Hindu extremists vandalize Muslim sites
It was reported that thirty years after mobs demolished a historic mosque in Ayodhya, fundamentalist Indian Hindu groups are eyeing other Muslim sites — even the world-famous Taj Mahal. Emboldened under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aided by courts and fueled by social media, the radical groups believe the sites were built on top of Hindu temples. According to the current reports, the centuries-old Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi is on their hit list.
PM Shehbaz asks businessmen to devise plans for Saudi investment
On May 29, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Karachi businessmen to devise a plan for an investment of $1 billion dollars from Saudi Arabia. Addressing a ceremony at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier touched on a number of topics, including the recent import ban and the economic crisis. “One billion dollars is available, it is a gift of investment from Saudi Arabia. As the prime minister, I am laying this in front of you. Sit together and brainstorm and make a feasibility plan. Set up a desalination plant and I believe that clean water will be available at every home within five years,” he told the businessmen.
PTI core committee to decide final date for Islamabad march: Khan
On May 20, former prime minister Imran Khan said that he had called a session of the PTI core committee on Sunday in Peshawar to decide the date for his long march to Islamabad. Addressing a rally in Multan, former premiere said that the march could be held on any day between May 25 and May 29. Lashing out at the current government, he demanded that the National Assembly be dissolved immediately and a date for elections announced.
Dollar closes at record above Rs200
On Friday, the US dollar, extended its gains against the rupee for the 11th consecutive session today as it gained 25 paisa by the close. According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the greenback closed at Rs200.25, another record. The persistent decline in the rupee’s value since last Tuesday has been largely attributed to the country’s rising import bill, widening current account deficit, and depleting foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan.
WHO calls for emergency meeting amidst monkeypox outbreak
London: On May 20, The World Health Organization hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox. It is a viral infection more common in the west and central Africa, after more than 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe. “With several confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal, this is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,” said Germany’s armed forces’ medical service.
Navjot Singh Sadhu surrenders
It was reported that Indian former batsman and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sadhu surrendered. His move came following the court order in a 34-year-old case. Navjot Singh Sadhu surrendered in the Patiala court of Punjab on Friday. Navjot Singh Sadhu was sentenced by the Supreme Court to one year in the road rage case on May 19.
Bilawal Bhutto defends Imran Khan in US, receives praise from Pakistan
During an interview with the media in New York on Thursday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto created headlines in Pakistan by defending former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s controversial travel to Russia. When questioned about Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow, which had enraged western capitals, the foreign minister was speaking at a news conference at the UN Headquarters. The PTI chairman accuses the US of ousting his government because of its independent foreign policy, which the US denies. Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan’s youngest foreign minister, responded to the journalist with “maturity, grace, and patriotism,” earning praise from officials and experts at home.
Better to leave Govt. than impose more Inflation: Maryam Nawaz
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz stated on Thursday that it was better to leave the government than to burden the people with additional inflation, which she claimed had been worsened by the previous Imran Khan-led administration in the previous four years. Maryam said it was easy for Nawaz to “prostrate before the IMF and consent” to the elimination of subsidies, which would lead to another bout of severe inflation, but “he (Nawaz) wants to surrender the task rather than burden people with a further price hike,” she said.
Government agrees to implement IMF demand: Report
After lengthy consideration, the existing government has finally decided to fulfil most of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) requests, raising the chance of the country “getting back on track economically” and receiving the next IMF loan tranche. For the second day in a row, talks between the IMF and Pakistan proceeded. Finance Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Asim Ahmad, and State Bank of Pakistan acting Governor Dr Murtaza Syed are among the Pakistani negotiators.
Unfair to punish Pakistan for Russia visit: Bilawal Bhutto
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended Imran Khan’s travel to Russia on Thursday, saying it is unjust to penalise Pakistan for this “innocent move.” Following the conclusion of a two-day visit, the foreign minister spoke during a press conference at the UN Headquarters. Secretary of State Antony Blinken invited Bilawal to a meeting on world food security. The top Pakistani ambassador was questioned about the former prime minister’s visit on February 24, the day Russia began its offensive in Ukraine, and how the current government planned to “correct the mistakes” of its predecessors.
Ban imposed on luxury items’ import to benefit country
To avoid an impending default, the federal cabinet banned the import of roughly 41 products for two months on Thursday, but the solution looks to be insufficient, as it would only reduce the import cost by around $600 million, or less than 5% of expected imports. Cars, phones, cosmetics, cigarettes, food, certain garments, and toiletries will all be affected by the ruling. After a series of talks at the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office, the federal cabinet accepted the summary to limit imports through circulation.
Helping Ukraine tops G7 agenda
Koenigswinter: On May 19, group of Seven financial leaders is likely to agree on around $15 billion to help Ukraine pay its bills in the coming months. Surging inflation, climate change, supply chains, and the approaching food crisis are also on the program. “The war in Ukraine … also entails additional risks for the development of the world economy … inflation, but also the lack of recovery after the pandemic. Therefore, we will have to discuss what we can do together in our respective areas of responsibility to avoid stagflation scenarios,” German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said.
Biden welcomes Finland, Sweden to join NATO
Washington: On May 19, U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland to advance their applications to join the NATO military alliance. He rejoiced the “momentous” day, giving his strong support for the two “great democracies” to “join the strongest most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world.” “They meet every NATO requirement and then some,” Biden said, adding he is submitting paperwork today to the U.S. Congress for speedy approval once NATO approves their accession.”
Turkey opposes Finland, Sweden’s inclusion in NATO
Washington: On May 19, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vehemently opposed the idea of extending NATO membership to Sweden and Finland. U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland to advance their applications to join the NATO military alliance. Turkey has expressed strong opposition to including both countries in the alliance. It also asked Sweden to halt support for Kurdish militants and both to lift their bans on some sales of arms to Turkey.
Biden, Saudi Crown Prince likely to meet next month
Washington: It was reported on Thursday that U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could meet for the first time as soon as next month. The report disclosed that Biden administration officials were in talks with the Saudis about arranging a potential in-person meeting while Biden was overseas next month. The White House and the Saudi government’s media office did not immediately respond to requests for statements.
Biden visits Japan, South Korea carrying warning to China
On May 19, It emerged that Joe Biden would visit Japan and South Korea on his first Asian trip as U.S. president. Reportedly, he would be carrying a clear message to China not to try what Russia did in Ukraine anywhere in Asia, and especially not in Taiwan. Biden departed for the five-day trip on Thursday, after spending several months organizing allies to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special operation.”
Germany pledges 1 bln euros in grants to help Ukraine
Koenigswinter: On May 19, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said that he pledged 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion) in grants to Ukraine at a meeting of finance officials from the Group of Seven (G7) economic powers. “I have just declared for Germany in the meeting that we want to participate to the tune of 1 billion euros … in grants,” Lindner told reporters. He also added that the finance ministers and central bankers had also discussed inflation.
Pak Army soldier martyred in South Waziristan
The military media wing said in a statement on Thursday that a Pakistan Army soldier embraced martyrdom in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the South Waziristan district. It also said that the IED blast targeted the military convoy when it was passing through the Makeen area of the South Waziristan district. As a result, 39-year-old Havaldar Muhammad Sanwar, a resident of Jhelum, lost his life.
No-confidence motion filed against Balochistan CM Bizenjo
It emerged on Wednesday that a no-confidence motion was submitted against Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo in the provincial assembly. The motion bears the signatures of 14 lawmakers, including Bizenjo’s predecessor Jam Kamal Khan Alyani of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, the parliamentary leader of the PTI in the Balochistan Assembly, filed the no-confidence motion.
Russia will rebuild “freed” territories in Ukraine
On May 18, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced that Russia would finance the reconstruction of territories in Ukraine that it has taken control of. He added that it would also repair roads that link those areas with Russia. Khusnullin said Russia had “freed” the territories. “The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe by capacity, will supply energy to Russia and to Ukraine if the latter pays for it, ” Khusnullin said.
PTI to move LHC against Hamza Shahbaz
On Wednesday, PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had decided to challenge the election of Hamza Shehbaz as the Punjab chief minister in the Lahore High Court (LHC). He also accused him of occupying the top provincial office “illegally”. Fawad also said that a quo-warranto petition would be filed with the LHC “and the court will be requested to remove Hamza as the provincial chief executive and order election on the coveted seat at the earliest”.
PM Shehbaz directed proper security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif urged on Tuesday, a day after a telephone chat with his Chinese counterpart, to secure the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “Attempts to harm the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are not acceptable at all,” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated at a high-level meeting in Islamabad. He instructed the competent authorities to take immediate steps to improve the country’s law and order situation.
Interbank trading recorded at Rs. 196.50
The US dollar rose against the rupee for the sixth straight session on Tuesday, breaking above the Rs196 barrier in interbank trade, an all-time high, owing to the country’s depleted foreign exchange reserves and heavy imports. The greenback rose to Rs196.50 about 1:00pm, up Rs1.90 from the previous day’s close of Rs194.60, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP).
FM Bilawal’s US visit at Blinken’s invitation tomorrow
On the invitation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will travel to New York for a ministerial conference on the ‘Global Food Security Call to Action,’ which will take place on May 18 at the United Nations (tomorrow). He will be accompanied by senior Foreign Office staff. He is in the UAE today, ahead of his flight to New York, to express condolences to the Al-Nahyan family, UAE leadership, and people on the passing of late president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Woman killed, 14 injured in Karachi bombing
On Monday evening, an IED strapped to a motorcycle exploded in the parking lot of a local cloth market, killing one woman and injuring 14 others, including three police officers. The incident occurred barely four days after the Saddar blast, which killed one person and injured nine others. Militants used a bicycle to carry out the blast in Saddar, while the IED was planted on a motorcycle in Kharadar’s local textile market on Monday.
Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim appointed as security in-charge for Imran Khan
As security in-charge of Imran Khan, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim has been assigned. PTI has delegated security to Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim, according to Shahbaz Gil’s tweet. Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim will begin fulfilling his responsibilities by becoming a regular member of my team. Shahbaz Gil expressed optimism that retired Colonel Asim would work hard to fulfil the goals. Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim was a former SSG commando, as you may recall.
Young cricketer dies of heatstroke during match
Young cricketer Omar Khan’s home is in sorrow after he died of heatstroke at the Karachi Cricket Ground on Sunday. The scorching heat in Karachi has also caused problems for the players. According to Umar’s brother, the player has two children and his wife is battling cancer. According to the report, the fast bowler fell on the wicket as soon as he bowled the last ball of the last over. He was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
Dollar reaches an all-time high, climbs past Rs.194
On Monday, the dollar climbed above Rs 194 versus the rupee in the interbank market, as analysts expressed concern about the country’s mounting import bill. The greenback gained Rs1.30 from Friday’s close in interbank trade to reach Rs194.30 about 11:30 a.m., according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP). This comes after the rupee fell to fresh lows last week, owing to the country’s mounting import bill.
PM Shehbaz to visit UAE for Sheikh Zayed’s condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a visit to the oil-rich kingdom today to express condolences on the death of UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Following the completion of the London huddle, the prime minister will offer his condolences to UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan tomorrow (Sunday), according to a statement from the PM Office. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the basis for the UAE, while his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa, strengthened it and gave it outstanding development, according to the prime minister in a condolence message.
We will not forgive those behind attack on Chinese teachers: Bilawal Bhutto
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Saturday that the entire Pakistani country stands in solidarity with the Chinese families who have been harmed by the incident at Karachi University, and that those responsible will not be pardoned. The foreign minister was addressing at a Foreign Office memorial service for the Chinese nationals killed in a suicide assault at the KU’s Confucius Institute last month. A car explosion on the campus of the University of Karachi killed four persons, including three Chinese nationals, and injured four more.
Hindu extremists vandalize Muslim sites
It was reported that thirty years after mobs demolished a historic mosque in Ayodhya, fundamentalist Indian Hindu groups are eyeing other Muslim sites — even the world-famous Taj Mahal. Emboldened under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aided by courts and fueled by social media, the radical groups believe the sites were built on top of Hindu temples. According to the current reports, the centuries-old Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi is on their hit list.
PM Shehbaz asks businessmen to devise plans for Saudi investment
On May 29, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Karachi businessmen to devise a plan for an investment of $1 billion dollars from Saudi Arabia. Addressing a ceremony at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier touched on a number of topics, including the recent import ban and the economic crisis. “One billion dollars is available, it is a gift of investment from Saudi Arabia. As the prime minister, I am laying this in front of you. Sit together and brainstorm and make a feasibility plan. Set up a desalination plant and I believe that clean water will be available at every home within five years,” he told the businessmen.
PTI core committee to decide final date for Islamabad march: Khan
On May 20, former prime minister Imran Khan said that he had called a session of the PTI core committee on Sunday in Peshawar to decide the date for his long march to Islamabad. Addressing a rally in Multan, former premiere said that the march could be held on any day between May 25 and May 29. Lashing out at the current government, he demanded that the National Assembly be dissolved immediately and a date for elections announced.
Dollar closes at record above Rs200
On Friday, the US dollar, extended its gains against the rupee for the 11th consecutive session today as it gained 25 paisa by the close. According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the greenback closed at Rs200.25, another record. The persistent decline in the rupee’s value since last Tuesday has been largely attributed to the country’s rising import bill, widening current account deficit, and depleting foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan.
WHO calls for emergency meeting amidst monkeypox outbreak
London: On May 20, The World Health Organization hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox. It is a viral infection more common in the west and central Africa, after more than 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe. “With several confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal, this is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,” said Germany’s armed forces’ medical service.
Navjot Singh Sadhu surrenders
It was reported that Indian former batsman and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sadhu surrendered. His move came following the court order in a 34-year-old case. Navjot Singh Sadhu surrendered in the Patiala court of Punjab on Friday. Navjot Singh Sadhu was sentenced by the Supreme Court to one year in the road rage case on May 19.
Bilawal Bhutto defends Imran Khan in US, receives praise from Pakistan
During an interview with the media in New York on Thursday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto created headlines in Pakistan by defending former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s controversial travel to Russia. When questioned about Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow, which had enraged western capitals, the foreign minister was speaking at a news conference at the UN Headquarters. The PTI chairman accuses the US of ousting his government because of its independent foreign policy, which the US denies. Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan’s youngest foreign minister, responded to the journalist with “maturity, grace, and patriotism,” earning praise from officials and experts at home.
Better to leave Govt. than impose more Inflation: Maryam Nawaz
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz stated on Thursday that it was better to leave the government than to burden the people with additional inflation, which she claimed had been worsened by the previous Imran Khan-led administration in the previous four years. Maryam said it was easy for Nawaz to “prostrate before the IMF and consent” to the elimination of subsidies, which would lead to another bout of severe inflation, but “he (Nawaz) wants to surrender the task rather than burden people with a further price hike,” she said.
Government agrees to implement IMF demand: Report
After lengthy consideration, the existing government has finally decided to fulfil most of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) requests, raising the chance of the country “getting back on track economically” and receiving the next IMF loan tranche. For the second day in a row, talks between the IMF and Pakistan proceeded. Finance Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Asim Ahmad, and State Bank of Pakistan acting Governor Dr Murtaza Syed are among the Pakistani negotiators.
Unfair to punish Pakistan for Russia visit: Bilawal Bhutto
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended Imran Khan’s travel to Russia on Thursday, saying it is unjust to penalise Pakistan for this “innocent move.” Following the conclusion of a two-day visit, the foreign minister spoke during a press conference at the UN Headquarters. Secretary of State Antony Blinken invited Bilawal to a meeting on world food security. The top Pakistani ambassador was questioned about the former prime minister’s visit on February 24, the day Russia began its offensive in Ukraine, and how the current government planned to “correct the mistakes” of its predecessors.
Ban imposed on luxury items’ import to benefit country
To avoid an impending default, the federal cabinet banned the import of roughly 41 products for two months on Thursday, but the solution looks to be insufficient, as it would only reduce the import cost by around $600 million, or less than 5% of expected imports. Cars, phones, cosmetics, cigarettes, food, certain garments, and toiletries will all be affected by the ruling. After a series of talks at the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office, the federal cabinet accepted the summary to limit imports through circulation.
Helping Ukraine tops G7 agenda
Koenigswinter: On May 19, group of Seven financial leaders is likely to agree on around $15 billion to help Ukraine pay its bills in the coming months. Surging inflation, climate change, supply chains, and the approaching food crisis are also on the program. “The war in Ukraine … also entails additional risks for the development of the world economy … inflation, but also the lack of recovery after the pandemic. Therefore, we will have to discuss what we can do together in our respective areas of responsibility to avoid stagflation scenarios,” German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said.
Biden welcomes Finland, Sweden to join NATO
Washington: On May 19, U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland to advance their applications to join the NATO military alliance. He rejoiced the “momentous” day, giving his strong support for the two “great democracies” to “join the strongest most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world.” “They meet every NATO requirement and then some,” Biden said, adding he is submitting paperwork today to the U.S. Congress for speedy approval once NATO approves their accession.”
Turkey opposes Finland, Sweden’s inclusion in NATO
Washington: On May 19, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vehemently opposed the idea of extending NATO membership to Sweden and Finland. U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland to advance their applications to join the NATO military alliance. Turkey has expressed strong opposition to including both countries in the alliance. It also asked Sweden to halt support for Kurdish militants and both to lift their bans on some sales of arms to Turkey.
Biden, Saudi Crown Prince likely to meet next month
Washington: It was reported on Thursday that U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could meet for the first time as soon as next month. The report disclosed that Biden administration officials were in talks with the Saudis about arranging a potential in-person meeting while Biden was overseas next month. The White House and the Saudi government’s media office did not immediately respond to requests for statements.
Biden visits Japan, South Korea carrying warning to China
On May 19, It emerged that Joe Biden would visit Japan and South Korea on his first Asian trip as U.S. president. Reportedly, he would be carrying a clear message to China not to try what Russia did in Ukraine anywhere in Asia, and especially not in Taiwan. Biden departed for the five-day trip on Thursday, after spending several months organizing allies to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special operation.”
Germany pledges 1 bln euros in grants to help Ukraine
Koenigswinter: On May 19, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said that he pledged 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion) in grants to Ukraine at a meeting of finance officials from the Group of Seven (G7) economic powers. “I have just declared for Germany in the meeting that we want to participate to the tune of 1 billion euros … in grants,” Lindner told reporters. He also added that the finance ministers and central bankers had also discussed inflation.
Pak Army soldier martyred in South Waziristan
The military media wing said in a statement on Thursday that a Pakistan Army soldier embraced martyrdom in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the South Waziristan district. It also said that the IED blast targeted the military convoy when it was passing through the Makeen area of the South Waziristan district. As a result, 39-year-old Havaldar Muhammad Sanwar, a resident of Jhelum, lost his life.
No-confidence motion filed against Balochistan CM Bizenjo
It emerged on Wednesday that a no-confidence motion was submitted against Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo in the provincial assembly. The motion bears the signatures of 14 lawmakers, including Bizenjo’s predecessor Jam Kamal Khan Alyani of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, the parliamentary leader of the PTI in the Balochistan Assembly, filed the no-confidence motion.
Russia will rebuild “freed” territories in Ukraine
On May 18, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced that Russia would finance the reconstruction of territories in Ukraine that it has taken control of. He added that it would also repair roads that link those areas with Russia. Khusnullin said Russia had “freed” the territories. “The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe by capacity, will supply energy to Russia and to Ukraine if the latter pays for it, ” Khusnullin said.
PTI to move LHC against Hamza Shahbaz
On Wednesday, PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had decided to challenge the election of Hamza Shehbaz as the Punjab chief minister in the Lahore High Court (LHC). He also accused him of occupying the top provincial office “illegally”. Fawad also said that a quo-warranto petition would be filed with the LHC “and the court will be requested to remove Hamza as the provincial chief executive and order election on the coveted seat at the earliest”.
PM Shehbaz directed proper security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif urged on Tuesday, a day after a telephone chat with his Chinese counterpart, to secure the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “Attempts to harm the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are not acceptable at all,” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated at a high-level meeting in Islamabad. He instructed the competent authorities to take immediate steps to improve the country’s law and order situation.
Interbank trading recorded at Rs. 196.50
The US dollar rose against the rupee for the sixth straight session on Tuesday, breaking above the Rs196 barrier in interbank trade, an all-time high, owing to the country’s depleted foreign exchange reserves and heavy imports. The greenback rose to Rs196.50 about 1:00pm, up Rs1.90 from the previous day’s close of Rs194.60, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP).
FM Bilawal’s US visit at Blinken’s invitation tomorrow
On the invitation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will travel to New York for a ministerial conference on the ‘Global Food Security Call to Action,’ which will take place on May 18 at the United Nations (tomorrow). He will be accompanied by senior Foreign Office staff. He is in the UAE today, ahead of his flight to New York, to express condolences to the Al-Nahyan family, UAE leadership, and people on the passing of late president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Woman killed, 14 injured in Karachi bombing
On Monday evening, an IED strapped to a motorcycle exploded in the parking lot of a local cloth market, killing one woman and injuring 14 others, including three police officers. The incident occurred barely four days after the Saddar blast, which killed one person and injured nine others. Militants used a bicycle to carry out the blast in Saddar, while the IED was planted on a motorcycle in Kharadar’s local textile market on Monday.
Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim appointed as security in-charge for Imran Khan
As security in-charge of Imran Khan, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim has been assigned. PTI has delegated security to Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim, according to Shahbaz Gil’s tweet. Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim will begin fulfilling his responsibilities by becoming a regular member of my team. Shahbaz Gil expressed optimism that retired Colonel Asim would work hard to fulfil the goals. Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Asim was a former SSG commando, as you may recall.
Young cricketer dies of heatstroke during match
Young cricketer Omar Khan’s home is in sorrow after he died of heatstroke at the Karachi Cricket Ground on Sunday. The scorching heat in Karachi has also caused problems for the players. According to Umar’s brother, the player has two children and his wife is battling cancer. According to the report, the fast bowler fell on the wicket as soon as he bowled the last ball of the last over. He was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
Dollar reaches an all-time high, climbs past Rs.194
On Monday, the dollar climbed above Rs 194 versus the rupee in the interbank market, as analysts expressed concern about the country’s mounting import bill. The greenback gained Rs1.30 from Friday’s close in interbank trade to reach Rs194.30 about 11:30 a.m., according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP). This comes after the rupee fell to fresh lows last week, owing to the country’s mounting import bill.
PM Shehbaz to visit UAE for Sheikh Zayed’s condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a visit to the oil-rich kingdom today to express condolences on the death of UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Following the completion of the London huddle, the prime minister will offer his condolences to UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan tomorrow (Sunday), according to a statement from the PM Office. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the basis for the UAE, while his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa, strengthened it and gave it outstanding development, according to the prime minister in a condolence message.
We will not forgive those behind attack on Chinese teachers: Bilawal Bhutto
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Saturday that the entire Pakistani country stands in solidarity with the Chinese families who have been harmed by the incident at Karachi University, and that those responsible will not be pardoned. The foreign minister was addressing at a Foreign Office memorial service for the Chinese nationals killed in a suicide assault at the KU’s Confucius Institute last month. A car explosion on the campus of the University of Karachi killed four persons, including three Chinese nationals, and injured four more.
