Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik has called for immediate and fair global action to address climate change. His appeal includes demands for deeper emission cuts and enhanced resilience financing for nations most vulnerable to climate impacts. Dr. Malik conveyed these remarks during bilateral meetings with Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP-29 and Special Envoy on Environment to the President of Azerbaijan, and Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and COP-29 Lead Negotiator. These discussions took place on the sidelines of the COP Heads of Delegation Retreat in Shamakhi. The Minister emphasized that while countries of…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump directed the United States to once again withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations’ culture and education agency. This decision marks a reversal of a move by his successor, Joe Biden, who had rejoined the organization after Trump’s initial withdrawal during his first term. The effective date for this departure from the Paris-based agency, established post-World War Two to foster peace through international collaboration in education, science, and culture, is set for December 31, 2026. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly explained the rationale behind the withdrawal: “President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from…
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump leveled accusations of “treason” against former President Barack Obama, contending, without presenting supporting evidence, that Obama spearheaded an endeavor to falsely link him to Russia and undermine his 2016 presidential campaign. A spokesperson for Obama swiftly rejected Trump’s assertions, labeling them “bizarre allegations [that] are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.” While President Trump has frequently targeted Obama by name, his recent remarks mark a significant escalation, as he has not, since resuming office in January, previously gone to such lengths in accusing his Democratic predecessor of criminal conduct. During statements made in…
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Monday his intention to remain in office, despite his coalition government enduring what he termed an “extremely regrettable” election outcome, with the prospect of new, impactful US tariffs looming. In Sunday’s election, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a political force that has governed almost continuously since 1955, alongside its coalition partner Komeito, fell an estimated three seats short of securing a majority in the upper house. Local media reports indicate that 125 seats were contested within the 248-seat upper house. The coalition had aimed for 50 of these contested seats but ultimately secured…
India is set to formally retire its remaining MiG-21 fighter jets in September, marking the end of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) longest-serving and most controversial aircraft fleet. According to a report by the Indian Express, the final two MiG-21 Bison squadrons will be decommissioned at a ceremonial event scheduled for September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase. This move concludes nearly six decades of service during which these Soviet-origin jets formed the backbone of the IAF. First inducted in 1963, India acquired over 700 MiG-21s across various models, including the Type-77, Type-96, BIS, and the upgraded Bison version. The MiG-21…
The United States will begin imposing a new “visa integrity fee” of at least $250 on international visitors, in addition to existing visa application charges. This measure is outlined in a recently passed domestic policy bill from the Trump administration. This fee will apply to all travelers requiring nonimmigrant visas to enter the US, including tourists, business travelers, international students, and other temporary visitors. According to the State Department, approximately 11 million nonimmigrant visas were issued in fiscal year 2024. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries—such as Australia and many European nations—who visit for 90 days or less will not…
Over 100 aid organizations issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that “mass starvation” is rapidly spreading across Gaza. This alert comes ahead of a visit by the top US envoy to Europe for discussions on a potential ceasefire and the establishment of an aid corridor. Israel is currently facing mounting international pressure due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people are grappling with severe shortages of food and other essential supplies after 21 months of conflict. The UN reported on Tuesday that Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinians attempting to…
India announced on Wednesday, through its embassy in China, that it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24 this year. This marks the first time in five years that both countries are actively working to repair their often tumultuous relationship. Tensions between the two nations significantly escalated following a military clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020. In response, India implemented stringent restrictions on Chinese investments, banned hundreds of popular Chinese applications, and severed passenger routes. Around the same period, China had suspended visas for Indian citizens and other foreign nationals due to the COVID-19…
In a captivating encounter at The County Ground, the Pakistan Shaheens narrowly defeated the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI by a single run in the first one-day match. This victory was largely attributed to Maaz Sadaqat’s three-wicket haul and impactful half-centuries from Haider Ali and captain Saud Shakeel. The match, shortened to 28 overs per side due to rain, saw the Professional County Club Select XI post a total of 187 runs before being bowled out in the final over. Their innings was anchored by opening batter Will Smeed, who top-scored with a quickfire 84 off 62 deliveries, featuring…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday a 15-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, naming Fatima Sana as captain of the women’s cricket team. The three-match series is scheduled to take place at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin from August 6 to 10. A notable inclusion in the squad is 22-year-old Eyman Fatima, who earns her maiden senior call-up. This follows her impressive performance in the National Women’s T20 Tournament held in Karachi earlier this year, where the young right-handed batter scored 287 runs across eight matches at a remarkable strike rate of 155.14. Eyman Fatima…
