[ Shift towards imported hybrid seeds is shrinking Basmati acreage, weakening export capacity Basmati. Photo: Reuters (file) ISLAMABAD: A major structural change is quietly reshaping Pakistan’s rice economy – one with consequences far deeper than seasonal prices or export statistics suggest. Across Punjab, including traditional Basmati zones, Chinese hybrid rice is rapidly replacing open-pollinated varieties. … Read more

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism, Sports & amp; Family Festival 2026, organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Provincial Tourism Departments, and public and private sector stakeholders, concluded on a highly successful and celebratory note here at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Sunday. The second day … Read more

. Leaders from more than 60 countries have been invited to serve on the Peace Council. PHOTO: REUTERS PARIS: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he remained hopeful of striking a deal with Iran, even as Tehran warned that any American military attack would ignite a regional war, deepening tensions already strained by weeks … Read more

[ Structural flaws, policy zigzags and neglect of people continue to drag the economy downwards ISLAMABAD: Economic challenges persistently haunt Pakistan. The country is facing economic crises that have become a common refrain. Despite the efforts of successive governments and their tall claims, the economy remains on a downward trajectory. Debt repayment is a major … Read more

[ Pakistan’s fire safety laws exist; the tragedy lies in systemic failure to enforce them KARACHI: It was one of Karachi’s busiest commercial centres, especially for wedding garments and wholesale goods. No more. Gul Plaza burned to the ground in a few short hours on the night of January 17, 2026. It took with it … Read more

Stage play, ‘Be Positive’, meets with popular acclaim on tenth day of event at Karachi’s Arts Council On the tenth day of the ongoing Awami Theatre Festival 2026 at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the stage play “Be Positive” was presented at Auditorium II, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. The play was … Read more

[ Islamabad should prepare for comprehensive trade deal with Brussels rather than relying on preferences alone European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on Feb 28, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS ISLAMABAD: At a … Read more