The talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure the final tranche of $1.1 billion under a standby arrangement have reported some significant progress. The two sides are expected to reach a staff-level agreement early next week. Sources from the Finance Ministry have revealed that Pakistan has also committed to timely increases in electricity and gas tariffs, …

Seven Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in an attack by a group of terrorists on a security forces’ post and the following clearance operation in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Inter-Services Public Relations, a group of six terrorists attacked the checkpost in the early hours of Saturday. However, when the troops foiled …

The pathway demonstrated by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi at the press talk to the national and international media at the eve of Two Sessions has generated the message for all that China will be continuously sharing the dividends of its reforms and development and bring the experience and lessons it has drawn from its own development to other countries. …

BEIJING: China’s national observatory on Saturday renewed a yellow alert for thick fog in some parts of the country. Parts of the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and coastal areas of Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces will experience fog on Saturday, with visibility falling to less than 1,000 meters, the National Meteorological Center said. Heavy fog will also shroud …

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called out social media for the spread of Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry. “Around the world, we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry,” said Guterres. “We must call this what it is: hate plain and simple.” Purveyors of hate speech are misusing the most powerful megaphone in history …

SYDNEY: Alibaba launched a two-day e-commerce event AliExpo 2024 in Sydney on Friday to help inspire reading about opportunities in China and Southeast Asia and provide attendees with relevant information. Over 100 exhibitors from China, Australia, New Zealand and other countries and regions join in the expo. More than 20 speakers from Alibaba Group’s affiliates and Australian and New Zealand …

BEIJING: The latest petition from five U.S. labor unions requesting the Biden Administration to review China’s so-called subsidies for its shipbuilders has prompted a backlash from China, calling the move ill-founded and hazardous. Under a so-called section 301 case, the unions urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to take measures, including the imposition of port fees on Chinese-built …

PTI leader Asad Qaiser on Friday said his party would “merge” with the Sunni Ittehad Council if the Election Commission of Pakistan accepted its recent intra-party polls and returned its electoral symbol of ‘bat’. In January, after back-and-forth verdicts by the ECP and the Peshawar High Court (PHC), the PTI’s electoral symbol ultimately was revoked by the Supreme Court. On …

In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the landscape of software engineering, the Bay Area startup Cognition has unveiled Devin, heralded as the world’s premier AI software engineer. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in the realm of artificial intelligence, as Devin showcases unparalleled capabilities that could redefine the way software is conceived, constructed, and refined. Devin’s prowess was showcased …

Sending a big blow to veganism, a top nutrition expert revealed that meat is quite essential to preventing anxiety and depression. Harvard-trained nutritional and metabolic psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede investigates the connection between food and both physical and mental well-being. Even with the recent boost in the popularity of vegan diets, she claims that giving up meat could be harmful …

The Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group increased by 1.35% WoW during the week ended March 14, 2024, while the SPI rose 32.89% YoY compared to the corresponding period from last year. During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 18 (35.29 percent) items increased, 10 (19.61 percent) items decreased and 23 (45.10 percent) items remained …

The Pakistan Railways has unveiled the longest freight train in its history, marking a significant stride in the country’s rail transportation sector. Stretching to 2,500 feet, this freight train comprises 50 bogies, heralding a new era of efficiency and capacity in cargo transportation. Powered by the formidable GEU 40 super engine, the longest and heaviest freight train in the department’s …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 19-member federal cabinet has been allocated official vehicles. According to sources within the government, each member of the cabinet has been provided with an 1,800cc vehicle, consistent with their entitlements, in a move aimed at facilitating the operations of the federal cabinet. The allocation of official vehicles was coordinated by the Cabinet Division, which oversaw the distribution …

The United Nations has designated March 15 as the International Day for Combating Islamophobia, following a resolution spearheaded by Pakistan, especially former prime minister Imran Khan. This global observance aims to address the pervasive fear, prejudice, and hostility faced by Muslims worldwide. Islamophobia, characterized by intolerance, discrimination, and hatred towards Muslims, has sparked division and enmity across communities. The resolution, …

Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after experiencing shortness of breath, as reported by local media. The actor was rushed to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai after he fell sick, where he underwent a heart operation. According to the report, Bachchan fell ill and was subsequently admitted to the hospital, where he underwent an …

It has been 25 years since the tragic incident of violence against Christians shook the Rana Lai district of Orissa, India. The BJP, a prominent political party in India, stands accused of perpetrating discrimination and oppression against minorities in the country. In 1999, a horrifying event unfolded when around 2,000 armed Hindu extremists attacked the Christian community in Rana Lai, …

The second round of talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the final tranche under the loan programme is set to take place today, with discussions focusing on crucial economic reforms, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises. During today’s meeting, officials of various institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and FBR, are scheduled to brief the visiting …

SHANGHAI: China’s export container shipping price index jumped 20.9 percent month on month in February, data from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange shows. The average China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) stood at 1,440.74 last month, according to the shipping exchange. The sub-reading for the West Coast America service recorded the largest increase, with a month-on-month growth of 33.8 percent, followed by …

BEIJING: An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on ensuring that the self-reform of the Party is carried forward, will be published on Saturday. The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s sixth issue of the Qiushi Journal, a …

The Chinese 2 Sessions have ended, giving the message of hope, harmony, peace, prosperity, stability and international cooperation with meaningful dialogue and mega projects of the BRI and CPEC. The Chinese President Xi Jinping numerously highlighted the strategic importance of new productive forces and drivers of China’s macro-economy comprising of digitalization, AI Plus innovation, modernization and qualitative industrialization. The Chinese …

HARBIN: A new international freight train route linking Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, with Tilburg in the Netherlands, has been launched, becoming the first China-Europe freight train service connecting the border province with a city in the Netherlands. A cargo train loaded with 1,300 tonnes of amino acid in 55 containers departed from the station of Harbin …

ISLAMABAD: With Pakistan facing pressing environmental and climate change predicaments, Pakistani experts and officials believe that China’s notable transition to greener policies is helping Pakistan realize renewable energy targets under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan aimed to generate 60 percent of the country’s energy from renewable resources by 2030, and the role of China remained critical in this …

ISLAMABAD: The donation ceremony for emergency aid provided by Chinese government to rain-hit areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan on Thursday. On behalf of the Chinese government, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong handed USD 100,000 emergency cash assistance over to the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mohammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi. China hopes that …

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending him warm congratulations on his re-election as the President of Pakistan. While replying to President Xi’s letter, the president expressed his commitment to working closely with the Chinese President to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen the all-weather partnership, and foster a shared community for the benefit of the …

It is hard to maintain a normal exercise routine during the holy month of Ramazan due to lower liquid intake and interrupted sleeping patterns. But finding the time to work out or do some exercise not only boosts your metabolism but also makes you feel good and healthy. Adil Baksh, a fitness trainer at Ultimate Performance Dubai, said: “The 30-day …

Britain has unveiled a new definition of extremism in response to a surge in hate crimes targeting Jews and Muslims following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. This move, however, has sparked criticism over concerns about potential encroachments on freedom of speech. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently cautioned that Britain’s multi-ethnic democracy is under threat from both Islamist …

After surviving childhood polio, a paralysed Texas man spent 72 years of his life inside an iron lung. He has now passed away on Thursday at age 78, his family was quoted by Reuters as saying. According to a Facebook post by his brother Philip, Paul Alexander, passed away on Monday. He didn’t provide a reason for the death. He …

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced on Wednesday its plan to construct the country’s largest IT park in Islamabad. Amidst fervent anticipation, the CDA has approved the establishment of an expansive IT park sprawling across 3.3 acres in the heart of Sector G-10, Islamabad. Stressing the strategic significance of this endeavor, the authority disclosed that meticulous planning has already been …

Indian social media sensation Urfi Javed is set to make her debut in the world of cinema, according to reports circulating in Indian media circles. The actress is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming film “LSD 2”. “LSD 2” is the sequel to the 2010 film that garnered immense popularity. While the release date for …

Farmers on protest marched into the national capital of Delhi to urge their demands, which include a legislative guarantee for a safety net on crop prices, after camping at the city’s borders for a month. Ten facts about the “Kisan Mahapanchayat” in Delhi today are as follows: Farmers are granted permission by the Delhi police to hold a ‘Kisan Mazdoor …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf President Pervaiz Elahi has decided and announced to contest upcoming by-elections to be held on April 21. Parvaiz Elahi will contest the by-election from the PP-32 seat of Gujarat. The seat became vacant after Chaudhry Salik Hussain became MNA. The family members met Parvaiz Elahi in jail and signed the nomination papers for the by-election. The Election Commission …

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that India violated the agreement before the test of a domestically produced multi-warhead missile. “Indian missile test noted on March 11 and had informed earlier. But according to the agreement, India did not inform three days before the experiment,” she said. It is pertinent to note that the Agni-5 missile was tested with …

The Election Commission of Pakistan ECP has issued the schedule of Senate elections to be held on April 2. ECP Provincial Election Commissioner (Punjab) Ijaz Anwar Chauhan has issued a public notice for the Senate election as the returning officer. The Returning Officer has issued a public notice for the election of 12 Senate seats in Punjab province. The Election …

Islamabad Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has retired after a 12-year tenure that was marked by significant legal precedents. Judge Bashir, who was appointed to the trial court on March 13, 2012, leaves behind a legacy of judgements in high-profile cases. During his tenure, Judge Bashir made headlines for convicting two former prime ministers, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, cementing …

The Peshawar High Court has rejected the applications of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) seeking reserved seats and against their division among other political parties. Earlier, a five-member bench, headed by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, had reserved its verdict after arguments from both sides were completed. The court’s unanimous verdict was read out by bench head Justice Ibrahim. The court stated …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that his government would work tirelessly to ensure timely implementation of the initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He stressed that Pakistan was keen to move to the next phase of CPEC, including operationalisation of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to facilitate Chinese investment in Pakistan. The prime minister was talking to Ambassador …

SHIJIAZHUANG: Seven were killed and 27 others injured following an explosion in north China’s Hebei Province on Wednesday, local authorities said Thursday. The blast, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred at 7:54 a.m. Wednesday at a shop in Yanjiao township in the city of Sanhe, according to the city’s emergency management bureau. All the injured have …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan geared up efforts to develop five economic corridors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for national growth, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday. The initiative includes economic corridors of job creation, innovation, green energy, and inclusive regional development, the minister said while chairing a review meeting on CPEC projects. After the successful …

BEIJING: A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said that an early settlement of the situation on the China-India border serves the common interests of China and India, adding that it is hoped that the two countries will find a solution to relevant border issues that can be accepted by both sides at an early date. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made …

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to deepen the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, and accelerate the cultivation of new driving forces and new advantages of high-quality development. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an …