Wednesday, September 9th, 2026
US resumes immigrant visa processing for Hungary, Poland as pause remains elsewhere
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s administration resumed processing immigrant visa applications from Hungary and Poland last week while maintaining a temporary pause on immigrant visa appointments elsewhere, four people familiar with the matter said. The directive to prioritize immigrant visas at the US missions in Poland and Hungary came from the White House, two of the sources said. While it was not immediately clear why the US singled out the two countries for special attention, Trump and his senior aides have cultivated far-right allies in both places. He publicly endorsedRead More
PM Shehbaz orders survey of properties for loans under ‘Apna Ghar Scheme’
ISLAMABAD, SEP 9: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the provincial chief secretaries to conduct a comprehensive survey of properties that could be made available for providing loans to people seeking to build homes under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Scheme. Chairing a review meeting on the access to finance plan 2026-28, the prime minister said that providing affordable housing to low-income and middle-class segments was the government’s top priority. During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that 147,504 applications had so far been received under the PrimeRead More
Pakistan set to receive much-needed LNG supplies as Qatari cargo passes through Hormuz
ISLAMABAD, SEP 9: Pakistan is set to receive a much-needed boost to its LNG supplies after a Qatari cargo successfully crossed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid heightened regional tensions. The LNG carrier, Al Marrouna, carrying around 81,936 metric tons of LNG from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal, transited the Strait of Hormuz on September 7 under Pakistan’s government-to-government arrangement with Qatar, The News reported on Tuesday. A senior Petroleum Division official told The News that the vessel was expected to reach Port Qasim within two days, where it willRead More
Security forces neutralise 11 India-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan IBOs: ISPR
RAWALPINDI, SEP 9: Security forces have eliminated at least 11 India-sponsored militants in separate intelligence-based operations in Kharan and Washuk districts of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday. The operations were conducted on September 6 and 7 following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al-Hindustan, the military’s media wing added. On September 6, terrorists attempted to establish a roadblock in Kharan and disrupt local traffic, the statement said, adding that security forces promptly intercepted and engaged the terrorists, killing eight ofRead More
Third Test: England win toss, elect to field first against Pakistan
BIRMINGHAM, SEP 9: England have won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, on Wednesday. The hosts made no changes to their line-up, while Pakistan handed debut caps to three players: Imran Randhawa, Razaullah and Ghazi Ghori. Saud Shakeel presented Ghazi Ghori with his debut Test cap, while pacer Mohammad Abbas handed Razaullah his cap and captain Babar Azam presented Imran Randhawa with his maiden Test cap. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub returned to the side after last representing PakistanRead More
The Makkah Pact and the New Security Map
Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer The emergence of a new defence understanding among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey deserves greater attention than it has so far received. The agreement, often described as the Mecca Agreement, has the potential to influence security calculations well beyond the Middle East. Its significance lies not merely in the military capabilities of its three members but in the possibility that it may gradually become the nucleus of a wider political and security arrangement involving other Muslim countries. For India, Israel and the major Western powers, theRead More