Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in a telephonic conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, to deliberate on the rapidly evolving regional landscape and reaffirm the two countries’ shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations. The call, confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, reflected both ministers’ intention to coordinate more closely amid a complex geopolitical environment. During their exchange, Ishaq Dar and Hakan Fidan reviewed recent regional developments and agreed on the necessity of enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual concern. Both emphasised the importance of joint diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability across…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Karachi is set to endure hot and humid weather conditions over the coming 24 hours, according to the latest update from the Meteorological Department. Temperatures are expected to reach a high between 35°C and 37°C, while the lowest temperature recorded recently stood at 28.2°C. The city’s humidity remains elevated at 72 percent, adding to the discomfort of the sultry atmosphere. A gentle sea breeze blowing at 11 kilometers per hour may provide some relief, but overall residents and visitors should prepare for warm and sticky conditions as Karachi navigates through this spell of intense heat and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi held city-wide protest demonstrations on major arteries of the megalopolis on Friday against the acute water crisis and the rule of the tanker mafia, which the party claims is being facilitated by the government. People from all walks of life took part in the protests, demanding proper water supply for the city. Speaking on the occasion, the JI leader said that half the city was deprived of water because of what he described as a deliberate water assault on Karachi and its residents by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government in Sindh. He…

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) have voiced strong concern over significant delays in visa issuance for over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims preparing for Hajj this year. In an urgent and firm statement, the parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and all relevant authorities to swiftly address the backlog and guarantee timely processing of the pending travel documents. The MQM-P representatives underscored the emotional and spiritual toll these delays are causing. Many of the pilgrims, who have registered through official Hajj schemes after years of saving and hopeful anticipation,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Former senator Mashahid Hussain Syed has said that Pakistan has gained a clear advantage over India, with the chiefs of all three armed forces demonstrating remarkable strategy. He added that India had intended to bury the Kashmir issue, but it has come to the forefront once again. The remarks were made during a seminar organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations at the Quaid-e-Azam Museum, titled “Pakistan, India’s Recent War: The South Asia Crisis and Its Impact on Both Countries.” Speakers at the event emphasized that war benefits no one and stressed that issues such…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Federal Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has issued a pointed reminder to India, declaring that New Delhi had underestimated the strength and resolve of the Pakistani nation. His remarks came during a special ceremony held at the Governor House in Sindh to mark what officials are calling Pakistan’s “day of gratitude” following the country’s recent military response to Indian hostilities. Standing before a crowd of political leaders, civil society members and security officials, Dr Siddiqui underscored the gravity of the recent cross-border tensions. He accused India of recklessly targeting civilian homes, mosques, and non-combat zones—acts he…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has said that Pakistan has successfully restored the balance of power in South Asia, asserting that the country’s principled and strategic response to Indian aggression has reaffirmed its standing as a strong and responsible regional player. Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Governor House in Karachi, Tessori addressed an audience that included Federal Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, families of fallen soldiers, students, and members of civil society. The event was part of a wider national observance in the wake of recent military tensions between Pakistan and India. Tessori condemned…

Aurangzeb stressed to business leaders that “policy consistency is crucial,” unveiling plans for an advisory panel aimed at stabilizing and guiding Pakistan’s fragile economic landscape By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has underscored the critical need for structural reforms if the country is to break free from its persistent reliance on International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs. Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the US Business Council in Islamabad, Aurangzeb emphasized that while capital investment often takes center stage in economic discussions, Pakistan’s immediate priority lies in acquiring the necessary skills and expertise to implement…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has described the ceasefire between Pakistan and India as a fragile and sensitive issue, underscoring the absence of any evidence from India to substantiate its allegations against Pakistan. Lammy acknowledged the complexities surrounding national security matters, noting that he did not expect India to disclose such details to him. Despite these challenges, Lammy emphasized that international partners are united in their efforts to uphold the ceasefire and reduce tensions in the region. He also addressed the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, expressing his condolences to the victims and reiterating the UK’s…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XVI, a significant event in the global Catholic community. While the prime minister himself will not be making the journey, the Government of Pakistan will be represented by Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khail Das Kohistani and Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, who are scheduled to depart for Rome today. Sources in Islamabad confirmed that both ministers will attend the ceremony on behalf of Pakistan, highlighting the country’s commitment to engaging with the international religious community and…