Dutch textile firm opens office in Lahore

Netherlands’ Beddinghouse shifts from sourcing to strategic investment in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic diplomacy has secured another significant milestone as The Beddinghouse, one of the Netherlands’ leading home textile companies, announced plans to substantially expand its long-term engagement with Pakistan by establishing a permanent corporate presence, investing in skilled human capital and partnering in circular…

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What to know ahead of Spain-Argentina clash

Argentina chase historic consecutive titles as Spain bid for a second World Cup crown The 2026 FIFA World Cup final brings together two of international football’s most successful nations, Spain and Argentina, whose rivalry has been remarkably even over the decades. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title, while defending champions Argentina are bidding…

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Quetta sit-in talks show breakthrough signs

Both sides report progress toward resolving the impasse over the recent Ziarat terrorist attack QUETTA: The fourth round of negotiations between the Balochistan government and the Quetta sit-in committee ended on Thursday with both sides reporting progress toward resolving the impasse over the recent Ziarat terrorist attack. During the meeting, the protest committee presented its…

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Pakistan leads GSP+ gains, faces reform test

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as the top beneficiary of the European Union’s GSP+ trade scheme, recording €7.5 billion in exports to the EU in 2024 under preferential tariffs, according to the 5th GSP Report released on Thursday, which evaluates the implementation of 27 international core conventions in beneficiary countries. The report adds that Pakistan also…

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Capital market development termed vital for growth

ISLAMABAD: A developed capital market is indispensable for sustainable economic growth, veteran businessman Arif Habib said at the SECP Talk Series, where he shared insights from over five decades of association with Pakistan’s capital markets. The session, attended by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, commissioners, representatives of market…

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K-P outlines security, political roadmap

Shafi Jan announces Madaris Bill, highlights police and CTD funding, confirms August 5 protest schedule PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan, alongside Provincial Minister for Au-qaf Adnan Qadri, addressed a press conference Thursday to outline the provincial government’s legisla-tive agenda, security strategy, and political roadmap, while also weighing in on recent controversial statements by Jamiat…

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Afridi visits wounded Lower Dir policemen

. TIMARGARA: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday paid a brief visit to Lower Dir, where he met police personnel injured in the recent terrorist attack and assured them of the government’s full support. During his visit, the chief minister inquired about the condition of the injured officers, received updates on their treatment,…

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Equitable access to education pledged

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz speaking at the inauguration of the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence in Arifwala. SCREENGRAB LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced on Thursday that 100,000 laptops would be distributed among students and 50,000 additional Honhaar Scholarships awarded to support higher education. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of 10 Nawaz Sharif…

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Power cuts bring education offices to a standstill

Power outages persist as over 50 electricity transformers are out of order. PHOTO: FILE KARACHI: Prolonged power outages have brought key Sindh education offices to a standstill, disrupting official work, online systems and public services for nearly three weeks despite officials claiming that all electricity dues have been cleared and repeated complaints lodged with K-Electric….

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PM cracks whip on fuel hoarders amid Gulf conflict fallout

Warns of adverse effects of tensions on economy Seeks ‘comprehensive strategy’ for timely response Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting in Islamabad to review austerity measures amid evolving economic situation. Photo: APP ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the authorities concerned, in coordination with the provincial governments, to take strict action against…

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