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ISLAMABAD ( DI NEWS) : The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) hosted a focused group discussion titled “Enhancing B2B Collaboration Between Pakistan and China Under CPEC 2.0.” The event convened businesspersons, policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to chart pathways for deepening business-to-business ties under the second phase of the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor. Ms. Nabila Jaffer, Lead Research Analyst in the China Program at IRS, opened the discussion with an overview of CPEC 2.0’s emphasis on sectoral B2B strategies and private‑sector leadership to harness connectivity assets for productivity. Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, welcomed participants by noting that while Phase 1 delivered…

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has drawn the international community ‘s attention towards the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, saying that the world hould be “worried” about the potential for a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. The minister warned that tensions with India over a deadly shooting in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) could escalate into an “all-out war”, in an interview with British Sky News. The warning follows the deadly gun attack in the IIOJK, where 26 tourists were shot dead at a scenic location in the Pahalgam area.  The victims included one Nepali national. India’s…

ISLAMABAD :The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of the country during next 24 hours, with very hot conditions expected in the southern regions. According to the Met Office, isolated areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir may experience partly cloudy skies accompanied by light rain and thunderstorms. In the federal capital, Islamabad, hot and dry conditions will prevail throughout the day, turning partly cloudy by evening or night. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts will experience hot and dry weather. However, light rain-thunderstorms are likely in upper regions including Dir, Swat,…

In a strong response to India’s water-related actions, Pakistan has announced the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), declaring that no Indian flight will be allowed to enter Pakistani airspace for a month. The sudden announcement has caused significant disruption to Indian airlines. Flights were forced to divert mid-route, creating an emergency situation for multiple carriers. Several long-haul international flights had to land at alternate airports in different countries for refueling and rerouting. According to the CAA, the airspace closure came into effect at 6:00 PM. IndiGo…

The United States has reiterated its stance of neutrality on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, stating that it is not taking any position amid the recent uptick in tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). During a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Washington was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the region. “We are not taking any immediate position on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The situation between the two countries is dynamic, and we are following developments closely,” she said.…

The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has revised the profit rates for several National Savings Schemes (NSS), with the new rates taking effect from April 22, 2025. The adjustment comes amid a notable decline in the inflation rate across the country. According to an official notification issued by the directorate, the profit rate for Regular Income Certificates has been slightly reduced by four basis points, while Special Savings Certificates and the Special Savings Account have received modest increases. Other savings instruments remain unchanged. A breakdown of the revised profit rates is as follows: Savings Scheme Previous Rate Revised Rate…

More than 4,804 illegal Afghan residents were repatriated on April 24 as Pakistan continues its deportation operations following the expiration of the deadline for illegal residents and Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country. The total number of illegal Afghan residents who have left Pakistan has now reached 997,893. Strict legal action is being taken against illegal immigrants, foreigners, and Afghan Citizen Card holders who remain in the country beyond the deadline. The Government of Pakistan is ensuring the dignified repatriation of illegal immigrants, foreigners, and Afghan Citizen Card holders. Authorities have emphasized that no mistreatment will occur during…

An Israeli airstrike on a police station in the northern Gaza Strip claimed the lives of at least 44 people, including civilians, and left dozens more injured on Thursday, as violence escalated in the region. Local health authorities confirmed that the Israeli air raid hit a police station in Jabalia, a densely populated area, killing at least 10 people. According to medical officials, two Israeli missiles struck the police facility, located near a busy market, causing widespread destruction and injuring several others. The identities of those killed have yet to be disclosed. The attack targeted a police station that Israel’s…

The United States is preparing to unveil a sweeping arms package for Saudi Arabia worth over $100 billion, according to six sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The proposed deal, which could be announced during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May, underscores Washington’s evolving defence relationship with Riyadh. The development follows the Biden administration’s failed attempt to secure a comprehensive defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. That earlier proposal was aimed at normalising ties between the kingdom and Israel, and had offered access to advanced U.S. weaponry in exchange for a halt to Chinese arms…

Former Pakistan women team captain Nida Dar decided to take a break from cricket. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dar said: “I would like to inform you that a lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally, and this has affected my mental health.” “For this reason, I am taking a break from cricket to focus on my well-being,” she said. “Please respect my privacy,” Dar added.