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,…

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…

Russia’s Putin is a ‘great’ leader, says US’ Witkoff

WASHINGTON: White House envoy Steve Witkoff has showered Russian President Vladimir Putin with praise and said the leader had told the US official that he had prayed for his “friend” US President Donald Trump when he was shot while campaigning in Philadelphia last year for the presidential election.  The envoy met with Putin over multiple hours last week in Moscow and told US media the talks — which involved discussions about forging a path towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine — were constructive and “solution-based.” In an interview with right-wing podcast…

May 9 apology could pave way for Imran Khan’s release: PM’s aide

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted on the possibility of release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from jail if the latter apologised for the May 9, 2023 riots which saw military installations being targeted by angry mob following his arrest in a corruption case. Speaking on Geo News‘ programme “Jirga” — scheduled to be aired tonight — Sanaullah said Khan had pushed the country into a political deadlock, believing he could bring about a revolution through his actions. “But no, there are no chances of a…

Gohar, Asif share rare light moment in Parliament corridor

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif were seen sharing smiles and laughter during a brief encounter in a Parliament corridor. Their warm handshake and light-hearted exchange caught the attention of reporters, prompting one journalist to ask: “Why isn’t there unity for the sake of the country as well?” In response, both leaders dismissed the suggestion that even hallway greetings should be off-limits. “Are you suggesting we shouldn’t even meet in the corridor?” Barrister Gohar quipped, while reiterating his party’s position: “We have already…