Information Minister Atta Tarar has announced the return of veteran broadcaster Ishrat Fatima to Pakistan Television, where she will serve as a mentor to aspiring newscasters and broadcasters.

The announcement was made during a media interaction at her residence in Islamabad, where the minister appeared alongside the veteran broadcaster. The development comes after Fatima’s retirement, marking the end of her 45-year-long association with Radio Pakistan.

Tarar expressed his gratitude to Fatima for accepting his request to rejoin Pakistan Television as an expert and mentor. He noted that her expertise would be invaluable in training newcomers in the art of news reading and broadcasting under various circumstances.

“She is a seasoned newscaster with an illustrious career,” the minister remarked and added, “Every Pakistani identified her voice as she brings over four and a half decades of experience and service to the nation.”

“Following her retirement from Radio Pakistan, I personally requested her to join PTV to train the next generation and promote the Urdu language. Her return will encourage us all and strengthen PTV as an institution. Throughout her career, she maintained professional integrity without any political associations.”

The minister said there would be a surprise upon her formal return, noting that Pakistan Television is all set to welcome her back.

Speaking to the media, the veteran broadcaster described news reading as her lifelong passion and thanked the minister for honoring her with this responsibility.

Fatima said that she looks forward to teaching the younger generation and contributing to the betterment of the institution. She also urged the government to continue encouraging competent individuals in every field.

The equity market rose on Friday as investors bought the dip pointing to US–Iran de-escalation and a dovish tilt in rate expectations, lifting risk appetite early in the session.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an intraday high of 184,645.65, gaining 3,189.32 points, 1.76%, from the previous close of 181,456.33, and reached a low of 182,559.69, up 1,103.36 points, or 0.61%.

“The market witnessed a sharp recovery after the latest news flows suggest the de-escalation between the US and Iran,” said Huzaifa Riaz, Director, Mayari Securities (Pvt) Limited.

“Additionally, sentiment around the next monetary policy remains dovish as the latest auction suggests a 50 bps cut, which could further improve a risk-on sentiment,” he added.

Ahsan Mehanti, Managing Director and CEO of Arif Habib Commodities, echoed the sentiments, saying: “Bullish activity witnessed in early session at PSX amid reports of US-Iran de-escalation,” adding: “Speculations over further SBP policy easing amid falling government bond yields played a catalyst role in bullish activity at PSX.”

A Topline Research survey ahead of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Monetary Policy Committee meeting on January 26, 2026, showed 80% of participants expect a rate cut. 

Of those, 56.4% see 50 bps, 15.4% expect 100 bps, 5% look for 25 bps, and 3% foresee 75 bps, while 20% expect no change. In the previous decision on December 15, 2025, the SBP cut 50 bps.

SBP reserves rose $16 million to $16.072 billion in the week ended January 9, taking total liquid reserves to $21.248 billion (commercial banks $5.177 billion, up $40 million). 

The SBP noted ongoing foreign exchange purchases amid a steadier current account supported by remittances; from June 2024 to September 2025, net market purchases totalled $9.7 billion. 

The central bank projects the FY26 current account deficit at 0–1% of GDP and sees reserves at $17.8 billion by June 2026 with planned official inflows.

On Thursday, the KSE-100 Index fell 1,113.48 points (0.61%) to 181,456.34 from 182,569.82, after trading between 183,717.54 and 180,783.63.

Ashton Kutcher is making it clear that admiration and respect still define how he views his ex-wife Demi Moore, especially when it comes to her recent work. 

While promoting his upcoming series The Beauty, the actor openly praised Moore’s performance in The Substance, calling it one of her strongest yet.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in an interview published January 14, Kutcher acknowledged comparisons between his new project and Moore’s film, but quickly shifted the focus to her achievement. 

“Demi’s performance in The Substance, obviously, she got extraordinary accolades,” he said. “I’m so proud of her.” 

He then summed up his feelings simply and directly, adding, “She killed it.”

Kutcher, 47, and Moore were married from 2005 until their divorce was finalised in 2013. Since their split, he has largely avoided discussing their relationship publicly, making his recent comments stand out. 

Rather than revisiting the past in detail, his words reflected genuine appreciation for Moore’s success and her Oscar-nominated performance.

In earlier interviews, Kutcher has briefly touched on the emotional aftermath of their breakup. 

During a 2018 appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, he shared how isolated he felt after the divorce and how he sought clarity by spending a week alone in the mountains of Big Sky, Montana. 

He explained that he disconnected completely, surviving on only water and tea, without food, devices, or conversation.

That period of solitude led him to reflect deeply on his personal life. Kutcher revealed that he wrote letters to people from past relationships where unresolved feelings remained. 

He described the process as a way of letting go of regret and emotional weight he had carried for years.

Moore, now 63, has also spoken candidly about the end of their marriage.

While promoting her 2019 memoir Inside Out, she told Good Morning America, “I lost me. If I were to look back, I would say I blinded myself and I lost myself.” 

Her words highlighted how deeply the relationship and its ending affected her sense of identity.

Today, both actors appear to be in very different places. 

Kutcher shares children Wyatt, 11, and Dimitri, 9, with his wife of ten years, Mila Kunis, while Moore continues to reflect on her past through her work and writing. 

Kutcher’s recent comments, however, show that despite everything, he still holds genuine respect for Moore, and isn’t shy about applauding her success when it’s deserved.