Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
Tariff cuts set to reshape Pakistan’s auto industry: PIDE Report
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 9 /DNA/ -The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has released its latest Policy Viewpoint titled “Impact of Tariff Reduction on Automobile Industry”, authored by Mr. Mohammad Shaaf Najib and Dr. Usman Qadir. The report provides a holistic assessment of the impact of the government’s five-year tariff reform plan on Pakistan’s automobile industry. The reform plan, announced in the Federal Budget 2025–26, seeks to move Pakistan’s economy from import substitution towards an export-led growth model. The reform will streamline the customs duty structure, reduce tariff slabs, and lowerRead More
Major social media sites back online in Nepal after deadly protests
KATHMANDU: Nepal rolled back its social media ban on Tuesday, a day after at least 19 people were killed in protests demanding that the government lift its restrictions and tackle corruption. All major social media apps were working, an AFP reporter in Kathmandu said, as the government ordered a probe into the violence that saw police launch a deadly crackdown on protesters. Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — were blocked on Friday in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people, after the government blocked 26Read More
Calls grow to shift UN HQs to Geneva
The United States’ refusal to grant visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and around 80 members of his delegation has triggered a global debate over whether the United Nations (UN) can function effectively while its headquarters remain in New York. The move has sparked mounting calls for relocating future sessions of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to a more neutral venue, such as Geneva, Switzerland, to ensure impartiality and accessibility for all member states. The controversy erupted just weeks before the high-level annual debate at the UNGA, scheduled from SeptemberRead More
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Resigns After Deadly Protests Over Social Media Ban
Agencies KATHMANDU: Nepal plunged deeper into political turmoil on Tuesday as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following nationwide protests that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. The resignation came just hours after the government rolled back its controversial ban on major social media platforms, which had triggered unprecedented demonstrations. Oli, 73, stepped down late Tuesday evening after an emergency cabinet meeting, during which Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak had already tendered his resignation. In a statement, Oli said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths and acknowledgedRead More
Gilani Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Stronger Ties with Ethiopia
DNA ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its historic ties with Ethiopia. While addressing a ceremony held to mark Ethiopia’s national days — Ethiopian New Year, Unity Day, and the Inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he said, “The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is not merely a structure of concrete and steel — it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination, collective vision, and progress.” He paid tribute to Ethiopia’s remarkable achievements and stressed that both countries canRead More
Pakistan, Kazakhstan eye maritime cooperation , regional connectivity
ISLAMABAD: A Kazakh delegation led by Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev held talks with Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation in seaports and regional connectivity. The delegation, received by Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah, discussed opportunities for collaboration on Pakistani ports and multimodal transport corridors linking Central Asia with the Arabian Sea through road, rail and sea routes, said a press release. Shah underlined the strategic position of Pakistan’s ports, offering access to South Asia, Central Asia, Gulf countries, and beyond. He said Kazakhstan could benefit fromRead More