Pakistan Peoples Party senior leader and founding member Taj Haider, Picture Credit: APP
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep sadness over the death of senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and founding member, Taj Haider.
Reportedly, president office issued a statement, in which President Asif Ali Zardari praised Taj Haider for his dedicated service to PPP and to democracy. He said Taj Haider was a loyal and committed member of the party and called him a great asset.
“With his passing, the PPP has lost an important political figure,” President Zardari said.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Taj Haider, saying Pakistan has lost a respected and valuable political leader.
Both the president and prime minister offered their heartfelt condolences to Taj Haider’s family. They prayed for his soul to rest in peace and for strength and patience for his family during this difficult time.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif invited international investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s mineral sector on Tuesday.
Reportedly, PM Shehbaz Sharif , while addressing Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad on Tuesday, invited international investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s mineral sector by ensuring investor-friendly policies, partnerships in technology and research, and highlighted that Pakistan’s natural resources could bring shared prosperity.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan has huge mineral wealth from the mountains of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the scenic regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), as well as the plains of Punjab and valleys of Sindh.
He said that these natural resources are worth trillions of dollars. “If we use these resources properly, Pakistan won’t need IMF support anymore,” he said, while acknowledging the IMF’s help in the past.
He urged foreign investors to partner with Pakistan rather than rely on loans, saying such partnerships would benefit both sides.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s land is rich and its people are hardworking.
He promised full support from the federal and provincial governments, institutions, and the army.
He also mentioned specific mineral opportunities: iron ore in Punjab’s Chiniot, coal in Sindh, and many untapped resources in KP, AJK, and GB.
Shehbaz Sharif also announced a new policy under which raw minerals can no longer be exported. Instead, investors must set up factories in Pakistan to process the minerals and export finished products.
He also welcomed companies from Europe, the US, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and other countries to invest. He also encouraged them to help train Pakistan’s youth in modern skills to build future entrepreneurs.
PM Shehbaz praised the CEO of Barrick Gold Mark Bristow for his work on the Reko Diq project. He said Bristow’s leadership has revived a long-delayed project and should inspire other investors.
The event was attended by over 300 participants, including top government officials, ministers, diplomats, and business leaders. It was held under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
It is worth mentioning that the Army Chief General Asim Munir also participated in the event and assured the investors that Pakistan would provide strong security to protect their interests, especially in the mineral-rich but troubled province of Balochistan.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has started talks with top party leaders to reduce internal conflicts.
As per The News report, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has started talks with top party leaders to reduce internal conflicts.
After his efforts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai agreed to stop making negative statements and end their disagreements.
Last week, CM Gandapur issued a statmenr after meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.
He told the media that Imran Khan had asked him not to give provincial assembly tickets to Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai, calling them “conspirators.” This statement caused tension within the party.
Many PTI leaders demanded an investigation into Gandapur’s claims. To calm the situation, Barrister Gohar, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, lawyer Salman Akram Raja, and Shaukat Yousafzai got involved.
As per The News sources said that Barrister Gohar met with Gandapur, Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai and agreed to resolve their issues and avoid public disputes.
Speaking to the media, Gohar said disagreements are common in big political parties and do not mean the party is falling apart. Still, party leaders warned that unresolved problems could make things worse.
It is worth mentioning here that KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif said rivals should not overreact to PTI’s internal issues. He added that the Sharif family has even bigger conflicts, and the PPP should focus on who truly represents the Bhutto legacy.
Executive Director PRCCSF Khalid Taimur Akram met with Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan Dr. Kabir A. Sidhu
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On 7th April 2025, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) Khalid Taimur Akram, visits Competition Commission of Pakistan, and met with Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan Honorable Dr. Kabir A. Sidhu at his office.
As per detail, during the meeting, Khalid Taimur Akram commended Dr. Kabir A. Sidhu for his extensive knowledge and experience in market regulation, particularly in addressing market abuse and public policy.
With over 20 years of experience in various sectors, including roles in UK insurance firms, law practices, and compliance departments, Dr. Sidhu has significantly contributed to enhancing investor confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
The discussion also ventured into the important topic of regional connectivity, highlighting its significance in fostering economic development and cooperation among neighboring countries.
In addition, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram also presented his book titled “Building a Community with Shared Future: A Hope for Mankind” to Dr. Kabir A. Sidhu, who remarked on the book’s valuable insights concerning the Belt and Road Initiative and regional connectivity.
The 241st Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) meeting was held on March 25-26, chaired by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Picture Credit: DAWN
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The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has ruled that the Supreme Court’s decision on polygamy is not in line with Sharia.
As per details, the 241st CII meeting held on March 25-26, chaired by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi to reviewed the Supreme Court’s October 23, 2024, ruling, which involved a husband who married again without his first wife’s consent, violating the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961.
In CCI meeting the decision was made that it is un-Islamic to give the first wife the right to annul the marriage if her husband remarries without her permission.
The Supreme Court had ruled that breaking this law gave the first wife the right to end the marriage.
However, the CII disagreed, stating that under Islamic law, there are only two valid ways to dissolve a marriage: talaq (divorce by the husband) and khula (divorce by the wife with the husband’s consent or court approval).
The CII reaffirmed that men do not need their wife’s permission for a second marriage as per Sharia and that the 1961 law contradicts Islamic teachings.
According to Islamic principles, a man can have up to four wives without needing approval from previous wives or anyone else.
The meeting was attended by several scholars and religious figures, who also discussed other matters.
It is worth mentioning that the CII supported optional medical tests for diseases like thalassemia before marriage but ruled that these tests should not be mandatory in the Nikahnama.
Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Picture Credit : APP
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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that the Pakistan may issue Panda Bonds in Chinese Yuan this year to access China’s large financial market.
As per details, while giving interview to the Chinese media, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that Pakistan has issued bonds in US dollars and Euros before, and now it’s time to tap into China’s capital market through Panda Bonds.
He stated that Panda Bonds will connect Pakistan’s financial sector with China and thanked China for its ongoing support, calling the two countries “iron brothers” and strategic partners.
He expressed Pakistan’s goal to become a hub for foreign, especially Chinese, companies by using its existing infrastructure and low-cost labor.
He highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has improved roads, ports, and communication networks in Pakistan.
Aurangzeb stressed the need to maximize financial benefits from these projects and encourage Chinese industries to invest in Pakistan.
He also spoke about regional trade, improved road and rail links, and stronger economic ties with neighboring countries.
The minister studied China’s digital banking system and said Pakistan can learn from its experience, particularly in expanding digital financial services.
He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in financial technology, agriculture, drone technology, and other key sectors to boost economic growth.
It is worth mentioning here that the Aurangzeb is currently in China, attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a preparatory meeting of Pakistan Mining Investment Forum, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed the arrangements for upcoming event of the Pakistan Mining Investment Forum, going to held in Islamabad from April 8th to 9th, 2025.
As per details, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a preparatory meeting to review the arrangements of upcoming event of Pakistan Mining Investment Forum.
This event going to be held in Islamabad from April 8th to 9th, 2025.
During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on the forum’s objectives, scope, agenda, and logistical preparations.
The purpose of this event is to attract local and international investors to the country’s mining sector.
The Pakistan Mining Investment Forum seeks to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, encourage foreign investment, and promote modern mining technologies. With significant deposits of gold, copper, coal, and rare minerals, Pakistan’s mining industry has the potential to boost economic growth and job creation.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar expressed confidence that the event would reshape the mining sector, enhance global partnerships, and create new economic opportunities.
He also assured the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ full support to the Ministry of Petroleum and other stakeholders to ensure the forum’s success.
It is worth mentioning here that the meeting was attended by Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Secretary Ministry of Interior, Chairman CDA, and other senior officials.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
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The 127th death anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is being observed on Thursday.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is known as the father of the Two Nation Theory and one of the key figures behind Pakistan’s creation, along with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal
He was a great reformer, scholar, and educationist who played a vital role in uplifting the Muslim community of the subcontinent.
He strongly believed that education was the key to progress and worked tirelessly to promote modern education among Muslims.
He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in Aligarh in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
His efforts helped awaken political and social awareness among Muslims, shaping their identity and leading to the Pakistan Movement.
Sir Syed also wrote extensively on history, politics, and religion, advocating for unity, scientific thinking, and social reforms. His vision and contributions continue to inspire generations.
Sir Syed started the Aligarh Movement, which later became the foundation of the Pakistan Movement.
He passed away on this day in 1898 in Aligarh, India.
Residents cool off from the heatwave, as they are sprayed with water jetting out from a leaking water pipeline in Karachi. — Reuters/File
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Pakistan’s chief meteorologist has warned that temperatures may rise by 3°C to 5°C above normal in the coming months.
As per details, Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Afzal said in the press conference that winter rainfall was 42% below normal, with Sindh receiving 63% less rain, Balochistan 53% less, and Punjab 41% less.
This severe drop in rainfall has reduced water levels in dams and reservoirs, causing concerns about water shortages for agriculture and households, he said.
He also warned that northern areas will receive less rain than usual, making the water crisis worse. This could lead to crop failures, disease outbreaks, and harm to wildlife. He urged people to use water wisely.
He further warned that the major cities will face heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect, increasing drought conditions. The extreme heat could also cause glaciers to melt faster, temporarily increasing river flows but also raising the risk of flash floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the northern regions.
Pakistan usually gets 19.4% of its yearly rainfall between April and June, but this year, rainfall is expected to be below average.
He informed that during Eid ul Fitr, most of Pakistan will experience hot and dry weather, with temperatures 2°C to 3°C above normal. In Karachi, daytime temperatures could be 3°C to 4°C higher than usual, making the heat more uncomfortable.
However, on March 26-27, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and northern Punjab will see rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall. Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Mansehra may experience moderate to heavy rain. Punjab’s plains may also face dust storms and thunderstorms.
Heavy rain in northern areas could cause flash floods, while strong winds, hail, and lightning could damage trees, electric poles, solar panels, and crops. Landslides may also occur in mountainous areas.
Authorities have been advised to take precautions against heatwaves, water shortages, and extreme weather. Public awareness campaigns should educate people about heatwave safety and water conservation.
It is worth mentioning here that the Meteorological Department has urged people to drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and use water carefully to reduce the impact of the upcoming crisis.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Discusses Future of Digital Assets at Crypto Council Meeting, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted the important role of the Pakistan Crypto Council in shaping the country’s future in digital assets.
Reportedly, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted the important role of the Pakistan Crypto Council, while speaking at the the first meeting of the Pakistan Crypto Council in Islamabad.
He said the council will bring together all key stakeholders and regulators to create a clear, responsible, and future-focused crypto policy.
The minister also expressed his commitment to building a transparent and modern financial system that attracts investment, supports young people, and helps Pakistan become a leader in new technologies.
The meeting ended with everyone agreeing to move forward carefully, making sure Pakistan benefits from blockchain and cryptocurrencies while protecting its economy.
