ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and Google have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote digital transformation, innovation, IT exports and skills development in the country. The MoU was signed by Information Technology Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan and Google Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Southeast Asia David Weller at a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and members of the federal cabinet. The agreement marks a significant step towards establishing a Google office in Pakistan and strengthening cooperation in digital skills, innovation and technology. Under the MoU, Google will…
Author: Web Desk
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar has confirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination and subsequently returned to Adiala Jail. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Tarar said the prisoner was taken to the hospital under security arrangements during the night between August 20 and 21, where he was examined by qualified doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology and cardiology as well as a physician. He said Imran Khan was taken to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital in view of the…
ISLAMABAD: The Senate today passed “The National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026” and “The Defence Forces of Pakistan Bill, 2026”. Later, the House was adjourned to meet again at 10:30 am today. The National Assembly was informed today that the Capital Development Authority is planning to establish an education city in the federal capital. Responding to a question during the Question Hour in the House today, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the CDA also plans to relocate more than 300 schools from residential areas to designated sites outside these localities. The National Assembly also passed “The…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under tight security on Friday. Sources claimed police escorted Imran Khan to Islamabad after he was taken from Gate No. 1 of Adiala Jail for medical examination. Earlier, Islamabad Inspector General of Police, accompanied by senior police officers, visited Shifa International Hospital and reviewed security arrangements. A heavy contingent of police was also deployed outside the hospital. Hospital sources said special arrangements had been made for Khan’s treatment. A team of six specialist doctors will examine him, after…
Is India Losing Its Secular Foundation? A Historian on Hindutva, History and Democracy What happens when a nation built on equal citizenship begins to redefine itself through religious majoritarianism? As India celebrates its Independence Day, the country is facing a deeper question than political competition: What kind of India is emerging—and what is happening to the secular and constitutional vision on which the republic was built? In this special JP Global interview, Ayaz Khan Lohani speaks with political historian and scholar Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed for a wide-ranging conversation on Hindutva, Indian history, democracy, caste, minorities and the legacy of Dr.…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Syria have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. The understanding to this effect was reached during wide-ranging delegation-level talks between the two countries, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, in Islamabad today. The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Syria. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, the situation in South Asia, and developments in the Middle East. Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial…
LOS ANGELES: Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the rock group ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77, the band said on Tuesday. Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, according to the group’s statement. His cause of death was not disclosed. Beard was the drummer of the band known for hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” for 56 years. The trio of Beard, guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill were among the most-enduring lineups in music history. They first played together in 1970…
Misbah Arshad has been crowned Miss Universe Pakistan, becoming the fourth Pakistani woman to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant. Arshad was announced as the winner at a ceremony in the Philippines following a closely contested selection process. Miss Universe Pakistan franchise owner Josh Yugen presented her with the official sash, while outgoing titleholder Roma Riaz crowned her as the new winner. A key moment in the competition came during the final question round. Philippine musician and actor Bailey May asked Arshad which version of herself — her 10-year-old or 80-year-old self — would ask her the more…
LAHORE: The University of Lahore (UOL) has achieved a notable position in the latest US News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings, emerging as one of the world’s leading higher education institutions. According to the ranking highlighted by the university’s Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), UOL has been placed 479th globally, 122nd in Asia and third in Pakistan. The University of Lahore has also secured the top position among private-sector universities in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the institution. This recognition reflects UOL’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and its growing global impact. The university is describing…
The United States national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in history, according to data released by the US Treasury Department. Treasury figures show that debt held by the public stood at $32.266 trillion, while intragovernmental holdings totaled $7.782 trillion, bringing total outstanding federal debt to $40.047 trillion as of Tuesday. The milestone came months earlier than expected and highlights the growing gap between US government spending and revenue. Federal debt has risen sharply in recent years following massive spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, tax cuts and increased military expenditures. Rising interest costs have added further pressure…
