Day: March 10, 2025

Zelenskiy visits Saudi Arabia before critical US talks

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday (today) for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, just ahead of crucial discussions between Ukrainian and US officials on efforts to end the war with Russia. The visit comes at a time when Kyiv faces mounting challenges in its fight against Moscow. The United States, once Ukraine’s primary ally, has significantly altered its wartime stance, prioritising a swift resolution to the conflict. Washington has begun engaging directly with Moscow while simultaneously halting military aid and intelligence-sharing…

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SBP stays cautious, keeps key rate at 12% amid inflation concerns

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KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) held its key policy rate at 12% on Monday, resisting a cut despite cooling inflation, as it braces for a potential uptick in price pressures in March and May. The decision comes after a senior-level International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation reviewed Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout package, discussing new revenue targets and taxation measures that may influence inflation and monetary policy. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) convened to scope the economic outlook and, after thorough deliberations, opted to maintain the policy rate…

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Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assumes charge of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry officially assumed charge of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Monday. According to a statement, senior officials warmly welcomed Dr Chaudhry upon his arrival. A detailed briefing was given on the ministry’s ongoing projects, key legislative matters, and parliamentary affairs management, the notification stated. The minister expressed his commitment to strengthening the parliamentary system, ensuring smooth coordination between the government and legislature, and promoting democratic values in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chaudhry emphasised the importance of effective…

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WhatsApp revamps emoji sheet for hassle-free reactions

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WhatsApp is introducing a revamped emoji reactions panel in the app’s chats, groups, and channels, which is currently being tested by beta users. Beta testers can explore this new and improved emoji reaction panel via the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.15 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, according to WABetaInfo. The Meta’s instant-messaging app’s new interface enhances the organisation of emoji reactions within chats, groups, and channels, allowing for easier navigation. Previously, reactions were displayed in a lengthy vertical list, making it difficult for users, particularly in highly active…

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Iran, Russia, China to conduct joint military drills this week

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The navies of Iran, Russia and China are set to conduct joint military exercises off the coast of Iran, starting tomorrow (Tuesday) in the port of Chabahar in a bid to strengthen ties among the three nations. The three countries, which share a mutual interests in countering what they characterise as American hegemony, have held similar exercises in the region in recent years. The drills “will begin on Tuesday in the port of Chabahar”, located in southeast Iran on the Gulf of Oman, Iranian news agency Tasnim said on Sunday, without specifying…

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PTI seeks LHC’s permission to hold Lahore power show

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LAHORE: Continuing its insistence of holding public rallies in Punjab’s capital, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC)  seeking permission to hold a power show at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on March 22. The plea filed by PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari — which names Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (ICP), DIG, Lahore Deputy Commissioner and others as respondents — complains that the application for holding a power show at the said venue has not been decided by the Lahore DC. Citing…

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Pakistanis may face travel restrictions, not blanket ban: minister

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Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that while the US administration has not imposed a blanket ban on Pakistani nationals traveling to the United States, certain travel restrictions may be introduced. His comments come in response to reports that US President Donald Trump’s administration is reviewing security and vetting risks, potentially leading to a new travel ban that could include Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to sources, the proposed restrictions are expected to resemble those enforced during Trump’s first term, which saw travel limitations placed…

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Irked by street crimes, Karachiites shoot dead three robbers

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KARACHI: Rattled by street crime incidents, Karachiites have apparently decided to retaliate against criminals by killing three dacoits in various mugging attempts in the city. Two dacoits were shot and killed by a citizen near the Matric Board Office in Nazimabad with Central Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zeeshan Siddiqui saying that the incident occurred during a robbery attempt. Noting that weapons have been recovered from the slain robbers, the police officer further said that the bodies have been shifted to the hospital. The identity of the dacoits was being…

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ICC faces backlash over PCB’s absence from Champions Trophy ceremony in Dubai

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under scrutiny for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) notable absence from the Champions Trophy 2025 presentation ceremony, despite Pakistan being the host nation. Traditionally, host country officials are present at such ceremonies, making PCB’s exclusion a contentious issue and prompting criticism over the ICC’s handling of the event. Multiple sources confirmed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was expected to attend the ceremony, had been unable to travel to Dubai due to health reasons. However, the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Tournament Director…

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‘Going to make a lot of progress,’ Trump on upcoming Ukraine-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia

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United States President Donald Trump has expressed hope that the would be a lot of progress in the upcoming Ukraine-Russia peace talks set to take place in Saudi Arabia. US officials will meet on Tuesday with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia in part to determine whether Ukraine is willing to make material concessions to Russia to end the war. Also hanging over the talks in Jeddah is the fate of a minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv. Trump expressed optimism about the talks. “We’re going to make a lot…

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