Australia seeks probe into Chakwal shooting

KARACHI: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a “transparent” investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl “mistakenly” shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal shots after law enforcement officers in Chakwal shot at her family’s car last Wednesday. The onslaught…

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SC judge flags rampant planting of fake drug cases

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan has observed that the practice of planting fake narcotics recoveries against innocent persons – including politicians belonging to opposition parties, as well as individuals who have enmity with police officials or influential persons – is common in our society. “The practice of planting fake recoveries of narcotics…

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No funds without compliance, says Vance

WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that Iran would not receive any funds simply for signing a framework agreement aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that any sanctions relief or access to frozen assets would depend on Tehran meeting strict nuclear commitments. Speaking in separate television…

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Oil prices plunge, stocks rally worldwide

NEW YORK: Oil prices fell sharply, while global stock markets surged on Monday after the United States and Iran announced an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes of a lasting end to a conflict that has rattled energy markets and fuelled inflation worldwide. The world markets welcomed the prospect of reduced geopolitical…

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Pakistan to host Geneva MoU signing: PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the formal signing ceremony of a landmark peace agreement between Iran and the United States in Geneva on June 19, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday, hailing the breakthrough as a “new dawn of peace” after months of intense diplomacy that helped avert a wider regional war and potentially transformed…

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Islamabad’s mediation wins global praise

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s mediation efforts came under the spotlight on Monday as world leaders welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran to end the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide reprieve to the struggling global economy. The war, which triggered a global energy crisis, erupted after…

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Trump declares Iran peace deal is ‘all signed’

• President says US ‘negotiated from strength’ • Announces Hormuz open, lifting of US blockade • VP Vance likely US President Donald Trump. Photo: REUTERS WASHINGTON: In a dramatic geopolitical development with far-reaching implications for global energy markets and Middle has East security, US President Donald Trump announced the completion of a peace agreement with…

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Govt withholds tax relief cost as Rs360b tag emerges

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday refused to share the cost of the tax relief package with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, which will approve the new budget, but the committee chairperson said the package would cost around Rs360 billion. “The government is in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), thus, cannot disclose…

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Britain unveils sweeping social media ban for under-16s

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and live-streaming platforms, in a fightback against big tech that goes further than any other country. The sweeping changes will “give kids their childhood back”, Starmer told reporters, outlining measures against Snapchat, TikTok,…

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Choosing herself, inspiring others

Manisha Koirala’s message of self-acceptance and courage resonates with women navigating life’s many chapters Manisha Koirala. photo: file At a time when social media is often criticised for promoting unrealistic standards of beauty and success, veteran actress Manisha Koirala is using her platform to deliver a different message – one rooted in self-acceptance, confidence and…

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