Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Taiwan says is an ‘independent’ nation, after Trump’s warning
TAIPEI, MAY 16: Taiwan said Saturday it is an “independent” nation, hours after US President Donald Trump warned the democratic island against declaring formal independence. Trump wrapped up a state visit to Beijing on Friday where Chinese President Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support Taiwan, which China claims is part of its territory. Taiwan depends heavily on US security backing to deter China from carrying out its threat to annex the island by force. Taiwan “is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to theRead More
Iran will announce Strait of Hormuz mechanism, collect fees, Iranian MP says
TEHRAN, MAY 16: Iran has prepared a mechanism to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz along a designated route that will be unveiled soon, the head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee Ebrahim Azizi said on Saturday. Azizi added that only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran would benefit from the arrangement. He said fees would be collected for specialized services provided under the mechanism.
Sindh govt lifts austerity-driven closing times for markets, marriage halls, hotels
KARACHI, MAY 16: The Sindh government has granted relief to the business community and the public by exempting markets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and marriage halls from the previously prescribed closing times. Taking to his official X handle, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the government of Sindh has exempted shops, markets, malls, hotels, restaurants, wedding halls and marquees from fixed closing timings to facilitate businesses and citizens. “This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone ofRead More
India failed to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, says former RAW chief
NEW DELHI, MAY 16: Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief AS Dulat has acknowledged that India’s long-standing efforts to isolate Pakistan at the international level diplomatically have not succeeded despite repeatedly promoting a terrorism-related narrative. Speaking to a British news channel, Dulat said India had attempted to isolate Pakistan globally since the beginning but failed to achieve the objective despite using international lobbying, available resources and proxy channels. Pakistan-India relations have remained largely frozen in recent years, with diplomatic engagement stalled. The two neighbouring countries have also experienced borderRead More
Aziz Boolani conferred with Hilal-e-Imtiaz
ISLAMABAD, MAY 16 /DNA/ – In a proud moment for the hospitality sector, the Government of Pakistan has awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz one of the country’s highest civilian honours to Mr. Aziz Boolani, Global CEO of Serena Hotels. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to public service, sustainable tourism, community development, and nation-building through excellence in the hospitality industry. Mr. Boolani has earned a distinguished name in the hospitality industry over a career spanning more than four decades. He has worked in leadership roles across some of the most prestigious establishments.Read More
FPCCI establishes Pak–USA Business Council to strengthen bilateral trade
ISLAMABAD, MAY 16 /DNA/ – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, will lead a high-powered business delegation to the United States in August 2026. Under his leadership, the Pakistan–USA Business Council has been formally established to institutionalize and expand bilateral trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The first meeting of the Pakistan–USA Business Council of FPCCI was held at the FPCCI President Office in Islamabad. The meeting was convened by Mr. Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Pakistan–USA Business Council. The meeting was attended by representatives of theRead More