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ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS) :  A ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr residence to present the Order of Nishan-e-Pakistan (Mark of Pakistan) to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The highest award of Pakistan was solemnly conferred upon the Head of our state by the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari. It was noted that this high distinction represents a worthy recognition of the joint efforts to expand multifaceted cooperation, as well as a reflection of the friendly relations and deep respect extended to the people of Uzbekistan. Confidence was expressed that the Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership will continue…

Basant returned to Lahore after nearly two decades, but the joy of the festival was once again overshadowed by accidents. The much-anticipated three-day Basant festival began at midnight, with residents rushing to rooftops across the Walled City, particularly around Mochi Gate, to welcome the colourful celebration after years of absence. Cries of “Bo kata” rang out as kites filled the sky. Young participants learnt kite flying techniques from elders, while families gathered on rooftops, describing Basant as a festival that spreads love and warmth across the city. However, violations of the Basant code of conduct were reported from the very start. Incidents…

The United States has said it stands with Pakistan following the recent militant attacks in Balochistan. The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs expressed solidarity with Pakistan in a message posted on X. The bureau said the banned Balochistan Liberation Army is a designated foreign terrorist organisation and added that it supports efforts to bring those responsible for the horrific attacks to justice. It is pertinent to note that Pakistan’s security forces have successfully concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 against Indian-sponsored terrorist elements in Balochistan, delivering what the military described as a decisive blow to militant networks operating…

Bitcoin has fallen sharply, extending losses after a turbulent week for the world’s most widely traded cryptocurrency. The digital currency was down nearly 14 per cent on Friday morning, trading at around $62,900. The decline follows a series of steep losses that began last weekend, when Bitcoin slipped below the $80,000 mark. After the latest drop, Bitcoin, known for its sharp price fluctuations, has lost nearly one-third of its value since the start of the year. Bitcoin surged after the re-election of United States President Donald Trump fuelled expectations that Washington would introduce a more cryptocurrency-friendly regulatory framework following years…

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the forthcoming edition of the T20 World Cup 2026. The letter warned Pakistan of the losses linked to not playing the match against India, sources said. It stated that Pakistan should reconsider its decision to avoid the match against India, according to sources. The SLC has said there is a strong risk of heavy financial losses if the Pakistan–India match is cancelled. The letter requested the government of Pakistan and the PCB to review the decision. According to…

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Thursday that the provincial government would extend the Basant festival across Punjab if it proved successful in Lahore this year, strictly in line with the approved standard operating procedures (SOPs). She said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had become associated only with rhetoric and unrest. She questioned why the PTI leaders appeared opposed to public happiness, adding that whenever people began to enjoy themselves, the party surfaced with calls for disorder. Azma Bokhari said abusive campaigns had been launched on social media against Lahorites during the festive activity. She said that those who rarely…

Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s 2026 New Year reception on Thursday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that in the new year, the world has become even more turbulent, posing severe challenges to peace and development. History has repeatedly shown that division and confrontation lead nowhere, and the right choice is for all countries to pull together as passengers in the same boat, he said.

Duty-free sales in south China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) jumped 44.8 percent year on year in January, marking a strong start following the launch of island-wide special customs operations. According to statistics from Haikou Customs, in January 2026, offshore duty-free shopping sales in Hainan reached 4.53 billion yuan (about $653 million), a 44.8 percent increase from last year. A total of 560,000 shoppers visited Hainan in January and purchased 3.367 million items, a 21.0 percent increase in shoppers and a 14.0 percent increase in purchases, compared to the same period in 2025. To accelerate the circulation of duty-free goods,…

As the world prepares to welcome the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, millions are set to embrace a season filled with renewal, reunion and good fortune. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of rapid change, fresh opportunities and personal growth. The horse embodies speed, freedom and ambition, inspiring us to pursue bold new journeys with courage and optimism. Recently, the “becoming Chinese” trend has swept across social media, with many declaring they’re living through a “very Chinese time” in their lives. With so many new celebrants joining in, it’s only fitting…

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has embraced the colours of Basant. A video showing Hasan Ali flying kites and cutting rivals’ strings has spread widely on social media. His wife, Samiya Hasan, is also seen enjoying kite flying. Separately on Thursday, it was reported that more than 500,000 vehicles are expected to enter Lahore during the Basant festival, prompting the formation of special patrolling teams. Authorities estimated that hundreds of thousands of vehicles will enter the city during the three-day Basant festival in Lahore. A total of 10,000 police personnel and 2,500 traffic wardens will be deployed. The chief traffic…