Author: EchoAsiaNews

LOS ANGELES: Pop star Ariana Grande became emotional during the second and final night of her Eternal Sunshine Tour stop in Los Angeles, pausing to thank fans for their continued support throughout her music career. The 32-year-old singer broke down in tears after receiving a lengthy standing ovation from concertgoers, describing the moment as “very overwhelming.” Addressing the audience, Grande expressed gratitude for the loyalty of her fans, who have supported her throughout more than two decades in the entertainment industry. “You’re still by my side, supporting me,” she told the crowd, noting that it had been seven years since…

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday kept its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, saying the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards its medium-term target despite persistent price pressures and uncertainty stemming from regional developments. In a statement issued after its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the central bank said global oil prices had declined following the recent US-Iran peace agreement, though they remained above pre-conflict levels. The MPC noted that the economic impact of the Middle East conflict had become evident in domestic indicators, with headline inflation rising into double digits in…

ISLAMABAD, June 15: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of the landmark US-Iran peace agreement in Geneva on June 19, describing the breakthrough as a major diplomatic achievement that could bring an end to a conflict that has destabilised the region and global energy markets for more than three months. Addressing the National Assembly hours after the United States and Iran confirmed that a peace framework had been reached, the prime minister said the agreement marked a historic turning point in international diplomacy and signalled the end of military operations between the…

MARDAN, June 15: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie near Mardan on Monday, resulting in the martyrdom of both pilots on board, the military’s media wing said. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deceased were identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy. The ISPR said Air Headquarters has constituted a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Following the incident, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, the services…

MISSOURI: A private aircraft carrying skydivers crashed near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday, killing all 12 people on board, US law enforcement officials confirmed. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred near Butler, about 60 miles south of Kansas City. Authorities reported that 11 skydivers and one pilot were among the victims. Officials said the aircraft had taken off from Butler Memorial Airport and went down shortly afterward in a nearby field. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the incident as an apparent accident and clarified that the aircraft was not a commercial passenger flight. Emergency services, including…

DOHA: Sweden opened their World Cup Group F campaign with a commanding 5–1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, powered by a standout performance from midfielder Yasin Ayari, who scored twice in a dominant display. Sweden struck early when Ayari capitalised on a defensive error inside the first seven minutes. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak also played key roles in the opening goal sequence, as Sweden quickly established control of the match. Alexander Isak doubled Sweden’s lead before halftime following a swift counterattack, while Tunisia briefly responded through a header from defender Omar Rekik to make it 2–1. However, Sweden regained…

SINGAPORE: Global oil prices dropped to their lowest levels since March on Monday after the United States and Iran announced an initial agreement to end hostilities and restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures fell 4.1% to $83.75 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 4.7% to $80.87 per barrel, extending losses recorded in the previous trading session. The decline followed statements by US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirming progress toward a peace agreement. Pakistan-mediated negotiations resulted in an understanding under which the two sides are expected…

KARACHI: Pakistan’s stock market surged on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining more than 4,500 points intraday, as investor sentiment strengthened following a US-Iran peace breakthrough, falling global oil prices and positive assessments of the federal budget. The KSE-100 Index climbed to an intraday high of 176,917.76 points, up 4,517.86 points, or 2.62%, from the previous close of 172,399.90. The rally was driven by broad-based buying across major sectors, particularly construction, banking and energy stocks. Market participants cited easing geopolitical tensions after the United States and Iran agreed on a framework to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of…

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump hosted the first-ever UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The “Freedom 250” event drew more than 4,000 spectators, including Vice President JD Vance, senior administration officials and members of the Cabinet. UFC CEO Dana White accompanied President Trump, who watched the bouts from a cage-side seat near the Oval Office. The event opened with a flyover by the US Navy Blue Angels during the national anthem. President Trump’s family was also present, marking one of their first public appearances…

ISLAMABAD: World leaders and international organizations have welcomed the breakthrough peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a major step toward ending regional hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East. The framework agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials, provides for an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the US blockade on Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is scheduled to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the agreement as a significant diplomatic achievement and commended Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt,…