Pakistani authorities have implemented new measures to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Iran via the Taftan border, particularly during the month of Muharram. Approximately 60,000 pilgrims use this route during Muharram, with 50,000 to 60,000 traveling throughout the rest of the year. KEY IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: Deployment of 1,400 security personnel along the 630-kilometer route from Quetta to Taftan. Establishment of three …

The federal government has rejected requests from provincial governments to block social media applications during Muharram, sources reported. The decision ensures that platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp will remain accessible. The provinces had requested the closure of six major social media applications from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram as a security measure. However, the federal authorities …

The Punjab government has requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure peace and order during Muharram throughout the province. This move comes as part of a comprehensive plan to maintain security during the sensitive period of the holy month. Sources indicate that the Punjab Home Department has recommended the federal government the services of 160 companies …

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed its willingness to sit down with the government, deciding to participate in the upcoming All-Parties Conference (APC). In an informal conversation with the media in Adiala Jail, PTI Founder Imran Khan said the decision was aimed at fostering national unity and stability amidst ongoing challenges. He emphasized the party’s commitment to Pakistan’s welfare, stating, …

A remote-controlled explosive device planted on a bridge in Mardan’s Takhtbhai area exploded on Friday, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries, police officials confirmed. Sadar Superintendent of Police (SP) Khalid Khan that “unidentified terrorists” were responsible for planting the device near the Jalala bridge. The explosion occurred as a police van was passing by. The blast damaged the police …

BEIJING: China’s 5G network now covers every city and town in the country, as well as more than 90 percent of its villages, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed Friday. China has established a globally leading information and communication network, featuring 3.84 million 5G base stations, which account for more than 60 percent of the global …

BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Friday that it will hold an anti-dumping hearing on brandy imported from the EU on July 18, 2024. The hearing will be about industrial damage, cause and effect, and public interest in the anti-dumping probe of related brandy products, the ministry said in an online statement. China started an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported …

BEIJING: Amid escalating trade tensions, a wide array of experts anticipate that China’s foreign trade will sustain positive momentum in the coming months, thanks to the country’s export restructuring initiatives. In the latest webinar held by the China Macroeconomy Forum, Citigroup China chief economist Yu Xiangrong projected that the country’s export growth will hold steady at around 5 percent this …

DUSHANBE: A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled “Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations” was published Friday on the Narodnaya Gazeta newspaper and the state-run Khovar News Agency upon his state visit to Tajikistan. Following is the full text of the article: Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations Xi Jinping President of …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed here Thursday to take the China-Tajikistan all-round cooperation to a higher level. In a written statement upon arrival in the Tajik capital, Xi said he looks forward to holding talks with President Emomali Rahmon during the visit. He also said that he and Rahmon are expected to make new plans and arrangements for the …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Thursday night, commencing his state visit to Tajikistan following a busy schedule at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon welcomed Xi at the Dushanbe International Airport with a grand ceremony, where around 1,500 Tajik youths in traditional attire dancing and waving the national flags of China …

SHANGHAI: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) urgently requires in-depth discussions and consensus-building among countries, as well as collaborative efforts to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. While addressing the opening ceremony of the 2024 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Li said in recent years, new AI …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that he believes China-Belarus relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides under joint efforts of both countries. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana.

ASTANA: China and Türkiye should push for greater development of their strategic cooperative relationship, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday. The two sides should also support each other in safeguarding their core interests, constantly consolidate political mutual trust and promote high-level mutually beneficial cooperation, said Xi when meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that as the core platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, the United Nations’ role can only be strengthened, not weakened. Xi made the remarks when meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization …

The people of the United Kingdom are casting votes for the General Elections 2024 on July 4 (today) to elect a new prime minister of Britain. Around 50 million people registered to vote will cast their ballots from and a reminder, polling stations in the UK open from 7am to 10 pm local time (06:00 to 21:00 GMT) on 650 …

Actor Agha Ali, from Pakistan’s drama industry, recently made news for saying that girls value wealth and luxury over loyalty and love. Agha Ali recently spoke openly about his past mistakes on a private TV channel’s program, admitting that he frequently said inappropriate things in interviews and left out important information. He shared that “I’ve learned from my mistakes and …

The Supreme Court has deferred the formation of election tribunals, directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the chief justice of the Lahore High Court to hold consultations on the matter. It also issued a stay order on the implementation on the LHC verdict till the next hearing, and said the petition will remain pending until the consultation is …

The Power Division has dropped a new electricity bomb and unveiled revised electricity tariff slabs following an increase of Rs5.72 in the basic electricity tariff. The federal government has submitted the tariff adjustment request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), pending a public hearing scheduled for 2pm on July 8. Nepra has received the federal government’s request to …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in advanced discussions with several former star cricketers for mentorship roles. Sources privy to the matter said that the PCB has contacted Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Waqar Younis, Moin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Younis Khan, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Misbah-ul-Haq as part of its initiative to enhance the national team’s performance. The final decision will …

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a forecast warning of heavy rains and potential floods in various regions of Pakistan. The alert highlights the need for vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property. The NDMA has specified that the northeastern parts of Punjab, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the organization’s crucial role in regional peace and security. During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the beauty of Astana, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Kazakhstan and underscored the significance of …

Pakistan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Governments meeting in October this year, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Thursday. During her weekly press briefing, she stated that before the October summit, there would be a ministerial meeting and multiple rounds of senior officials meetings to concentrate on fostering cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs …

BEIJING: President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua met with Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in Beijing on Thursday. Fu said that the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has sustained a sound development momentum and bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Xinhua will continue to cover ASEAN’s activities and policies in a timely and …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Thursday called for building a shared home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as fairness and justice. Xi made the remarks when attending the expanded meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), or SCO+. He called on SCO members to strengthen exchanges on …

DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive here Thursday for a state visit to Tajikistan. Experts and officials in the central Asian country strongly anticipate the efforts of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations on various fronts. They believe the upcoming visit has the potential to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries. FOSTERING PRACTICAL COOPERATION Since establishing …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message to Antonio Costa, congratulating him on election as president of the European Council. In his message, Xi pointed out that China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in the multi-polar structure, attached great importance to the vital role of the European Union (EU) in global affairs, and been …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday that he is ready to work with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to jointly build a more substantive and dynamic China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future, and inject more positive energy to the development and stability of the region and beyond. Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential …

ASTANA: Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday called on the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to ensure security in the face of real threat from the Cold War mentality. Xi made the remarks when attending the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. He urged the member states to adhere to the vision …

The uncertain economic situation, rising inflation and ongoing political instability in Pakistan have compelled thousands of educated and skilled citizens to leave the country. According to the document of the Bureau of Immigration and overseas employment, over 700,000 people left Pakistan in 2024 for a bright future, last year the number was over 811,000. The continuous political instability in Pakistan …

Pakistan team’s Head Coach Gary Kirsten has ‘submitted’ his report on the Green Shirts’ poor performance during the T20 World Cup 2024, on Wednesday, citing sources. According to sources, Gary Kirsten has sent the report to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi is assessing the report shared by Kirsten, which details the reasons behind Pakistan team’s poor performance …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s tough economic decisions and efforts regarding hike in gas prices, citing sources. According to sources, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund held virtual talks on the efforts made in the budget to meet the conditions. The IMF was briefed on the measures taken by Pakistan to increase gas prices and other …

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has approved special permission for medical and dental students from Gaza to complete their education in Pakistan. According to a spokesperson, the decision was made at the request of the Pakistani High Commissioner in London. A special committee has been formed to oversee the education of these students, with the President of PMDC …

Chairperson, Senate Standing on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman on World Plastic Bag Free Day said that the country was consuming 55 billion plastic bags annually at an expected increase by 15 percent in its usage every year. The Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change Senator in her message on the International Plastic Bag Free Day urged the nation …

In a shocking incident, dacoits stole parts of the CT scan machine and other equipment from Sindh government hospital in Liaquatabad area of Karachi. As per details, the equipment including wiring, circuit, UPS, batteries, and other essential components were stolen from the Advance Trauma Centre. The machine was installed at a cost of over Rs 10 million. After the incident, …

Fresh off her electrifying performance at Glastonbury Festival, Dua Lipa has set the music world abuzz once again with a colossal announcement. The Grammy-winning pop sensation revealed that she will headline at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on June 20, 2025, marking a historic moment in her career. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter, known for chart-topping hits like “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now,” …

Plans are underway to provide luxury houses after luxury cars to senior government officials, with construction already commenced on lavish residences designated for senior bureaucrats of grades 20, 21, and 22. According to the documents, initially approved at a cost of Rs1.6445 billion for 27 houses, the project has now expanded to include 29 double-storey luxury houses, complete with amenities …

The United States Department of Defense has confirmed that security cooperation with Pakistan remains active, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism efforts. This announcement was made by Pentagon spokesman General Patrick during a press briefing, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations in combating terrorism. “Security cooperation with Pakistan is ongoing, with a special focus on counter-terrorism,” he stated, …

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley expressed interest in hosting an India vs Pakistan bilateral series in Australia. India vs Pakistan bilateral series has not been played since 2012-13 as both teams only meet at global ICC events. “If we can play a role in helping and facilitating the India vs Pakistan bilateral series, we would be more than happy …

Corruption allegations have emerged as the Modi government allows a blacklisted firm to conduct the second phase of recruitment exams for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Gujarat-based EduTest, previously blacklisted for leaking medical college admission papers, has been selected to oversee the exams for Section Officers and Assistant Section Officers. EduTest founder, Suresh Chandra Arya, is the …