Day: March 16, 2026

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to pursue legal action against those involved in a “malicious campaign” regarding the use of an official aircraft by the provincial administration, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned amid growing confusion over the government’s claims that the newly procured luxury jet was undergoing routine maintenance. In a post on X, Aurangzeb said she had taken notice of a “deliberate malicious campaign of lies and fabricated stories about the use of the official plane of the Punjab government”, alleging that it was being driven by…

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China has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disputes through dialogue rather than force, calling for restraint and an immediate ceasefire as tensions rise between the two neighbours. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message during a phone call with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry on Friday. Wang stressed that both sides should remain calm and work toward defusing tensions through direct engagement. Wang urged the two countries to exercise restraint and hold face-to-face talks as soon…

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ISLAMABAD: Employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous institutions operating under government patronage will face salary cuts ranging from five to 30 per cent as part of the government’s austerity drive, with the savings earmarked for public relief. The decision was taken on Saturday at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the impact of rising petroleum product prices and the implementation of austerity measures amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The move expands the…

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