Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondentKARACHI: SkinVersion, Pakistan’s leading medical aesthetics brand, has launched its flagship Aesthetic Excellence Centre in DHA Phase 8, Karachi. Led by renowned dermatologist Dr. Aisha Humaira, the centre is the country’s largest and most advanced facility dedicated to beauty and wellness. The grand opening attracted celebrities, influencers, media professionals, and dignitaries, including the Administrator of DHA Karachi. The event featured a welcome address by Dr. Aisha, live treatment demonstrations, interactive Q&A sessions, and a visual presentation highlighting SkinVersion’s journey and innovations. Dr. Aisha Humaira described SkinVersion as “not just a clinic but a movement,” emphasizing the centre’s role…

The National Economic Council’s leap from a modest 2.7 percent growth target to an ambitious 4.2 percent for next year signals renewed government faith in economic rebound By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Economic Council (NEC), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved a national development budget of Rs4,224 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26, signaling a cautious yet optimistic approach toward Pakistan’s economic future. The decision, taken at a meeting attended by all four provincial chief ministers and senior economic officials, marks a pivotal moment as the government seeks to balance fiscal discipline with developmental needs.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Former foreign minister and member of Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomatic delegation, Hina Rabbani Khar, has defended her country’s approach to international relations as one rooted in peace, engagement, and transparency. Speaking amid escalating diplomatic strains between Pakistan and India, Khar sought to draw a clear distinction between Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy and what she described as India’s increasingly confrontational posture on the global stage. Khar was particularly critical of India’s recent behavior at the United Nations, accusing the Indian delegation of failing to engage constructively during sessions. “The world is watching,” she said, pointing to what she described…

Owais Laghari highlighted net metering’s appeal, noting users can recoup costs within three years by consuming just 40 percent of self-generated electricity By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy Owais Laghari has revealed that the government currently has an excess electricity capacity of 7,000 megawatts. Speaking at an advisory meeting of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, he clarified that the government is not abolishing the net metering system but is considering reforms to make it more effective, transparent, and sustainable. Laghari, who played a key role in introducing net metering back in 2017–18, said the current approach is…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has stepped into the heart of one of the country’s most sensitive debates, asserting on the floor of the provincial assembly that the issue of missing persons has long been weaponized as a propaganda tool. The real solution, he insisted, lies not in rhetoric but in the letter of the law. Bugti, a figure often known for his tough stance on security, rose to defend the newly tabled Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, which has already stirred sharp debate within and beyond the assembly chamber. He argued that the amendment, if passed, would…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has claimed that her brother is under pressure to recognize the current government and issue a public apology over the events of 9 May 2023. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Aleema said that those involved in behind-the-scenes talks are urging Khan to show flexibility if he wants to return to the negotiating table. “They say dialogue requires give and take,” she noted, questioning whether the expectation was that Imran Khan should abandon everything for the sake of talks. PTI’s founder sister revealed that Khan is…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has announced the introduction of a modern barcode system aimed at eradicating counterfeit medicines from the Pakistani market. He made the statement during a meeting with a delegation from the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association in Islamabad, where discussions were held on boosting local pharmaceutical production, expanding exports, and reforming drug regulations. According to the minister, the upcoming barcode system will enable consumers and regulators to verify the authenticity and pricing of any medicine sold in the country. “This initiative will help confirm the original identity and cost of each drug, making it…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to undertake a one-day visit to Saudi Arabia tomorrow, accompanied by Field Marshal Asim Munir. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed confidence in Pakistan’s successful diplomatic missions, contrasting them with what he described as the failure of diplomatic efforts in India. He said the dream of India’s regional dominance has been shattered. Dar also highlighted the reported cold reception given to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to India. According to Dar, Araghchi shared some details of his interactions with Indian officials over the phone. Meanwhile, during trilateral…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Tuesday lashed out at K-Electric during a key session of the Sindh Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Energy, accusing the utility provider of mismanagement amid severe load-shedding in Karachi. Ali Khurshidi, MQM-P’s Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, along with fellow lawmakers, grilled K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi, questioning the utility’s performance and demanding concrete solutions. The CEO, according to MQM lawmakers, failed to give satisfactory answers, resorting instead to vague explanations and excuses. “Institutions responsible for power supply must stop this drama immediately,” said Khurshidi. “The entire city is suffering,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to develop a strategic plan for expanding Pakistan’s railway network to enhance trade links with Central Asia. Chairing a meeting focused on Pakistan Railways, the prime minister highlighted the crucial role of railways as the backbone of any nation’s economy. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of rebuilding the country’s railway infrastructure on sustainable foundations and modernizing it to support regional trade and connectivity, describing it as a key component of national policy. He also instructed authorities to accelerate efforts to connect Gwadar port with the national railway…