XI’AN: A think tank report on “eight major steps” proposed by China to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation stressed consolidating practical cooperation, fostering innovation-driven growth, strengthening risk management, and improving cooperation mechanisms. The report, titled “‘Eight Major Steps’ Heralds Promising New Decade of Belt and Road Cooperation,” was released Tuesday by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua …

ISLAMABAD:  Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Monday that China is ready to work with Pakistan to make further efforts to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a demonstration project for the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Li made the remarks when attending a ceremony with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to mark the completion of the New …

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has taken responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, while also sending a direct threat to Bollywood star Salman Khan. The gang, which has long had Salman in its sights, issued a stern warning through a Facebook post allegedly made by Shubu Lonkar, an associate of the gang. In the post, Lonkar linked …

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Army Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmad Babar here on Monday. Noting that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Pakistan have always respected and …

BEIJING: China believes that the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad will achieve positive results and provide more impetus to the security, stability and development of regional countries, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press …

ISLAMABAD: It is hoped that Pakistan will continue to provide a good business environment for Chinese companies and try its best to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Monday. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that China firmly supports Pakistan’s counterterrorism …

ISLAMABAD:  Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Monday that China is willing to work with Pakistan to accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. In his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Li said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, always understanding, trusting, and supporting each …

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang landed here on Monday to attend the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). During his stay, Li will also pay an official visit to the country. In a statement released upon his arrival, Li noted that Pakistan is China’s all-weather strategic cooperative partner, …

The Sindh High Court has dismissed a petition filed by lawyers challenging proposed constitutional amendments, stating that the court cannot intervene in a matter that has yet to be finalized. During the hearing, Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui remarked that the amendments have not even been passed yet, so the judiciary has no grounds to interfere. He emphasized that elected …

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Chinese companies in the country have been making contributions towards the national growth and improving business landscape in the South Asian country. Speaking at the launching event of two reports titled “The Glorious 11 years–How Chinese Companies Reshaped the Power Sector in Pakistan” and “Business Climate Index of …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani academics and experts are of the view that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been promoting multilateral cooperation and addressing shared challenges amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Babar Amin, the country’s first national coordinator for the SCO, on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role in promoting connectivity and regional security cooperation under the framework of the SCO during a …

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Sunday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari wants to take all the political parties on board over the constitutional amendment. “The judiciary has harmed the country’s democracy through its biased decision. He recalled the charter of democracy, saying, “The former prime ministers, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, had reached the …

Former President Donald Trump has firmly rejected calls for a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, leaving the political landscape charged with anticipation and uncertainty ahead of the November 5 election. The first and only showdown last month drew over 67 million viewers, captivating the nation and sparking conversations about the candidates’ contrasting visions for America. While initial discussions …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday disclosed the reasons for dropping Babar Azam and other senior players from the ongoing red-ball series against England. According to the PCB, “Babar Azam is one of the best players of his generation. The PCB wants to see the mentally strong, Babar Azam representing Pakistan in the future. It has been decided to …

LAHORE: Following an audit report submitted to the Punjab Assembly, major financial irregularities in the construction of Greater Iqbal Park has come to light, on Sunday. The audit report highlights serious variants in the project’s management, revealing that over Rs 21.98 million was spent on unnecessary items. The report also points out that Rs 107 million were distributed to employees …

ISLAMABAD: Former speaker and PTI leader Asad Qaiser said that his party was not intending any harm to the SCO Conference in Islamabad. “We have concerns over the health of the PTI’s founder, no doctor being sent to attend him, we want the party leaders’ contact with the chairman,” Asad Qaiser said. It is to be mentioned here that the …

United States-based international consultancy firm, falling in the top two companies in technical and lowest in financial bid of $0.750 million was selected for providing consultancy services to the Government of Pakistan for spectrum auction/release of IMT Spectrum for improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in the country. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a letter of intent …

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in Islamabad and pay an official visit to Pakistan from October 14 to 17, at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced …

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct fitness tests for four national cricketers ahead of the second Test against England. Sources indicated that the PCB has summoned Kamran Ghulam, Zahid Mahmood, Imam-ul-Haq, and Nauman Ali to Multan for the tests. The fitness test are expected to take place today (Saturday). It is noteworthy that Nauman Ali and …

The Met Department has issued a second alert regarding the formation of a low-pressure system over the central Arabian Sea. While the system has intensified since the last update, the department reassures that there is no immediate threat to Pakistan’s coastal regions. According to the alert, the low-pressure area is currently located around 900 kilometres south of Karachi. Meteorologists are …

A case has been registered against Dr Mahrang Baloch, a Baloch rights activist, at Karachi’s Quaidabad Police Station. The case was filed by a local businessman, Asad Ali, who accused Baloch of incitement and involvement in facilitating terrorist activities. The case involves provisions of incitement, including terrorism. According to the first information report (FIR), Mahrang Baloch is alleged to have …

Unicef has named Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan, making the announcement on the International Day of the Girl Child — a day dedicated to promoting girls’ rights and acknowledging the unique challenges they face worldwide. “It’s an honour to join Unicef. I will amplify our shared mission of securing every right for every …

Air pollution in Lahore has surged to alarming levels, making it the most polluted city in Pakistan and the second-most polluted globally. According to international air monitors, the city’s air quality is currently 19 times more hazardous than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has recorded dangerously high levels across various parts of the city. …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and a weak business environment as the primary challenges hindering Pakistan’s development. In response, the government has assured the IMF of taking firm steps to address these issues, including greater transparency and accountability in the public sector. The government has also assured the IMF of curbing corruption and abuse …

Eleven people were killed, and six others injured in a firing incident in the Kanj Alizai area of Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the deputy commissioner. The injured victims were immediately transferred to various hospitals for treatment, sources said. Police claimed that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances behind the shooting that is said to have taken …

Pakistani weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt made a stunning international debut on Thursday at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Classic and Equipped Championships in South Africa, clinching gold in the squat event. The Pride of Performance Award recipient and Commonwealth Games gold medalist lifted an impressive 370 kilograms in his first-ever powerlifting competition, held in Sun City, South Africa. This victory secured Butt’s …

VIENTIANE: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday said that China is ready to work with Laos to build a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Li made the remarks in Vientiane when meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central …

BEIJING: China’s major national commercial banks unveiled Saturday detailed measures to adjust interest rates for outstanding mortgage loans in line with the central bank’s policies to stabilize the property market. The adjustment will be implemented starting from Oct. 25, 2024, according to statements of major lenders including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, …

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on the international community to cease arms sales to Israel, condemning recent attacks by Israeli forces on United Nations peacekeeping operations in Lebanon. On Friday, Israeli troops fired at a UN observation post in southern Lebanon, injuring two peacekeepers. This incident marks the third consecutive day of reported Israeli fire at UN positions …

ASHGABAT: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin wherein they emphasised further strengthening of bilateral relationship. The informal interaction was held on the sidelines of two-day international forum on “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations- Basis for Peace and Development” here in the Turkmen capital to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Magtymguly Faragi, a great …

DUKKI: At least 20 miners were killed and seven others wounded when unidentified armed men attacked coalmines in Dukki area of Balochistan in the wee hours of Friday. According to police, unidentified men attacked the mines of Dukki District Chairman Haji Khair Ullah Nasir with hand grenades and rocket launchers and opened fire on the miners, killing 20 and injuring …

MULTAN: England won the first Test against Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs after dismissing the home team for 220 on the fifth and final day of the first Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium here on Friday. Pakistan entered record books by becoming the first cricket team to lose a Test match after scoring more than 500 runs …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has unveiled the strict conditions associated with its new $7 billion bailout package for Pakistan, detailing several measures aimed at increasing tax revenues and adjusting tariffs. The government has committed to timely adjustments in electricity and gas prices as part of the agreement, with plans to raise the tax target to over Rs15 trillion for …

Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa is set to retire, and in his honour, a full court reference will be held on October 25. The reference will take place at 10:30am, according to an official circular issued by the Registrar’s Office of the Supreme Court. The full court reference is a customary practice to pay tribute to the outgoing …

Pakistan Airport Authority is facing loss of millions due to non-functional airports. According to sources, the inactivity of eight airports across Pakistan including, Bannu, Dalbadin, Parachinar, Khuzdar, Rawlakot, Saidu Sharif, Sehwan Sharif and Sibi, has led to significant financial losses for the Pakistan Airport Authority, with the cost running into millions of rupees. Despite the suspension of flight operations, staff …

England have now posted the highest ever innings total against Pakistan by any team, as the visitors accumulated more than 800 runs on the fourth day of the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan. This is the second time in cricket history that any team has scored more than 700 runs in a Test match against Pakistan. This is …

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, who will land in Pakistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is likely to address the joint session of parliament. The Chinese premier will arrive in Pakistan on October 14 for the SCO summit set to take place on October 15-16. According to Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Prime Minister Shehbaz …

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the federal government is terminating contracts with five Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the first phase. Chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad today, he said this has been done after the mutual consent of the owners of the IPPs. The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet that only the outstanding amounts owed …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Thursday revealed details of yearly tax theft in Pakistan. The minister revealed that tax evasion in Pakistan stands at nearly Rs7,000 bln annually. He said steps are afoot to broaden the tax net and bring reforms to the tax system of Pakistan. The minister also announced the ‘war against tax evaders’ in Pakistan and admitted all …

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has said protection of life and property has been his government’s foremost responsibility and priority. A grand Jirga being held in Peshawar hosted by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi and leaders of various political parties. “We all have gathered here for the sake of peace …