ISLAMABAD: Pakistan voiced optimism on Thursday that the United States would swiftly lift its suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from the country, describing the move as an internal American policy review amid broader efforts to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient.
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Govt holds pump prices, taps oil windfall to boost revenue
ISLAMABAD: The government opted to hold fuel prices steady for the next two weeks, even as it hiked a key levy on gasoline and diesel, effectively pocketing gains from falling global oil prices rather than passing relief to consumers.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey consider a shared defence platform
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have drawn up a draft defence agreement after nearly a year of negotiations, a senior Pakistani official said, confirming reports of talks among the three Muslim-majority nations amid lingering regional tensions.
Pakistan included in US immigrant visa freeze over public charge risks
ISLAMABAD: The United States is suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Pakistan, starting Jan. 21, as the Trump administration intensifies its enforcement of rules aimed at barring immigrants deemed likely to rely on public welfare programs, the State Department announced on Wednesday.
Multan Sultans franchise put up for auction following PCB takeover
LAHORE: Pakistan’s cricket board on Wednesday invited bids for the ownerless Multan Sultans franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), opening the door for new investors just weeks after expanding the popular Twenty20 tournament with two additional teams.
Pakistan condemns India security adviser’s ‘revenge’ rhetoric
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday sharply rebuked comments by India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, who had urged his country to “avenge” its history of subjugation by building a stronger nation, dismissing the rhetoric as the product of “camouflaged hate-mongers” driven by “imagined historical vendettas.”
Pakistan signs deal with Trump-linked crypto firm to explore stablecoin payments
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has struck a deal with a company tied to the Trump family’s main cryptocurrency venture to study the use of a dollar-pegged stablecoin for cross-border payments, marking one of the first public tie-ups between the platform and a sovereign government.
PM Sharif confirms Pakistan sees global demand for JF-17 after show of strength against India
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that several countries were in talks with Pakistan to buy its fighter jets, a development he linked to heightened global interest following the country’s military success against India in a brief conflict last year.
High costs push multinationals out, Aurangzeb urges firms to revamp business models
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged that high taxes and energy costs have driven some multinational companies to exit the country, but urged those firms to update their outdated business models to align with the modern economy.
Pakistan forms panel to resolve $32mln pipeline payment dispute with Trump-linked investor
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic overseers have moved to defuse a brewing dispute with foreign investors in a key oil pipeline, including one with ties to US President Donald Trump, forming a high-level committee to seek an out-of-court settlement and avert a potential hit to foreign capital inflows, Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday.