Can Pakistani dramas go global
Streaming talks renew hopes, but industry veterans warn international audiences demand much more than familiar…
Can Pakistani dramas go global
Streaming talks renew hopes, but industry veterans warn international audiences demand much more than familiar family Pakistan’s ambitions to secure a stronger place on global streaming platforms have reignited debate over the future of the country’s entertainment industry, with government officials, filmmakers and directors broadly welcoming the prospect of international exposure while sharply disagreeing on…
China unveils first consumption-focused five-year plan to drive growth
Beijing aims to boost domestic demand, target 60 trillion yuan in retail sales by 2030 China has unveiled its first-ever five-year plan dedicated exclusively to boosting domestic consumption, marking a strategic shift as the world’s second-largest economy looks to strengthen internal demand and reduce reliance on external factors for growth. The plan, covering the 2026-30…
Zaman Sohail, Fareeha Siddiq Crowned National Chess Champions
ISLAMABAD: Zaman Sohail of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Punjab’s Fareeha Siddiq emerged as the champions in the men’s and women’s categories of the National Chess Championship, held at the Pakistan Sports Complex. Organised by the Chess Federation of Pakistan, the tournament featured more than 250 players from across the country competing in multiple…
Déjà vu
I am reviewing my writings from the past eighteen years these days to compile them for a forthcoming book on Pakistan's fight against terror and wars in Afghanistan. It pains me to note we haven't progressed at all from where and how we were when these lines were first written and appeared in the press….
China posts steady 4.7% growth, defies global headwinds
Strong H1 growth driven by innovation, high-tech sectors and resilient domestic demand despite global slowdown A worker checks automatic spool winders at a smart factory in Xin’an Town, Deqing County, Zhejiang province, China, on June 15, 2026. Photo: Xinhua China’s economy expanded by 4.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, demonstrating resilience amid global…
Trump to attend World Cup final on Sunday, White House says
White House says Trump will attend World Cup final, calling it the most watched and secure in US history Reuters July 17, 2026 Less than a minute read US President Donald Trump reacts at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 15, 2026.PHOTO:REUTERS US…
French lawmakers back bill to remove statute of limitations for serious crimes against minors
France extends no time limit for prosecution to serious crimes against children, beyond crimes against humanity France’s parliament voted 93-51 to remove time limits for prosecuting the most serious crimes against minors. PHOTO: ANADOLU France’s National Assembly on Thursday voted to abolish the statute of limitations for the most serious crimes committed against minors, approving…
Hamilton eyes Schumacher’s record
Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favouritecircuits for the 20th consecutive year this weekend. Photo: AFP LONDON: Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits for the 20th consecutive year this weekend in pursuit of a victory for Ferrari to equal Michael Schumacher’s record six Belgian Grand Prix wins. After finishing third behind triumphant Ferrari…
UK opens probe into TikTok’s child safety measures
TikTok said it met UK online safety rules, after the law tightened protections for children last year The Online Safety Act aims to prevent minors from encountering harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography. PHOTO: PEXELS Britain’s communications regulator on Thursday launched an investigation into whether social media platform TikTok is doing…
LHC introduces transport monetisation policy, allows judicial officers to buy vehicles at depreciated rates
Replaces official transport facilities with a monthly allowance for judicial officers across Punjab Lahore High Court. PHOTO: ONLINE The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rolled out a Transport Monetisation Policy, enabling judicial officers serving in the district judiciary across Punjab to purchase their officially allotted vehicles at depreciated rates. The policy has been enforced with…
