Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the deadline for private Hajj bookings by five days, allowing intending pilgrims to complete their reservations through approved Hajj organizers until October 22, 2025. According to a spokesperson for the ministry, all approved Hajj companies have been instructed to finalize bookings strictly in line with the Hajj Policy 2026 and the Service …

PESHAWAR: A  terror attempt was thwarted in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on October 17, when militants from the fitna-e-khawarij group carried out a suicide attack on the Khadi check post, claiming the lives of five civilians, including women and children. According to security sources, security forces successfully foiled the suicide attack and eliminated four terrorists during the operation. Sources …

The reverberations of recent border hostilities have provoked a stunning public censure from former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi, who has unequivocally accused Afghanistan of “ingratitude.” His address on the social media platform ‘X’ was less a statement and more a poignant lament, articulating a crushing disillusionment with the tragic fracturing of a decades-long kinship. Shahid Afridi proceeded with an …

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the martyrs of democracy on the 18th anniversary of Karsaz tragedy. He said that from that day until her martyrdom, her life and sacrifice remained a source of guidance and strength for all those who stood for democracy …

Naran Valley haunted by jinns The beautiful and usually tranquil Naran Valley, a jewel among Pakistan’s tourist destinations, has been given a terrifying new reputation by actress Hira Soomro. In a recent, sensational podcast appearance, Hira Soomro went beyond mere suggestion, swearing an oath that the region is not just scenic, but is a “spiritually heavy” dwelling place for jinn’s …

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that stopping the war between Pakistan and Afghanistan would be “very easy” for him and repeated that he is “good at solving conflicts.” He said he prefers to stop conflicts and claimed credit for having helped defuse previous crises. Speaking to journalists, Trump referenced recent cross-border clashes and said …

KAKUL: Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir  said on Saturday that Pakistan had proven its military and defensive capabilities in the “Marka e Haq”. Speaking at the Pakistan Military Academy’s passing-out parade, the Army Chief cautioned that there is no room for war between the two countries in a nuclear environment, stressing that any escalation would …

Trump Says He Could Easily Make Peace Between Pakistan-Afghanistan Former US President Donald Trump said it would be “very easy” for him to broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan if needed, adding that Pakistan’s prime minister told him he had helped stop a war between Pakistan and India. Trump said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him, “I brought about …

Pakistan, UAE sign deal for privatization of First Women Bank under G2G framework Under the G2G (government-to-government) framework, the United Arab Emirates’ International Holding Company (IHC) and the Government of Pakistan have signed an agreement for the privatization of the First Women Bank Limited (FWBL). According to the agreement, 82.64% of the bank’s shares will be sold for $14.6 million. …

Karachi, Pakistan — Astrik, in partnership with Grant Thornton, has officially signed an engagement letter with JS Bank to develop and implement a comprehensive IFRS 9–compliant Expected Credit Loss (ECL) and Effective Interest Rate (EIR) automation system. The signing ceremony took place at JS Bank’s head office in Karachi, marking a major milestone in Astrik’s continued efforts to lead financial …