ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – March 15, 2026Pakistan has proposed a new $500 million (approximately Rs 140 billion) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to overhaul its public sector pension system, officials at the Ministry of Finance confirmed on Saturday.The programme, titled “Transforming Public Sector Pension Program”, aims to ease the mounting fiscal pressure on the…
Islamabad —Muhammad Saleem March15, 2026In a dramatic turn in Pakistani journalism circles, the long-dominant Journalist Panel suffered a significant defeat in the National Press Club (NPC) elections for 2026-27, losing four out of 10 executive body seats to the combined opposition Democrats Panel — including the crucial posts of president and general secretary.President:Abdul Razzaq Sial…
Moscow / Tehran —Russia has become the first country in the world to deliver humanitarian assistance to Iran during the current period of regional conflict, in a move widely seen as a strong demonstration of solidarity between the two allied nations.According to a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in Kenya on social media, a…
Beijing / Islamabad —China has intensified diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling on both nations to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, urged both sides to remain calm, hold face-to-face…
Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced on Saturday that the government has decided to keep petroleum product prices unchanged in Pakistan, honouring a prior public commitment despite a further rise in global crude oil prices.Addressing the nation, PM Shehbaz said that ongoing regional tensions have placed the global economy under severe strain, with the…
By Muhammad Shahzad — Lahore, PakistanLAHORE: Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin chaired the 106th meeting of the PHATA Governing Body, where a 27-point agenda was discussed and the minutes of the previous two meetings were approved.During the meeting, officials reviewed the Chief Minister Punjab’s flagship programs: “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” and “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar.”…
By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, PakistanLAHORE: More than 2.6 million people have availed iftar at Ramzan Nigehban Dastarkhwans across Punjab from the 1st to the 21st of Ramzan, according to a report released by the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department.Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Dr. Kiran Khurshid, said that 423 Ramzan Nigehban Dastarkhwans…
By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, PakistanLAHORE: The Punjab government has announced plans to expand the operational reach of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) with the establishment of 16 new district stations as part of its ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse in the province.The development was disclosed during a visit by Punjab Chief…
By Muhammad Shahzad — Lahore, PakistanLAHORE: The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has directed district horticulture agencies to increase their own-source income and reduce reliance on government funding, a spokesperson said Thursday.Agencies have been instructed to submit consolidated proposals outlining potential revenue streams. Traditional avenues include outdoor commercial advertising through billboards, digital screens, and banners.At a…
By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, PakistanLAHORE: Provincial Minister for Communications & Works, Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath, chaired a key meeting to review the ongoing beautification work on Ring Road. The meeting was attended by Secretary C&W Sohail Ashraf, Chairman Ring Road Authority, representatives of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and the Chief Engineer.During the…
