Hormuz opening lifts deal prospects

• Araghchi announces vital trade chokepoint open to all commercial vessels • Trump sees deal ‘soon’ to end war • A vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Musandam province. PHOTO: REUTERS DUBAI/WASHINGTON: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday the Strait of Hormuz was open following a ceasefire agreement…

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Chinese ambassador praises Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace in meeting with PM Shehbaz

PM expresses satisfaction over what he described as the ‘positive trajectory’ of Pakistan-China relations China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, on Thursday lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,…

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Zardari greets Iraq’s new president

. ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday congratulated Nizar Amidi on his election as president of the Republic of Iraq, conveying his best wishes for success in the new role, Radio Pakistan reported. In his message, the president expressed confidence that “under President Amidi’s leadership, Iraq would continue its efforts towards stability, progress and…

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K-P announces Rs2,000 fuel subsidy for bikers, rickshaw owners

Through Dastak App eligible individuals can register and avail financial assistance Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afrid. SCREENGRAB The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Sunday, in response to surging petrol prices and an ongoing energy crisis, launched the Ehsaas Fuel Support Programme, under which motorcycle, scooter, and rickshaw owners will be given Rs2,000. Special Assistant to…

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Illicit cigarette trade costs Rs300b annually

Weak enforcement measures against illegal manufacturing, smuggling fuel revenue gap LAHORE: Effective control over tax evasion in the tobacco sector can significantly reduce the revenue deficit and enable the government to better withstand internal and external economic pressures. The evolving situation in the Middle East, coupled with the failure to meet tax targets, is putting…

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Barcelona on verge of Liga title

Barcelona earned a tight win at Osasuna to move to the brink of the La Liga title. Photo: AFP BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres took Barcelona to the brink of the La Liga title with late goals to earn them a 2-1 win at Osasuna on Saturday. Elsewhere, Villarreal guaranteed themselves a Champions League…

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PAA extends fuel carriage NOTAM until April 30

Decision comes amid continued disruptions and logistical challenges in the availability of jet fuel one Pakistan airports handle 26.8m passengers. Photo: Express KARACHI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has extended until April 30 a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) allowing airlines operating to and from Pakistan to carry higher quantities of fuel from abroad, in response…

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Saudi Arabia announces $3b additional support, extends $5b deposit: Finance Minister

Aurangzeb says this would help reinforce foreign exchange reserves, strengthen the country’s external account Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb along with the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, held a detailed meeting with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FINANCE ON X The Kingdom of Saudi…

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A show of strength or a sign of PTI’s declining public pull?

CM Afridi rally staged big optics, but turnout low; 300+ chairs empty, under 850 attendees showed up The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s recent rally in Muzaffarabad has triggered an important political debate. The event was projected as a demonstration of PTI’s public popularity, organisational strength and political reach beyond Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. However, the turnout told a different story….

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Shops to shut early as govt tightens energy belt

People walk past closed shops, following protests over a plunge in the currency’s value, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2026. PHOTO: WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ISLAMABAD: In a bid to rein in rising energy consumption amid a deepening fuel crisis, the federal government on Monday ordered markets…

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