[ Minister says PR to become Rs100b revenue-earning entity; experts warn track, signalling issues still pose safety risk LAHORE: The federal minister for Pakistan Railways (PR) has claimed that by the end of 2026, all passenger trains operating across the railway network will be upgraded to offer a better travel experience, a move that, if … Read more

Actors and singers marked the turn of the calendar with unusually reflective notes KARACHI: As 2026 dawned over Pakistan with fireworks and familiar countdowns, the country’s entertainers signed off from a restless 2025 and stepped hopefully into the new year, sharing reflective notes with fans about gratitude, growth and the work still ahead. Across film, … Read more

Jamaat-e-Islami party leaders and activists wave Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Dhaka. Photo: AFP DHAKA: A once-banned Bangladeshi Islamist party, poised for its strongest electoral showing in February’s parliamentary vote, is open to joining a unity government and has held talks with several parties, its chief told Reuters on Wednesday. Opinion polls suggest … Read more

[ . ISLAMABAD: During 2025, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) imposed penalties of Rs2.363 billion, recovered Rs932.56 million and issued 47 show-cause notices to undertakings involved in cartelisation, price-fixing, prohibited agreements and deceptive marketing practices. According to an official statement issued on Thursday, the Commission reduced its court case backlog by 70%. Through early … Read more

[ ISLAMABAD: The government is likely to impose up to 5% levy on the import of mobile phones and electronic devices in the new proposed policy for the period 2026-33. During the entire period, the government expects to collect $368 million through the levy, which will be spent on the localisation of mobile phone manufacturing. … Read more

Cultural fests, winter galas and fresh snowfall turn Swat, Naran and Kashmir into seasonal magnets Spectators watch a Kabbadi match in Mataltan, Swat. Photo: Sabah PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s northern valleys are preparing for a busy winter as widespread snowfall meets new year holidays, drawing families, skiers and adventure seekers to Swat, Hunza, Naran, Murree and the … Read more

[ Energy sector. Design: Ibrahim Yahya ISLAMABAD: The year 2025 brought both pain and gain in the energy sector during which the Shehbaz Sharif-led government made efforts to address the emerging and longstanding challenges. A major problem plaguing the energy sector for decades has been the chronic circular debt, which has impacted the entire chain. … Read more