PM orders swift conversion of Pak-China MoUs into formal agreements
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate transformation of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the recent Pak-China Business-to-Business Conference in Hangzhou into formal agreements and joint ventures. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Monday, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for prompt follow-up on the outcomes of his […]
Pakistan warns UN Security Council of spillover risks from protracted Ukraine conflict
NEW YORK :Pakistan has warned the international community against the potential negative consequences of protracted conflicts, highlighting the growing risks of miscalculation, expansion, and dangerous spillover effects. The warning was delivered by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC).The session was […]
HKP, PAT reject proposed GST hike, demand relief for working class
Political leaders of the Haqooq-i-Khalq Party (HKP) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have strongly opposed reported proposals to raise the General Sales Tax (GST) from 18pc to 19pc under IMF-linked reforms, warning it would intensify inflation and further burden low-income households. HKP chief Farooq Tariq said the move would hit workers, farmers and salaried classes […]
Bilawal vows greater autonomy for Gilgit-Baltistan
SKARDU: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday called for greater political and administrative autonomy for Gilgit-Baltistan, saying decisions affecting the region should be made by its people rather than federal officials in Islamabad, as he campaigned ahead of upcoming regional elections. Addressing a public rally in Shigar constituency GBA-12 in support […]
New Mansehra–Chilas motorway announced at NHA meeting
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announced a new Mansehra–Naran–Jhalakand–Chilas (MNJC) Motorway during a recent meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA). The motorway will connect Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jhalakand, and Chilas. During the meeting, the federal minister stated that the project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will involve the […]
Govt clears Rs4.3tr national development plan for FY2026-27
The federal government on Monday approved a Rs4.264tr national development programme for the fiscal year 2026-27, with provinces accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total allocation, while Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal described Rs87b earmarked for coalition partners’ projects as the “cost of a coalition government”. The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC), chaired by Iqbal, recommended […]
Lebanon announces limited Israel-Hezbollah truce as fighting persists in south
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: Lebanon said on Monday that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a limited ceasefire aimed at reducing hostilities around Beirut, although clashes continued in southern parts of the country, underscoring the fragility of the arrangement. The announcement marked the first significant effort to ease tensions in the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives […]
Iran seeks Pakistan’s role in Israel-Hezbollah truce mediation
Iran has called on Pakistan to persist with its mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and safeguard a precarious ceasefire, even as US President Donald Trump announced an understanding between Israel and Hezbollah to halt hostilities in Lebanon. The request came during a telephone conversation on Monday between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed […]
Binance and Telenor Pakistan Sign MoU to Explore Digital Innovation and Blockchain Education Initiatives in Pakistan
Islamabad: Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trade volume and registered number, and Telenor Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for advancing blockchain innovation and education initiatives in Pakistan. The MoU signing ceremony was held at Telenor Pakistan Headquarters in Islamabad and was attended by representatives from both organizations, […]
Born on the Wrong Side of the Map
One Flag, Different Fates Authors : Esha Shahzad . Haneen Tariq . Hamna Ahsan Khan On winter mornings in Sheshi Koh, the road disappears first. Ice loosens the mountain soil above the valley. Meltwater carries rocks and debris into the narrow paths below. By afternoon, parts of the dirt track crumble into the river, cutting […]