Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
Iran dismisses threat of new US sanctions as sign of ‘desperation’
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign minister dismissed the threat of new US sanctions as a sign of desperation on Sunday and said the expected new measures would fail to defeat Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is due to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday, has threatened to impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran. Iran’s economy is already under huge pressure from international sanctions, its infrastructure has been hit repeatedly and thousands of people have been killed in airstrikes on Iran since theRead More
CDA approves 23 commercial building plans
ISLAMABAD, AUG 23 /DNA/ – Capital Development Authority (CDA) reviewed commercial building plan approvals during the last four meetings of the Design Vetting Committee (DVC). According to details, out of 40 commercial building plan cases, 8 cases were withdrawn by the architects and sponsors themselves prior to the meetings due to incomplete documentation and failure to fulfill the required prerequisites. Out of the remaining 32 cases presented before the Design Vetting Committee, 23 cases were approved. Similarly, a few cases that were deferred were primarily due to the architects’ failureRead More
Pakistan Set to Host South Asian Games in April 2027
AFZAL JAVED ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major step towards hosting a landmark edition of the South Asian Games, with the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) formally approving the schedule and key arrangements for the 14th South Asian Games, to be held from April 3 to 11, 2027 in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. The decision marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s preparations to showcase its sporting strength, world-class hospitality and organizational capacity while bringing the athletes and Olympic family of South Asia together on Pakistani soil. The SAOC Executive CommitteeRead More
New Provinces: Debate must focus on economic development, not political boundaries: RCCI
RAWALPINDI, AUG 23 /DNA/ – President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Usman Shaukat has said that the debate on new provinces and administrative units should not be viewed primarily through a political lens, but approached from an economic, administrative and development perspective. Talking to a private television channel, he said the central question should be how Pakistan can address deprivation, ensure equitable resource allocation, improve governance and create economic opportunities for its people. “Pakistan needs a governance system that brings the state closer to the citizen, resources closer to theRead More
World Cup Hockey: South Africa poised to advance to next stage
DNA AMSTERDAM: The World Cup Hockey clash between Malaysia and South Africa ended in a nail-biting 3-3 draw, keeping the group stage wide open. Both teams displayed attacking flair and resilience, with South Africa securing a crucial point that places them second in the group standings. Ireland currently leads the group and looks set to advance comfortably to the next round. South Africa, meanwhile, remains in contention and is likely to progress further, with prospects of playing for the 11th and 12th positions. Their possible opponents could be Pakistan, shouldRead More
DPM/FM Dar grieved over death of former Estonia’s PM
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sunday, expressed his deep grief over the death of former Prime Minister of Estonia Siim Kallas. On X handle, the DPM/FM posted, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr. Siim Kallas, father of HR/VP.” On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, and on his own behalf, Dar extended heartfelt condolences to the European Union High Representative/Vice President Kallas and her family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them in thisRead More