China draws ‘red lines’ around its economic model ahead of EU, US trade talks

Western countries frame China’s policies as mercantilist and opposing global trade rules China is also seeking to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity and reduce the industry’s reliance on advanced Nvidia chips that are subject to US export controls. PHOTO: REUTERS China is energetically defending its economic policy mix that favours advanced industries over consumption, adopting…

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PML-N leads in second phase

Party ahead in five Muzaffarabad Division constituencies; PPP likely to secure three seats PEOPLE’S VOICE: A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during the second phase of elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad. PHOTO: AFP MUZAFFARABAD: The PML-N was leading in five constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division, while the PPP had won…

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Flood threat grows as monsoon intensifies

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned that water levels in Pakistan’s major rivers are expected to rise significantly between Aug 2 and 4, prompting flood alerts across several regions. The authority urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas as heavy monsoon rains continue to intensify. According to the…

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Surging M2 undermines export competitiveness

Fiscal financing, credit expansion, bank deposits boosted by remittances expand broad money supply ISLAMABAD’: Pakistan’s export sector continues to underperform despite repeated currency depreciations, IMF-supported stabilisation and periodic policy interventions. Merchandise exports have largely remained between $28-32 billion over the past four years. Exports reached $32.1 billion in FY2025, but declined 6.8% to $30.13 billion…

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