US sanctions on Pakistani firms have ‘no justification’: PM Shehbaz

Premier emphasizes no intention for nuclear system to be aggressive as It’s for Pakistan’s defence It’s dearer to public than their hearts and there will be no compromise: Shehbaz ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that the recent sanctions placed by the United States on four Pakistani firms for their alleged involvement in the country’s ballistic missile...

Ex-President Clinton discharged from hospital after fever scare

WASHINGTON: Former US president Bill Clinton left hospital Tuesday, his office said, a day after he was admitted with a fever in the latest in a series of health scares for the veteran Democrat. “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu,” the 78-year-old’s deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X. “He...

PTI top leaders condemn trials, decisions of military courts

Asad Qaiser and Arif Alvi emphasize PTI's struggle centres on supremacy of constitution and rule of law PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser and Arif Alvi on Tuesday expressed his strong disappointment and condemned the trials and decisions of military courts, stating that they have raised concerns internationally, including from the European Union and the United Kingdom. Speaking to...

Air chief reaffirms commitment to enhance capabilities of Azerbaijan Air Force

Air Chief Sidhu meets high level defence delegation Azerbaijan, shares recent achievements of PAF Azerbaijan military leadership also proposes establishment of a more comprehensive training regimen RAWALPINDI: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday reiterated the resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties between Pakistani and Azerbaijan armed forces and particularly cooperation with Pakistan Air Force...

PM hopeful about positive outcomes of govt-PTI talks

PM Shehbaz assures govt’s sincere efforts for peace, economic stability in country Emphasizes both parties need to set aside their likes and dislikes for national interest ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assuring the government’s sincere efforts and contributions, expressed the hope that the talks initiated between the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would bring about positive...

DP, MP/Newage, Rijas/Barry’s win Lahore Open Polo C’ship openers

LAHORE: The 13th Lahore Open Polo Championship 2024, sponsored by Cheetah, kicked off under the auspices of Lahore Polo Club with three thrilling matches on the opening day. The event attracted a significant number of spectators and families. In the first match of the opening day, Diamond Paints (DP) defeated Master Paints by a narrow margin of 7-5. For Diamond...

Prince Harry Names Kate Middleton While Addressing Rift With Royal Family

Prince Harry has publicly mentioned Kate Middleton for the first time while discussing the rift between him and the royal family in an interview with Australia's Channel 10. Speaking about his relationship with his brother, Prince William, and the dynamics with Kate and Meghan Markle, Harry reflected on how tensions between the couples played out in the public eye. "I...

RPO to cops: Ensure safety of foreigners, especially Chinese on Karakoram Highway

Malakand Division RPO visits Shangla, inspects police checkposts SWAT: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand Division, Sher Akbar on Tuesday directed take effective measures regarding the safe movement of foreigners, especially Chinese, on the Karakoram Highway and to perform their duties as per the SOP. “The police is a well-organized force and there is no any room for negligence on the...

‘GHQ Attack Case’: Court rejects Imran, others pleas for CCTV footage of court’s hearing

RAWALPINDI: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Tuesday rejected the petitions filed by the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, seeking the provision of CCTV camera footage of the court’s hearing dated December 5, 2024 in the GHQ attack case. Judge Amjad Ali Shah...

Blake Lively Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Alleges Justin Baldoni ‘Did Not Always’ Seek Consent

Blake Lively has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging inappropriate conduct and a hostile work environment during the film’s production. Among the claims, Lively accuses Baldoni of admitting he did not “always” seek consent before engaging in sexual activity in the past. Court documents obtained on Saturday, December 21, reveal...

Deadly explosion at Turkish plant claims 12 lives, injures five

ANKARA: A powerful explosion ripped through an explosives plant in northwestern Turkiye on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring five others, officials confirmed. Footage from the scene showed shattered glass and debris scattered outside the facility in the Karesi district of Balikesir province, with ambulances on standby. “According to initial reports, 12 employees died, and four were taken to hospital with...

Pakistan’s envoy meets Afghan foreign minister to boost ties amidst regional tensions

KABUL: Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Tuesday to discuss strategies for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The interaction comes amidst strained relations between the two neighbors, fueled by border clashes and Islamabad's repeated demands for action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims operates from Afghan soil. Kabul,...

Israel admits to assassinating of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

TEL AVIV: Israel on Tuesday officially confirmed its involvement in the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, marking the first public acknowledgment of the high-profile killing. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made the statement during a press briefing on Monday, underscoring the country’s broader strategy against regional adversaries. “We have dismantled Hamas, weakened Hezbollah, blinded Iran’s defense systems, and disrupted...

Harvest potential

Pakistan’s economy is at a critical juncture, with rising inflation, dwindling foreign reserves and an over-reliance on imports. One potential avenue for economic revival lies in the agriculture sector, which employs nearly 40% of the workforce and contributes about 20% to the GDP. Despite its significance, this sector remains underutilised due to outdated practices and a lack of technological...

Priced out survival

LOW-INCOME families and vulnerable groups have suffered greatly as a result of growing inflation. The cost of living has increased dramatically over the previous years. With inflation reaching over 27 per cent, families are finding it more difficult to meet their basic needs. The cost of essentials, like food and fuel, has gone up by 15-30pc. Families that are already...