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Pakistan government, ex-PM Khan party to resume talks to break political deadlock today

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq (center) chairs the first meeting of the negotiations committee between the government and the opposition PTI party in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 23, 2024. (@NAofPakistan/X)
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Updated 02 January 2025
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Pakistan government, ex-PM Khan party to resume talks to break political deadlock today

  • Khan’s party wants political prisoners released, establishment of judicial commissions to investigate protests
  • Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 has plunged Pakistan into a political crisis
Updated 02 January 2025
Shahjahan Khurram

Islamabad: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government will resume talks today, Thursday, in a bid to break political tensions in the country. 

The government and PTI held the first round of formal negotiations on Dec. 23, with the PTI asked to present its demands in writing on Jan. 2. Khan previously rejected talks with the government, saying his party would only talk to the “real powerbrokers” in Pakistan, the all-powerful army. 

However, last month he set up a negotiating committee of top party members to open a dialogue with the government for the fulfilment of two demands: the release of political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate protests on May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26, 2024, which the government says involved his party supporters, accusing them of attacking military installations and government buildings.

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in 2022 has plunged Pakistan into a political crisis, particularly since the PTI founder was jailed in August last year on corruption and other charges and remains behind bars. His party and supporters have regularly held protests calling for his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent.

“We doubt their intentions and we think they are just trying to buy time,” Meher Bano Qureshi, a PTI leader, told a private news channel on Wednesday. “But still we are talking to them with an open heart and very seriously.”

The talks opened days after Khan threatened a civil disobedience movement and amid growing concerns he may face trial by a military court for allegedly inciting attacks on sensitive security installations during the May 9, 2023, protests.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who took part in the negotiations last month, said on Dec. 23 that the first round of talks were held in a “cordial” environment, calling them vital to end “political polarization” in the country.

“The opposition will also present a charter of demands in the meeting,” he said. 

Khan’s close aide, Asad Qaiser, told reporters that the PTI team had asked the government to release all political prisoners, including the former prime minister, and form a judicial commission, comprising senior Supreme Court judges, to probe the May 9 and Nov. 26 protests.

Topics: Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

Updated 10 sec ago
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Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

  • The government has initiated the process of hiring experts for the development of the SME sector
  • State Bank of Pakistan has also directed banks to simplify the loan application process for SMEs
Updated 10 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday described Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of national economy, issuing directives to take necessary measures to integrate them into the global supply chain, according to a statement from his office.
Pakistan has been striving to attract foreign investment as it recovers from a prolonged economic crisis characterized by a tough balance of payments situation, dwindling foreign currency reserves and a depreciating national currency.
While the government has signed various agreements with close allies and sought to promote business-to-business partnerships to drive growth, Sharif recently noted that foreign investment would remain elusive without first strengthening domestic investment.
“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the economy,” he said while presiding over a meeting in Lahore to evaluate the SME sector, according to the statement. “Comprehensive steps are needed to make Pakistani industries a part of the global supply chain.”
The prime minister received a detailed briefing on the operations of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) and was told its board of directors had been constituted and had started holding regular meetings.
“The process of hiring international-standard experts for the development of the SME sector has been initiated,” the official statement said.
“The State Bank of Pakistan has also instructed banks to simplify and streamline the loan application forms for SMEs,” it added.
The meeting was also informed that authorities were in the process of gathering data on SMEs across Pakistan to enable informed decision-making for the sector.

Topics: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan

Updated 04 January 2025
AFP
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Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan

  • Rickelton batted for 607 minutes before being caught at mid-on attempting a big hit
  • Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took six catches in the South African innings
Updated 04 January 2025
AFP

CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton made 259 as South Africa took their first innings total to 615 all out on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.
Resuming on 176, Rickelton was content to feed the strike to Kyle Verreynne (100) and Marco Jansen (62) in quick-scoring partnerships of 148 for the sixth wicket and 86 for the seventh wicket.
The left-handed opening batsman reached his double century off 266 balls and was finally seventh out, caught at mid-on going for a big hit. He batted for 607 minutes, facing 343 balls and hitting 29 fours and three sixes.
It was the joint seventh highest score by a South African batsman in Test cricket.
South Africa’s innings ended 40 minutes after tea when new cap Kwena Maphaka was bowled second ball for nought to become the 100th Test wicket for Mohammad Abbas.
At 18 years 270 days, Maphaka became South Africa’s youngest Test player when the match started on Friday.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan held six catches in the South African innings.
Brief scores:
South Africa 615 in 141.3 overs (R. Rickelton 259, T. Bavuma 106, K. Verreynne 100, M. Jansen 62, K. Maharaj 40; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Mir Hamza 2-127, Khurram Shahzad 2-123, Salman Agha 3-148).
Match situation: South Africa are 615 all out in the first innings.
Toss: South Africa.

Topics: Pakistan v South Africa

Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

  • The country’s telecom regulator says there is no Internet service degradation is in the country currently
  • Digital rights activists say government trying to suppress dissenting voices by minimizing online access
Updated 04 January 2025
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Saturday it had arranged temporary bandwidth to address degraded Internet services caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, ensuring Internet stability across the country.
The AAE-1 cable is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan to the global Internet. Disruptions in these cables can significantly impact Internet performance, affecting individual users and businesses reliant on stable connectivity for daily operations.
“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announces that to address the issue of degradation of Internet services due to fault in AAE1 submarine cable on January 2, 2025, ad hoc bandwidth has been arranged and added in the system,” the PTA said in a statement. “Now there is no degradation of Internet services across the country.”
The telecom regulator added it was actively monitoring restoration efforts for the AAE-1 cable and remained committed to ensuring stable services throughout the process.
The fault comes amid growing scrutiny of the Pakistan government’s handling of Internet and social media policies.
Following the February 2024 general elections, marred by allegations of irregularities, the government faced severe backlash over a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. Local media also reported the government’s decision to establish an Internet firewall aimed at controlling “anti-state propaganda” and content deemed blasphemous, stirring further controversy.
Freelancers and businesses were also instructed later in the year to register VPNs to access online platforms, prompting public outrage, though the government extended the compliance deadline indefinitely since only a fraction of users had adhered to the directive.
Digital rights activists and political rivals accused the government of using these measures to suppress dissent, with a coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also voicing concerns.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government for Internet slowdown, questioning why submarine cable faults always disproportionately affected Pakistan.

Topics: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Pakistan internet

Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

  • Pakistan’s air chief witnessed the parade, asking future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies
  • The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region
Updated 04 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The Pakistan Naval Academy held a commissioning parade on Saturday to mark the graduation of 49 midshipmen and 29 short-service commissioning cadets, including officers from Iraq, Sri Lanka and other countries, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy.
The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region. The parade’s chief guest, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, was invited to the received by Pakistan’s top naval official Admiral Naveed Ashraf before witnessing the ceremony.
He extended congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and their parents, while specifically addressing foreign cadets and officials.
“He [the air chief] commended Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting high-quality training to cadets, including those from friendly countries,” the official statement said. “He expressed the hope that these cadets from friendly nations will serve as ambassadors, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual respect.”

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, reviews parade during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The air chief emphasized the need for future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies and the evolving geo-strategic landscape.
“In today’s high-tech and information-driven era, only knowledgeable leaders can effectively address emerging challenges,” he told the commissioning term.
Awards were presented to distinction holders, highlighting the diverse achievements of the graduates.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, awards Sword of Honor to the best midshipman, Sri Lanka’s Tennakoon M. L. Vimutkhi, during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The prestigious Sword of Honor went to Midshipman Tennakoon M.L. Vimukthi from Sri Lanka for his exceptional performance. Officer Cadet Ali Jalil Ibrahim Sharif Shuhaib Al Shabani from Iraq was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal, while the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt. Muhammad Imad Ud Din for being the best all-round officer.
The Pakistan Naval Academy has long served as a hub for professional and academic training, equipping cadets with skills to meet modern maritime challenges.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, gestures for a group photograph with graduating cadets during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

Its programs also help foster international cooperation, as displayed by the diverse nationalities of its graduates this year.

Topics: Pakistan Naval Academy Pakistan Navy

Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month

  • Leading Pakistani fighter Usman Wazir says boxing plays a crucial role in promoting the country’s image
  • He requests the Punjab provincial administration to sponsor the event, saying the sport inspires the youth
Updated 04 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A leading Pakistani boxer has announced that his country is set to host the World Boxing Championship in Lahore on January 25, marking a significant step for the sport in Pakistan, the state media reported on Saturday.
Boxing is a popular sport in Pakistan, but aspiring athletes often face challenges due to a lack of institutional mechanisms to identify and nurture talent across the country. Success in the sport largely depends on individual effort and determination.
Renowned boxer and World Youth Champion Usman Wazir said players from five countries, including Indonesia, Iran, Thailand and France, would compete in ten matches for the championship title.
“I want to promote the country internationally in boxing,” the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency quoted him as saying. “I am trying to organize such a mega event in Islamabad in the future.”
Wazir highlighted that unlike cricket, other sports in Pakistan received less attention but still played a crucial role in promoting the country’s image on the international stage. He maintained that boxing was inspiring the youth, leading many to take up the sport.
He called on the Punjab government, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, to sponsor the event.
Emerging Pakistani boxer Khushal Khan, who will represent the country in the championship, said he drew inspiration from Wazir to pursue boxing.
Undefeated in his last 14 fights, Khan is determined to win the event and bring pride to Pakistan both nationally and internationally.

Topics: Usman Wazeer Usman Wazir Khushal Khan World Boxing Championship

Latest updates

Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration
Prince William expresses sadness at death of his former nanny’s stepson in New Orleans attack
Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan
Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault
Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

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