ATC sentences prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment
QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court has sentenced prominent Baloch rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch and her co-accused, Sibghatullah, to two concurrent life imprisonment terms over the killing of a security official during a 2024 protest. Muhammad Ali Mubeen, judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court-I in Quetta, found both leaders guilty of terrorism and the murder of Frontier […]
Malala criticises EU plan to host Taliban officials for migration talks
LONDON: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai on Monday criticised reported European Union plans to host Afghan Taliban officials in Brussels for discussions on a migration arrangement, saying such engagement risks legitimising what she described as a system of “gender apartheid” in Afghanistan. In a video message, Malalan said that she was “shaken and deeply […]
Islamabad police issue traffic plan ahead of Iranian president’s arrival
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police on Tuesday announced a comprehensive traffic plan ahead of the arrival of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad, restricting the movement of heavy vehicles and imposing diversions on key roads. According to the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), the entry of all types of heavy traffic into Islamabad from any direction or highway […]
US waives Iran sanctions for 60 days as Trump warns Tehran against ‘misbehaviour’
BUERGENSTOCK: The United States has announced a 60-day waiver on sanctions against Iran following initial talks under a tentative peace agreement, prompting US President Donald Trump to warn that he will “do what I have to do” if Tehran does not comply with the terms. The interim understanding, aimed at easing months of regional tensions, […]
Pezeshkian says progress hinges on strict implementation of agreed commitments
ISLAMABAD: Set to arrive in Islamabad later today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the success of ongoing negotiations will depend on strict adherence to previously agreed commitments and their accurate implementation, stressing that progress must be measured through concrete actions rather than rhetoric. Sharing his statement on X, he said the effectiveness of the talks […]
Dar returns to Islamabad after concluding Cairo visit, brief transit in Madinah
WEB DESK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar returned to the federal capital on Monday morning after concluding his official visit to Egypt and a brief overnight transit stop in Saudi Arabia, according to Foreign Office. The FO had earlier confirmed that the deputy prime minister departed Cairo on Sunday evening […]
NA begins voting on Rs1.24 trillion grants amid fierce opposition criticism
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday commenced voting on hefty demands for grants worth over Rs1.24 trillion for three federal ministries, triggering a fierce debate between the ruling coalition and the opposition over the country’s law and order situation and alleged political victimisation. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, opened with Finance Minister Muhammad […]
Gold prices in Pakistan hit record high as global rally lifts bullion
KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan surged to historic highs on Monday, tracking an upward trend in international markets and a depreciating local currency, according to jewelers and market traders. The price of 24-karat gold jumped by Rs4,643 per tola (11.66 grams) to settle at an all-time high of Rs442,636, the All Pakistan Supreme Jewelers Association […]
Iran says procedures finalised for release of frozen assets
Iran said on Sunday that administrative procedures for the release of its frozen funds had been finalised, as technical talks with the United States in Switzerland focused on ending the war, sanctions relief and unfreezing Iranian assets. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the negotiations also covered relief from restrictions on Iranian oil exports, according to […]
Pakistan, Qatar broker 60-day roadmap as US-Iran Switzerland talks conclude first round
BUERGENSTOCK/DUBAI: Senior officials from the United States and Iran concluded an initial round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, with mediators announcing a framework aimed at securing a comprehensive agreement within 60 days. In a joint statement, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said both sides had endorsed a roadmap towards a final accord, while technical-level discussions would continue throughout the […]