ISLAMABAD: The Finance Ministry rejected reports that the country pays interest rates as high as 8% on external loans, calling such assertions misleading and stressing that the bulk of its public debt comes from concessional financing.
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The Diplomacy of Denial
The conviction of Nikhil Gupta in a New York federal court last week has sent ripples far beyond Manhattan, reigniting a fierce debate over state-sponsored terrorism in South Asia. Gupta, an Indian national, pleaded guilty to charges in a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and US citizen, admitting he coordinated with an Indian government official identified as Vikash Yadav, a former intelligence officer. This admission, carrying a potential 40-year sentence, has bolstered Pakistan’s longstanding accusations against India, with Islamabad pointing to what it calls “irrefutable evidence” of New Delhi’s hand in cross-border attacks. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Abdrabi, didn’t mince words in a recent briefing, asserting that his country has shared concrete proof of “Indian sponsorship of terrorism and terrorist groups operating in Pakistan from across our borders.”
US envoy’s Huckabee’s remarks on Israeli expansion spark outrage from Pakistan, Arab allies
ISLAMABAD: A coalition of 14 Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, issued a sharp rebuke on Sunday to comments by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who suggested in a recent interview that he would not object to Israel claiming vast territories across the Middle East based on biblical boundaries.
Pakistan bombs seven militant camps along Afghan border after suicide attacks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan launched airstrikes against seven terrorist camps along its border with Afghanistan early Sunday, targeting hideouts linked to the Pakistani Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate in retaliation for a string of recent suicide bombings that have killed soldiers and civilians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Rain washes out Pakistan-New Zealand Super Eight opener in Colombo
COLOMBO: Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the opening Super Eight match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand without a ball being bowled on Saturday, with both teams sharing a point each in a frustrating start to the second phase of the tournament.
Aurangzeb meets US commerce chief to boost investment in tech, mining
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have voiced a shared interest in bolstering economic ties, with a focus on trade and investment, following talks between their officials in Washington, the finance ministry said on Saturday.
Sindh Assembly reaffirms Karachi as inseparable part of province amid calls for federal control
KARACHI: The provincial assembly in Sindh on Saturday overwhelmingly approved a resolution declaring Karachi an “inseparable part” of the province, a pointed rebuke to opposition demands that the sprawling metropolis be placed under direct federal oversight.
Man freed after abduction over viral video of girl cricketer in conservative tribal area
PESHAWAR: A young man abducted in Pakistan’s conservative North Waziristan tribal district for filming and sharing a viral video of a girl playing cricket was released on Saturday after mediation by local elders, police and activists said.
Canadian PhD scholar missing in Lahore, police probe kidnapping
LAHORE: Police have opened a kidnapping investigation after a Canadian doctoral student went missing in the eastern city of Lahore three days ago, officials said on Saturday, amid growing concerns from human rights groups and activists over his safety.
Pakistan power output hits record as industrial package spurs demand
KARACHI: Pakistan’s electricity generation climbed to an all-time monthly high in January as lower tariffs and a government subsidy program lured more industrial users onto the national grid, offsetting higher costs for captive power plants.