One message tipped the scales

People gather after a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war was announced, in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS ISLAMABAD: All bets were off. The world and the region were preparing for the worst. At one point, it looked all Pakistan’s efforts to seek an end to the hostilities would come to naught. Pakistani…

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Pakistan basks in new glory

Shehbaz says country has changed forever Calls on all sides to respect ceasefire Credits civil-military unity fo Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Reuters ISLAMABAD: Islamabad stood on the cusp of an extraordinary diplomatic moment on Wednesday as Pakistan transitioned from crisis mediator to host of high-stakes negotiations, a development framed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif…

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Diplomatic breakthrough earns global praise

The world leaders on Wednesday praised Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran had reached a two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary but significant halt to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. In a post on X, Shehbaz wrote, “With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic…

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Urumqi talks offer glimmer of Pak-Afghan détente

The Pak-Afghan border at Chaman. PHOTO: FILE BEIJING: Technical-level delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan have concluded the first round of talks facilitated by China in Urumqi, with both sides “committed to resolving differences as soon as possible”, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing that the meetings,…

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ECC approves Rs2.8b for child vaccination

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) amounting to Rs2.8 billion in favour of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). The committee was informed that the FDI remained a key national programme…

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Mills demand sugar export

Sugar. Photo: file LAHORE: The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has appealed to the government to immediately export the surplus sugar produced during the current crushing season 2025-26 in order to boost the country’s foreign exchange reserves. A spokesperson for the association stated that as of November 15, 2025, the carry-forward stock from the previous…

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Pakistan-brokered ceasefire

. The mother of all deals has finally come into being as a ceasefire has been announced among warring parties in the Middle East conflict after death and destruction of 40 days. Not only have the Middle East and the Persian Gulf heaved a sigh of relief, but also the world at large as it…

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Electric tram project stalled amid controversy

LAHORE: The proposed electric tram project along Lahore’s canal—touted as a modern, eco-friendly transport solution—has yet to take off and continues to face persistent delays. Earlier this year, the government announced plans to implement the electric tram project along the Lahore Canal corridor, covering multiple key routes, and even conducted an initial trial run. However,…

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