Author: EchoAsiaNews

Pakistan, alongside the United Kingdom, Arab League members, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and several European countries, strongly condemned Israel’s plans to annex parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, stated that any attempt to alter the demographic character or status of Palestinian territories violates international law and undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. In New York, the lead envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative called on UN Security Council members to press Hamas to disarm without delay, as part of a…

The Government of Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the sentencing of Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and two other women activists by an Indian court, describing the verdict as a “grave miscarriage of justice” and part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Indian‑administered Kashmir. In a statement, the Foreign Office said a Delhi court’s decision to award life imprisonment to Andrabi and 30‑year jail terms to her associates Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) raised serious concerns about due process, judicial independence and fundamental rights. The court’s sentencing follows the trio’s January convictions…

Global oil prices plunged sharply on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a peace proposal to Iran, spurring optimism about a potential de‑escalation of the recent Middle East conflict and triggering broad gains in financial markets. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 5.92% to $98.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 5.01%, settling around $87.72 in early trading. The sharp decline came as investors reacted to reports that Trump sent a 15‑point peace plan to Tehran aimed at ending weeks of hostilities that have severely disrupted energy markets. Risk assets including U.S. stock futures climbed, with major…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East and a return to normalcy during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as regional tensions continue to escalate. According to official statements, the premier expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation following recent military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He stressed the need for restraint and urged all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation. Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, with Sharif emphasizing Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace and stability.…

Global K-pop group BTS reunited in the United States for the first time in four years, staging an exclusive, small-scale performance for select fans in New York City. The event, hosted by Spotify, brought together all seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, marking their first US appearance since their 2022 concerts in Las Vegas. Held at an invitation-only venue, the show was attended by approximately 1,000 top listeners, creating a rare intimate setting in contrast to the group’s usual stadium-scale performances. During the event, BTS performed tracks from their newly released album “Arirang”, including songs such…

The Punjab government is considering extending school holidays and introducing early market closures as part of a broader strategy to manage a worsening energy crisis, officials said on Tuesday. According to sources, the Punjab Energy Department has submitted a set of recommendations aimed at reducing fuel consumption as Pakistan faces supply disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Among the key proposals is extending ongoing school holidays, currently scheduled to end on March 31, until April 15, along with shifting educational institutions to a hybrid learning model to cut energy usage. Authorities are also weighing fuel rationing measures,…

The Sindh provincial government has placed its disaster response apparatus on heightened alert ahead of an expected rain spell starting tomorrow, according to official directives and weather forecasts. At a high‑level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, district administrations, local government bodies and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) were ordered to be fully mobilised and maintain field presence throughout the coming week. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has projected scattered showers in parts of Sindh from March 25 to March 29, with intermittent gaps. Officials have also warned of gusty winds and possible thunderstorms that could…

Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Aima Baig are set to perform the official anthem for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), organisers confirmed ahead of the tournament’s launch later this month. Aslam, one of Pakistan’s most widely recognised pop vocalists, will headline the anthem alongside Baig, who has previously co‑sung multiple PSL title songs. They will be joined by additional performers, including the Sabri Sisters, a female Sufi music duo, and rapper Daniya Kanwal, indicating a blend of musical styles in this year’s soundtrack. The PSL anthem traditionally serves as a musical kickoff to the country’s…

Samsung Electronics and its South Korean workers’ union have agreed to resume negotiations over employee bonuses, the union said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at averting a possible strike that could disrupt production at the global technology giant. The talks follow a recent vote by union members to authorise a strike if management failed to adequately address long‑standing demands on bonus and compensation structures. The union represents roughly 90,000 workers, accounting for more than 70% of Samsung’s South Korea workforce, highlighting the scale of the labour force involved. Last week’s vote raised the possibility of work action that could…

A prominent Canadian Sikh activist has said he will not be silenced after receiving fresh warnings of credible threats to his life and that of his family, raising concerns among civil liberties advocates and the Sikh diaspora. Moninder Singh, who heads the Sikh Federation of Canada, said in a recent statement that he had been informed by police of a “credible threat” following earlier cautions in previous years. In video remarks shared with media, Singh rejected calls for silence, saying withdrawing from public life was not an option in the face of intimidation. Police officers, acting on a duty-to-warn notification,…