Competing narratives define US-Iran talks

Trump denies any pause as Rubio optimistic about deal; Iran says proposal under review WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States and Iran issued sharply divergent accounts of ongoing negotiations over a possible deal on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump insisting talks are continuing “continuously” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced cautious optimism that an agreement could…

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City’s K-IV drifts towards 2029

KARACHI: For millions of Karachi residents struggling with chronic water shortages, the long-awaited K-IV project was supposed to be the solution. Instead, two decades after it was first conceived, the mega water supply scheme remains mired in delays, rising costs and unfinished infrastructure, with officials now indicating that completion may still be at least three…

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Gold shines on global rally

KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan remained on an upward trajectory on Tuesday, tracking gains in the international market, where bullion strengthened as investors weighed developments in the Middle East alongside upcoming US macroeconomic data that could shape rate expectations. In the local market, the price of gold per tola touched Rs476,362, registering an increase of…

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Dualisation of Kahuta Road in limbo

Only around 1km of road widening, carpeting was completed, no progress on remaining 27.4 km RAWALPINDI: Despite the allocation of Rs23.84 billion in the federal budget 2025-26 for the dualisation of the Soan Camp-Model Town-Kahuta Road (28.4 km), along with the Sihala Railway Crossing flyover and Kahuta bypass project, construction work has failed to progress…

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Flintoff named Sydney Thunder head coach

SYDNEY: England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff was named Tuesday as head coach of the Sydney Thunder, the Big Bash League team said, hailing it as their “most significant off-field acquisition in club history”. The 48-year-old has signed a two-year deal for what will be his first overseas coaching role, following weeks of speculation. Former England captain Flintoff starred for…

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Educators reject privatisation policy

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Teachers Union, Educators Association and Education Pensioners Association have strongly condemned the privatisation of government schools and colleges under the banners of Public-Private Partnership and “Schools of Eminence”, describing the initiative as a “brutal killing” of the public education system and demanding its immediate withdrawal. Speaking to the media, PTU President Ramzan…

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FIFA praises Pakistan football revival

They also plan key reforms to modernize governance and boost the sport’s growth. ISLAMABAD: FIFA has backed the progress made by Pakistan football over the past year, describing it as being on the right track while calling for immediate constitutional reforms within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). FIFA officials emphasized that modern governance structures and…

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