ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping met here Monday with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ahead of the second China-Central Asia Summit. Xi arrived in the Kazakh capital of Astana earlier Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping landed here Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. Xi was welcomed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other senior officials at the airport. After Xi’s plane entered Kazakh airspace, fighter jets of Kazakhstan’s air defense forces took off to escort it. Kazakh teenagers and children, holding the national flags of China and Kazakhstan, …

The tentative schedule for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has surfaced, with India set to host the marquee tournament starting from September 30 in Bengaluru, cricket sources revealed on Sunday. As per the reported schedule, the opening match of the competition will see hosts India take on Sri Lanka. However, due to diplomatic sensitivities, Pakistan’s matches will be …

The U.S. Embassy in Israel and its consulate will remain closed as shelter-in-place orders continue following nearby Iranian missile strikes, Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed on social media. While no injuries were reported, minor damage occurred near the embassy branch in Tel Aviv due to concussions from missile impacts. Ambassador Huckabee also advised the estimated 700,000 Americans residing in Israel to …

A high-level committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday reviewed the country’s petroleum reserves and pricing in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East following the recent Israeli strike on Iran. The meeting, held in Islamabad, examined the impact of fluctuating global oil prices driven by the geopolitical developments in the region. Officials from the Ministry of …

In an increasingly interconnected world, China has emerged as a powerful engine of global connectivity offering practical solutions to bridge development gaps and build shared prosperity. Through flagship infrastructure initiatives such as the China-Europe Railway Express, the China-Laos Railway, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China continues to reshape regional and transcontinental logistics, energize local economies and …

BEIJING: China and Central Asia have seen their economic and trade ties continue to strengthen with trade among them growing rapidly for more than a decade. Data released Sunday by the General Administration of Customs showed China’s trade with the five Central Asian countries had expanded from 312.04 billion yuan (43.48 billion U.S. dollars) in 2013 to 674.15 billion yuan …

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran’s recent military actions against Israel were carried out in self-defence, amid ongoing hostilities between the two countries. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday — his first public appearance since Israeli airstrikes began on Friday — Araghchi warned that Iran does not wish to see the conflict escalate into …

The prices of petroleum products in Pakistan are expected to witness an increase of up to Rs5 per litre, as per a preliminary working paper prepared by relevant authorities ahead of the fortnightly price review. According to official sources, the working paper has proposed an upward revision in fuel prices effective from June 16. Petrol prices are expected to rise …

The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved on Saturday a set of new rules for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. From July 2, the use of two new balls in ODIs will be discontinued. Under the revised rules, two balls will be used until the end of the 34th over, after which a single ball will be used …

US President Donald Trump on Sunday distanced the United States from recent attacks on Iran, declaring that “the US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran tonight.” His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following deadly missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, which have claimed at least 15 lives and left hundreds injured across Israeli …

Iran launched a powerful retaliatory missile and drone assault on Israel late Saturday night, killing at least 13 people and injuring over 200, in what is being described as one of the largest direct attacks between the two countries in recent memory. The offensive marks the latest and most severe escalation in the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. …

Iranian authorities have arrested five individuals in the central city of Yazd on suspicion of spying for Israel and allegedly collaborating with its intelligence services, Iranian media reported on Saturday. According to local news outlets, the suspects were allegedly involved in gathering sensitive information and taking photographs of strategic sites. Authorities claim the individuals were working in coordination with Israeli …

The government has introduced a 30 percent tax credit scheme on the purchase of flats and 10-marla houses in the federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. This was revealed during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance on Friday, chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the committee …

Aiden Markram led South Africa to their second ICC title with a heroic performance in the ICC World Test Championship final on Saturday. According to details, the match, held at the Lords, saw Markram deliver a standout innings that proved decisive in securing victory. Markram’s remarkable effort with the bat helped South Africa overcome Australia, who had set a competitive …

Former  foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stressing that war is not a solution and all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, must be resolved through comprehensive dialogue. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels as the head of a parliamentary delegation, Mr Bhutto said Pakistan seeks peaceful engagement with India despite increasing tensions …

Iranian authorities have arrested five individuals in the central city of Yazd on suspicion of spying for Israel and allegedly collaborating with its intelligence services, Iranian media reported on Saturday. According to local news outlets, the suspects were allegedly involved in gathering sensitive information and taking photographs of strategic sites. Authorities claim the individuals were working in coordination with Israeli …

BEIJING: At the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana from June 16 to 18, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. The establishment of the China-Central Asia mechanism is a decision unanimously made by China and the five Central Asian countries, which …

In an era where divisions and misunderstandings between civilizations threaten global harmony, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) emerges as a bold, timely and visionary framework for fostering peaceful coexistence, cultural harmony and mutual respect. The initiative underscores the need for equality, inclusivity and dialogue among different civilizations, challenging the outdated notion of “clash of civilizations” with a …

American pop star Katy Perry has won hearts online after sharing a heartwarming behind-the-scenes video of her four-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, singing softly behind a curtain in a quiet hotel room. The clip, recorded in Katy’s suite at the Capella Sydney, quickly became the highlight of a series of tour updates she posted on Instagram on Friday. Fans flooded the …

US President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded message on Friday, warning Iran of even more severe consequences unless it agrees to a deal with the United States and Israel, amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had given Iran “chance after chance” to negotiate …

The polio eradication programme requested on Friday detailed information regarding mobile populations from all districts. According to details, the district authorities are required to immediately submit data on these populations to the polio programme. A meeting was held to review the progress of the polio eradication campaign, chaired by Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator Adeel Tasawar. Polio officers from 36 …

Former Pakistan captain and star cricketer Babar Azam has joined the Australian T20 competition, the Big Bash League (BBL), for the first time. According to details, BBL franchise Sydney Sixers have pre-signed Babar Azam ahead of the draft, announcing the news via their official social media accounts. According to the BBL, the Pakistani and global cricket superstar will make his …

Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli military’s early morning airstrikes on Iran, calling the attack an “unacceptable” violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace and stability. In an official statement, the Foreign Office expressed deep concern over what it described as a clear breach of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying the Israeli assault was …

At least five Iranian citizens were martyred and more than 50 others injured in the Israeli aerial assault on Tehran early Friday, according to a statement issued by Iran’s Ministry of Health. The Ministry confirmed that all fatalities occurred in the capital, Tehran, following what officials described as a “coordinated and premeditated” military strike by Israeli forces. The aerial bombardment …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a change in the national selection committee as Usman Hashmi has replaced Hassan Cheema as data analyst. According to details surfaced on Wednesday, the PCB said: “Only the data analyst position has been changed, and this role does not have voting rights.” Hashmi will support the selection committee in their duties.” The national …

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced the appointment of headmasters in 35,000 government schools across the province. In an official directive issued to the School Education Department, the minister emphasized that permanent headmasters will be appointed after many years of vacancies in these key positions. The decision includes an additional monthly compensation of Rs 10,000 for appointed headmasters. …

The federal government has introduced a new tax on petrol and diesel vehicles as part of the Budget 2025–26, targeting all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles — both locally manufactured and imported. According to the Finance Bill 2025–26, a fixed levy will now be charged on ICE vehicles based on engine capacity, with the rate applied as a percentage of …

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds in various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to the Met Office, strong and dusty winds are expected in the plain areas of Punjab, with light rain likely in cities such as Talagang, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi. Isolated showers accompanied by thunder are also …

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government will present its budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on Friday –  June 13 –  with an expected outlay of over Rs2.18 trillion. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam has once again been assigned the additional charge of the finance portfolio and will present the budget in the KP Assembly. According to officials in the Finance …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious reservations over the federal government’s decision to issue supplementary grants amounting to Rs344.64 billion during the ongoing fiscal year without prior approval from the National Assembly, terming it a violation of the loan agreement. According to an official document, the government disbursed these funds for various sectors, ranging from energy and defense …

The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) expressed on Wednesday disappointment over the federal budget, saying that it offers no relief for the agriculture sector or the business community. According to details, Pakistan Business Forum Chief Organiser Ahmed Jawad said: “The budget once again fails to support the agriculture sector, contradicting the prime minister’s stated vision. How does the government plan to …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tomorrow. During the visit, he is expected to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. to discuss key bilateral, regional, and global issues. The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister, federal ministers, and other senior …

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest T20I player rankings on Wednesday. According to details, Australian batter Travis Head has secured the top position, while India’s Abhishek Sharma has moved up to second place. Pakistan’s Babar Azam is ranked 12th and Mohammad Rizwan secured the 13th position. In the bowlers’ rankings, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy has retained the …

US Central Command (Centcom) chief General Michael Erik Kurilla described on Wednesday relations with Pakistan as “vital” to US national security. General Kurilla emphasised that the United States cannot afford to strain ties with Pakistan for the sake of India. He said that the US, in cooperation with Pakistan, has been conducting successful operations against IS. According to General Kurilla, …

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the federal budget and government policies, accusing the ruling coalition of pushing the country towards economic collapse. Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Ayub alleged that the government had “destroyed the economy,” pointing to the sharp rise in the …

The federal government has allocated Rs8,205 billion for distribution among the provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the new fiscal year, with Punjab and Sindh emerging as the biggest beneficiaries, budget documents revealed. According to official figures, Punjab is set to receive Rs4,760 billion from the divisible pool, maintaining its position as the largest recipient due to …

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday defended the government’s limited relief to the salaried class in the newly unveiled budget for fiscal year 2025-26. Addressing a post-budget press conference in Islamabad, the finance minister said that while he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were keen to provide maximum relief to the salaried class, “we can only go further according …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has emphasised the deep-rooted cultural and diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan highlighting both nations’ commitment to promoting global peace, mutual understanding and shared prosperity under various global initiatives spearheaded by China. While addressing the event hosted by Chinese embassy in connection with the celebrations of the international day for dialogue …

British-Albanian pop sensation Dua Lipa has ignited fresh speculation about her engagement to actor Callum Turner after sharing an affectionate tribute and a series of intimate photographs featuring a prominent diamond ring on her left hand. The 29-year-old singer took to Instagram on Monday, June 9, posting a carousel of pictures alongside Turner, 34, in which the two appeared close …