FRONT PAGE
1. PTI to play its election innings without 'bat'
- The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has deemed PTI's party polls unconstitutional, resulting in the party facing challenges in using its iconic bat symbol for upcoming elections. Candidates may have to contest as independents if the issue is not resolved. The decision came after a petition by PTI's dissidents, and the matter is now subject to final review by the ECP, affecting PTI's election campaign.
2. Security Council finally passes watered-down call for Gaza aid
- The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution, albeit a diluted one, urging for an expedited delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The resolution faced resistance from 13 of its 15 members due to influences from Israel and the US. This resolution highlights the international community's struggle to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
3. Imran, Qureshi get relief from SC in cipher case
- Pakistan's Supreme Court has granted interim relief to PTI leaders Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case. The case revolves around the controversial cipher document, which PTI claims is evidence of a foreign conspiracy against their government. The court's decision has temporarily eased legal pressures on the PTI leadership.
4. PML-N 'resisting pressure' in seat-adjustment talks with IPP
- The PML-N party is reportedly facing internal and external pressures as it navigates seat-adjustment discussions with the IPP. The party's leadership is determined to support IPP candidates who joined after May 2018, against the backdrop of political alliances shaping the upcoming electoral contests.
5. Police get dressing-down over action against Baloch protesters
- The Islamabad High Court has strongly reprimanded the police for their excessive measures against Baloch students protesting enforced disappearances. The court emphasized the right to peaceful protest and ordered the police to observe restraint, marking a significant acknowledgment of civil liberties in the context of security operations.
NATIONAL NEWS
6. PTI complains aspirants being forced out of poll process
- PTI has reported several incidents where its nomination papers were allegedly snatched and supporters harassed. The Lahore High Court dismissed Nisar Ali's plea regarding the scrutiny of nomination papers, which PTI views as another hurdle. The ECP is aware of these claims and is considering the grievances presented.
7. Interesting contests emerge as bigwigs file papers in Punjab
- High-profile candidates, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for PPP and Shahbaz Sharif for PML-N, have filed their nomination papers in Punjab. These filings indicate a competitive electoral landscape, with key constituencies such as NA-124, Lahore, and NA-118, Nankana Sahib, drawing attention.
8. HRCP demands probe into 'state crackdown' on Baloch protesters
- The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for an inquiry into the government's response to the Baloch student protests. The HRCP is concerned about alleged state suppression and the impact on civil liberties, urging for accountability and respect for the right to peaceful assembly.
9. NAB team formed for Toshakhana case
- The National Accountability Bureau has constituted a team to investigate the Toshakhana case involving the alleged misuse of state gifts by public office holders. This move signifies a step towards accountability and transparency in government affairs.
10. Supreme Court's reprieve may not bail Imran out of jail — for now
- The Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted a temporary reprieve to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is serving a sentence for corruption charges. However, this relief may not lead to his immediate release due to the multitude of other charges he faces.
11. 140 cases, 631 arrests in drive against encroachments
- The Lahore Capital City Police have launched a campaign against illegal encroachments, resulting in 140 cases and 631 arrests. This drive is part of the efforts to clear public spaces and maintain order in the city.
12. Strike against police raid on journalist's house
- The journalistic community is protesting against a police raid on a journalist's residence, demanding respect for press freedom and protection for journalists against undue state interference.
13. Court allows shopping malls to remain open till midnight
- In light of the Christmas season, the Lahore High Court has permitted shopping malls to extend their hours until midnight. This decision is aimed at facilitating shoppers and boosting the local economy during the festive period.
14. Parvez's wife, her sister denied entry to RO office to file papers
- The wife and sister of Parvez Malik, a political figure, were denied entry into the Returning Officer's office to submit his nomination papers. The incident has raised questions about procedural transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
15. Railways asks PSO to supply fuel at its storage facility
- Pakistan Railways has requested Pakistan State Oil to provide fuel at its storage facilities. This step is part of the efforts to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for railway operations across the country.
16. Court asks TI to prove its claim of corruption in judiciary
- The Sindh High Court has directed Transparency International to substantiate its allegations of judicial corruption, a significant demand considering the gravity of such accusations and their impact on the judiciary's reputation.
17. Nawaz, Fazl, Siraj and Gohar to contest NA elections in KP
- Prominent political figures, Nawaz Sharif, Fazlur Rehman, Sirajul Haq, and Gohar Nawaz, have announced their candidacy for the National Assembly elections in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, signaling intense political contests in the region.
18. Two-thirds of polling stations in KP sensitive, cabinet told
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has been informed that nearly two-thirds of the polling stations in the province are categorized as sensitive, highlighting concerns over electoral security and the need for robust measures to ensure peaceful voting.
19. PS, factory manager held for 'sheltering' Omar Ayub
- A factory manager has been detained for allegedly providing shelter to Omar Ayub, indicating law enforcement's active pursuit of individuals involved in aiding suspects.
20. President, PM disapprove police action against Baloch protesters
- The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have expressed disapproval of the police action against Baloch demonstrators, calling for respect towards the citizens' right to protest and a review of the law enforcement's approach.
21. PTA warns against fraudulent links on WhatsApp, social media
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a warning regarding the circulation of fraudulent links on platforms like WhatsApp and social media, advising the public to remain vigilant against potential cyber scams.
22. Living Indus initiative selected as World Restoration Flagship by UN
- The United Nations has recognized the Living Indus initiative as a World Restoration Flagship project, an acknowledgment of its significance in environmental conservation efforts.
23. HEC given Jan 15 deadline to finalize uniform service structure
- The Higher Education Commission has been given a deadline of January 15 to finalize a uniform service structure for academic staff across universities, a step towards standardizing employment terms in the education sector.
23. Marchers' arrest sparks protests in Balochistan
- The arrest of participants in a long march demanding justice for Balochistan's missing persons has triggered widespread protests across the region. This march was aimed at highlighting enforced disappearances and has now intensified the call for accountability.
24. RSF launches advocacy project for Afghan journo
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has initiated an advocacy project to support Afghan journalists. This program aims to safeguard press freedom in Afghanistan by providing legal assistance and raising awareness about the plight of media workers in the country.
25. Five labourers killed in Wana attack
- An attack in Wana, South Waziristan, has resulted in the death of five laborers. The incident, which occurred near the Afghan border, underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region.
26. Forest fire erupts in Kohlu, cause unclear
- A significant forest fire has broken out in the Kohlu district. The origins of the fire are yet to be determined, and efforts to extinguish it are ongoing. The incident raises concerns about environmental damage and the effectiveness of fire prevention measures.
27. ECP extends nomination filing
- The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced an extension for the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming elections. This decision has been made to accommodate various stakeholders and ensure wider participation in the electoral process.
INTL NEWS
28. N. Korea's N-reactor appears to be operational: IAEA
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported signs that North Korea's nuclear reactor may be operational, which raises concerns over the country's nuclear capabilities and the implications for regional security.
29. France grounds plane carrying 300 Indians over 'human trafficking'
- French authorities have detained a plane carrying 300 Indian nationals on suspicions of human trafficking. The incident highlights the ongoing global challenges related to illegal migration and human trafficking.
30. Two men run off with new London Banksy installation
- In a bold act, two individuals have stolen a new art installation by the enigmatic street artist Banksy in London, stirring conversations about art theft and public space.
31. Japan eases arms export rules, to send Patriot missiles to US
- Japan has relaxed its arms export regulations and is set to send Patriot missiles to the United States, signaling a shift in its defense policy and deepening military cooperation between the two nations.
32. US-Somali attack kills top Al Shabab commander
- A joint operation by the United States and Somali forces has resulted in the death of a high-ranking Al Shabab commander, marking a significant blow to the militant group's operations.
33. 31 killed in Tamil Nadu floods
- Severe flooding in Tamil Nadu, India, has led to the deaths of at least 31 people, underscoring the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of emergency preparedness and response.
34. 'Saboteurs' try to outfox hunters in England's countryside
- In England, groups of 'saboteurs' are actively working to disrupt fox hunts, employing various tactics to protect wildlife and challenge traditional hunting practices.
35. The daily struggle to count the dead in Gaza
- In Gaza, the grim task of tallying fatalities continues as the region faces ongoing conflict, highlighting the human toll of the strife and the challenges faced by those documenting the casualties.
36. Death toll climbs as Israel broadens assault
- The conflict in the Gaza Strip escalates as Israel intensifies its military operations, causing an increase in the death toll and raising international concern over the humanitarian situation.
37. Firms impose extra fees as Red Sea attacks hit global shipping
- Attacks in the Red Sea are causing shipping companies to levy additional fees, impacting global trade routes and highlighting the vulnerabilities of maritime commerce.
38. Only gauze and iodine for injured patients at field hospital
- A field hospital in Gaza is operating with minimal medical supplies, relying solely on gauze and iodine to treat the injured, exemplifying the dire healthcare situation in conflict zones.
39. Security Council finally passes watered-down call for Gaza aid
- After much debate, the UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for humanitarian aid to Gaza, although the final agreement is less forceful than initially proposed.
SPORTS NEWS
40. Vazquez sends Real to La Liga summit with late winner at Alaves
- Lucas Vazquez scored a decisive late goal to secure a victory for Real Madrid against Alaves, propelling the team to the top of the La Liga standings.
41. Welbeck salvages draw for Brighton at Crystal Palace
- Danny Welbeck's late equalizer enabled Brighton to earn a draw against Crystal Palace, showcasing the team's resilience in the Premier League.
42. Rahul lauds youngsters after Samson's ton sets up ODI series win
- Indian cricketer KL Rahul praised the performance of the younger players on the team after a century by Sanju Samson led India to a One Day International series victory.
43. Awais, Saeed and Uzair smash maiden first-class centuries
- Cricketers Awais, Saeed, and Uzair achieved their first centuries in first-class cricket, marking significant milestones in their budding careers.
44. FG/Din Polo, Remounts in main final
- The FG/Din Polo Team and Remounts have reached the main final of a prestigious polo tournament, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
45. Khokhar to air his views today after Tariq appointed PHF chief
- Khokhar is set to express his opinions following the appointment of Tariq as the new chief of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
46. PCB decides to review policy on player agents
- The Pakistan Cricket Board is reviewing its policy regarding player agents to ensure transparency and proper management of player representation.
47. Elgar to retire after India Test series
- South African cricketer Dean Elgar has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the upcoming series against India.
48. Rizwan impresses in tour match against Victoria
- Mohammad Rizwan delivered an impressive performance in a tour match against Victoria, showcasing his talent and solidifying his reputation.
49. NZ withdraw Williamson, Jamieson from Bangladesh T20 series
- New Zealand cricketers Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson have been withdrawn from the T20 series against Bangladesh, citing injury concerns.
50. Indian female wrestler Sakshi quits
- Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik has made the decision to leave the sport, ending her illustrious career on the mat.
51. Khawaja to contest ICC reprimand over 'personal' armband
- Cricketer Usman Khawaja is challenging an ICC reprimand related to wearing a 'personal' armband during play, which had raised issues with the cricketing authority.
52. Hope leads West Indies to T20 series win over England
- Shai Hope captained the West Indies cricket team to a T20 series victory over England, demonstrating leadership and skill.
BUSINESS NEWS
53. RLNG price raised amid high system losses
- The price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) has been increased due to high system losses, impacting the cost of energy in the region.
54. Over half of FDI lands in coal power projects
- More than half of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region has been directed into coal power projects, highlighting a focus on energy sector development.
55. UK economy shrinks before election year
- The United Kingdom’s economy has experienced a contraction just before entering an election year, raising concerns about economic stability and future growth prospects.
56. Thefts damage PSM's operational capability
- Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) has faced operational setbacks due to increased thefts, affecting its production capacity and financial health.
57. Short-term inflation stays above 42pc
- Short-term inflation rates have remained above 42 percent, presenting ongoing challenges for economic management and cost of living concerns.
58. Oil steady on supply concerns
- Oil prices have stabilized amidst ongoing concerns over supply, with market dynamics being closely monitored by investors and governments alike.
59. Honda to recall 2.6m US vehicles to replace fuel pumps
- Honda is set to recall approximately 2.6 million vehicles in the United States to replace defective fuel pumps, addressing potential safety issues.
60. Stocks nosedive 988 points on institutional selling
- The stock market experienced a sharp decline of 988 points due to significant institutional selling, reflecting investor apprehension and market volatility.
BACK PAGE
61. Police look for motive in Prague mass shooting
- Czech police are investigating the motives behind a mass shooting in Prague. The nation is concurrently observing a national day of mourning for the victims.
62. Vin Diesel sued by ex-assistant for sexual assault
- Actor Vin Diesel has been sued by a former assistant who alleges sexual assault, a serious accusation that adds to the discourse on misconduct in the entertainment industry.
63. Trump pressured officials to throw out Biden's win: report
- A report claims that former President Donald Trump pressured officials to reject the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden, highlighting ongoing political tensions in the United States.
64. China shuts thousands of accounts over 'rumours'
- Chinese authorities have closed thousands of social media accounts for spreading what they term as 'rumours', reflecting the government's tight control over information dissemination.
65. US jury clears cops in death of unarmed black man
- A US jury has found law enforcement officers not guilty in the case of an unarmed black man's death, a verdict that continues to fuel discussions on police conduct and racial justice.
66. From farm to fork, UN plan targets fair cuts to food emissions
- The United Nations has launched a plan aiming for equitable reductions in food emissions, from production to consumption, in an effort to address the environmental impact of the global food system.