International Quds Day: An Introduction

By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY Every year, on the last Friday of Ramadan, Muslims around the world observe “Quds Day” or “International Quds Day.” This day is marked as a protest against the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and as a show of support for the Palestinian people. Quds Day is not just about advocating for Palestinian rights but also symbolizes the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Why Do Muslims Observe Quds Day? Jerusalem holds great significance for Muslims as it is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site. Muslims believe…

Vance accuses Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s security against Russia, China

NUUK: US Vice President JD Vance has accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s security, warning that the Arctic territory faces growing threats from Russia and China while calling on people for closer cooperation with the United States. The VP pledged respect for Greenland’s sovereignty while urging its people to partner with his country. Vance said the United States does not have immediate plans to expand its military presence on the ground in Greenland but will invest in resources, including additional naval ships. “Denmark has not kept pace and devoted the resources necessary…

First solar eclipse of 2025 to occur today

The Meteorological Department said that the first solar eclipse of this year is set to take place today (Saturday) as many people across the world gather to witness the celestial event. The celestial event will be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, North America, South America and the Atlantic Ocean. However, it will not be possible to see the eclipse in Pakistan and India. According to the Met Office, the solar eclipse will begin at 1:51pm. Moreover, the partial solar eclipse will peak at 3:47pm, as per the Met Office.…

Top-level meeting agrees to combat extremist narratives via films, dramas

ISLAMABAD: In a high-profile meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal and provincial leadership agreed to use films and dramas as tools to counter extremist narratives and reinforce the national stance against terrorism, sources revealed. The meeting, held here at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday, was attended by civil and military leadership, along with representatives from all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials resolved to expose the perpetrators of the Jaffar Express attack and aggressively counter anti-state campaigns on traditional and digital media. It was agreed that…

PM Albanese announces May 3 general election in Australia

SYDNEY: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a national election for May 3 on Friday, launching a five-week campaign that is set to be dominated by cost-of-living pressures. Prime Minister Albanese’s Labour party won a majority at the last federal election in 2022, but most recent opinion polls show the party neck-and-neck with the opposition Liberal-National coalition when votes from smaller parties are redistributed. “Our government has chosen to face global challenges the Australian way – helping people under cost-of-living pressure, while building for the future,” he told a press…

Minister hints at issuance of Panda Bonds this year

Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed Pakistan’s intention to issue Panda Bonds in Chinese yuan this year, signaling a move to diversify its funding sources and strengthen financial ties with China. Speaking to Chinese media outlets, including CGTN English and China Daily, Aurangzeb, who is visiting China to participate in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, emphasised the potential benefits of accessing Beijing’s vast capital market. Pakistan has previously issued bonds in US dollars and Euros. Now is the time to benefit from the Chinese capital markets, Aurangzeb stated,…

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Discuss Hajj & Umrah Facilities in High-Level Meeting

By Wasif Ali Khan Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, to discuss enhanced facilities for Pakistani pilgrims. During the meeting, the Saudi minister congratulated Sardar Yousaf on assuming office and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating Pakistani Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The discussions focused on expanding the Road to Makkah initiative to more cities in Pakistan. “I pay tribute to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for…

Trump stands firm after Denmark slams US visit to Greenland

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has defended a planned visit by his delegation to Greenland, dismissing criticism from Denmark and insisting the trip is a gesture of goodwill rather than a provocation. Greenland’s prime minister and Denmark’s foreign minister both denounced the visit, announced for this week by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance. “This is friendliness, not provocation,” Trump told reporters at the end of a cabinet meeting. Trump insisted that the visit was at the invitation of Greenland, where…

Pope returns to Vatican after five weeks in hospital

Pope Francis returned home to the Vatican on Sunday after more than five weeks in hospital with pneumonia, taking time before leaving to thank well-wishers for their support. Looking tired and worn, the 88-year-old Catholic leader waved to a crowd outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital from a balcony, the first time he has been seen in public since he was admitted on February 14. “Thank you, everyone,” a weak-sounding Francis said into a microphone, seated in a wheelchair, as hundreds of pilgrims chanted his name. He waved his hands from his…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Commitment to Solar Energy Policy

By Wasif Ali Khan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that there has been no change in the government’s policy and priorities regarding solar energy. While speaking at a review meeting on power division affairs, the Prime Minister said that a comprehensive and effective strategy is being developed to reduce electricity tariffs, and an announcement will be made soon. He emphasized that power sector reforms will provide further relief to the public in electricity prices.Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that promoting renewable energy remains a top government priority, and there has been…