Pakistan, US cite ‘significant progress’ in Washington trade talks
Andrabi says both sides ironing out differences, building convergence, with view to early conclusion of…
Pakistan, US cite ‘significant progress’ in Washington trade talks
Andrabi says both sides ironing out differences, building convergence, with view to early conclusion of agreement Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, who led the Pakistan delegation, characterised the talks as positive and appreciated the significant progress made during the negotiations. PHOTO: Tahir Andrabi on X Pakistan and the United States have made significant progress towards a…
NDC claims Qureshi unhappy with PTI leadership
LAHORE: Claims by the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) that jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership and the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) have triggered sharp denials from both organisations. However, senior PTI leaders privately acknowledged that concerns over the party’s engagement with imprisoned leaders remain genuine…
PM pins growth hopes on easier SME credit
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday underscored that providing easy financial facilities to various sectors is essential for sustainable economic development. He emphasized that banks should significantly increase the provision of loans to priority sectors, especially the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. The prime minister…
PSX reports record Rs3.5tr Sukuk issuance
Finance ministry says debt-to-GDP ratio improves to 68.5% as govt advances reforms KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), in collaboration with the finance ministry, hosted an investor briefing to discuss the country’s debt management strategy, Sukuk issuance and fiscal reforms, according to a statement on Friday. The session brought together senior ministry officials, PSX leadership,…
New Zealand, India elevate ties to strategic partnership during Modi’s visit
India and New Zealand elevated ties to a strategic partnership on Saturday, according to officials. It came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in New Zealand, held “wide-ranging and productive talks” with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, adding that talks included trade and…
Rain, windstorms likely in upper parts
Rain-windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are likely in Kashmir ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast rain-windstorms and thundershowers in the upper parts of the country during the weekend as moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave are expected to influence weather conditions from Saturday. Also, the Emergency…
PTA issues 47 district-level internet licences
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued 47 district-level Class Licences for internet services this year as part of its efforts to expand broadband infrastructure across the country. According to PTA documents, the first district-level internet licence was issued in February this year. During March, the authority granted 12 new district-level licences, followed by…
Algeria battles 119 wildfires, farm, palm grove blazes in 24 hours
One forest fire remains active at Guigba, in Kalaa Bousbaa commune of northeastern Guelma province Algeria’s General Directorate of Civil Protection recorded 119 fires in several provinces since early Thursday, affecting forests, agricultural land, and palm groves, the agency said Friday. Crews extinguished 114 of the fires and kept four others under surveillance to prevent…
Apex court mandates anti-harassment policies in schools
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has stressed the need for every educational institution to adopt a clear internal harassment policy, establish effective reporting and inquiry mechanisms, and enforce strict disciplinary action against offenders, while restoring the punishment of a male teacher found guilty of harassing a female colleague. In a 12-page judgment authored by Justice Muhammad…
Dozens neutralised in Balochistan terror purge
‘Op Shaaban’, other IBOs continue with full force Khuzdar police station attack successfully repulsed Preside ISLAMABAD: Security forces significantly tightened the net around terrorists belonging to ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ as ‘Operation Shaaban’ entered a decisive phase in the rugged mountainous areas of Balochistan on Friday, with ground and aerial operations continuing against terrorist positions. Under the…
