Author: News Desk

News Desk ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions Courts in Islamabad have directed the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to appear either in person or via video link at the next hearing of six cases, including those related to 9 May incidents. Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka conducted the hearing and extended the interim bail for both the PTI founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until 6 February. The founder could not be presented in court via video link, preventing arguments on the bail applications from being heard. As a result, the court postponed further proceedings until 6 February. The…

News Desk MUMBAI: Indian cricket board (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan’s involvement after Bangladesh sought to move its matches out of India for the T20 World Cup. According to Indian media, Shukla said India had assured Bangladesh of full security and had encouraged the team to play in India, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board cited government concerns and requested their matches be relocated to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Shukla alleged that Pakistan intervened without cause, influencing Bangladesh’s decision. He expressed regret that India wanted Bangladesh to participate and had made all arrangements to ensure their…

News Desk BEIJING: China’s President Xi Jinping described China and India as “good neighbors, friends and partners” while congratulating President Droupadi Murmu on India’s Republic Day, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. Xi said that over the past year, relations between the two countries had continued to improve and develop. He added that their ties were “of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity,” according to Xinhua. “Being good neighbors, friends and partners is the right choice for both China and India,” Xi said. He referred to the countries as the “dragon and the elephant…

News Desk ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Monday that it would not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from its territory. The statement from the foreign ministry came after US President Donald Trump said last week that a US “armada” was heading to the Gulf and that Washington was closely monitoring Iran following recent protests. The ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to ensuring that its airspace, land and waters are not used for any hostile military action against Iran. It also said the country would not provide logistical support for attacks. The statement added that…

News Desk KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has temporarily suspended the order to seal a petrol station allegedly set up on Karachi University land. A three-week stay was granted following a petition challenging the Deputy Commissioner East’s directive. During the hearing before a constitutional bench, the petitioner’s lawyer, Asim Iqbal, argued that the allegations of encroachment on Karachi University land were incorrect, noting that the land had been purchased in 2012. He added that the Deputy Commissioner had not given the petitioner an opportunity to respond before ordering the seal. The court requested a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner…

News Desk LONDON: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said his cabinet had authorized Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Peace Board, describing it as a significant step towards promoting peace in the region. Speaking to the media in London, the prime minister expressed hope that a lasting resolution could soon be achieved in Gaza. He emphasized that Palestinians deserved to have their rights recognized with respect and dignity. He said Pakistan would continue to advocate for their welfare on international platforms and play an active role in supporting dialogue between parties. Shehbaz Sharif described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as deeply…

Trump claimed he had halted eight global conflicts, including a potential war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors News Desk LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump had conveyed “good wishes” for Pakistan during a brief meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking to reporters outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, the premier said he thanked Trump for his role in preventing a war between Pakistan and India, describing the US president’s efforts as having saved millions of lives in South Asia. Trump has previously claimed to have stopped eight wars worldwide,…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iran has intensified measures against illegal Afghan refugees, following similar actions recently undertaken by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, raising concerns among human rights organizations and refugee advocates. Authorities in Tehran have accelerated deportations while also stepping up executions in drug-related cases, a combination of policies that has drawn international attention. According to reports by Afghanistan International, seven prisoners, including illegal Afghan refugees, were executed at Qazvin prison. The individuals had been sentenced to death by the Iranian judiciary for their involvement in various drug-related offences, reflecting Tehran’s strict enforcement of its anti-narcotics laws. Human rights…

News Desk BAKU: An international conference held in Azerbaijan brought renewed focus on historical and ongoing concerns over the treatment of minority communities in India, with participants expressing alarm over what they described as systematic targeting of Muslims and other marginalized groups by RSS-led ‘Hindutva’ terrorists. According to reports by the Azerbaijani news agency Azertac, speakers at the conference highlighted India’s historical record, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which estimates suggest between 8,000 and 17,000 Sikhs were killed. Delegates condemned the Indian government’s deliberate silence over such terrorism and called for accountability, framing the terrorism as a form of…

News Desk DAVOS: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, showcasing the country’s economic potential and entrepreneurial dynamism on a global stage. Speaking at the event, Dar praised the initiative for highlighting emerging opportunities in Pakistan, particularly the innovative work being undertaken by the nation’s start-ups. He emphasized the critical role of start-ups in driving socio-economic development and fostering innovation across multiple sectors. According to Dar, the growth of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is central to Pakistan’s broader economic ambitions and offers pathways for youth-led initiatives…