Fuel demand drop signals weaker economic activity and rising financial strain despite efficiency claims LAHORE: The government’s two-year energy conservation drive, aimed at cutting import costs and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves, has led to a notable decline in petroleum consumption. However, while the measures have delivered some financial benefits, economists argue that their…
. LONDON: Two Labour lawmakers were on Tuesday considering whether to challenge Andy Burnham to become Britain’s next prime minister, with some concern in the party about a so-called coronation. Burnham, 56, is the overwhelming frontrunner to succeed outgoing leader Keir Starmer, who announced on Monday he was stepping down after losing the support of…
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday set July 1 as the deadline for authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Islamabad to submit long-pending maps, notifications and other data required to move forward with local government (LG) elections. The commission summoned senior officials from both administrations to explain the prolonged delays. Chairing a high-level…
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Rs18.8 trillion expansionary federal budget by a majority vote, with its successful implementation – including achieving a Rs15.3 trillion tax target – seen as critical for funding defence spending and fast-tracking the construction of major dams. The lower house also approved the Finance Bill 2026 with several…
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has ruled out any blanket amnesty for leaders of proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (Jaac), holding them responsible for recent deaths and violence and vowing to pursue legal action against them. Addressing a joint press conference alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) Liaqat Ali Malik, Chief Secretary…
WASHINGTON/ ZURICH: The US and Iran have agreed to establish four working groups on sanctions termination, nuclear issues, reconstruction and economic development for monitoring and implementation following their high-level technical talks in Switzerland. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led the Iranian delegation, said the parties had…
Iranian president holds talks with President, PM, COAS Pezeshkian praises Pakistan’s sincere mediation Both sid Prime Minister Sharif holds an umbrella over visiting Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian as he and President Asif Ali Zardari extend a cordial welcome upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase. Photo: PPI ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday…
Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina beat Austria. Photo: AFP MIAMI: Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32. The player widely regarded as the…
. LAHORE: Punjab Assembly opposition members argued on Tuesday that continued neglect of the Punjabi language had contributed to moral decline and the spread of extremism in society. They criticised discrimination against Punjabi language, arguing that lawmakers routinely listened to speeches delivered in Urdu and English without objection, but resistance emerged as soon as a…
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after opening the scoring in a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan. Photo: AFP HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after “a dark week” as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday. The big win…