Pakistan

The office of the Dalai Lama said on Sunday that he had never met convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after Chinese media reported the Tibetan Buddhist leader’s name was mentioned in a cache of files released by the US government. The US Justice Department published last month the latest tranche of the Epstein files — more than three million documents, photos and videos related to its investigation into the disgraced financier. An AFP search of the files found the Dalai Lama’s name was mentioned more than 150 times, with no mention of him meeting or interacting with Epstein. The mere mention of someone’s name in the Epstein files does not in itself imply any wrongdoing by that person. “Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the ‘Epstein files’ are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the leader’s office said in a statement posted on X. “We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction...

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday issued renewed warnings about the threats to global peace due to “terrorist organisations operating in Afghanistan”, and criticised the Taliban regime’s policies, which he said created conditions “similar to or worse than pre-9/11”. He made the remarks in a statement thanking world leaders for showing solidarity with Pakistan over the recent attack on an imambargah in Islamabad, which killed 36 people and injured more than 160. The militant group Islamic State (IS) had claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, Zardari reiterated the Pakistani nation’s resolve to combat terrorism and violent ideology. “Pakistan has long maintained that terrorism cannot be confronted by a single country in isolation,” he was quoted as saying. Citing Pakistan’s experience, he said in the statement that whenever “terrorist groups are allowed space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilia...

Price of 20kg flour bag hits Rs3,300 in Peshawar; dealers warn it could soar to Rs4,000 if supply not restored

The study found uniform lunar impacts and a gradual decline, not dramatic swings

Police officials strongly condemn the assault, terming attacks on security personnel intolerable

Members of the United States and United Kingdom diplomatic missions in Pakistan joined locals in celebrating Basant in Lahore, taking part in kite flying and expressing delight at the revival of the city’s traditional spring festival.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Sunday that Basant festivities in Lahore could continue till 5am on Monday, extending the previous deadline that was set to end today. Previously, the Punjab government had given the approval for Basant celebrations in the provincial capital for just three days, from February 6-8. But the provincial chief executive said in a post on social media platform X today: “Looking at the incredible energy, festivity, unity, and joy across Lahore, Punjab and Pakistan … I am pleased to announce that Basant celebrations timings are being extended till 5am tomorrow morning.” She said the extension was a “reward for the people of Lahore” for celebrating Basant with great discipline and for responsibly following all safety standard operating procedures. “Please continue to celebrate safely, stay away from electric wires, secure your rooftops, and follow all guidelines. Let’s make this historic Basant joyful, safe, and memorable for everyone.” she added. The kite-flying festiva...

Pakistan’s naval chief has held discussions on aligning strategic perspectives and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges with the leadership of the Malaysian navy during an official visit to the southeast Asian country, the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday. “Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid an official visit to Malaysia and called on the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy. He was received at Royal Malaysian Navy Headquarters by Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, and was accorded a Guard of Honour,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations said. It added that Admiral Asharf’s discussions during the visit focused on “aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing operational cooperation, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges”. “Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional stability through Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and particip...

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) reported on Sunday that more than 44.

IN the mid-2010s when I went to visit my family in New York, they had installed an electric bidet on their toilet. It was a relief, not to mention kind of cool. The Tushy was created by Miki Agarwal, half Indian, half Japanese, because she saw a gap in the market. The product was well received by the media. Its sales surged during the pandemic, due to the shortage of toilet paper. One report said Tushy sales were 10 times the norm; it even earned $1 million in a day. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and Zohran Mamdani, NYC’s newly elected mayor, announced he wanted to instal bidets in the official mayoral residence. Within hours, American media treated this as if he had suggested replacing the Ameri­can flag with a bidet. Fox News called it an “elite luxury”. Social media went wild, albeit with some hilarious memes. One Democratic insider told a reporter that the socialist mayor thinks he’s “flush with cash” to buy bidets. I was surprised. We’re talking about bidets. Basic hygiene. And yet, this has become a r...

Opener Tim Seifert struck a blistering 65 off 42 balls to lead New Zealand’s highest-ever run in a T20 World Cup as they beat Afghanistan by five wickets on Sunday. After Afghanistan made 182-6, New Zealand were driven by Seifert’s 42-ball knock and 42 by Glenn Phillips to achieve their target with 13 balls to spare in Chennai. New Zealand’s previous best chase in the T20 World Cup was their 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final. Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman had New Zealand in early trouble when he struck on successive balls in the second over of the chase to dismiss Finn Allen, for one, and Rachin Ravindra, for a duck. The hat-trick was avoided by Phillips, who then got going with wicketkeeper Seifert in a partnership of 74 for the third wicket to thwart Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. Captain Rashid Khan let out a roar as he broke through to dismiss Phillips, who inside-edged onto his stumps. Leg-spinner Rashid dropped Seifert on 48 off his own bowling, and the batsman reached his fifty with a...

China condemned on Sunday the deadly suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week, asserting that it “firmly supports” the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security and stability. “China is deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and the heavy casualties it has inflicted. China mourns for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones. “China strongly condemns the attack, opposes any form of terrorism and firmly supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security and stability and protecting the safety of the people,” a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry said. Turkiye FM offers condolences over loss of life Separately, in a phone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan conveyed “heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, himself, and the brotherly people of Turkiye” over the loss of life in the attack, the Foreign Office (FO) ...

The hunting season in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will begin on February 15 and continue until March 15, the Wildlife Department announced on Sunday.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised Lahore residents for following safety SOPs during the Basant festival, saying the city celebrated with joy while upholding government guidelines.

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that the government has taken comprehensive measures to curb blasphemy-related content on social media, with coordinated efforts helping reduce incidents linked to the misuse of religious material online.

Indian refiners are avoiding Russian oil purchases for delivery in April and are expected to stay away from such trades for longer, refining and trade sources said, a move that could help New Delhi seal a trade pact with Washington. The US and India moved closer to a trade pact on Friday, announcing a framework for a deal they hope to conclude by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries are not accepting offers from traders for Russian oil loading in March and April, said a trader who approached the refiners. These refiners, however, had already scheduled some deliveries of Russian oil in March, refining sources said. Most other refiners have stopped buying Russian crude. Trump says India ‘committed’ to halting purchases The three refiners and the oil ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The trade minister on Saturday referred questions about Russian oil to the foreign ministry. A foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Div...

WASHINGTON: Pakistan has been invited to the first proposed meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” (BoP) on Gaza, reported to be held in Washington on Feb 19, and is likely to attend, diplomatic sources told Dawn. According to the sources, Islamabad received the invitation as part of the outreach to countries that have already joined the board, which was launched by Trump late last month. The meeting is expected to focus on giving formal shape to the board, including its structure, mandate and secretariat, the sources said. “This will be a key meeting aimed at giving a shape and structure to the board,” one diplomatic source said. Asked whether Pakistan could be approached to contribute troops to a proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza, the source said such discussions were premature. “That would come later. First, we have to give shape to the board, form a structure, set up a secretariat and define its direction,“ he added. Another source also said it was “still too early” for ...

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall in various parts of the country from today until February 10, with cold and unsettled weather expected in several regions.

China has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a mosque in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan and pledging support for the government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability.

The Pakistan Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has warned jobseekers to remain vigilant against fraudulent overseas employment offers, particularly those involving demands for upfront payments.