Daily News

ISLAMABAD: Just before the eve of the International Day of Parliamentarism, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the vital role of the Pakistani Parliament in defending inclusive governance, democratic values, and uprightness, ARY News reported. In his statement on June 30, President Zardari specified the importance of Parliament as the “sovereign representative of the people and the guardian of constitutional values.” Asif Zardari pointed out that the government plays a vital role in developing national policy, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring transparency and accountability within representative government. Emphasising the event, Asif Zardari stated, “Today, we observe the International Day of Parliamentarism, reiterating our promise to uphold democracy, inclusivity, tolerance, and socio-economic justice.” Asif Zardari repeated that the legislative functions of the Parliament and oversight functions help as key tools for improving public service delivery and firmi...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s passport has marked a significant achievement by entering the top 100 of the Henley Passport Index 2025, according to the latest global rankings released by Henley & Partners, ARY News reported. The Pakistani passport now ranks 100th, a notable improvement from its 113th position in 2021. This ranking grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, reflecting growing international mobility for Pakistani citizens. Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, congratulated the nation on this progress and credited the accomplishment to the support of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Interior Secretary. He emphasised that modern security upgrades, including the rollout of e-passports equipped with contactless NFC chips compliant with ICAO standards, have enhanced the passport’s global credibility. To further ease international travel, e-gates will soon be introduced at all major airports in Pakistan, streamlining the im...

KARACHI: China has rolled over $3.4 billion in loans to Pakistan, two senior Pakistani government officials told Reuters on Sunday, in a move that will help boost Islamabad’s foreign exchange reserves, a requirement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Beijing rolled over $2.1 billion, which has been in Pakistan’s central bank’s reserves for the last three years, and refinanced another $1.3 billion commercial loan, which Islamabad had paid back two months ago, the sources said. The officials asked not to be named as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly ahead of an official announcement. Another $1 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks and $500 million from multilateral financing have also been received, one of the officials said. “This brings our reserves in line with the IMF target,” he said. The loans, especially those from China, are critical to shoring up Pakistan’s low foreign reserves, which the IMF required to be over $14 billion at the end ...

LAKKI MARWAT: Three people, including a Peace Committee president, were killed in a terrorist shooting incident in Lakki Marwat, ARY News reported on Sunday, quoting police. As per details, the firing incident was reported in the jurisdiction of Dadiwala police station. Among the deceased was Dastagir, president of the Shahab Khel Peace Committee, along with two others identified as Salahuddin and Farman. Following the attack, the bodies were shifted to a local hospital. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation, and a search operation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators. Read more: One killed as terrorists launch attack on Lakki Marwat police station On April 23, 2025, terrorists attacked a wildlife park building near Karam Bridge in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to police officials, the explosion, triggered by an improvised explosive device planted by the assailants a day earlier, damaged the office building of the wildlife park. Furnit...

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Musakhel district in Balochistan early Sunday morning, according to the Seismological Center. The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Dera Ghazi Khan. The tremors caused structural damage in the Rārāsham area, where two houses collapsed and five others were partially damaged, local administration confirmed. Three individuals sustained injuries in the incident. Authorities from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that damage assessment is currently underway. Relief and response teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to provide assistance and evaluate the extent of the losses. Read more: Magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits Quetta On April 12, an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted Islamabad and cities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said that tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi Swat, Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, L...

PESHAWAR: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar, where he was briefed in detail on the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the visit, the field marshal also attended the funeral of the Shuhada of the incident at Bannu Garrison and visited the injured at Bannu CMH. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir paid rich tribute to the unwavering courage and resilience of Pakistan’s security forces, who continue to confront and neutralize the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij with exemplary valour. He reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stand united in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, until the threat is decisively eliminated from the country. Reiterating the state’s uncompromising stance, the Chief of Army Staff vowed that all facilitators, abettors, and perpetrators of terrorism will be relentlessly pursued...

KARACHI: A major power failure at the Dhabiji Pumping Station has caused a severe Karachi water crisis, leaving numerous neighbourhoods without water for over 38 hours, ARY News reported. An underground cable fault has been the cause of the outage, which has severely impacted operations at the K-III pump house, while limited power has been restored to K-II. According to K-Electric authorities, the fault reformation efforts are being obstructed by waterlogging in the area. “Once the water retreats, the work will be completed, and the supply will be restored,” a spokesperson confirmed. According to the reports by the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), a deficit of approximately 171 million gallons of water is affecting areas such as Nazimabad, New Karachi, Landhi, and Korangi. Despite ongoing collaboration between K-Electric and KWSC to get rid of the Karachi water crisis, full restoration is still pending. The Dhabiji Pumping Station is a critical infrastructure hub,...

SWAT: Rescue teams continue their search for three missing tourists swept away by flash floods in the Swat River, as 11 bodies have been recovered so far, ARY News reported on Saturday. According to Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shahzad Mehboob, a total of 17 people were caught in a sudden surge of water while gathered near the riverbank. DC Mehboob stated that among the victims, 10 were residents of Daska in Punjab, six were from Mardan, and one was a local resident of Swat. He confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining three missing tourists — two from Punjab and one from Mardan — while three individuals have been successfully rescued. According to rescue officials, the affected individuals hailing from Punjab were on a leisure trip, having breakfast by the riverbank at around 8am when heavy rains upstream caused an unexpected and rapid increase in water flow. After breakfast, the tourists went to a dry riverbed to take photos when suddenly they were surr...

Pakistan has welcomed the Supplemental Award by the Court of Arbitration in the Indus Waters matter, complementing Islamabad’s stance that India can neither unilaterally suspend the treaty nor it can limit the competence of the court.     Pakistan notes that the Court has affirmed its Competence in the light of recent developments and that unilateral action by India cannot deprive either the Court or the Neutral Expert, in the proceedings initiated by India, of their competence to adjudicate the issues before them. Pakistan looks forward to receiving the Court’s Award on the First Phase on the Merits in due course following the hearing that was held in Peace Palace in The Hague in July 2024. The high priority, at this point, is that India and Pakistan find a way back to a meaningful dialogue, including on the application of the Indus Waters Treaty. To this end, and reaching out to India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on 24 June 2025, in widely pub...

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued details of causalities during the torrential rains and flash floods in the province. According to the PDMA, monsoon rains have caused the Swat River to overflow, leading to a severe flood situation. It released an initial damage report, confirming that landslides and flash floods in Swat have claimed 11 lives and injured 6 people. The deceased include four men, three women, and four children, according to PDMA. The PDMA report also indicated that 56 houses have been damaged due to the rains and flash floods, with 6 homes completely destroyed and 50 partially affected. Swat has suffered the most significant loss of life and property, with 11 fatalities reported. Under the monsoon plan, 136 relief trucks have been provided to the district administration. Read More: Flash floods in Swat trap 73, drown 17 Additionally, a relief fund of 450 million rupees has been allocated for flash flood vict...

KARACHI: In the recent Karachi PECHS robbery, a group of criminals pretending to be fake FIA officers performed a carefully orchestrated robbery, taking away with over Rs 130 million in cash and other valuables, ARY News reported. According to the reports, the robbery occurred in the upscale PECHS Block 2 area of Karachi. The police authorities reported that the suspects, two men and three women who were dressed in burqas (masks), arrived at the home of a local showroom owner around 3:30 AM in a black car. One of the men was wearing a uniform that was almost like the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA), complete with a monogram. He waved a pistol to force the homeowner to allow entry into his home. As they entered, the fake FIA officers forced residents to open the inner doors and continued to rob the bedroom safe. They filled Rs 130 million in cash in their bags, along with 20 luxury watches, a smart watch, nine mobile phones, and two laptops. Read More: Two robbers killed in ...

KARACHI: In expectation of the 1st Muharram rally, Karachi’s traffic police have issued a detailed Karachi traffic plan to control traffic flow and diversions during the religious rally scheduled for tomorrow, ARY News reported. The rally, led by a religious group, will continue from Lasbela Chowk to Regal Chowk. Karachi traffic police have temporarily closed or redirected several main routes to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. Karachi traffic police spokesperson mentioned that: Traffic from Lasbela Chowk will be diverted toward Nishtar Road and Teen Hatti. Vehicles approaching from University Road will not be allowed to proceed toward People’s Chowrangi. Traffic from Jail Chowrangi Flyover will be redirected to Kashmir Road. Vehicles from Society Signal will also be routed toward Kashmir Road. No traffic will be allowed from Fresco Chowk to Regal Chowk; instead, it will be diverted to M.A. Jinnah Road. Similarly, traffic from the Tibet Centre toward Regal Chowk ...

KARACHI: Karachi experienced varying intensities of rain across its regions Thursday night, with light to heavy showers, ARY News reported. Many Karachi areas including Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Memon Goth, Shah Latif Town, Razzaqabad, Bhens Colony, Saddar, and surrounding localities received rain. Steel Town, Pipri, Port Qasim, Ghaffar Phatak, and nearby areas also saw downpours. Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, and adjacent regions, while Tariq Road, Bahaduraabad, Hasan Square, P.I.B., Jail Road, and their vicinities experienced showers. Other areas include Safura, Saadi Town, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33, Incholi, Gulberg, and Garden. Thunderstorms accompanied rain in Kathore, Gudap, and along the M-9 Motorway, while heavy rain was recorded near the airport. Meanwhile, different cities in Sindh faced either rain or dust storms. In Qasimabad, Latifabad, Thandi Sarak, and Auto Bhan Road, waterlogging occurred due to accumulated rainwater. from Latest Pakistan Ne...

KARACHI: The Karachi sugar price hike has once again risen steeply, crossing Rs190 per kilogram in different areas, leaving citizens struggling under the pressure of inflation, ARY News reported. Just a few days ago, sugar was being sold at a rate of Rs 175 per kg. But an unexpected hike in the price of Rs 10 to 15 has caused extensive frustration and allegations of profiteering by the so-called sugar mafia in Pakistan. According to local reports, retailers are selling sugar at Rs 190 per kg, with some neighbourhood shops charging even more. Wholesalers quote increased procurement costs, while consumers blame suppliers for stockpiling and false scarcity. “I came to buy 5 kg of sugar, but I can only afford 2.5 kg now,” lamented one shopper at a local market. The Karachi sugar price hike has excessively affected low-income families in need, many of whom depend on sugar daily. Citizens are demanding that the government intervene immediately, but so far, officials have remained most...

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the immediate start of initiatives to enhance the country’s electricity transmission and distribution network. The prime minister chaired a meeting in Islamabad to assess ongoing improvements in the power sector. PM Shehbaz said that delivering relief to citizens and ensuring a steady power supply to industries through eco-friendly and cost-effective energy projects remains the government’s highest priority. PM Shehbaz ordered the speedup of privatizing power distribution companies and noted that the second and third phases of the auction for unprofitable generation firms should be finalized shortly. The prime minister mandated the swift completion of smart meter installations and requested a report once the process is concluded. PM Shehbaz also directed to pace up the process of establishment of electric vehicle charging stations across the country. He said that solarization of tube wells in Balochistan by the...

KARACHI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Balochistan chief, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch’s son, Abdul Basit, went missing on Wednesday from Malir area of Karachi. According to a spokesperson, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the alleged kidnapping of the child and directed Sindh IG Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, to utilize all available resources to recover the missing child. The chief minister also called for an immediate and detailed report on the matter. In a post on social media, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stated that his son, a student at Jamia Hanifia Saudabad seminary in Malir, left the institution on Tuesday evening to visit his uncle but did not turn up. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also contacted Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman to inquire about the incident and assured him of full cooperation to ensure the swift recovery of his son. Read More: 12 children went missing in Karachi in last two months Earlier, according to reported of ARY News in ...

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a reduction of Rs1.50 per unit in the basic electricity tariff, bringing relief to consumers. The new average tariff for power distribution companies will be set at Rs34 per unit, according to the NEPRA decision. The authority has forwarded its ruling to the federal government for official notification, which will be issued following the government’s decision on subsidies. Earlier, the NEPRA has reduced K-Electric’s (KE) tariff by Rs2.99 per unit. According to a notification issued here, the reduction has been made under monthly fuel adjustment for March which will reflect in the June electricity bills, offering some respite of KE consumers amid soaring power costs and prolonged load-shedding in Karachi. Meanwhile, the city has been grappling with intensified unannounced load-shedding as summer heat peaks, drawing protests not only from residents but also from elected representatives. In a recent in...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan is prepared to hold constructive dialogues with India on all unresolved matters including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. He shared these thoughts during a phone call with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Tuesday. The Prime Minister reaffirmed deep appreciation for the Kingdom’s consistent backing of Pakistan amid the recent tensions with India. The two leaders also exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. In this regard, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan fully supported the immediate de-escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, as well as its peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. While referring to last night’s attacks, he called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles by all sides. In this context, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom...

UNITED NATIONS: A senior Pakistani diplomat has told the UN Security Council that the 6,000-strong Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the largest UN-designated terrorist group operating from Afghan soil, posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security, state-run APP reported on Tuesday. “Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a serious threat to its neighbours, particularly Pakistan,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in an address to the 15-member Council, pointing out that TTP has safe havens close to the Pakistani border. Speaking in a debate on the situation in Afghanistan, the Pakistani envoy also voiced concern over the potential destabilizing impact of the situation in Iran following unprovoked Israeli attacks. “A refugee exodus into neighbouring countries—including Afghanistan and Pakistan—could pose significant new challenges,” he said, adding that it might imperil the already fragile conditions in the war-torn c...

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an urgent meeting on Tuesday to address the supply of petroleum products, prompted by the volatile regional situation, ARY News reported citing sources. PM Shehbaz will chair the meeting while representatives from the Petroleum Division, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), and refinery officials will also attend the meeting. The participants will review current stocks of petrol and diesel along with future supply prospects. According to sources, the meeting will also consider the impact of fluctuation in global oil prices and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The prime minister has established an Oil Supply Committee, led by the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, to oversee these concerns. Read More: Oil prices fall 6% after Iran attack on US military base The committee will assess oil supply contingencies should the Strait of Hormuz be blocked. Petroleum Division officials hav...

K-Electric consumers likely to get Rs4.69 per unit relief as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is scheduled to conduct hearing on the KE’s plea today (Monday), ARY News reported.  In welcome news for residents of Karachi, electricity tariff may drop by Rs4.69 per unit for Karachi consumers as NEPRA is scheduled to hold a hearing today regarding K-Electric’s petition for a reduction in tariffs under the monthly fuel adjustment mechanism. If approved, the proposed cut would provide a financial relief of approximately Rs7.17 billion to K-Electric users. Earlier on June 5, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reduced K-Electric’s (KE) tariff by Rs2.99 per unit. According to a notification issued, the reduction was made under monthly fuel adjustment for March which will reflect in the June electricity bills, offering some respite of KE consumers amid soaring power costs and prolonged load-shedding in Karachi. Read more:  NEPRA notifi...

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities safeguarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), terming the actions unlawful and provocative. Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad expressed regret that international calls for de-escalation and dialogue have gone unheeded. “Pakistan’s stance from the beginning has been grounded in international law and the UN Charter,” the ambassador said, reiterating Islamabad’s firm opposition to Israeli aggression and expressing unequivocal support for Iran’s legitimate right to self-defence as recognized under the UN framework. Ambassador Ahmad called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged all parties to return to dialogue, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path toward a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. He also voiced concern over esc...

ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, on Sunday asserted that Iran would continue its nuclear program despite the United States (US) attacked its three nuclear sites including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. According to Pakistan’s state-run news agency, the APP, speaking at the emergency press conference here at the National Press Club, Islamabad, he called the Iranian nuclear program was for peaceful purposes, including generating electricity and others, emphasizing that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has declared our nuclear program peaceful fifteen times, said a press release. He further said that negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program were ongoing when Israel attacked Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and martyred its prominent nuclear scientists, military commanders, to which Iran responded with missiles it had developed. Read More: PM Shehbaz condemns US strikes in call with Iranian President He also declared Israeli and American atta...

LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, led by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, assembled in Lahore to conclude Muharram security arrangements across the division, ARY News reported. Senior officials attended the meeting, including the Home Secretary, AIG Special Branch, DIG Counter-Terrorism Department, the Divisional Peace Committee and religious scholars’ representatives. The Punjab cabinet committee sorted the comprehensive security plan for Muharram security in Lahore, guaranteeing that all processions and religious gatherings will be conducted peacefully. Specific districts are prohibited for a total of 76 Zakireen and speakers from entering, while 71 individuals have been forbidden from delivering public speeches during the holy month. Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that all security measures have been finalised in consultation with procession organisers. Read More: Punjab bans pillion riding in Muharram under section 144 “We are ensuring uninter...

KARACHI: A series of violent incidents unfolded in Karachi within a few hours as three robbers were killed and a citizen was injured in different engagements in the metropolis, ARY News reported, citing police. A citizen, identified as Subash Chand, was injured due to gunfire during a robbery attempt near Sea View, the police said. The law enforcers said that dacoits were looting a citizen when they arrived, prompting the criminals to open fire and flee. During the confrontation, Subash Chand was injured by the robbers’ gunfire and was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. According to police, the dacoits also injured in the police retaliation who abandoned their motorcycle and escaped toward the sea, with police now conducting a manhunt for the wounded suspects. Read More: Home minister says crime rate declined in Karachi In a separate development, two police encounters in the Korangi Industrial Area near Veta Chowrangi and Godam Chowrangi resulted in the killings of t...

ISLAMABAD: Khurram Shehzad, Adviser to the Finance Minister, stated that the federal government has successfully resolved Pakistan’s long-standing issue of circular debt through a historic Rs1.275 trillion Islamic financing agreement with 18 commercial banks, ARY News reported. Khurram Shehzad made the announcement, hailing the development as a foundation of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif administration’s major energy restructuring. Khurram Shehzad indicated that the financing deal will eradicate Rs1.275 trillion in circular debt, a burden that has long overwhelmed the country’s power sector. A total allocation of Rs683 billion will be directed towards settling liabilities of the Power Holding Company, while Rs592 billion will be designated for Independent Power Producers (IPPs). A loan of Rs1.275 trillion has been secured at a concessional rate to resolve Pakistan’s circular debt, set at 0.9% below the three-month KIBOR benchmark, in line with Pakistan’s commitment to achi...

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari formally launched the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, a skill development and empowerment initiative for needy families, at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, the President underscored the importance of education and skill development, stating that every household should be equipped with the tools of learning and education. He said that BISP was based on the philosophy of Zulfikar Bhutto whose legacy was carried forward by  Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who believed in inclusive prosperity and education for all. “We are determined to realize her vision for the uplift of marginalized segments of society,” the President said. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present at the launch of the programme. Highlighting the importance of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, President Zardari noted that skills development was crucial not only for national progress but also for preparing a skilled workforce to meet the gr...

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially unveiled an extensive age relaxation policy for candidates seeking to pursue their career in the public sector, ARY News reported. The Chief Secretary highlighted in the notification that the new policy lets a general age relaxation of up to 10 years for several government job groups. According to the revised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa age relaxation policy, candidates applying for Grade 17 and above positions are qualified for a 10-year upper age leniency. Likewise, Secretariat posts of Grade 16 and below will also benefit from the same concession. For non-Secretariat roles, the authority to grant age relaxation lies with the Administrative Secretary and relevant departmental heads. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa age relaxation policy also includes special provisions for the families of government employees martyred in acts of terrorism. Widows and children of such employees will receive additional consideration under the new rules. ...

KARACHI: The Karachi weather witnessed a refreshing change as cloudy skies and light showers brought pleasant conditions early this morning, ARY News reported quoting Met Office. According to Meteorological Department, areas including Lyari, Maripur Road, Clifton, and nearby neighborhoods reported light drizzle. The weather forecast suggests that Karachi may see continued drizzle today and tomorrow, especially during the morning and evening hours. Meanwhile, over the next 24 hours, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with strong winds persisting. The Meteorological Department predicts a maximum temperature of 36°C today, with humidity levels recorded at 75%, whereas winds are blowing from the southwest at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour. It is worth mentioning here that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)issued an advisory ahead of the predicted rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms in different parts of the country from June 20 to 23. Also read: Pre-...

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dismissed the Indian media’s claims that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, stated Pakistan had requested a ceasefire following recent tensions with India. “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression,” Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement issued late Friday. He said that Deputy Prime Dar, in his media interviews and statements, had explained that Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression in exercise of its right to self-defence. He explained that the friendly states, including Saudi Arabia, and particularly the United States, played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India. “The sequence of events clearly demonstrates that Pakistan did not initiate or ask anyone for a ceasefire but agreed to it when around 0815 am on 10th May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and informed tha...

ISLAMABAD: On the completion of the second year of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), significant milestones have been achieved to boost the digital economy of Pakistan, enabling PayPal for Pakistani freelancers as a key achievement. SIFC, by this initiative, has simplified international payments and boosted the country’s freelance ecosystem. The trial project, launched earlier this year, lets 10,000 freelancers receive payments via PayPal through a mediator, without requiring them to create PayPal accounts themselves. The system, PayPal for Pakistani freelancers, makes sure that payments sent from abroad are directly deposited into local bank accounts, streamlining fund transfers and enhancing financial inclusion. SIFC has also activated 43 IT parks nationwide, with key facilities under construction in Islamabad and Karachi. These IT parks are designed to support startups and freelancers with modern infrastructure, including co-working spaces and training hubs. ...

NEW YORK:  Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), strongly denounced Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, urging for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Iran conflict, ARY News reported. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called Israel’s aggression a “grave threat” to regional and global peace, reiterating Pakistan’s resolute solidarity with Iran, emphasising the need for swift easing of tension and a return to diplomacy. Ambassador Iftikhar showed appreciation to the UN Secretary-General’s diplomatic efforts and repeated his message for global responsibility in addressing the Israel-Iran conflict. “Diplomacy is not optional, it is essential,” he stated, requesting all parties to support international law and the UN Charter. The Pakistani diplomat warned that Israel’s actions, including attacks on Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, represent a pattern of unilateral belligerence that demoralises in...