Friday, May 1st, 2026
UK Envoy Richard Lindsay Urges Taliban-Pakistan De-escalation in Kabul Visit
KABUL: Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has emphasized the need to reduce tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, reopen border crossings for the passage of humanitarian aid, and improve the human rights situation during his recent visit to Kabul. The UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday, April 30, that Lindsay met with senior Taliban officials, representatives of the Taliban-controlled Red Crescent, and members of civil society during the visit. According to the statement, the UK’s Special Representative stressed the necessity of de-escalation andRead More
Govt announces end to loadshedding after LNG arrival
ISLAMABAD, MAY 1: Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Friday said electricity load management had ended in the country following the arrival of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, warning reliance on costly fuels could place a financial burden on consumers. Addressing a press briefing, he said that Pakistan received LNG shipments a day earlier, allowing authorities to restore normal electricity supply. Leghari expressed confidence that, unless unexpected technical issues occur in the transmission lines, consumers should not experience any more power outages. The minister was referring to theRead More
President witnesses signing of joint venture agreement
SANYA, May 1: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday witnessed the signing of one Joint Venture Agreement and two memorandums of understanding between Pakistani and Chinese organisations, covering construction machinery, animal health and medical technology. The engagements are aimed at advancing practical cooperation in key sectors, a Presidency’s news release said.A memorandum of understanding was signed between Al Hassan Trade Establishment, Sany International Development and Hainan Jiaolong International Technology on cooperation in high-end equipment, manufacturing and construction machinery.The trilateral collaboration focuses on supporting work related to the China Pakistan EconomicRead More
The Challenge before Rana Sikandar Hayat
Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer In the evolving landscape of Punjab’s governance, the role of the education minister carries both symbolic and practical weight. It is a portfolio that not only shapes policy but also influences the intellectual future of millions. In this context, Rana Sikandar Hayat stands out as a prominent political figure, particularly rooted in the constituency of Pattoki, whose rise reflects a blend of local political grounding and provincial ambition. Rana Sikandar Hayat’s political identity is closely tied to Pattoki, a region often described as politically vibrant yetRead More
‘Pentagon is lying’: Netanyahu’s gamble cost US four times official estimate, Araghchi says
TEHRAN, MAY 1: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Pentagon is lying about the financial toll of the war on Iran, noting that the aggression has directly cost the United States $100 billion so far—four times the official estimate. “The Pentagon is lying. Netanyahu’s gamble has directly cost America $100b so far, four times what is claimed,” Araghchi wrote on X Friday. “Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are FAR higher. Monthly bill for each American household is $500 and rising fast,” he added. “Israel First always means America Last,”Read More
President condemns interception of Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla in int’l waters near Greece
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (DNA): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday strongly condemned the interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece, and described it as a deeply troubling development amid an already grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The president expressed concern over the safety of all detained activists and urged that their rights and well-being be fully respected, a Presidency’s news release said. He emphasized that humanitarian assistance must never be obstructed and called for the immediate facilitation of aid delivery to affected civilianRead More