Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Japan funds healthcare, road projects in Chakwal & Mansehra
ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, has decided to provide grant assistance of USD 85,429 (equivalent PKR 23.9 million) to two local NGOs for development projects in District Chakwal, Punjab, and District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The grant contracts were signed between His Excellency, Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and representatives of the two NGOs at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on February 3, 2026. The two NGOs thatRead More
Over 73,000 passengers offloaded in 2025
ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – In the wake of tightened screening measures at airports and growing reports of passengers being offloaded, the Ministry of Interior has revealed that more than 73,000 passengers were offloaded during 2025. “A total of 35,270 passengers were offloaded in 2023, 39,214 in 2024 and 73,358 in 2025,” read the Ministry of Interior’s reply to a question in the Senate, adding that 147,842 passengers were offloaded during the three-year period. The ministry’s submission comes against the backdrop of thousands of Pakistanis being deported from various countriesRead More
Cuba confirms ‘communications’ with US, but says no negotiations yet
Havana, Feb 3: Cuba’s government on Monday told AFP that it was in “communication” with US President Donald Trump’s administration but not yet in formal talks on a deal to end Washington’s pressure campaign on the island. “Today we cannot talk about having dialogue with the United States, but it is true that there have been communications between the two governments,” deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said in an interview. Trump on Sunday claimed the United States was in talks with “the highest people” in communistRead More
HEC announces national skill competency test for IT Graduates
Universities asked to nominate focal persons before 6th February ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has notified the commencement of the National Skill Competency Test for IT graduates, a landmark initiative designed to align academic outcomes with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology sector. Developed pursuant to Prime Minister’s directives and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), this standardized assessment aims to enhanceRead More
Azerbaijan’s Rear Admiral Mammadov visits Naval Headquarters
ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 /DNA/ – Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces (ANF), Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. Upon arrival, Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces was received by Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented Guard of Honour. Thereafter, the dignitary laid floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument and was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters. Later, Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces called on Chief of the Naval Staff. During the meeting,Read More
No Permanent Friends
By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal Positive thinking and optimism are among the noblest ways to approach life, for they inspire resilience and hope. Yet optimism, when detached from ground realities, can become a dangerous illusion. Nations, like individuals, suffer when emotions replace judgment and wishful thinking substitutes for strategy. In this context, certain memories frequently return to my mind—memories shaped not merely by personal observation but by Pakistan’s long and often painful engagement with global power politics. When the renowned American intellectual and analyst Noam Chomsky visited Pakistan, he was askedRead More