Author: Admin

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reviewed progress on Pakistan’s agreements with China, stressing timely implementation, stronger coordination and tangible outcomes across key sectors including energy, agriculture and infrastructure. Chairing a high-level briefing at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, the president directed departments to ensure close coordination with Chinese counterparts and establish effective monitoring mechanisms. He emphasised that the signed MoUs must translate into practical results through clear timelines, institutional alignment and sustained follow-up. The meeting reviewed joint initiatives between Sindh and Chinese partners in areas such as energy,…

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ISLAMABAD: The government has begun controlled power loadshedding of up to three hours daily to manage a generation shortfall driven by reduced hydropower output and limited fuel availability, officials confirmed on Monday. Sources said the country is facing a supply gap of 2,000–2,500 megawatts, primarily due to lower water releases from reservoirs and curtailed generation from Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas-based power plants. The situation has been reviewed by a high-level committee led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Officials clarified that Pakistan does not face a shortage of installed generation capacity.…

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WASHINGTON/DUBAI: The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is facing a critical test after Washington imposed a sweeping naval blockade on Iranian ports, raising fears of renewed escalation in the ongoing US-Iran War. The move, enforced by US Central Command, targets all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. While neutral vessels not linked to Iran are allowed passage, the blockade has sharply heightened tensions across the region. Iran swiftly condemned the action, warning that the presence of foreign…

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ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to secure a second round of dialogue between the United States and Iran, as Pakistan, alongside regional and global partners, works to prevent a fragile ceasefire from collapsing into renewed conflict. Officials say back-channel engagements are underway to bring both sides back to the negotiating table following the recent US-Iran War. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the truce remains intact but faces challenges, noting that intensive talks held in Islamabad helped secure the ceasefire. The ceasefire, brokered on April 7, is set to expire…

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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company has announced the implementation of load management measures following a reduction in electricity generation linked to the ongoing global petroleum crisis. According to an official spokesperson, the recent surge in petroleum prices and disruption in international supply chains have impacted power generation capacity, prompting controlled power outages across its service areas. The utility stated that load management of equal duration is being carried out in both urban and rural regions, as required. Consumers have been advised to consult the updated outage schedule available on…

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