Author: News Desk

News Desk TOKYO: Crude oil prices surged sharply on Monday as markets reacted to escalating tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, sending shockwaves through global equities. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped as much as 13% in early Asian trading before easing to a roughly 5% gain, reaching $76.48 per barrel by midday Tokyo time. Analysts attributed the spike to concerns over potential disruptions to energy supply from the region. Asian stock markets opened lower amid uncertainty. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell about 2%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped roughly 1.5%. US stock…

News Desk ISLAMABAD: The government has released the flight schedule for Hajj 2026, confirming that the first operation will commence on April 18, facilitating the travel of 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims under the official scheme. The initial flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, carrying pilgrims to Madinah. Over the 34-day operation, a total of 468 flights will transport pilgrims, with 186 flights scheduled for Madinah and 282 flights for Jeddah. The first Hajj flight to Jeddah is set for May 4, while the last will depart on May 21. Of the total pilgrims, 67,230 are men and 51,846…

News Desk KOLKATA: India secured a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating the West Indies cricket team in a crucial Super Eight match in Kolkata.Chasing a target of 196, India reached the total in the final over to knock West Indies out of the tournament and confirm their progress to the last four.Batting first, West Indies posted 195 for 4 from their 20 overs. Roston Chase made 40, Jason Holder scored 37 and Rovman Powell added 34 in a competitive total.India’s reply was anchored by Sanju Samson, who struck 97 to guide his…

News Desk DUBAI: Global air travel faced severe disruption on Sunday as ongoing military strikes forced the closure of major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, the world’s busiest international hub. The shutdown marked one of the most significant shocks to international aviation in recent years. Airports in Abu Dhabi and Doha were either closed or operating under strict restrictions, with much of the region’s airspace effectively off-limits. Airlines and passengers grappled with uncertainty following the U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Israel reportedly launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday.…

News Desk MANAMA: Explosions were heard in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, according to reporters on the ground. AN international news outlet said in Manama there reported hearing multiple blasts across the city. Bahrain’s state news agency later confirmed that attacks had taken place within the country, though officials did not immediately provide details about the nature or targets of the strikes. The development is particularly sensitive given that Bahrain hosts the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, a key strategic command overseeing American naval operations in the Gulf. The explosions followed a series of alerts issued by Bahrain’s interior ministry.…

News Desk TEHRAN: Explosions were reported across Iran late on Friday after Israel, backed by the United States, launched what Washington described as large-scale military operations against the country. The US president, Donald Trump, confirmed that American forces were involved in the assault alongside Israel. In a statement posted on Truth Social, he said the US had begun “major and decisive military operations” inside Iran. Iranian media reported blasts not only in the capital, Tehran, but also in several other cities, including Kermanshah, Qom, Lorestan, Karaj and Tabriz. The scale of the damage and the number of casualties were not…

News Desk ROME: Following a high-level conference on illegal immigration in Warsaw, five European countries have agreed to provide official employment opportunities to Pakistani workers. The meeting, attended by interior ministers from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania, included Pakistan’s delegation led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and focused on efforts to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking. Conference participants praised Pakistan’s measures to address illegal migration and noted their positive impact on regional security. The five EU nations committed to creating legal job avenues for Pakistani citizens and enhancing cooperation on immigration issues. Each country will appoint a focal…

News Desk BEIJING: China has expressed serious concern over rising Pak-Afghan tensions, urging both countries to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. Beijing said maintaining regional stability is in the shared interest of all neighbouring states as border hostilities escalate. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Pakistan and Afghanistan are close neighbours, and both also share borders with China. Beijing is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned about the growing conflict. The spokesperson added that China sincerely regrets the reported casualties and stressed the need for calm and diplomatic engagement. Responding to…

News Desk GENEVA: Iran said it discussed proposals on its nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions during a fresh round of talks with the United States in Geneva. The nearly three-hour negotiations on Friday, facilitated by Oman, marked the third round of discussions between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks. Iranian officials described the meeting as “serious,” with important proposals presented regarding nuclear activities and sanctions relief. Some measures under consideration will require consultation with other countries, indicating the talks are moving beyond a preliminary phase. While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Western powers…

News Desk KARACHI: The first total lunar eclipse of 2026 will take place on 3 March and will be partially visible in different parts of Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has said. According to the department, the eclipse will begin at 1:44pm (Pakistan time). The moon will start entering the Earth’s shadow at 2:50pm, while the total phase of the eclipse will begin at 4:05pm. The eclipse will reach its peak at 4:34pm. The total phase will start to end at 5:03pm, and the lunar eclipse will completely finish at 7:23pm. Astronomers said the celestial event would also be visible…