Tue, 21-Oct-2025

France formally recognizes Palestinian state despite U.S. opposition

France formally recognizes Palestinian state despite U.S. opposition.

NEW YORK: France officially recognized a Palestinian state on Monday, defying months of pressure from the Trump administration, which had worked aggressively to dissuade international support for the move. The announcement, made at the outset of the United Nations General Assembly, marks a significant diplomatic moment as France pushes forward with its initiative for a … Read more

France among six new countries to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of UNGA

France among six new countries to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of UNGA

France and five other nations have formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining a growing international chorus demanding justice and self-determination for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. At a high-level summit co-convened by France and Saudi Arabia in New York on Monday — just ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations … Read more

France proposes complete ban on social media use for children

France

PARIS:  A French parliamentary commission has proposed a complete ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, foreign media reported. According to details, the commission released its findings after a six-month review of the psychological impact of platforms like TikTok and others on children and teenagers. The report recommends not only … Read more

France braces for political upheaval as PM Bayrou faces confidence vote on fiscal plan

France braces for political upheaval as PM Bayrou faces confidence vote on fiscal plan

Paris: France is once again on the brink of political turmoil as Prime Minister François Bayrou’s shock decision to call a parliamentary confidence vote on his debt-reduction plan threatens to unravel President Emmanuel Macron’s already fragile majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou, appointed earlier this year in a bid to stabilize a fractured centrist coalition, … Read more

Iran could face return of UN sanctions within weeks

Iran could face return of UN sanctions within weeks

Iran may face the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions within weeks unless it agrees to resume negotiations over its nuclear program and allow international inspectors access to its facilities. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have warned that they will trigger the “snapback” mechanism—an automatic reimposition of sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement—if Tehran … Read more

France, Germany and UK willing to reimpose sanctions on Iran

France, Germany and UK willing to reimpose sanctions on Iran

France, Germany and the UK have told the UN they are prepared to trigger the reimposition of sanctions on Iran unless it resumes negotiations with the US over its nuclear programme. The foreign ministers of the three countries — known collectively as the E3 — wrote to the UN on Tuesday to raise the spectre … Read more

France to honour Pakistani-origin newspaper seller with top award

France

PARIS: Ali Akbar, a Pakistani-origin newspaper vendor who has been selling newspapers on the streets of Paris for over 50 years, is set to receive France’s highest civilian award. According to news agencies, 72-year-old Ali Akbar is known as the last street newspaper vendor in Paris who still sells newspapers by hand. Originally from Rawalpindi, … Read more

More European countries signal recognition of Palestine

UK, Australia and Canada recognize Palestinian state

After Canada, UK, and France more European countries have indicated their intention to recognize Palestine. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated that they are preparing to recognize Palestine at the beginning of next month and are closely monitoring the situation in West Asia. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel emphasized that Portugal is a sovereign country and … Read more

Malta signals conditional readiness to recognize Palestine as a state

Malta

BRUSSELS: Following similar moves by the UK, France, and Canada, another European Union member state—Malta—has expressed conditional readiness to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that his country may recognize Palestine as a state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, provided certain diplomatic conditions are … Read more

France faces intense summer heatwave

France

PARIS:  France is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35°C and expected to climb as high as 40°C in the coming days, prompting widespread alerts and safety measures. Over 50 departments across the country have been placed under an “orange alert” by authorities, signaling significant health and safety risks. … Read more

No nuclear negotiations while Israeli strikes continue, says Iran

Iran

GENEVA: Iran has declared that it will not engage in nuclear negotiations as long as Israeli attacks continue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The statement came after high-level discussions held in Geneva, Switzerland, where the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom met with their Iranian counterpart. Speaking to the media after the … Read more

Hockey Nations Cup: Pakistan qualifies for final after defeating France

Hockey Nations Cup: Pakistan qualifies for final after defeating France

Pakistan has secured a place in the final of the Hockey Nations Cup after defeating France in a tense penalty shootout during the first semi-final held in Malaysia. The match between Pakistan and France ended in a 3-3 draw during regular time. Pakistan’s goals came from Afraz, Sufyan, and Rana Waheed, each scoring one goal … Read more

Iran and France open door to nuclear talks amid US negotiations

Iran and France open door to nuclear talks amid US negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is ready to travel to Europe for talks on Iran’s nuclear program. France suggests European powers would also be ready for dialogue if Tehran demonstrated serious engagement. Tehran is keeping its options open by reaching out to European powers involved in the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi … Read more

Syed Abu Huraira wins bronze at International Taekwondo Championship in France

Syed Abu Huraira

Pakistani martial artist Syed Abu Huraira Shah has brought pride to the nation by securing a bronze medal at the International Taekwondo Championship in France. His remarkable achievement highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in the global martial arts arena. Sharing his excitement on Facebook, Shah expressed his gratitude, stating “I won bronze medal for Pakistan in … Read more

UK implements changes to travel entry policies

UK implements changes to travel entry policies

The UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. Eligibility for the ETA depends on nationality, and suitable travelers can apply using the UK ETA app. The scheme will extend to eligible Europeans, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. This week, the UK government announced an overhaul of non-visa entry … Read more

Children of Daesh suspects returned to France, showing positive progress

Children of Daesh suspects returned to France, showing positive progress

The children are being closely monitored and are not “ticking time bombs.” The prosecutor, Olivier Christen, dismisses concerns about the children’s age and age. 170 women have returned to France from Iraq and Syria, including 57 from detention camps. On Wednesday, France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor reported that 364 repatriated children of French parents suspected of joining … Read more

Nestlé to pay €2 million to resolve water investigation in France

Nestlé to pay €2 million to resolve water investigation in France

The non-prosecution agreement is the largest concerning the environment signed in France to date. The deal encourages faster conclusion and remediation of environmental damage. The decision is criticized by local environmental groups and consumer groups.  The preliminary probes into unauthorized well usage and fraud in filtering mineral waters concluded with this deal. Authorities justified the … Read more

Iran’s secret service faces allegations to target Jews in Europe

Iran's secret service faces allegations to target Jews in Europe

The case, known as “Marco Polo,” indicates a resurgence of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism in Europe. Iranian intelligence allegedly aimed to target civilians and instill fear in Europe among political opposition. Despite his probation, Abdelkrim S. made multiple trips to Germany for scouting purposes. In May, a Paris court detained and charged a couple on accusations … Read more

Wildfires in France trigger mass evacuations

Wildfires in France trigger mass evacuations

Fire destroyed one mobile home and partially damaged five others. The fire started near the A9 highway from Montpellier to the Spanish border. Firefighters have emptied private homeowners’ swimming pools to combat the blaze. Two wildfires in southern France forced officials to evacuate several thousand people before they brought the blazes under control, officials said … Read more

France seeks FBI support for investigation into high-speed train sabotage ahead of Olympics

France seeks FBI support for investigation into high-speed train sabotage ahead of Olympics

The email, signed by an unexpected delegation, was from a riseup.net address. French officials suspect domestic far-left groups but have not ruled out foreign involvement. The FBI would need to subpoena Riseup to obtain the details, but Riseup is unlikely to comply. Police in France investigating the sabotage of high-speed rail lines just hours before … Read more

France urges nationals to leave Iran ‘as soon as possible’

France urges nationals to leave Iran 'as soon as possible'

France urges nationals visiting Iran to leave immediately following Israel’s accusation of Hamas leader killing. The move is a response to rising regional tensions and to ensure citizens’ safety. The government advises departure to avoid potential dangers associated with the escalating situation. On Friday, France urged its nationals visiting Iran to leave immediately after Tehran … Read more

France stops 6 drones daily near Olympic Venues, PM Reveals

France stops 6 drones daily near Olympic Venues, PM Reveals

Drones are sometimes operated by individuals, including tourists, for photo-taking. Attal emphasizes the ban on flying drones and the use of systems to intercept and arrest their operators. Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasizes the importance of jamming drones. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that French security forces guarding sites for the Paris Olympics are intercepting … Read more

Ali Zafar shares adorable family moments from UK and France

Ali Zafar shares adorable family moments from UK and France

Ali Zafar is known for exceptional singing skills and successful albums. He consistently produces new music and covers regional Pakistani songs. He released the romantic song “Yaar Di Akh” with around 2 million views. Ali Zafar, a brilliant Pakistani singer, actor, producer, and model, is renowned for his exceptional singing skills and successful albums. He … Read more

France seeks stability as PM vows to ‘Guard Against’ extremes

France seeks stability as PM vows to 'Guard Against' extremes

France’s political parties are resolving a parliamentary deadlock caused by an inconclusive snap election. Voters united in the second round to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining power. The current government is expected to remain in place until after the Paris Olympic Games, which open on July 26. On Friday, France’s political parties … Read more

Macron retains Prime Minister place for stability after chaotic election in France

Macron retains Prime Minister place for stability after chaotic election in France

French President Emmanuel Macron declined Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s resignation following chaotic election results. The New Popular Front leftist coalition secured just over 180 seats, ahead of Macron’s centrist alliance. Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies came in third place, with over 140 seats. French President Emmanuel Macron declined the resignation of … Read more

France increased police deployment to prevent post-election troubles

France increased police deployment to prevent post-election troubles

30,000 police officers deployed across France post-runoff to ensure peace. Two candidates reported attacks on the campaign trail. The second round will determine Marine Le Pen’s National Rally’s parliamentary majority. A minister announced that some 30,000 police officers will be deployed across France late on Sunday following the high-stakes runoff of a parliamentary election to … Read more

Deadly suspected militant attack in Mali leaves over 20 Civilians dead

Deadly suspected militant attack in Mali leaves over 20 Civilians dead

Mali has been ravaged by militants and other armed groups for over a decade, with violence intensifying since 2015. The attack began before nightfall and lasted around three hours. The violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of displacements. Militants carried out an attack in central Mali on Monday that killed … Read more