Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Declining inflation: ECC urges measures for tangible relief to common man
ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met today under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Besides the regular agenda, the meeting focused on reviewing the trends in inflation and the prices of essential commodities, as presented by the Economic Advisor’s Wing of the Finance Division. At the outset, the ECC conducted a monthly review of inflation trends as per its earlier decision. The Cabinet body was informed that inflation during the first half of FY2025 (July-December) hadRead More
Rule of law and governance-driven approach termed vital for restructuring Pak-Afghan ties
ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – Restructuring Pakistan-Afghanistan relations requires a departure from short-term policy fixes toward a comprehensive, strategic, and governance-driven approach. Since the erosion of the rule of law and the spread of divisive rhetoric fuel mistrust and instability, this approach must prioritize mutual recognition of sovereignty, the rejection of polarizing narratives, the restoration of the rule of law, public ownership in law enforcement, and institutional integrity. The views were reflected during a discussion followed by the keynote speech of Ambassador (r) Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former special representative onRead More
Interior Minister Naqvi lauds ANF’s $10 billion drug seizures in 2023
LAHORE, FEB 3: /DNA/ – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has commended the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for its effective operations against the drug trafficking against drug mafia across Pakistan. He directed the ANF to continue its crackdown on elements involved in selling narcotics, especially “ice,” in schools and colleges. The Interior Minister emphasized the need to enhance security checks at airports to prevent narcotics smuggling. He also called for indiscriminate action against elements using drones to smuggle narcotics in border areas. The Interior Minister praised the ANF’s performance, despite limitedRead More
Romanian Ambassador, Pakistan Business Council chart new course for bilateral growth
KARACHI, FEB 3 /DNA/ – Romanian Ambassador Dan Stoenescu met with the board of Pakistan-Romania Business Council today in a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen business relationships and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Key areas of discussion included trade enhancement initiatives, cultural exchange programs, media collaboration, educational partnerships, and tourism development opportunities. Ambassador Stoenescu engaged in detailed discussions with the board members to identify concrete steps for implementing various projects aimed at boosting economic andRead More
PM strongly condemns attacks on polio vaccination teams in KP
ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP/DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday strongly condemned two separate attacks on polio vaccination teams in Bakrabad and Jamrud areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The prime minister expresses deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of police personnel assigned to protect the polio teams, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister prayed for the departed souls and for grant of strength and patience for their families. “The entire nation salutes the polio workers who risk their lives to be part ofRead More
Belgium moves to the right as new PM De Wever sworn in
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, FEB 3 (AFP/APP): Conservative Bart De Wever was sworn in Monday as Belgium’s new prime minister, after striking a hard-fought coalition deal that moves the country to the right. Struck late Friday after seven months of tortuous negotiations, the agreement makes De Wever the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to be named Belgian premier. The 54-year-old — who in recent years has backed off on calls for Flanders to become an independent country — took the oath of office before King Philippe, in a ceremony atRead More