Author: EchoAsiaNews

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said the government increased petrol and diesel prices in line with commitments made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), assuring the public that rates would be reduced once global oil prices decline. Speaking alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb during a televised press conference, Malik said the government was required to maintain petroleum levy targets agreed with the IMF before Pakistan’s economic case was presented to the lender’s executive board. “Although there was no major fluctuation in international oil markets, fuel prices had to be increased due to our commitments,” the minister stated. The federal…

Pakistan is set to access Chinese capital markets for the first time through a yuan-denominated Panda bond next week as the government seeks to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and diversify external financing sources, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said. Speaking at a press conference alongside Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Aurangzeb said Pakistan was expected to launch a $250 million Panda bond issuance as part of a broader $1 billion programme. The planned bond issue will reportedly be backed by the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Aurangzeb described the move as a significant development for Pakistan’s economy,…

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, praising their professionalism, courage, and commitment during Marka-e-Haq, stating that the operation demonstrated the country’s defensive strength and national unity. According to official statements, the president said Pakistan’s armed forces successfully defended the country’s sovereignty and responded effectively to external threats during the conflict. He described Marka-e-Haq as a symbol of national resilience and praised the sacrifices made by military personnel for the security of the country. President Zardari also highlighted the role of the people of Pakistan, saying the nation stood united behind its armed forces during challenging times.…

A year after the intense military confrontation between Pakistan and India during Marka-i-Haq, the conflict continues to be studied as one of the most technologically significant clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in recent history. The four-day conflict witnessed the large-scale use of advanced missiles, drones, fighter aircraft, and integrated warfare systems, with Pakistan employing a combination of indigenous capabilities and Chinese-origin technology to counter Indian military operations. The conflict began after escalating tensions led to missile exchanges and aerial engagements between both sides. Pakistan later launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in response to Indian strikes, targeting multiple military installations across…

Pakistan has expanded its lobbying and strategic communications efforts in the United States by signing a new $1.2 million agreement with a Washington-based advisory firm aimed at strengthening engagement on defence cooperation, economic diplomacy, and critical minerals policy. According to filings submitted under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC officially registered as a foreign agent representing Pakistan’s embassy in Washington under a two-year contract valued at $1.2 million. The agreement includes monthly payments of $50,000 for advisory and lobbying services. Under US law, FARA requires individuals and firms representing foreign governments or entities to…

Dana White launched a sharp verbal attack against music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs during a recent public appearance, describing him as the “biggest douchebag ever” amid the rapper’s ongoing legal controversies and public backlash. The UFC president made the remarks while discussing celebrity culture and controversies surrounding prominent entertainment figures. White’s comments quickly gained traction across social media platforms, triggering widespread reactions from fans and media outlets. The criticism comes as Diddy continues to face mounting legal and public scrutiny over multiple allegations and lawsuits that have significantly impacted his public image and business relationships in recent months. Although White…

DHAKA: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas struck three times in the morning session to put Bangladesh under pressure, but veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim held firm as the hosts reached 380-7 at lunch on the second day of the opening Test in Dhaka on Saturday. Resuming their innings at 301-4 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh lost key wickets early after Abbas produced a disciplined spell with the ball. Litton Das was dismissed for 33 before Abbas removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 10 and Taijul Islam for 17 to reduce the hosts to 380-7 by the lunch interval. Mushfiqur Rahim anchored…

DENVER: A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday after the aircraft struck a pedestrian on the runway, triggering an engine fire and an emergency evacuation, authorities said. Denver International Airport said Frontier Flight 4345 reported hitting a person during takeoff at approximately 11:19pm local time. Airport officials confirmed that a brief engine fire broke out following the incident but was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department. According to air traffic control audio, the pilot informed controllers that the aircraft had “hit somebody” and reported an engine fire while stopping on…

DHAKA: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation against drug trafficking, narcotics abuse, and transnational crime during a high-level meeting between the interior ministers of the two countries in Dhaka. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladeshi Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, where both sides agreed to establish a secretary-level joint working group between their interior ministries to coordinate efforts against the illegal movement, sale, and supply of narcotics. Under the agreement, Islamabad and Dhaka will enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms to curb drug smuggling networks and jointly develop strategies to dismantle narcotics supply…

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan authorities on Saturday arrested a senior Buddhist monk over allegations of sexually abusing an underage girl, in what officials describe as the country’s highest-profile case involving a member of the clergy. Police said 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana was taken into custody at a private hospital in Colombo, where he had reportedly sought medical treatment while investigators pursued allegations linked to the abuse of an 11-year-old girl in 2022. According to authorities, the alleged incident took place at a prominent Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, nearly 200 kilometres north of the capital, where Hemarathana serves as chief priest. “We will…