Is the UN irrelevant? – World
THE answer to the question whether the UN is irrelevant today is yes and no. Yes, because if the Middle East crisis triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran is a test of relevance, then the UN has failed that. And no, because beyond its responsibility for international peace and security, the UN continues to […]
Situationer: Punjab set to launch land-lease scheme amid concerns – Newspaper
WITH just 124,363 acres of state land identified for immediate rollout, the Punjab Board of Revenue has set the stage for operationalising the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar (AKAR) scheme — an ambitious but contested land-leasing initiative of the provincial government that aims to bring unused land into cultivation while empowering landless farmers. The initiative, spearheaded […]
Plan to make 5G handsets ‘affordable’ hits roadblock – Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: A policy proposal that could put 5G-enabled handsets in the hands of more and more Pakistanis seems to have hit a snag, with the government still awaiting a response from certain industry stakeholders. The proposal to make costly smartphones available to purchase on instalments, has been in the works for some time. The need […]
Foreign economic assistance inflows rise nearly 20pc – Newspaper
ISLAMABAD: Foreign economic assistance (FEA) inflows to Pakistan surged by almost 20 per cent to $6.594bn in the first three quarters (July-March) of the current fiscal year, mainly on the back of programme support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Total inflows (excluding IMF disbursements), comprising both loans and grants, amounted to $6.594bn during the […]
Shifting dynamics of power – Newspaper
The global economic landscape of early 2026 presents a compelling duality. The metrics of “nominal value” and “purchasing power” have diverged, defining two distinct economic realities. As of the first quarter of 2026, the United States remains the world’s largest economy in nominal terms, underpinned by a resilient domestic market and the residual effects of […]
Thousands of fans arrive in Vienna as 70th edition of Eurovision kicks off
Spain, Ireland among nations boycotting contest over Israel’s participation as Finland emerges heavy favourite The Austrian capital is pulling out all the stops to host the 70th edition of the world’s most-watched song contest. © Helmut Fohringer, AFP Eurovision kicked off in Vienna on Sunday, with thousands of fans flocking to the city for events […]
Budget may include income tax relief amid salary, pension freeze – Newspaper
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering reducing the income tax burden on salaried individuals while refraining from increasing salaries and pensions in the upcoming budget, aiming to provide equitable fiscal relief to both public and private sector employees. Informed sources told Dawn that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed a desire to lower tax rates and, […]
Australia to fly citizens home from virus-hit cruise ship, plans quarantine
Spain, France and the US have also evacuated their citizens from the MV Hondius near Tenerife Archive image of the cruise ship Hondius, in Vlissingen, Netherlands May 17, 2025. The MV Hondius was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus, authorities and media reports said on May 3, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS Australia will charter a […]
Thailand’s former PM Thaksin freed from prison
After 15 years in exile, Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 to serve an eight-year sentence Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reacts following his release on parole after serving eight months of his one-year sentence at Klong Prem Central Prison, in Bangkok, Thailand, May 11, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS Thailand’s billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra […]