BEIJING: China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, opened its annual session on Tuesday in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, which commenced at 3 p.m. at the Great Hall of the People. At the meeting, the …

Pakistan’s cricket has experienced soaring highs and humiliating lows throughout its turbulent history, particularly in the recent past. However, the latest catastrophe at the Champions Trophy 2025 — where the team crashed out unceremoniously in the first round — represents the most damning indictment yet of the systemic rot that has crippled the sport. A team that once struck fear …

Supreme Court’s seven-member constitutional bench has adjourned the hearing of an intra-court appeal regarding the trial of civilians in military courts until tomorrow. During the proceedings, civil society’s lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, argued that if his argument is accepted, not the law but the trials themselves would be declared null and void. He stated that cases in which sentences are still …

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a spiritual practice observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, but it also offers significant health benefits when done correctly. Medical experts emphasize that mindful fasting can enhance both physical and mental well-being. Supports weight management Ramadan fasting follows a restricted eating window, helping reduce caloric intake and promoting steady weight loss. When …

Jennifer Lopez is making a grand return to Saudi Arabia as the headliner for the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, set to take place from March 18-20 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The global icon, known for her record-breaking music career, electrifying performances, and Hollywood legacy, will perform alongside Usher and Major Lazer Soundsystem in an entertainment …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of gas shortages during Sehar and Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan and directed immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted supply to consumers. In response to public complaints, the prime minister convened an emergency meeting late Monday night, attended by the managing directors and senior officials of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and …

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, is grappling with a severe water crisis as the holy month of Ramadan begins. Despite the completion of pipeline repair work, water supply remains disrupted in major parts of the city, leaving residents in distress. The crisis has paved the way for the tanker mafia to exploit the situation, selling water at exorbitant prices. According to …

As the first Iftar of Ramadan approached, a large number of citizens rushed to model bazaars in Lahore, hoping to buy essential food items at subsidized rates. However, many shoppers at Johar Town Model Bazaar expressed disappointment, calling the Punjab government’s ‘Sasta Ramazan Bazar’ initiative a joke due to negligible price differences and inconsistent product quality. Despite claims of affordability, …

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed across major cities, leaving citizens struggling to afford basic food items. Despite the government’s promises to curb inflation, profiteers and hoarders continue to exploit the situation, causing an artificial shortage and price manipulation. How Punjab’s price control magistrates failed to deliver on first Ramazan Lahore’s model …

The US Donald Trump’s euphoria of high and reciprocal tariffs have produced immense chaos, uncertainty and massive disruption in the international trading system, supply chains and engagements. The latest Oval Office episode with the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is the demise of international diplomacy and destruction of peaceful dialogue and development which has further highlighted the strategic importance and global impacts …

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei government continues to work with the country’s industrial sectors to develop vocational training programs, to create a knowledge-based economy that can attract more foreign direct investment, a Bruneian government minister said at the Legislative Council on Saturday. The Brunei-China joint venture Hengyi Industries has provided a scholarship program through collaboration with local educational institutions in …

China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are a significant event not only for China but also for its strategic partnership with Pakistan. These sessions provide insight into the country’s political, economic, and social trajectory, helping Pakistan align its policies and aspirations with China’s evolving priorities. The China-Pakistan partnership shifted toward enhanced multilateral cooperation …

The deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who were given the opportunity for voluntary return, has now passed, marking the beginning of their deportation to Afghanistan. According to the details, the voluntary repatriation deadline for individuals holding the Afghan Citizen Card ended on March 31. As of today, those with the Afghan Citizen Card will be considered illegal residents. Following …

Pakistani actress Veena Malik has once again grabbed headlines, but this time it’s not for her bold statements or acting career. Instead, her latest viral photos with her manager, Saim, have sparked fresh speculation about her love life, leaving fans wondering if he is more than just a professional associate. Recap Veena Malik, known for her performances in Pakistani films …

Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Skype on May 5, 2025, as part of its broader push to promote Microsoft Teams as its primary communication platform. The company has urged existing users to transition to Teams, ensuring a seamless migration of their data, contacts, and conversations. In a statement published on its official blog, Microsoft said, “In order to …

Eight people were killed and around 18 others injured on Friday in a tragic accident on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) near the Neela Dulha Interchange. The passenger bus, travelling from Karachi to Swat, veered off the road and fell into a ditch, reportedly due to the driver’s negligence. The victims include a woman and a child. According to rescue officials, …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes visit to the White House ended in a dramatic and unprecedented confrontation with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, leaving Ukraine’s wartime alliance with Washington in uncertain territory. What was expected to be a diplomatic engagement over a minerals deal quickly spiraled into a heated exchange, with Trump accusing Zelensky of showing …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced a Ramazan relief package worth Rs 20 billion, under which financial assistance of Rs5,000 per household will be provided to four million families across the country. Speaking at the launch ceremony in the federal capital, the premier said the initiative aims to support around 20 million people during the holy month. “The government …

  This file photo provided by interviewee taken in May 2023 shows a century-old camphor tree in Fuzhou, east China’s Fujian Province. (Xinhua)     FUZHOU: A century-old camphor tree, once on the brink of death, has been revived as a group of deputies to the municipal legislative body in Fuzhou, east China’s Fujian Province, went to great lengths to come …

BEIJING: China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft on Friday completed all of its prior-certification flight test subjects, a key step toward achieving its airworthiness certification target, announced the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The Chinese independently-developed AG600 aircraft on Friday accomplished the compliance flight test subject of combustible liquid discharge at a civil aircraft flight test center in Pucheng County …

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is set to convene tomorrow to deliberate on appointment of additional judges to the Lahore High Court (LHC). The meeting will be chaired by the Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. During the session, the commission will review the names of eight session judges under consideration for elevation to the LHC. The nominees include Raja Ghazanfar …

A constitutional petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a national grand dialogue under the court’s supervision to address political and economic challenges in the country. The petition, submitted by Peshawar-based engineer Qazi Muhammad Saleem, names key political figures, including PTI Founder Imran Khan, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, and the Ministry of Law, as …

The Cabinet Division has officially issued a notification confirming the appointment of 12 federal ministers and nine ministers of state. Additionally, notifications for the appointment of three advisors and four special assistants to the prime minister were also issued on Thursday. The newly inducted officials have been included in the expanded federal cabinet, with their portfolios to be announced later. …

A meeting of Central Ruet-e-Hilal committee will be held in Peshawar on Friday, 28th February for the sighting of the moon of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. It will be chaired by the Committee’s Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Auqaf Department said that a meeting will be held at the Auqaf Building on Eidgah Charsadda Road at 6:30 pm. …

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday signed five accords to boost bilateral cooperation in different fields including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment. The documents were signed during the first official visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The crown …

VEHARI: The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) took center stage at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Agri Festival 2025, held on Thursday in Vehari City. The event brought together commercial banks, the SBP team, pesticide and fertilizer companies, tractor manufacturers, agricultural implement traders, and farmers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector. The festival was graced by the …

HONG KONG: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will carry out the “reinforced version” of a fiscal consolidation program in the new financial year to restore fiscal balance and nurture new growth engines like artificial intelligence. The HKSAR’s 2025-26 budget released on Wednesday vowed a cumulative reduction of government recurrent expenditure by 7 percent from now through 2027-28. While …

HONG KONG: Hong Kong will endeavor to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a core industry and empower traditional industries in their upgrading and transformation, the financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Wednesday. While delivering the 2025-26 budget at the HKSAR’s Legislative Council, Paul Chan said that AI is at the core of developing …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should focus entirely on tax collection to ensure economic progress. Addressing the business community in Peshawar, he highlighted several government reforms designed to foster stability and growth in Pakistan’s economy. He mentioned that measures such as lowering the policy rate and interest rates are a result …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to sign a preliminary agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources. While Zelensky has welcomed the minerals deal, he has also insisted that any economic partnership must be accompanied by US security guarantees to deter renewed Russian aggression. However, Trump has ruled out any commitments “beyond… …

Social media can often be a hub for misinformation, and recently, former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram found himself caught in an unnecessary controversy. His wife, Shaniera Akram, strongly reacted to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that included Akram’s name in a list of cricketers who have been legally separated from their spouses. The post, titled ‘Divorced XI,’ was …

Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari has been honoured with an Award of Recognition at the UK Parliament, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. The event was organized by the British Asian Society and Samara Events UK. Moment of pride for Pakistan The legendary Udaari actress expressed her joy and gratitude on Instagram, sharing a picture from the event with …

On the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Services Chiefs paid tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, the military leadership reiterated their firm commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while …

It seems that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s most recent visit to Azerbaijan has started a new phase in the bilateral sphere further developing and diversifying the scope, utility, pace and momentum in diverse sector of economy, investment, joint ventures, agriculture cooperation, industrial coordination, infrastructure collaboration, energy oil & gas mutually befitting propositions and last but not least, defence connections. Obviously …

It seems that horizons of Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations have now been amplified/expanded and gained immense momentum after the recent official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan. Signing of multiple agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, technical training, and youth empowerment vividly reflecting emerging strategic partnership covering all aspects of socio-economic …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani experts and officials said that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is all set to develop Pakistan’s knowledge-based economy through technological advancements while stressing building intellectual infrastructure in the South Asian country. Under the innovation corridor of the second phase of CPEC, Pakistan and China need to explore opportunities for enhancing technological collaboration, joint research …

HARBIN: Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park, officially closed its 26th edition on Wednesday evening in the city of Harbin, capital of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang Province, attracting a record-breaking 3.56 million tourist visits, said the park’s operator. This year’s attendance surpassed the previous edition by 31.4 percent, jumping from 2.71 million visits, according to data from the …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Wednesday that the party was looking to take the opposition parties on board in the anti-government movement. Expressing his thoughts , Khan said: “We have started our campaign against the government. We hope that the media fraternity, civil society and the political parties will extend support to us in this …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development. He made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the latter’s request. Xi said …

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for a successful operation against Khwarij in Bagh, district Khyber . In a statement, President Asif Zardari appreciated the security forces for killing 10 Khwarij during the operation. President Zardari said the brave armed forces of Pakistan are undertaking successful operations to eliminate Fitna Al-Khwarij. He said the …