Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Pakistan needs development-focused budget beyond short-term stabilization: Experts
ISLAMABAD, MAY 20 /DNA/ – The upcoming federal budget must move beyond short-term stabilization and focus on economic development, boosting exports, ensuring food security, promoting investment, and reducing inequality. However, without political will, authentic data, institutional coordination, and structural reforms to support these goals, the country may continue to face stagflation, rising poverty, and mounting balance-of-payments pressures. These views were expressed by economic and fiscal experts during a discussion organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on the federal budget 2026-27 and Pakistan’s economic challenges. The session wasRead More
Pakistan, China vow to elevate ‘All-Weather’ partnership as senate marks 75 diplomatic ties
ISLAMABAD, May 20 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s Senate on Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, with top leadership reaffirming the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” as a bedrock of regional stability and shared prosperity. Ahead of the resolution’s adoption, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister [Name as applicable; original text says “DPM/FM” but speech delivered by a Senate leader? The speech text says “I will be accompanying the Prime Minister” – assuming the DPM/FM delivered it] delivered wide-ranging remarksRead More
Trump weighed Ahmadinejad as Iran’s next leader: Report
WASHINGTON, MAY 20: A failed Israeli strike on the Tehran home of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the start of the war was intended to free him from house arrest, The New York Times reported, citing US officials briefed on the operation. According to the report, the strike was part of a broader Israeli plan, known to the United States, aimed at weakening Iran’s leadership and creating the conditions for regime change. US officials said Israel and the United States had considered Ahmadinejad, despite his hardline anti-Israel and anti-AmericanRead More
US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers
WASHINGTON, MAY 20: The US Senate advanced a war-powers resolution on Tuesday that would end the Iran war unless President Donald Trump obtains Congress’ authorization, a rare rebuke of the Republican leader 80 days after US and Israeli forces began striking Iran. The vote on a procedural measure to advance the resolution was 50 to 47, as four of Trump’s fellow Republicans voted with every Democrat but one in favor. Three Republicans missed the vote. For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read More
China’s Xi, Russia’s Putin praise ties at Beijing talks; energy in focus
BEIJING, MAY 20: China and Russia’s leaders lauded on Wednesday progress in their strategic ties at a summit in Beijing, but despite the warm exchanges the talks did not appear to signal a breakthrough in a gas deal that has been under negotiation for more than a decade. President Xi Jinping welcomed President Vladimir Putin with an honor guard and a gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, as children waved Chinese and Russian flags. Alongside formal talks, the pair are expected to cap the day with anRead More
Bangladesh complete 2-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan
SYLHET, MAY 20: Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday to clinch the two-match series 2-0. Chasing a mammoth 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358, handing the hosts a comprehensive victory and a series whitewash. After resuming on day five following a brief rain interruption, Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan added valuable runs in quick time, putting together a key 50-plus stand that pushed the total beyond 350. The partnership was eventually ended by Taijul Islam, who removed SajidRead More