The federal government has declared November 9 (Saturday) a public holiday to observe Iqbal Day, marking the birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A notification was also issued by the federal government in this connection. “As notified vide Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-02/2023-Min-II dated 20th December, 2023, listing Public and Optional Holidays for the year 2024, …

All three Muslim members of the US House of Representatives were reelected on Tuesday with commanding majorities, reinforcing their positions as influential voices in the ongoing debate on US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat and the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, secured a fourth term representing Michigan’s 13th District. Tlaib, who enjoys strong support from the …

Highlighting about Rs60 billion worth of cost of inefficiency being charged to consumers in three months, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday notified Rs1.28 per unit negative fuel cost adjustment (FCA) against consumption in September and asked the ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) to refund it in consumer bills for November. This will have a gross financial impact …

Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Munir is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. The two engaged in a comprehensive discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional peace, defence and …

US President Joe Biden congratulated president-elect Donald Trump on his victory in a phone call following the country’s presidential election, according to American media reports. Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in facing the country’s challenges. Reports indicate that Biden also extended an invitation to Trump for a …

Senate Committee on Interior meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Salim, a proposed amendment aimed at increasing punishments for rape offenses was introduced. Senator Mohsin Aziz presented the bill, emphasizing the need for harsher penalties in such cases. “The punishment for rape is currently too lenient; severe consequences must be enforced,” said Senator Aziz, advocating for life imprisonment for convicted rapists. …

Australia’s government has announced plans to introduce landmark legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the proposed law, which will be introduced in parliament next week, is aimed at reducing the “harm” social media poses to Australian children. “This one is for the mums and dads… They, like me, are …

National fast-bowler Naseem Shah addressed the media following Pakistan’s first match, emphasizing the team’s resolve to learn from their mistakes and improve. Reflecting on the game, he noted the team discussed areas for improvement, particularly in batting, and is determined to make a stronger showing in the upcoming fixture. Commenting on the Melbourne pitch, Shah praised Australia’s bowling and acknowledged …

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has affirmed the nation’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States following Donald Trump’s recent election victory. The President and Prime Minister extended their congratulations, with the Foreign Office spokesperson highlighting the decades-old relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. and expressing optimism for further improvement, stating that the change in U.S. leadership would not impact bilateral …

The Lahore High Court has issued a ban on the operation of smoke-emitting commercial generators in designated ‘green lockdown’ areas to address air pollution. Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over petitions filed by citizens, including Haroon Farooq, to curb smog, ordered the installation of pollution control devices in commercial generators within the next seven days. The court’s written order of the …

NAIROBI, Sept. 19, 2018 (Xinhua) — Dickens Nyagol (L), Research Technician at International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) demonstrates the process of push-pull technology during an exhibition on the sidelines of the Fall Armyworm meeting at Duduville Campus in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Sept. 18, 2018. (XinhuaCharles Onyango)     KUNMING: China has initiated cooperation with countries participating in …

ISLAMABAD: Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of Kashmiri leader Mohammad Yasin Malik has penned an impassioned appeal to Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to raise her husband’s case in parliament. Malik’s wife calls on Rahul Gandhi to initiate a parliamentary debate about Malik’s right to fair treatment and adequate healthcare, warning that disregarding these rights could undermine public faith …

        Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a museum to learn about efforts to enhance the protection, research and use of cultural relics in Yunmeng County of Xiaogan, central China’s Hubei Province. Xi inspected the cities of Xiaogan and Xianning, …

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal has directed the immediate release of allocated funds for M-8 in two portions this year and stressed the importance of expediting CPEC infrastructure projects to enhance Gwadar’s connectivity on Tuesday. According to the details, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a progress review meeting on the development of Gwadar Port and Free …

Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris in the battleground states of North Carolina and Georgia in Tuesday’s US presidential election, Edison Research projected, taking him closer to completing a stunning political comeback four years after he left the White House. The outcome remained uncertain in five other states expected to determine the winner. But Trump was showing strength across …

The dizzying presidential contest between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is hurtling toward an uncertain finish as millions of Americans headed to the polls to choose between two sharply different visions for the country. The first ballots cast on Tuesday mirrored the nationwide divide. Overnight, the six registered voters in the tiny hamlet of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, split their …

With an evenly split quota for government and private schemes, the new Haj policy, approved by the federal cabinet on Tuesday, allows 179,210 Pakistani nationals to go on pilgrimage next year but puts a restriction on taking children aged below 12 with them. Under Haj Policy 2025, a new portfolio of Nazim (administrator) has been introduced to facilitate the pilgrims. …

Pakistan Army has announced the promotion of several senior officers to Lieutenant General, assigning them to key strategic roles crucial for the military’s operational efficiency. The newly promoted officers are Lt. Gen. Tabbasum Habib, Lt. Gen. Amir Najam, Lt. Gen. Arshad Naseem, Lt. Gen. Hassan Khattak, and Lt. Gen. Azhar Waqas. Each will now serve in influential command and administrative …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting today at the Prime Minister’s House, during which a significant increase in compensation for Hajj-related casualties and injuries was approved. The cabinet decided that the families of pilgrims who pass away during Hajj 2025 will now receive compensation of Rs. 2 million, up from the previous amount of Rs. 1 …

GWADAR: The students and staff of the China-Pakistan Government Girls Middle School Faqeer Colony conducted an educational visit to Gwadar Port and its associated facilities. According to the report, the study visit included the Gwadar Free Zone, Gwadar Business Centre, Desalination Plant, greenhouse, and Gwadar Port Terminal. Trip coordinator Naseem Baloch told Gwadar Pro that this educational experience was designed …

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Tuesday received the Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two Ministers noted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and emphasized the need to strengthen these relations through increased trade, energy cooperation and enhanced border management. They expressed commitment …

The Punjab Environment Department has declared a ‘red alert’ for Lahore due to a significant increase in smog expected over the next few days. The Met Office has forecast a noticeable rise in smog levels from November 6 to 8, prompting urgent health warnings for residents. Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) stood at an alarming 293 around 1pm, with pollutant …

Voting is officially kicked off in the United States as polling stations open across key eastern states. The U.S. media reports indicate that polling booths have opened in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and New Hampshire, with additional polling locations starting in Kentucky, Indiana, and Connecticut. In Dixville, New Hampshire, a small town known for its tradition of casting ballots …

In its maiden session on Tuesday, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) — reconstituted under the 26th Amendment — appointed Justice Aminuddin Khan as head of the seven-judge constitutional bench by a majority vote of seven to five, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi among the dissenting members. The seven-judge constitutional bench includes representatives from all four provinces: Justice Aminuddin …

SHANGHAI: The newest edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, opened on Tuesday in Shanghai. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. Running from Nov. 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from …

The Faisalabad Electric Power Supply Company (FESCO) has discontinued the option of installment payments for electricity bills, aiming to enhance revenue stability. The decision comes as FESCO reported that allowing installment payments led to collection shortfalls. Previously, customers who faced challenges in paying their bills in full could make payments in two or three parts at FESCO offices, offering some …

Australia claimed a narrow victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the series, winning by two wickets with 99 balls remaining in a tense, low-scoring encounter at Melbourne. Chasing a target of 204, Australia looked comfortable until Haris Rauf’s rapid triple-strike turned the game on its head. Score: Australia won by 2 wickets (with 99 balls remaining) Rauf’s spell rattled …

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced on Monday a significant reduction in the interest rate by 2.5 per cent, bringing it down from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent. According to details, this was the fourth consecutive decrease, totalling a seven per cent reduction over this period. The decision was made during a meeting of the Monetary Policy …

The National Assembly (NA) approved on Monday the bills to amend the Army, Air Force and Navy Acts following the approval of the bill to increase the SC judges’ seats amid opposition protests. According to details, the NA session presided over by speaker Sardar Ayaz saw a surge in tensions, resulting in a physical altercation the members of the Pakistan …

Pakistan Navy conducted a successful flight test of an indigenously developed ship-launched ballistic missile. The weapon system with 350 KM range is capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision. The system is equipped with a state-of-the art navigation system and manoeuvrability features. The flight test was witnessed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, senior officers from …

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned on Tuesday the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz against approving any legislation “undermining” the democratic principles. Speaking to media, Rehman said: We have differing opinions with other opposition groups, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), but there remain avenues for collaboration.” He criticized the government’s …

China has emerged as a powerhouse in vocational training and global education in the past years, demonstrated by the establishment of the Luban Workshops. Named on the legendary Chinese architect, Lu Ban, these dedicated workshops are aimed to train young people across the globe by fostering talent development and international cooperation with practical skills. The concept of transformative initiative of …

New Zealand completed an unprecedented 3-0 series sweep in India as the Black Caps dismissed the hosts for 121 on a tricky wicket to secure a 25-run victory on day three of the third and final test in Mumbai on Sunday. The last time India were blanked at home was in 2000, in a two-match series against South Africa. Rohit …

Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Saturday launched initiatives for comprehensive jail reforms for effective prison system to ensure a fair legal framework. A pivotal consultative meeting was held at Lahore presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr Justice Yahya Afridi with participation from the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Ms Aalia Neelum, Administrative Judge …

US Vice President Kamala Harris and election rival Donald Trump traded barbs across battleground states Friday night before converging on Wisconsin’s biggest city for competing rallies, a dramatic split-screen image in the final days of a volatile presidential race. With political heat reaching a boil ahead of Election Day November 5, Trump faced criticism for violent rhetoric targeting a high-profile …

URUMQI: Edil Mohammed, who commutes daily for about an hour by bus from Yarkent, Kazakhstan, to Horgos, China, has adapted to the lifestyle of cross-border work. As the head of a branch of Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit, which is located in the China-Kazakhstan International Border Cooperation Center in Horgos, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, he is part of a pioneering …

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and relevant events, and deliver a speech, a spokesperson announced Sunday. The seventh CIIE will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

Foreign policy is always a complex and complicated subject to predict however, it seems that the new president of Indonesia may take new steps/initiatives to further strengthen Indonesian role in the region and beyond in terms of rigorous economic diplomacy, increasing trans-regional connectivity, paradigm shift from neutrality to constructive neutrality, peace, stability and harmony. Thus innovative, integrated, and coordinated efforts …

          This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai. Preparations for the 7th CIIE, which is scheduled to take place in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, have entered the …

Iran’s supreme leader on Saturday threatened Israel and the U.S. with “a crushing response” over attacks on Iran and its allies. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke as Iranian officials are increasingly threatening to launch yet another strike against Israel after its Oct. 26 attack on the Islamic Republic that targeted military bases and other locations and killed at least five people. …