Beijing sees tougher US-Iran talks ahead

BEIJING: China’s top diplomat told his Pakistani counterpart on Tuesday that the next phase of negotiations between the United States and Iran—which Pakistan has helped mediate—will be “more difficult”. In a phone conversation ahead of the planned signing on Friday of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding to end their war, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi…

Read More

US lifts Iran blockade ahead of MoU signing

TEHRAN: Tehran announced on Tuesday that a two-month US naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted ahead of the formal signing of an agreement in Switzerland this Friday aimed at ending the recent Middle East conflict, as the two countries are set to begin two months of negotiations on a final settlement. Iranian Deputy…

Read More

Punjab pairs austerity with growth

• Rs5.9tr surplus budget unveiled • Current spending reduced by 3.1% under fiscal consolidation push • Salaries up LAHORE: The Punjab government unveiled on Tuesday Rs5.903 trillion surplus budget for coming fiscal year, showing reduced current expenditures, despite a 7% increase in salaries and 3.5% hike in pension, while a substantial amount of Rs803.88 billion…

Read More

Pakistan’s nimble strategy helped shape Iran-US deal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s quiet but intensive diplomatic efforts played a pivotal role in preventing a potentially devastating regional conflict among the Muslim countries, revealed security sources on Tuesday, as preparations enter the final phase for the signing of a landmark peace agreement between Iran and the United States in Switzerland later this week. At a background…

Read More

Iran deal includes $300 billion fund

DUBAI: A $300 billion private fund designed to trigger investment into Iran is outlined in the U.S.-Iran framework agreement and more than half that sum has already been committed, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told Reuters. The fund is designed to give both sides an economic incentive to conclude a final deal,…

Read More

Measles claims 53 children

. KARACHI: A fresh surge in measles cases has taken a dangerous turn in Sindh, with more than 2,000 children infected so far this year and 53 losing their lives due to complications. Speaking to The Express Tribune, paediatrician Dr Khalid Shafi said that the nationwide death toll from measles has reached 96. Across Pakistan,…

Read More