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170 Pakistanis deported from Gulf, other countries over violations

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Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and several other countries have deported about 170 Pakistanis during the last 48 hours.

Reportedly, immigration sources confirm the deportation of nearly 170 Pakistanis from Saudia Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and several other countries.

As per immigration sources, out of 170 the Saudi authorities deported 94 Pakistanis on various charges, including blacklisting, begging, drug dealing, illegal residence, working without a sponsor, absconding from employment, and violating contractual agreements.

Three individuals deported from Oman, one from Thailand, one from Tanzania, nine from Iraq, one each from the United Kingdom and Cyprus, four from Indonesia and five from Mauritania on charges of human smuggling.  Two individuals were deported from Qatar due to lack of travel funds.

Additionally, due to insufficient travel funds, and one Pakistani was removed from Tanzania.

In the UAE, 39 Pakistanis were deported in the past two days due to illegal activities and other violations.

Seven out of 170 deported individuals were identified as blacklisted in the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS).

Meanwhile, authorities offloaded 59 passengers from flights bound for 21 countries, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, and Malawi, due to visa and travel documentation issues..

President, PM condemn Harnai blast, vow to eradicate terrorism

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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Picture Credit : APP

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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast in the Shahrag area of Harnai district, Balochistan, expressing profound grief over the loss of lives.

Reportedly, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast in the Shahrag area of Harnai district, Balochistan on Friday, expressing profound grief over the loss of lives.

In separate messages, both leaders extended their condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

They reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and prayed for their swift recovery.

He further stated that those responsible for targeting innocent and defenseless citizens would face severe consequences

PM lauds IFC’s role in boosting private investment in Pakistan

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PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets IFC Delegation, Discusses Private Sector Growth in Pakistan, Picture Credit : APP

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Managing Director and Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Makhtar Diop and the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), to discuss IFC’s ongoing and pipeline portfolio in Pakistan.

Reportedly, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Managing Director and Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Makhtar Diop and the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), to discuss IFC’s ongoing and pipeline portfolio in Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, ,Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs attended

The Prime Minister appreciated the WBG’s for launching a new decade-long Country Partnership Framework (CPF) (2026-2035) with its extraordinary commitment of US$40 billion. It would include sovereign lending of US$ 20 billion by the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (IBRD). IFC will mobilize another US$ 20 billion to foster private sector investments in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister praised IFC’s role in fostering private sector investments and expanding portfolio in Pakistan.

He asked the IFC to enhance its support in the key areas including infrastructure and logistics, outsourcing of large airports, agriculture, information technology, mining, climate resilience, healthcare and water & sanitation.

He also asked IFC to enhance its collaboration with the private sector arms of other multilateral institutions for maximizing private sector participation in the development process and achieving greater impact.

Mr. Diop reciprocated the Prime Minister and highlight the need for increased private sector investments to improve the road and power sector infrastructure, especially transmission lines, airport services, wheat storage infrastructure including silos to enhance the private sector’s role in facilitating exports.

Mr. Diop commended Pakistan for its constructive engagement with the IMF and the successful implementation of ongoing economic reforms.

He noted that the government’s efforts, under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, have fostered a favorable environment for private sector operations, boosting investor confidence.

He also reaffirmed IFC’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s private sector in alignment with the government’s priorities.

It is worth mentioning here that the Prime Minister underlined the need to design various programs to foster human development especially the youth of Pakistan. He noted that the youth of Pakistan was provided skills training through various initiatives.

CM Murad announces 31 model police stations ccross Sindh

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CM Murad Ali Shah Addresses Inaugural Ceremony of Model Police Stations in Sindh
CM Murad Ali Shah Addresses Inaugural Ceremony of Model Police Stations in Sindh, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan

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Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the establishment of thirty-one Model Police Stations across the province.

As per details, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has established thirty-one Model Police Stations across the province. He made this announcement during the address at the inaugural ceremony of Model Police Station at Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi today.

Murad Ali Shah appreciated the provincial government for taking revolutionary steps in the law enforcement department. He ensured that model police stations would be equipped with regular lock-ups, reception, family areas, and renovated buildings

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, SSP Dr.Farrukh Raza of District East and other officers were present in the inaugural ceremony.

CM Shah endorsed the modernization of police is the top priority, pledging substantial funding for infrastructure, equipment, and technology; however, he made it clear that this investment comes with expectations, “This is not a free lunch,” he stated, stressing the need for improved police performance and accountability.

He explained and acknowledged the people’s expectations and experiences while visiting police stations, “I envision police stations as safe spaces where citizens feel heard, secure, and confident that justice will be served, The hesitancy some people feel about visiting police stations, citing the example of accident victims who are reluctant to seek help”.

CM Shah encouraged citizens to actively demand better facilities and services at their local police stations, “This perception must change. We have already upgraded some police stations, but I want the public to push for improvements at others”.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the establishment of the Sharea Faisal Model Police Station. The Sindh government is committed to providing security and essential facilities to the people of the province,” the CM said.

He highlighted the modernization of police stations, stating that 33 stations across Sindh, including eight in Karachi, are being upgraded. Emphasizing the need for model police stations in every district, he revealed that his government has allocated Rs288.41 million for the renovation of 31 police stations across the province.

Regarding the new facilities, Shah mentioned that the upgraded police stations will feature modern amenities, computerized systems, and dedicated public grievance cells. To strengthen investigative capabilities, the budget for the ‘Cost of Investigation’ has been increased by 40 percent to enhance police inquiry processes. Additionally, investigative officers will receive an extra basic salary each month.

Murad Ali Shah introduced a health insurance policy covering annual medical coverage of up to Rs1 million for police personnel and their families.

CM also acknowledged the sacrifices made by police officers, stating, “Our police personnel risk their lives while performing their duties. We have announced special packages for the families of martyred officers.”

Pakistan rejects ‘one-sided’ Indo-US allegations

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Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan has been appointed as the new Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shafqat Ali Khan

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The Foreign Office (FO) rejected the allegations against Pakistan in a joint statement issued by India and the United States (US), terming it “one-sided, misleading, and contrary to diplomatic norms”.

Reportedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump at the White House issued a joint statement, in which Pakistan’s was alleged to be involved in the 2008 Mumbai attack and accused the country of “supporting extremism.”

FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in his weekly press briefing,”Pakistan reference in the Indo-US joint statement cannot cover up India’s sponsorship of terrorism, subversion, and extrajudicial assassinations in the region and beyond”.

“The leaders [Modi and Trump] called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks,” the statement stated.

The FO spokesperson responding to the allegations, said that Pakistan’s reference had been included notwithstanding its counterterrorism cooperation with the US.

“The joint statement fails to address India’s non-compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, which is a key source of tension and instability in the region, nor does it take cognizance of the grim human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Regrettably, this amounts to an abdication of international responsibility,” he remarked.

The spokesperson confirms Pakistan’s commitment and contribution constructively to regional and global efforts to promote peace and stability and ensure to bring the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion.

He also expressed Pakistan’s concern over the United States increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars and US supply of F-35 stealth fighters.

The FO spokesperson urged international partners to take a holistic and objective view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia and refrain from endorsing positions that are one-sided and divorced from ground realities.

COAS Gen Asim Munir denies receiving Imran Khan’s letter

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"Prison authorities have subjected me to every form of oppression," says PTI founder By Web Desk | February 08, 2025 PTI founder Imran Khan and COAS General Asim Munir. — X@ptiofficial/Radio Pakistan PTI founder Imran Khan and COAS General Asim Munir. — X@ptiofficial/Radio Pakistan
"Prison authorities have subjected me to every form of oppression," says PTI founder By Web Desk | February 08, 2025 PTI founder Imran Khan and COAS General Asim Munir. — X@ptiofficial/Radio Pakistan PTI founder Imran Khan and COAS General Asim Munir. — X@ptiofficial/Radio Pakistan

CT Newsroom

Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir denied receiving any letters from former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

As per details, imprisoned Pakistan Tareek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan shows flexibility and try to establish communication with the top military brass by writing a third open letter to the Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir on Thursday.

However, COAS denied receiving any letter from Imran Khan.

He ensured that he would not be engaged with any such correspondence, rather responsding the letter, he would forward the letter to the prime minister.

The COAS said, “Pakistan is moving forward, and it must move forward”.

PTI founder’s X (formerly Twitter) account accused Inter-Services Public Relations of building a false narrative, which he claimed was “bringing the armed forces into disrepute”.

“Repeating again and again that the army does not interfere in politics insults the nation’s intelligence,” Every child in the country knows that the army chief effectively runs the country”, Mr Khan’s X account adds.

The latest message from the PTI leader said that he was not asking for any special favors for himself. Instead, he was worried about restoring the Pakistan Army’s reputation. He argued that the gap between the people and the army was growing and claimed that democracy in Pakistan had been disrupted.

Imran criticsed the establishment and their role in general election 2024,“rejected faces had been imposed on the nation through rigged elections”.

The message further stated that even some people are trying to make it seem like the cases against the Sharif family and Asif Zardari are politically motivated. However, NAB started these cases. The former ISI chief Gen Ehtesham Zamir and former president Farooq Leghari gave documents as proof of corruption. These cases were filed long before PTI came to power.

The same faces had been imposed on Pakistan again after being dry-cleaned, the message added..

Mr Khan’s message also criticised the 26th amendment and alleged that the handpicked judges were being appointed, leading to a collapse of justice.

The message called on the establishment to reconsider its policies to “avoid further damage to the institution”.

Pakistan expresses concern over Syrian violence

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akistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram
akistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram

CT Newsroom

Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in certain regions of Syria, stressing the need for a robust security framework to ensure long-term stability.

Reportedly, in addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, voiced hope that Syria’s new leadership would steer the country toward peace, stability, and prosperity.

Ambassador Akram underscored the importance of preventing any resurgence of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Daesh, and their affiliates, emphasizing the need for collective international efforts to maintain regional security.

Turkey President Erdogan arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and COAS General Asim Munir pose for an image as the visiting dignitary visits the PM House in Islamabad, on February 13, 2025. Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan

CT Newsroom

Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan with a high-level delegation arrived in Pakistan’s capital late Wednesday night on a two-day visit.

As per details, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan with a high-level delegation arrived in Pakistan’s capital late Wednesday night on a two-day visit to discuss economic and trade-related matters .

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan was received by his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior government officials.

According to the press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Erdogan.

“The Turkish president will jointly chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC)” and the sides are expected to sign several agreements”, the statement added

President Zardari and Erdogan will have bilateral meetings on Thursday.

According to the ministry statement, HLSCC will provide “strategic direction to further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.”

The statement said “Pakistan and Turkiye are bound by historic fraternal ties” and the visit by Erdogan “would serve to further deepen the brotherly relations and enhance multifaceted cooperation between the two countries”.

It is worth mentioning here that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also met Erdogan and extended greetings on his visit. The Turkish president was also honoured with a flypast by F-16 fighter jets.

Six High Court judges elevated to Supreme Court

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(Clockwise from top left) Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Shakeel Ahmad. — BHC/LHC/SHC/IHC/File

CT Newsroom

The Ministry of Law and Justice has notified the appointment of six judges from various high courts were elevated to the Supreme Court (SC) after the approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.

As per details, the Judicial Commission Pakistan (JCP) met on Monday, February 10, 2025, to discuss and finalize the senior judges’ names for the Supreme Court. Today, the Ministry of Law and Justice has notified the appointment of six judges from various high courts who were elevated to the Supreme Court (SC) after President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval.

As per notification, Balochistan High Court (BHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, SHC senior puisne judge Salahuddin Panhwar, Peshawar High Court (PHC) judge Shakeel Ahmad, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, and PHC Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim appointed as SC judges.

The law ministry notified the appointment of SHC judge Junaid Ghaffar as the acting chief justice till he appointments as a regular chief justice.

It is worth mentioning here that the Judicial Commission Pakistan (JCP) meeting was boycotted by Pakistan Tareek-e-insaf’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan , Senator Ali Zafar, and two SC judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar.

Even though, four SC judges including Justice Shah, Justice Akhtar, Justice Ayesha A Malik and Justice Athar Minallah had written to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi urging him to postpone the JCP meeting “till the challenge to the 26th Constitutional Amendment is decided one way or the other”.

Pakistan, UNESCO launch SDG-4 report to boost education reforms

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Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal addresses the event as a chief guest

CT Newsroom

The government, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Pakistan, launched the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) Mid-Term Review Report today at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.

As per details, the government, in partnership with UNESCO Pakistan, launched the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) Mid-Term Review Report today at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal addresses the event as a chief guest. He emphasized the need for increased investment and better governance in the education sector.

He underlined the importance of the SDG-4 MTR report, which presents clear recommendations to enhance the education sector’s performance in line with the 2030 Education Agenda.

Ahsan Iqbal also called for increasing Pakistan’s literacy rate to 90% to support national development. He urged both federal and provincial governments to increase education funding.

He highlighted the URAAN Pakistan initiative, which prioritizes education and aims for major improvements by 2047.

It is worth mentioning here that the report reviews Pakistan’s progress in providing quality, inclusive, and fair education for all by 2030, highlighting challenges and future plans.