Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
President Trump threatens to cut off all trade with Spain
Experts note that implementing a full trade cutoff with an EU member state would face significant legal and practical hurdles, as U.S.-EU trade is governed by broader agreements DNA MADRID: In a heated Oval Office meeting on March 3, 2026, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain, calling it a “terrible” and “very uncooperative” ally. The outburst stemmed from Spain’s refusal to permit U.S. forces to use jointly operated military bases—such as those at Rota and Morón—for operations related to ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikesRead More
Pakistan seeks alternative oil supply route via Saudi Arabia after Hormuz Strait closure
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4: Pakistan on Wednesday sought an alternative oil supply route through Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a development that threatens a major portion of global energy flows. The request was made by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik to the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, during a meeting, according to a statement by the petroleum division. The minister briefed the ambassador on the fast-evolving regional situation and its implications for international energyRead More
Kundi condoles with Iran over martyrdom of Supreme Leader
ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 /DNA/: Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad along with former federal minister Sajid Hussain Turi to express condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The governor recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book at the embassy, paying tribute to Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and other Iranian martyrs, said a news release. He also offered Fateha for the departed souls and prayed for the elevation of their ranks. During the visit,Read More
PIDE, ECP join forces for electoral training programs
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, training, capacity building, and youth civic engag ement initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic governance, electoral awareness, and evidence-based policymaking in Pakistan. The MoU was signed at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad. The PIDE delegation was led by Dr. Nasir Iqbal, Professor of Economics and Registrar, PIDE, while the ECP delegation was led by Mr. Omer Hamid Khan, Secretary, Election CommissionRead More
HEC announces national skill competency test for IT graduates
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has notified the commencement of the National Skill Competency Test for IT graduates, a landmark initiative designed to align academic outcomes with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology sector. Developed pursuant to Prime Minister’s directives and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), this standardized assessment aims to enhance the employability and market readiness of the nation’s burgeoning IT workforce.Read More
Buy helmet, avoid challan; Motorway Police launches “Challan Nahi, Helmet” campaign
Various helmet stalls set up on GT road, Murree expressway ISLAMABAD, MARCH 4 /DNA/: The National Highways and Motorway Police, prioritizing the safety of motorcyclists, has formally launched a special awareness campaign “Challan Nahi, Helmet”. The aim of this campaign is to promote responsible behavior among citizens and strengthen road safety culture along with law enforcement. Under this campaign, launched to ensure the use of helmets among motorcyclists, persons who are found traveling without helmets are advised to buy helmets at the first opportunity instead of immediately issuing a challan.Read More