives of the Christian and Ahmadi communities. The discussions centered on freedom of religion or belief, the protection of minority rights, and accountability for violations and abuses of human rights.
It is worth mentioning here that throughout his visit to Pakistan, the EUSR acknowledged the important role of the National Commission of Human Rights and demanded the need to preserve its independence.
EU press release said that, “the special representative contributes to the implementation of the EU’s policy on human rights worldwide as well as to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and supporting international criminal justice”.
Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad
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Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad on Friday.
As per details, the PM met with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong. While talking to him, he expressed goodwill and hope that the new year would bring prosperity to the people of both countries and strengthen their bonds of friendship.
The Prime Minister extended heartfelt greeting to the Ambassador and asked him to conveyed his good wishes to the Chinese leadership as well as the brotherly people of China.
The purpose of meeting is to focus on economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
Notably, the Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan for their heartfelt wishes to the Chinese government and its citizens on this joyous occasion.
The head of US investors delegation and billionaire investor Gentry Beach, Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
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The head of the US investors’ delegation Gentry Beach informed the media that the United States is set to invest billions of dollars in Pakistan across multiple sectors, including minerals, real estate, energy, technology, and artificial intelligence.
As per details, head of the US investors’ delegation Gentry Beach confirmed that the US is set for the billion dollars investment in Pakistan’s various sectors including minerals, real estate, energy, technology, and artificial intelligence.
While speaking to the media, he explained the reason of his visit is that US President Donald Trump believes in economic diplomacy.
Initially, investments will focus on critical minerals and real estate, with plans to develop high-end luxury properties in the country, he added.
Gentry Beach emphasized that Pakistan offers significant global investment opportunities.
Both the Trump administration and the Pakistani government share a common vision for economic development and prosperity, he further added
It is worth mentioning here that this investment initiative is expected to boost Pakistan’s economy, attract further foreign investment, and strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two nations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog in Islamabad, Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has informed European Union (EU) Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog in Islamabad that Pakistan is a firm believer in the protection of fundamental rights.
Reportedly, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s continued support for the protection of fundamental rights.
During the meeting, he highlighted the importance of Pakistan-EU dialogue on human rights.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the expanding political and economic collaboration between Pakistan and the European Union, acknowledging the EU’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status.
Meanwhile, the EU Special Representative recognized the promising prospects of Pakistan-EU relations and commended the steady progress in their cooperative partnership across various sectors.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi & Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi gave a briefing to the Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif regarding his recent official tour to the United States of America (USA).
Reportedly, Moshin Naqvi was called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where Moshin Naqvi gave a brief discussion over the recent official tour to the USA.
Moshin Naqvi informed PM Shehbaz Sharif regarding his meeting with the key American officials, business communities, and investors.
He also informed the PM about the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
He gives updates about the progress of ongoing development projects in Islamabad.
Moreover, the Interior Minister shared details of the progress made in operations against human traffickers
The Interior Minister also briefed the Prime Minister on the overall law and order situation in the country.
It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of Mohsin Naqvi in the preparation of the Champions Trophy.
