Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, held a high-level meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the latter’s residence in Islamabad to deliberate on pressing political and parliamentary matters. The consultations, according to sources, provided a platform for both leaders to discuss developments within Pakistan’s political landscape and explore avenues for coordination between their parties. According to sources, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed Maulana Fazlur Rehman on his recent consultations and ongoing political developments, outlining possible paths for collaboration. Senator Kamran Murtaza noted that the meeting had been constructive, focusing on areas where the parties…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan is preparing to borrow more than Rs56 billion from the Asian Development Bank as part of an ambitious initiative to modernize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and overhaul the country’s tax administration. The move, outlined in official planning documents, forms part of a broader strategy to address longstanding inefficiencies in revenue collection, improve transparency, and strengthen governance across the fiscal system. Under the proposed plan, approximately $200 million of the loan will be directed towards digitizing Pakistan’s revenue infrastructure. Officials said the aim is to introduce a more streamlined and accountable…

Officials hailed the session as a thorough review of national and international youth initiatives, underscoring Islamabad’s drive to equip young Pakistanis for the global job market By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review and accelerate efforts aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, underscoring the government’s stated commitment to skills development, job creation, and innovation. Officials described the session as a detailed appraisal of initiatives both within the country and abroad, reflecting Islamabad’s focus on equipping young people to compete in global job markets. During the meeting, the prime minister…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced plans to target US technology companies in retaliation for perceived attacks on Iran, prompting a swift response from the White House. According to international media reports, a White House official stated that the US military is prepared to prevent any Iranian strikes. The official highlighted that recent ballistic missile and drone attacks by Iran have declined by 90 percent, signalling a reduction in immediate threats. The Revolutionary Guards declared that starting from 8:00 PM local Iranian time on April 1, American firms in the region, including major tech companies…

By our correspondent BEIJING: China has reaffirmed that it remains a strategic partner of Pakistan under all circumstances, emphasizing close cooperation on international and regional issues. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both countries share similar positions on key global and regional matters. The spokesperson added that Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers will work to strengthen strategic cooperation on the situation in Iran. The spokesperson said that both nations will make joint efforts to promote peace and reduce tensions in the region, with China continuing to play a constructive role. They confirmed that three Chinese…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has issued a public apology following a controversial social media post that sparked concern. He clarified that the content was shared by his management team and did not reflect his personal views. Despite this, Naseem Shah accepted full responsibility for everything posted on his account and acknowledged the importance of accountability. He confirmed that steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including tighter control and oversight of his official accounts. Naseem Shah expressed sincere regret over the misuse of his platform and reiterated his commitment to maintaining…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi Rs1 million following a security breach at the team hotel. The franchise said the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding but stressed accountability and discipline. According to the team, a comprehensive internal investigation was conducted into the incident on March 28. The review found that an unusual situation occurred involving a violation of security protocol. Shaheen Afridi reportedly allowed guests of teammate Sikandar Raza into the players’ area despite security staff denying permission. As a result, the captain was fined Rs1 million as part of disciplinary action. The Qalandars…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Gold prices continued their upward trend in markets across Pakistan, hitting new highs and raising concerns for investors and consumers alike. The All Pakistan Jewellers & Gems Association reported that the price of gold per tola rose by Rs 3,900, bringing it to Rs 475,962. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs 3,343, reaching Rs 408,060. Analysts say the rise is driven not only by domestic demand but also by international market trends. On the global stage, gold prices climbed by $39, reaching $4,533 per ounce, influenced by factors such as currency…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called an important meeting today to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Sources said the meeting, chaired by President Zardari, is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, key federal ministers, top military leadership, and provincial chief ministers. The agenda will focus on the current situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as developments to date. The impact of attacks on Gulf countries will also be discussed. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, late on Sunday night, as tensions in the Middle East continued to simmer. The discussion came at a time when the region appeared to teeter on the edge of further instability, with airstrikes, proxy clashes, and diplomatic friction raising fears of wider conflict. During the conversation, Dar emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, arguing that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to lasting peace. Deputy Prime Minister painted a stark picture of the potential consequences…