Author: Amjad Qaimkhani
Top US official to visit Pakistan for minerals, counterterrorism talks By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Eric Meyer, the Senior Bureau Official for the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad from April 8 to 10, 2025, as part of a strategic diplomatic push to enhance bilateral ties with Pakistan. The centerpiece of the visit is the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, where Meyer will seek to galvanize American interest in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector—an area seen as pivotal to future economic and industrial cooperation between the two nations. With a growing global demand for…
In the United States, the immediate aftermath saw a massive sell-off, with the nation’s stock markets enduring their worst two-day performance in five years By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s dramatic decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on dozens of countries, including Pakistan, has sent shockwaves through global financial markets, erasing more than $6 trillion from investors’ wealth in a mere 48 hours. The announcement of these far-reaching tariffs, which target a broad swath of nations and even extend to remote territories near Antarctica, has plunged the global economy into turmoil. The move, described as one of the most…
The demonstration spanned the entire central boulevard of the US capital, stretching from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s reckless and divisive policies have pushed the United States—and the world—into uncharted territory, where the spectre of war and global anarchy looms ever closer. Across the country, thousands of Americans have raised their voices in protest, as a resounding chorus of opposition against Trump’s destructive agenda reverberates through the streets of Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. The protests—coordinated under the banner of “Hands Off”—have become a powerful symbol of resistance against an…
By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: The FBI, alongside other law enforcement agencies, has carried out a significant operation across Houston and Harris County, raiding 30 illegal gambling dens and arresting 45 individuals. Among those detained are business owners and staff members of Pakistani origin, as well as two police officers accused of protecting the illegal operations. The operation unveiled a far-reaching network of corruption, with law enforcement officers allegedly involved in bribery and illicit activities aimed at shielding these gambling establishments. One of the raids targeted the residence of a suspected Pakistani-origin owner of one of the gambling dens, whose videos…
One of the raids focused on the home of a suspected Pakistani-origin owner of a gambling den, whose videos, recorded by locals, were shared widely on social media By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: The FBI, alongside other law enforcement agencies, has carried out a significant operation across Houston and Harris County, raiding 30 illegal gambling dens and arresting 45 individuals. Among those detained are business owners and staff members of Pakistani origin, as well as two police officers accused of protecting the illegal operations. The operation unveiled a far-reaching network of corruption, with law enforcement officers allegedly involved in bribery and…
By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: Houston’s vibrant Ramazan celebrations have taken on a new dimension this year, with an increasing trend of large-scale outdoor Suhoor gatherings following traditional Iftar events. The city, often dubbed “Mini Karachi” due to its thriving Pakistani-American community, has seen a surge in communal Ramazan festivities, fostering a sense of home away from home. The Pakistan Association of Greater Houston (PAGH) spearheaded this trend by hosting a grand Suhoor event, attracting thousands of attendees who came together to enjoy an array of traditional Pakistani dishes in a festive setting. The gathering not only provided an opportunity to…
By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: The 85th anniversary of Pakistan Day was celebrated with great national zeal and enthusiasm in Houston. A resolution declaring March 23 as “Pakistan Day” in the United States was successfully passed by the Texas Assembly. The main Pakistan Day ceremony was held at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, where Consul General Aftab Chaudhry hoisted the national flag amidst the resonance of the national anthem. The event was attended by Senator Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan, who was on an official visit to the US from Pakistan, Houston-Karachi Sister City Association President Saeed Sheikh, Texas Assembly member Dr.…
By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent marriages and asylum scams, warning that such practices constitute serious federal offenses. In a recent statement, USCIS urged the public to report any suspected cases of immigration fraud, as authorities seek to close illegal pathways to U.S. citizenship and permanent residency. The agency defines sham marriages as unions entered into purely for immigration benefits, lacking genuine romantic or familial intent. Similarly, asylum fraud involves individuals making false claims of persecution in their home countries to secure protection in the U.S. Both offenses…
By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Roberts, has declined to proceed with the impeachment of a judge who ruled against President Donald Trump, reinforcing the judiciary’s independence in the face of political pressure. The Supreme Court, in a firm response, clarified that judicial decisions should not serve as grounds for impeachment, underscoring the importance of the appellate process as the proper mechanism for addressing legal disagreements. The move comes after President Trump demanded the impeachment of Washington D.C. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg, whose ruling had frustrated the president’s agenda…
BY Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: Former federal minister and senator Babar Khan Ghauri has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan, which claimed the lives of innocent Pakistanis. Speaking at an event in Houston, Ghauri said that overseas Pakistanis are deeply saddened by the tragic incident and stand united in denouncing the cowardly act, especially during the holy month. “This ruthless attack has left the entire nation grieving. We fully support Pakistan’s armed forces in their fight against terrorism and demand a decisive operation to eliminate anti-state elements operating in Balochistan, including internationally designated militant organisations,” Ghauri…