Author: Amjad Qaimkhani

The federal order compelled HeiFo to divest all Emcore assets within 180 days, threatening to void the deal unless directives were met By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The Trump administration had blocked a major semiconductor acquisition involving China on Monday, citing national security concerns, in a move that underscores the increasing scrutiny of technology transfers amid rising US–China tensions. President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the US photonics company HeiFo to halt its acquisition of assets from New Jersey-based aerospace and defence firm Emcore, after concerns emerged over potential Chinese involvement in the transaction. According to the White House,…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The United States Embassy in India on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Indian nationals, highlighting ‘significant criminal penalties’ for those attempting to migrate illegally to the US or violating American laws. Relations between Washington and New Delhi have grown tense over the past year, following US President Donald Trump’s sweeping 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods and India’s concerns over increased US engagement with Pakistan after the May conflict between the two South Asian neighbors. In a post on X, the US Embassy stated: “If you break US law, you will be punished with significant…

By Amjad Qaimkhani NEW YORK: A United Nations peacekeeper deployed in southern Lebanon was injured in an Israeli attack, UN officials said on Saturday, marking the latest in a series of incidents involving peacekeeping forces in the region. According to Arab media reports, the UN described the Israeli action as “aggressive”, noting that the peacekeeper was wounded during an assault on positions held by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The force has been stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border to help maintain a buffer and prevent hostilities between the two sides. The UN said the incident near Bistra village…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The United States has announced it will abolish the long-running lottery system for H-1B work visas and replace it with a new “weighted selection” model, a move expected to reshape how foreign workers are hired. According to international media reports, the new system will prioritize higher salaries and advanced skills, making it more difficult for younger and entry-level professionals to secure US work visas. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the new rules would come into effect on 27 February 2026, with around 85,000 H-1B visas to be issued each year under the revised…

By Amjad Qaimkhani HOUSTON: The newly established committee was tasked with overseeing all party activities in Greater Houston, including meetings, events, appointments, and official communications. In a statement, Awan outlined the committee’s structure, highlighting key appointments. Amir Arslan Malik was named Chief Organiser, with Kashif Soomro assuming the role of Deputy Chief Organizer. Several prominent party figures, including Ali Chang, Riaz Hussain Kakakhil, and Taufiq Dandiya, were designated as organizers, while Fahad Junejo was entrusted with coordinating the committee’s activities. Party sources indicated that Awan had directed all PPP members in the Houston area to extend their full cooperation to…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON/LONDON: US President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the British broadcaster BBC, alleging that his speech ahead of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack was deceptively edited and broadcast, misleading viewers. According to Reuters, the suit, lodged in a federal court in Florida, claims that a BBC Panorama documentary altered key portions of Trump’s remarks, creating the false impression that he had incited violence. Trump contends that phrases encouraging “peaceful protest” were removed, while words such as “march to the Capitol” and “fight like hell” were selectively presented, distorting the context. The Panorama…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday designated Colombia’s largest drug-trafficking gang, Clan del Golfo, as a terrorist organization, just as the group was engaged in talks with the country’s leftist government. The move coincided with President Donald Trump’s administration carrying out controversial strikes at sea targeting suspected drug traffickers on vessels near Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Clan del Golfo would be classified as both a foreign terrorist organization and a specially designated global terrorist group, meaning any US support for the gang would constitute a crime. “The United States will continue to use…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives approved a $901 billion defence bill, marking the largest military spending package in the country’s history. The measure passed with 312 votes in favor and 112 against and was set to move to the Senate for consideration. The legislation included pay raises for service members, improvements to housing and welfare, and $800 million in military aid for Ukraine over the next two years. It also provided full funding for Israel’s defence programs, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile systems. However, the bill reduced funding for environmental initiatives and diversity…

By Amjad QaimkhaniWASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that Russia holds the upper hand in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, noting that Ukraine has already lost significant territory. In an interview with American media, Trump remarked that the mutual animosity between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is so intense that reaching a peace agreement is extremely difficult. He also criticised European countries, saying they have failed to play an effective role. “Europe talks, but no action follows, and the war continues,” Trump said. Trump further claimed that Zelensky has not reviewed the US-proposed peace plan…

Of the total financing, $1.09 billion comes from Pakistan’s ongoing assistance program, with $200 million earmarked for climate change initiatives By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.29 billion disbursement for Pakistan, officials confirmed, marking a significant boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and a further demonstration of confidence in Islamabad’s economic management. Of the total, $1.09 billion was allocated under Pakistan’s ongoing assistance program, while $200 million was designated for projects addressing climate change. Sources indicated that the funds were expected to reach Pakistan within a day or two of the approval. This latest…