Friday, July 24th, 2026
Ali Asad Gillani to replace Khalil Hashmi as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China
ISLAMABAD, JUL 24 /DNA/ – Pakistan picked seasoned diplomat Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani for critical foreign postings, appointing him as the new ambassador to China at a time when Islamabad and Beijing are seeking to deepen strategic cooperation across diplomacy, defence, trade and regional connectivity. Gillani will replace Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, who is expected to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after completing his three-year tenure in Beijing. The appointment comes as Pakistan and China continue to expand collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strengthen defence cooperationRead More
More than 430 evacuated from care homes due to Madrid blazes
MADRID, JUL 24: More than 430 elderly people and people with disabilities were evacuated Friday from five care facilities in the Madrid region due to the dangers from wildfires, the regional government said. Television images showed Guardia Civil police officers wearing face masks helping elderly residents in wheelchairs board buses as care homes were evacuated. The largest evacuation operation took place in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, with most of the 178 residents at the private Lopez Rumayor care home evacuated to the municipal sports hall, the regional government said inRead More
Pakistan, Iran reaffirm close ties amid regional tensions
CHOLPON-ATA, JUL 24 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, on the sidelines of the SCO CFM Meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic. The two Ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and reviewed the evolving regional situation. The DPM/FM expressed deep concern over recent regional tensions and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation by all sides, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability. He emphasized the needRead More
Bangladesh president steps down
DNA DHAKA: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned, local media reported on Friday. Shahabuddin, who has been the president of the South Asian nation since April 2023, oversaw the country during a volatile period after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 by youth protesters and until a caretaker government was formed days later. Bangladesh’s president is the head of state, but the role is largely ceremonial, with executive power resting with the prime minister and cabinet.
Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraqi PM: Report
TEHRAN, JUL 24: Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal carried to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials. For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. The unsuccessful mediation effort came as US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the war and target Iran’s critical infrastructure, according to the report. Al-Zaidi was in Tehran on Thursday after visiting the White House earlier this month, where he met Trump. The officials citedRead More
Those helping US in war will be dealt with sternly, says Iran
Araghchi also accused the U.S. of violating the Islamabad memorandum ceasefire, citing attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water facilities DNA ISLAMABAD: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning declaring that “any participation” with the United States in military action against Iran will be met with accountability. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, Araghchi stressed that countries aiding Washington in its strikes against Iranian targets would bear international responsibility for aggression. He underscored Iran’s right to self-defense under international law, stating thatRead More