Pakistan

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are set to hold virtual discussions today (Monday) regarding the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, with a key focus on the growing circular debt in the gas sector.

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Mona Khan, the gold medalist of the London Marathon 2025, and her coach Muhammad Yousuf on Saturday to honor their remarkable international achievement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) Chief Executive Officer Bilal Bin Saqib as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency, with the status of a minister of state. On February 25, the finance ministry had announced it was considering “establishing a National Crypto Council” to adopt emerging digital currencies in line with global trends. It later appointed Saqib as chief executive officer of the PPC. According to a press release issued today, Saqib will now be responsible for developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching Bitcoin mining initiatives, and overseeing blockchain integration in governance, finance, and land records. Additionally, he will also facilitate “licensing and oversight of virtual asset service providers (VASPs)” and champion “investor protection and Web3 ecosystem growth” in the country. According to Forbes, Saqib — who is part of their ‘30 under 30’ list — is the cofounder of Tayaba, which the...

ISLAMABAD: After more than a decade, residents of the federal capital got a sigh of relief as over 95 per cent of previously barricaded U-turns and chowks (squares) have been reopened, allowing for smoother traffic flow — thanks to the efforts of the local administration. This development has brought considerable comfort to motorists. The previous closures had forced them to take long detours, resulting in increased fuel consumption and wastage of time. A large number of citizens have welcomed the decision and expressed the hope that the reopened U-turns and squares would not be closed again under the pretext of managing traffic congestion. “It [the reopening of U-turns] happened due to a collective effort of all stakeholders,” said Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon when contacted on Sunday. Decision taken on permanent basis and happened due to collective effort of all stakeholders, says DC When asked whether the move was permanent or if the U-turns might be closed again, he confirmed that it would be permanent...

RAWALPINDI: A medical officer (MO) posted at the Samli Sanatorium in Murree was allegedly raped by a man who claimed to be an adviser to the Punjab chief minister. According to the first information report (FIR) lodged with the police based on the victim’s complaint, the suspect, a resident of her native village in Khanewal, claimed he was an adviser to the chief minister and promised he could facilitate her transfer to a hospital of her choice. He continued to make such assurances and eventually called her to Lahore. Upon her arrival in Lahore, the suspect reportedly showed her videos of her family, issued threats and attempted to sexually assault her. The FIR stated that on May 20, the suspect forcibly entered her hostel in Murree after pushing aside the security guard and falsely claimed that the doctor was his wife. Despite her efforts to persuade him to leave, he forcibly took her out and placed her in a cab, in which two other individuals were already seated. She said the men threatened to kill her and ...

KUALA LUMPUR: Be it family-friendly attractions, scenic stays or wonderful dining options, Malaysia has a wide range of experiences that is sure to delight every type of traveller. This unsurprisingly results in Malaysia leading the Asia-focused categories of Trip.com’s global rankings. Named the best in a total of 19 categories, ranging from accommodation to nightlife, the country boasts several establishments that received multiple recognitions. The popular island of Langkawi earns repeat mentions for its hotels and villas, as well as its Underwater World attraction. Langkawi was also named one of “Asia’s best coastal destinations”. The only other place in Malaysia crowned best coastal destination is Semporna, a scenic seaside town in Sabah’s east coast. Meanwhile, the state’s capital city Kota Kinabalu joins Semporna, Langkawi, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur in the “best destinations” category. Understandably, Kuala Lumpur draws many visits from local and foreign tourists alike. Many of its attractions and restau...

Karachi is currently experiencing intense heat, with temperatures forecasted to rise up to 39°C on Monday.

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry says India’s face is visible behind every terror activity in Pakistan Asks Afghan elites not to become stooges of India against Pakistan Time has come for IIOJK to become part of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have agreed to remain on front foot as Islamabad launches a diplomatic bid to counter India’s narrative after the recent military confrontation.

Traveling to Europe in 2024 may be tougher than before, as recent data from the European Commission reveals a significant increase in Schengen visa rejection rates.

LAHORE - Lahore Qalandars recorded an impressive six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10 final played at the jampacked Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday night.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday commended the security forces for their successful intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which led to the elimination of nine terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Khawarij group, allegedly backed by India.

LAHORE - Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that during the recent Indian provocations, the entire Pakistani nation, alongwith all political parties, demonstrated exemplary unity, which played a pivotal role in delivering a strong and effective national response to the enemy.

ISLAMABAD - Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, reliable and passenger-friendly mode of transport.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday commended Pakistan’s security forces for eliminating nine terrorists affiliated with Indian-backed Khawarij during three intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

ISLAMABAD - The government has decided to launch an operation against illegal constructions in Islamabad on an immediate basis.

ISLAMABAD - The Constitutional Bench (CB) of the Supreme Court will Monday (today) resume hearing of the review petitions against the apex court’s decision of granting the reserved seats in the assemblies to the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI).

LAHORE: Sikandar Raza ran off in celebration — punching the air in delight, his partner Kusal Perera in tow as fireworks exploded in the background. Lahore Qalandars were Pakistan Super League champions again, sealing their third title in four seasons after pulling off a remarkable chase. Quetta Gladiators had been in the ascendancy in Sunday’s final, headed towards what they believed was their destiny — a second PSL crown — having clinched their first six long years ago. They had tightened the noose around the Qalandars, who, in their chase of 202, needed 57 runs to win off the last 20 deliveries when Raza joined Perera at the crease. But the Qalandars found inspiration, as Gladiators lost theirs; Perera played a masterful knock of an unbeaten 31-ball 62 featuring four sixes and five fours, with Raza providing the ideal foil with 22 off seven balls to take their side home with a ball to spare. As their teammates ran onto the pitch in jubilation, the Gladiators sank to the ground, left wondering what could ha...

Rawalpindi - Water, the essence of life, is recognised as a universal right, a crucial component of people’s lives, and a country’s security and sustainability.

GUJAR KHAN - An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday sentenced Syed Abid Ali Shah, a resident of Kharian tehsil, to multiple life terms for his involvement in the deadly shooting of three Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials in a daylight attack on the Grand Trunk Road near Dina, Jhelum in 2024.