Saudi Arabia pledges $8bn package to Pak

Islamabad (IANS) Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide Pakistan a "sizeable package" of around $8 billion to help revive the country's ailing economy amid the maiden trip of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the kingdom.

The package includes…

PTV fails to ensure coverage for PM due to non-availability of laptop

Islamabad (IANS) PTV, Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, has suspended 17 officials for failing to ensure "proper" coverage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Lahore visit on the channel last week, according to a media report.

Strangely,…

US could punish countries for shunning sanctions, but not those 'rethinking' their ties with Russia

Washington (IANS) US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has said the US is considering taking "action" against countries that are not enforcing its Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia but, he added, it will take a more indulgent approach towards…

India offers additional $500 million after China's muted response to Sri Lanka's request

Colombo/New Delhi (IANS) "A friend in need is a friend indeed" is the saying as it goes. The dictum is in full play as India has offered Sri Lanka an additional $500 million to help it to import fuel while it is in an advance stage of discussion with…

Nepal bans import of luxurious items as economic crisis deepens

Kathmandu (IANS) Nepal government has imposed a total ban on the import of 10 luxurious goods until mid-July 2022 after the country's economic crisis deepened.

The measure has been taken to stop further depleting the country's foreign…

Sri Lankan PM reiterates 'won't give up power'

Colombo (IANS) Despite mounting pressure both within and outside his government, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has reiterated that he would stick to the premiership.

Addressing a group of Provincial council members of his party,…

UNGA votes measure for making UNSC permanent members answer for vetoes

United Nations (IANS) The UN General Assembly has voted a measure seeking to make the five permanent members of the Security Council answerable for their vetoes, and although India criticised it as inadequate, it went along with the unanimous approval…

As Shanghai struggles with Covid, cases spike in Beijing

Beijing (IANS) As the situation in Shanghai threatens to spiral out of control in its battle against Covid-19, Chinas capital Beijing has been hit by a surge in infections with alarmed residents lining up at supermarkets and provision stores struggling…

Boris Johnson battles to fend off sexism row

London (IANS) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "basic instinct" is under a scanner as a new, full-blown sexism controversy enveloped the United Kingdoms' parliament.

A sensational piece in the right-wing Mail on Sunday newspaper…

Breakthrough in Pak-IMF bailout talks as $8bn package approved

Islamabad (IANS) Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed, in principle, to extend the stalled bailout programme by up to one year and increase the loan size to $8 billion, giving markets the much-needed stability and a breathing…