Security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in a swift and effective operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported. According to ISPR, the operation resulted in the elimination of 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers. However, five brave soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the cantonment. The terrorists attempted to breach the security by ramming two explosive-laden vehicles …

BEIJING: China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on goods imported from China again, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday. China will take countermeasures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests, the spokesperson added. China is one of the countries with the strictest and most rigorously …

BEIJING: The United States should work with China in the same direction to resolve trade disputes through equal-footed consultation, a Chinese spokesperson said Tuesday. Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, China’s national legislature, made the remarks at a press conference. Commenting on the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on goods …

BEIJING: The preparatory meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Tuesday adopted the following agenda of the session: — Deliberate the report on the work of the government; — Review the report on the implementation of the 2024 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2025 draft plan, and the draft …

BEIJING: The underlying conditions for and basic trend of the long-term sound development of the Chinese economy remain unchanged, a spokesperson said Monday. Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, made the remarks at a press conference. Liu said the Chinese economy has …

SHANGHAI: By the end of February, cargo volume on the Chancay-Shanghai shipping route had exceeded 22,000 tonnes since the sea link between China and Peru became fully operational in both directions on Dec. 18, 2024, according to Shanghai Customs. The total cargo value reached 610 million yuan (about 85.03 million U.S. dollars), the customs department said Tuesday. Currently, two regular …

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday formed a committee to ensure the prompt implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) he signed with Azerbaijan during his most recent visit to the friendly country. While chairing a meeting to review the implementation of accords, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to present an action plan to take the …

Pakistan cricket head coach Aqib Javed has announced the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Wicketkeeping batter Mohammad Rizwan will lead the ODI side while allrounder Salman Agha will serve as his deputy. Opening batter Abullah Shafique made a comeback to the ODI format alongside Mohammad Wasim Jr. who last played in the ODI World Cup …

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have entered the policy-level phase of discussions regarding the country’s ongoing $7 billion loan programme, following the completion of technical talks. The IMF delegation –  led by Nathan Porter –  met with Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his economic team, including Finance Secretary and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), …

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has initiated emergency measures to tackle smog and air pollution, including a large-scale afforestation drive under the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan Initiative. The plan aims to plant 42.5 million trees across 48,368 acres in the province. According to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, 7.361 million trees will be planted over 8,496 acres during the …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that fans attending tomorrow’s semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa will be provided with free Iftar. Spectators can avail an Iftar box containing dates, juice, and mini pizza by presenting their match tickets. South Africa will re-embark on an agonising quest for their first piece of ICC silverware since 1998 when …

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench continued hearings on intra-court appeals challenging the annulment of military trials for civilians. Civil society lawyer Faisal Siddiqui concluded his arguments, emphasizing that in the U.S., both parties have the right to propose judgments at the end of a case. He suggested alternatives to court-martial proceedings. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that punishment should be …

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 …