Saudi Arabia in talks with U.S. over defense pact Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia in talks with U.S. over defense pact Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia is in advanced negotiations with the United States over a landmark defense pact, with hopes of finalizing the deal during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to the White House next month, the Financial Times reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential agreement would mirror the recent U.S.–Qatar defense … Read more

73% of young users exposed to harmful online ideals of power and success

young users

A growing number of teenagers are being exposed to social media content that negatively affects their personality and mental health. According to a United States (US) based organization’s survey, 73% of young people reported being influenced by online content that promotes violence, dominance, and the pursuit of wealth. The survey revealed that boys who frequently … Read more

FIFA launches ‘TRIONDA’ as official match ball for World Cup 2026

FIFA launches 'TRIONDA' as official match ball for World Cup 2026

Zurich: FIFA has officially unveiled the TRIONDA, the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The ball blends innovation, national symbolism, and next-generation tracking technology. Developed by Adidas, TRIONDA’s name is inspired by two Spanish words: “Tri” meaning three, and “Onda” … Read more

US dismisses Western recognition of Palestinian state as ‘Symbolic’

US

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has downplayed recent announcements by several Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state, calling them “symbolic moves” rather than meaningful steps toward peace. According to the US State Department, Washington’s priority remains serious diplomacy, not “symbolic declarations.” It said the US focus is on achieving peace, ensuring Israel’s security, and securing … Read more

Pakistan aims to strengthen ties with US, UK: Dar

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was seeking to improve its relations with the United Kingdom and the United States and will enhance trade ties with these countries. In an interview with state broadcaster Pakistan Television, he said during his meeting with UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, they … Read more

US-Pakistan finalize major trade agreement, a new era of bilateral trade and investment

Washington: Pakistan and the United States have successfully concluded a major trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade, improving market access, and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. According to the Finance Ministry, the deal will create new trade and investment opportunities in various sectors, including energy, minerals, IT and crypto currency. Under the … Read more

Finance Minister departs for US to finalize trade agreement

Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for Washington, D.C., to finalize a key bilateral trade agreement with the United States. According to details, the minister is expected to oversee the signing of a mutually agreed tariff deal ahead of the August 1, 2025 deadline. The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties and enhance trade … Read more

ADB predicts decline in inflation rate in Pakistan

ADB

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is expected to witness a decline in inflation this fiscal year, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) recent report on developing Asia-Pacific economies. According to the report, the expected drop in inflation is primarily attributed to a decrease in the prices of food and other essential commodities. The ADB has forecast Pakistan’s … Read more

Hamas agrees to fresh Gaza ceasefire framework

Hamas

GAZA: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has given a positive response to mediators regarding a newly proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza, backed by Qatar and the United States. According to international media reports, Hamas stated that internal consultations on the new ceasefire proposals have been completed. “We have conveyed our positive response … Read more

German Chancellor warns Iran of potential US strike on nuclear program

German Chancellor

Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that if Iran fails to return to the negotiating table, the United States may take action to destroy Iran’s c. In a televised interview, Chancellor Merz cautioned that continued escalation without diplomatic engagement could lead to a U.S. military response targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. He further stated that … Read more

Iran prepares to deliver own nuclear proposal to United States

Iran prepares to deliver own nuclear proposal to United States

TEHRAN: On Monday, Iran announced that it will soon present a counter-proposal on a nuclear deal to the United States, after describing Washington’s offer as containing “ambiguities.” Since April, Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks to negotiate a new nuclear accord to replace the deal that US President Donald Trump abandoned during … Read more

Bilawal expresses gratitude to US President for facilitating ceasefire

Bilawal

UNITED NATIONS: Former Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on the United States to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues. His remarks came during a meeting with the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, where recent developments in South Asia were … Read more

Pakistan desires to work with Trump administration: PM

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan desired to work with President Trump and his Administration to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States. The prime minister said this in a meeting with a US delegation, led by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official and Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs … Read more

Trump suspends resettlement of all refugees to United States

Trump suspends resettlement of all refugees to United States

More than 1,600 Afghans eligible to enter the US as refugees will see their entry blocked under an executive order signed by Donald Trump on Monday evening that suspends the resettlement of all refugees to the United States for an indefinite period of time. The decision has caused panic among Afghan refugees, including family members … Read more

Petrol, diesel prices likely to increase from Jan 16

Petrol

ISLAMABAD: The petrol and diesel prices are expected to increase from January 16, 2025 (Thursday) due to higher international prices.

The price of petrol has been estimated to increase by Rs 3.53 per liter and the price of diesel by Rs 3.66 per liter for the next fortnight from yesterday, Thursday (January 16, 2025).

The expected increase in POL prices is being attributed to the increase in oil prices in the international market due to United States (US) restrictions on oil exports to China and India.

Crude oil prices surged past $81 a barrel, the highest since August 2024, on fears that US shipping restrictions could affect Russian oil supplies in the wake of US sanctions.

Industry and government sources said an increase in kerosene oil by Rs 4.98 per liter and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs 6.20 per liter has been worked out, but the final decision rests with decision makers in the finance ministry.

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UN chief congratulates Donald Trump on election victory  

UN chief

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory as president of the United States, saying he looked forward to working with him.

During his first term 2017-21, Trump had a tense relationship with the U.N. after he cut funding to UNRWA, the agency for Palestinian refugees, targeted the World Health Organization (WHO), as also UNESCO.

“I commend the people of the United States of America for their active participation in the democratic process,” the UN chief said in a statement.

Guterres also reaffirmed his “belief that the cooperation between the United States and the United Nations is an essential pillar of international relations.”

“The United Nations stands ready to work constructively with the incoming administration to address the dramatic challenges our world is facing,” it noted.

Trump defeated US Vice President Kamala Harris after winning 277 Electoral College votes in Tuesday’s election. He also led Harris by about 5 million votes in the popular count, getting around 71 million votes.

Trump and his running mate JD Vance will be sworn into office in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20.

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