Author: Web Desk

The ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran has already cost the U.S. an estimated $37.5 billion, according to Hegseth. RIYADH: A Saudi vessel came under attack in the Red Sea on Thursday as Iran backed Houthi forces claimed responsibility for strikes on multiple oil tankers, the attack raised concerns over shipping security and the risk of a wider regional conflict as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.

The agency reported that 21,674 people died from all causes during the two-week period. PARIS: France recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during a severe heat wave that swept across the country between June 17 and July 2, according to the country’s national public health agency. French health authorities said 5,764 excess deaths were recorded during the period, representing a 36% increase over expected mortality levels. The agency reported that 21,674 people died from all causes during the two-week period, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths under normal conditions. Public health experts classify the difference as excess mortality associated with the heat…

Record spending measure sparks debate over Iran and Israel. WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a $1.15 trillion defence policy bill on Wednesday, despite strong Democratic opposition over its record military spending, the ongoing Iran conflict and expanded defence cooperation with Israel. The fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was approved by a 216-212 vote, largely along party lines. Most Republicans supported the legislation, while nearly all Democrats voted against it, citing concerns over its cost and foreign policy implications. The bill authorises funding for military operations, defence modernisation and service member benefits, including pay raises of…

KARACHI: Pakistan invited Meta on Thursday to maintain regular engagement with the government and explore areas of shared interest, including digital skills, capacity building for small and medium-sized enterprises, and digital literacy. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan raised the invitation during a meeting with a Meta delegation led by Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific public policy lead, and Vivian Liang, policy programs manager for Asia-Pacific, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce. During the meeting, Khan welcomed Meta’s plan to train 1,000 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises in digital business and artificial intelligence, and invited the company to engage…

DUBAI: Asian and European buyers of liquefied natural gas plan to push for lower prices and additional supply guarantees from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates after the U.S.-Iran war drove up insurance costs on deliveries from the region, buyers, traders and industry executives told Reuters. The war has reshaped the global energy industry, undercutting the reputation of Gulf producers

KARACHI: The Dumpers Association has rejected the government’s proposed plan to revise petroleum product prices on a daily basis, warning that the move would have serious consequences for the transport sector. Association President Haji Liaquat Mehsud said daily fluctuations in fuel prices would significantly disrupt transport operations and create uncertainty for businesses. He warned that frequent changes in fuel prices could affect transport fares, construction activities, and the supply of essential goods, ultimately increasing the financial burden on the public. Mehsud urged the government to immediately reconsider the proposal and adopt a stable and practical pricing policy for petroleum products…

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has explained why fuel prices are rising across Pakistan. Ali Pervaiz Malik linked the rise to global oil prices hike over the past two weeks. The minister said that determining petroleum prices is not a straightforward process under the current circumstances, given the volatility in international oil markets. He noted that petroleum dealers are also demanding an increase in their profit margin from the existing 8%, adding that the current petroleum levy remains lower than it was before the regional conflict. “On one hand, global oil prices are witnessing significant volatility, and on the other,…

Naqvi expresses optimism that ongoing Mideast diplomatic initiatives will yield positive outcomes Interior Minister Naqvi meets his Iranian counterpart. Interior ministerlauds Iranian leadership’s peace efforts.  Talks focused on combating terrorism, narcotics trafficking. Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, border management and regional stability. The resolve came during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, who is on a three-day official visit to Islamabad. The visit underscored the growing momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations, with both sides agreeing to intensify collaboration in counterterrorism, counternarcotics, curbing illegal immigration…

Deputy PM says attempting to weaponise water resources violated int’l obligations and threatened 250 million lives By APP DPM Dar addresses 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting. Failure to resolve disputes accelerated stability issues: Dar. Reaffirms Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace and de-escalation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called upon the international community and the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) to support a peaceful resolution of core regional conflicts, emphasising that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to hold Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remained at the heart of South Asian instability. The deputy prime minister,…

In call with Saudi Crown Prince, PM reaffirms Pakistan’s complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia at this critical time M Shehbaz says Houthi attacks violated international law. Houthis claim missile and drone strikes on Saudi oil tankers. KSA confirms tanker Encelia was struck in Red Sea attack. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday agreed to continue working very closely to maintain regional peace, security, and the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce through the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. The agreement came during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and…