Saturday, January 24th, 2026
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule a model of indigenous, secular governance: Murtaza Solangi
LAHORE, JAN 24 (DNA): Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi, on Saturday termed the four-decade rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a remarkable model of indigenous governance, highlighting its secular character, administrative unity and rich local craftsmanship. Speaking at inaugural ceremony of an exhibition in connection with Afkar-e-Taza-Thinkfest 2026 held at Alhamra Hall here on Saturday, Solangi said it would be inaccurate to describe Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule as imperial or monarchic, noting that there was no clear successor after his death and the consequences of that periodRead More
Naqvi, US Envoy agree on joint crackdown on illegal immigration
ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 (DNA): Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with U.S. Ambassador Natalie Baker. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Pakistan–U.S. relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interests. Talks also covered preventing illegal immigration and the effectiveness of the pre-immigration clearance system. Both sides agreed to increase cooperation at all levels, especially in police training and among law enforcement agencies.It was decided that joint operations will be conducted against fake and fraudulent visa networks under comprehensive SOPs. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi saidRead More
IRS unveils action plan for ‘Pakistan-Kazakhstan Cooperation’ ahead of President Tokayev’s visit
ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 /DNA/ – The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, through its Central Asia Program for Regional Cooperation and Connectivity, hosted a curtain-raiser high-level event titled “Understanding the Action Plan of Cooperation Between Astana and Islamabad,” ahead of the first official visit of the President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Pakistan in February 2026. The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and policy experts to reflect on the bilateral Action Plan of Cooperation and discuss avenues for further strengthening Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem,Read More
Pak, Somalia sign landmark visa abolition pact for diplomats
ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 /DNA/ – Pakistan and Somalia have signed a key agreement to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports. The signing was witnessed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Somalia’s Interior Minister Ali Yousuf. This marks the first bilateral official visit from Somalia to Pakistan in 35 years. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, including Somalia. The two sides discussed broad cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice. Talks covered a potential extradition treaty and mutual legal assistance. Cooperation in counter-narcotics effortsRead More
Gul Plaza blaze FIR alleges negligence as fatalities mount to 71; search underway for missing
KARACHI: With the search operation entering its eighth day, the fatalities in the Gul Plaza inferno have surpassed 70 as rescuers continue to go through rubble to find those still missing in the aftermath of the tragedy. “Human remains of 71 people [from Gul Plaza fire] have been processed,” said Chief Police Surgeon Karachi Dr Summaiya Syed Tariq. Dr Summayia added that 20 remains have been identified, of which seven were identified via facial recognition and 13 via DNA. A total of 54 family DNA samples have been collected, sheRead More
Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Strategic partnership toward regional stability and integration
DNA Jan 24, a roundtable discussion titled “Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Bridging regions and creating new opportunities” was held at the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent. The event, organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan in Uzbekistan, brought together representatives of relevant ministries, business circles, analytical centers, and the academic community. It is worth noting that in recent years, relations between the two friendly countries have risen to an entirely new level. In particular, the formalization of the strategic partnership in 2021 indicates that bilateral ties have reachedRead More