China buys Iranian oil at premiums to Brent

China’s stimulus plans also failed to inspire investor confidence while markets continued to watch for potential Israeli attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure. PHOTO: REUTERS SINGAPORE: Chinese independent refiners have bought Iranian oil at premiums to Brent for the first time in years, after benchmark prices fell and amid expectations that India might purchase more cargoes…

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Pakistan key to Iran-US talks, says Vali Nasr

.. US imposed new sanctions on Iran . PHOTO: ANADOLU Iranian-American academic and political scientist Vali Nasr says the ongoing war between Iran and the United States is not about military superiority but endurance, stressing that Pakistan has played a critical role in facilitating talks and de-escalating the situation. Speaking on Express24/7’s programme “Full Frame”…

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IMF budget talks begin next week

The government has agreed to the need for a mini-budget if revenues fall short of expectations by end-December 2025, according to the IMF. Photo: file ISLAMABAD: Talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure approval for next year’s budget before its presentation in the National Assembly are set to begin on Wednesday,…

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Philippine president, Rubio discuss ‘peace, security’ in South China Sea

Hold talks on bilateral economic, security priorities as Rubio reaffirms US commitment to Luzon Economic Corridor United States Secretary of State Pete Hegseth shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a welcome ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington on July 21, 2025. PHOTO: AFP Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Secretary…

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Putin orders weekend ceasefire in Ukraine

. Fact checking shows that viral clip of Putin was old and irrelevant. PHOTO: SCREEN GRAB MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine over the Orthodox Easter weekend, following an earlier call by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a pause in hostilities to observe the holiday. Zelenskyy had earlier…

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Staff shortages plague paediatric facility

With no permanent recruitments made over the past 15 years, NICH fails to accommodate the influx of child patients Sindh’s largest children’s hospital, the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), has been operating for years under severe staff shortages, with 800 posts lying vacant despite an overwhelming patient load. Doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff are…

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Bolivia ends 15-year dollar peg

LA PAZ: Bolivia will adopt a flexible exchange-rate system, the government said on Friday, effectively devaluing the currency by ending a 15-year dollar peg in a major policy shift aimed at restoring economic stability. Bolivia’s central bank will oversee the shift, as the government aims to “strengthen macroeconomic stability, preserve external competitiveness and contribute to…

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Pakistan, Vietnam discuss PTA to cut tariffs

The ambassador noted that Vietnam remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies KARACHI: Evolving geopolitical and trade dynamics in the region have created new opportunities for Pakistan, particularly for Karachi, which has the potential to rapidly emerge as a regional trade and logistics hub owing to the strategic importance of Karachi Port, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Anh…

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FinMin says govt focused on broadening tax base, not burdening salaried class in budget

Says ongoing reforms focused on bringing retailers into the tax net and strengthening the revenue system Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presents Budget 2026-27 in the National Assembly on Friday. — SCREENGRAB ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday said that Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators remained stable and the government was focused on expanding the tax base…

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WHO chief flags growing Ebola outbreak

WHO has declared the outbreak of rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a public health emergency of international concern GENEVA: The head of the World Health Organization said on Monday that the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was outpacing response efforts, giving the latest number of suspected deaths as 220. Addressing…

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