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Experts on security and counter-terrorism emphasized the urgent need for enhanced Pakistan-China cooperation to address terrorism threatening economic initiatives and Chinese personnel in Pakistan. Speaking at the Beaconhouse National University’s Center for Policy Research in Lahore, Dr. Naveed Elahi and Amir Rana highlighted terrorism’s evolution, from sectarian violence to globally supported insurgencies like TTP and BLA, fueled by historical conflicts such as the Afghan Jihad and Taliban insurgency. Dr. Elahi noted Pakistan’s inconsistent counter-terrorism efforts, while Amir Rana criticized systemic issues and lack of policy implementation. Both experts stressed adopting modern approaches, including combating disinformation and fostering public trust, to…

BEIJING : China aims to pioneer new paths for international collaboration to facilitate early warnings about weather conditions, providing Chinese technological expertise in disaster prevention and risk reduction, a senior official at the China Meteorological Administration said. Chen Zhenlin, head of the CMA, highlighted the substantial progress the nation made in advancing international meteorological cooperation last year. This was exemplified by the unveiling of its early warning system at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. Solutions have been deployed for testing in countries…

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, digital economies have become key drivers of growth and cooperation. The partnership between China and ASEAN, rooted in shared history and geography, is now propelled by this transformative force. As both regions integrate more digital solutions – spanning e-commerce, digital payments, and AI innovations – they are unlocking new avenues for trade, industry, and people-to-people exchanges. Digital trade has been a catalyst in enhancing the China-ASEAN relationship. E-commerce platforms allow businesses to overcome traditional trade barriers, enabling seamless exchanges of goods such as Chinese electronics and ASEAN agricultural products. Recent data shows a…

China is willing to work with Africa to ensure the Global Security Initiative takes root on the continent and to jointly build a peaceful and secure path to modernization, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday. China is ready to join hands with Africa to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, he added. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar. He emphasized that China will firmly support…

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Thursday presided over a CPC leadership meeting on relief efforts following an earthquake in Dingri County, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region earlier this week. Xi also addressed the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck Dingri County in the city of Xigaze at 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, leaving 126 people dead and 188 others injured. A total of 407 trapped individuals have been rescued. It was emphasized at Thursday’s meeting that the disaster relief is…

Oil prices rose in early Asian trade and were on track for a third straight week of gains with icy conditions in parts of the United States and Europe driving up fuel demand for heating. Brent crude futures climbed 24 cents, or 0.3%, to $77.16 a barrel at 0138 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 26 cents, or 0.4%, to $74.18. Over the three weeks ending Jan. 10, Brent has advanced 5.9% while WTI has jumped 6.9%. Analysts at JPMorgan attributed the gains to growing concern over supply disruptions due to tightening sanctions, amid low oil stockpiles, freezing…

The government has initiated work on a comprehensive five-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) for 2025–2030, aimed at increasing domestic exports and enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistani products. The Ministry of Commerce has sought proposals from federal ministries and provincial governments to shape the new policy, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This framework, which will determine the direction of the five-year trade strategy, will outline priority products, key sectors, and trade promotion targets while aligning with Pakistan’s macroeconomic framework. The proposed policy will include guidance from the Ministry of Commerce and related institutions. According…

Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad announced that Pakistan’s economic growth will surpass 3% in the current fiscal year, with projections indicating further acceleration in the coming year. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the central bank head stressed the importance of maintaining stable and gradual growth to avoid future balance of payments issues. He noted that while Pakistan’s economic growth has averaged 3.5% over the last decade, the country occasionally experiences significant leaps in growth, followed by challenges in the subsequent years. “The path to stable growth lies in gradual and consistent development,” he…

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday indicted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and others in the May 9 riots case registered at Shadman Police Station. The charges were presented in connection with a case registered at Shadman Police Station regarding the damage to public and private properties. The ATC judge Manzoor Ali Gill conducted the hearing at the Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the accused appeared. During the proceedings, the defendants denied the charges against them. In addition to Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, other accused, including Sanam Javed, are also facing charges. The Shadman…

ISLAMABAD : Pakistani passport has been ranked among the weakest, placed at the 103rd place in the Henley Passport Index for 2025. It falls alongside Yemen on the list. The list disclosed that Pakistani passport offers visa-free access to only 33 countries. The Henley index ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations they can access visa-free. It is based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For the year 2025, the top spot is secured by Singapore. with its passport allowing visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan has been ranked as…