Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad this afternoon to offer heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Iran following the tragic passing of President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Hossain Abdollahian, and other senior Iranian officials in a helicopter crash. During his conversation with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the late Iranian President, recalling him as a remarkable leader, visionary, and scholar. He fondly reminisced about his interactions with President Raisi in 2022 and 2023, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran.…
Author: WebDesk
Today in Islamabad, Italian Ambassador Ms. Marilina Armellin met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss the enduring cooperation between Pakistan and Italy. The Finance Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Armellin and highlighted the remarkable advancements in Pakistan’s economic landscape. He shared achievements such as reducing the current account deficit, globalizing the currency, achieving record highs in the stock market, and successfully concluding the nine-month Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the IMF for a longer-term program. Moreover, the Minister outlined the government’s strategic endeavors to expand the tax base by targeting previously untaxed…
The Pakistani rupee experienced a slight dip against the US dollar, depreciating by 0.03% in the inter-bank market on Monday, settling at 278.30, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Following consecutive weeks of gains, the rupee saw this marginal decline of Re0.09 against the greenback, closing at 278.21, compared to the previous week’s 278.12. In significant news, reports from Business Recorder indicated that the government proposed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) an increase in the income tax exemption threshold up to Rs1 million for the salaried class. Additionally, there were proposals to rationalize tax rates for individuals…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has authorized Bank Alfalah Limited to initiate due diligence of Samba Bank Limited. Bank Alfalah, aiming for a majority stake in Samba Bank, disclosed this development in its notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday. “Referring to Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) public announcement dated 9th April 2024 regarding its potential acquisition of 84.51% shares of Samba Bank Limited held by Saudi National Bank. “We are pleased to inform you that the SBP has granted its approval to BAFL to commence due diligence of the target company,” the notice stated. Last month, BAFL…
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated that Russia is prepared to offer support for Iran’s inquiry into the helicopter accident that claimed the life of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his sympathies to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the loss of Raisi, referring to him as “a genuine ally of Russia.”
In Istanbul, Turkey, on May 20, 2024, countries across Europe and Central Asia are grappling with the urgent challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. To address these issues, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are hosting a gathering of partners and stakeholders in Istanbul, Turkey. Against the backdrop of the upcoming COP29, scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024, these discussions aim to amplify climate action efforts and mobilize climate finance. The Istanbul Development Dialogues (IDD) of this year convene a diverse array of participants, including…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing criticism for their recent trip to Nigeria, which some perceive as a challenge to the authority of the Royal Family. During their visit, they were accused of passively standing during the British national anthem, sparking controversy about their commitment to their royal roles. Royal expert Angela Levin, speaking to GB News, suggested that Harry’s apparent discomfort with the national anthem may stem from his strained relationship with King Charles and the rest of the royal family. Additionally, Levin accused the couple of exploiting King Charles and Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnoses to bolster their…
Afshan Qureshi, renowned Pakistani television and film actor, recently made an appearance on a show aired on the YouTube channel Metro Live TV. During the interview, she candidly addressed her son, Faisal Qureshi’s, perceived disobedience towards her. Afshan Qureshi acknowledged her son’s success in the entertainment industry, attributing it to her prayers. However, she also admitted her oversight in not praying for his guidance and obedience. Additionally, she took the opportunity to impart a message to the audience about the importance of respecting parents. She emphasized that honoring one’s parents is crucial for achieving success and maintaining a balanced life.…
Mustehkam Pakistan, a dedicated advocacy firm committed to safeguarding community interests, expresses deep concern over the ongoing disruptions faced by residents and commuters in Karachi due to prolonged delays in completing the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. These delays have exacerbated severe health, economic, and environmental challenges within the city. The construction activities have caused significant disruptions, including dug-up roads, open drains, and excessive dust, posing serious issues for both residents and commuters. Reports from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) indicate a substantial deterioration in Karachi’s air quality, with particulate matter (PM) levels surpassing the safe limits…
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, agreed on Monday to boost bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. This decision came after delegation-level discussions between the two sides, announced at a joint media briefing by the foreign ministers. During his visit, Fidan was welcomed by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia) Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich. Highlighting the extensive scope of bilateral relations, Dar emphasized the strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity, and defense, as well as the growing people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Turkey. Dar also called for…