latest

Europe’s quest for ‘strategic autonomy’ needs refocusing

Andrey Kortunov Lately the not-so-fresh idea of a “European strategic autonomy” has got back in circulation in many EU capitals. This should come as no surprise, given the condescending and even arrogant attitude displayed by the Donald Trump administration toward US’ European allies. Politicians and state officials across the European continent can no longer take […]

Read More

Macron invites scientists to work in France amid US funding cuts

Newswire Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron this week invited scientists from all over the world to come work in France or Europe, as US President Donald Trump’s new administration has started slashing funding for universities and research bodies. Macron did not mention the US, where hundreds of scientists have been dismissed in cutbacks to research […]

Read More

China-SCO trade hits record $890 billion

Henan Daily Zhengzhou: The trade volume between China and the member states, observer states and dialogue partners of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization reached a record high of $890 billion in 2024. The figure, representing 14.4 percent of the country’s total exports, was disclosed during a conference on industrial cooperation for sustainable development among SCO members […]

Read More

Pakistan, Denmark forge $2 billion maritime partnership to modernize ports

Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan and Denmark this week announced a significant partnership worth $2 billion to modernize the country’s maritime infrastructure. This collaboration aims to improve port operations and enhance global trade competitiveness. The announcement came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf. They agreed […]

Read More

Bilawal Bhutto re-elected as PPP chairman

Liaquat Ali Islamabad: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was re-elected as Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) this week for another four-year term following the party’s intra-party elections held at the Central Secretariat in Islamabad The elections, conducted in accordance with the PPP’s constitution, finalised key leadership positions for the next four years. Alongside Bilawal Bhutto […]

Read More

World’s largest ECA to stretch from Portugal to Greenland

Newswire London: At this week’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the world’s biggest emission control area (ECA) has been agreed upon. The new Northeast Atlantic ECA, due by 2027, stretches along coastlines from Portugal to Greenland (see map below), joining existing nearby ECAs in the North Sea, […]

Read More

Pakistan, UK discuss energy collaboration, sustainable development

Celina Ali Islamabad: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Development Director of the British High Commission Joe Moir this week discussed exploring opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in Pakistan’s petroleum and energy sectors. The discussions focused on strengthening UK-Pakistan collaboration in oil, gas, and broader energy initiatives, with both sides emphasizing sustainable development, […]

Read More

Germany eliminates Fast-track citizenship program for Immigrants

Berlin: Germany is set to terminate its fast-track citizenship program, a policy that allowed eligible immigrants to obtain citizenship in just three years. The decision, reached in an agreement between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), marks a shift in the nation’s immigration landscape. The Fast-track […]

Read More

Bulgaria second European NATO nation to receive the modern F-16 block 70

Newswire Sofia: Bulgaria continues its military modernization efforts, now surpassing NATO’s 2% defense spending target by dedicating 3% of its GDP to defense, writes Peter Suciu from the National Interest. The country’s latest acquisition, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, marks a significant step in replacing its outdated Soviet-era MiG-29 jets, which had been in service since […]

Read More

Pakistan, Japan agree to deepen IT, Digital Cooperation

Celina Ali Islamabad: Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuitsi discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in information technology, digital transformation, and innovation this week. In a meeting held here, the minister said the government’s commitment to fostering digital growth and embracing emerging technologies is in line with […]

Read More

High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri strengthens Pakistan-Australia bilateral ties through strategic diplomacy

Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, continues to play a pivotal role in bolstering bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia through proactive diplomacy, economic engagement, and people-to-people connectivity. Since assuming his post, High Commissioner Chaudhri has spearheaded multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, education, climate action, and technology. […]

Read More

Pakistan calls for end to Israeli airstrikes in Syria damaging civilian infrastructure, killing non-combatants

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad says Pakistan deeply alarmed by Israel’s attacks on sovereign Syrian territory Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan this week urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to act “decisively” against Israeli airstrikes in Syria which were damaging civilian infrastructure and urban centers and causing civilian deaths, the country’s permanent mission to the UN […]

Read More

Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch meets Pakistani media based in Paris

Newswire Paris: Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch this week interacted with the representatives of Pakistani media based in Paris at the Embassy of Pakistan. A wide range of discussions followed encompassing Pakistan-France relations and issues relating to the Pakistani community in France. The ambassador appreciated their role in promoting Pakistan’s perspective and […]

Read More

Umar Rehman Malik felicitates Bilawal Bhutto of re-election as PPP Chairman

Abdullah Jan Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week felicitated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of re-election as the PPP Chairman. “Congratulations to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on his re-election and to Humayun Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Amna Piracha on being elected as Secretary General, Secretary Information, and Secretary Finance,” Umar Rehman […]

Read More

Revisit ‘Beijing Consensus’ to navigate challenges

Yang Xuedong Currently, economic globalization is facing strong headwinds. The “Washington Consensus,” once promoted by the US and other Western countries as the standard model for development, has not only lost its appeal among many developing nations but has also proven ineffective in addressing internal challenges within developed countries. Amid growing discussions about finding solutions […]

Read More

What signals does Spanish Prime Minister’s visit to China send?

Global Times President Xi Jinping met with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday. This marks Sanchez’s third visit to China within three years, highlighting Madrid’s emphasis to deepening China-Spain relations and representing the continuation of the friendly policies toward China from many European countries. Sources from the Spanish government revealed that […]

Read More

Denmark PM to US on Greenland: You cannot annex another country

Newswire Copenhagen: Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen this week called for increased Arctic defence collaboration with the United States during a visit to Greenland, and firmly dismissed Washington’s desire to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Frederiksen’s visit follows months of tension between Washington and Copenhagen over US President Donald Trump’s repeated declarations that the Arctic […]

Read More

Bilawal Bhutto warns against exploiting Balochistan crisis

Liaquat Ali Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari this week warned against attempts to exploit the situation in Balochistan and vowed to counter any threats to the federation. He made these remarks while addressing a gathering on the 46th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. […]

Read More

MoC signed to deepen China-Pakistan cooperation in cotton research

China Economic Net Beijing: A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by the institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICR-CAAS) and Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan, in Anyang, Henan, China recently aiming to launch comprehensive cooperation in cotton germplasm innovation, pest-resistant breeding, and cultivation technologies. Under the new agreement, both sides […]

Read More

Portugal to process work visas within 20 days for foreign workers

Newswire Lisbon: Portuguese authorities will fast-track agreement for foreign workers. Portuguese employers will need to meet several criteria to bring foreign workers to the country through the fast-track scheme. Under this agreement, Portugal will process work visa applications for foreign workers with job offers within 20 days from the date of application and will make […]

Read More

What is the ETA? European travellers need €12 entry permit to visit the UK starting this week

Newswire Brussels: The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has officially expanded to European travellers. Starting 2 April 2025, all European visitors will need ETA approval – or, for some non-EU nationals, a visa – to enter the UK. The system became mandatory for travellers from the US, Canada and Australia on 8 January 2025, […]

Read More

Germany introduces new visa appointment system in Pakistan

Karachi: Germany’s Consulate General in Karachi this week implemented a significant change to its visa appointment system, effective immediately. Due to overwhelming demand, applicants will no longer be able to book appointments directly. Instead, they must first register on a waiting list, with appointments being allocated based on availability and registration order. The change specifically […]

Read More

Celebrating Bulgaria: A look at country’s most iconic festivals

Newswire Sofia: Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, Bulgaria hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations that highlight its unique cultural identity. These festivals not only preserve the country’s traditions but also offer tourists from around the world an opportunity to experience its deep-rooted customs and vibrant cultural practices. Here are some of […]

Read More

April 4 darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history: Umar Rehman Malik

Abdullah Jan Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week said that April 4 was the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history when tyranny tried to silence the voice of the people, but Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s defiance became eternal. “April 4, the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history when tyranny tried to silence […]

Read More