Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Senator Faisal Vawda has taken a sharp jab at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, questioning his recent remarks about refusing to engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In a strongly worded statement, Vawda said, “Ali Amin says he won’t talk to the IMF — are we really going to let him play with Pakistan’s destiny like this?” His comments come amid growing concerns over the country’s economic stability and its future engagement with international lenders. The IMF remains a critical financial backer for Pakistan, which continues to face debt challenges and currency pressures.…

Nadeem Ahmed and Sarang Chandio hand over PAPP support in Karachi ceremony By our correspondent KARACHI – Sindh Information Secretary Nadeem Ahmed and Deputy Director Advertisements Sarang Latif Chandio formally presented the annual grant to the Pakistan Association of Press Photographers (PAPP) during a ceremony in Karachi. The gesture reaffirms the provincial government’s commitment to supporting photojournalism and press freedom in the region.

By our correspondent LAHORE: In a commanding performance at Lahore’s Quaid-e-Azam Stadium, Lahore Qalandars outclassed Islamabad United by a staggering 95 runs in the second qualifier of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, earning their place in the final with authority. Islamabad, tasked with chasing a daunting target of 203, buckled under pressure and were bowled out for a paltry 107 in just 15.1 overs. Only Salman Agha (33) and skipper Shadab Khan (26) offered any resistance, while the rest of the batting line-up folded cheaply. Key players including Sahibzada Farhan (3), Mohammad Shehzad and Naseem Shah (both dismissed for…

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Hundreds of local government representatives, including chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors, marched from Khizra Mosque to the Sindh Assembly on May 23, demanding the restoration of rightful administrative and financial powers for Karachi’s elected officials. The demonstration reflected mounting frustration over the Sindh government’s failure to devolve authority and release funds as guaranteed by the constitution. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar called for the immediate disbursement of Rs500 billion dedicated to Karachi’s development. He demanded an allocation of Rs2 billion for each town and Rs2.5 million monthly for every union council, emphasizing these provisions as constitutional…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A meeting took place at the Malaysian Consulate in Karachi, where Malaysian Consul General Herman Hardynata Ahmad engaged in discussions with key stakeholders about the ongoing challenges related to timber imports. During the talks, the Consul General assured the attendees that he would take up concerns linked to the Department of Plant Protection with Pakistani authorities, aiming to resolve issues that have been affecting the timber trade between the two countries. Significantly, Ahmad also pledged to advocate for special considerations concerning timber imports in the forthcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Pakistan and Malaysia. The…

The IMF acknowledged Pakistan’s economic stabilization efforts and pledged continued partnership on the country’s journey toward fiscal sustainability By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic recovery and long-term development. In a recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the IMF delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress Pakistan has made under the ongoing economic reform program. The Fund acknowledged Pakistan’s strides in stabilizing the economy and signaled its readiness to remain a reliable partner in its path to fiscal sustainability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for his part, underscored that Pakistan is…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has concluded the public hearing on K-Electric’s monthly fuel cost adjustment for March and reserved its decision. The hearing, chaired by NEPRA’S chairman, focused on K-Electric’s request to reduce the fuel cost adjustment (FCA) by Rs5.02 per unit. NEPRA clarified that if approved, the reduction would apply only to June bills and would affect all K-Electric consumers, excluding those in the lifeline and protected categories. Prepaid users and electric vehicle charging stations would also benefit from the adjustment. NEPRA stated it would review further data before issuing a detailed…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), recently met with the US chargé d’affaires Natalie Baker at Zardari House in Islamabad, where discussions centered on reinforcing the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States. The meeting reflected a shared intent to deepen cooperation across various fronts, signaling an ongoing commitment to diplomatic engagement amid a complex regional landscape. During the conversation, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged the role of former US President Donald Trump in facilitating the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, describing it as a commendable effort. This recognition highlighted…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Hafeez Ur Rehman, has expressed regret over an incident that occurred during a Senate Functional Committee meeting, stating that his remarks were not intended to be offensive. In a statement issued to clarify the matter, Hafeez said there was no intention to use any un-parliamentary language during the exchange. “It was a light-hearted comment shared in a casual tone with the honorable senator,” he said. He added that if his words caused any offence, he had already extended his apology during the committee session. “We hold Senator Aimal Wali…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The United States and UNICEF have voiced strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, in which innocent children were targeted in what has been described as an unforgivable act of violence. The assault, which sent shockwaves across Pakistan, has drawn widespread international outrage, with growing calls for justice and protection for the country’s most vulnerable. Nathalie Baker, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, issued a heartfelt statement expressing solidarity with the people of Pakistan during what she described as a moment of shared grief and outrage. The killing…