Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: March 20 marks the unique astronomical event when day and night become nearly equal in length across most parts of the world, including Pakistan, as the Spring Equinox occurs. The Vernal Equinox will begin at 7:46pm Pakistan Standard Time, the moment when the Sun crosses directly over the celestial equator while moving northward, resulting in approximately 12 hours each of daylight and darkness in most regions. The equator is an imaginary line drawn exactly midway on the world map, dividing the planet into two equal halves north and south. During the equinox, because the Sun sits…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Stocks fell on Thursday as a fresh spike in global oil prices stoked inflation fears and prompted profit-taking at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 152,740.37 points, down 1,551.88 points, or 1.01 percent, from Wednesday’s finish of 154,292.25. Intraday, the index ranged between a high of 153,322.96 and a low of 150,728.17. “PSX is under pressure today due to increased oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict,” said Ahfaz Mustafa, CEO of Ismail Iqbal Securities. He noted that attacks on Qatar’s LNG field had pushed oil up 5 percent, triggering selling…

By our correspondent MATIARI: A passenger coach travelling from Bahawalpur to Karachi overturned on the National Highway near Khyber Grid Station, resulting in four deaths and seven injuries. According to sources, the tragic accident occurred near the Sahito stop on the Matiari National Highway when the coach lost control and overturned, claiming the lives of four individuals and leaving seven others wounded. Upon receiving information, police and motorway police personnel rushed to the accident site and are participating in rescue operations. The bodies and injured persons have been transferred to Matiari Hospital and Hyderabad Civil Hospital for medical attention and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically rejected the statement issued by the US Director of National Intelligence regarding the country’s missile program, asserting that its deterrent capabilities are entirely defensive in nature. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s missile program is aimed at preserving national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that it is not part of any aggressive designs. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s missile program remains well below intercontinental range and adheres to the principle of credible minimum deterrence. The spokesperson highlighted that India’s missile capabilities, exceeding 12,000 kilometers in range,…

News Desk KARACHI: Rain has stopped in Karachi, but the Meteorology Department has forecast more showers after tomorrow afternoon, with no further rainfall expected during the night. The latest advisory said weather conditions remain unstable across parts of the city. According to the department, thunder and lightning activity is still ongoing in different areas, with chances of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds at isolated locations. There is also a possibility of hailstorms in some parts of the city. The Meteorology Department added that light rain is expected on the first day of Eid, while another western weather system between…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Muhajir Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) Chairman Afaq Ahmed has said that the day marks a renewed pledge to the Muhajir ideology and a reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of young people who gave their lives for the identity. In a meeting held at his residence on the occasion of the party’s 42nd founding anniversary, attended by zonal and district committee members, he praised workers for organising iftar and sehri gatherings across the city during Ramadan. He said that unity among the Muhajir community was essential and urged people to set aside personal differences and work…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Bitget, described as the world’s largest universal exchange, has concluded its Ramadan initiative in Pakistan by distributing more than 600 iftar meals across two major cities, Lahore and Islamabad. The company said it handed out over 300 iftar boxes in Lahore before continuing the drive in Islamabad, aiming to support community members during the holy month. The effort was focused on helping people break their fast with dignity while fostering a sense of togetherness. According to Bitget, the initiative reflected its broader commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. “At Bitget, our growth is inseparable from…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The JDC Welfare Foundation Pakistan organised a free Eid bazaar for underprivileged families, offering clothing and essential items to children at no cost under the banner “Maa, hum bhi Eid manayen ge.” The event, held in the city, was led by JDC General Secretary Zafar Abbas, who, along with other volunteers, distributed clothes among children from deserving families. The initiative aimed to ensure that children from low-income households could also celebrate Eid with dignity and happiness. Organisers said the programme reflected the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and helping ensure that disadvantaged children are…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: Senator Elizabeth Warren has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump, declaring the president the weakest commander-in-chief of the past four decades. Her explosive claim came as she suggested the White House was bending to Israeli demands for war with Iran. The Massachusetts Democrat made her remarks while fielding questions on the escalating conflict. She argued that Israel had long sought to drag successive US presidents into a direct military confrontation with Tehran. The goal, she said, was to establish regional dominance. In a moment of striking candour, Warren speculated about the dynamics between the two…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the summary recommending the cancellation of the Pakistan Day parade and all associated ceremonies, according to details issued by the President’s House. The decision has been taken in the context of the Gulf oil crisis and government austerity measures, with the president acting on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In his remarks regarding the approval, President Zardari emphasized that careful and responsible utilization of national resources is the duty of every citizen. The move reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline amid challenging economic circumstances, with funds that…