ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Thursday approved a series of budget 2026-27 recommendations, including a 15% increase in salaries of government employees, restoration of frozen medical allowances for employees and pensioners, higher taxes on luxury assets and large-engine vehicles, and permission for foreign visitors and residents to bring alcohol into the country for personal use. The…
. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved what officials laud as a diplomatic breakthrough few believed possible, helping steer the United States and Iran away from a deepening crisis and laying down a structured framework for reconciliation and implementation of their emerging agreement. With the accord now formally in effect and implementation underway following electronic signatures, the…
• PM, US & Iran presidents sign ‘Islamabad MoU’ • Traffic flows through Hormuz as accord takes effect A win-win deal: (From left) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian display the signed Islamabad MoU. Photos: Reuters/Screengrab ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum…
. ISLAMABAD: When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday morning put his signature on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, it marked the culmination of an extraordinary diplomatic process that many would have dismissed as pure fantasy only a few months ago. Few, if any, could have imagined that Pakistan would not only emerge as the…
The build-up to co-hosts Mexico’s clash with South Korea has seen shrouded with intrigue, with a mystery drone spotted over Korea’s training ground. Photo: AFP LOS ANGELES: Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing a win would guarantee…
. LAHORE: As many as 150 students from various educational institutions completed a two-week internship programme organised by Lahore police. The concluding ceremony of the 29th batch of the Volunteers in Police Internship Programme was held at Qila Gujjar Singh. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran emphasised on the occasion that public cooperation was essential for maintaining…
World number one Scottie Scheffler of the United States tries to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the 126th US Open at Shinnecock. Photo: AFP LONDON: Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy made final US Open preparations on Wednesday in the last practice session before a major showdown at formidable Shinnecock. A field of…
. ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has held a high-level meeting with German Ambassador Ina Lepel to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, food security, research and technology transfer. Hussain acknowledged the longstanding ties between the two countries and emphasised joint efforts to address…
Annerie Dercksen counterattacked after an early wicket. Photo: ICC Captain Fatima Sana’s heroic all-round act involving 55 not out with the bat and 3-16 with the ball went in vain as South Africa edged past Pakistan by a mere two wickets chasing the 127-run target with 19 balls to spare in Match 11 of the…
. MARDAN: Police have solved the high-profile double murder of a Sikh couple in Baboo Mohalla, Mardan arresting a serving police constable who allegedly carried out the killings over a personal grievance stemming from his transfer from a gurdwara security assignment. Addressing a press conference, District Police Officer Mardan, Masood Ahmad Bangash, said the suspect,…