Update

Eight out of 17 kidnapped workers of ‘atomic and mining projects’ rescued in Pakistan’s northwest — police

  • Kidnapping incident took place in the volatile Lakki Marwat district, a hotspot for TTP’s militant activities
  • Workers rescued due to efforts by tribal elders amid search operation by police, security forces, say police
By REHMAT MEHSUD ·

Pakistan eyes enhanced trade with Indonesia ahead of its president’s visit 

  • Indonesia’s president is expected to visit Pakistan later in January to discuss trade, bilateral issues
  • Planning minister calls for cooperation with Indonesia in education, health, information and tourism
By Arab News Pakistan ·

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Pakistan’s UN envoy condemns Israel’s occupation of Syrian Golan Heights, seeks ‘full withdrawal’

  • Ambassador Munir Akram calls a peaceful transition to a more inclusive governance structure in Syria
  • He also appeals for international assistance in Syria’s reconstruction, emphasizing United Nations’ role 
By Falak Mahmood Khan ·

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Pakistan central bank chief expects inflation rate to fluctuate in coming months

  • Inflation rate to stabilize within 5-7 percent range by end of 2025, says central bank governor
  • Pakistan’s inflation rate slowed to 4.1 percent in December after aggressive policy rate cuts by state bank
By Hasaan Ali Khan ·

Authority warns against overuse of ginseng by pregnant women, says no proof of safety

  • Adverse effects of the plant-based supplement include insomnia or high blood pressure when used in large doses, warns SFDA
  • It stressed that stressed that herbal supplements should be used with caution, like any other medicine
By Arab News ·

Israel rallies global support to win release of a woman believed kidnapped in Iraq

  • The official said Thursday that the matter was raised in a meeting of special envoys for hostage affairs in Jerusalem this week
  • Israel and Iraq do not have diplomatic relations
By AP ·

Russia breaches frontline river in east Ukraine, official says

  • The Oskil river is the de-facto front line in parts of the eastern Kharkiv region
  • The major of the local hub, Kupiansk, said the situation was “extremely difficult”
By AFP ·

Saudi green bond market soars on sustainable financing shift

  • Kingdom’s Green Financing Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for backing climate-focused initiatives
By Miguel Hadchity ·

Everton fire manager Dyche hours before a game in first big call by new American owners

  • Everton announced the move just hours before hosting third-tier Peterborough in the FA Cup third round
  • “The process to appoint a new manager is underway and an update will be provided in due course,” Everton said
By AP ·

Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

  • City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
  • Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer
By Waad Hussain ·