VILNIUS: Belarus freed 52 prisoners, including an EU employee, on Thursday following an appeal from US President Donald Trump. The prisoners and the US delegation that negotiated their release traveled to Lithuania, according to the US embassy in Vilnius. Trump had urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to release what the US leader described as “hostages.” In exchange for this gesture, Washington will provide sanctions relief to Belarus’s national airline, Belavia, allowing it to service and buy components for its aircraft, including Boeings, the US embassy said. Thawing Ties with the US…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
On Thursday, Kirk, a 31-year-old superstar on the Republican right and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was killed by a single gunshot to the neck while addressing a large crowd on Wednesday. The FBI has described the killing as a “targeted event.” The FBI has released grainy photos of a person of interest wearing a black baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a long-sleeved top with a design including an American flag. Authorities, who described the suspect as being of university age, acknowledged that the gunman remains at large after escaping into a wooded area. “We’re doing everything we…
Adani, which operates 14 ports, has issued multiple orders to ban sanctioned vessels. The company stated, “To safeguard the legal and commercial interests of the Port, we hereby emphasize that sanctioned vessels are not accepted.” India, being the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil, has been tightening its surveillance of vessels and transactions involving Russian supplies. Most Russian oil is now transported by a “shadow fleet” after the US, EU, and UK imposed sanctions to curb Moscow’s oil revenue. The orders specify that sanctioned vessels will not be allowed entry, berthing, or use of port services. “At the time of…
A sharp exchange of words took place at an emergency UN Security Council meeting convened to address Israel’s recent strike in Doha, Qatar. The session was requested by Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia, with support from France and the United Kingdom. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, opened his address by strongly condemning Israel’s strike as a “brazen and illegal assault” and a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. He stated that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a consistent pattern of aggression that undermines regional peace. Ahmad also highlighted that the strike targeted a…
A high-ranking U.S. official has indicated that the country may revoke the visas of foreigners who are seen celebrating, rationalizing, or making light of the recent assassination of a leading political figure. This development follows the high-profile killing of a prominent political figure. In a post on the social media platform X, the U.S. official stated, “In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.” He continued, “I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalising, or…
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have committed to increasing their joint efforts to combat drug trafficking. The pledge was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE’s National Anti-Narcotics Authority, on Thursday. According to the ministry, the two sides held detailed discussions on anti-narcotics efforts and other matters of mutual interest, agreeing to bolster their combined efforts to curb the smuggling of drugs. Mr. Naqvi welcomed Sheikh Zayed and his delegation, emphasizing that combating narcotics is a national priority for Pakistan. To facilitate…
The Nanbai Associations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are taking action against rising wheat flour prices. Rawalpindi’s association threatened a strike if flour rates are not controlled within 10 days, while Islamabad’s association announced plans to approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the administration’s alleged inaction. Speaking at a press conference, Rawalpindi Nanbai Association President Shahjahan Abbasi warned of a nationwide shutter-down if the government fails to act against flour mills and dealers. “The government is responsible for supplying flour so that Roti can be sold at a controlled price,” he stated, adding that given the current situation, the price…
A senior official from the district health authority told Dawn that over 200 employees were found absent from their duties by Punjab Information and Technology Board (PITB) teams during inspections. Despite being absent, these employees were still drawing salaries and were reportedly submitting old photos from previous campaigns to PITB to fake their attendance. The official stated that these fraudulent activities have made the anti-dengue campaign ineffective, as the number of dengue patients continues to increase daily. So far in 2025, 281 dengue cases have been reported in the district, compared to only 210 by September 11 of the previous…
On Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed a prominent bookstore, accusing it of failing to integrate its Point of Sales (POS) system with FBR’s requirements. The action was carried out by the Regional Tax Office. An FBR official stated that a notice had been issued in April to install the POS system, and since this was not fulfilled, the store was sealed. It was later de-sealed after receiving “assurance by the bookshop.” The store, located in Jinnah Super Market, is a renowned outlet frequently visited by diplomats, tourists, and avid readers. The bookstore’s owner, Ahmed Saeed, who is…
A spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Balochistan announced on Thursday that a joint operation was launched based on intelligence about a terrorist group’s presence in the Akalzai Yaro area of Pishin. When CTD personnel cordoned off the area, the terrorists opened fire. Security forces immediately retaliated, leading to an intense exchange of fire that lasted over an hour. During the gun battle, four members of Fitna al Khawarij—a term used by the state for the TTP—were killed. A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from their hideout, including two SMGs, two 9mm pistols, three hand grenades, and…
