Chinese investment rattles exporters

[ LAHORE: Domestic textile exporters and industry analysts have described the arrival of a $150 million Chinese garment manufacturing project in Punjab as both a wake-up call and an opportunity, coming just days after the Trump administration cut US tariffs on Pakistani goods to 19%, the lowest in South Asia. “This is the reality of … Read more

India and China work to improve ties amid Trump’s unpredictability

NEW DELHI/BEIJING: From talks on resuming direct flights to a series of high-level bilateral visits, longtime rivals China and India are quietly and cautiously strengthening ties against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable approach to both. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit New Delhi next week for talks with India’s … Read more

Sino-Pak partnership brings barren land to life

[ KARACHI: The current season marks a triumph for Pakistan’s agriculture as locally grown dragon fruit, cultivated on formerly unproductive coastal land in Karachi, arrives in markets across the country. The success comes after a four-year effort by Tiantian Farm, a Chinese agricultural company, in partnership with another Chinese farm and three Pakistani companies, to … Read more

Showbiz shines in green and white

a combination of pictures shared by actors on social media photos screengrabs express

On Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the country’s entertainment industry joined the nation in a vibrant display of patriotism, unity, and hope. Clad in the national colours of green and white, many prominent personalities from television, film, and music took to social media to share their sentiments, combining heartfelt messages with powerful imagery of the country’s … Read more

Germany weighs fate of Afghans in Pakistan

BERLIN: The German government is reviewing whether Afghans stranded in Pakistan while awaiting resettlement in Germany will indeed be allowed to go there, its interior minister said on Thursday, as Islamabad intensifies deportations of Afghans. Pakistan has begun to deport documented Afghan refugees ahead of its September 1 deadline for them to leave, according to … Read more

Reserves triple without new debt

KARACHI: Pakistan’s economy has navigated one of the most turbulent times in recent history, marked by record inflation, depleted foreign exchange reserves and external account pressures. From inflation peaking at 38% in May 2023 to reserves falling to critically low levels at $4.4 billion, the country faced severe macroeconomic instability. However, decisive monetary tightening, structural … Read more

Power minister voices dismay over lack of consultation

[ ISLAMABAD’: The minister for power has expressed concerns over ignoring the Power Division while providing electricity consumption data of shipbreaking and recycling processes for tariff categorisation and determination by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, in a recent meeting, held discussions on declaring shipbreaking and … Read more

Liverpool bolster defence with Leoni deal

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Arne Slot continued to reinforce his squad on the eve of their Premier League season opener, confirming on Thursday that the club had agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma. While no financial details were disclosed, British media reported the fee for the Serie A player at 26 … Read more

Taliban meddling in Afghanistan aid: UN

KABUL: The United Nations said Thursday it follows strict rules for distributing international aid in Afghanistan, after a US government watchdog alleged funds were diverted by the Taliban authorities, including through collusion with UN officials. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it took “extremely seriously any allegations of malpractice and corruption,” in a statement … Read more