Friday, June 19th, 2026
U.S. Embassy Islamabad convenes freedom 250 arts entrepreneurship showcase
DNA ISLAMABAD – Today, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad hosted an “Arts Entrepreneurship Showcase” at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) that convened artists, designers, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to celebrate the power of creative industries to drive economic growth, strengthen bilateral ties, and connect people across cultures. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Natalie Baker and celebrated Pakistani fashion designer HSY headlined the event, moderated by renowned broadcaster and filmmaker Tauseeq Haider. The showcase, held as part of the United States’ Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary ofRead More
Pakistan to transition fully to e-passports as major reforms unveiled
ISLAMABAD, Jun 19 (DNA): Pakistan has decided in principle to transition entirely to an electronic passport system as part of a sweeping package of reforms aimed at modernizing passport services, improving security, and enhancing public convenience. The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad. Officials said the complete shift to e-passports would significantly reduce fraud and forgery associated with travel documents. Addressing the meeting, Naqvi emphasized that the move would strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s passportRead More
US–Iran talks in Geneva called off due to Israel
US Vice President called off his trip. The Iranian delegation also refused to attend, citing continued Israeli bombing of Lebanon as the reason for their withdrawal; No UN sanctions lifting on Iran without France’s approval, foreign minister says DNA GENEVA – Planned peace talks between the United States and Iran were abruptly canceled after the US Vice President called off his trip. The Iranian delegation also refused to attend, citing continued Israeli bombing of Lebanon as the reason for their withdrawal. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has saidRead More
Pakistan Hockey’s struggles: lessons and the road ahead
A.M.Bhatti Pakistan’s participation in the ongoing FIH Pro League second round has been marked by heavy defeats and sobering realities. The national team, ranked 12th in the world, lost two pool matches against Belgium, conceding a staggering 12 goals, and another against Germany where they let in 6 goals. These results underline the gulf in class between Pakistan and the world’s top hockey nations, but they also highlight deeper structural issues that continue to plague the sport in the country. To be fair, Pakistan’s poor results were not entirely unexpected.Read More
Moroccan star Hakimi to stand trial for rape
News Desk VERSAILLES: A French appeals court on Friday confirmed Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial charged with raping a young woman. In February 2023, a woman then aged 24 told police in the Val-De-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her. The Paris Saint-Germain player and captain of the Moroccan national team, whose side are playing their second World Cup match on Friday against Scotland, has consistently denied the allegations.
Tajik president Emomali Rahmon congratulates PM Shehbaz on role in US-Iran peace deal
DNA News Agency Islamabad/Dushanbe, June 18, 2026: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his role in facilitating the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a significant diplomatic achievement with far-reaching implications for regional and global stability. In a congratulatory message sent to the Pakistani premier, President Rahmon commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his effective mediation efforts that contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement. “With all due respect, I sincerely congratulate you on your effectiveRead More