Brussels: The European Union (EU) has approved the suspension of its trade agreement with the United States, following repeated remarks by the US president expressing a desire to take control of Greenland and threats to impose higher tariffs on European goods. According to reports, the trade agreement was finalised only last year. Under the deal, US tariffs on most European products were reduced to 15 per cent, down from 30 per cent, while the EU had agreed to facilitate increased American investment and exports. However, rising tensions over Greenland and renewed tariff threats prompted strong reactions within the EU. The…
Author: Web Desk2
Islamabad: The federal government has submitted a report to the court detailing its efforts to have former prime minister Imran Khan’s account on X (formerly Twitter) blocked, revealing that attempts have been ongoing for more than three and a half years. According to the report, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) first wrote to X on August 21, 2022, seeking the suspension of Imran Khan’s account. The request was later repeated on April 18, 2024, citing his convictions in the Toshakhana, cipher, and iddat cases. The court was informed that on November 27, 2025, the PTA again approached X, requesting the…
Gujranwala: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against four officers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and four private individuals on charges of bribery, kidnapping, and misuse of authority. According to the FIA, the case was registered by FIA Circle Gujranwala against NCCIA Sub-Inspectors Ameer Hamza and Mujahid Ali, ASI Shehroz, and staff officer Allah Yar. The FIR also names private facilitators Haji Waqar, Asim Mahmood, Usman Ali, and Nauman Ali. The FIA confirmed that ASI Shehroz and Allah Yar have been arrested following a raid, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.…
Sydney/Karachi: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam has ended his Big Bash League (BBL) stint prematurely and departed Australia to join the national squad for the upcoming series against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Babar was recalled ahead of the remainder of the BBL season, making him unavailable for Sydney Sixers’ remaining matches. Speaking before his departure, Babar said he thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Sydney Sixers and was grateful for the love and support from fans. “I truly enjoyed my time with the Sixers. The support from fans was amazing, but now it’s time for national…
Quetta/Lahore/Islamabad: Rain and snowfall have gripped several parts of Balochistan, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are also expected to receive rain over the next two days, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The PMD said rainfall has been continuing since last night in multiple areas of Balochistan. Ziarat, Kan Mehterzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakari, and Toba Achakzai are experiencing rain along with snowfall. The cold spell has intensified in Quetta and surrounding areas, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Quetta recorded a low of minus 1 degree Celsius, while Kojak Top and Khwaja Imran reported temperatures as low as…
Karachi: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has demanded that Karachi be brought under direct federal administration, calling for an end to what it termed the “drama” of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday, Federal Minister and MQM leader Mustafa Kamal said the city should be placed under federal control in accordance with Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution. He alleged that the 18th Amendment had failed Karachi and was being used to systematically marginalize its people. “The state has handed us over to those who have destroyed Karachi,” Kamal said. “Anyone who speaks…
Karachi | January 21, 2026: Rescue teams recovered around 30 bodies from a shop on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza on Tuesday, taking the death toll from the deadly fire incident to 63, officials said. According to authorities, the bodies were found during an ongoing search operation inside the fire-damaged commercial building, where efforts to locate missing persons continue. Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi confirmed the recovery of approximately 30 bodies from the mezzanine floor. SSP City Arif Aziz said the bodies were recovered from a shop identified as Dubai Crockery and were found in a severely burnt condition.…
Islamabad/Ankara: Pakistan and Türkiye have accepted an invitation to join the Gaza Board of Peace, a US-backed international initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire and post-war governance framework in Gaza. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed Pakistan’s participation, saying the decision was taken under the Gaza Peace Plan and UN General Assembly Resolution 2803. He said Pakistan hopes the initiative will contribute to a permanent ceasefire, improved humanitarian access, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, a two-state solution, and borders based on the pre-1967 lines, adding…
Islamabad: The National Assembly has passed another set of amendments to the Elections Act 2017, approving the Elections (Amendment) Act 2026, which will come into force immediately. According to parliamentary proceedings, the bill was moved by PPP MNA Shazia Marri and introduces major legal changes, including an expanded role for the Federal Constitutional Court in election-related matters and new rules governing the publication of lawmakers’ asset details. Federal Constitutional Court Given Role in Election Disputes Under the approved amendments, several sections of the Elections Act have been revised to replace the term “Supreme Court” with “Federal Constitutional Court”. Section 9…
Islamabad: The government has formally started implementing a special subsidy scheme for electric bikes, rickshaws and loaders, aimed at promoting affordable and environment-friendly transport across the country. Under the Prime Minister’s Electric Vehicle Adoption Scheme, subsidy amounts have already been transferred to the bank accounts of approved applicants in the first phase, officials confirmed. Rs9 Billion Subsidy This Year According to the Engineering Development Board (EDB), the government will provide around Rs9 billion in subsidies during the current financial year. Officials said the government plans to offer more than Rs100 billion in subsidies by 2030 to accelerate the shift towards…
