Tue, 21-Oct-2025

US funding pause affect 1.7m people in Pakistan including refugees  

US funding

UNITED NATIONS: UN agencies offered a dire assessment of the global impact of deep cuts to grassroots humanitarian funding by the incoming Trump administration and reiterated calls for U.S. to retain its position as a global aid leader. The development follows the pause announced to billions of dollars of funding on 24 January by the … Read more

Pakistani woman among victims of plane crash in US

US

KARACHI: A Pakistani woman Asra Hussein was among the passengers killed in a mid-air collision between military helicopter and passenger plane in the United States (US).

Asra Hussein’s husband Hamad Raza told local media that as soon as the plane arrived near the Reagan National Airport on January 30, his wife texted them on a mobile phone that their plane was about to land.  Hamad Raza sent reply messages to her but could not be received, which means he thought that something had increased. Unfortunately, this was the last message of Asra.

Esra Hussein aboard the US Airlines flight 5342, which suddenly crash with a US military -trained Black Hawk helicopter.

Asra Hussein went to Wichita, the city of Kansas, and on his return, the tragic incident happened.

Hamad Raza, who lost his wife in the accident, is from the US state of Missouri.

The relatives the survivors said that Hamad Raza was married to Asra Hussein two years ago. The age is about 26 years and Hamad is 25 years old. Both are graduates from Indiana University. Hamad is employed as an accountant in Ernest & Young, and Hamad says his wife did not consider the plane’s journey comfortable.

On the other hand, all 60 passengers and staff of the crash have been declared dead in the American Airlines. Three personnel in the Black Hawk helicopter crash with the plane.

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Chinese app RedNote stepping up as TikTok alternative

RedNote

RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) in China, has emerged as a significant alternative to TikTok, especially following the confirmation of TikTok’s ban in the US. The app, which has been gaining rapid popularity over the past few months, combines features of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, offering users a platform for short-form videos … Read more

TikTok Chief Thanks Trump for Support Against Looming US Ban

TikTok

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed gratitude to US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday for his dedication to collaborating with the company to find a resolution that would keep the app operational in the United States. The social media platform faces a January 19 deadline to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or … Read more

US approves $8 billion arms sale to Israel

US approves $8 billion arms sale to Israel

The Biden administration has officially informed Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, including munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery. The deal, intended to bolster Israel’s long-term security, is expected to be one of the last major arms transactions with Israel during Biden’s presidency, according to sources familiar with the … Read more

US lawmakers urge Biden to push for PTI’s founder immediate release

PTI to present ‘Charter of Demands’ in third round of talks next week

In a significant move, 46 members of the US Congress have called on President Joe Biden to push for the immediate release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political prisoners, stressing the need to ensure their safety in line with the UN Working Group’s findings. The lawmakers sent a letter to the … Read more

US encourages Indo-Pak sports diplomacy as connecting force

US

WASHINGTON: A U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson side-stepped a question about India’s refusal to send its team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan, it emphasized that sports connects people and is a “great way” to promote people-to-people ties.

Replying to a question from a Pakistani correspondent about the Indian cricket board’s decision not to allow its team to travel to Pakistan, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said he would not comment on the issue since it relates to the relations between India and Pakistan, and “that is certainly for them to speak to, whether it be through sports or other things.”

“You have seen this Secretary (of State Antony Blinken), this department prioritize the role that sports diplomacy has in connecting people,” he told the daily news briefing.

“And at the end of the day, sports connects so many people, and it’s a great way for those human-to-human and people-to-people ties that this administration has really prioritized,” Patel added.

The ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 09. Due to strained political relations, India has not played cricket in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

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Trump courts divided Arab-American voters in must-win Michigan

Trump

On a crisp, sunny day in the largest Arab-majority city in the US, dozens of people gathered outside the Great Commoner cafe to catch a glimpse of Donald Trump.

“What we want is peace,” Trump told a group of Arab-American business leaders inside the Dearborn, Michigan, restaurant – days before the presidential election.

But a crowd of pro- and anti-Trump voters shouting at one another nearby demonstrated how divided the Michigan community has become over choosing the best American president to handle the escalating Middle East war.

The Republican’s Friday visit to Dearborn, once a reliably Democratic area, marks the culmination of his efforts to court the 200,000-plus Arab-Americans who live in must-win Michigan. It could sway a tied race between Trump and Kamala Harris. Hillary Clinton lost Michigan to Trump by only 10,000 votes in 2016, while Biden won it back by 150,000 votes in 2020.

On billboards lining Michigan highways and during visits, the Trump campaign argues that he stands “for peace” in the Middle East, while casting Harris as pro-Israel.

That message has worked on some. Trump secured two endorsements from the mayors of Dearborn Heights, and Hamtramck, a small Muslim majority city near Detroit, while Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said Friday he declined a meeting with the former president.

The trend worries Abbas Alawieh, one of the leaders of the Uncommitted movement – a group protesting US support of Israel – who pledged to back Harris even though his group refused to endorse her.

“I’ve been hearing … a lot more of the feeling that this is a binary choice, and some voters feeling like maybe we should just vote for Donald Trump because he’s saying he’s a pro-peace candidate,” Mr Alawieh told the BBC at Haraz Cafe in Dearborn on Friday.

The Harris campaign, meanwhile, said the vice-president has been and is supportive of the “diverse Muslim community” in the US.

“The Vice President is committed to work to earn every vote, unite our country, and to be a President for all Americans,” said Nasrina Bargzie, campaign director of Muslim and Arab American Outreach. She added that Harris would ensure the community can “live free from the hateful policies of the Trump administration”.

Despite frustrations with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the war, several community leaders told the they don’t believe Trump offers a solution either.

Still, Mr Nazarko and other leaders said sending a message about their anger over the Biden-Harris administration’s pro-Israel policies is more important than who wins the White House.

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Finance Minister departs for US to attend IMF, WB meetings

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb departed for the United States to participate in the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for America where he will attend the annual meetings of IMF and World Bank.

The Finance Minister will meet the Finance Ministers of China, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. He will also meet representatives of IMF and World Bank during US visit.

The meetings will be held with top officials of the US State and Treasury Departments while meeting with officials of international credit rating agencies and commercial banks.

The meetings are also scheduled with officials of investment banks in the Middle East. The federal minister will address investment forums and seminars.

During the visit, the Finance Minister will visit leading American think tanks and will also give interviews to international and American media representatives. The Minister will address investment forums and seminars, sharing Pakistan’s economic outlook.

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Multiple people injured in recent Mass shooting in the US

Multiple people injured in recent Mass shooting in the US

London Mayor Randall Weddle reported seven people injured, some in a vehicle accident. Hospital officials at Saint Joseph London are treating multiple patients with minor injuries. The interstate was closed 9 miles north of London but later reopened. Authorities reported that multiple people were shot on Saturday along Interstate 75 in a rural area of … Read more

Indonesia, US start joint military exercise to strengthen Indo-Pacific ties

Indonesia, US start joint military exercise to strengthen Indo-Pacific ties

Saudi Arabia, Germany, India, and other countries are sending observers. The exercises aim to strengthen bilateral and multilateral military ties. The exercises reflect a rising number of cyber threats in the region. On Monday, thousands of Indonesian and American soldiers, along with military personnel from several other countries, began their annual training exercises. Commanders stated … Read more

US blames Iran for Trump campaign hack

President-Elect Trump announces first foreign trip post-election

The agencies claim that Iran is attempting to influence the 2024 election. The US intelligence community is confident that Iran used social engineering  Trump’s campaign reported a hack on August 10, US security agencies announced on Monday that Iran was behind a recent hack targeting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, accusing Tehran of trying to influence … Read more

US pledges $500M in military support to Philippines amid South China Sea disputes

US pledges $500M in military support to Philippines amid South China Sea disputes

The funding is part of an agreement to deepen defense cooperation amid ongoing tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. The funding is a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize the Filipino Armed Forces and Coast Guard. It will also boost the Philippines’ humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. On Tuesday, the US announced $500 … Read more

US and Japan focus on strengthening military cooperation amid rising China threat

US and Japan focus on strengthening military cooperation amid rising China threat

Japanese and US defense chiefs and top diplomats to meet in Tokyo on Sunday to discuss military cooperation. Plans to upgrade command-and-control structures for US forces in Japan are expected to be discussed. The upgrade aims to create a US counterpart for Japan’s unified command, set for inauguration in March. Japanese and US defense chiefs … Read more

Amnesty International and US condemn jailing of Eswatini pro-democracy MPs

Amnesty International and US condemn jailing of Eswatini pro-democracy MPs

Amnesty International condemns the jail sentences given to two pro-democracy lawmakers in Eswatini. The former MPs, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested in July 2021. The US embassy also expresses concerns about the sentences. On Tuesday, Amnesty International condemned the jail sentences given to two pro-democracy lawmakers in Eswatini as an attempt to … Read more

Ahsan Iqbal felicitates US government on 248th Independence Day

Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal highlighted long-standing United States (US) and Pakistan friendship on the occasion of US Independence Day.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said this while addressing as the Chief Guest at the celebration of the 248th anniversary of American independence hosted by the American Embassy in Islamabad.

While addressing a gathering of diplomats, business leaders, and academics to celebrate US Independence Day, the minister emphasized the resilience of 76 years long Pak-US partnership.

The event underscored the ongoing commitment of both nations to foster strong diplomatic relations and addressing global challenges in a collaborative manner.

He appreciated US support to advance education, IT infrastructure, and agriculture technology and disaster mitigation in Pakistan.

He specifically thanked US for its assistance to Pakistan to recover from the effects of 2022 floods.

Referring to 1960s Green Revolution in Pakistan, he spoke that significant progress in the agricultural field was made possible through the warm support from US. He also suggested that Pakistan is in need of a Green Revolution 2.0 that ensures food and climate security.

The Minister announced that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the US exceeded $12 billion in 2023, with Pakistani exports reaching $6 billion.

He expressed his ambition to diversify trade in sectors like textiles, agriculture, and technology, and to expand exports to the US market, particularly in IT services and pharmaceuticals.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and the potential for start-up collaborations, venture capital investments, and innovation hubs to drive technological advancements.

The Minister shared his personal experience of studying at The Wharton School in Pennsylvania in the 80s and praised American universities for their significant role in driving economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship. He also mentioned the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative, which aims to train 10,000 Ph.D. scholars in top US universities over ten years.

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Apple cancels pay later loan scheme

Apple cancels pay later loan scheme

Apple ends in-house buy now, pay later scheme in the US. Customers will now use third-party credit and debit card lenders. Existing borrowers can continue using Apple’s Wallet app. Apple is ending its in-house buy now, pay later scheme in the US, which it launched just last year. The technology giant says it will now … Read more

US congress puts pressure on Microsoft over Cybersecurity

US congress puts pressure on Microsoft over Cybersecurity

The US Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) conducted a seven-month investigation into the incident. The review recommended Microsoft create a plan for extensive security reforms across its products and practices. Microsoft employs 34,000 engineers working full-time to address security shortcomings. On Thursday, members of US Congress pressed Microsoft to explain how a “cascade of avoidable … Read more

US defense secretary visits Cambodia to strengthen ties with China’s ally

US defense secretary visits Cambodia to strengthen ties with China’s ally

Austin met with Cambodian counterpart, Tea Seiha, and Prime Minister Hun Manet. The visit aims to strengthen the ongoing good cooperation between the two countries. Austin arrived from Singapore and held talks with Chinese counterpart, Adm. Dong Jun. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled to Cambodia to push for stronger military ties with … Read more

US, South Korea, and Japan to conduct joint military exercises

US, South Korea, and Japan to conduct joint military exercises

US, Japan, and South Korea to hold new trilateral joint exercises this summer. The three allies committed to strengthening trilateral cooperation for peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. They agreed to establish a Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework to institutionalize their defense cooperation. A joint statement issued by the US Department of Defense on Sunday … Read more

Zelensky applauds US weapon approval as “key progress”

Zelensky applauds US weapon approval as “key progress”

Washington grants permission for Ukraine to use US weapons in defending its Kharkiv region on the border with Russia. Germany permits Ukraine to use German-delivered weapons to strike targets in Russia. Italy Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani states it is impossible to use weapons outside of Ukraine. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised a US … Read more

Global defense leaders meet in Singapore amid rising China-US tensions

Global defense leaders meet in Singapore amid rising China-US tensions

Marcos will open the conference with a keynote address on Friday. China conducted massive military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of the island. The US, without formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is obligated by its laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Government leaders, defense officials, and diplomats from around … Read more

US advises UK against censuring Iran over nuclear program

US advises UK against censuring Iran over nuclear program

US warns UK against condemning Iran’s nuclear program at IAEA meeting. US officials deny lobbying against the move. UK officials believe Iran’s nuclear program is advanced and “deeply concerned” about escalation. The source reported that the US has warned the UK against condemning Iran’s nuclear program at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency … Read more

Elon Musk speaks against US tariffs on Chinese electric cars

Elon Musk becomes richest person ever

Tesla CEO Elon Musk opposes US tariffs on Chinese EVs, following President Joe Biden’s quadrupled levies. The White House announced a 100% tariff on EVs from China last week to protect US jobs and counter unfair policies. China has expressed opposition to the tariff hikes and announced intentions to take retaliatory measures. At a technology … Read more

US to provide additional $275 million in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine

US to provide additional $275 million in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine

US officials predict an additional $275 million in military aid for Ukraine on Friday. This marks the fourth installment of military aid since Congress passed a delayed foreign aid bill. Russia has exploited Ukrainian shortages in manpower and weapons. Two US officials have stated that the United States is expected to announce an additional $275 … Read more