5G lifts prospects for local handset makers

[ . ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fast-growing mobile phone industry is preparing to benefit from the expected launch of next-generation 5G services by the middle of the year, as manufacturers step up readiness on both hardware and software fronts. “Local assembly and manufacturing capabilities have strengthened significantly, and manufacturers, particularly those producing leading brands, have already aligned … Read more

EU, US tariff changes trigger export emergency call

[ PHMA warns EU-India FTA, US tariff cuts for India risk undercutting $18b textile exports KARACHI: Exporters of the value-added textile sector have demanded the declaration of an export emergency and the convening of an urgent consultative meeting, citing growing threats to Pakistani value-added apparel and textile exports in the European Union and United States … Read more

‘Melania’ film success questioned after sales spike

melania trump photo file

Experts doubt documentary’s box office performance after reports of bulk ticket buying, unusual sales patterns Melania Trump. Photo: file Questions are mounting over the box office performance of Melania, the $75 million Amazon MGM documentary focused on Melania Trump’s activities in the days leading up to Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. The film opened with around … Read more

Ministry mum on UAE debt rollover

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top economic decision-makers on Wednesday remained mum on the reasons behind a mere one-month extension in the repayment of $2 billion in debt by the United Arab Emirates, but said that all $12 billion worth of bilateral commitments remained in place. The Ministry of Finance referred a question on whether there were political … Read more

Port workers face job loss as labour board closure looms

KARACHI: Labour rights activists and dock workers’ representatives have announced a protest demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club on February 9 against the proposed closure of the Karachi Dock Labour Board (KDLB), warning that the move could render thousands of workers jobless and dismantle a decades-old regulatory system at the port. The announcement was made … Read more

UK’s Starmer expresses regret over Mandelson, says ex-ambassador ‘lied repeatedly’

Files released by US Justice Dept last week include emails suggesting Mandelson leaked government documents to Epstein Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer answers the Prime Minister’s Questions at the House of Commons in London, Britain February 4, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret on Wednesday for appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to … Read more