KP Mines Minister Calls for Free and Transparent Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Mines and Minerals, Arif Ahmadzai, has stressed the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that a credible democratic process is essential for strengthening public confidence and ensuring regional stability.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have historically played…

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Return of Gun Culture in Pakistan’s Northwestern Province

Taimoor Khan Civilian gun ownership is rapidly increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with experts linking the trend to rising insecurity, fear of violence, deep-rooted social traditions, and the state’s growing reliance on arms licensing as a source of revenue. Official data show that between January 2024 and March 2026, more than 400,000 people applied for arms…

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Pakistan-Mediated US-Iran Draft Agreement May Be Announced Within Hours

A possible breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, could be announced within hours, according to claims circulating from sources cited by Al Arabiya.According to the reported draft terms, the proposed agreement includes an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire covering land, sea and air operations. Both sides would also commit to…

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Oil Surge and Middle East Tensions Shake Global Markets, PSX Falls Over 2,000 Points

Riaz Hussain Global oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as escalating tensions in the Middle East heightened fears of disruptions to energy supplies, while stock markets across Asia — including Pakistan — came under renewed pressure.Brent crude rose by $2.01, or 1.84 per cent, to reach $111.27 per barrel during early trading after touching its…

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Pakistan’s Economy Shows Recovery Signs Despite Missing Growth Target

By Riaz Hussain Peshwar: Pakistan’s economy posted stronger growth during the current fiscal year, with the country’s overall economic size reaching $452.1 billion and major sectors showing steady recovery, according to fresh estimates approved by the National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Wednesday.The committee provisionally estimated the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 3.7 per…

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KP Steps Up Climate Action with High-Level Resilience Committee Amid Rising Temperatures

Peshawar: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has unveiled a strengthened climate strategy with the formation of a high-level Climate Resilience Committee, as the province faces intensifying environmental pressures linked to climate change and rising temperatures. Officials say the move reflects growing urgency after a series of extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and…

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Afghanistan Releases American Detainee Dennis Walter Coyle on Eid al-Fitr

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has released American detainee Dennis Walter Coyle on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, handing him over to his family in Kabul on Tuesday. Afghan officials said Coyle had been held for violating local laws and was freed after the Supreme Court deemed his detention period sufficient, following an appeal from…

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Deepening Trade Rift: Afghanistan Bans Import of Pakistani Medicines

By H. Nawaz Afghan : Afghanistan’s interim government has imposed a complete ban on the import of Pakistani pharmaceutical products, marking a fresh low in Pak-Afghan relations and raising serious concerns over healthcare access for millions of Afghans, while inflicting heavy losses on Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. Under the decision, Afghan importers have been given a…

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Deadly Explosion Hits Chinese–Afghan Restaurant in Kabul, One Chinese National Among Seven Killed

KABUL — 19-01-2026 A deadly explosion struck the Chinese Noodle restaurant, a joint Chinese–Afghan eatery, in the Gulforoshi street of Shahr-e-Naw, Kabul, at on Monday, killing at least seven people, including one Chinese national, and injuring several others. According to preliminary information,The blast occurred near the kitchen area of the restaurant, which was known for…

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Uprooted Once More: Tirah Valley Families Face Renewed Displacement Amid Uncertainty and Fear

Muhammad Younas TIRAH VALLEY, KHYBER DISTRICT — For residents of Pakistan’s Tirah Valley, displacement has once again become a looming reality, reopening old wounds for families who only recently rebuilt their lives after years of conflict-driven upheaval. Official notices announcing the registration of families for what authorities describe as a “managed displacement” have spread quiet…

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