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A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the European Union’s (EU) decision to include Chinese companies and financial institutions in its 18th round of sanctions against Russia. Responding to a media inquiry, the spokesperson said the EU had disregarded China’s multiple representations and objections by unilaterally including Chinese companies in its sanctions list and imposing penalties on two Chinese financial institutions based on groundless accusations. The spokesperson emphasized that China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law and authorization from the United Nations Security Council. The EU’s actions…

KARACHI: Ahmed Raza is invisible in the eyes of his government, unable to study or work because, like millions of other Pakistanis, he lacks identification papers. In the South Asian nation of more than 240 million people, parents generally wait until a child begins school at the age of five to obtain a birth certificate, which is required for enrolment in most parts of Pakistan. Raza slipped through the cracks until the end of elementary school, but when his middle school requested documentation, his mother had no choice but to withdraw him. “If I go looking for work, they ask…

QUETTA : Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Monday condemned the brutal murder of a man and a woman in Degari. He said that they were not married and condemned the killings as unacceptable under any circumstances. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, he confirmed that tribal leader Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai was arrested without delay, and so far, 11 suspects have been taken into custody. He added that more arrests will follow, and all involved will be presented in court. He said the incident first came to his attention through social media, after which immediate action was taken. Bugti revealed…

The Balochistan High Court has taken suo motu notice of the alleged honour killing of a couple in Degari, a suburban area of Quetta, where a young man and woman were murdered reportedly for marrying of their own will. The case has sparked outrage following the emergence of a disturbing video on social media. Chief Justice Hashim Kakar of the Balochistan High Court summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Inspector General of Police Balochistan to appear before the court on July 22. The suo motu notice comes amid mounting public pressure and condemnation over the brutal killing of Bano…

The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) was officially cancelled on Sunday with the tournament organisers issuing a public apology for “hurting the sentiments” of cricket fans around the world. The match, scheduled to be held at Edgbaston on July 20, was called off after a number of Indian players, including former captains Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, pulled out citing “geopolitical concerns”. In an official statement released on X (formerly Twitter), WCL said the decision to schedule the high-profile encounter stemmed from a recent volleyball fixture between the two nations, which they…

Young Pakistani actress Aina Asif has candidly shared her experience of facing online criticism, admitting that she often breaks down in tears after reading negative comments. In a recent interview, the 16-year-old actor reflected on the challenges of growing up in the public eye. “Being a public figure, you have to be prepared for criticism,” she said, while adding that trolling and harsh remarks still take a toll on her mental wellbeing. Asif began her career as a child model, appearing in television commercials before making her acting debut in 2021 in the drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. She later rose…

The National Telecom Corporation (NTC) has drawn up a comprehensive strategy aimed at shielding federal and provincial governments, as well as key state institutions, from increasing cyber threats. According to an official document, the NTC has committed to delivering secure, modern and reliable information technology services to all government institutions. The wide-ranging strategy includes the deployment of modern border controllers and firewalls to enhance network security across the country. The NTC document stated that a robust framework for active threat management will be put in place to monitor and counter potential cyberattacks in real time. The new measures are part…

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York to lead Pakistan’s engagements at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where the country is currently serving as President for the month of July. Mr Dar’s visit marks the beginning of a week-long series of high-level engagements in New York and Washington, with Pakistan set to host two signature events at the Security Council under its presidency. Upon arrival, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Pakistan formally assumed the presidency of the Security Council on July…

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the federal cabinet over contempt of court in the case concerning the release, health, and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued the notice during the hearing on a petition filed by Dr Fauzia Siddiqui. The judge expressed displeasure over the government’s failure to submit a report in the case and scheduled the next hearing for the first working day after the court’s summer recess. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq remarked that the judges’ roster is managed by the Chief Justice’s office, and despite his…

Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast monsoon rains across most districts of Punjab today as the fourth spell of the season continues. According to PDMA spokesperson, this phase of rainfall is expected to last until July 25 and is comparatively stronger than previous spells. There is a risk of significant increases in water flow in the upper catchment areas of rivers due to these rains. PDMA has issued flood alerts for Punjab’s rivers and streams, warning of potential flooding in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. PDMA Director General has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to stay in…