east pakistan

In a pivotal gathering in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif solidified their partnership with a promise of enduring support. Xi praised Pakistan's proactive engagement in fostering peace within the Middle East, showcasing their robust 'unbreakable traditional friendship' as a vital asset in navigating shifting regional landscapes.

Islamabad has mandated early business closures, with markets shutting by 8 pm and eateries by 10 pm, to combat rising energy costs fueled by Middle East conflicts. This austerity measure, effective June 1, 2026, aims to reduce electricity consumption and ease financial strain on Pakistan, a nation heavily reliant on imported fuel. Essential services remain exempt.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Price Stabilisation Fund of Rs 10,000 crore which will be made available for domestic and international operations.

US President Donald Trump is pushing several Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as part of a potential Iran deal. Experts, however, deem the plan unrealistic, citing the Gaza war's impact on Arab public opinion and the persistent demand for Palestinian statehood. Pakistan has already publicly rejected the proposal.

The remarks came after Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected US President Donald Trump’s appeal for Islamabad to join the Abraham Accords. Asif said Pakistan would not back any agreement that went against the country’s "fundamental ideologies". The Abraham Accords were brokered by the United States in 2020 and led to the normalisation of diplomatic, economic and security relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

A long-recognized single species of Himalayan pit viper has been revealed to be five distinct species through an international study. Utilizing "integrative taxonomy," researchers combined genetic, morphological, and geographical data, including historical museum specimens, to identify three previously unknown lineages. This discovery highlights the ongoing potential for uncovering hidden biodiversity in remote mountain regions.

Pakistan has firmly rejected joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating it contradicts fundamental ideologies. Islamabad's long-standing stance is clear: no recognition of Israel without a Palestinian state. This comes as former US President Donald Trump urged several Muslim-majority nations to normalize ties with Israel, linking it to Iran negotiations.

Ops Along 15-km Stretch To Begin Today

The US President has urged Muslim allies to join the 2020 Abraham Accords as part of the ongoing Iran negotiations. Pakistan has long resisted external pressure to recognise Israel, but how it navigates this latest challenge amid warming ties with the Trump administration is yet to be seen

India and Cyprus elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral investments in sectors like defense and tourism. This move strengthens Cyprus's defense capabilities and positions it as a key European entry point for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, countering regional geopolitical challenges.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, represent a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy by officially uniting Israel with several Arab nations. This groundbreaking initiative not only opens doors for joint ventures in technology, security, and commerce but also draws inspiration from Abraham, a revered figure across the major monotheistic religions.