A delegation of domestic and foreign petroleum and gas exploration and production companies met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, leading to them announcing a substantial investment of $5 billion in Pakistan over the next three years. The prime minister has directed relevant authorities to prioritize resolving all issues related to the sector. Expressing their confidence in Prime Minister …

DUSHANBE: In Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, two newly constructed building compounds on Rudaki Avenue stand less than a kilometer apart. These architectural marvels shine brilliantly under the sunlight. On Friday, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon attended the inauguration of the parliament and government buildings aided by China in Dushanbe. Xi noted that the two …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Saturday afternoon after attending the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and paying state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Xi’s entourage returned by the same flight.

BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Saturday allocated 540 million yuan (about 75.75 million U.S. dollars) of funds to support local governments in disaster relief work related to floods, geological disasters and forest fires. Specifically, 503 million yuan will go into supporting flood and geological disaster responses such as search, rescue and relocation of …

DUSHANBE: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon bid farewell to Chinese President Xi Jinping at the airport on Saturday after Xi wrapped up a state visit to Tajikistan. The visit saw the two countries elevate their ties to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan and mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali, as well as …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief work to safeguard people’s lives and property after a dike breach in Dongting Lake in central China’s Hunan Province which occurred Friday afternoon. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction. …

DUSHANBE: China stands ready to develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era with Tajikistan, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Friday. Xi made the remarks during his talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, expressing his delight to once again meet his old friend President Rahmon. Five years after the last visit, Xi said he saw an …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday awarded Tajik President Emomali Rahmon the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. It is the first time the award was presented outside of China. Xi is on a state visit to Tajikistan after attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana and paying …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Friday attended the inauguration of a parliament building and a government building aided by China in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Xi is on a state visit to Tajikistan after attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana and paying a state visit to Kazakhstan.

DUSHANBE: China will continue to unswervingly promote the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Tajikistan, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Friday. China will firmly support Tajikistan in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions, and in its efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Xi during his talks with Tajik …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Friday attended the inauguration of a parliament building and a government building aided by China in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Xi is on a state visit to Tajikistan after attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana and paying a state visit to Kazakhstan.

BEIJING: A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday said that the mainland coast guard’s recent seizure of a Taiwan fishing boat suspected of illegal operations in waters near the city of Quanzhou was legitimate and lawful. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query about slander from certain members …

Certain health conditions, diet, and genetics can cause high levels of uric acid. Avoiding alcohol and limiting some foods and beverages may help lower levels. Uric acid is a natural waste product caused by the digestion of foods containing purines. Purines are found in high levels in some foods and are formed and broken down in your body. Usually, your …

Saudi Arabia has approved granting Saudi citizenship to scientists, doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other individuals with rare skills, experience, and specializations. According to a royal decree, the kingdom has offered citizenship to talented individuals in medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technical fields to achieve its goals. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme to create an attractive …

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar says Pakistan has forcefully raised the plight of Palestinian people at the international forums. Speaking in the Senate today, he reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that proceedings of war crimes should be initiated against Israel at the International Court of Justice. He said the genocide of Palestinians must come to …

A team from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements at Karachi and Islamabad airports. The aviation security assessment, conducted by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE-GCAA) at Islamabad and Karachi Airports, was led by Senior Director GCAA UAE, Mr. Abdullah Al Kaabi, and hosted by PCAA. During …

Keir Starmer has declared it is “time for a reset” as he assumes office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Following a decisive victory for the Labour Party, Starmer pledged to navigate the nation towards “calmer waters” and emphasized that his government would serve all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. His win marks the end of …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the details of the upcoming home international season, which includes a tri-nation One Day International (ODI) series. This series, marking a return after 21 years, will feature the national teams of South Africa and New Zealand alongside the host nation, Pakistan. The tri-nation ODI series is scheduled to take place in February, with …

Renowned Pakistani actress and model Mahenur Haider, celebrated for her role as ‘Apana’ in the acclaimed drama serial ‘Khaie,’ recently delved into a deeply personal aspect of her life during a candid discussion on actor and host Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast. Mahenur disclosed the reasons behind her decision to discontinue wearing a burqa, a choice that had previously been a …

Pakistani authorities have implemented new measures to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Iran via the Taftan border, particularly during the month of Muharram. Approximately 60,000 pilgrims use this route during Muharram, with 50,000 to 60,000 traveling throughout the rest of the year. KEY IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: Deployment of 1,400 security personnel along the 630-kilometer route from Quetta to Taftan. Establishment of three …

The federal government has rejected requests from provincial governments to block social media applications during Muharram, sources reported. The decision ensures that platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp will remain accessible. The provinces had requested the closure of six major social media applications from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram as a security measure. However, the federal authorities …

The Punjab government has requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure peace and order during Muharram throughout the province. This move comes as part of a comprehensive plan to maintain security during the sensitive period of the holy month. Sources indicate that the Punjab Home Department has recommended the federal government the services of 160 companies …

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed its willingness to sit down with the government, deciding to participate in the upcoming All-Parties Conference (APC). In an informal conversation with the media in Adiala Jail, PTI Founder Imran Khan said the decision was aimed at fostering national unity and stability amidst ongoing challenges. He emphasized the party’s commitment to Pakistan’s welfare, stating, …

A remote-controlled explosive device planted on a bridge in Mardan’s Takhtbhai area exploded on Friday, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries, police officials confirmed. Sadar Superintendent of Police (SP) Khalid Khan that “unidentified terrorists” were responsible for planting the device near the Jalala bridge. The explosion occurred as a police van was passing by. The blast damaged the police …

BEIJING: China’s 5G network now covers every city and town in the country, as well as more than 90 percent of its villages, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed Friday. China has established a globally leading information and communication network, featuring 3.84 million 5G base stations, which account for more than 60 percent of the global …

BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Friday that it will hold an anti-dumping hearing on brandy imported from the EU on July 18, 2024. The hearing will be about industrial damage, cause and effect, and public interest in the anti-dumping probe of related brandy products, the ministry said in an online statement. China started an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported …

BEIJING: Amid escalating trade tensions, a wide array of experts anticipate that China’s foreign trade will sustain positive momentum in the coming months, thanks to the country’s export restructuring initiatives. In the latest webinar held by the China Macroeconomy Forum, Citigroup China chief economist Yu Xiangrong projected that the country’s export growth will hold steady at around 5 percent this …

DUSHANBE: A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled “Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations” was published Friday on the Narodnaya Gazeta newspaper and the state-run Khovar News Agency upon his state visit to Tajikistan. Following is the full text of the article: Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations Xi Jinping President of …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed here Thursday to take the China-Tajikistan all-round cooperation to a higher level. In a written statement upon arrival in the Tajik capital, Xi said he looks forward to holding talks with President Emomali Rahmon during the visit. He also said that he and Rahmon are expected to make new plans and arrangements for the …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Thursday night, commencing his state visit to Tajikistan following a busy schedule at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon welcomed Xi at the Dushanbe International Airport with a grand ceremony, where around 1,500 Tajik youths in traditional attire dancing and waving the national flags of China …

SHANGHAI: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) urgently requires in-depth discussions and consensus-building among countries, as well as collaborative efforts to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. While addressing the opening ceremony of the 2024 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Li said in recent years, new AI …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that he believes China-Belarus relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides under joint efforts of both countries. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana.

ASTANA: China and Türkiye should push for greater development of their strategic cooperative relationship, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday. The two sides should also support each other in safeguarding their core interests, constantly consolidate political mutual trust and promote high-level mutually beneficial cooperation, said Xi when meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that as the core platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, the United Nations’ role can only be strengthened, not weakened. Xi made the remarks when meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization …

The people of the United Kingdom are casting votes for the General Elections 2024 on July 4 (today) to elect a new prime minister of Britain. Around 50 million people registered to vote will cast their ballots from and a reminder, polling stations in the UK open from 7am to 10 pm local time (06:00 to 21:00 GMT) on 650 …

Actor Agha Ali, from Pakistan’s drama industry, recently made news for saying that girls value wealth and luxury over loyalty and love. Agha Ali recently spoke openly about his past mistakes on a private TV channel’s program, admitting that he frequently said inappropriate things in interviews and left out important information. He shared that “I’ve learned from my mistakes and …

The Supreme Court has deferred the formation of election tribunals, directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the chief justice of the Lahore High Court to hold consultations on the matter. It also issued a stay order on the implementation on the LHC verdict till the next hearing, and said the petition will remain pending until the consultation is …

The Power Division has dropped a new electricity bomb and unveiled revised electricity tariff slabs following an increase of Rs5.72 in the basic electricity tariff. The federal government has submitted the tariff adjustment request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), pending a public hearing scheduled for 2pm on July 8. Nepra has received the federal government’s request to …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in advanced discussions with several former star cricketers for mentorship roles. Sources privy to the matter said that the PCB has contacted Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Waqar Younis, Moin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Younis Khan, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Misbah-ul-Haq as part of its initiative to enhance the national team’s performance. The final decision will …

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a forecast warning of heavy rains and potential floods in various regions of Pakistan. The alert highlights the need for vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property. The NDMA has specified that the northeastern parts of Punjab, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are …