The critically acclaimed play, ‘The White Plague’, is back by popular demand, offering audiences a powerful and timely exploration of war, disease, and the complexities of human nature. Adapted from the renowned Czech playwright Karel Capek’s work and directed by the Meher Jaffri, ‘The White Plague’, is a savage satire that holds a mirror to our world. It holds a …

In a special Independence Day reception organized by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir paid tribute to retired officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army. The event, held to honour army veterans, saw full participation from former officers and officials. General Munir praised the ex-servicemen for their crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s history and …

Pakistan’s economic crisis continues to worsen despite a recent dip in the inflation rate, according to a report on the country’s economy by Bloomberg. The report says that while inflation has slightly decreased, it remains at the highest level compared to other Asian countries, placing immense pressure on the nation’s struggling population. It noted that the government was compelled to …

NAY PYI TAW: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday that China supports Myanmar’s efforts towards an early political reconciliation within the constitutional framework, and is willing to work with Myanmar to deepen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the …

Unfortunately, de-coding of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has revealed its real motives, confronting the real essence and spirit of universal democracy. Interestingly, it remained the US government’s “white gloves” which actually has dirty hands full of shameful deeds of subverting, meddling, inciting, promoting division, confrontation, misleading public opinion and last but not least, conducting ideological infiltration, political hyping …

In an important development for the Pakistani stock market, Morgan & Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has included seven Pakistani companies in two of its prominent indices. This update brings the total number of Pakistani companies listed in MSCI indices to 82, reflecting the growing presence of Pakistan in global financial markets. According to experts, this inclusion is expected to boost …

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of national honours on 104 distinguished individuals, including Pakistanis and foreign nationals, in recognition of their exceptional services to the nation. These awards will be presented during a special ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2025. Among the notable honourees are: Nishan-e-Pakistan The late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will be posthumously …

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday he will not seek re-election as head of his party, meaning the end of his premiership after just under three years. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted since 1945, is due to hold an internal leadership contest next month. Its popularity ratings have slumped because of rising prices. …

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) on Wednesday issued an alert to border health services in response to a significant increase in monkeypox cases globally and the emergence of the Zika virus in India. NCOC officials have directed that all travellers arriving from abroad be closely monitored, particularly for symptoms associated with monkeypox. In cases where individuals are suspected …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured the nation that a reduction in electricity prices will be announced in the coming days. Speaking at the Independence Day ceremony, the Prime Minister a ceremony held at PNCA also revealed plans to present a comprehensive five-year economic program aimed at addressing the country’s financial challenges. During his speech, PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed to …

ISLAMABAD: Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad on Wednesday stressed the need for adopting new and innovative strategies to resolve perennial economic issues in Pakistan. The central bank is particularly addressing challenges in the context of digital innovations and emerging cybersecurity threats, Ahmad said. He urged the banking industry to upgrade their systems to enhance cybersecurity and inform their …

UNITED NATIONS: A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged the United States to take “sincere and responsible actions” to push Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza as soon as possible and to stop slaughtering civilians. Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Al-Taba’een school in Gaza City over the weekend which …

Pakistan commemorated its 77th Independence Day on Wednesday with a deep sense of tradition and national pride, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Pakistan Movement. The day commenced with a series of ceremonial activities designed to honour the nation’s rich history and reaffirm its commitment to becoming a true Islamic welfare state. The celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in …

GAZA/JERUSALEM: Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, on Tuesday launched two rockets from Gaza at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. “We launched two rockets of M-90 at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv in response to the Israeli violations against civilians in Gaza,” said al-Qassam in a press statement. Avichai Adraee, spokesman of the Israeli army, said in …

The American Psychological Association says that only 28% of Americans manage their stress well. But 77%of people report experiencing physical symptoms and 73% experience psychological symptoms of stress. A small amount of stress may be helpful as it teaches our bodies to handle the curveballs that life can throw at us sometimes. However, uncontrolled stress can lead to anxiety. In …

The shareholders of International Industries Limited (INIL) on Tuesday authorized INIL to issue a guarantee to ensure that Chinoy Engineering & Construction (Private) Limited (CECL) performs its obligations under the contract with Reko Diq Mining Company Limited with joint and several liability with associated companies Pakistan Cables Limited and International Steels Limited. According to the stock filing shared with the …

The United States had no role in ousting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently quit her position and fled the South Asian nation, the White House said on Monday, calling allegations of US interference “simply false.” “We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these events is simply …

Punjab University players’ success in the Asian Rowing Indoor Championship proved to be as another great honor for Pakistan in sports for the first time in the history of Punjab University winning nine medals including five gold, three silver, and a bronze medal. Abdul Rahman from the PU Economics department won one gold and one silver medal and was also …

Actress Nimra Khan claims to have foiled a kidnapping attempt after resisting her assailants. The harrowing incident, which left her visibly shaken, was narrated in an emotional video she shared on her Instagram account. Nimra Khan disclosed that the terrifying encounter occurred a day before when she was waiting outside a hotel for her car. According to her, three armed …

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a critical advisory, warning of a heightened risk of cyber-attacks targeting organizations across Pakistan. The advisory urges all institutions to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard their digital infrastructure. According to the National CERT, the primary threat identified is a SQL injection attack, a type of cyber assault in which hackers …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to host a grand reception today in honour of Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, who recently made history by bringing home a gold medal for Pakistan. According to sources, the prime minister has also extended invitations to several former Olympians, members of the federal cabinet, senior parliamentarians, and Arshad Nadeem’s family to attend the …

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled its Medium-Term Macroeconomic Framework, projecting a favourable economic outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, with expectations of increased economic growth and reduced inflation. According to the Finance Ministry report, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is anticipated to reach 4.8% for the fiscal year 2025-26. In addition to this growth, inflation is expected to …

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rainfall activity on Aug. 14-18 in most parts of the South Asian country, advising authorities and citizens to take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation. Monsoon winds are expected to enter upper and middle areas of the country, said the weather department on Monday, adding that the rain spell would …

WASHINGTON: As the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to issue a final determination on its proposed “modifications” of the actions toward China under Section 301, U.S. economists, trade groups and international organizations have voiced concerns and expressed disappointment, warning that the imposition of additional tariffs could hurt U.S. companies and consumers. On May 14, U.S. Trade …

The three-day Food and Agricultural International Exhibition held at Karachi’s Expo Centre has come to an end. At the conclusion of the exhibition, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Chief Executive Officer Zubair Motiwala presented a briefing. He said that the value of trade agreements at the current expo was 200% more than the volume at the previous exhibition. Pakistani …

Amir Khan, a 22-year-old athlete from Swat, has brought pride to Pakistan by winning the gold medal at the World Taekwondo Championships held in Thailand. This event saw participation from over 3,000 athletes representing 30 countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The 7th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship took place from August 10 to 12 at …

The Accountability Court of Karachi accepted the request of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials to withdraw the reference of illegal recruitment in Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Karachi AC heard a reference to illegal recruitment wherein former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appeared in the court. NAB officials requested the court to withdraw the reference. The court approved the request and …

On Independence Day eve, President Asif Zardari has approved a 90-day reduction in the sentences of select prisoners under Article 45 of the Constitution. The relaxation does not extend to those convicted of murder, espionage, anti-state activities, or serious crimes such as adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism. Male inmates over 65 years who have served at least one-third of …

Pakistan Army carried out a rescue operation to retrieve the body of Murad Sadpara climber from broad pack on the second day. A 6-member rescue team transported Murad Sadara’s body to the Japanese base camp and it may take another upto five hours to bring the body back to the base camp. In Skardu, Murad Sadpara was seriously injured after …

Abhishek Bachchan has reportedly addressed ongoing rumours about his marriage to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Recent speculation arose after Abhishek ‘liked’ a post related to divorce and Aishwarya attended a wedding alone last month. Although the couple has not officially commented on these rumours, multiple publications suggest that Abhishek spoke to an international media outlet about the rumours Abhishek responded to …

The Supreme Court has declared null and void a decision of the Lahore High Court, and reinstated a decision given by the Election Commission of Pakistan after a recount regarding three constituencies of the National Assembly. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa pronounced a reserved verdict regarding the recount in three constituencies of the …

ISLAMABAD: The first unit of the Chinese-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was connected to the grid for power generation on Monday. It marks that the project under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has taken the most critical step towards commercial operation. He Xiongfei, deputy general manager of China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Company Ltd., …

CHANGCHUN: As scorching summer heat grips much of China, the country’s northeast has emerged as a popular sightseeing destination with cool weather and breathtaking views of lush mountains and lucid waters. Encompassing Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces and part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the northeastern region, once a heavy industrial base, has embraced a green transition in recent …

BEIJING: The 2024 World Youth Development Forum opened in Beijing on Monday, with more than 2,000 young people from over 130 countries and 20 international organizations participating both online and on-site. Monday marks International Youth Day. More than 500 young leaders and youth representatives gathered here for the forum’s opening ceremony and plenary meeting. The participants will also tour other …

Former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody and the process for his court martial has been initiated in connection with the Top City housing scheme scandal, the army’s media wing said on Monday. The development is a first in the country’s history where a court martial has been initiated against a former intelligence chief. “Complying with …

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday held phone talks with Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani at request, focusing on bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East. Noting that Iran is a country with important influence in the region and a comprehensive strategic partner of China, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of …

PARIS: Chinese weightlifter Li Wenwen claimed the women’s +81kg title on the last day of the Paris Olympics on Sunday in the South Paris Arena. It marks China’s 40th gold medal in Paris, the country’s best result at an overseas Olympic Games, surpassing the 39 gold won at the London Olympics. The Tokyo Olympic champion lifted 136kg in the snatch …

Waseem Abbas is a veteran of the Pakistani entertainment industry and he has worked in dramas, films and theatre. He is known as a very versatile star and he has worked successfully in dramas from the PTV era till today. Waseem Abbas’s son Ali Abbas is also a big name in the industry now and this family has given a …

Balochistan has enormous variable renewable energy (VRE) potential which can electrify the province and help Pakistan in achieving the 30 percent VRE target, besides reducing the approximately $500 million annual losses by 2028, contributing to reducing the circular debt in the sector, says the World Bank. The bank in its latest report, “Balochistan Renewable Energy Development Study”, stated that enhancing …

A tiny shrine in the perilous Gata Loops in the high Ladakh region of India has gained popularity due to the abundance of plastic bottles that have been placed as sacrifices to a ghost known as the Ghost of the Gata Loops. A big pile of plastic bottles surrounding what appears to be a makeshift shrine frequently confuses bike and …