ISLAMABAD (Internews): The China-Pakistan High-Quality Agricultural Cooperation Development Forum was held in Islamabad on Thursday. Hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), the forum aimed to strengthen agricultural industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan and promote agricultural modernization under the CPEC framework. The forum featured five thematic speeches, covering contract farming of chili and sesame, promotion and …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s nuclear programme for peaceful purposes, while strongly condemning Israel’s “unjustified aggression” against Tehran and atrocities in Gaza. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad, the prime minister praised Iran’s “strong and courageous” response to Israeli actions, describing it as a “brilliant victory” …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), beginning in Khankendi, Republic of Azerbaijan from today. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit. The theme of …

The federal government has issued a notification announcing major revisions in the profit rates of various National Savings Schemes, effective immediately. The move comes as part of routine adjustments aligned with prevailing economic conditions, including inflation and policy rates. According to the notification, the rate of return on Regular Income Certificates has been fixed at 11.16%, while the average return …

Chelsea have signed forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, both Premier League clubs said on Wednesday. Financial details were not disclosed, but British media reported that the deal was worth 60 million pounds ($81.54 million). “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” the Brazilian, who has signed an eight-year contract, said in a statement. …

India has quietly lifted the digital ban on several Pakistani celebrities and entertainment platforms — a restriction that was imposed following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where at least 26 civilians were killed. The incident led to a sharp escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals, India and Pakistan. Some online users …

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert for a powerful monsoon spell expected to begin across the province from July 5. According to the PDMA, the second intense phase of the monsoon season will start from July 5, and heavy rainfall is forecast, particularly on Youm-e-Ashura. In anticipation, PDMA has formulated a comprehensive strategy to …

U.S. and India trade negotiators were pushing on Wednesday to try to land a tariff-reducing deal ahead of President Donald Trump’s July 9 negotiating deadline, but disagreements over U.S. dairy and agriculture remained unresolved, sources familiar with the talks said. The push comes as Trump announced an agreement with Vietnam that cuts U.S. tariffs on many Vietnamese goods to 20% …

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that India fired approximately 11 missiles at a Pakistani base in May where Pakistani aircraft and personnel were present. Fortunately, no casualties or damages occurred. Mohsin Naqvi stated that the army chief had sent a clear message to India, warning that if an attack were carried out, India would face consequences far greater in …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a key meeting regarding the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), where he appreciated the FBR’s efforts in achieving a 42% increase in tax revenues compared to the past decade. Prime minister directed that the same level of dedication and efficiency must continue in the upcoming fiscal year, making it clear that institutional …

Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has questioned the process of determining the seniority of Islamabad High Court judges, raising concerns over the lack of consultation. In a letter addressed to the Judicial Commission’s Secretary, Justice Shah expressed his reservations, stating that President Asif Ali Zardari finalized the seniority list without due consultation with the Chief Justice of …

A bomb blast rocked the Nawagai area of Bajaur district on Wednesday, killing at least four people and injuring 11 others, police confirmed. According to official sources, a government vehicle was targeted in the explosion that occurred on Nawagai Road in the Siddiqabad railway crossing area of Khar tehsil. Among those martyred were Nawagai assistant commissioner Faisal Sultan, the local …

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notification for the restoration of reserved seats, granting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 13 additional seats in the National Assembly. According to the notification, the restored seats include 12 for women and one minority seat. With these additions, PML-N’s position in the National Assembly has further strengthened. National Assembly According to the ECP …

Relief is on the way for Europe after several days of record-breaking heat, as cooler temperatures and thunderstorms are expected to arrive from the Atlantic on Wednesday, forecasters said. Paris sizzled at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, but temperatures are set to drop to 35°C on Wednesday and further to 28°C by Thursday, according to Météo-France. Thunderstorms …

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that “surrender is not in Pakistan’s dictionary” and vowing to ensure a secure future for coming generations. Speaking at an international conference on Pakistan’s war against terrorism in Islamabad, Bilawal said Pakistan remains fully committed to combating terrorism and has made the greatest sacrifices …

In a region long dominated by political fault lines and diplomatic deadlocks, the dawn of a new era is visible, one marked by regional cooperation, economic connectivity and people-centered progress. China’s recent engagements through trilateral mechanisms with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh not only reflect a new chapter of diplomacy but also symbolize a regional shift from confrontation to cooperation. For …

Instagram announced a new update on Monday, allowing users to share Spotify songs with audio previews directly on their Stories — a long-awaited feature that enhances music sharing on the platform. Previously, when Instagram users shared a Spotify track to their Stories, followers could only view the song’s title and cover art, with a link redirecting them to the Spotify …

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning over the global toll of loneliness, estimating that the condition contributes to more than 800,000 deaths worldwide each year. In a new report, the UN health agency described loneliness and social isolation as a “public health challenge of our time”, urging governments and communities to treat social connection as a …

The new fiscal year 2025-26 has officially begun, and the Finance Bill 2025-26 has been implemented from today, introducing several major tax reforms and adjustments. According to the new regulations, citizens outside the tax net will now only be allowed to maintain basic bank accounts and will face restrictions on the amount of money they can withdraw. Non-filers will be …

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the escalation of crimes, including genocide, starvation, and destruction, perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip. It includes the recent barbaric massacre that resulted in the deaths of more than 85 martyrs and left hundreds wounded on June 30, 2025. The OIC regards these actions as war crimes and …

Pakistan’s first international driving license kiosk has been set up at Lahore airport to facilitate citizens. The kiosk was officially inaugurated by Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed. This is the first traffic kiosk installed at any international airport in Pakistan to provide instant service to travellers. Through this modern facility, citizens can obtain their international driving …

Foreign Office spokesperson Monday said Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners. Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission, which includes 53 civilians and 193 fishermen. On the other hand, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails to the Pakistani High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes …

Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to renew resolve to strengthen parliamentary institutions, safeguard democratic values, and ensure that the voices of the citizenry were truly reflected in the lawmaking process. In a message on the International Day of Parliamentarism, he said, “The International Day of Parliamentarism, observed every year on June 30, reaffirms our global commitment …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the men’s national red-ball team. According to a statement issued by the PCB, Mahmood will serve in the role until the expiration of his short-term contract. The board added that the former cricketer had previously worked as the assistant head coach of …

Petroleum product prices in Pakistan are expected to rise by up to Rs5 per liter starting July 1, sources said on Sunday. A carbon levy of Rs2.50 per liter will be imposed on petrol, diesel, and furnace oil from tomorrow. Additionally, the currency exchange rate difference will also be passed on to consumers. The dollar has so far appreciated by …

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed his return to Hera Pheri 3, putting to rest months of speculation surrounding his association with the much-anticipated sequel to one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises. The third instalment of Hera Pheri—which has witnessed several delays, creative shifts, and contractual tussles—is now back on track, with the original trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and …

A powerful explosion at a chemical factory in India’s southern state of Telangana on Monday killed at least 10 people and injured several others, prompting urgent rescue efforts and a wider safety alert across the region. The blast occurred at the Sigachi Chemical Industry located in Pashamylaram Industrial Area on the outskirts of Hyderabad. According to Indian media reports, a …

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed in a case related to the alleged uploading of anti-state content on social media. Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing and approved the bail plea, ordering her release against surety bonds worth Rs500,000. Ms Javed was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation …

The fate of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards hangs in the balance as the official deadline for their repatriation expires today (Monday), with the federal cabinet yet to receive a summary for extending their stay. According to official sources, a proposal is under consideration to extend the stay of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan …

Dubai has marked a major milestone in urban mobility by successfully completing the first test flight of an air taxi developed by U.S.-based Joby Aviation. The trial, conducted in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is part of the emirate’s broader strategy to introduce full-scale air taxi services by 2026. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin …

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said India should reconsider its approach towards Pakistan and the region, adding that New Delhi cannot impose its will on Islamabad through unilateral decisions or aggressive posturing. Speaking at a ceremony marking the Foundation Day of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Mr Dar said India’s repeated attempts to create tensions in …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday highlighted the growing strength and evolving depth of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, calling it a cornerstone of Islamabad’s foreign policy and a key driver of regional peace, development, and connectivity. Speaking at an event marking the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, …

As the 9th China-South Asia Expo concludes in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, its scale, spirit and strategic significance speak volumes about the evolving trade dynamics between China and the South Asian region. Drawing participation from 73 countries, regions and international organizations and welcoming over 2,500 enterprises, the expo has emerged as a vibrant platform fostering regional …

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan on Saturday announced that a formal reference is being sent to the ECP against 26 suspended opposition members of the Assembly for disrupting proceedings and violating House rules. The suspended lawmakers, all affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were barred from attending 15 sittings after engaging in loud sloganeering, tearing official documents, and what the …

Pakistan got off to a flying start at the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025, thrashing Saudi Arabia 71-15 in their opening match here at Jeoju, South Korea on Friday. The national side, featured standout performances by Lia Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Samia Safdar, Halima, Sareena Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, and Pareesa who displayed fantastic skills throughout the match, …

Senior actor Tauqeer Nasir has described Sajal Ali and Hania Aamir as talented but noted a significant gap in their careers. Recently, Nasir participated in a recent program, where he spoke openly on various topics. During the conversation, Tauqeer Nasir shared that he was inspired to pursue acting after watching Waheed Murad. Initially, his family was against it, but his …

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved a new framework for natural gas pricing, leaving domestic consumer rates unchanged. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and forms part of the broader economic reforms under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. According to an official handout, the federal government will now announce revised …

Australia’s pace battery proved too strong for the West Indies as the hosts crumbled to a dismal 141 all out in their second innings to hand the visitors a commanding 159-run victory in the first Test at Kensington Oval  — with two full days to spare. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer, claiming 5-43 in a devastating spell …

TikTok is testing a new messaging feature dubbed “bulletin boards” that mirrors Instagram’s broadcast channels, allowing creators and brands to send public, one-way messages to their followers. The bulletin board allows select accounts to share updates using text, photos, and videos, offering a direct and controlled channel of communication with their audience. Followers can engage through emoji reactions only, without the ability …

A recent glimpse of veteran actress Sanam Baloch enjoying a theatre performance has gone viral on social media, reigniting hopes among fans of a potential return to the screen. Baloch, who captivated audiences with her performances in acclaimed dramas such as Kankar, Dastaan, Durr-e-Shehwar, Khaas, and Teri Raza, has largely remained away from the limelight since 2019, when she last appeared alongside Ali Rehman Khan …