Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - A multi-party conference hosted by opposition alliance ‘Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan’ (TTAP) on Friday called for a consensus-based new charter of democracy (CoD), through a national dialogue, among all political forces of the country to safeguard parliamentary democracy and human rights.

Foreign ministry hails new tariff under US trade deal Says tariff agreement with US opens new avenues for Pakistani exports Calls Trump move a balanced and forward-looking approach.

ISLAMABAD - The 98th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was commemorated at GHQ on Friday.

• After Tirah tribesmen, Bajaur peace Jirga tries to convince militants to quit the area • Elders assure army, FC of full support for anti-militancy efforts BAJAUR / NORTH WAZIRISTAN: A complete curfew was imposed across North Waziristan in view of the security situation, while a peace jirga tried to prevail upon local militant leaders to leave Bajaur. The moves were part of efforts to restore peace to these merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have witnessed a spike in militant activity of late, especially along the border with Afghanistan. On Friday, a peace march was held in the Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan district against the deteriorating law and order situation in the area. Tribal elders, representatives of all political parties, the Utmanzai Jirga, Youth of Kabul Khel, and activists of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) attended the gathering. Addressing the participants, Utmanzai jirga spok­esman Mufti Baitullah and other speakers expressed concern over rising lawlessness across the dist...

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday firmly reiterated its consistent stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, declaring there is no change in Islamabad’s policy position and that the region’s final status is to be determined strictly in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the.

LAHORE: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi calls on PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Friday announced that it had found serious procurement issues like collusive practices and conflicts of interest in multi-billion-rupee road projects being executed by the National Highway Authority (NHA) through foreign loans. In a detailed report released by the Senate Secretariat, the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs “uncovered significant concerns” regarding NXCC’s (one of the contractors) prior disqualification, arbitration conflicts, payment discrepancies, document manipulation, and collusive bidding practices. The meeting presided over by Senator Saifullah Abro discussed serious allegations of irregularities, collusive practices, and potential corruption in the awarding of contracts for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Tranche-III corridor project by the NHA. The panel chief said contracts were initially awarded based on auditor sheets without verifying the credentials of M/s Dynamic Constructors, M/s Rustam Associates, and M/s Ningxia Com...

ISLAMABAD: Amid a deadlock in negotiations over the government’s decision to ban land travel to Iran for pilgrims during Arbaeen — the chehlum of Imam Husain — the Maritime Mini­stry is planning to launch a ferry service to facilitate travel of Zaireen (pilgrims) to Iran and Iraq. However, the detailed road map for the service is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. On Friday, Minister for Mari­time Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry called for the swift launch of Pakistan’s first ferry service, stressing the need for immediate reforms to licensing procedures and financial facilitation for operators. These reforms aim to ensure affordable sea travel, support pilgrims and boost maritime connectivity. In a meeting with Shipping and Ports Director General Alia Shahid, the minister highlighted the benefits of sea travel, pointing out that ferry services could offer a reliable and cost-efficient travel option for Zaireen heading to Iran and Iraq. “Beyond tourism and business, this service can greatly ...

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday reiterated its firm support for a peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict.

ISLAMABAD - Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian will undertake his first official visit to Pakistan from today, signalling renewed momentum in bilateral ties between the two neighbouring nations.

LAHORE - At least 50 passengers were injured when four coaches of the 107-Up Islamabad Express derailed near Kala Shah Kaku on Friday evening, officials said.

KARACHI - President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday directed Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to further improve peace and security in Balochistan, besides taking measures to uplift people’s living standards there.

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday dismissed the narrative of the disintegrated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a pack of lies.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate hepatitis C, aiming to avert 850,000 deaths and 1.

VEHARI: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider speaks to media persons along with Nawab Shahryar Khakwani in Vehari on Friday.

VEHARI - Under the directions of DPO Vehari Muhammad Afzal, City Police Station Vehari, led by SHO Chaudhry Waqas Ghumman, has shown remarkable performance by recovering 11 stolen motorcycles worth over Rs1.

VEHARI - Independence Day celebrations have officially begun across Vehari district with national flags hoisted on all government and private buildings.

MULTAN - Former federal minister and President of Anjuman Islamia, Makhdoom Tanveer-ul-Hassan Gilani, was laid to rest on Friday in the courtyard of the revered shrine of Hazrat Musa Pak Shaheed in Multan.

APC urges Charter of Democracy 2.0; Demands release of Imran, Mahrang

Country witnesses highest rate of increase since December last year