The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified nine major shortcomings in Pakistan’s public financial management system, warning that weak budget monitoring and governance gaps are undermining fiscal discipline. The government, however, assured the lender that it is taking concrete steps to improve transparency and curb corruption. IMF report highlights major concerns According to the IMF’s Corruption and Diagnostic Assessment Report, …

LAHORE: Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been cleared of rape allegations in the United Kingdom after investigators found insufficient evidence to pursue the case, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on Wednesday. Police sources said the investigation has been formally closed, and Ali, 24, is free to leave the country. He has collected his passport …

LAHORE: In a major boost for Pakistan cricket, South Africa is set to play a full series across all formats in the country including Test matches after more than four years. According to sources, the first Test match will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from October 12 to 16, while the second Testbwill take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket …

LAHORE: Director General of Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has revealed that the devastating floods have inundated nearly 4,000 villages and submerged around 1.3 million acres of agricultural land across the province. Speaking to a private TV channel, Kathia said the situation in Gujrat remains particularly challenging due to relentless rainfall. “Unexpected downpours in Gujrat are …

LAHORE: Pakistan’s national hockey players have voiced strong resentment over the proposal of a Rs400 daily allowance, calling it nothing short of an insult to their dedication and sacrifices for the sport. The players argued that the amount is less than a laborer’s daily wage, describing it as “salt on wounds” amid an already bleak financial situation. “We don’t even …

KARACHI: Rising Pakistani actress Maria Malik has spoken candidly about the challenges women face in the entertainment industry, including harassment, during a recent interview on a YouTube channel. Reflecting on her early years in showbiz, Maria shared that when she first entered the industry three years ago, she wanted to play lead roles but was often offered supporting characters. She …

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane has shared a heartfelt piece of advice for young women preparing for their weddings, emphasizing simplicity and self-confidence over costly bridal attire. Speaking at the launch of a fashion brand, Mawra said brides should not feel pressured to compete with others or measure their happiness by the price of their wedding dress. “Brides shouldn’t …

BEIJING: Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Sept. 3, 2025 is a solemn day for China and the world to honor history and the fallen, and reaffirm the pursuit of peace and justice. Eighty years ago, facing extremely difficult environment, the heroic Chinese people …

BEIJING: China’s information support equipment was unveiled in Wednesday’s V-Day military parade. The formation included vehicles of cloud computing, digital intelligence, air-ground networks, and integrated information. They can quickly establish new types of cyber systems to support joint operations. The information support formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a …

A dramatic scene unfolded in the Supreme Court as a drug trafficking suspect, Mazhar Iqbal, was arrested inside the courtroom after withdrawing his bail application. His lawyer claimed the suspect feared being killed in a staged police encounter if taken into custody outside. Lawyer raises fear of fake encounter During the hearing, the defense lawyer argued that his client faced …

KARACHI: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan, is reportedly facing legal complications over the purchase of agricultural land in Alibaug. According to media, Suhana bought farmland worth ₹12.91 crore from three sisters Anjali, Rekha, and Priya who had inherited the property. Reports claim that documents presented during the deal described Suhana as a “farmer,” a designation required under …

The Curfew, a Pakistani short film, will make its world premiere at the Venice Biennale tomorrow (September 4), serving as the festival’s only Pakistani selection this year. The Venice Biennale, also known as the Venice Film Festival, runs from August 27 to September 6. It is regarded as one of the ‘big three’ film festivals, alongside Cannes and Berlin. In …

BEIJING: China unveiled its land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time in Wednesday’s V-Day military parade. The triad included JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile. The weapons are China’s strategic “ace” power to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and nation’s dignity. …

Pakistan is facing a worsening flood threat after India released large volumes of water into the Sutlej, Tawi, and Chenab rivers, triggering emergency alerts across Punjab. Authorities have warned that a large volume of water is likely to flow into the Sutlej and Tawi rivers today also. They warn that water levels continue to rise dangerously, putting lives and property at …

BEIJING: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Guards of Honor formation marched through Tian’anmen Square in Wednesday’s V-Day military parade, escorting flags of the Party, the nation and the PLA. Honor guards stand in formation during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist …

ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad has granted interim bail to Hassan Zahid, the accused in a case involving alleged abduction and death threats against TikToker Samia Hijab. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Aamir Zia, who approved Zahid’s bail against surety bonds worth Rs20,000. The court also directed the accused to join the …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping ascended Tian’anmen Rostrum and shook hands with war veterans attending V-Day commemorations. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shakes hands with war veterans at Tian’anmen Rostrum in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greeted the heads of foreign delegations and their spouses ahead of China’s V-Day commemorations to be held in Tian’anmen Square Wednesday morning.

          The airborne assault formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) The sea-based unmanned warfare formation attends a …

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed troops in Beijing on Wednesday during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Standing in a Hongqi limousine, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and …

BEIJING: China concluded its V-Day commemorations on Wednesday, with 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons released into the sky over Tian’anmen Square in central Beijing. President Xi Jinping waved to spectators as the patriotic song “Ode to the Motherland” resonated. A massive military parade was staged in Tian’anmen Square as part of the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory …

BEIJING: China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country’s commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall stood in Tian’anmen Square, symbolizing the Chinese nation’s courage and solidarity in resisting …

BEIJING: The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday as the country marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in its war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The resistance war, arduous and great, marks China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times, said Xi, also general …

In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, shifting geopolitical fault lines and economic volatility, the relationship between Pakistan and China stands out as a beacon of stability, mutual trust and enduring strategic partnership. The recent high-level meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing has once again reaffirmed the exemplary nature of this all-weather …

It’s been more than 2,000 days since Covid-19 appeared in late 2019, growing to more than 700 million cases and at least 7 million deaths globally. Like many other people infected by Covid-19, I have long thought about its origins and where we go next. As someone admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court, and the highest courts of …

Islamabad: Political turbulence inside the National Assembly deepened on Monday as 28 more lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) resigned from the membership of various standing committees. With the latest move, the total number of PTI members quitting committee work has risen to 47. According to parliamentary sources, the resignations were formally submitted to the Speaker’s Office. The lawmakers cited lack …

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsman, Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, has summoned the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, SSP Traffic, and Director General Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 4 over unsatisfactory reporting on vehicle environmental clearance at D-Chowk. Registrar Muhammad Saqib Khan has issued notices to the concerned officials after the Ombudsman expressed displeasure at their failure to submit a satisfactory report during the …

KARACHI: The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) held its annual general meeting in Karachi, bringing together leading textile exporters, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The event’s chief guest, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad, delivered a detailed address highlighting Pakistan’s improving economic fundamentals, while PTC leadership pressed for urgent reforms to strengthen export competitiveness. Governor Jameel Ahmad said Pakistan had …

LAHORE: India has released more water into the Sutlej River without formally notifying Pakistan through the Indus Water Commission, instead using irregular channels of communication. The development has triggered a high flood alert in nine districts of Punjab, while authorities fear very high flood level in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers until September 5. According to the Director General …

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has intensified relief operations in flood-affected areas, ensuring the delivery of essential food supplies in coordination with provincial governments. According to NDMA’s media wing, an eight-truck convoy carrying relief packages was dispatched to Chiniot on Tuesday. Each ration bag weighs 46 kilograms and contains 22 essential food items. Relief supplies have already been …

KARACHI: Acclaimed Canadian actor Graham Greene, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, has died at the age of 73 after a long illness. He passed away on Monday in a Toronto hospital, his representative confirmed. Greene, of Oneida First Nation and Canadian descent, carved out a decades-long career in film, television, and theatre, …

KARACHI: Pakistani cricketer Asif Ali has officially hung up his national colors, announcing his retirement from international cricket. The all-round finisher, well-known for his clutch six-hitting and game-changing cameos bid farewell after featuring in 21 ODIs and 58 T20 Internationals. Celebrated for his dramatic performances, especially in the 2021 T20 World Cup where he often turned the tide with blistering …

KARACHI: Popular Pakistani actress Sarah Khan has sparked conversation in the entertainment world by defending the importance of domestic chores. In a recent interview, Sarah highlighted that household responsibilities should not be looked down upon, adding that managing a home is just as valuable as professional work. The actress, admired for her performances in hit dramas, stressed that balancing career …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fastest female sprinter, Tammin Khan, has been ruled out of the upcoming World Athletics Championship in Tokyo due to injury. The 100m runner sustained an injury during training three days ago, and MRI reports confirmed she needs at least two weeks of rest. Doctors have advised her to skip the event to avoid further complications. The Athletics Federation …

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has issued an update on the restoration of electricity in flood-affected areas, confirming that out of 48 damaged grids and 455 feeders, 170 have been fully restored and 256 partially restored. According to the report, PESCO areas of Swat, Buner, Shangla, Swabi, and D.I. Khan saw 12 grids and 91 feeders hit. Of these, 85 feeders …

LAHORE: It has been 23 years since Ahmad Rahi, the celebrated poet, lyricist, and film writer who gave Pakistani cinema hundreds of timeless songs, bid farewell to his fans. Born as Ghulam Ahmad in Amritsar on November 13, 1923, Rahi moved to Lahore in 1940. He began his film career with the Punjabi movie Baeli, but it was the songs …

LAHORE; Indian Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has stepped forward to support flood-affected communities in Indian Punjab by adopting 10 villages for rehabilitation and relief work. The star announced that he would personally ensure that basic facilities, rebuilding, and assistance reach the people who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to recent floods. Known for his philanthropy as …

KARACHI: United Arab Emirates skipper Muhammad Waseem has etched his name into the record books by surpassing former India captain Rohit Sharma’s record for most sixes as a T20I captain. The milestone came on Monday during the tri-nation series clash against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 189, Waseem played a blistering knock of 67 runs off …

LAHORE: Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals to focus on Test and ODI cricket, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. The left-arm pacer, who has been a mainstay of Australia’s bowling attack, played 65 T20Is and claimed 79 wickets. In his farewell note, Starc said: “Test cricket has always been my top priority. I …

LAHORE: Afghanistan captain and star all-rounder Rashid Khan has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals. In the third match of the tri-nation series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rashid delivered a stellar spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 21 runs. With this performance, he first equaled and then surpassed New Zealand’s …