MUSCAT: Talks between the United States and Iran are set to take place today as senior representatives from both sides have arrived in Oman for negotiations aimed at reviving dialogue on nuclear issues. According to foreign news agencies, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff have reached Muscat to participate in the talks. Reports said the US delegation also includes Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former president Donald Trump, who is accompanying Steve Witkoff during the visit. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Abbas Araghchi will take part in nuclear…
Author: Web Desk2
ISLAMABAD: Facebook users across the world faced disruption as the platform’s web version stopped working properly on desktop browsers, causing widespread concern among users. According to user reports, Facebook.com failed to load or showed error messages on popular web browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Windows-based browsers. Many users complained that they were unable to access Facebook through desktop browsers, particularly on Windows computers. Users took to X (formerly Twitter) to report that while Facebook’s web version was inaccessible, the mobile app continued to function normally. Similarly, users on Apple Mac computers (macOS) reported no major issues with…
PESHAWAR: Security forces have killed 24 terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed militant group Fitna Al-Khawarij during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). In a statement, ISPR said that on February 4 and 5, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in district Orakzai after receiving credible information about the presence of terrorists. During the operation, troops effectively targeted terrorist hideouts, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire that left 14 terrorists dead. ISPR added that a second intelligence-based operation was carried out in district Khyber, where security forces successfully neutralised 10 more…
Former India spinner praises Pakistan’s openers and bowling strength ISLAMABAD: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Pakistan have a strong chance of winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, even if some people may not agree with his view. Speaking on his YouTube channel while analysing Pakistan’s squad, Ashwin said he was speaking purely from a cricketing perspective. “Some people may not like what I’m about to say, but I’m only talking about cricket. I genuinely feel Pakistan have a very good chance of winning this World Cup,” Ashwin said. According to the former India all-rounder, Pakistan’s openers…
ISLAMABAD: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, during which a series of high-level meetings and agreements across multiple sectors are expected. The Uzbek president’s aircraft landed at Nur Khan Air Base, where he was warmly received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Children dressed in traditional cultural attire presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary during the reception ceremony. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan, senior civil and military officials, and members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the…
New designs prepared for notes from Rs10 to Rs5,000, says SBP Governor ISLAMABAD: Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified that there is no proposal to discontinue the Rs5,000 currency note, while confirming that new designs for all banknotes ranging from Rs10 to Rs5,000 have already been prepared. Addressing a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance in Islamabad, the SBP governor said the proposed designs have been shared with the Ministry of Finance for further consideration. He informed the committee that the central bank carried out detailed work on the new currency notes, after which…
Left-arm pacer picked through direct signing for Rs 64.4 million LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladesh’s star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the upcoming season. Sources confirmed that Lahore Qalandars secured the services of the left-arm pacer for Rs 64.4 million (Rs 6 crore 44 lakh) through direct signing. Mustafizur, widely known for his deadly slower deliveries and effectiveness in death overs, enjoys a strong reputation in international cricket and T20 leagues around the world. The signing is expected to strengthen Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack, particularly in pressure situations during the latter stages of…
Former England captain criticises ICC over double standards and political influence ISLAMABAD: Former England captain Nasser Hussain has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he described as double standards, warning that continued pressure on Pakistan and Bangladesh could seriously damage international cricket. Speaking on the issue, Hussain questioned the ICC’s handling of venue-related controversies, asking whether the response would have been the same if India had demanded a venue change instead of Bangladesh. “If Bangladesh were replaced by India in this situation, what would the ICC have done? Would India have been pushed out of the event?”…
Explosion damages gas infrastructure, repair work underway LAKKI MARWAT: Unknown assailants blew up a gas pipeline and a Town Border Station (TBS) in the Bhana Manjiwala area of Lakki Marwat, resulting in the suspension of gas supply to Lakki Marwat city and Sarai Naurang. According to gas department officials, the explosion caused severe damage to the TBS, forcing authorities to completely halt gas supply to the affected areas. Officials said residents are facing serious difficulties due to the disruption, particularly amid ongoing domestic and commercial needs. The blast and the sound of intense gas leakage spread panic among locals. Shortly…
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers permanent settlement to skilled foreign workers ISLAMABAD: Australia has opened a major pathway for employment and permanent residency for skilled foreign workers by continuing applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, Subclass 186. According to reports, applications under Subclass 186 are currently open. The visa allows foreign nationals who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. Immigration experts say the ENS visa (Subclass 186) is part of Australia’s broader policy aimed at addressing shortages of skilled workers across multiple sectors. Successful applicants under…
