Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said young people were Pakistan’s future and would shape the country’s identity and leadership in the years ahead. Addressing an Independence Day ceremony at Ziauddin University, Hashmi said Pakistan would celebrate the 100th anniversary of its independence in 2047. By then, he said, the young generation of today would be leading the country and taking key decisions about its future. He urged young people to follow the principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and uphold the values of unity, faith and discipline. He said these principles remained important for building a…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for further strengthening Pakistan’s partnership with the United Nations, particularly in sustainable development, climate change, poverty reduction, education and social protection. Zardari made the remarks during a farewell meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya, who called on him at the Presidency in Islamabad. He said Pakistan highly valued its close and multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations. Zardari reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to working with the UN Country Team to advance national development priorities and support efforts aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities. The president…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday described rising exports as essential to Pakistan’s economic stability, self-reliance and sustainable development, urging the private sector to take a leading role in expanding the country’s presence in international markets. He made the remarks while addressing a policy dialogue hosted by the Planning Commission in Islamabad on measures to strengthen Pakistan’s automotive exports. The dialogue focused on ways to increase the country’s share in global automotive markets and contribute to the $63 billion export target set under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative. Ahsan said Pakistan needed a stronger export-oriented approach…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior Pakistani actress Laila Zuberi has shared advice for married couples on dealing with disagreements and anger, urging partners to avoid reacting immediately when tensions rise. Speaking to host Nida Yasir, Zuberi advised women to remain quiet rather than engage in an argument or respond immediately when their husbands are angry. She said an immediate reaction during a heated moment could make the situation worse. The actress said that when either partner becomes angry, the other should give them some time and space to calm down. Once emotions have settled, the couple can discuss the underlying…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani nationals were killed and another was injured in a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said. Dar condemned the attack on the cargo ship, describing such incidents as a serious threat to innocent human lives and maritime security. He said Pakistan was in contact with Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government to gather further details about the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The foreign minister said attacks on commercial vessels endangered civilian lives and violated international law. He…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, while stressing the need for stronger cooperation and engagement between the two sides. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar and Member of the European Parliament Ondrej Dostál in Islamabad on Tuesday. The two sides discussed Pakistan-EU relations and explored ways to further strengthen positive and constructive engagement. Parliamentary cooperation also featured prominently in the discussion, with both sides highlighting the importance of…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment on Tuesday to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas and maintain close contact on regional and international developments. The understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. The two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on developments of mutual interest. They also discussed regional and international issues, including the evolving situation surrounding US-Iran engagements. Dar and Sugiono agreed on the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts to strengthen coordination and deepen understanding…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday that the government had made it a priority to transform Pakistan’s productive sectors into engines of export growth as part of efforts to address the country’s persistent export deficit. He made the remarks during a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Senior Advisor of Economic Affairs Press Sun Dongsheng in Islamabad. The meeting focused on economic cooperation, industrial development and the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Iqbal expressed hope that CPEC 2.0 would help modernize Pakistan’s agriculture and industrial sectors by promoting greater business-to-business cooperation between…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the National Forensics Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the use of forensic science in NAB’s inquiries, investigations and prosecutions. The agreement was signed at NAB Headquarters in Islamabad by NAB Director General Operations Amjad Majeed Aulakh and National Forensics Agency Director General Jawad Ahmad Dogar. Chairman NAB Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed and other senior officers were present at the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, NAB will refer relevant investigative material to the National Forensics Agency for crime-scene examination and scientific analysis. The agency will provide…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Chairman Ziad Bashir and Chief Executive Officer Javed Kureishi to discuss investment, business competitiveness, regulatory reforms and measures to strengthen private-sector participation in Pakistan’s economic development. The finance minister congratulated Bashir on his election as PBC chairman and stressed the need for greater focus on investment and private-sector-led growth. He said businesses needed to adapt to technological and digital transformation by improving efficiency and adopting technology-driven business models to remain competitive in changing markets. The meeting also focused on strengthening engagement between…