WASHINGTON: The United States remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution with Iran, while technical-level talks between the two sides are continuing despite a sharp rise in regional military tensions, according to U.S. officials. The latest diplomatic signal comes after renewed exchanges of fire between Washington and Tehran threatened to derail efforts to turn a fragile interim arrangement into a lasting agreement. A U.S. official said the Trump administration was still committed to finding a resolution and that technical-level discussions were continuing toward a nuclear deal. Regional mediators are also working to reduce tensions and revive negotiations. According to reporting…
Author: Web Desk2
PESHAWAR: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly criticised his own government’s policies during a parliamentary group meeting, expressing anger over legislation increasing the salaries and privileges of ministers and provincial assembly members. According to the provided news copy, Gandapur said he had already warned against increasing the salaries of ministers and lawmakers because such a move would attract strong public criticism. He said the government was repeatedly taking steps that were putting it under pressure and exposing it to criticism. Gandapur also raised concerns over alleged poor-quality development work in different constituencies. He said even government…
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Croatian Foreign Minister have agreed to strengthen Pakistan-Croatia bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, tourism and other key sectors. The agreement came during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Croatian Foreign Minister and his delegation to Pakistan. He said relations between Pakistan and Croatia are based on mutual respect, goodwill and shared interests. The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s desire to further expand bilateral cooperation…
QUETTA: At least 19 terrorists were killed and 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom during an operation along the N-25 highway in Balochistan, according to security sources. The operation was carried out between Jhao Cross and Kararo, where security forces targeted militants operating in the area, security sources said. Several other militants were also reported injured. According to the reported security account, the operation targeted militants described by Pakistani authorities as belonging to “Fitna al-Hindustan.” Pakistan Today reported that the action was conducted along the N-25 highway and that the militants had allegedly been involved in extortion from passengers and local…
Doha/Beijing: Qatar and China have called for restraint and diplomacy as Iran-US tensions rise again following renewed military action in the Middle East. The latest escalation has increased fears that the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States could collapse. The US launched new strikes on Iranian targets after Washington said Iran had attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to the Associated Press. Qatar has strongly condemned repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. In an official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs…
US president says he no longer wants to deal with Tehran as the Pakistan-mediated interim agreement faces collapse ANKARA: US President Donald Trump has said the Trump Iran ceasefire deal is “over,” raising fears of a new escalation in the Middle East after fresh American military strikes on Iran. Speaking on Wednesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said he no longer wanted to continue dealing with Tehran. He strongly criticised the Iranian leadership and described further negotiations as a waste of time. lopment is especially important for Pakistan because the interim ceasefire agreement between Washington…
REDMOND: Microsoft has announced plans to eliminate around 4,800 jobs worldwide, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, as the technology giant restructures parts of its business, including its Xbox gaming division. The company confirmed the cuts on July 6, 2026. Microsoft said the changes would mainly affect its Commercial and Xbox organizations as it adjusts resources, roles and operations in response to a rapidly changing technology industry. Reuters reported that Microsoft’s gaming restructuring will involve around 3,200 Xbox job reductions, including approximately 1,600 roles eliminated immediately. Further reductions are expected during the current fiscal year. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma,…
KABUL: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He died just one day before his 39th birthday. Zadran had been receiving treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, India, after suffering from a rare and severe immune system disorder. Reports identified the illness as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep sorrow over his death and described him as one of the foundation-laying figures in the development of Afghan cricket. Zadran had been seriously ill for several…
ARLINGTON, Texas: Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of finally winning the FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 tournament. Spain substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute at Dallas Stadium. His late strike sent Spain into the quarter-finals and ended Portugal’s campaign before the match could reach extra time. The result also brought an emotional end to Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old captain left the tournament after confirming that he would not return for a seventh World Cup. Portugal and Spain remained level…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is playing a mediation role between Libya’s rival eastern and western factions in an effort to support a political settlement and reunification plan, according to a report by a British news agency citing two Pakistani sources. The report said that, if successful, the diplomatic initiative could further strengthen Pakistan’s international role. The mediation effort comes as the United States has also been seeking a diplomatic solution to Libya’s prolonged political crisis. Libya has remained divided between rival eastern and western administrations since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s government in 2011. According to the Pakistani sources cited in the…
