Author: EchoAsiaNews

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended Easter greetings to the Christian community, commending its “admirable services” and contribution to Pakistan’s development. In separate messages marking the Easter, both leaders highlighted the role of Christians in sectors including education, healthcare, defence, and social services. President Zardari said the occasion carries a message of “hope, renewal, and compassion”, adding that Christian citizens are an integral part of Pakistan’s social fabric. He reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the protection of minority rights, including life, property, and religious freedom. He also recalled the contributions of S. P.…

Astronauts aboard Artemis II have reported observing previously unseen features of the Moon as their spacecraft approached a planned lunar flyby, marking a key milestone in the mission. According to NASA, the crew crossed the two-thirds mark of their journey, travelling nearly 200,000 miles from Earth and about 82,000 miles from the Moon by the fourth day of the 10-day mission. The agency released an image captured from the Orion spacecraft showing the Moon with the Orientale basin in view. NASA stated this is the first time the entire basin has been seen directly by human eyes, although it had…

Taylor Swift is reportedly relieved after a major development weakened Blake Lively’s ongoing legal case, according to insiders. Sources close to the situation described the latest turn as “a huge relief,” noting that the case has “dramatically weakened.” However, Swift is not celebrating and remains cautious. The pop star is said to be eager for the matter to be resolved quickly, particularly before her upcoming summer wedding. Insiders say Swift wants to distance herself from the controversy and is concerned about her name or private messages being dragged into the case again. While the two were once part of the…

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced on Sunday that public transport fares will not be increased across the province despite a sharp rise in fuel prices. Addressing a press conference, CM Shah said transporters have agreed to maintain fares at February 28 levels. The provincial government will compensate transporters for any losses by providing Rs100,000 per registered bus and covering additional operational costs. The decision comes after petrol prices surged to Rs458 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs520 per litre before the federal government rolled back petrol to Rs378 per litre. Shah warned that strict action would be…

US special operations forces rescued a downed American airman deep inside Iran on Sunday, successfully extracting the second crew member of an F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iranian air defenses last week. The weapons-systems officer, a colonel, was recovered from mountainous terrain in a high-risk operation that President Donald Trump described as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US history.” The airman was injured but is expected to recover. The rescue came amid fierce resistance from Iranian forces. Iran claimed its air defenses destroyed several US aircraft during the mission, while US officials confirmed that…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a reduction in petrol prices, lowering the rate to Rs378 per litre for one month as part of relief measures amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. The prime minister also announced an Rs80 per litre cut in the petroleum levy. The revised petrol price will come into effect from 12am on Saturday. The decision follows a recent increase in fuel prices, where petrol was raised by Rs137.23 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs184.49, prompting widespread public concern. Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz said rising global oil prices and regional instability…

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a free public transport initiative in the province, aimed at promoting affordable and sustainable travel for citizens. The announcement comes shortly after the federal government unveiled a similar measure for Islamabad, where public transport costs will be covered. The move is part of broader efforts to ease the financial burden on commuters and encourage the use of public transport systems. In a post on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to take advantage of the initiative, stating that it would provide a “more convenient, affordable, and sustainable way to travel.” Earlier,…

According to Aljazeera, The men are linked to the opposition’s Mojahedin-e-Khalq group in Tehran, according to the report. Fars news agency has reported that authorities have executed two men convicted of planning to carry out attacks inside the country. The Iranian judiciary said the men were “hanged from the gallows of punishment” after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences, the report added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to arrive in Doha today after concluding a visit to Saudi Arabia, as part of a diplomatic tour aimed at expressing “solidarity and friendship” with Gulf nations, according to the Italian embassy in Qatar. The embassy stated that Meloni’s visit marks the first by a leader of a G7 and G20 country to the Gulf region since the beginning of the ongoing conflict. The trip comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over security and stability. According to the statement, the visit is intended to reaffirm Italy’s support for Qatar in light of…

Prince Edward has reportedly become the first member of the British royal family to visit Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest on his 66th birthday in February, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein scandal. According to reports, the visit took place at Sandringham, where Andrew is said to be staying after refusing to vacate the residence. Sources claim that the Duke of Edinburgh had initially planned to stay at Wood Farm but was instead accommodated in the main house due to Andrew’s presence. The visit comes at a time when senior members of the royal family have largely distanced themselves from…