ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the formal signing ceremony of a landmark peace agreement between Iran and the United States in Geneva on June 19, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday, hailing the breakthrough as a “new dawn of peace” after months of intense diplomacy that helped avert a wider regional war and potentially transformed…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s mediation efforts came under the spotlight on Monday as world leaders welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran to end the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide reprieve to the struggling global economy. The war, which triggered a global energy crisis, erupted after…

• President says US ‘negotiated from strength’ • Announces Hormuz open, lifting of US blockade • VP Vance likely US President Donald Trump. Photo: REUTERS WASHINGTON: In a dramatic geopolitical development with far-reaching implications for global energy markets and Middle has East security, US President Donald Trump announced the completion of a peace agreement with…

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday refused to share the cost of the tax relief package with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, which will approve the new budget, but the committee chairperson said the package would cost around Rs360 billion. “The government is in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), thus, cannot disclose…

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and live-streaming platforms, in a fightback against big tech that goes further than any other country. The sweeping changes will “give kids their childhood back”, Starmer told reporters, outlining measures against Snapchat, TikTok,…

Manisha Koirala’s message of self-acceptance and courage resonates with women navigating life’s many chapters Manisha Koirala. photo: file At a time when social media is often criticised for promoting unrealistic standards of beauty and success, veteran actress Manisha Koirala is using her platform to deliver a different message – one rooted in self-acceptance, confidence and…

Iran lost its top political and military brass during the 108-day war with the US and Israel, amid world unrest Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Security chief Ali Larijani and Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Pakpour were among the top leaders assassinated by Israel and US in 108 days war. PHOTOS: REUTERS Over the course of…

The 2010 world champions were unable to find a breakthrough against the underdogs LOS ANGELES: European champions Spain were held to a shock 0-0 draw by tiny World Cup debutants Cape Verde on Monday as Iran prepared to make their long-awaited entrance at the tournament after a build-up engulfed by uncertainty. Spain, regarded as one…

Electric bikes are gaining popularity but costly batteries, load-shedding and poor charging remain barriers LAHORE: Electric bikes and scooters are becoming increasingly common on Lahore’s roads. Office-going women, university students, and food delivery riders are adopting them as a cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered transport. While rising fuel prices have boosted interest in electric mobility, expensive…