US to make visa bond programme permanent for people from dozens of countries – World
The US State Department will make permanent a visa bond programme that could require applicants from 50 countries, mostly from Africa, to post bonds of up to $20,000 when seeking US visas, according to a federal notice posted online on Friday. The Federal Register notice applies to B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for […]
Pakistan allows 26 World Food Programme containers to enter Afghanistan via Torkham – Pakistan
KHYBER: Pakistani customs authorities on Monday issued gate passes to as many as 26 World Food Programme (WFP) containers carrying food and essential supplies at the Torkham border to cross into Afghanistan. Since October 2025, the Torkham border — a key trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan — has been closed due to the “escalating […]
North Korea nuclear programme ‘absolutely non-negotiable’: Kim Jong Un’s sister – World
North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is “absolutely non-negotiable”, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un said in a statement carried by state media on Sunday, ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pyongyang has long insisted on its right to a nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes although they are forbidden under […]
IMF programme limits tax relief
The government wants to accelerate economic growth to lower rising poverty and unemployment, but the IMF was of the view that Pakistan has not yet reached a stage where it can afford sustainably higher economic growth. PHOTO: Reuters ISLAMABAD: The government may not be able to provide any significant tax relief to all the affected […]
FO rejects reports of Dar sharing intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme during meeting with Rubio – Pakistan
The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday refuted reports that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared any intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear programme during a meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Dar met with Rubio on May 29 during a brief visit to Washington, where the two discussed bilateral cooperation as […]
FO rejects reports of Dar sharing information on Iran’s nuclear programme during meeting with Rubio – Pakistan
The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday refuted reports that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared any information regarding Iran’s nuclear programme during a meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Dar met with Rubio on May 29 during a brief visit to Washington, where the two discussed bilateral cooperation as […]
Iran willing to negotiate ‘aspects’ of nuclear programme, Rubio says amid escalating scrutiny over war – World
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday told lawmakers that Iran had agreed to begin limited negotiations over its nuclear programme, marking what he described as a tentative but meaningful shift in Tehran’s posture as the United States-led conflict continues to destabilise the Middle East. Rubio said that Iran had also indicated interest […]
Pakistan, WHO launch Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme – Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday launched the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, aiming to end the disease by 2030, according to a press release issued by the ministry. “Pakistan and the WHO today launched the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in Islamabad with the goal […]
IMF’s Executive Board approves $1.3bn financing for Pakistan’s reform programme, flags heightened risks from Middle East war – Business
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board on Friday approved the latest review of Pakistan’s reform programme, paving the way for the release of $1.32 billion in financing under the ongoing arrangements. In Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also confirmed the approval, saying the decision reflects Pakistan’s continued progress on difficult but necessary economic […]
IMF’s Executive Board approves $1.2 billion financing for Pakistan’s reform programme – Business
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board on Friday approved the latest review of Pakistan’s reform programme, paving the way for the release of $1.2 billion in financing under the ongoing arrangements. In Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also confirmed the approval following the Board meeting in Washington, saying the decision reflects Pakistan’s continued […]