Author: admin

BEIJING: An explosion at a fireworks store in eastern China killed eight people and injured two, authorities said late Sunday. Rural communities in China often light sparklers and screeching “missile” fireworks to celebrate holidays and milestones such as the Lunar New Year, which falls on Tuesday. The “improper discharge” of fireworks by one or more villagers caused an explosion at a nearby store in Jiangsu province’s Donghai county around 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) on Sunday, local authorities said in a statement on social media. “Emergency management, fire, public security, and health authorities rushed to the scene immediately to carry out…

The Hindu community in Pakistan celebrated the important religious festival of Mahashivratri with devotion and enthusiasm, as religious rituals were performed in temples across the country. The main ceremony, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, was held at the historic Katas Raj Temples where devotees gathered to perform religious rituals and offer prayers. Minister of State for Minority Affairs Khel Das Kohistani attended the ceremony as a special guest. Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Qamaruz Zaman also participated prominently in the event. Development for Katas Raj Temple Speaking at the ceremony, Qamar-uz-Zaman announced that a state-of-the-art library would…

Pakistan will be represented by Federal Minister for Development and Planning Ahsan Iqbal at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could not attend the ceremony due to his ongoing two-day official visit to Austria. An official invitation was extended to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected prime minister. Due to his prior foreign commitments in Austria, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will not be able to attend the event in person. In his place, Ahsan Iqbal has departed for Dhaka to represent Pakistan at the high-profile ceremony. Meetings with…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Vienna on a two-day official visit to Austria, marking another step in Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with European partners. He received a warm welcome at Vienna International Airport, where a contingent of the Austrian armed forces presented a guard of honour. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accorded full protocol and warmly welcomed by Austrian officials. A contingent of the Austrian Armed Forces presented a formal salute at the airport, highlighting the significance of the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Atta Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq…

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is set to arrive in Pakistan on February 25 for the third economic review talks under the ongoing loan program, a key step that could unlock $1.2 billion in fresh funding. The 15-day visit will focus on assessing Pakistan’s economic performance from July to December 2025 and reviewing progress on agreed reform targets. The IMF delegation will hold negotiations with officials from the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other relevant ministries and institutions. The talks are part of the third review of Pakistan’s $7…

US President Donald Trump has announced that member states of the newly formed Board of Peace will pledge more than $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian relief efforts at a high-level meeting this week. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the funding commitment will be formally unveiled on February 19 during the group’s first official meeting in Washington. According to President Trump, Board of Peace member states have committed more than $5 billion toward humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts in Gaza. The announcement is set to take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in…

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, has undergone a detailed medical examination inside Adiala Jail, with doctors preparing a comprehensive report that is expected to be presented before the Supreme Court. Sources say his eyesight has started improving following treatment, while the PTI has rejected the examination results. A medical board formed by the government conducted a thorough medical examination of Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. A two-member panel of expert doctors carried out a detailed check-up lasting approximately two hours, during which all necessary tests were performed. Despite waiting for the family, Khan’s relatives did not arrive during…

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Sunday that the Green Shirts’s batting and bowling lines disappointed in the match against India. Speaking after the defeat, Salman Agha said the side did not secure a sound start with the bat. He said the spinners had delivered steady performances over the past six months, yet both the bowling and batting lines disappointed. He added that victory against Namibia would be required to secure a place in the Super 8 stage. Head coach Mike Hesson said India outclassed Pakistan in the T20 World Cup group match. Addressing a press conference after the…

A fresh spell of rain has been forecast in various cities across the country ahead of the start of Ramazan. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rain is likely in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from tomorrow night, with thundershowers expected to continue until Tuesday. An official statement said rain is expected in Kurram, Bannu, North Waziristan and South Waziristan. Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan are also likely to receive rainfall. Hail is also forecast in Dera Ismail Khan. Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rain accompanied by strong winds and thunder in the southern…

Israel’s cabinet on Sunday approved further measures to tighten Israel’s control over the occupied West Bank and make it easier for settlers to buy land, in a move Palestinians called “a de-facto annexation”. The West Bank is among the territories that the Palestinians seek for a future independent state. Much of it is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas run by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA). Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an election later this year, deems the establishment of any Palestinian state a security threat. His ruling coalition includes many pro-settler members who want…