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			<title>Complete ceasefire only sensible if not violated by US maritime blockade: Iran's negotiating chief</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604112/trump-declares-iran-ceasefire-extension-with-peace-talks-in-doubt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604112/trump-declares-iran-ceasefire-extension-with-peace-talks-in-doubt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 04:43:34 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Trump says good news on talks possible soon as Pakistan accelerates efforts to return US, Iran to negotiating table]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iran&rsquo;s Parliament Speaker and lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Wednesday that a &quot;complete ceasefire&quot; with the United States was only possible if the country stopped its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said: &quot;A complete ceasefire only makes sense if it is not violated by the maritime blockade and the hostage-taking of the world&rsquo;s economy, and if the Zionist warmongering across all fronts is halted; reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible with such a flagrant breach of the ceasefire.

&quot;They did not achieve their goals through military aggression, nor will they through bullying. The only way forward is to recognise the rights of the Iranian nation.&quot;



آتش&zwnj;بس کامل وقتی معنا دارد که با محاصره دریایی و گروگان&zwnj;گیری اقتصاد دنیا نقض نشود و جنگ افروزی صهیونیست&zwnj;ها در همه جبهه&zwnj;ها متوقف باشد؛ بازگشایی تنگه هرمز با نقض فاحش آتش&zwnj;بس ممکن نیست.
با تجاوز نظامی به اهداف خود نرسیدند،با قلدری هم نخواهند رسید. تنها راه، پذیرش حقوق ملت ایران است.
&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 22, 2026


The comments came as multiple Pakistani sources familiar with the developments told Anadolu that Pakistan had accelerated its diplomatic efforts to seek a &quot;breakthrough&rdquo; to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table

&quot;Renewed efforts are on to persuade Trump to end the blockade of Iranian ports, which is its (Tehran) prime condition for resumption of talks,&quot; a source said, adding Pakistan&rsquo;s top leadership was involved in the diplomatic efforts.

However, sources insisted that &ldquo;no definitive timeframe&rdquo; could be given on when the next round of talks would take place and said that &ldquo;both sides are testing each other&#39;s nerves.&quot;

Sources admitted the process to unfold the logjam is &ldquo;tougher&rdquo; than the first time when Islamabad brokered the ceasefire and brought the two sides face-to-face on April 11 and 12.

They added that Pakistan was in &quot;constant&quot; contact with regional nations seeking their &quot;influence&quot; to persuade Iran to come back to the table.

Islamabad was prepared for a second round of talks this week, but Tehran demanded the US lift the blockade of Iranian ports despite the US deciding to send Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan.

Another Pakistani government official confirmed to Anadolu that the &quot;advanced&quot; US team that landed in Islamabad on Sunday ahead of the possible second round of talks was still in the capital.

The talks have not taken place, and yet &quot;there is no order for them from Washington to return&quot;, officials said.

Several US planes loaded with officials and equipment landed in Islamabad over the weekend, but officials from Iran failed to return to Islamabad.

Pakistani authorities have, however, continued high-level security measures in the capital as roads leading to the Red Zone remain closed to general traffic.

All the educational institutions and hostels in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also remained closed since last week. Public transport, including metro bus services, also remains suspended.

Trump, according to the sources, believes that he can &quot;twist Iran&#39;s arm&quot; through a naval blockade of Tehran&#39;s port to hold the second round of talks from a &quot;commanding position&quot;.

&quot;Despite the highly complex nature of the issue, Pakistan is highly hopeful for a breakthrough as both sides acknowledge that war is not a solution to the conflict,&quot; the sources maintained.

Sardar Masood Khan, Pakistan&#39;s former ambassador to the US and the UN, reckons that some &quot;confidence-building measures&quot; from both sides, including easing blockades and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, could help create a &quot;conducive&quot; environment for meaningful dialogue.

&quot;If the US releases recently seized Iranian ships, and lifts the blockade of Tehran&#39;s ports while maintaining its military presence around the Strait of Hormuz, whereas, the Islamic Republic [of Iran], in return, fully opens the strait allowing all kinds of commercial traffic, it can be a common ground to bring the two sides to the table,&quot; Khan told Anadolu.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masood Pezeshkian posted a similar comment as Ghalibaf on X.

&quot;The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed dialogue and agreement and continues to do so. Breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations. World sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions.&quot;



The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed dialogue and agreement and continues to do so. Breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations. World sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions.
&mdash; Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 22, 2026



&#39;Good news&#39; of peace talks possible as soon as Friday, Trump tells NY Post

American media outlet The New York Post earlier reported that &quot;good news&quot; about the second round of scheduled talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad could be possible as soon as Friday, according to President Donald Trump and Pakistani sources.

&quot;Sources in Islamabad touted positive mediation efforts with Tehran, renewing the possibility of more peace talks within the next &#39;36 to 72 hours&#39;. Asked about this possible breakthrough by The Post, Trump, in a text message, said: &#39;It&rsquo;s possible! President DJT&#39;,&quot; the outlet reported.

It further said that in the time since last night&#39;s extension of the ceasefire between the warring countries, Pakistan had &quot;continued working its diplomatic channels with Iran&quot;, and the time period was based on an assessment of that work, according to a source.

&ldquo;The ceasefire is holding despite heightened rhetoric, indicating positive intent on both sides,&rdquo; the source was quoted by the outlet as saying.

&ldquo;No military escalation from either side. Pakistan remains the key mediator,&rdquo; the person added.

Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing unnamed officials, that Trump&rsquo;s negotiators are worried that there may not be anyone in Tehran to approve a deal with Washington.

The report said that Trump&rsquo;s negotiators believe a deal to end the war and address &ldquo;what&#39;s left of Iran&#39;s nuclear programme&rdquo; is still achievable, but they are concerned that there may be no one in Tehran &ldquo;empowered to say yes&rdquo;.

It further claimed that Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is &ldquo;barely communicating&rdquo;, adding that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals and Iran&#39;s civilian negotiators are &ldquo;openly at odds over strategy&rdquo;.

The interior &quot;fracture&quot; is partly a consequence of Israel&#39;s March assassination of Ali Larijani, the previous secretary of Iran&#39;s Supreme National Security Council, the report said, noting that his replacement, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, is &ldquo;not effective&rdquo; at coordinating between the IRGC, civilian leadership and the supreme leader.

According to the report, on Monday evening, Iran seemed to signal through Pakistani intermediaries that it was open to negotiations. By Tuesday morning, however, that openness vanished, replaced with a demand that the US end its naval blockade.

Trump reportedly believes the US has already achieved everything it can through military action and is looking to exit the increasingly unpopular conflict. He is unwilling to restart operations until all other avenues have been fully explored.

However, if Pakistani mediators fail to bring Iran to the table within the timeframe Trump has in mind, military action will once again be considered.



🇺🇸🇮🇷President Trump is giving Iran&#39;s warring factions a short window of several days to unify behind a coherent counter-offer &mdash; or the ceasefire he extended Tuesday ends, three U.S. officials tell me. My story on @axios https://t.co/AZRyt8nK8M
&mdash; Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 22, 2026


Separately, Trump expressed his gratitude to Iranian leaders for cancelling the alleged executions of eight female protesters.

&ldquo;I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution,&rdquo; Trump wrote on&nbsp;Truth Social.

He characterised the development as &ldquo;very good news&rdquo;, adding that four of the women will be released immediately while the others will serve one month in prison.



https://t.co/GGwbAtAWmZ pic.twitter.com/3suq6gUw6s
&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 22, 2026



The US president had appealed to Tehran on Tuesday to spare the women, framing their release as a &quot;great start&quot; to negotiations.

However, Iran&rsquo;s judiciary-affiliated news agency, Mizan, earlier dismissed the claims of imminent hangings as &ldquo;fake news&rdquo;, asserting that none of the individuals involved faced a death penalty verdict.

According to Mizan, a detailed review of the cases shows that some of the individuals cited by Trump have already been released, while others face charges that, if confirmed by courts, could result in prison sentences.

Iran seizes two vessels in Strait of Hormuz as Trump continues naval blockade

Earlier, Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces intercepted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over alleged violations.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said the vessels, identified as MSC Francesca, which it described as &ldquo;linked to Israel&rdquo;, and Epaminodes, were stopped for repeated violations, including operating without authorisation and allegedly tampering with navigation systems.

The force said the vessels were attempting to exit the strait &ldquo;covertly&rdquo; and were intercepted based on intelligence monitoring.

According to the statement, both vessels have been transferred to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of their cargo and documentation.

The IRGC Navy said it continues to monitor maritime traffic in the waterway and warned that any actions violating Iran&rsquo;s navigation rules or threatening maritime security would be met with &ldquo;decisive and legal action.&rdquo;

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early on Wednesday a cargo ship came under gunfire near Iran&rsquo;s coast in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second such reported incident that day.

The agency said a vessel was fired upon approximately 8 nautical miles west of Iran&rsquo;s coast and later stopped, though no damage or casualties were reported.

In another incident, a container ship reported being approached by a gunboat linked to the IRGC near the strait.

UKMTO said it has received dozens of reports of attacks and suspicious activities affecting vessels in the region since late February.



Another ship targeted in Iranian waters

🔺A Greek ship named Euphoria was targeted by the IRGC and is now stranded off the coast of Iran.
&mdash; Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) April 22, 2026


Earlier, the IRGC said it is prepared to deliver new achievements and &ldquo;surprises&rdquo;, warning of responses to any renewed act of aggression, according to Iran&#39;s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. In a statement released on Wednesday, the IRGC described itself as a force ready to deploy new capabilities on the battlefield against an aggressive and untrustworthy enemy.

The statement said the Iranian nation takes pride in the IRGC&rsquo;s comprehensive strategic capabilities, alongside other branches of the Armed Forces, noting that their missile and drone strikes have left the Israeli and US forces strained and weakened.

According to Tasnim, referring to the current phase described as a &ldquo;silence in military confrontation,&rdquo; the IRGC stressed the need for vigilance and monitoring of the enemy&rsquo;s behaviour during negotiations and the ceasefire&quot; period.

Iran&rsquo;s military said early on Wednesday that it would immediately strike pre-designated targets if the US launches any new attack on the country, according to state television.

The warning came in remarks by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for Iran&rsquo;s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, following what he described as repeated threats by US President Donald Trump and American military commanders.

&ldquo;Our capable and powerful forces have long been in a state of 100% readiness and are ready and on the trigger,&rdquo; Zolfaghari said. He added that in the event of &ldquo;aggression and any action against the Islamic Republic of Iran,&rdquo; Iranian forces would &ldquo;immediately and powerfully attack pre-determined targets.&rdquo;

Iran says no talks with US until blockade lifted despite ceasefire extension

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani responded to Trump&#39;s ceasefire extension, stating that there will be no talks with the US until the blockade is lifted.



Iran&rsquo;s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani has responded to US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s announcement of an extension to the ceasefire, saying Tehran will not enter negotiations with the US unless the naval blockade is lifted. pic.twitter.com/xwgSyEZEoU
&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) April 22, 2026


&ldquo;The United States must halt its &lsquo;violation of the ceasefire&rsquo; before any new round of negotiations,&rdquo; the ambassador told Iranian media outlet Shargh, according to Al Jazeera.

&ldquo;As soon as they lift the blockade, the next round of negotiations will be held in Islamabad,&rdquo; the ambassador said, adding, &ldquo;Iran is prepared for any scenario.&rdquo; &ldquo;We have not been the initiator of military aggression. If they seek a political solution, we are ready. If they seek war, Iran is ready for that as well,&rdquo; he added.

Iranian spokesperson criticises US &#39;lack of good faith&#39;

In an interview with the BBC, Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran entered the first round of talks with seriousness and goodwill, but lashed out at Washington for repeatedly shifting positions, maintaining its naval blockade, and taking hostile actions that undermine the diplomatic process, reported Iran&#39;s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

He said Iran&#39;s delegation to the first round of Pakistani-mediated talks with the US had gone to Islamabad &quot;with good faith and sense of seriousness, but you have a negotiating party that has shown its lack of seriousness, lack of good faith&quot;.

&quot;They&#39;re changing their position frequently,&quot; he said.

According to Tasnim, he pointed to &quot;flip flops, threats of war crimes,&quot; referencing Trump&#39;s social media posts and recent interviews where he threatened to &quot;knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge&quot; if Iran did not accept what he called the US&#39;s offer of a &quot;very fair and reasonable deal&quot;.

Asked whether Iran had agreed to attend a new round of talks in Islamabad and then changed its decision, Baghaei said, &quot;We never said we were going and then reneged our commitments - as is the habit of the United States.&quot;

UN chief welcomes US ceasefire extension with Iran

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed an announcement by the US to extend the ceasefire with Iran, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

&quot;This is an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States,&quot; Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The statement came after Trump said that Washington would extend its ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a &quot;unified proposal&quot; following a request by Pakistani officials.

Dujarric said the UN encourages all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire and engage constructively in negotiations to reach &quot;a sustainable and lasting&quot; resolution.

Noting that Guterres fully supports Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to facilitate continued dialogue, Dujarric expressed hope that these diplomatic efforts would help establish the conditions necessary for a &ldquo;comprehensive and durable resolution&rdquo; to the conflict.

Trump&#39;s announcement came as a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected Tuesday to travel to Islamabad for a second round of face-to-face talks with Iran, though the trip was delayed.

The negotiations would have followed an initial round of high-level engagement in Pakistan earlier this month, which ended without a breakthrough.

The ceasefire, initially announced earlier this month, had been set to expire on Wednesday.

Arab foreign ministers demand Iran pay compensation for attacks, closure of Strait of Hormuz

Arab foreign ministers on Tuesday demanded that Iran pay compensation for damage caused by what they described as Iranian attacks on Arab countries and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The position came in a resolution passed during an emergency Arab League meeting held by video conference under Bahrain&rsquo;s chairmanship.

The resolution said Iran bears &ldquo;full international responsibility&rdquo; for attacks targeting Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, and is obliged under international law to provide &ldquo;full reparation&rdquo; for all resulting losses and damages.

It also condemned Iran&rsquo;s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, saying such actions violate international law and the principle of freedom of navigation.

Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain&rsquo;s foreign minister, said Iran&rsquo;s actions disrupted maritime traffic, threatened energy security, food and medicine supplies, and harmed global trade and the world economy.

He said Tehran must also be held accountable for the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation.

Earlier this month, Iran demanded compensation from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan, claiming the countries had taken part in the war against Tehran.

Hostilities in the region escalated after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. In response, Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.

Trump declares Iran ceasefire extension with peace talks in doubt

Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not clear on Wednesday if Iran or Israel, the US ally in the two-month war, would agree.

Trump said in a statement on social media that &quot;Upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the Country of Iran until their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.&quot;



&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s leaders have hosted peace talks in Islamabad to end a war that has killed thousands of people and shaken the global economy.

But even as he announced what appeared to be a unilateral ceasefire extension, Trump also said he would continue the US Navy&#39;s blockade of Iran&#39;s trade by sea, considered an act of war by Iran.

There was no response from senior Iranian officials early on Wednesday to Trump&#39;s announcement, although some initial reactions from Tehran suggested Trump&#39;s comments were being treated sceptically.

Read: Trump heeds CDF Munir, PM&#39;s truce call

Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, said Iran had not asked for a ceasefire extension and repeated threats to break the US blockade by force. An adviser to Iran&#39;s lead negotiator, the speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Trump&#39;s announcement carried little weight and may be a ploy.

Trump&#39;s wartime rhetoric has veered between extremes. In an expletive-filled threat against Iran only two weeks ago, he promised that a &quot;whole civilisation will die tonight&quot;, while at other times he has appeared keen to end the violence and market uncertainty.

With his announcement, Trump again pulled back at the last moment from his threats to bomb Iran&#39;s power plants and bridges. United Nations Secretary General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres and others have condemned those threats, noting international humanitarian law forbids attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In a separate Truth Social post, Trump has claimed that Iran is &quot;collapsing financially&quot; and &quot;wants the Strait of Hormuz open immediately&quot; as they are &quot;starving for cash!&quot; He has also claimed that the military and the police are &quot;complaining that they are not being paid.&quot;



In a separate post, Trump stated that by opening the Strait, Iran could make &quot;$500 million dollars a day,&quot; claiming that they &quot;only say they want it closed because I have it totally BLOCKADED (CLOSED!), so they merely want to &#39;save face&#39;.&quot;



He added that there can &quot;never be a deal with Iran&quot; unless the US &quot;blow(s) up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!&quot;

Trump slams Wall Street Journal Op-Ed

Trump slammed Elliot Kaufman, a Wall Street Journal Editorial Board member, for his editorial piece titled &quot;The Iranians Take Trump for a Sucker.&quot;

&nbsp;



In response to the Op-Ed, Trump claimed that he gave the Iranians a &quot;Country in tatters&quot;, saying that the US had destroyed their navy, air force, anti aircraft, radar systems and their nuclear laboratories and storage facilities, referring to the June 2025 attacks during Operation Midnight Hammer.

He went on to criticise former US president Barack Obama for giving Iran &quot;$1.7 Billion Dollars in &#39;Green&#39; Cash,&quot; and &quot;Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in order to help them on their way to a Nuclear Bomb.&quot;

Next peace talks uncertain

The US and Israel began the war on February 28 with aerial bombardments of Iran, and one of the first strikes in Iran killed over 170 people, many of whom were children. The conflict quickly spread to Gulf states that host US military bases and to Lebanon after Hezbollah launched retaliatory strikes against the Israeli attacks on its territory.

Read more: US positive on Iran deal but talks still uncertain as ceasefire end nears

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for decades sought to oust Iran&#39;s leadership, but Trump has given shifting and sometimes contradictory rationales for joining Israel to launch the war and how he foresees it ending, stirring confusion in global markets.

US stock futures rose, the dollar wavered, and oil prices turned lower on Wednesday after Trump&#39;s announcement.

More than 5,000 civilians have been killed across the region and hundreds of thousands displaced so far, mostly in Iran and Lebanon due to US-Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, and the war has led to the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint in global energy markets between Iran and Oman, sending oil prices soaring and fears that the global economy could enter a recession.

Iran has repeatedly exploited its ability to control the passage of oil tankers and other ships in the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks.

Trump said in his statement he was willing to extend the ceasefire because &quot;the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so,&quot; a reference to US-Israeli assassinations of some of the country&#39;s leaders in the war&#39;s first weeks, including the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been succeeded by his son.

A few hours before his announcement, Trump had told the CNBC news channel that he was not inclined to continue the temporary truce and the US military was &quot;raring to go.&quot;

Those comments came as tentatively scheduled peace talks in Islamabad seemed on the verge of falling apart: US Vice President JD Vance, whose presence has been requested by the Iranians, had planned to return to Pakistan on Tuesday, but a White House official said he had not yet departed Washington and was taking part in additional policy meetings.

Before Trump&#39;s latest announcement, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran&#39;s negotiators had been willing to attend another round of talks if the US abandoned a policy of pressure and threats, and rejected negotiations aimed at surrender.

Iran has condemned the US Navy intercepting and seizing two commercial Iranian ships at sea as part of its blockade, the second earlier on Tuesday, with its foreign ministry accusing the US of &quot;piracy at sea and state terrorism.&quot; The US, joined by multiple other countries, has condemned Iran for impeding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hours after extending the ceasefire, Trump doubled down on the US blockade, saying in a social media post that lifting it would undermine any chance of a peace deal &quot;unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included.&quot;

A first session of talks 10 days ago produced no agreement, with much of the focus on Iran&#39;s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

Trump claims he wants to take the uranium out of Iran to prevent the country from enriching it further to the point where it could develop a nuclear weapon. Iran says it has only a peaceful civilian nuclear program and a sovereign right to continue that as a signatory of the nuclear weapons non-proliferation treaty.]]>
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			<title>PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio as cases drop sharply in 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604213/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-eradicate-polio-as-cases-drop-sharply-in-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604213/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-eradicate-polio-as-cases-drop-sharply-in-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 17:36:22 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Officials say 1 polio case in 2026 vs 74 in 2024, 31 in 2025, showing sharp decline nationwide]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s resolve to completely eradicate polio from Pakistan, noting encouraging progress as only one case has been reported so far in 2026.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on polio eradication at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s House, the premier appreciated the tireless efforts of anti-polio teams working across the country and reiterated that eliminating the disease remains a national priority.

The prime minister emphasised that sustained coordination between federal and provincial authorities, frontline workers, and partner organisations would remain essential to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.

During the briefing, the meeting&#39;s participants were&nbsp;informed that only a single polio case had been reported this year from Sujawal district, compared with 74 cases in 2024 and 31 cases in 2025, reflecting a significant downward trend.

No cases have been reported so far in 2026 from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir.



وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت انسدادِ پولیو پر اہم جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کے شرکاء سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ وہ ملک سے پولیو کے موذی مرض کے مکمل خاتمے کے لیے پُرعزم ہیں۔

اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ 2024 میں پولیو کے 74 کیسز اور 2025 میں 31 کیسز رپورٹ ہوئے۔ خیبر&hellip; pic.twitter.com/cx9obbnrD5
&mdash; Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 22, 2026


The officials further informed the meeting&#39;s members that the number of polio-affected districts declined from 67 in the first quarter of 2025 to 23 in the first quarter of 2026. National household coverage during anti-polio campaigns remained consistently high at 98%.

The participants were told that improved access and enhanced vaccination efforts in the southern districts of KP had significantly reduced the number of children missing polio drops. A substantial decline in local transmission of the poliovirus was also recorded in the Quetta Block.

Read More: Lingering threat of polio

In Karachi, encouraging environmental surveillance results showed that poliovirus was not detected in 10 out of 12 environmental samples collected in March. Similarly, no polio case has been reported in Dera Ismail Khan district since September 2025, while the number of high-risk union councils in Bannu dropped sharply from 62 to just six.

The members were&nbsp;also informed that a strategy was&nbsp;being finalised to integrate the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) with the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) at the federal and provincial levels.

Efforts were also underway to link certain interventions of the Benazir Income Support Programme with anti-polio measures to further strengthen outreach.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for National Health Services Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Prime Minister&rsquo;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.

Despite significant progress in recent years, Pakistan remains one of the few countries in the world where polio is still crippling children, with health authorities warning that continued vigilance and public cooperation are essential to stopping transmission.]]>
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			<title>President Zardari’s upcoming China visit to deepen strategic cooperation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604187/president-zardaris-upcoming-china-visit-to-deepen-strategic-cooperation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604187/president-zardaris-upcoming-china-visit-to-deepen-strategic-cooperation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 13:26:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[AGENCIES]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Visit will include discussions on ongoing flagship projects, economic cooperation frameworks, defence collaboration]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to visit China from April 25-30, where he will hold high-level meetings with senior&nbsp;leadership aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the economic, defence&nbsp;and strategic sectors.

According to diplomatic sources, the visit will include discussions on ongoing flagship projects, including economic cooperation frameworks and defence collaboration, as both sides seek to further consolidate their &ldquo;all-weather strategic partnership&rdquo;.

President Zardari is also expected to travel to the cities of Changsha and Sanya, reflecting what officials describe as the &ldquo;broader scope of engagement&rdquo; beyond traditional diplomatic centres.

Read:&nbsp;What does Zardari&#39;s China visit mean for Pakistan?

Officials familiar with the agenda say the talks will review progress on existing bilateral initiatives and explore new opportunities in trade, infrastructure&nbsp;and development cooperation. The emphasis, they added, remains on long-term strategic alignment between Pakistan and China.

The visit comes at a time of evolving regional dynamics, with both countries seeking to reinforce coordination on economic development, connectivity&nbsp;and regional stability.

The trip follows President Zardari&rsquo;s earlier visit to China in February 2025, where he met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

That visit reaffirmed commitments to deepen cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

During his previous engagements, both sides agreed to advance practical cooperation in multiple sectors, enhance political trust, and strengthen coordination in regional and global forums.

Read more:&nbsp;Takeaways from President Zardari&rsquo;s China trip

Chinese state media and diplomatic sources noted that the relationship has continued to gain momentum since President Xi&rsquo;s landmark 2015 visit to Pakistan and subsequent high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that Beijing is committed to fully implementing the outcomes of President Zardari&rsquo;s engagements in China, describing them as part of a broader effort to advance a &ldquo;closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era (2025&ndash;2029)&rdquo;.

The ambassador said the visit reflects the &ldquo;deep-rooted iron-clad friendship&rdquo; between the two countries and will help set an example for regional cooperation. He added that China and Pakistan are working to translate leadership-level understandings into practical outcomes, particularly in areas such as industry, agriculture, mining, and emerging technologies.

Jiang also highlighted that both sides aim to expand people-to-people exchanges, strengthen cultural ties&nbsp;and deepen cooperation under initiatives such as the CPEC and the proposed &ldquo;Corridor of Innovation&quot;.

The ambassador further emphasised that China and Pakistan are at a critical stage of development and modernisation, and should learn from each other&rsquo;s governance and development experiences.

He noted that recent years have seen expanded cooperation in sectors including energy, agriculture, railways, education&nbsp;and space technology, with flagship projects such as the Karachi nuclear power plant, Lahore Orange Line Metro&nbsp;and&nbsp;joint satellite launches symbolising growing technological collaboration.

Both Islamabad and Beijing continue to describe their relationship as an &ldquo;all-weather strategic cooperative partnership&rdquo;, with officials reiterating that the upcoming visit will further deepen mutual trust and institutionalise long-term cooperation frameworks.

As President Zardari prepares to embark on his latest visit, analysts say the trip underscores the continuity of high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries and the shared intent to translate political goodwill into sustained economic and strategic outcomes.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Iranian envoy meets PM Shehbaz, discusses regional situation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604144/iranian-envoy-meets-pm-shehbaz-discusses-regional-situation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604144/iranian-envoy-meets-pm-shehbaz-discusses-regional-situation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 09:06:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604144</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Meeting comes after Trump extended ceasefire last night at the request of PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and discussed the ongoing regional situation following the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the truce, which was set to expire within hours, would remain in place until Iran submits a comprehensive plan and negotiations reach a definitive outcome.

According to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, during today&#39;s meeting, the discussion focused on the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts.



Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.4.2026 to discuss the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts. pic.twitter.com/8QYxDsWlQj
&mdash; Prime Minister&#39;s Office (@PakPMO) April 22, 2026


A day earlier, Moghadam met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Both sides emphasised the need for a sustainable solution through diplomatic and negotiation channels to reduce regional tensions.

Read: Islamabad sets stage for high-stakes talks

Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an &ldquo;honest broker&rdquo; amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month following a two-week ceasefire brokered by PM Shehbaz.

Since the start of the war, multiple meetings have been held between the Pakistani and Iranian leadership, during which both sides discussed negotiations and regional peace.

Most notably, PM Shehbaz met with the Iranian delegation on April 11, during the &ldquo;Islamabad Talks&rdquo;. During the meeting, the premier affirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s sincere resolve to continue its mediatory role, expressing the sentiment to Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

On April 15, CDF Munir arrived in Tehran, along with Naqvi, as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing peace efforts. The army chief, who concluded his visit on April 18, called on the top Iranian leadership.

On April 16, Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni, reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to regional stability, stressing that the country&#39;s foreign policy is rooted in the pursuit of peace.]]>
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			<title>Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China space programme</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604178/two-pakistani-astronauts-selected-as-candidates-for-china-space-programme</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604178/two-pakistani-astronauts-selected-as-candidates-for-china-space-programme#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 11:50:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk/Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604178</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[One will be selected payload specialist, becoming first foreign astronaut to visit Chinese space station]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[China has ​selected two Pakistani &zwnj;astronauts,&nbsp;Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, as candidates for ​its manned ​space programme, ⁠CCTV ​reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Both ​will travel to China for training, ​and ​one will participate in &zwnj;a ⁠flight mission as a payload specialist ​and ​become ⁠the first foreign astronaut ​in China&#39;s ​space ⁠station, CCTV said.

&quot;Upon completing all training courses and passing relevant assessments, one of them will be selected for a mission crew as a payload specialist to participate in a spaceflight, becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit the Chinese space station,&quot; the statement said as per China Daily.

The information ministry also announced the selection of the candidates in an X post, terming it a &quot;landmark advancement in Pakistan&#39;s Manned Space Mission Programme&quot;.



The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announces a landmark advancement in Pakistan&rsquo;s Manned Space Mission Program as two Astronaut Candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali are set to depart for the People&rsquo;s Republic of China to begin advanced&hellip; pic.twitter.com/Nfl5WBGOdO
&mdash; Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) April 22, 2026


Daud and&nbsp;Ali are set to depart for China to begin advanced astronaut training at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC), the ministry said. It added, &quot;This is a significant step forward in Pakistan&rsquo;s space exploration journey that positions the country in the community of a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs.&quot;

Under the collaboration, the post read, &quot;Pakistan is preparing for its first-ever participation in a mission to the China Space Station (CSS),&quot; adding that the mission is planned for launch in late 2026.

Aboard the CSS, &quot;the Pakistani astronaut will conduct several scientific experiments in microgravity,&quot; which span areas including material science, fluid physics, life and bio science, and biotechnology, the ministry revealed. This, it added, brings potential applications for climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.

Read: China to train two Pakistani astronauts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the efforts of the&nbsp;Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the post read, with the premier also appreciating the &quot;ironclad China-Pakistan brotherhood&quot;.

SUPARCO completed the secondary phase of selecting astronaut candidates, marking another step in Pakistan&rsquo;s Human Spaceflight Programme in February.

Following an initial screening in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing detailed medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the ACC. SUPARCO said the evaluations were conducted in line with international human spaceflight standards.

The cooperation is based on the bilateral &ldquo;Astronaut Cooperation Agreement&rdquo; signed in February 2025 under the leadership of PM Shehbaz. Pakistan was chosen by China as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, reflecting close ties between the two countries.]]>
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			<title>Iran murals project defiance in war with US</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604200/iran-murals-project-defiance-in-war-with-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604200/iran-murals-project-defiance-in-war-with-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 15:22:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604200</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Murals and banners long shaped Iran’s cities, reflecting state political messaging and policy]]>
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				<![CDATA[Since the outbreak of war between Iran, Israel and the United States, colourful murals have sprung up across capital Tehran and other major cities, rich in symbolism and themes of resistance and defiance.



This photo taken on April 12, 2026 shows people walking past a wall mural along the roadside in Tehran. &mdash; AFP/File

Murals and banners have long been a defining feature of Iran&#39;s urban landscape, particularly in Tehran, where such paintings in central squares mirror the state&#39;s political messaging and foreign policy.



This photo taken on April 11, 2026 shows women walking past a wall mural along the roadside in Tehran. &mdash; AFP/File

Since the 1979 revolution, which established the Islamic republic, such imagery has served as a medium to reflect ideology and collective memory.

In recent days, a mural in Tehran showed a US aircraft carrier carrying rows of coffins draped in American flags, surrounded by small Iranian-flagged boats and a helicopter.



This photo taken on April 8, 2026 shows a woman walking past an anti-USA and anti-Israel mural, in Tehran. &mdash; AFP/File

The image evoked dominance at sea, as Iran&#39;s armed forces continue a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for a fifth of the world&#39;s oil and liquefied natural gas in peacetime.

Another mural depicts a man raising both arms, each wrapped in the Iranian flag, his hands forming a heart.



This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a man walking past a banner depicting a man holding up a heart gestures before missiles being fired, in Tehran. &mdash; AFP/File

Another shows the Iranian flag flowing across the wall with its tulip-shaped emblem bearing a missile in its centre, while a young woman carries a banner reading: &quot;We have all come for the revolution,&quot; referencing support for the 1979 Islamic revolution.



This photo taken on April 8, 2026 shows a man walking past an anti-USA and anti-Israel mural, in Tehran. &mdash; AFP/File

Elsewhere, a mural traces a line of clerical leadership in Iran.

Read More: &#39;Good news&#39; of peace talks possible as soon as Friday, Trump tells NY Post

It begins with the founder of the Islamic republic, Ruhollah Khomeini, followed by Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening US-Israel attack of the war on February 28, and culminating with his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei.



An Iranian woman walks past an anti-USA and anti-Israel mural, in Tehran on April 21 2026. &mdash; AFP

Separate works depict Iranian drones shattering the Star of David, the emblem of Israel&#39;s flag, while one mural shows demonstrators gathered before Azadi Square, chanting &quot;Death to America&quot;, with one holding a portrait of Ali Khamenei.

Among the most striking long-standing anti-US murals are those around the former US embassy in central Tehran, now a museum known as the &quot;Den of Spies&quot;.

One depicts a fractured Statue of Liberty with a broken arm surrounded by scenes of destruction, while another shows the US flag with skulls replacing its stars.]]>
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			<title>One year on, India failed to present evidence on Pahalgam attack: Tarar</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604126/one-year-on-india-failed-to-present-evidence-on-pahalgam-attack-says-tarar</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604126/one-year-on-india-failed-to-present-evidence-on-pahalgam-attack-says-tarar#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 06:47:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604126</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Tarar further claims that 'false flag operations have been part of India’s history']]>
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				<![CDATA[Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday marked one year since what he described as the &ldquo;Pahalgam false flag operation,&rdquo; stating that India had failed to present evidence for its allegations against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack.

Speaking in a special address, Tarar said the Pahalgam incident &ldquo;reflects hollow thinking, illogical reasoning, false ego, arrogance and greed,&rdquo; adding that India has not provided satisfactory answers to questions raised about the attack.

He said India &ldquo;has continued to portray its internal matters as external issues and external matters as internal ones,&rdquo; asserting that terrorism is &ldquo;India&rsquo;s internal issue which it presents as an external problem.&rdquo; In contrast, he described the Kashmir dispute as &ldquo;a recognised international issue that India portrays as an internal matter&rdquo;.

Tarar further claimed that &ldquo;false flag operations have been part of India&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; and described the handling of the Pahalgam incident as &ldquo;crude.&rdquo; He said India did not respond positively when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered an &ldquo;independent and impartial investigation,&rdquo; adding that &ldquo;India&rsquo;s refusal to hold an inquiry is proof that the Pahalgam incident was a false flag operation&rdquo;.

Highlighting procedural concerns, he said the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) within 10 minutes of the incident indicated that &ldquo;its text had already been prepared,&rdquo; calling the timing &ldquo;unusual and surprising&rdquo; given the distance between the attack site and the police station.

He added that &ldquo;international media, Indian civil society, politicians and think tanks have also raised serious questions about the Pahalgam incident,&rdquo; arguing that &ldquo;it is extremely difficult to make baseless propaganda globally acceptable&rdquo;.



Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says India&rsquo;s false flag Pahalgam operation one year ago today reflects a mindset that is hollow&mdash;driven by false pride, arrogance, and greed.@TararAttaullah@MoIB_Official#AttaullahTarar #PakistanIndia #Pahalgam #FalseFlag #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/6WPclXjJRr
&mdash; Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) April 22, 2026



According to Tarar, India has failed to build an effective narrative on the issue and has not presented &ldquo;credible evidence or solid proof.&rdquo; He accused Indian media of acting as a &ldquo;propaganda tool,&rdquo; saying it &ldquo;created a war-like atmosphere&rdquo; and broadcast &ldquo;false and baseless news&rdquo;.

Read: Trump heeds CDF Munir, PM&#39;s truce call

The minister also said that minorities in India are facing discrimination under what he described as a Hindutva ideology, claiming that Muslims are being subjected to violence. He further stated that India &ldquo;uses terrorism as a state policy&rdquo; and has been involved in such incidents globally.

Tarar cited the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav as exposing India&rsquo;s involvement in terrorism, and claimed that Pakistan possesses &ldquo;irrefutable evidence&rdquo; of India&rsquo;s role in terrorist activities within Pakistan, including incidents such as the Jaffar Express train attack and the Khuzdar incident.

He said Pakistan continues to confront terrorism with determination and is taking practical measures, adding that &ldquo;the entire nation is united in its resolve to eliminate terrorism completely&rdquo;.

Tarar warned that any &ldquo;misadventure&rdquo; by India would receive an &ldquo;immediate, effective and decisive response,&rdquo; and said Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty, dignity or security.

He concluded by stating that Pakistan has emerged globally as &ldquo;a symbol of peace&rdquo; and that the country&rsquo;s political and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, remain united in efforts to safeguard national security.



وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات عطاء اللہ تارڑ کی خصوصی گفتگو pic.twitter.com/xBsuUAtv7h
&mdash; PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) April 22, 2026



Pahalgam attack

Escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, 2025, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.

In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other&#39;s embassies.

Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan

In a swift military response, Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.

On May 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.]]>
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			<title>UK envoy commends, supports Pakistan's role in bringing US-Iran on negotiating table</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604129/uk-envoy-commends-supports-pakistans-role-in-bringing-us-iran-on-negotiating-table</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604129/uk-envoy-commends-supports-pakistans-role-in-bringing-us-iran-on-negotiating-table#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 07:29:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604129</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FM Dar stresses importance of dialogue, diplomacy for peaceful resolution of conflicts]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday praised and supported &quot;Pakistan&rsquo;s facilitative role in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table&quot; during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X, both sides discussed the evolving regional situation, while &quot;FM Dar underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of disputes.&quot;

The British envoy &quot;appreciated and supported Pakistan&rsquo;s facilitative role in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table,&#39; the statement added.



Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received British High Commissioner Jane Marriott @JaneMariottUK today.

They discussed the evolving regional situation. DPM/FM underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement and&hellip; pic.twitter.com/Foks3WoXlE
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 22, 2026


Dar also spoke with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

&nbsp;

Both leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in peaceful settlement of disputes.



DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan this evening.

Both leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in peaceful settlement of disputes.&hellip; pic.twitter.com/DZoCrSebiL
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 22, 2026



FM Dar has received unprecedented international recognition for his diplomatic leadership, as Pakistan positioned itself at the centre of high-stakes mediation efforts during the escalating Iran-US-Israel crisis.

Over the past week, senior officials and influential voices from more than ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the US, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan, have publicly acknowledged Dar&#39;s role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations.

Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an &ldquo;honest broker&rdquo; amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Read: Trump sends negotiators for Islamabad Round 2

When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.]]>
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			<title>European lawmakers criticise von der Leyen remarks linking Türkiye, Russia and China</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604182/european-lawmakers-criticise-von-der-leyen-remarks-linking-turkiye-russia-and-china</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604182/european-lawmakers-criticise-von-der-leyen-remarks-linking-turkiye-russia-and-china#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 12:48:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604182</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[European Commission clarifies remarks, stresses Türkiye remains an 'unquestionably important partner']]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Rudi Kennes and Marc Botenga have stressed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen&#39;s remarks linking T&uuml;rkiye with Russia and China risk dividing the world into opposing blocs, arguing instead that the European Union operates within a multipolar order.

Speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the German newspaper Die Zeit in Hamburg, von der Leyen reiterated her support for EU enlargement and the need for a more unified European geopolitical position.

She stated that the EU must &ldquo;succeed in completing the European continent so that it is not influenced by Russia, T&uuml;rkiye or China&rdquo;, a formulation that quickly drew attention for grouping T&uuml;rkiye alongside Russia and China.

&quot;We must succeed in completing the European continent so that it is not influenced by Russia, T&uuml;rkiye&nbsp;or China,&quot; she said.

The European Commission later clarified the remarks, stressing that T&uuml;rkiye remains an &quot;unquestionably important partner&quot; for the EU.

A spokesperson underlined Ankara&rsquo;s role in key areas, including migration management, economic cooperation&nbsp;and strategic connectivity initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, while also highlighting T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s status as a NATO ally and EU candidate country.

The commission emphasised that the reference reflected broader geopolitical considerations rather than a direct equivalence among the countries mentioned.

&#39;They are losing power&#39;

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu, Belgian MEP Rudi Kennes said that current global geopolitical alignments were linked to coordinated efforts by Western powers and allied states to advance broader strategic objectives.

&quot;I think the comment she made is also contributing to what&#39;s actually happening today in the world, and that is all support from all these countries, like the US and all these complicit states, to the cult project Greater Israel,&quot; he told Anadolu.

Kennes further argued that tensions involving countries such as Iran, Russia&nbsp;and China were interconnected within this framework, adding that Western influence was declining in the face of a &quot;multipolar world order&quot;.

&quot;They&#39;re (Europe) losing power. They&#39;re knowing it. They cannot play the sheriff in the world anymore, because now we have a multiple world, not just them as so-called sheriff of the world. And this is just desperate what they are doing now,&quot; he noted.

&quot;The only thing today they can do these European leaders, is hopefully that big brother on the other side of the ocean will be able to stay in power. But they&#39;re losing,&quot; Kennes added.

Von der Leyen &#39;dividing the world between us and others&#39;

Another Belgian lawmaker, Marc Botenga, also criticised the remarks on T&uuml;rkiye, saying that her framing risks oversimplifying international relations and &quot;dividing the world&quot; into opposing camps.

&quot;It&#39;s an extremely weird statement, because also it&#39;s not true,&quot; he said, noting that describe global actors in rigid categories of allies and opponents, adding that such language does not reflect the EU&rsquo;s existing economic and diplomatic ties.

He pointed out that the EU&nbsp;maintains significant trade relations and cooperation frameworks with China, while also engaging with T&uuml;rkiye across multiple areas, despite political differences.

&quot;T&uuml;rkiye still is formally a member a candidate member state and so but more globally, I think the problem with Ursula von der Leyen&#39;s comments are that she&#39;s dividing the world between us and others, as if there&#39;s some kind of purity test, as if she wants to conquer the rest of the continent,&quot; Botenga said.

He warned against what he described as a &quot;purity test&quot; approach to foreign policy, saying the world should not be divided into those who fully agree with the EU and those who are treated as adversaries.

&quot;We should not be dividing the world between: &#39;We fully agree with you, so you&#39;re a friend, or we have differences, so you&#39;re an enemy.&#39; That&#39;s a very, very dangerous view of the world to have,&quot; Botenga said.]]>
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			<title>Over 2,000 sites targeted in US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s power infrastructure: official</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604181/over-2000-sites-targeted-in-us-israeli-attacks-on-irans-power-infrastructure-official</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604181/over-2000-sites-targeted-in-us-israeli-attacks-on-irans-power-infrastructure-official#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 12:29:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604181</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran's deputy energy minister says 12 power workers killed in strikes targeting critical sites]]>
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				<![CDATA[More than 2,000 points in Iran&rsquo;s electricity infrastructure were targeted during recent US-Israeli attacks, a senior Iranian official said on Wednesday.

Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, deputy energy minister for electricity and energy, said 12 employees in the power sector were killed during the strikes, adding that the attacks aimed to disrupt critical infrastructure.

&ldquo;Attacking electricity infrastructure is an attack on the people,&rdquo; he added in his comments carried by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Despite the scale of the damage, he said power outages were restored in less than an hour in most cases.

Mashhadi added that around 150,000 people work in Iran&rsquo;s electricity sector, including 30,000 who are on duty around the clock to maintain operations.

Read More: Iran seizes two vessels in Strait of Hormuz as Trump continues naval blockade

Separately, Aladdin Rafizadeh, head of Iran&rsquo;s Administrative and Recruitment Affairs Organisation, said 68 administrative personnel were killed while on duty during the recent war, according to the state news agency IRNA.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump previously warned that if no deal was reached, he would target Iran&rsquo;s infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

Regional tensions escalated after the US&nbsp;and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US assets and bases across the Middle East.

A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by rare direct talks between the US&nbsp;and Iran in Islamabad on April 11&ndash;12, which ended without an agreement.

The ceasefire was later extended as diplomatic efforts continue, though tensions remain high.]]>
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			<title>Mohammad Nawaz in trouble after positive drug test: report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604163/mohammad-nawaz-in-trouble-after-positive-drug-test-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604163/mohammad-nawaz-in-trouble-after-positive-drug-test-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 10:42:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604163</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The all-rounder is representing Multan Sultans in HBL PSL 11]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after returning a positive test for recreational drug use, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old left-arm spinner, currently playing for Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, was reportedly flagged during testing conducted at the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup earlier this year.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the matter is under review following formal communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

&ldquo;The ICC has informed the PCB about this matter, and the board has begun due process. The outcome will be communicated to the ICC,&rdquo; the spokesperson said.

The ICC has not issued a public statement on the case.

Reports indicate that the sample in question was taken during the global tournament, where Nawaz played all seven matches for Pakistan.

He scored 15 runs and claimed seven wickets as Pakistan exited the competition at the Super Eight stage.

The investigation comes as Nawaz continues to feature in PSL 2025, raising questions over his immediate availability depending on the outcome of the inquiry.

The development has also affected Nawaz&rsquo;s planned participation in England&rsquo;s T20 Blast. His proposed deal with Surrey County Cricket Club has reportedly been cancelled following the positive test.

Nawaz had earlier secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PCB and was expected to feature in the tournament, scheduled from late May to mid-July. However, Surrey opted not to proceed with the signing. The county has declined to comment.

The case places Nawaz under scrutiny at a crucial time in the PSL 11 season, with the PCB&rsquo;s findings likely to determine any further action.]]>
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			<title>'Femarmony' art exhibition opens in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604240/femarmony-art-exhibition-opens-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604240/femarmony-art-exhibition-opens-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:45:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaisar Kamran]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604240</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Explores emotion, identity, contrast through art at Sanat Initiative; draws large number of enthusiasts, members of th]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[An art exhibition titled &quot;Femarmony&quot;, featuring works by artists Imran Ali Kazmi, Nabiha Gillani, Saba Haroon and Ujala Hayat, opened at Sanat Initiative on Tuesday evening, drawing art enthusiasts, critics and members of the public.

The group show, brings together diverse artistic voices, with a particular focus on emotions, inner conflict and the evolving role of women in society. Through a mix of painting styles and visual narratives, the exhibition attempts to bridge personal expression with broader social themes.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, artist Imran Ali Kazmi said his work revolves around the idea of &quot;presence and absence&quot;, conveyed through colour, composition and subtle contrasts.

&quot;I basically paint the beauty of the subcontinent, but in a different direction,&quot; he explained. &quot;Even in still life, I create a sense of life through colour, while at the same time suggesting absence. It&#39;s a contrast a quiet tension.&quot;

Kazmi added that in some of his pieces, figures are intentionally obscured or shown from the back, leaving their identity ambiguous. &quot;There&#39;s a mystery in the figure, you don&#39;t know who they are or what they are doing. The emotions are static, almost hidden,&quot; he said.

He also praised the curatorial approach, noting that each artist&#39;s work has been given a distinct visual space, allowing their individual styles to stand out while still contributing to a cohesive exhibition.

Artist Nabiha Gillani described her experience in Karachi as &quot;very good&quot;, adding that the exhibition reflects the growth and evolution of all participating artists.

Her work, inspired by Japanese origami and aesthetics, centres on themes of hope, healing and peace.

&quot;My series is based on finding beauty in imperfection,&quot; she said, referencing a concept similar to the Japanese philosophy of appreciating flaws. &quot;There is movement in stillness in circles and flow. Nothing remains constant in life.&quot;

According to the gallery&#39;s presentation, the exhibition highlights women&#39;s emotions, feelings and internal struggles, portraying them on canvas with sensitivity and depth.

The artworks combine colour and light to tell layered stories, with each piece offering a distinct narrative that invites prolonged reflection. Visitors appeared engaged, often pausing to interpret the symbolism and emotional undertones embedded in the works.

Attendees at the exhibition praised the artists&#39; efforts, describing the show as both visually compelling and socially relevant. Many noted that the artworks not only showcase aesthetic beauty but also contribute to raising awareness about societal issues.

&quot;Femarmony&quot; stands as a collaborative artistic effort that merges individual perspectives into a unified dialogue one that speaks of contrast, resilience and the quiet complexities of human experience.

Sanat translates literally to mean &#39;art&#39;, but in usage, sanat has broader associations and nuances; explaining not just objects or vocation, but defining the artistic process and the sociological implications of art. Founded in early 2014, Sanat Initiative aims to explore the relationship between art, artists and society through active partnerships with curators, galleries, art fairs and museums worldwide. Sanat Initiative provides artists with a platform for ground-breaking projects, thereby promoting experimental and innovative streams of thought in art. Taking advantage of the resources in Karachi, Sanat Residency invites visiting artists to develop projects that respond to new contexts and experiences to broaden their horizons, or to conduct research.

Sanat Gallery provides artists with a platform for ground-breaking projects, thereby promoting experimental and innovative streams of thought in art.

Taking advantage of the resources in Karachi, Sanat Residency invites visiting artists to develop projects that respond to new contexts and experiences to broaden their horizons, or to conduct research.]]>
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			<title>Artisans in Britain, Germany and France craft the Royal Opera House's new curtains</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604127/artisans-in-britain-germany-and-france-craft-the-royal-opera-houses-new-curtains</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604127/artisans-in-britain-germany-and-france-craft-the-royal-opera-houses-new-curtains#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 06:48:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604127</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New curtains bearing King Charles' cypher to replace Queen Elizabeth's after 27 years at venue]]>
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				<![CDATA[In a studio inside London&#39;s Hampton Court Palace, hand embroiderer Marg Dier carefully stitches fabric foliage around King Charles III&#39;s cypher. The shiny gold insignia will adorn a new pair of stage curtains that will open and close performances at London&rsquo;s Royal Opera House. Her stitches are small and must be very secure.



Studio manager Gemma Murray arranges embroidery pieces

&quot;It&#39;s going to be going up and down at the Opera House,&quot; said Dier, a senior studio embroiderer at the Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Studio, whose clients include royalty and fashion houses.

The Royal Ballet and Opera commissioned a new set of stage curtains to replace those bearing the cypher of Charles&#39; late mother, Queen Elizabeth, which have hung at the central London venue for 27 years, introducing more than 10,000 performances.



Senior studio embroiderer Helen Stevens hand‑stitches the royal cypher of Britain&#39;s King Charles

The new ones are once again a collaboration between the Royal School of Needlework, whose team is stitching the corner decor depicting the cypher - the initials &#39;C&#39; and &#39;R&#39;, Charles&#39; regnal number in Roman numerals plus the Tudor crown - and German stage equipment specialist Gerriets, which is making the deep red curtains.



London Royal Opera House stage curtains at the Gerriets workshop

Part is digital machine embroidery, but there is hand embellishment, particularly on the crown, including colourful jewels, an ermine and a ruched red velvet cap.

Once finished, the embroidery travels to Gerriets&#39; sewing workshop in Volgelsheim on the French-German border. There, seamstresses apply the cypher onto the corners of the curtains, made of mohair velour. They come in two parts, each measuring 9.75 metres (32 feet) wide with a 10.8-metre drop.



Seamstresses work on one of two parts of the new London Royal Opera House stage curtains

&quot;The curtain model is a swag opening curtain style,&rdquo; said Andreas Fraemke, senior project manager at Gerriets. &quot;It&#39;s made of four layers... (with) three lining layers. This is to protect the curtain from the back and also for sound protection between the audience and stage.&quot;

The curtains will be unveiled at the May14 Spring Gala. &quot;It&#39;s a famous curtain, a famous opera house, and so we are really proud... to do something like this,&quot; Fraemke said, calling it a truly European project.]]>
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			<title>Farhan Saeed returns with 'Luv Di Saun' teaser</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604241/farhan-saeed-returns-with-luv-di-saun-teaser</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604241/farhan-saeed-returns-with-luv-di-saun-teaser#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:45:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604241</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It offers first glimpse into 'intense, unconventional' love story set in Lahore]]>
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				<![CDATA[The teaser for Luv Di Saun has been released, offering audiences a first glimpse into what promises to be an intense and unconventional love story set against the backdrop of old Lahore.

Directed by Imran Malik, He is the elder brother of filmmaker Irfan Malik, and together the Maliks are regarded as part of an illustrious cinematic lineage.

The newly unveiled teaser features Farhan Saeed and Mamya Shajaffar riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle through the narrow streets of Lahore&#39;s old city. The visuals highlight a gritty, urban setting, with Saeed portraying an a boy from the old lahore, while Shajaffar plays his love interest. The pairing marks their first collaboration on the big screen, although the two previously appeared together in the television drama Jhok Sarkar.

Film Luv Di Saun explores themes that go beyond a conventional romance. The film is described as a &quot;daring subject&quot; that addresses womanhood and societal pressures, while weaving a narrative shaped by conflict, choice and consequence.

The teaser suggests a blend of romance and action, with moments of high tension underscoring the emotional stakes.

The cast also includes Mehrunnisa Iqbal, Rana Ejaz, Babar Ali and Tabrez Khan in supporting roles.

Luv Di Saun is slated for a theatrical release on Eid ul Azha 2026, positioning it among the major Pakistani film releases expected during the festive season, when cinema attendance traditionally sees a surge.]]>
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			<title>Aisha Tyler recalls working with Connor Storrie</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604244/aisha-tyler-recalls-working-with-connor-storrie</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604244/aisha-tyler-recalls-working-with-connor-storrie#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:45:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604244</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['He's going to go places,' she recalls saying about 'Heated Rivalry' star]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Aisha Tyler is looking back at her early experience working with Connor Storrie, long before his breakout success on Heated Rivalry.

During a recent podcast appearance, Tyler spoke about filming an upcoming episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution with Storrie, praising his talent and predicting his rise to stardom.

&quot;He&#39;s so great, he&#39;s so great! I love him so much,&quot; Tyler said, recalling their time working together on the series.

The actress, who plays Dr Tara Lewis on the show, revealed that filming took place before Heated Rivalry became a global hit, making Storrie&#39;s current success even more striking in hindsight.

Reflecting on their scenes together, Tyler shared that she immediately recognised his potential. &quot;This kid is really good he&#39;s going to do well, he&#39;s going to go places,&quot; she recalled telling co-star Paget Brewster at the time.

She added that the cast had even discussed his talent behind the scenes, noting, &quot;He&#39;s really talented, I want good things for this guy,&quot; before joking about his rapid rise: &quot;Cut to: he&#39;s the most famous human being on the planet!&quot;

Storrie&#39;s upcoming appearance in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 has already been confirmed, with the new season set to premiere on May 28, 2026.

Tyler&#39;s comments highlight just how quickly Storrie&#39;s career has taken off, with Heated Rivalry turning him into one of television&#39;s fastest-rising stars, exactly as she predicted.

Storrie began his acting career in 2018, appearing in short films and minor roles. He played Liam Hauser in the 2023 feature film Riley. In 2024, he appeared in the DC Comics film Joker: Folie &agrave; Deux as an Arkham Asylum inmate who kills Arthur Fleck, with the film implying that his character becomes the Joker.]]>
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			<title>Bella Hadid turns 30 with intimate visual memoir, revealing life beyond the runway</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604180/bella-hadid-turns-30-with-intimate-visual-memoir-revealing-life-beyond-the-runway</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604180/bella-hadid-turns-30-with-intimate-visual-memoir-revealing-life-beyond-the-runway#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 12:28:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604180</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Between Us' traces her journey from pre-teen to global supermodel through the lens of her childhood best friend]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Turning 30 is often seen as a major milestone, a moment of stepping into a new phase of life while leaving behind the turbulence of the twenties. For Bella Hadid, however, the transition comes with a creative reflection rather than hesitation.

The supermodel and entrepreneur is set to release a memoir on her 30th birthday, offering a deeply personal look at her life so far. Published with Rizzoli, the project is not a traditional written memoir but a visual one, combining photography, handwritten notes, text messages, and candid personal archives.





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Titled Between Us, the book is co-created with photographer and Bella&rsquo;s childhood friend Yasmine Diba. Bella announced the title and cover on Instagram in a joint post with Rizzoli, revealing that the book will be available for pre-order on the publisher&rsquo;s website from October 6.

The memoir traces Bella&rsquo;s journey from her carefree childhood in Malibu to her rise as one of the most recognisable faces in fashion. Told through a dual perspective, it blends her personal voice with Yasmine&rsquo;s photography, offering an intimate look at moments often unseen by the public.





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It includes early teenage memories, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her first modelling experiences, and her rise through international runways and major fashion campaigns. Alongside the glamour, the book also focuses on quieter, more personal chapters of her life.

Bella opens up about her family relationships, personal identity, creative expression, mental health advocacy, and her ongoing experience living with chronic illness. These reflections add depth to her public image, showing the challenges behind her career in the fashion industry.





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At its core, Between Us is shaped around friendship, memory, and growth. It captures how Bella has evolved over the years, balancing fame with personal struggles, and navigating life in an era defined by constant visibility and social media.]]>
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			<title>IMF urges removal of non-tariff curbs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604247/imf-urges-removal-of-non-tariff-curbs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604247/imf-urges-removal-of-non-tariff-curbs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:49:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604247</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Restrictions on mobile phones, cars, dairy, textiles to end from June]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would review more than 2,660 non-tariff barriers that discourage imports, and many of these will be removed soon, including those restricting the import of mobile phones and cars.

In yet another major concession agreed with the IMF under the $7 billion bailout package without much internal consultation, the government has assured the fund that it would start ending these restrictions from June this year, sources told The Express Tribune.

Barriers such as low priority in giving foreign exchange for car imports and linking mobile phone functionality to approval by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority may be removed in June, said the sources. Once implemented, it may also become easier to import dairy products, textiles, steel bars and medicines, as existing non-tariff barriers are making it difficult to import these goods.

The sources said that as part of the understanding reached for the staff-level agreement, Pakistan has assured the IMF that it would remove all restrictions in June against 76 customs codes affecting imports in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, steel, food, agriculture products, cosmetics and mobile phones. The IMF was told that the government undertook a comprehensive review of import and export lines and found 2,662 non-tariff barriers with restrictive impacts on international trade. Pakistan told the IMF that after removing the first batch of restrictions, the remaining barriers will be reviewed in batches, focusing on the most economically distortionary measures first. These measures will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reform for removal or simplification by end-November 2026, the sources added.

Restrictions affecting the automobile sector include completely knocked down (CKD) units, semi knocked down (SKD) kits, completely built units (CBUs) and high-end vehicles. The government discourages vehicle imports through import prioritisation via foreign exchange allocations, delayed approvals and additional regulatory duties.

Likewise, the import of smartphones and consumer electronics is restricted through approval by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, high regulatory duties and import licensing constraints. The government is considering ending non-tariff barriers that are slowing the import of refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines. The imports of these items are discouraged through restrictions imposed via banking channels and discretionary clearance delays, said the sources.

In the agriculture sector, the government has assured barrier-free import of meat, dairy, packaged foods and edible oil. These imports are discouraged through sanitary and phytosanitary standards and quasi quotas via administrative controls, said the sources. Sanitary and phytosanitary standards and private voluntary standards are used to ensure food safety and animal and plant health before imports are made.

Textile inputs such as certain qualities of yarn and fabrics would be allowed to import without non-tariff barriers by eliminating restrictions like delayed approvals of letters of credit and foreign exchange rationing. The government often exercises these tools during times of extreme external pressure.

Foreign companies have again started complaining about the repatriation of profits, and the European Union ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, has recently raised the issue with the federal government. The government may also remove non-tariff barriers on the import of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished medicines by addressing the issue of delays in approvals and foreign exchange-related restrictions. Restrictions related to the import of luxury and non-essential goods, including cosmetics, chocolates, confectionery and pet food, will be removed by June this year. Their imports are slowed through outright bans or licensing requirements. Some non-tariff barriers slowing the imports of steel and construction materials may also be removed within a couple of months. The government may do away with regulatory duties and import priority restrictions to smooth the imports of flat steel and bars.

However, the industry that will be affected by the elimination of these restrictions has not been consulted, and there are concerns that the government has once again accepted an IMF condition in haste. The use of non-tariff barriers is common in international trade, but some countries, like India, apply these more aggressively to protect local industries from foreign competition. The European Union has also set high safety and environmental standards for the import of goods, including textiles.

Pakistan has informed the IMF that it cannot abolish all restrictions at once but would phase out only those that are feasible over the next three years. The lists of restrictions shortlisted for removal will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reform, where concerned ministries would give their input on whether to maintain or remove these barriers.

The sources said that in addition to removing these barriers, the government has also promised the IMF that it would implement the second phase of trade liberalisation from June. It plans to further reduce customs duties, additional customs duties and regulatory duties in the budget, said the sources.

According to the agreed plan, net weighted average tariffs must be brought down to below 6% by 2030. The government will phase out all additional duties currently charged for localised items in the auto sector, remove the regime of special duties applied to imports used for the auto sector, including through the Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act and SRO 655, and extend the principle of removing preferential treatment for local production to other industries.]]>
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			<title>PSX succumbs to selling pressure, drops 1,576 points</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604136/kse-100-sheds-over-500-points-at-midday-amid-geopolitical-jitters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604136/kse-100-sheds-over-500-points-at-midday-amid-geopolitical-jitters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 08:19:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604136</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Geopolitical uncertainty and profit-taking across key sectors dominate sentiment despite Saudi inflows support]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed persistent selling pressure on Wednesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index closed sharply lower amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and cautious investor sentiment.

In the morning, the market opened under significant pressure, setting a jittery tone for the session. Intra-day volatility remained elevated, with the Index briefly recovering 119.24 points (+0.07%) around 11:34 am after an early decline of 135.08 points (-0.08%), reflecting the absence of a clear directional trend.

Throughout the session, investor sentiment remained fragile as uncertainty surrounding anticipated US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad kept participants on edge. This led to a dominant &ldquo;wait-and-see&rdquo; approach, resulting in subdued trading volumes and a lack of buying interest.

Read: PSX gains trimmed as profit-taking limits early rally to 960 points

Market activity was largely shaped by a tug-of-war between supportive and negative triggers. A $1 billion Saudi deposit provided some psychological support and helped cushion deeper losses. However, this was outweighed by aggressive profit-taking across key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), power generation, and refineries.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index recorded a high of 173,155.79 and a low of 171,579.31 during the session. Ultimately, the Index declined by 1,576.48 points, or 0.91%, and settled at 171,579.31, reflecting broad-based weakness across the market.

&ldquo;Investors are closely monitoring progress on the potential US&ndash;Iran agreement, as Tehran continues to evaluate the proposed terms and is demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz before formally responding on the resumption of negotiations,&rdquo; AKD Securities Director Research Mohammed Awais Ashraf told The Express Tribune.

Read More: PSX commences week with 1% slide

An indefinite extension of the ceasefire should be interpreted as a constructive development by investors; however, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern, Ashraf observed.

KTrade Securities equity trader Ahmed Sheraz observed that the KSE-100 Index closed at 171,579 points, declining by 1,576 points (-0.91% DoD), as selling pressure persisted in a cautious and largely mixed session. Early attempts at stabilisation faded, with sentiment remaining fragile amid external uncertainties. Activity was concentrated in Cnergyico PK, Yousaf Weaving, and Bank of Punjab.

On the downside, key index-heavy stocks including UBL, Lucky Cement, Pakistan Petroleum, Habib Bank, and Oil and Gas Development Company weighed on performance.

From a macro perspective, the backdrop remains tense. While the ceasefire extension offers a degree of short-term relief, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and lack of progress on US-Iran negotiations are keeping risk appetite subdued. Neither side has confirmed diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, reinforcing a near-term deadlock and uncertainty in regional stability. Meanwhile, oil prices remain elevated, with Brent hovering around $98&ndash;99 per barrel, adding pressure to inflation expectations and external account concerns.

Until clarity emerges on geopolitical developments, particularly regarding negotiations, the market is likely to remain under pressure with a cautious bias, Sheraz believed.]]>
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			<title>Gold dips Rs1,200 despite global rebound</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604248/gold-dips-rs1200-despite-global-rebound</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604248/gold-dips-rs1200-despite-global-rebound#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:49:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604248</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Settles at Rs498,962/tola amid yield-driven international rally; rupee edges up]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gold prices in Pakistan declined on Wednesday, diverging from gains in the international market, where bullion rebounded from a more than one-week low, supported by softer US Treasury yields and fresh bargain hunting amid geopolitical uncertainty.

In the local market, the price of gold per tola fell by Rs1,200 to settle at Rs498,962, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold decreased by Rs1,029 to Rs427,779.

The latest drop follows Tuesday&#39;s decline, when gold per tola had shed Rs1,000 to close at Rs500,162, indicating continued pressure in the domestic market despite a recovery in global prices.

Silver prices also followed a downward trajectory, falling by Rs34 to Rs8,324 per tola. In contrast, international bullion prices moved higher on Wednesday. Spot gold rose 0.5% to $4,732.79 per ounce by 11:17 am EDT, after gaining 1% earlier in the session, according to Reuters. US gold futures for June delivery were up 0.7% at $4,750.20 per ounce. The rebound comes a day after gold posted its sharpest single-day loss since late March.

Market sentiment globally was supported by a decline in benchmark 10-year US Treasury yields, which slipped by 0.2%, making non-yielding assets like gold relatively more attractive. At the same time, investors engaged in bargain buying after the recent dip, while closely monitoring geopolitical developments, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty surrounding potential US-Iran negotiations. Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, noted that gold remains under mild pressure in the short term but retains a constructive outlook. He said the metal touched a low near $4,712 and hovered around $4,730, with an intra-day high of $4,780.

According to Agar, gold is currently trading within a consolidation range of $4,780 to $4,880. A sustained breakout above this band could open the way towards higher targets of $5,000 and $5,200 per ounce. He added that while momentum has slowed compared to the sharp rallies seen in 2025 and early 2026, the broader trend remains upward as long as prices hold above the $4,580 support level.

&quot;Investor interest has temporarily shifted towards oil and other commodities following gold&#39;s recent correction,&quot; he said, adding that a renewed breakout could quickly revive market participation.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee appreciated by 0.01% on Wednesday, gaining Rs0.03 to settle at 278.87 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market after closing at 278.90 on Tuesday.]]>
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			<title>BOI ramps up investor outreach in UK</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604249/boi-ramps-up-investor-outreach-in-uk</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604249/boi-ramps-up-investor-outreach-in-uk#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:49:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604249</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Investment minister pitches reforms at global financiers]]>
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				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, during his visit to London, engaged in high-level interactions with global financial leaders and institutions, underscoring Pakistan&#39;s commitment to strengthening international investment partnerships and enhancing professional standards in the financial sector.

The meeting, hosted at the headquarters of the Chartered Institute for Securities &amp; Investment (CISI), brought together senior representatives from Pakistan&#39;s government, regulatory authorities, and banking sector. Notable participants included The Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud, officials of the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, including Naila Israr, Muhammad Afzal and Imran Khalil, and other prominent officials and stakeholders.

The discussions focused on strengthening international financial cooperation, promoting investment flows to Pakistan, and enhancing capacity building through globally recognised professional standards and certifications. Both sides emphasised the growing importance of skills development, particularly in emerging markets, to align with evolving global financial systems and technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and digital finance.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed highlighted Pakistan&#39;s improving investment climate and reform-oriented policies. He reiterated the government&#39;s commitment to facilitating foreign investors, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering an environment of transparency and trust &ndash; the key pillars for sustainable economic growth.

The minister noted that building trust and credibility in financial systems was essential for attracting long-term investment and creating resilient global partnerships. He emphasised that Pakistan was keen to collaborate with leading international institutions like CISI to enhance the professional capacity of its workforce and integrate with global best practices in the financial and investment sectors.

The interaction also highlighted the role of diaspora engagement and institutional linkages in advancing Pakistan&#39;s economic diplomacy.]]>
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			<title>Microfinance pivots to risk-protected lending</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604250/microfinance-pivots-to-risk-protected-lending</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604250/microfinance-pivots-to-risk-protected-lending#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:49:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604250</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ASA Bank, Turaco partner to embed insurance into loans, SBP pushes financial inclusion]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s microfinance sector is moving beyond its traditional focus on credit disbursement by embedding insurance into loan products, signalling a shift towards &quot;risk-protected lending&quot; in a country with one of the lowest insurance coverage rates globally.

The emerging model, enabled by the increased presence of fintechs in the country, integrates basic insurance coverage, covering risks such as illness, accidents or death, directly into microloans. This aims to protect borrowers from financial shocks that often trigger defaults or push households back into poverty. Analysts say this marks a gradual transition from credit-led financial inclusion to a more comprehensive framework that combines access to finance with risk mitigation, contributing to the nation&#39;s financial inclusion goals. The shift comes at a time when Pakistan&#39;s insurance landscape remains significantly underdeveloped. Insurance penetration stands at about 0.9% of GDP, far below regional benchmarks, while only about 3-4% of the population holds life insurance policies. Despite improvements in bank account access under financial inclusion drives, uptake of insurance products has remained limited due to affordability concerns, low awareness and trust deficits.

Against this backdrop, a new partnership between ASA Microfinance Bank and Turaco aims to operationalise embedded insurance at scale within Pakistan&#39;s microfinance ecosystem. The collaboration will integrate low-cost insurance into the bank&#39;s lending process, allowing borrowers to opt for coverage at the time of loan disbursement. &quot;This partnership reflects a strategic evolution towards bundled financial services that go beyond traditional credit delivery,&quot; said Imran Rasool, Head of Liability at ASA Microfinance Bank Pakistan. &quot;As the model matures, we expect credit-plus-insurance offerings to gain broader adoption across our portfolio, enhancing value and protection for customers.&quot;

The initiative also aligns with broader policy objectives under the State Bank of Pakistan&#39;s (SBP) National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), which emphasises expanding access to a wider range of financial services beyond basic banking. By embedding insurance into credit products, institutions aim to strengthen financial resilience among underserved populations.

&quot;This initiative is aligned with the State Bank&#39;s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, particularly its focus on expanding access to a full spectrum of financial services for underserved communities,&quot; Rasool said. &quot;By embedding insurance within credit products, we are supporting broader efforts to deepen financial inclusion and improve financial resilience at the grassroots level.&quot;

A key challenge in scaling such models remains affordability and transparency, critical concerns when targeting low-income borrowers. Rasool said the insurance component has been designed to remain cost-effective while ensuring customers are fully informed.&quot;The insurance component is structured to remain highly affordable for customers and is clearly communicated at the point of onboarding,&quot; he noted. &quot;Borrowers are informed in advance about the coverage, cost, and benefits, and retain the option to opt out. This ensures transparency, informed consent, and customer choice at every stage.&quot;

From a lender&#39;s perspective, embedding insurance could also strengthen portfolio quality by reducing vulnerability to external shocks. Economic pressures, including inflation and income volatility, have increased the risk profile of microfinance borrowers in recent years.&quot;Embedded insurance has been shown to improve borrower resilience by mitigating the financial impact of unexpected shocks, particularly health emergencies, death, and asset loss, which are leading causes of default in low-income segments,&quot; Rasool said. The scalability of the model will be critical in determining whether it reshapes the broader microfinance landscape. ASA plans a rapid rollout across its customer base, signalling confidence in adoption levels.&quot;We are rolling out to new and rollover customers with an ambition to cover over 90% of our portfolio within 12-14 months,&quot; Rasool said, indicating that the initiative is intended for full-scale deployment rather than a limited pilot.

Market observers note that if successfully implemented, such bundled offerings could prompt wider industry adoption, particularly as financial institutions look for ways to balance growth with risk management.]]>
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			<title>New space telescope to give 'atlas of universe'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604298/new-space-telescope-to-give-atlas-of-universe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604298/new-space-telescope-to-give-atlas-of-universe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:10:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nasa unveiled a new telescope on Wednesday to scan vast swathes of the universe for planets outside our solar system and probe the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

The Roman space telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of planets, possibly offering clarity about how many could be out there.

&quot;Roman will give the Earth a new atlas of the universe,&quot; Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman told a news conference at the Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland, where the telescope went on display.

The 12-metre (39-feet) silvery contraption with massive solar panels will be transported to Florida ahead of a launch into space aboard a SpaceX rocket planned for September at the earliest.

Roman, which took more than $4 billion and over a decade to build, is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, nicknamed the &quot;Mother of Hubble&quot; for her role in developing the landmark space telescope.

Thirty-six years after Hubble launched into space, revolutionising astronomical observations, Nasa hopes Roman will help to shed light on questions that remain unresolved.

Boasting a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble&#39;s, the telescope will sweep across vast regions of space from its position 1.5 million kilometres (930,000 miles) from Earth.

The telescope will send 11 terabytes of data a day down to Earth, said Mark Melton, a systems engineer at Goddard Space Flight Centre.

&quot;In the first year, we&#39;ll have sent down more data than Hubble will have for its entire life,&quot; he told AFP.

The telescope&#39;s wide-angle lens will allow Nasa to conduct a census of the objects that make up our universe, said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for Nasa&#39;s Science Mission Directorate.

&quot;Roman will discover tens of thousands of new planets outside our solar system. It will reveal billions of galaxies, thousands of supernovae and tens of billions of stars,&quot; she said.

This wealth of information will enable Nasa to tease out areas of interest that can then be investigated by complementary telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

Study the invisible

But Roman will also study the invisible - dark matter and dark energy, whose origins remain unknown but which are thought to constitute 95 per cent of our universe.

Dark matter is believed to be the glue that holds galaxies together, while dark energy pulls them apart by making the universe expand faster and faster over time.

Thanks to its infrared vision, the telescope will be able to observe light emitted by celestial bodies billions of years ago, effectively looking back in time to hopefully discover more about the two phenomena.

Complementing the work of Europe&#39;s Euclid space telescope and the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, Roman will probe &quot;how the dark matter structures itself throughout cosmic time&quot; and &quot;calculate how fast galaxies are moving away from us&quot;, Darryl Seligman, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, told AFP.

These discoveries could fundamentally change our understanding of the structure of our universe, said astrophysicist Julie McEnery, who led the Roman project.

&quot;If Roman wins a Nobel Prize at some point, it&#39;s probably for something we haven&#39;t even thought about or questioned yet,&quot; said Melton.]]>
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			<title>Pezeshkian blames US 'blockade' for impasse</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604309/pezeshkian-blames-us-blockade-for-impasse</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604309/pezeshkian-blames-us-blockade-for-impasse#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[agencies]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Iran seizes two container ships attempting to leave Strait of Hormuz]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the &quot;breach of commitments, blockade and threats&quot; were the main obstacles to genuine negotiations.

&quot;Tehran wants to continue peace talks but the US&#39; breach of commitments, blockade and threats are (the) main obstacles to genuine negotiations,&quot; Pezeshkian said in a post on X on Wednesday.

The Iranian president also accused the US of inconsistency, saying, the &quot;world sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions&quot;.

The tweet comes a day after US President Donald Trump said he would extend the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a proposal to end the conflict permanently. In the meantime, Trump said, the American military would continue the blockade.

Also, Iran said it had captured two container ships seeking to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after firing on them and another vessel, in its first seizures since its war with the United States and Israel began in February.

Iran&#39;s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported the seizures and added its Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy had warned that any disruption to order and safety in the strait would be considered a &quot;red line.&quot;

The seizure of one of the ships, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, was confirmed by Montenegro&#39;s minister of maritime affairs, who said four Montenegrin seafarers were on board and that they and the rest of the crew were safe.

&quot;Negotiations between the shipping company and the Iranian side are ongoing, and the relevant state authorities are in constant contact with the crew,&quot; the minister, Filip Radulovic, said on X.

The IRGC accused the MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas of operating without required permits and tampering with their navigation systems.

The Greek-operated Epaminondas had reported being fired upon about 20 nautical miles northwest of Oman. It said it had sustained damage to its bridge after being hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades from an IRGC gunboat, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security sources.

Greek operator Technomar Shipping Inc confirmed the attack in a statement and said that its crew were safe.

The attacks occurred while the three ships, some switching their navigation systems off, attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz in a row in the early morning hours, they added. The seizures were the first since 2024, when Iran had captured the container ship MSC Aries in Hormuz.

There was no immediate information about what, if any, cargo the ships were carrying.

Oil prices reversed course to head higher after the incidents. &quot;The Iran war and strait closing are unprecedented and there is no line of sight on a final outcome and timing, creating the potential for more headline noise and volatility,&quot; Jonathan Chappell, senior managing director at investment bank Evercore, wrote in a note.

The strait usually sees about 130 vessels a day enter and exit the Gulf and handles about 20% of the world&#39;s daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply.

That fell to about nine vessels per day after the war began, rising to about 20 during a brief reopening announced and then revoked by Iran last week, according to data provider AXS Marine.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump wanted to see a &quot;unified&quot; response from Iran&#39;s leadership to US proposals to end hostilities.

Leavitt told reporters that Trump had not set a deadline for an end to the ceasefire extension he announced on Tuesday.

Earlier, Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News&#39; &quot;The Story with Martha MacCallum&quot; that Iran must agree to turn over its enriched uranium to the United States as part of negotiations to end the war.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran&#39;s parliament, said a &quot;complete ceasefire&quot; would be meaningful only if it is not undermined by a naval blockade and if Israel&#39;s actions across multiple fronts are halted.

&quot;A complete ceasefire only makes sense if it is not violated by a naval blockade and holding the world economy hostage, and if the Zionists&#39; warmongering on all fronts is stopped,&quot; Ghalibaf wrote Wednesday in a post on X. He added that &quot;reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible with a blatant violation of the ceasefire.&quot;

Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian side in the latest negotiations with the United States, also rejected the idea that pressure would force Iranian concessions. &quot;They did not achieve their goals through military aggression, nor will they through bullying,&quot; he wrote. &quot;The only way is to accept the rights of the Iranian nation.&quot;

Meanwhile, Iran&#39;s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Wednesday that the Islamic republic appreciated Pakistan&#39;s efforts to end the Middle East war, without commenting on a ceasefire extension announced by the United States.

He expressed these views while answering reporters&#39; questions, a statement by Iran&#39;s foreign ministry said, adding that Baqaei was asked about Pakistan&#39;s request to extend a ceasefire agreed between Tehran and Washington on April 8.

Iranian foreign ministry&#39;s statement said that while &quot;expressing gratitude for Pakistan&#39;s gracious efforts and mediation attempts to end the imposed war and establish peace in the region&quot;, Baqaei stressed that Tehran &quot;is taking the necessary measures to safeguard Iran&#39;s national interests and security&quot;.

He added that Iranian armed forces stood &quot;ready to comprehensively and decisively defend the nation&#39;s integrity against any threat or hostility&quot;.

When asked about the possibility of a second round of talks with the US, the statement said, Baqaei replied: &quot;Diplomacy is a tool to secure national interests and security, and whenever we conclude that the necessary and logical groundwork is in place to use this tool for realising national interests and consolidating the Iranian nation&#39;s achievements in frustrating enemies from achieving their sinister goals, we will take action.&quot;

He emphasised that Iran had not initiated the war and that all of Tehran&#39;s actions &quot;have been carried out in line with its inherent right to legitimate self-defence against military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime&quot;.

Baqaei was further quoted as saying that &quot;Iran will use every opportunity and capacity to hold aggressors accountable, secure Iran&#39;s rights - including delivering justice for perpetrators and instigators of war crimes - and demand compensation&quot;.

(With additional input from News Desk)]]>
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			<title>Peru ministers quit after clash with president over F-16 deal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604303/peru-ministers-quit-after-clash-with-president-over-f-16-deal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604303/peru-ministers-quit-after-clash-with-president-over-f-16-deal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:44:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Peru&#39;s defense minister and foreign minister resigned from their posts on Wednesday, amid growing speculation over the status of a multi-billion-dollar purchase of F-16 aircraft from the United States.

Interim President Jose Balcazar, who leaves office in July, sought to clarify that he had not opposed the deal, but rather postponed any payments until the next administration takes office following the presidential election.

Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela submitted their resignations earlier on Wednesday, citing their opposition to Balcazar&#39;s handling of the deal negotiations.

&quot;A strategic decision has been taken in the area of national security with which I have a fundamental disagreement,&quot; Diaz said in his resignation letter.

Balcazar, in a televised statement, said his earlier remarks suggesting the purchase had been delayed were misinterpreted, indicating that the agreement had moved forward while the financial commitment would fall to the incoming government.

Peru has spent years negotiating with different firms to modernize its aging fighter jet fleet of Mirage 2000 and MiG?29 aircraft acquired in the 1980s and 1990s. Peru is looking to eventually acquire a total of 24 jets, but a first deal would be for 12.

Among the bidders is US firm Lockheed Martin. The U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of F?16 aircraft and related support to Peru in September, with Lockheed as the principal contractor, alongside General Electric Aerospace and RTX Corp, in a deal valued at an estimated $3.42 billion, the Pentagon said at the time. They are competing with firms from Sweden and France to sell fighter jets to Peru, according to the government.

Balcazar canceled a signing ceremony last Friday for the acquisition of Lockheed Martin F?16 jets just hours before it was scheduled to take place, citing concerns over tying the next government to a major defense commitment, a government official told Reuters. In an apparent response to the decision, US ambassador to Peru Bernie Navarro said within hours that Washington would use &quot;all available tools&quot; against parties that negotiate &quot;in bad faith&quot; with the United States, in a post on X.

The US embassy in Lima did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. &quot;We remain firm in respecting all agreements that may have been reached at the level of the armed forces, or in this case with the relevant ministry of the air force, to carry out the corresponding negotiations,&quot; Balcazar said. Reuters]]>
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			<title>'US intercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604304/us-intercepts-three-iranian-oil-tankers-in-asian-waters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604304/us-intercepts-three-iranian-oil-tankers-in-asian-waters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:44:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604304</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday.

Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran&#39;s trade by sea while Iran has fired on ships to prevent them sailing through the Strait of Hormuz waterway at the entrance to the Middle East Gulf. Nearly two months after the US and Israel began their war on Iran, there is little sign of peace talks resuming during an uneasy ceasefire.

The closure of the strait has disrupted supply of a fifth of the world&#39;s oil and gas supplies, and caused a global energy crisis. U.S. forces have seized an Iranian cargo ship and an oil tanker in recent days. Iran said it had captured two container ships seeking to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after firing on them and another vessel, its first seizures since the war began.

The U.S. has diverted at least three more Iranian-flagged oil tankers in recent days, according to two US and Indian shipping sources and two separate Western maritime security source who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.

The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the interceptions.

One of the vessels was the Iranian-flagged Deep Sea supertanker, which was part loaded with crude and last seen on its public tracking transponder off Malaysia&#39;s coast a week ago, according to the sources and ship tracking data on the MarineTraffic platform.

The smaller Iranian-flagged Sevin, which had a maximum capacity of 1 million barrels and was carrying 65% of its load, was also intercepted. The vessel was last seen off Malaysia&#39;s coast a month ago, ship tracking data showed.

The Iranian-flagged supertanker Dorena was also intercepted, fully loaded with 2 million barrels of crude, and last seen off the coast of southern India three days ago, according to the sources and ship tracking data on the MarineTraffic platform.

The U.S. Central Command said on Wednesday in a post on X that the Dorena has been under the escort of a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after attempting to violate the blockade.

U.S. forces may have intercepted the Iranian-flagged Derya tanker, shipping sources said. The vessel failed to discharge its cargo of Iranian oil in India before a U.S. waiver on Iranian crude purchases expired on Sunday. That vessel was last seen off India&#39;s western coast on Friday, according to MarineTraffic data.

U.S. Central Command said on Wednesday that since the start of its blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces had directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port.

The U.S. military has not listed all the ships it has intercepted and did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the Deyra and the Deep Sea.

A third maritime security source said the US military was looking to target Iranian ships away from the Strait of Hormuz and in open waters to avoid any risk of floating mines during operations. Reuters]]>
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			<title>Eight Iranian women won't be executed: Trump</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604305/eight-iranian-women-wont-be-executed-trump</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604305/eight-iranian-women-wont-be-executed-trump#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:44:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604305</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran disputes entire account]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had agreed not to execute eight women protesters in a sign of respect for him, while officials in Tehran denied the executions had been planned and accused the U.S. president of spreading falsehoods.

&quot;Very good news,&quot; Trump said in a social media post a day after granting a unilateral ceasefire in the war started by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

Trump said four of the eight women would be released immediately and four would be sentenced to one month in prison.

&quot;I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution,&quot; Trump said.

Iran called the whole issue a fabrication and said Trump was trying to save face.

The U.S. president has been frustrated by Iran&#39;s refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth or the world&#39;s oil and gas, despite the ceasefire he declared on April 8 and extended on Tuesday.

&quot;Trump&#39;s empty-handedness in the battlefield has pushed him towards fabricating achievements from false news,&quot; the Iranian judiciary&#39;s news agency, Mizan, said on Wednesday.

Neither the White House nor the Iranian Foreign Ministry immediately responded to requests for comment on Wednesday.

After an initial social media post by Trump about the women on Tuesday, Mizan said Trump had &quot;fallen for&quot; false claims circulated by anti-Iran groups.

On Wednesday, it again said Tehran had made no concessions.

&quot;Last night, Donald Trump, citing a completely false news story, called on Iran to overturn the death sentences of eight women,&quot; Mizan said.

&quot;However, despite the false claim being revealed last night, Trump claimed in another post a few minutes ago that the sentences of eight protesting women who were supposed to be executed in Iran tonight have been overturned and thanked Iran!&quot;

The agency said a number of the women had already been released and some are facing charges that could result in prison but not death. Reuters]]>
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			<title>Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China space programme</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604178/two-pakistani-astronauts-selected-as-candidates-for-china-space-programme</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604178/two-pakistani-astronauts-selected-as-candidates-for-china-space-programme#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 11:50:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk/Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604178</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[One will be selected payload specialist, becoming first foreign astronaut to visit Chinese space station]]>
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				<![CDATA[China has ​selected two Pakistani &zwnj;astronauts,&nbsp;Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, as candidates for ​its manned ​space programme, ⁠CCTV ​reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Both ​will travel to China for training, ​and ​one will participate in &zwnj;a ⁠flight mission as a payload specialist ​and ​become ⁠the first foreign astronaut ​in China&#39;s ​space ⁠station, CCTV said.

&quot;Upon completing all training courses and passing relevant assessments, one of them will be selected for a mission crew as a payload specialist to participate in a spaceflight, becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit the Chinese space station,&quot; the statement said as per China Daily.

The information ministry also announced the selection of the candidates in an X post, terming it a &quot;landmark advancement in Pakistan&#39;s Manned Space Mission Programme&quot;.



The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announces a landmark advancement in Pakistan&rsquo;s Manned Space Mission Program as two Astronaut Candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali are set to depart for the People&rsquo;s Republic of China to begin advanced&hellip; pic.twitter.com/Nfl5WBGOdO
&mdash; Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) April 22, 2026


Daud and&nbsp;Ali are set to depart for China to begin advanced astronaut training at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC), the ministry said. It added, &quot;This is a significant step forward in Pakistan&rsquo;s space exploration journey that positions the country in the community of a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs.&quot;

Under the collaboration, the post read, &quot;Pakistan is preparing for its first-ever participation in a mission to the China Space Station (CSS),&quot; adding that the mission is planned for launch in late 2026.

Aboard the CSS, &quot;the Pakistani astronaut will conduct several scientific experiments in microgravity,&quot; which span areas including material science, fluid physics, life and bio science, and biotechnology, the ministry revealed. This, it added, brings potential applications for climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.

Read: China to train two Pakistani astronauts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the efforts of the&nbsp;Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the post read, with the premier also appreciating the &quot;ironclad China-Pakistan brotherhood&quot;.

SUPARCO completed the secondary phase of selecting astronaut candidates, marking another step in Pakistan&rsquo;s Human Spaceflight Programme in February.

Following an initial screening in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing detailed medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the ACC. SUPARCO said the evaluations were conducted in line with international human spaceflight standards.

The cooperation is based on the bilateral &ldquo;Astronaut Cooperation Agreement&rdquo; signed in February 2025 under the leadership of PM Shehbaz. Pakistan was chosen by China as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, reflecting close ties between the two countries.]]>
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			<title>NASA says new space telescope will create 'atlas of the universe'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604156/nasa-says-new-space-telescope-will-create-atlas-of-the-universe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604156/nasa-says-new-space-telescope-will-create-atlas-of-the-universe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 10:11:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604156</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[$4b Roman telescope set for September launch aboard SpaceX rocket]]>
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				<![CDATA[NASA unveiled a new telescope on Tuesday to scan vast swathes of the universe for planets outside our solar system and probe the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

The Roman space telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of planets, possibly offering clarity about how many could be out there. &quot;Roman will give the Earth a new atlas of the universe,&quot; NASA administrator Jared Isaacman told a news conference at the Goddard Space Flight Centre&nbsp;in Maryland, where the telescope went on display.

The 12-metre, silvery contraption with massive solar panels will be transported to Florida ahead of a launch into space aboard a&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;rocket planned for September at the earliest.

Roman, which took more than $4 billion and over a decade to build, is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, nicknamed the &quot;Mother of Hubble&quot; for her role in developing the landmark space telescope. 36 years after Hubble launched into space, revolutionising astronomical observations, NASA hopes Roman will help to shed light on questions that remain unresolved.

Read: NASA to spend $20 billion on moon base, cancel orbiting lunar station

Boasting a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble&#39;s, the telescope will sweep across vast regions of space from its position 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.

The telescope will send 11 terabytes of data a day down to Earth, said Mark Melton, a systems engineer at Goddard Space Flight Center. &quot;In the first year, we&#39;ll have sent down more data than Hubble will have for its entire life,&quot; he told AFP.

The telescope&#39;s wide-angle lens will allow NASA to conduct a census of the objects that make up our universe, said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA&#39;s Science Mission Directorate. &quot;Roman will discover tens of thousands of new planets outside our solar system. It will reveal billions of galaxies, thousands of supernovae and tens of billions of stars,&quot; she said.

This wealth of information will enable NASA to tease out areas of interest that can then be investigated by complementary telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

Study the invisible

Roman will also study the invisible &ndash; dark matter and dark energy, whose origins remain unknown but which are thought to constitute 95 per cent of our universe. Dark matter is believed to be the glue that holds galaxies together, while dark energy pulls them apart by making the universe expand faster and faster over time.

Thanks to its infrared vision, the telescope will be able to observe light emitted by celestial bodies billions of years ago, effectively looking back in time to hopefully discover more about the two phenomena.

Read More:&nbsp;Artemis astronauts spot Moon&#39;s &#39;Grand Canyon&#39;

Complementing the work of Europe&#39;s Euclid space telescope and the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, Roman will probe &quot;how the dark matter structures itself throughout cosmic time&quot; and &quot;calculate how fast galaxies are moving away from us&quot;, Darryl Seligman, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, said.

These discoveries could fundamentally change our understanding of the structure of our universe, said astrophysicist Julie McEnery, who led the Roman project. &quot;If Roman wins a Nobel Prize at some point, it&#39;s probably for something we haven&#39;t even thought about or questioned yet,&quot; said Melton.]]>
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			<title>Australian social media ban marred by weak platform checks, tech providers say</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604122/australian-social-media-ban-marred-by-weak-platform-checks-tech-providers-say</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604122/australian-social-media-ban-marred-by-weak-platform-checks-tech-providers-say#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 05:57:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Regulatory ​data shows millions of ​suspected under-age accounts ⁠have been removed since the law came into force]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Problems enforcing Australia&#39;s teen social media ban reflect social media platforms&#39; weak deployment of tools available to run age checks rather than the limits of the ​technology, an industry body representing the tech suppliers said.

The comments come as &zwnj;regulators step up enforcement warnings against some of the world&#39;s largest technology companies regarding Australia&#39;s social media ban of users younger than 16, since December, the world&#39;s first such measure.

&quot;The issue is not ​capability, it is application,&quot; Iain Corby, executive director of the Age Verification Providers ​Association (AVPA), in a statement.

Early shortcomings showed a need for stronger expectations and ⁠enforcement, rather than that age assurance technology did not work, it added.

Read: &lsquo;Addiction is profitable&rsquo;: Meta, Google stand trial over social media effects on children

Australia&#39;s eSafety Commissioner ​is investigating Meta&#39;s Facebook and Instagram, Google&#39;s YouTube, TikTok and Snap over suspected breaches of ​the ban.

Platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($35 million) for every breach, and the government says it is gathering evidence to support support Federal Court action if compliance does not improve.

The initial rollout ​showed age assurance products can operate accurately at scale, but platforms fail to apply ​them consistently or at key points, such as account sign-up, the association said in a report.
TikTok and &zwnj;Snap ⁠declined to comment, while Meta and Google were not immediately available for comment.

The findings push back against social media companies&#39; assertions of inadequate age-checking, contending that continued under-age access reflects how platforms are using, or not using, the tools available, rather than technical constraints.

Read More: US plaintiff blames social media for her &#39;addiction&#39;

Regulatory ​data shows millions of ​suspected under-age accounts ⁠have been removed since the law came into force.

However, Australian regulator eSafety has also flagged persistent gaps, such as failures to verify ​age at account set-up, repeated attempts at age checks until users ​pass and ⁠continued reliance on self-declared ages.

In its report the AVPA said independent testing and early live deployment suggested those weaknesses were driven mostly by platform behaviour, not technlogy shortcomings.

Key risks to ⁠effectiveness were ​over-reliance on internal age-inference models, which guess a person&#39;s ​age on the basis of online activity, and limited re-verification of existing accounts, it added.
Australia assessed members of ​the AVPA in a sweeping trial before the ban.

($1=A$1.3970)]]>
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			<title>Florida launches criminal probe into OpenAI and ChatGPT over deadly shooting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604119/florida-launches-criminal-probe-into-openai-and-chatgpt-over-deadly-shooting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604119/florida-launches-criminal-probe-into-openai-and-chatgpt-over-deadly-shooting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 05:41:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604119</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Gunman killed two people, wounded six others at Florida State University in April last year]]>
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				<![CDATA[Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said on Tuesday the state was launching a criminal probe into OpenAI and its artificial intelligence app ChatGPT over a deadly shooting last year that killed two people at Florida State University.

A gunman killed two people and wounded six others at Florida State University in April last year before he was shot by officers and hospitalized. The suspect was charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.

&quot;The chatbot advised the shooter on what type of gun to use, on which ammo went with which gun, on whether or not a gun would be useful at short range,&quot; Uthmeier said in a press briefing.

&quot;If it was a person on the other end of that screen, we would be charging them with murder.&quot;

Uthmeier&#39;s office said the investigation will determine whether &quot;OpenAI bears criminal responsibility for ChatGPT&#39;s actions in the shooting.&quot;

Read: OpenAI faces questions over safety protocols

The Office of Statewide Prosecution subpoenaed OpenAI for some information and records, it added.

The rise of AI has fed a host of concerns ranging from worries that electricity demand by data centers could raise power prices for consumers, to fears that the technology could cost workers their jobs or be used to disrupt the democratic process, turbocharge fraud or help people plan criminal activities.

An OpenAI spokeswoman told US media that the shooting was a tragedy but the company had no responsibility. The spokeswoman said that after learning of the incident, OpenAI identified a ChatGPT account believed to be associated with the suspect and &quot;proactively shared this information with law enforcement.&quot;

&quot;In this case, ChatGPT provided factual responses to questions with information that could be found broadly across public sources on the internet, and it did not encourage or promote illegal or harmful activity,&quot; the OpenAI spokeswoman said.]]>
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			<title>Apple turns to hardware veteran Ternus as CEO to succeed Cook in AI age</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603935/apple-turns-to-hardware-veteran-ternus-as-ceo-to-succeed-cook-in-ai-age</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603935/apple-turns-to-hardware-veteran-ternus-as-ceo-to-succeed-cook-in-ai-age#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 26 06:35:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603935</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New AI startup linked to Jeff Bezos attracts major investors in bid to reshape industry innovation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Apple on Monday named longtime hardware boss John Ternus as its next CEO, turning to another insider to steer the iPhone maker after Tim Cook as it navigates a world radically altered by artificial intelligence, a technology it has lagged on.

Cook, a supply-chain genius who boosted Apple&#39;s market value by $3.6 trillion in his 15 years at the helm, will stay on as executive chairman when Ternus takes over on September 1, Apple said in a statement.

Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has played a central role in reviving products such as the Mac, which has gained market share against PCs. Though he has kept a low public profile, he has been deeply involved in shaping Apple&#39;s biggest products, such as iPads and AirPods.

The transition comes at a crucial time for Apple. After years on top of the most-valuable company scoreboard, Apple has lost its crown to AI chipmaker NVIDIA, as investors have fretted over its lack of innovation in the technology that is changing how people work, create and get information.

Integrating AI into the iPhone - the most successful consumer product in history - may be Ternus&#39; hardest challenge.

Read: Apple withholds data in India antitrust case, watchdog sets final hearing

In January, Apple struck a deal with its longtime rival in smartphones, Alphabet&#39;s Google, to use Google&#39;s Gemini in an effort to improve its Siri virtual assistant.

Despite introducing a form of AI to the public imagination in 2011 with Siri, Apple has not yet scored a hardware or software product hit centred on new AI technologies, while emerging rivals such as OpenAI&#39;s ChatGPT have attracted hundreds of millions of users.

In particular, Siri has not yet become an &quot;agent&quot; - the term that AI firms use for systems that carry out complex tasks like a human assistant.

&quot;I expect his biggest challenge and efforts will be focused on getting a better AI story and offering together that relies more on Apple&#39;s own capabilities and less on third parties,&quot; said Bob O&#39;Donnell, head of tech consulting firm TECHnalysis Research.

Apple gave Ternus airtime recently

At 50, Ternus is the same age Cook was when he took over CEO duties from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Apple, which rarely allows its executives to speak publicly, has sought to elevate Ternus&#39; profile in recent years, having him speak with the press about Apple&#39;s products.

He showed off the iPhone Air in September, the biggest revamp of the firm&#39;s top-selling product in nearly a decade.

Ternus will also have to fend off rivals such as Meta Platforms, whose augmented-reality glasses have become a surprise hit with just a fraction of the capabilities - and price tag - of Apple&#39;s $3,499-plus Vision Pro headset. NVIDIA, too, has announced its own personal computer and is working on chips that can power laptops.

&quot;The promotion of Mr Ternus indicates the company will focus on new hardware devices such as folding phones, glasses, VR devices and AI pins,&quot; said Gil Luria, managing director of D.A. Davidson &amp; Co.

Cook oversaw historic growth

Apple shares declined about 0.5% after regular trading hours when the news was announced, after being up about 1% during regular trading. The stock has soared 20-fold since Cook took over as CEO in August 2011.

Cook, 65, was recruited by Jobs from Compaq at a time when that firm was riding high on the 1990s PC boom, and Jobs was working to rescue Apple from the brink of insolvency.

He made his early reputation at Apple by building out its sprawling supply chain with contract manufacturers in China, a model that became the envy of Corporate America because it kept expensive factory operations and product inventories largely off Apple&#39;s books while maximising profits.

Apple&#39;s decades of investments in China helped fuel that nation&#39;s rise as the world&#39;s workshop, a phenomenon that even Cook has found hard to shift away from.

Despite opening assembly operations in India and Vietnam, Apple still sources many key parts and subsystems from China, and Cook has not yet been able to present a &quot;Made in USA&quot; iPhone to US President Donald Trump, despite hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in Apple&#39;s US supply chain partners.

Cook, who presented a custom golden plaque to Trump last year, will continue to engage with policymakers, the company said.

Over his tenure, Cook became a celebrity CEO in his own right. He was the first Fortune 500 CEO to come out as gay in 2014 and took public stances on issues such as workplace diversity and corporate sustainability.

Separately, Apple said that Johny Srouji, who has overseen Apple&#39;s custom chip and sensor designs, has been named chief hardware officer. Srouji will continue to oversee that group, along with the hardware engineering group that Ternus once led, which will now be overseen by Tom Merieb.]]>
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			<title>World Cup last-minute ticket sales phase re-opens 50 days from kick-off</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604196/world-cup-last-minute-ticket-sales-phase-re-opens-50-days-from-kick-off</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604196/world-cup-last-minute-ticket-sales-phase-re-opens-50-days-from-kick-off#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 14:58:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604196</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FIFA says over five million tickets sold for June 11 tournament across North America]]>
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				<![CDATA[With 50 days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA&#39;s last-minute sales phase re-opens on Wednesday with tickets for ​all 104 matches available on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIFA says &zwnj;more than five million tickets have already been sold, out of an expected total of just over 6m for the tournament, which begins on June 11 ​across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

&quot;At the start of ​sale, tickets will be available across categories 1 to 3 ⁠and the front-row seat categories, depending on the match,&quot; FIFA said.

&quot;Along ​with this set of tickets, additional tickets will continue to be released ​to the public on an ongoing basis up until the final on Sunday, 19 July (subject to availability).&quot;

There has been much criticism over ticket prices, with a group of US ​lawmakers last month calling on FIFA to lower the cost, saying ​that the use of dynamic pricing has turned the World Cup into an exclusionary &zwnj;enterprise ⁠at the expense of fans.

Read More: FIFA World Cup halftime show is coming in 2026, but one big detail is still missing

In December, FIFA introduced a small number of $60 &quot;Supporter Entry Tier&quot; tickets, aiming to make the World Cup more affordable for fans of qualified teams. The cheaper tickets will make up 10% of ​Participating Member Associations&#39; (PMAs) ​allocations.

FIFA also says ⁠variable pricing is being used, where ticket prices may be adjusted based on a review of demand and ​availability, rather than dynamic pricing, which automatically modifies ticket ​prices.

The ⁠variable pricing method was used for the opening two phases of sales &mdash;&nbsp;Visa presale draw and Early draw. It was not used for the third ⁠phase, ​Random Selection Draw and PMA ticket sales, but ​is now being utilised again for the last-minute sales phase.

Wednesday&#39;s ticket sales will be available ​from 11am ET (1500 GMT).]]>
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			<title>Inter reach Italian Cup final</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604189/inter-reach-italian-cup-final</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604189/inter-reach-italian-cup-final#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 13:31:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[They fight back to beat Como]]>
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				<![CDATA[Inter Milan reached the Italian Cup final on Tuesday after coming back from two goals down to win 3-2 and go through by the same scoreline on aggregate.
Trailing early in the second half at the San Siro to brilliant goals from Martin Baturina and Lucas Da Cunha, Inter looked as good as out, but Hakan Calhanoglu dragged the hosts level with a brace and then set up Petar Sucic for a last-gasp winner.
Cristian Chivu&#39;s team will face one of Atalanta or Lazio in next month&#39;s showpiece in Rome, with the other semi-final delicately poised at 2-2 ahead of Wednesday&#39;s second leg.
Sucic&#39;s calm finish denied Como, who were in Italy&#39;s third tier as recently as 2019 when they were acquired by tobacco giant Djarum, a first appearance in the cup final.
But Inter can still claim a league and cup double as they are almost certain to win Serie A due to a 12-point lead over AC Milan and Napoli with five matches remaining in the league season.
&quot;I had a bit of luck but I&#39;m pleased we managed to turn it around. Como make it difficult because they know how to play,&quot; Calhanoglu told Mediaset, in an interview which was interrupted several times by a jubilant Marcus Thuram dancing along to fans chanting his name.
&quot;The league and cup are our two goals, we need to make sure we close out the Scudetto as soon as possible.&quot;
Roared on by over 4,000 fans who made the short trip to Milan from their lakeside homes, Como were well on top by the time Baturina perfectly slid home Ignace Van Der Brempt&#39;s cutback in the 32nd minute.
And once captain Da Cunha, who played for Como in Serie B, collected Nico Paz&#39;s perfect through ball and slotted past Josep Martinez two minutes after half-time, Inter looked dead on their feet.
But Calhanoglu halved the deficit in the 69th minute with a deflected finish, sparking the crowd back into life and beginning a late siege which eventually broke Como.
Turkey captain Calhanoglu guided home a rare header from Sucic&#39;s inswinging cross in the 86th minute and moments later the roles were reversed for the goal which kept Inter&#39;s double hopes alive.]]>
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			<title>Iran’s Vafaei takes on the world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604188/irans-vafaei-takes-on-the-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604188/irans-vafaei-takes-on-the-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 13:28:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[He is set to be in action at the snooker world championship]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iranian player Hossein Vafaei begins his campaign at the snooker world championship later Wednesday but he admits it has been hard to focus because of the bombardment of his country by the United States and Israel.
The war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has since engulfed the Gulf countries and Lebanon and ignited fears of a global energy shock.
At the moment an uneasy truce reigns which was extended by US President Donald Trump at the eleventh hour on Tuesday.
Vafaei, 31 -- Iran&#39;s first professional snooker player -- managed to blank out worries about his loved ones back home to qualify for what is his fifth appearance in the championships.
However, Vafaei, who made history when he won a world-ranking tournament in 2022, told the BBC it was hard for others to imagine the rollercoaster of emotions he is going through.
&quot;You get a bad text in the day and you can&#39;t focus on your job. How can I focus?&quot; said Vafaei, who reached the last 16 in 2023 and 2025.
&quot;No-one knows how tough it is but hopefully it will be over soon, then the safety comes back to my country.&quot;
Vafaei, who plays 2023 semi-finalist Si Jiahui of China, said fortunately for his peace of mind his family had not been harmed during the war.
&quot;It&#39;s been very hard, very, very hard. My family are safe,&quot; said Vafaei, who is known as the &quot;Persian Prince&quot;.
&quot;I&#39;m fighting as well for my country, for my family and I&#39;m trying my best and will give it my all.&quot;
Vafaei, who hails from Abadan in the southwestern province of Khuzestan bordering Iraq, said his match would be watched in Iran and he hoped to give his compatriots a much-needed lift.
&quot;If I do well, if they can see me -- of course, some of them can see me -- it will be a proud moment,&quot; said Vafaei.]]>
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			<title>Sinner: Man to beat at clay</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604186/sinner-man-to-beat-at-clay</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604186/sinner-man-to-beat-at-clay#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 13:17:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604186</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The four-time Grand Slam winner’s progression will continue this week in Madrid]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jannik Sinner was once viewed as an explosive talent custom-built for hardcourt tennis but the four-times ​Grand Slam champion&#39;s assiduous work on his patience and control has made him the man to beat on clay heading &zwnj;into the French Open.
It had long been assumed that in his era-defining rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner would scoop up more Grand Slam titles on faster surfaces while the Spaniard would have the edge on red dirt.
Alcaraz, who has won seven majors, remains a formidable claycourt player and is the reigning Roland Garros champion but lost ​to Sinner in the Monte Carlo final earlier this month. He then suffered a wrist injury in Barcelona that has disrupted his ​preparations for Paris.
Sinner&#39;s progression will continue this week in Madrid, which is at a higher altitude than the ⁠other European clay venues and quickens the pace of the surface, offering another opportunity for the 24-year-old to showcase his adaptability.
&quot;Here it&#39;s a very ​unique playing style,&quot; Sinner said.
&quot;It&#39;s a very high altitude and it can be windy at times, so it&#39;s very difficult to play. But I think ​every different kind of claycourt can help me as I&#39;m trying to improve as a player.&quot;
Results at the big tournaments seemingly offer little to choose between Sinner and Alcaraz over the last couple of years but former player and sports psychologist Jeff Greenwald believes he has identified some subtle differences emerging.
&quot;Sinner, even more than Alcaraz, ​has this unflappable demeanour that is built from this deep love and appreciation of the process,&quot; Greenwald told Reuters.
&quot;He&#39;s the poster child for mastery, ​a desire to be as good as he can be, which overrides the ever fluctuating, short-term obsession with this point, this win, that is almost always trading &zwnj;the short-term ⁠result for longer-term success.&quot;
&nbsp;
Decisive advantages
That focus on mastery over moments has steadily reshaped Sinner&#39;s approach on clay, where his tactical discipline and ability to handle uncertainty are standing out as decisive advantages ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 24.
Sinner&#39;s mental strength could be tested in a different way as he confronts the weight of expectation that comes with being seen by many as the favourite rather than the challenger over the ​next few weeks.
Greenwald said expectations were ​the most natural, yet potentially ⁠damaging, distractions for even great players.
&quot;They try to not get preoccupied by them with the &#39;process mindset&#39; as best they can but most of the players are vulnerable to this reality, given that their livelihoods are on ​the line,&quot; he added.
&quot;This is where Sinner has an advantage ... he didn&#39;t develop this (mindset) after becoming successful. It ​was baked into ⁠his training and development. So whether he&#39;s labelled a favourite by the media and other players, this will not affect him.
&quot;More than anything, it&#39;ll only solidify the confidence, remarkable resilience and joy he brings to every match.&quot;
If Alcaraz is fit to play, the French Open could prove a major mental test for ⁠Sinner after ​he lost to his great rival in last year&#39;s epic title clash.
However, with the ​career Grand Slam on the line for the Italian, he wants Alcaraz to be on the other side of the net at Roland Garros.
&quot;When you want to win, you want ​to do it by beating the best and he&#39;s among them,&quot; Sinner said.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Mbappe on the mark as Real Madrid sink Alaves</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604184/mbappe-on-the-mark-as-real-madrid-sink-alaves</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604184/mbappe-on-the-mark-as-real-madrid-sink-alaves#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 13:15:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604184</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The French intentional struck his 24th goal this season]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior scored as Real Madrid beat Alaves 2-1 on Tuesday to cling on to their slim hopes of catching Barcelona in La Liga.
Mbappe struck his league-leading 24th goal, but first since early February, with a deflected shot on the half hour at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius lashed in a second from distance early in the second half, which proved crucial as Alaves pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Toni Martinez.
The victory ended a two-match winless run in La Liga for Madrid and moved them back to within six points of leaders Barcelona, who host Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
&quot;We have six matches coming up, the next one in three days. The aim is to win those matches &ndash; that&#39;s the goal we&#39;ve set ourselves as a team,&quot; said Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose position is under increasing scrutiny.
&quot;I don&#39;t care much about what&#39;s at stake for me personally. What matters to me is what&#39;s at stake for Real Madrid.&quot;
Madrid are staring down the barrel of a second consecutive season without a major trophy following last week&#39;s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Mbappe scored in both legs of that 6-4 aggregate defeat but a barren patch in La Liga, in part because of a knee injury, coincided with arch-rivals Barcelona streaking clear at the top.
Madrid faced early pressure from relegation-threatened Alaves, who were unbeaten in four matches.
Angel Perez broke in behind the home defence before strangely opting to pass instead of shooting with just Andriy Lunin blocking his path to goal. Martinez then tested the Real &#39;keeper after finding a pocket of space.
Mbappe put Madrid ahead when his effort from just outside the box clipped a defender and wrong-footed Antonio Sivera.
The France captain then had an attempt beaten away by Sivera and Eder Militao clipped the crossbar, injuring himself in the process and having to go off before the break.
Martinez nearly levelled for Alaves when he poked a cross against the post, with his follow-up strike clawed out by Lunin.
Vinicius hammered in from 25 yards to give Madrid breathing space, and Brahim Diaz was denied by a brilliant headed clearance off the goalline.
Alaves continued to toil away as Victor Parada&#39;s diving header hit the upright. Martinez netted a consolation with an inventive flick in stoppage time before loud jeers greeted the final whistle in Madrid.
Elsewhere, Real Betis came from behind to triumph 3-2 at Girona as Rodrigo Riquelme bagged the winner 10 minutes from time.
Gorka Guruzeta&#39;s first-half goal lifted Athletic Bilbao to a 1-0 home win over Osasuna, while Mallorca and Valencia drew 1-1.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio as cases drop sharply in 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604213/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-eradicate-polio-as-cases-drop-sharply-in-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604213/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-eradicate-polio-as-cases-drop-sharply-in-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 17:36:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Officials say 1 polio case in 2026 vs 74 in 2024, 31 in 2025, showing sharp decline nationwide]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s resolve to completely eradicate polio from Pakistan, noting encouraging progress as only one case has been reported so far in 2026.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on polio eradication at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s House, the premier appreciated the tireless efforts of anti-polio teams working across the country and reiterated that eliminating the disease remains a national priority.

The prime minister emphasised that sustained coordination between federal and provincial authorities, frontline workers, and partner organisations would remain essential to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.

During the briefing, the meeting&#39;s participants were&nbsp;informed that only a single polio case had been reported this year from Sujawal district, compared with 74 cases in 2024 and 31 cases in 2025, reflecting a significant downward trend.

No cases have been reported so far in 2026 from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir.



وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت انسدادِ پولیو پر اہم جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کے شرکاء سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ وہ ملک سے پولیو کے موذی مرض کے مکمل خاتمے کے لیے پُرعزم ہیں۔

اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ 2024 میں پولیو کے 74 کیسز اور 2025 میں 31 کیسز رپورٹ ہوئے۔ خیبر&hellip; pic.twitter.com/cx9obbnrD5
&mdash; Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 22, 2026


The officials further informed the meeting&#39;s members that the number of polio-affected districts declined from 67 in the first quarter of 2025 to 23 in the first quarter of 2026. National household coverage during anti-polio campaigns remained consistently high at 98%.

The participants were told that improved access and enhanced vaccination efforts in the southern districts of KP had significantly reduced the number of children missing polio drops. A substantial decline in local transmission of the poliovirus was also recorded in the Quetta Block.

Read More: Lingering threat of polio

In Karachi, encouraging environmental surveillance results showed that poliovirus was not detected in 10 out of 12 environmental samples collected in March. Similarly, no polio case has been reported in Dera Ismail Khan district since September 2025, while the number of high-risk union councils in Bannu dropped sharply from 62 to just six.

The members were&nbsp;also informed that a strategy was&nbsp;being finalised to integrate the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) with the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) at the federal and provincial levels.

Efforts were also underway to link certain interventions of the Benazir Income Support Programme with anti-polio measures to further strengthen outreach.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for National Health Services Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Prime Minister&rsquo;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.

Despite significant progress in recent years, Pakistan remains one of the few countries in the world where polio is still crippling children, with health authorities warning that continued vigilance and public cooperation are essential to stopping transmission.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan steps up backchannel diplomacy to salvage talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604307/pakistan-steps-up-backchannel-diplomacy-to-salvage-talks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604307/pakistan-steps-up-backchannel-diplomacy-to-salvage-talks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kamran Yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604307</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ Iran's envoy meets PM as talks' fate hangs in balance
 Meeting comes at a critical juncture
 Dar continues di]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan intensified its behind-the-scenes and overt diplomatic efforts on Wednesday to revive the stalled the US-Iran peace process, as Tehran&#39;s envoy in Islamabad held a key meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against the backdrop of growing uncertainty over the next round of negotiations.

According to a brief statement issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, Reza Amiri Moghadam called on the premier to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts.

&quot;Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.4.2026 to discuss the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts,&quot; the statement read.

While the official handout did not divulge further details, diplomatic sources said the meeting took place at a critical juncture when ambiguity continues to cloud the fate of the next round of talks between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic process, they suggested, was the central focus of the discussion.

Officials familiar with the developments said Pakistan remained engaged with Iran through discreet channels, with messages being exchanged in an effort to persuade Tehran to rejoin the dialogue process.

Islamabad has played a quiet but pivotal role in facilitating contacts since the initial round of talks failed to produce a breakthrough.

The latest round of negotiations, scheduled for Wednesday, was put on hold after Iran declined to participate, casting a shadow over fragile progress achieved so far.

Despite the setback, US President Donald Trump agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire with Iran, at Pakistan&#39;s request.

The move was aimed at allowing diplomacy to regain momentum and giving Tehran time to formulate a unified response to Washington&#39;s proposals.

Even as there was no official confirmation regarding the resumption of talks, security in the federal capital remained unusually tight.

Key routes leading to Islamabad&#39;s Red Zone, housing sensitive government installations and diplomatic missions, continued to remain sealed, indicating that authorities were still preparing for a possible high-level engagement.

Diplomatic observers believe these measures signal that, despite the current impasse, a window, albeit narrow, still exists for negotiations to resume in Islamabad.

With both sides holding firm positions and the diplomatic track hanging in the balance, Pakistan&#39;s role as a facilitator remains crucial, even as uncertainty continues to define the trajectory of the peace process.

Ishaq Dar

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday praised and supported &quot;Pakistan&#39;s facilitative role in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table&quot; during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X, both sides discussed the evolving regional situation, while &quot;FM Dar underscored Pakistan&#39;s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of disputes.&quot;

The British envoy &quot;appreciated and supported Pakistan&#39;s facilitative role in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table,&#39; the statement added.

Dar also spoke with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

Both leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in peaceful settlement of disputes.

DPM/FM Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev.

During the interaction, both the dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral ties and reaffirmed the strength of PakistanKyrgyz relations, a DPM&#39;s Office news release said.

Discussing the evolving regional situation, FM Kulubaev appreciated the DPM/FM&#39;s efforts and Pakistan&#39;s constructive role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.]]>
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			<title>Capital road blockades cripple refinery logistics</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604308/capital-road-blockades-cripple-refinery-logistics</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604308/capital-road-blockades-cripple-refinery-logistics#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZAFAR BHUTTA]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604308</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Attock Refinery Ltd announces closure of main crude plant]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Amid road blockades linked to a second round of US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad, the Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has warned of a looming oil crisis, citing falling crude supplies and approached the GHQ to clear stranded crude tankers.

The refinery, which processes 100% indigenous crude oil sourced from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Potohar region, is facing an imminent shutdown due to ongoing traffic restrictions affecting the movement of both crude oil and petroleum products over the past four days.

Despite formally highlighting the gravity of the situation and its serious consequences to the Petroleum Division and OGRA, no relief has been provided so far.

The refinery had approached the GHQ and the civil administration; however, traffic restrictions in Rawalpindi and Attock districts continue unabated.

As a result, it was compelled to shut down its main distillation unit last night, and a complete refinery shutdown is likely if the restrictions are not lifted immediately.

Such a shutdown will severely disrupt the supply of petroleum products to the general public, armed forces, and power plants. Additionally, it will impact the availability of jet fuel for Islamabad and Peshawar airports.

M Adil Khattak Chief Executive Officer Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), in a letter to Ogra chairman and the director general (oil) Petroleum Division said that the closure of roads for the movement of oil tank lorries from Sunday (April 19) due to the expected arrival of foreign delegates in Islamabad.

&quot;As you are aware, the Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) is the only refinery located in the northern region of the country. It receives crude oil from local oil fields in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Potohar region, and plays a critical role in meeting the petroleum requirements of this region and beyond. This includes the supply of aviation fuel to Islamabad and Peshawar airports, as well as fuel support to the Armed Forces. Additionally, in light of the ongoing energy challenges in the country, ARL is supplying Furnace Fuel Oil to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to help mitigate power shortages,&quot; the letter reads.

The CEO said that tank lorries carrying crude oil from the PPL and the OGDCL oilfields to the ARL have been stopped by traffic police at GT Road Sohawa/Mandra and near Jaffar (approximately 15 km short of Fateh Jang on N-80) due to traffic restrictions imposed in connection with the Islamabad talks since April 19, 2026.

Similarly, tank lorries belonging to OMCs arriving at our refinery for product lifting have been restricted from entering Rawalpindi limits at multiple locations, including Rawat, Tarnol, and Fateh Jang, etc.

&quot;Abrupt suspension of the oil tank lorry movement to and from the ARL since the above date has adversely impacted crude oil receipts as well as product dispatches, directly affecting refinery operations. Due to constraints in product dispatch, our stocks of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) have increased significantly, with available ullage sufficient for only about two days,&quot; Khattak said in his letter, adding that concurrently, our crude oil receipts have declined by approximately 35% due to the road closures.

In case the traffic restrictions are not immediately lifted, we would be left with no option but to shut down our main crude distillation unit leaving only the small units to continue operations at reduced throughput.

&quot;We respectfully request your kind intervention to grant exemption from the imposed restrictions, enabling uninterrupted movement of crude and product oil tank lorries to and from the refinery. This will help prevent potential disruptions in the supply of refined petroleum products at retail outlets, including critical fuels for airports, defense requirements and power units,&quot; the letter added.]]>
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			<title>Two Pakistanis shortlisted for China astronaut corps</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604310/two-pakistanis-shortlisted-for-china-astronaut-corps</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604310/two-pakistanis-shortlisted-for-china-astronaut-corps#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[agencies]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604310</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Two Pakistanis shortlisted for China astronaut corps]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its manned space programme, CCTV reported on Wednesday. The candidates are Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud.

Both will travel to China for training, and one will participate in a flight mission as a payload specialist and become the first foreign astronaut in China&#39;s space station, CCTV said.

&quot;Upon completing all training courses and passing relevant assessments, one of them will be selected for a mission crew as a payload specialist to participate in a spaceflight, becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit the Chinese space station,&quot; the statement said as per China Daily.

The information ministry also announced the selection of the candidates in an X post, terming it a &quot;landmark advancement in Pakistan&#39;s Manned Space Mission Program&quot;

Daud and Zeeshan Ali are set to depart for China to begin advanced astronaut training at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC), the ministry said. It added, &quot;This is a significant step forward in Pakistan&#39;s space exploration journey that positions the country in the community of a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs.&quot;

Under the collaboration, the post read, &quot;Pakistan is preparing for its first-ever participation in a mission to the China Space Station (CSS),&quot; adding that the mission is planned for launch in late 2026.

Aboard the CSS, &quot;the Pakistani astronaut will conduct several scientific experiments in microgravity,&quot; which span areas including material science, fluid physics, life and bio science, and biotechnology, the ministry revealed. This, it added, brings potential applications for climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the efforts of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the post read, with the premier also appreciating the &quot;ironclad China-Pakistan brotherhood.&quot;

SUPARCO completed the secondary phase of selecting astronaut candidates, marking another step in Pakistan&#39;s Human Spaceflight Programme, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in February 2026.

Following an initial screening in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing detailed medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the ACC. SUPARCO said the evaluations were conducted in line with international human spaceflight standards.

The cooperation is based on the bilateral &quot;Astronaut Cooperation Agreement&quot; signed in February 2025 under the leadership of PM Shehbaz. Pakistan was chosen by China as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, reflecting close ties between the two countries.]]>
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			<title>Security and traffic restrictions ease in parts of twin cities; Red Zone remains sealed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604173/security-eases-in-parts-of-twin-cities-red-zone-remains-sealed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604173/security-eases-in-parts-of-twin-cities-red-zone-remains-sealed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 11:05:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604173</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[No major roads in Rawalpindi have been fully closed, though police presence remains strong and checking continues]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Security eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities opened some routes; however, the Red Zone in the capital remained sealed amid the uncertain arrival of American and Iranian delegations.

Earlier in the week, district administrations sealed entry to the Red Zone, directing all public and private offices and schools within the area to shift to online operations, while government work in the capital was moved to remote arrangements. Heavy and public transport across the capital was also suspended.

Red Zone remained closed for a third consecutive day today, with employees of both government and private offices instructed to work from home.

According to Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all entry points to the Red Zone were sealed, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining strict checkpoints. Srinagar Highway towards Serena was closed from Zero Point, while Kashmir Chowk was also shut for general traffic.

Read More: Offices, schools move online as Islamabad Red Zone sealed ahead of US-Iran talks

He added that bus terminals at Faizabad and Karachi Company remained closed, and the metro bus service across the city continued to be suspended. &quot;Bus stands and intercity transport terminals across the city also remained closed; however, the bus terminal at 26 Number Chungi has been reopened for the public.&quot;

In Islamabad&rsquo;s Blue Area, the commercial market remained closed. Jinnah Avenue, from Khayaban-e-Suharwardy (Khyber Plaza) to Parliament House, was also closed to traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended.

However, other markets across the city remained open and were operating as normal. Educational institutions in the capital were also functioning without disruption.

In Rawalpindi, security remained on high alert, particularly around the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport and along the Islamabad Expressway service roads, where shopping centres and wedding halls in surrounding areas remained closed.

According to the traffic police, markets, hostels and hotels in the Faizabad area along Murree Road also remained shut, with a continued heavy police presence. However, other markets in the city and cantonment areas were operating with routine business activity continuing.

No major roads in Rawalpindi were fully closed, though police presence remained strong and checking continued. Traffic, including light transport vehicles and private cars, was moving on the Grand Trunk Road and other major routes.

Also Read: Trump heeds CDF Munir, PM&#39;s truce call

Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries earlier this month. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remained intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce.

Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the truce, which was set to expire within hours, would remain in place until Iran submitted a comprehensive plan and negotiations reached a definitive outcome.

The two sides were set to convene in the capital for the second and final round of talks, but no date has been confirmed.]]>
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			<title>Govt to introduce single-point checking system at airports to cut delays</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604195/govt-to-introduce-single-point-checking-system-at-airports-to-cut-delays</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604195/govt-to-introduce-single-point-checking-system-at-airports-to-cut-delays#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 14:55:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604195</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Interior minister says unified checking system on single scanner will save significant time]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The government on Wednesday decided to introduce a single-point checking system at airports to enhance passenger facilitation and reduce delays.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad aimed at developing a joint strategy between the ministries of defence and interior to improve airport operations and public convenience.

The meeting reviewed joint measures to enhance passenger facilitation at Islamabad and other airports and decided to ensure stronger coordination among all relevant agencies. Officials approved the installation of advanced screening machinery to improve the checking system.



وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی زیر صدارت وزارت دفاع اور داخلہ کی مشترکہ حکمت عملی کے لیے خصوصی اجلاس
وزیر مملکت داخلہ طلال چوہدری۔سیکرٹری داخلہ محمد خرم آغا، سیکرٹری دفاع لیفٹیننٹ جنرل (ر) محمد علی، ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری داخلہ میجر جنرل نور ولی خان، pic.twitter.com/bZqyAeVX68
&mdash; Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) April 22, 2026


It was further agreed that joint counters would be established, introducing a single-point checking mechanism to reduce delays. Progress on installing e-gates was also assessed.

Naqvi emphasised providing passengers with faster clearance and easier travel procedures. &ldquo;A unified checking system on a single scanner will save significant time,&rdquo; he noted, adding that better coordination among institutions was essential to reduce crowding and long queues at airports.

&ldquo;We are committed to offering the public modern, fast, and convenient travel facilities,&rdquo; Naqvi said.

Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali informed the meeting&#39;s members&nbsp;that the latest machinery was being imported to protect aircraft from bird-related damage and potential accidents.

Also Read: Senate panel reviews security at Islamabad Airport

State Minister Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, Defence Secretary Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ali, Additional Interior Secretary Maj Gen Noor Wali Khan, Additional Defence Secretary Maj Gen Qaiser Suleman, DG Anti-Narcotics Force Maj Gen Abdul Mueed, and DG FIA Dr Usman Anwar attended the session.

In January, Naqvi had issued orders for strict screening of travel documents at airports.

In recent years, the Federal Investigation Agency has also intensified operations against illegal migration after a series of interceptions at major airports involving forged documents and suspected internal collusion.]]>
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			<title>SC redefines digital justice benchmarks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604311/sc-redefines-digital-justice-benchmarks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604311/sc-redefines-digital-justice-benchmarks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 21:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[JEHANZEB ABBASI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604311</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Conducts hearings across country using modern technology]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it had set a new benchmark in the delivery of digital justice, reaffirming its commitment to a people-friendly, transparent, and technology-driven judicial system.

In an official statement, the court said case hearings were successfully conducted across the country using modern technology, enabling seamless judicial proceedings even in challenging circumstances.

A bench in Islamabad conducted proceedings while lawyers appeared online from Quetta, Karachi, and Hyderabad. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi participated from Islamabad, while Justice Ayesha Malik joined the bench remotely from Lahore.

The court noted that proceedings continued without interruption, including during emergency situations. The full cause list was heard by the Islamabad bench, with litigants and counsel joining virtually from multiple cities.

Traditional paper-based records have largely been replaced with complete digital case files, significantly reducing the need to requisition documents from branch registries.

The Supreme Court said several key reforms have been operationalised, including case barcoding, e-filing, and e-office systems. Electronic transmission of judicial orders has enabled immediate delivery of decisions.

It added that video-link hearings have helped bridge geographical distances, lower litigation costs, and expand access to justice.

Separately, the court said it had introduced new standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Tuesday to ensure uninterrupted judicial work during unexpectedly announced public holidays.

Issued by CJ Afridi, the SOPs aim to strengthen the efficiency and continuity of court operations. Under the new framework, urgent civil and criminal matters will be prioritised, including family cases, bail applications, criminal revisions, cases involving prisoners above the age of 80, restoration petitions, settlement matters, and cases involving short legal questions.

The statement added that measures have also been introduced to address the backlog of cases, with at least 40% of cases in each final cause list to consist of the oldest pending matters up to 2018.

Special facilitation has been provided for lawyers from Sindh and Balochistan, with their cases scheduled later in the week to accommodate travel and logistical constraints.

The court further said it plans to introduce an automated case fixation system to enhance transparency and objectivity while minimising discretionary delays through algorithm-based prioritisation.

The system will include weekly and proposed monthly cause lists, aimed at improving predictability and overall case flow management.]]>
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			<title>Red Zone off limits as routes reopen</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604282/red-zone-off-limits-as-routes-reopen</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604282/red-zone-off-limits-as-routes-reopen#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 20:35:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604282</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Security, traffic curbs ease in parts of twin cities]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Security was eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities reopened some routes; however, the Red Zone in the capital remained sealed amid the uncertain arrival of American and Iranian delegations.

Earlier in the week, district administrations had sealed entry to the Red Zone, directing all public and private offices, as well as schools within the area, to shift to online operations. Government work in the capital was also moved to remote arrangements, while heavy and public transport across the city was suspended.

The Red Zone remained closed for a third consecutive day, with employees of both government and private offices instructed to work from home.

According to Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all entry points to the Red Zone were sealed, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining strict checkpoints. Srinagar Highway towards Serena was closed from Zero Point, while Kashmir Chowk was also shut for general traffic.

He added that bus terminals at Faizabad and Karachi Company remained closed, and the metro bus service across the city continued to be suspended. &quot;Bus stands and intercity transport terminals across the city also remained closed; however, the bus terminal at 26 Number Chungi has been reopened for the public.&quot;

In Islamabad&#39;s Blue Area, commercial markets remained closed. Jinnah Avenue, from Khayaban-e-Suharwardy (Khyber Plaza) to Parliament House, was also closed to traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended.

However, other markets across the city remained open and were operating normally. Educational institutions in the capital also continued functioning without disruption.

In Rawalpindi, security remained on high alert, particularly around the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport and along the Islamabad Expressway service roads, where shopping centres and wedding halls in surrounding areas remained closed.

According to traffic police, markets, hostels and hotels in the Faizabad area along Murree Road also remained shut, with a continued heavy police presence. However, other markets in the city and cantonment areas were operating with routine business activity continuing. No major roads in Rawalpindi were fully closed.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan among top child mortality reducers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604283/pakistan-among-top-child-mortality-reducers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604283/pakistan-among-top-child-mortality-reducers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 20:35:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604283</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[WHO says 2.6 million child deaths averted through vaccination]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan was ranked among the top five countries worldwide for absolute reduction in child deaths, owing to vaccination efforts, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Pakistan had averted 2.6 million child deaths from preventable diseases. The country had also eradicated smallpox, reduced paralytic polio cases by 99.8 per cent, and ensured neonatal tetanus-free areas for 80 per cent of its population.

Since 1994, powered by the medical science behind vaccines, Pakistan has reduced paralytic polio cases by 99.8 per cent up to 2025.

The statement said Pakistan, in collaboration with the WHO, has protected 160 million children and 130 million mothers with life-saving vaccines over five decades.

It further added that Pakistan obtained WHO certification for the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

According to WHO, this ensured that approximately 80 per cent of the country&#39;s population now lived in areas where neonatal tetanus no longer posed a public health threat, with fewer than one case per 1,000 live births.

&quot;The achievement is the result of joint efforts by governments, partners, frontline health workers, communities, and parents across the country,&quot; it said.

WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luo Dapeng, said the organisation was proud to stand with Pakistan to support more than 15,000 routine vaccinators on the ground and over 400,000 polio vaccinators.

He added that these efforts aimed &quot;to protect every child and every mother, regardless of social or economic status, and no matter where they live or who they are.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Govt plans one-window airport screening</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604284/govt-plans-one-window-airport-screening</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604284/govt-plans-one-window-airport-screening#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 20:35:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604284</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The government has decided to install modern machinery at airports to improve the checking process and facilitate passengers through a one-window operation. This decision was made in a special meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday.

The meeting aimed to evolve a joint strategy between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence to ensure foolproof security at airports. It discussed joint measures to facilitate the public at airports and decided to ensure effective coordination among all relevant institutions.

The meeting also decided to establish joint counters and introduce a unified checking system at a single point. It also reviewed progress on the installation of e-gates at airports.

Naqvi stressed the need to provide passengers with faster clearance and easier travel facilities. He stated that joint checking on a single scanner by all institutions would save time and facilitate people.

&quot;Congestion and waiting times at airports can be reduced through coordination among institutions. The government is committed to providing modern and convenient travel facilities to the public,&quot; he said.

The secretary defence informed the participants that modern machinery is being imported to prevent damage to aircraft and accidents caused by birds at airports.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha, Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali and Additional Secretary Interior Maj Gen (retd) Noor Wali Khan attended the session.

Additional Secretary Defence Maj Gen (retd) Qaiser Suleman, Anti-Narcotics Force Director Gen Maj (retd) General Abdul Mueed, and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr Usman Anwar also took part in the meeting.]]>
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			<title>PTA blocks illegal medicine websites</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604285/pta-blocks-illegal-medicine-websites</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604285/pta-blocks-illegal-medicine-websites#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 20:35:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604285</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked four websites involved in the sale of unregistered and banned medicines, officials said on Wednesday.

The action was taken following a request from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), which had identified the websites engaged in the online sale of unregistered and smuggled drugs.

PTA officials said the move is part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal online sale of medicines. As an initial step, four websites have been blocked, while further action will be taken against other platforms involved in similar activities.]]>
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			<title>PR's upgraded booking office starts working</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604286/prs-upgraded-booking-office-starts-working</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604286/prs-upgraded-booking-office-starts-working#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 20:35:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604286</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Railways on Wednesday commenced operations at its newly upgraded Reservation Office at the Headquarters, aiming to provide passengers with improved, comfortable, and modern facilities.

Under the project, the Reservation Office has been completely renovated and equipped with a modern and elegant interior.

A total of 15 well-organized ticketing counters have been established to facilitate passengers, including separate counters for ladies, gents, and senior citizens. A dedicated information desk has also been set up to guide and assist visitors. The office is now fully air-conditioned and offers seating capacity for up to 30 persons.]]>
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			<title>Amidst blockade and ceasefire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604222/amidst-blockade-and-ceasefire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604222/amidst-blockade-and-ceasefire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604222</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The uneasy peace prevailing in the region amidst ceasefire got a sigh of relief as President Trump announced its unilateral &quot;indefinite&quot; extension, hoping for a serene rejoinder from the Iranians. It is an important step toward de-escalation and provides the necessary space for diplomacy and confidence-building between the arch foes. The decision from White House came in the backdrop of another considerate plea from Pakistan, wherein the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister, requested for sticking to silencing of guns. The fact that Trump agreed to oblige is appreciated, and deserves to be reciprocated by the other side.

Tehran, however, has some serious reservations as it blames Washington for the trust deficit. It says that there will be &quot;no talks with the US until the blockade is lifted&quot;. This positioning is creating an impediment to furthering a second round of talks in Islamabad, as Iran believes the blockade itself is a &#39;violation of the ceasefire&#39;. This new status quo is tantamount to one step forward, and two steps back. The US delegation too is on a standby in Washington, as the security mosaic in the Strait of Hormuz is deteriorating with time. Reports say that at least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the backwaters of Iran on Wednesday, as the IRGC says it is &quot;prepared to deliver new surprises&quot;, warning of dire consequences over any &quot;renewed act of aggression&quot;.

There is something tangible missing on the wavelength of negotiations. The language of intimidation apparently on the part of President Trump, as he keeps on threatening &quot;use of massive power&quot;, has derailed the level-playing field achieved in Islamabad. Likewise, the Iranians are unrelenting and want the Americans to &quot;succumb&quot; on their stated positions before hitting the table. That means Trump&#39;s capitulation at home. This stalemate is undermining the hard work of mediation and facilitation that has been underway for almost a month. It&#39;s time for resuming the dialogue instantly so that an impasse is avoided.]]>
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			<title>Pahalgam: one year on</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604223/pahalgam-one-year-on</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604223/pahalgam-one-year-on#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[A year after the bloodshed in Pahalgam, the questions have not gone away. If anything, they have only sharpened. Twenty-six lives were lost in April 2025 in one of the deadliest attacks in the disputed region in decades. From the outset, India moved with striking speed. Within minutes, an FIR was registered and blame was pinned on Pakistan without the benefit of investigation or forensic clarity.

That haste has remained the defining feature of the episode. Despite repeated assertions, New Delhi has yet to place verifiable, credible evidence before the international community. Islamabad&#39;s offer for a neutral, transparent probe was dismissed, a decision that continues to raise uncomfortable questions about intent. The sequence that followed suggests that the attack was treated as a strategic opening. Within days, India escalated across multiple fronts. The unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty signalled readiness to weaponise water. Military strikes soon followed, pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink. An apparent attempt to establish a new normal, where unverified allegations could justify cross-border action, proved counterproductive. Pakistan&#39;s response was swift and calibrated. The downing of multiple Indian aircraft during the May 2025 exchanges altered the battlefield narrative and punctured the aura of unilateral dominance that New Delhi appeared keen to project. The episode, in turn, elevated Pakistan&#39;s standing in diplomatic and strategic circles internationally, positioning it stronger within the region. Equally troubling has been the information war that accompanied the crisis. Sections of the Indian media amplified claims that were neither independently verified nor diplomatically substantiated.

Over the years, a pattern has emerged where allegations are swiftly levelled against Pakistan, often without publicly verifiable proof, followed by attempts at escalation. Each time, however, the response has been met with a befitting counter-response, reinforcing a reality that coercive signalling in South Asia does not go unanswered. If there is a lesson to be drawn, it lies in the futility of trying to construct precedent through unverified claims.]]>
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			<title>Floods and lost jobs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604224/floods-and-lost-jobs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604224/floods-and-lost-jobs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Apart from the immediate impact on human life and infrastructure, the 2025 floods also had a lasting impact on the job market, washing away some 3.3 million jobs, according to ILO. This staggering figure is yet another illustration of how much Pakistan has to suffer because of a problem that it has played almost no role in creating - climate change.

Meanwhile, the US, which historically has had the worst impact on the environment, is led by a man who claims climate change isn&#39;t real and whose desire to wage war on windmills rivals Don Quixote. But the problem isn&#39;t isolated to the climate denier in chief. Even countries that have made massive investments in their own climate preparedness regularly fail to follow through when asked to compensate the victims of their past policies with investments in these developing countries&#39; mitigation infrastructure. This leaves Pakistan and other victims of the developed world&#39;s abuse of the environment to fend for themselves.

Despite some initial post-disaster assistance focused on relief activities, foreign aid usually dries up once the immediate effects of the disaster have been addressed. Unfortunately, just because the flood water has receded and people have begun returning home, it does not mean life goes back to normal. Millions of people will be without work, a problem that is most pronounced in rural areas, where farmland can be rendered unusable for several months after a flood, leaving daily-wage farmworkers without any means of supporting themselves. According to ILO data, about 78% of the 3.3 million jobs lost were in rural areas.

The ILO&#39;s suggested solutions would go a long way in addressing future climate change-induced calamities, but financing them remains difficult. The world&#39;s great polluters are already unwilling to finance relief work when disasters are beamed live onto their TV and phone screens. It will be even harder to convince leaders and taxpayers in these countries to finance years-long operations to increase resilience, create alternative employment opportunities, and offer skills training.]]>
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			<title>US-Iran stand-off - beyond the rhetoric</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604226/us-iran-stand-off-beyond-the-rhetoric</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604226/us-iran-stand-off-beyond-the-rhetoric#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Inam Ul Haque]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The second round of peace talks between Iran and the US slated initially for April 16, 2026, in Islamabad, are postponed hours away from expiration of the two-week ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on April 7. However, President Trump extended the ceasefire on April 21, at the urging of PM Sharif and Gen Asim, until Iran submits a &#39;unified proposal&#39; concluding the discussions. Iranian delegation &#39;ostensibly&#39; refused Islamabad Peace Talks 2.0 planned for Wednesday April 22.

As per factual situation, despite the extension of truce, American Forces continue with the naval blockade of Iranian ports; hence, Tehran refuses to negotiate under the &#39;shadow of threats&#39; and while the naval blockade persisted. VP JD Vance&#39;s planned trip to Islamabad remains on hold. The key sticking points include: a) Iran&#39;s nuclear programme, wherein the US is demanding removal of Iranian nuclear stockpile and an end to 60% uranium enrichment; b) Strait of Hormuz (SoH). The US demands reopening of the waterway to global energy trade without Iran&#39;s conditionalities, while Iran insists ending the naval blockade first; and c) Lebanon conflict and disagreement over ceasefire extension to the war in Lebanon. The US-Israel alliance maintains the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, whereas Iran and Pakistan contend Lebanon was part of the initial understanding. Other items on the agenda are permanent peace, proxies, reparations to Iran, besides sanctions relief, etc.

Recent events have created a deadlock. Iran first. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastline, imposed on April 13 as &#39;kinetic expansion&#39; of the biting economic sanctions, deprives Tehran of the oil revenue and critical imports including food, fertilisers, raw materials, etc. The CENTCOM-enforced blockade has diverted over 25 commercial vessels after interception as of April 20. The USS Spruance intercepted and disabled M/V Touska, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, on April 19. Contrary to some reports, the US blockade is not covering the entire Strait, as it would be unlawful to impede neutral traffic from Oman and the UAE. American ships are deployed in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Arabian Sea.

Iran justifiably considers naval blockade a violation of the ceasefire and has called it an &#39;act of piracy&#39;, and has in response, closed SoH to most hostile traffic. Trust deficit and Iran&#39;s accusation of the US going back on commitments are cited as the main reasons for Tehran&#39;s recalcitrance and non-participation in Islamabad Talks 2.0. However, it is important for both parties to realise that talks are the only way to move forward. Both sides have no other good enough options.

America needs to know that Iran&#39;s indomitable will could not be broken by their incessant bombing. Iran may be militarily down but not out. The regime and IRGC enjoy discernable advantage in the &#39;intangible force-multipliers&#39; of the National Power Potential (NPP), like justness-of-cause, will-to-fight, morale and motivation, etc. That enforcement of blockade and interception of Iranian missile and drone swarms are drawn-out, expensive and psychologically degrading for its Arab allies, especially its prot&eacute;g&eacute; Israel, protecting whom initiated the conflict in the first place. That the conflict will not end anytime soon and has already cost US Republicans dearly. That the specter of war continuing without a clear outcome would cast a shadow for Trump Administration in the November mid-term elections, as America &ndash; even Trump&#39;s MAGA base &ndash; is against costly overseas wars. It is an unpopular war that has divided if not ruptured the Trans-Atlantic alliance like never before. President Trump cannot continue with talks and say acrimonious things on social media, driving the Iranian mediators away. Iran by blocking SoH and extending the war to Arab Middle East continues to play havoc with world energy supply chain, however, desperate this might appear to be.

Iran should realise that by holding on to the US-Israeli onslaught for as long as it did, it has re-written its history adding laurels. In the eyes of world citizenry, it is a clear winner, having militarily denied the attainment of war objectives (regime change, de-nuclearisation/de-missilefication, military surrender, etc) to a much stronger side. The regime despite massive fatalities has remained steady and unruffled, even if bruised. Iranian people have flocked to the once unpopular clergy leadership, just as people do in crises. IRGC/Pasdaran, as ideological military machine, has proved its mettle. And lastly, Iran&#39;s geography has won over Coalition&#39;s military superiority.

However, beyond this point, persisting in hostilities will be counterproductive. The collective NPP of Coalition far exceeds Iran&#39;s battered NPP. Naval blockade will further sap Tehran&#39;s military industrial capacity. And in the mid to long-term, the law of diminishing returns will play out to Iran&#39;s clear disadvantage. Continuous interference with the oil and gas traffic through SoH will enhance the already worrying energy hardship in Asia and beyond, especially in Europe and the Global South. Plus, bombing the Arab neighbours will vitiate the global public opinion against Iran, in the not-too-distant future. This will cause the world and the UN to gravitate towards an Afghanistan-style Resolution(s) against Iran, seen then as a bad actor.

Naval blockade, the specter of ground incursions selectively along Hormuz coastline, capturing the Kharq export terminal, and bombing Iran&#39;s military, economic and industrial targets will push Iran to untold misery and hardships, for no fault of most of Iran&#39;s peace-loving citizenry. Its government needs to know when to stop strategic over-reach, bombast and bluster. The consequences of persisting in error are grave and costly.

Talks, therefore, are the only option for both sides, especially for Iran. The process must be continued to discuss the sticking point and agree to disagree. Nations do not shun diplomacy and dialogue in favour of anger and angst. You need to walk the talk and sometimes fight and talk. Modern state cannot just sulk and brood.

And lastly, the Indo/Afghan-sponsored detractors of Pakistan&#39;s peace efforts. Although RSS leadership acutely suffers from the &#39;sour grape syndrome&#39;, Pakistan&#39;s civil and military leadership, nonetheless, is doing poor Indians, forming miles-long lines at gas stations, a favour by easing their situation. This warrants gingerly Indian support, as heartfelt gratitude does not come easy to Modi&#39;s India.]]>
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			<title>From Pulwama to Pahalgam</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604227/from-pulwama-to-pahalgam-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604227/from-pulwama-to-pahalgam-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Durdana Najam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[There is an emerging tendency in Indian strategic discourse to interpret the period from the 2019 Pulwama attack to the 2025 Pahalgam incident as evidence of a &quot;new strategic normal&quot; in South Asia. The argument suggests that India has altered deterrence dynamics, imposed calibrated costs on Pakistan, and reshaped the regional balance through a combination of limited military strikes, sustained diplomatic pressure, and internal restructuring in Jammu and Kashmir.

But from a Pakistani perspective - and increasingly even from within serious strategic scholarship - this narrative does not hold up. What has actually emerged over the last several years is not a transformed regional order, but a crisis cycle, where escalation substitutes for strategy and messaging replaces resolution.

At the centre of this shift is what is often described as the Modi-era doctrine, associated with Narendra Modi. It rests on a simple assumption: that military force, diplomatic pressure and domestic narrative control can together coerce Pakistan into compliance while reshaping Kashmir internally. The problem is not ambition - it is the gap between ambition and outcome.

That gap became visible almost immediately after Pulwama. India&#39;s 2019 airstrikes in Balakot were projected as proof that geography no longer constrained retaliation and that a &quot;new normal&quot; had arrived. Yet the strategic literature that followed was far more cautious.

Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment has argued that limited military strikes rarely generate lasting coercive effect in nuclear environments, because adversaries adapt rather than capitulate. Similarly, Indian strategic analyst Sumit Ganguly has warned that such exchanges increase the risk of miscalculation rather than delivering control. Even within India, Pravin Sawhney has described Balakot as exposing a deeper problem: the widening gap between political messaging and operational military reality.

In simple terms, Balakot did not establish dominance. It established managed escalation, where both sides signalled strength but neither achieved strategic breakthrough.

That pattern becomes even clearer when viewed alongside developments in Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The decision was meant to permanently settle the constitutional question of Jammu and Kashmir and integrate it fully into India&#39;s federal structure. Instead, it has produced a more complicated reality on the ground.

Indian political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta has long cautioned that coercion cannot be mistaken for normalcy. What appears as stability under heavy security presence often masks unresolved political tension. Journalistic reporting by Aakar Patel and Barkha Dutt has similarly pointed to the gap between official claims of integration and persistent alienation within the Valley.

The shift of unrest towards areas like Pahalgam only reinforces this point. It suggests not resolution, but episode of a continuing dispute - one that has been contained, not settled.

Alongside this internal strategy, India has pursued a sustained effort to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. This has included pressure in multilateral forums, financial scrutiny mechanisms, and narrative framing of Pakistan as a source of regional instability. Yet here too, outcomes have fallen short of expectations.

Pakistan&#39;s exit from the FATF grey list in 2022, along with its continued engagement in global diplomacy, reflects the limits of this approach. As Indian journalist Shekhar Gupta has noted, complete diplomatic isolation of Pakistan is far more difficult in practice than in political rhetoric. Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center similarly observes that Pakistan continues to function as a relevant regional actor, particularly in situations where larger powers require diplomatic intermediaries.

Then came Pahalgam in 2025 - and with it, a familiar script. Immediate attribution, rapid escalation, military response under Operation Sindoor, and then de-escalation through external channels. India again framed its actions as part of an evolved &quot;new normal&quot;. But the outcome, once more, was strategically inconclusive.

External assessments of the 2025 India-Pakistan confrontation suggest that while both states demonstrated capability, neither altered the underlying deterrence balance. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has perhaps captured it most accurately, describing the region as locked in a condition of &quot;suspended hostility&quot; - neither peace nor war, but something more unstable: managed tension without resolution.

There is also a domestic dimension that cannot be ignored. Former Indian naval officer C Uday Bhaskar points out that India&#39;s military actions after a crisis are often influenced by politics at home. In these situations, strength is judged not only by military strategy but also by how it looks to the public. This means that international crises are used in domestic political messaging, which leaves less room for careful restraint and creates more pressure to respond in a tough and sometimes escalatory way.

Seen together, these patterns point to a consistent reality.

Pakistan has not been isolated despite sustained diplomatic pressure.

India has not achieved escalation dominance despite repeated demonstrations of force.

And Kashmir remains unresolved despite major constitutional and security interventions.

What has emerged instead is a cycle of coercion without closure - a pattern where each crisis produces movement, but not resolution; signalling, but not stability.

The deeper issue, then, is not tactical failure but strategic limitation. Coercion can shape behaviour in moments, but it cannot resolve entrenched political disputes in a nuclearised environment where both sides retain credible deterrence.

South Asia today is not moving toward change through force or pressure. Instead, it is settling into a steady pattern of controlled instability - where crises are absorbed, stories are amplified, and outcomes are kept within limits.

Unless this deeper reality is recognised, the region will keep moving from one crisis to the next - from Pulwama to Pahalgam, and then to whatever follows - without ever breaking free from the cycle that now defines it.]]>
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			<title>Oct 7 attack and 'Greater Israel'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604221/oct-7-attack-and-greater-israel</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604221/oct-7-attack-and-greater-israel#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 19:31:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Jan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Israel may have pulled a stunt even the wildest conspiracy theorists would struggle to make sense of. Before the much-exploited October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, many Arab states were prepared to recognise Israel and establish diplomatic relations with the Zionist state.

When the Hamas attack happened, the most straightforward analysis was that Hamas did it in order to jeopardise any chances of friendly relations between Israel and the Arab states. A recognition of Israel by the Arab world would mean the death of the state of Palestine. Therefore, Hamas pulled this stunt. And in the ensuing months after the attack, especially after the Israeli terrorism in Gaza, it became clear that diplomatic recognition of Israel was a lost cause for the Gulf states.

But a careful and slow look at this picture actually points to a more nuanced understanding of another ulterior motive behind all this. We know for a fact that Hamas was not only created by Israel but recent reports have emerged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped Hamas stay alive and strong by facilitating huge bags of cash to be transported to them through Israel. Here is what else we know: Israel does not want to define its permanent borders because it wants to keep encroaching upon more and more land that does not belong to it. Actually the entire state is the most brutal and cunning real estate heist in recent memory.

There is no reason to believe that such a thief state would give up on its ways to stop stealing more land for its notorious greater Israel project. And that is where this becomes interesting to look at the same facts and come to a different understanding. We have not been asking the wrong questions, but rather answering the same questions with wrong answers.

Hamas attack killed any hopes of Israeli recognition by the Gulf states not because that was the plan of Hamas but rather that is what Israel had wanted. Because a recognition of the state of Israel would mean an endless demand by these Gulf states to create a path for the establishment of the state of Palestine but it would also solidify the border lines of Israel, which is anathema to the Zionist state. Furthermore, an Israel recognised by the Arab states creates a semblance of peace, which damages the Israeli designs to benefit from the chaos in that region. Israel never wanted the Gulf recognition of Israel. It never needed it. It can grab more real estate and can kill more people with more impunity banking on the fiction of being attacked by Hamas than in the absence of it and living in a neighborhood where other states have recognised it as a legitimate state.

If you look at the news about the Iran war, every few hours there is either a ceasefire or a violation of it. This perpetual uncertainty and permanent state of conflict are exactly what Israel wants because it could eventually lead to weakening the Gulf region &ndash; a situation favourable for its &#39;Greater Israel&#39; project.]]>
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			<title>Aima Baig and 'Rastah' founder Zain Ahmed are officially married</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559938/aima-baig-and-rastah-founder-zain-ahmed-are-officially-married</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559938/aima-baig-and-rastah-founder-zain-ahmed-are-officially-married#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 25 11:57:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category><category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2559938</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Singer makes announcement through IG post]]>
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				<![CDATA[Congratulations are in order for&nbsp; Aima Baig and Zain Ahmed. Aima took to Instagram and penned, &ldquo;Married my best friend last night, Alhumdulillah.&rdquo; The two have been together since 2024 and made it official in an intimate ceremony in Canada last night.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&ldquo;It still feels like a dream. It actually happened.&rdquo; she wrote with a string of ring emojis. &ldquo;Keep us in your Duas as we begin this new chapter together.&rdquo; Aima reassured fans that more photos of her as a bride are to come. &ldquo;Will be uploading our solo pictures eventually, super overwhelmed for now but IA soon.&rdquo; she said.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DNAm1qDT6da/




&nbsp;Whispers of the pair began to circulate the internet in 2024 and speculation continued to rise after the singer shared several pictures with Zain on Instagram.

On one such occasion, Aima shared an Instagram story with Zain as the two adorned their necks with chains and twin charms. The three heart emojis accompanying the story coupled with the two evidently showing off their matching accessories were, at the very least, indicative of their closeness to each other.&nbsp;

Aima rose to fame through her contribution to the Lahore Se Aagey soundtrack and went on to perform for Coke Studio, as well as collaborating with renowned artists such as Atif Aslam. She has also worked on the music for the film Parey Hut Love.

Zain co-founded Rastah, a Lahore-based streetwear brand, in 2018. The label focuses on sustainable and artisanal fashion, with its products designed, sourced, and crafted by local artisans in Pakistan in limited runs.

Rastah has gained international attention, with features in Vogue and its clothing worn by notable figures such as Justin Bieber, rapper French Montana, and Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed.]]>
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			<title>Kanye West calls Virgil Abloh’s death a message for those who ‘steal’ from him</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542793/kanye-west-calls-virgil-ablohs-death-a-message-for-those-who-steal-from-him</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542793/kanye-west-calls-virgil-ablohs-death-a-message-for-those-who-steal-from-him#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 25 11:25:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Pop Culture &amp; Art]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Ye cannot seem to keep his late friend's name out of his mouth.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Kanye West, now known simply as Ye, has sparked intense conversation once again, this time during a Parti livestream with Sneako over the weekend.

The rapper and fashion icon used Virgil Abloh&rsquo;s death as a heavy-handed example of what happens to people who, in his view, &quot;steal&quot; from him.

At around the 15-minute mark of the stream, Ye shared, &ldquo;You know when ns be really mad? It&rsquo;s when you actually give them something &lsquo;cause they don&#39;t want to actually receive, so they want to take it from them. But if you give it to them, it&rsquo;ll make it really make them feel bad like, &lsquo;Damn.&rsquo; And then the best? The blessings are bestowed as I bestow grace on these ns.&rdquo;

Ye didn&rsquo;t stop there.

He continued, &ldquo;And I&#39;m like, man, ns who go against me be dead, bro. Ns who steal from me, bro, look at Virgil, he dead, bro. N****s who steal from me and try to take the king position be dead, bro.&rdquo;








Doubling down on his statements, he added, &ldquo;When we say &lsquo;watch the throne,&rsquo; it&#39;s only one throne. It&#39;s only one king, and we know who the king is obviously. Who y&#39;all watching, who y&#39;all care about?&rdquo;

Just a minute deeper into the conversation, Ye connected Abloh&rsquo;s appointment as Louis Vuitton&rsquo;s artistic director in 2018 to personal trauma, along with &quot;dealing with [his] children&quot; and the death of his mother back in 2007.

This is far from the first time Ye has spoken harshly about Virgil Abloh since his passing from a private cancer battle in 2021.

Earlier this year, Ye posted a fiery rant on X (formerly Twitter), where he said, &ldquo;I LOVE TRAV VIRGIL AND DRAKE DRAKE THE REALEST ONE OF THOSE THREE THOUGH HE NOT FAKE COOL HE&rsquo;S JUST TALENTED AF AND YES ITS FUCK VIRGIL AND ANY OF THESE OTHER N****S THAT WORKED FOR ME THAN USED ME THEN WENT AGAINST ME I LOVE VIRGIL AND HE USED THAT VERY LOVE TO BEAT NIGERIANS ARE SUPER SMART.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Ye also out right tweeted, &#39;F*** Virgil. His tweet sent a shockwave to fans since the two had a long standing friendship.&nbsp;



Earlier this year, West also revealed why he turned on Abloh.&nbsp;



While many fans still mourn Abloh&rsquo;s contributions to fashion and culture, Ye&rsquo;s comments are yet another reminder of the complicated legacy between the two former collaborators.]]>
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			<title>7 surprising foods that boost your gut health (backed by science)</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542754/7-surprising-foods-that-boost-your-gut-health-backed-by-science</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542754/7-surprising-foods-that-boost-your-gut-health-backed-by-science#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 25 07:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[What you eat today can shape your gut and your health for years to come.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When people think of gut health, they usually picture yogurt, kefir, or maybe the occasional probiotic supplement.

But the truth is, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome goes far beyond the usual suspects.

Your gut, home to trillions of bacteria, plays a vital role not only in digestion but also in immunity, mental health, and even skin clarity.

According to a 2022 review published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &amp; Hepatology, diverse diets rich in prebiotics, polyphenols, and fermented foods are key to cultivating a thriving microbiome.

If you&#39;re looking to support your gut health in a more creative way, here are seven unexpected foods, backed by science, that can make a real difference.

1. Dark Chocolate



Good news for chocolate lovers: dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) contains polyphenols that act like fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. Research in Frontiers in Nutrition (2021) shows that cocoa flavonoids help increase populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, two crucial &quot;good&quot; bacteria.

2. Seaweed



Popular in Japanese cuisine, edible seaweeds like nori, wakame, and kombu are rich in fibre and unique polysaccharides. Studies, including one in Marine Drugs (2020), show that these fibres serve as excellent prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria and even supporting the growth of less common gut microbes.

3. Green Bananas



While ripe bananas are a source of simple sugars, unripe green bananas are packed with resistant starch, a type of fibre that resists digestion and feeds healthy gut bacteria. Clinical research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) found resistant starch can boost butyrate production, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for colon health.

4. Artichokes



Jerusalem and globe artichokes are among the richest natural sources of inulin, a powerful prebiotic fibre. A study in The British Journal of Nutrition (2016) found that consuming artichoke extract significantly increased Bifidobacteria levels in healthy adults.

5. Miso



This fermented soybean paste is a staple in Japanese cooking and is loaded with probiotics. According to a 2022 paper in Foods, regular consumption of miso can enhance microbiota diversity and reduce markers of inflammation in the gut.

6. Pistachios



These nuts are more than just a snack &mdash; they are packed with fibre and polyphenols. A controlled trial published in The Journal of Nutrition (2014) found that participants who ate pistachios daily had significantly higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria compared to those who ate almonds.

7. Pomegranate Seeds



Bursting with antioxidants and fibre, pomegranate seeds (also called arils) have been shown to modulate the gut microbiome positively. A 2021 review in Nutrients found that pomegranate polyphenols can promote the growth of anti-inflammatory bacterial strains and may help repair the gut lining.]]>
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			<title>9 gorgeous 3D flower nail designs to brighten up your spring mani</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542751/9-gorgeous-3d-flower-nail-designs-to-brighten-up-your-spring-mani</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542751/9-gorgeous-3d-flower-nail-designs-to-brighten-up-your-spring-mani#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 25 07:37:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2542751</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The perfect blend of intricate detail and seasonal beauty.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Spring is the perfect time to refresh your look, and what better way to do that than with a stunning, floral-inspired mani?

3D flower nail art has been taking the nail world by storm, offering a fun and fresh way to bring some extra flair to your fingertips.

Whether you&#39;re heading to a garden party, brunch with friends, or just looking to brighten up your day, these intricate and creative designs add a playful touch to any outfit.

From soft pastel florals to bold, vibrant blooms, 3D flowers give your nails an elevated, textured effect that&#39;s sure to turn heads.

So, if you&#39;re ready to embrace the season with style, keep reading for 9 of our favorite 3D flower nail designs that are sure to inspire your next spring mani.

1. Feeling Blue



These pink and blue nails are total and utter perfection. Each finger is different, yet together, they look totally cohesive. If we had to choose a fave nail, though, it would have to be the cobalt digit with a 3D flower (of course).

2. Flowers in Bloom



Real flowers may only flourish for a few short days, but nail art flowers will last for weeks. Look closely, and you&#39;ll notice how the speckles on these flowers are also on the French tips. Stunning!

3. Short and Vibrant



You can embrace 3D flowers without long, or even medium-length, nails. The vibrant color pairings in this super short set are especially fun.

4. Butter Yellow



What do you get when you combine aura nails with 3D flowers in butter yellow? This glorious masterpiece. The combo of pale and bright yellow is chef&#39;s kiss, and the dainty flowers elevate the whole look.

5. Summer Vibes



Yellow is, without a doubt, one of our absolute go-to hues for spring and summer, and we can&#39;t get enough of the butter yellow, mustard, and gold blend in this set. The mismatched look includes French tips, 3D flowers, and even a touch of chrome.

6. Pastel Aura



We don&#39;t know about you, but this pastel aura mani makes us want to book a trip to Hawaii ASAP. You can try DIY-ing a 3D flower manicure with nail charms, but if you&#39;d prefer builder gel flowers, we suggest taking this photo to your nail tech for inspo.

7. Spring Fling



When we first laid eyes on this spring fling mani, we knew it deserved a spot on our mood board. The pearlescent nails have gorgeous mermaid vibes, but we think the 3D flower is the real star of the show.

8. Textured Floral Frenchy



A classic French nail will never go out of style, but if you want to take yours to the next level, take note from this mani and add some florals. After painting on light pink French tips, grab some white flower decals and pop on some rhinestones for a touch of bling.

9. Chrome Accents



We&#39;re firmly Team Chrome. The dusting of gold and pink chrome over these subtle 3D flowers is so unique (and bound to get you compliments left and right).]]>
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			<title>JENNIE rocked 1992 archival Mugler for her Coachella weekend two set</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541522/jennie-rocked-1992-archival-mugler-for-her-coachella-weekend-two-set</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541522/jennie-rocked-1992-archival-mugler-for-her-coachella-weekend-two-set#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 25 10:05:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Pop Culture &amp; Art]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2541522</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Stun in Mugler 'like JENNIE.']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Jennie changed her look for the second weekend of Coachella 2025 but stayed true to her Western-inspired theme.

For her Sunday set, the Blackpink star wore a full Mugler ensemble, showcasing standout archival pieces from the fashion house.

Her outfit centred around a buckled wrap coat dress from Thierry Mugler&rsquo;s iconic spring 1992 Les Cow-boys collection.

She paired it with striking red vinyl shorts, blending high fashion with rodeo flair.



The Les Cow-boys line was a bold homage to motorcycle and Western culture, featuring statement-making designs such as fringe skirts, cowhide suits, and leather chaps.

Jennie isn&rsquo;t the first pop icon to tap into the collection&rsquo;s legacy. Back in 2008, Beyonc&eacute; wore a motorcycle-style bustier from Les Cow-boys while promoting her album &ldquo;I Am&hellip;Sasha Fierce.&rdquo;

Stylist Park Min Hee was behind Jennie&rsquo;s latest Coachella transformation.

On 11 April, Min Hee had already dressed Jennie in another Western-inspired look for weekend one of the festival.





That ensemble featured a crocodile-embossed jacket and matching bra top from Georges Hobeika&rsquo;s autumn 2025 collection, completed with custom mini shorts by Cotton Candy LA.

Min Hee has played a pivotal role in shaping Blackpink&rsquo;s fashion since 2017, including styling the group in custom Mugler during their 2023 Coachella appearance as headliners.



Jennie&rsquo;s weekend two set included 12 songs, among them fan favourites like &ldquo;Mantra,&rdquo; &ldquo;F.T.S.,&rdquo; &ldquo;Like JENNIE,&rdquo; and a surprise on-stage collaboration with Kali Uchis for &ldquo;Damn Right.&rdquo;

Outside of her performances, Jennie continues to represent Chanel globally. Since 2017, she has fronted campaigns for the luxury label, promoting its fashion and beauty lines across the world.]]>
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			<title>After 15 years, 'King of the Hill' is returning to TV on Hulu</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541511/after-15-years-king-of-the-hill-is-returning-to-tv-on-hulu</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541511/after-15-years-king-of-the-hill-is-returning-to-tv-on-hulu#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 25 08:13:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Pop Culture &amp; Art]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2541511</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Barbecue, propane, and Bobby Hill.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After more than a decade off air, King of the Hill is officially returning with a brand new season on Hulu.

The beloved animated series, which originally aired from 1997 to 2010 across 13 seasons and over 250 episodes, was known for its blend of subtle humour, heartfelt storytelling, and its grounded portrayal of small-town American life.

Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, the show followed propane salesman Hank Hill, whose conservative values often clashed with the eccentricities of his family and neighbours.

Its charm lay in its sincerity, steering away from the exaggerated antics of other adult animations of the time.

Now, Season 14 is set to premiere later this summer, marking the first batch of new episodes in 15 years. Fans will get an exclusive sneak peek during a panel at the ATX TV Festival on Friday 30 May.

The panel will include co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, new showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, and cast members Pamela Adlon, Toby Huss, and Lauren Tom.

This special event will not only provide behind-the-scenes stories from the original run but will also unveil the long-awaited first look at the revival. Fittingly, a barbecue celebration will follow the panel&mdash;an ode to the show&rsquo;s backyard banter and Hank Hill&rsquo;s love for propane.

It is currently unclear whether the exclusive preview will be made available online, meaning festival attendees may be the only ones to view the early footage.

What&rsquo;s New in Season 14?

The revival is rumoured to be set in present-day America, featuring a time jump that advances the story nearly a decade from the series finale.

This modern setting promises a nostalgic yet updated look at life in Arlen as the Hill family and their neighbours adjust to the changing times.



While many plot details remain a mystery, cast members have shared that characters will age in line with the time skip.

One of the most notable updates is that Bobby Hill is now a budding chef based in Dallas. His new culinary lifestyle is expected to contrast sharply with Hank&rsquo;s more traditional views, creating opportunities for both laughs and touching moments.

As for the other residents of Arlen, their stories are still under wraps. The revival is expected to address the absence of characters whose voice actors have sadly passed away since the show&rsquo;s original run.

Who&rsquo;s Back in Arlen?



Much of the original voice cast will be returning for the reboot, including Mike Judge as Hank, Kathy Najimy as Peggy, Stephen Root as Bill, Pamela Adlon as Bobby, and Lauren Tom as Minh. Their return is set to revive the unique comedic rhythm and warmth fans associate with the series.

However, not every character&rsquo;s future is clear.

The passing of Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty leaves questions around the characters of Luanne and Lucky. It also remains to be seen whether Toby Huss will return as Kahn.

One emotional highlight of the new season will be the return of Dale Gribble. Johnny Hardwick, who voiced the fan-favourite character, had recorded several episodes before his sudden death in August 2023.

These recordings mean fans will get to hear his iconic voice one last time.]]>
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			<title>Trump rules out any deal except ‘unconditional surrender’ as Iran vows to defend its ‘dignity and sovereignty’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596085/trump-says-not-currently-considering-us-ground-forces-in-iran</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596085/trump-says-not-currently-considering-us-ground-forces-in-iran#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 26 05:23:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2596085</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran says some countries have begun mediation efforts amid retaliatory strikes]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[United States President &zwnj;Donald Trump demanded Iran&#39;s &quot;unconditional surrender&quot; on Friday and ruled out any deal, a dramatic escalation of his demands a week into the war he launched alongside Israel.

Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran&#39;s president announced that unspecified countries had ​begun mediation efforts in one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end ​the conflict.

&quot;After ⁠that, and the selection of a great and acceptable leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful ​and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of ​destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.&quot;



https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116182551337254643



On Thursday, Trump had told Reuters in a telephone interview that he was demanding the right to help select Iran&#39;s new supreme leader, to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed ​in the war&#39;s first day.

Israel pounded the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday after ordering an unprecedented evacuation ​of the entire southern suburbs of the city, in a major expansion of the war.

It carried out heavy air strikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut and started a &quot;broad-scale&quot; wave of attacks against infrastructure in Tehran, while Iran said it targeted the heart of Tel Aviv with missiles.

Explosions and flashes lit up the night sky over Beirut&#39;s southern suburbs. The Israeli military said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes overnight in the southern suburbs, saying targets included Iran-backed Hezbollah militia command centres and weapons storage facilities.

It also launched a new &zwnj;wave ⁠of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker beneath the destroyed Tehran compound of Khamenei, still being used by Iran&#39;s leadership after he was killed.

Iran says some countries have begun mediation efforts amid retaliatory strikes

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that some countries had begun mediation efforts as the Islamic Republic continued its retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region.

&ldquo;Some countries have begun efforts at mediation,&rdquo; Pezeshkian wrote in a post on his official X handle.

&ldquo;Our response to them is clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest doubt in defending the dignity and sovereignty of our country,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;The intended audience for mediation should be those who, by underestimating the Iranian people, have stoked the flames.&rdquo;



Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let&#39;s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation&#39;s dignity &amp; sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict https://t.co/MxWCuNYOYR
&mdash; Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) March 6, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Kheibar missiles were fired towards Tel Aviv as part of the 21st wave of its &ldquo;Operation True Promise 4&quot;. In a statement, the IRGC said the wave began with a combined missile and drone operation targeting sites in the heart of Tel Aviv.

Overnight, Iranian drones attacked the US Al Udied airbase in Qatar, the biggest US base in the Middle East, Qatari officials said. There were no reported casualties.

The IRGC said Iranian forces had targeted the Ramat David air base and a radar site in Israel, the Al-Adiri camp in Kuwait where US forces are stationed, and a drone attack on a base hosting US troops in Erbil, Iraq.

A Guards spokesperson said new initiatives and weapons would soon be deployed to confront Israeli and U.S. aggression, without giving details.

&quot;This was an &#39;existential war&#39; for Iran, leaving us with no choice but to respond wherever American attacks originate from,&rdquo; Iran&rsquo;s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said at the Raisina Dialogues conference in New Delhi on Friday.

Hezbollah, in a message published in Hebrew on its Telegram channel early on Friday, warned Israelis to leave towns within five kilometres of the border.

&quot;Your military&#39;s aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged,&quot; Hezbollah said.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran since the fighting began a week ago, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people have been killed and another 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks this week. Its figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. There have been no reported fatalities in Israel as a result of Hezbollah attacks.

Azerbaijan was preparing unspecified retaliatory measures on Thursday after it said four Iranian drones crossed its border and injured four &zwnj;people in the Nakhchivan exclave. Iran, which has a significant Azeri minority, denied it targeted its neighbour.

Ground troops in Iran

Trump said on Thursday it would be a &quot;waste of time&quot; currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister&#39;s warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.

&quot;It&#39;s a waste of time. They&#39;ve lost everything. They&#39;ve lost their navy. They&#39;ve lost everything they can lose,&quot; he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi&#39;s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a &quot;wasted comment&quot;.



US President Trump said Iran is being demolished &ldquo;ahead of schedule and at levels people have never seen before&rdquo;, claiming the country now has &ldquo;no air force, no air defence&rdquo; and the air force is &ldquo;gone&rdquo;.

🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/q1Q18tbGFl pic.twitter.com/ILTEFBYY5m
&mdash; Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 6, 2026


Trump also indicated he is keen to see Iran&#39;s leadership structure removed and that &quot;we want to go in and clean out everything&quot; quickly.

&quot;We don&#39;t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period,&quot; he said. He added that he had ideas for a new leader but declined to name anyone.

Trump said earlier he would &quot;have to be involved&quot; in the appointment of Iran&#39;s next leader after US-Israeli strikes killed Khamenei when the conflict began on Saturday. He rejected the possibility that Khamenei&#39;s son Mojtaba could succeed his slain father, dismissing him as a &quot;lightweight&quot;.

Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran after Israel said it was hitting &quot;regime infrastructure&quot; in a &quot;new phase&quot; of the war it launched with the US against Iran.

Read: Middle East war spreads to Lebanon, Iraq as Israel attacks Tehran

The conflict, now in its seventh day, has seen Iran target Israel, the Gulf states, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The violence has also spread to the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine sank an Iranian naval ship off the coast of Sri Lanka.

The Iranian ship was invited to take part in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India. The strike killed around 87 sailors.



Welcome! | خوش آمدید!

🇮🇳🤝🇮🇷 Indian Navy welcomes IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy, on her arrival at #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations.@India_in_Iran #BridgesOfFriendship&hellip; pic.twitter.com/O77v2qNJHJ
&mdash; Eastern Naval Command 🇮🇳 (@IN_HQENC) February 17, 2026


According to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, he wrote in a post on X that, &quot;I am told that as per protocol for this exercise, ships cannot carry any ammunition. It was defenceless.&quot;



The Iranian ship will not be where it was if we had not invited it to talk part in our Milan exercise.

We were the hosts.

I am told that as per protocol for this exercise ships cannot carry any ammunition. It was defenceless.

The Iranian naval personnel had paraded before&hellip; https://t.co/3r8bWFJn8d
&mdash; Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) March 5, 2026


Araghchi has rejected calls for a ceasefire and stated there was no reason to negotiate with the US. Despite the challenges, Iranian forces continue to retaliate against Israel and its allies. According to Drop Site News, Iran warns that it has not begun using their &quot;new&quot; weapons.

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said, according to Mehr News Agency, &ldquo;The enemy should expect painful blows in every operational wave,&rdquo; he said, adding that Iran&rsquo;s &ldquo;new innovations and weapons&rdquo; have not yet been used on a large scale.



⭕️ Iran warns new weapons have not yet been used

Iran is prepared for a prolonged war and has not yet deployed many of its newest weapons systems, IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said, according to Mehr News Agency.

➤ &ldquo;The enemy should expect painful blows in&hellip; https://t.co/54Lc5YXOFe
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 6, 2026


US-Israeli escalation

On Friday morning, Iranian media reported heavy strikes in Tehran shortly after Israel&rsquo;s announcement that it was targeting Iran&rsquo;s &quot;regime infrastructure&quot;.

Israel&rsquo;s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, warned that the US-Israeli campaign had entered the next phase and would &ldquo;further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities&rdquo;.

Zamir also hinted at &quot;additional surprises&quot; to come, but declined to disclose further details. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that &ldquo;firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically&quot;.



🚨Important: IDF Chief of Staff outlines next phase of war against Iran and Lebanon

▪️On Iran, Israel will escalate strikes aimed at weakening the Iranian state:

&ldquo;We will intensify the blow to the foundations of the regime and its military capabilities. We still have additional&hellip; pic.twitter.com/rJdN0O3UmB
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 5, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles toward Tel Aviv after an earlier explosion in central Israel caused a fire at a residential building. AFP journalists reported hearing simultaneous explosions in Tel Aviv, while rocket trails lit up the sky in Netanya, further north.

Trump backs Kurds

In the midst of the escalating conflict, Trump expressed support for Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraq, encouraging them to intensify their attacks against Iran.

Speaking to Reuters, Trump stated, &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s wonderful that they want to do that, I&#39;d be all for it.&rdquo;

These militias, based along the Iran-Iraq border in Iraqi Kurdistan, have been in consultations with the US on launching attacks on Iran&rsquo;s western security forces.

Read more: Iran hits CIA site in Riyadh as US seeks to arm Kurdish forces against Tehran

Security sources reported two Iranian drone strikes on an opposition camp in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday, underscoring the rising violence. Iranian Kurdish forces have been preparing for such operations to weaken Iran&rsquo;s military while US and Israeli airstrikes target Iranian installations.

Iran&rsquo;s future leadership

Meanwhile, Hegseth sought to clarify that, despite Trump&rsquo;s comments, there were no changes in the US military&rsquo;s objectives in Iran. &quot;There&rsquo;s no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we&rsquo;re trying to achieve,&quot; Hegseth said.

Also read: US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike, sources say

Azerbaijan prepares retaliation

Azerbaijan has vowed to retaliate after &quot;Iranian&quot; drones crossed its border and injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attacks as an &ldquo;unprovoked act of terror and aggression&rdquo; and vowed to take action.

Hezbollah responds

Hezbollah, an armed force fighting against Israeli aggression in Lebanon, launched missiles in retaliation for the war.

Displaced families are seeking shelter on a beach, facing dire conditions.

Attacks across region

US forces sank an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka that had travelled to India to take part in a parade, while Azerbaijan threatened retaliation after a drone attack on an airport. Iran also targeted US bases inside Gulf countries, including Qatar, which intercepted a drone targeting a US base in Al-Udeid. Bahrain reported an alleged attack on a hotel and residential buildings, while Saudi Arabia intercepted three ballistic missiles.

Casualties mount in Iran, Lebanon

In Lebanon, 77 have died. Thousands have fled southern Beirut, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, two paramedics have been killed in Shiraz, Iran, according to Al Jazeera.



UPDATE: Two paramedics killed in Shiraz, Iran: Report

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/C3iSVX4pRP pic.twitter.com/CXHJVw5D20
&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 6, 2026


More than 3,000 homes in Iran were damaged by US-Israeli attacks, according to the Red Crescent.

Pir Hossein Kolivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, says the US-Israeli attacks have damaged 3,643 civilian sites, including 3,090 homes. Also damaged are 528 commercial and service centres, 14 medical or pharmaceutical facilities and nine Red Crescent facilities, he said.

Most of the targets, he added, were in &ldquo;densely populated residential areas&rdquo;.

Drop Site News reports that 20 more Iranian civilians were killed and 30 injured after US&ndash;Israel strikes hit the Zibashahr residential area of Shiraz, a major city in southwestern Iran about 420 miles south of Tehran, the acting head of the political deputy office of the Fars Province governorate said, according to Islamic State News Agencies.



🚨 New: 20 Iranian civilians killed in U.S.&ndash;Israel strikes on residential area in Shiraz

At least 20 civilians were killed and 30 injured after U.S.&ndash;Israel strikes hit the Zibashahr residential area of Shiraz &ndash; a major city in southwestern Iran about 420 miles south of Tehran &ndash;&hellip; https://t.co/TRKWPIvfDd
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 6, 2026


Prolonged conflict preparation

US officials, including Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, confirmed that strikes from Iran have significantly diminished, with ballistic missile attacks decreasing by 90% and drone attacks down by 83%. However, Pentagon officials reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing campaign, emphasising the availability of sufficient munitions for a sustained effort.

Global disruptions

The conflict has disrupted global markets, energy supplies, and travel. While oil prices have surged, global logistics and air transport have been heavily affected. Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint, but the US has signalled it may escort ships through the area if necessary.]]>
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			<title>Security and traffic restrictions ease in parts of twin cities; Red Zone remains sealed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604173/security-eases-in-parts-of-twin-cities-red-zone-remains-sealed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604173/security-eases-in-parts-of-twin-cities-red-zone-remains-sealed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 11:05:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[No major roads in Rawalpindi have been fully closed, though police presence remains strong and checking continues]]>
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				<![CDATA[Security eased in parts of the twin cities on Wednesday as authorities opened some routes; however, the Red Zone in the capital remained sealed amid the uncertain arrival of American and Iranian delegations.

Earlier in the week, district administrations sealed entry to the Red Zone, directing all public and private offices and schools within the area to shift to online operations, while government work in the capital was moved to remote arrangements. Heavy and public transport across the capital was also suspended.

Red Zone remained closed for a third consecutive day today, with employees of both government and private offices instructed to work from home.

According to Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all entry points to the Red Zone were sealed, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining strict checkpoints. Srinagar Highway towards Serena was closed from Zero Point, while Kashmir Chowk was also shut for general traffic.

Read More: Offices, schools move online as Islamabad Red Zone sealed ahead of US-Iran talks

He added that bus terminals at Faizabad and Karachi Company remained closed, and the metro bus service across the city continued to be suspended. &quot;Bus stands and intercity transport terminals across the city also remained closed; however, the bus terminal at 26 Number Chungi has been reopened for the public.&quot;

In Islamabad&rsquo;s Blue Area, the commercial market remained closed. Jinnah Avenue, from Khayaban-e-Suharwardy (Khyber Plaza) to Parliament House, was also closed to traffic, while the metro bus service remained suspended.

However, other markets across the city remained open and were operating as normal. Educational institutions in the capital were also functioning without disruption.

In Rawalpindi, security remained on high alert, particularly around the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport and along the Islamabad Expressway service roads, where shopping centres and wedding halls in surrounding areas remained closed.

According to the traffic police, markets, hostels and hotels in the Faizabad area along Murree Road also remained shut, with a continued heavy police presence. However, other markets in the city and cantonment areas were operating with routine business activity continuing.

No major roads in Rawalpindi were fully closed, though police presence remained strong and checking continued. Traffic, including light transport vehicles and private cars, was moving on the Grand Trunk Road and other major routes.

Also Read: Trump heeds CDF Munir, PM&#39;s truce call

Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries earlier this month. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remained intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce.

Last night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the truce, which was set to expire within hours, would remain in place until Iran submitted a comprehensive plan and negotiations reached a definitive outcome.

The two sides were set to convene in the capital for the second and final round of talks, but no date has been confirmed.]]>
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			<title>Govt to introduce single-point checking system at airports to cut delays</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604195/govt-to-introduce-single-point-checking-system-at-airports-to-cut-delays</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604195/govt-to-introduce-single-point-checking-system-at-airports-to-cut-delays#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 14:55:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604195</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Interior minister says unified checking system on single scanner will save significant time]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government on Wednesday decided to introduce a single-point checking system at airports to enhance passenger facilitation and reduce delays.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad aimed at developing a joint strategy between the ministries of defence and interior to improve airport operations and public convenience.

The meeting reviewed joint measures to enhance passenger facilitation at Islamabad and other airports and decided to ensure stronger coordination among all relevant agencies. Officials approved the installation of advanced screening machinery to improve the checking system.



وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی زیر صدارت وزارت دفاع اور داخلہ کی مشترکہ حکمت عملی کے لیے خصوصی اجلاس
وزیر مملکت داخلہ طلال چوہدری۔سیکرٹری داخلہ محمد خرم آغا، سیکرٹری دفاع لیفٹیننٹ جنرل (ر) محمد علی، ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری داخلہ میجر جنرل نور ولی خان، pic.twitter.com/bZqyAeVX68
&mdash; Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) April 22, 2026


It was further agreed that joint counters would be established, introducing a single-point checking mechanism to reduce delays. Progress on installing e-gates was also assessed.

Naqvi emphasised providing passengers with faster clearance and easier travel procedures. &ldquo;A unified checking system on a single scanner will save significant time,&rdquo; he noted, adding that better coordination among institutions was essential to reduce crowding and long queues at airports.

&ldquo;We are committed to offering the public modern, fast, and convenient travel facilities,&rdquo; Naqvi said.

Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali informed the meeting&#39;s members&nbsp;that the latest machinery was being imported to protect aircraft from bird-related damage and potential accidents.

Also Read: Senate panel reviews security at Islamabad Airport

State Minister Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, Defence Secretary Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ali, Additional Interior Secretary Maj Gen Noor Wali Khan, Additional Defence Secretary Maj Gen Qaiser Suleman, DG Anti-Narcotics Force Maj Gen Abdul Mueed, and DG FIA Dr Usman Anwar attended the session.

In January, Naqvi had issued orders for strict screening of travel documents at airports.

In recent years, the Federal Investigation Agency has also intensified operations against illegal migration after a series of interceptions at major airports involving forged documents and suspected internal collusion.]]>
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			<title>US may run out of missiles if another war breaks out: CNN report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604155/us-may-run-out-of-missiles-if-another-war-breaks-out-cnn-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604155/us-may-run-out-of-missiles-if-another-war-breaks-out-cnn-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 10:05:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604155</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran war has used up 45% of Precision Strike Missiles, around half THAAD interceptors, nearly 50% of Patriot missiles]]>
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				<![CDATA[The US military has &ldquo;significantly depleted&rdquo; its stockpile of key missiles during the war in Iran and could face shortages in a future conflict, CNN reported on Tuesday.

Over seven weeks of war, the US military has used roughly 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles, at least half of its THAAD interceptors, and nearly 50% of its Patriot air defense missiles, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

These figures closely match classified Pentagon estimates, the report said.

The US military has also used roughly 30% of its Tomahawk missiles, over 20% of its long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and about 20% of its SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, the report said.

Although the Pentagon signed contracts earlier this year to boost missile production, replenishing these systems will still take three to five years, even with increased capacity.

Also Read: Iran says no talks with US until blockade lifted despite ceasefire extension

In the near term, the US likely retains enough munitions to sustain operations against Iran if the fragile ceasefire collapses, according to the report.

However, stockpiles of key weapons are now insufficient for a conflict with a near-peer adversary like China, and rebuilding them to pre-war levels could take years, the report noted.

&ldquo;The high munitions expenditures have created a window of increased vulnerability in the western Pacific,&rdquo; Mark Cancian, a retired US Marine Corps Colonel and one of the authors of the CSIS report, told CNN.

&ldquo;It will take one to four years to replenish these inventories and several years after that to expand them to where they need to be,&rdquo; he said.

In a statement to CNN, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that the military &ldquo;has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President&rsquo;s choosing.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Since President (Donald) Trump took office, we have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the US military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>Govt to offer electric bikes on easy instalments to employees up to grade 16</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604159/govt-to-offer-electric-bikes-on-easy-instalments-to-employees-up-to-grade-16</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604159/govt-to-offer-electric-bikes-on-easy-instalments-to-employees-up-to-grade-16#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 10:28:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[PM Shehbaz directs that efforts to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the country be stepped up]]>
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				<![CDATA[Government employees up to Grade 16 will be provided with electric bikes on easy instalments, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed that efforts to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the country be stepped up.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review the promotion of EVs in the country.

&#39;In light of the current regional situation and future needs, promoting electric vehicles will not only reduce the burden of fuel imports but also play a key role in environmental protection and energy security,&#39; he said.

Premier further directed that transparency be ensured in the subsidy provided for electric motorcycles to low-income individuals under the National EV Policy, and that the implementation of this scheme be expedited.&quot;



اسلام آباد : 22 اپریل, 2026.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت ملک میں بجلی سے چلنے والی گاڑیوں کے فروغ پر جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.

اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ ملک میں الیکٹرک وہیکلز (EV) کے فروغ میں تیزی لانے کیلئے جاری اقدامات میں تیزی&hellip; pic.twitter.com/pWq9gAwd5V
&mdash; Prime Minister&#39;s Office (@PakPMO) April 22, 2026


The meeting was briefed on ongoing measures to promote EV adoption nationwide. It was informed that 72 manufacturing certificates had been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, and four for electric cars.

The meeting was further told that a total of 123 applications had been received to date for the establishment of EV charging stations, and plans were underway for 30 per cent of vehicles in the country to be electric within the next five years, which could result in fuel savings of approximately $4.5 billion.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers, including Climate Minister Musadik Malik, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, and State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with senior officials.

As part of efforts to promote electric vehicles,&nbsp;the Islamabad Capital Police on April 6&nbsp;inducted eco-smart electric vehicles into its fleet, with 15 battery-powered vehicles provided by the Interior Ministry and more expected to follow.

PM Shehbaz had said the vehicles operate entirely on batteries without petrol or oil, adding that such initiatives would help ease pressure on the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserves.

He noted that work on fuel efficiency and the electric vehicle policy had begun before the current regional situation, which ultimately led to the procurement of the new fleet.&nbsp;The provision of&nbsp;eco-smart electric vehicles&nbsp;is part of the prime minister&rsquo;s broader vision and the government&rsquo;s energy-saving policy.]]>
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			<title>Mandelson scandal shatters UK PM Starmer's promise of stable government</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604212/mandelson-scandal-shatters-uk-pm-starmers-promise-of-stable-government</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604212/mandelson-scandal-shatters-uk-pm-starmers-promise-of-stable-government#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 17:12:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604212</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Starmer faces backlash over Mandelson envoy pick, raising doubts about leadership grip]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to govern Britain efficiently after years of political turmoil. Less than two years later, accusations that his office forced through a key appointment have shattered that image of competence.

Embroiled in a scandal over his decision to appoint Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson ​to Britain&#39;s top diplomatic post as ambassador to the United States, Starmer&#39;s grip on power appears to be slipping and his leadership skills are in question.

Starmer&#39;s office denies allegations made by Britain&#39;s former top &zwnj;foreign ministry official, Olly Robbins, that it put pressure on his team to accelerate Mandelson&#39;s appointment last year.

But Robbins&#39; testimony to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, days after he was sacked, has exposed what Starmer&#39;s opponents say is a lack of political instinct and intensified critics&#39; doubts about how he runs his office.

Three people close to his Downing Street operation told Reuters there had been an over-reliance on a small group of trusted advisers that meant Starmer, who once vowed to &quot;end the chaos of sleaze&quot;, had been blindsided by outside events and become detached from ​his party and the public.

Read More: Starmer seeks to deflect blame over Mandelson appointment

&quot;Starmer presented himself as if he was going to be holier-than-thou and at least competent,&quot; Chris Hopkins, political research director at polling firm Savanta, told Reuters.

&quot;When you lose what are your main ​selling points, you don&#39;t have much left.&quot;

Constant pressure&nbsp;over appointment 

Starmer appointed Mandelson, 72, who served as a minister when Labour was last in power more than 15 years ago, in ⁠late 2024, hailing his &quot;unrivalled experience to the role&quot;.

He sacked him last September after a trove of emails revealed the depth of Mandelson&#39;s ties with the late convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. British police arrested Mandelson in February on suspicion of misconduct ​in public office, but he has not been charged. He does not face allegations of sexual misconduct.

While Starmer may have hoped sacking Mandelson marked the end of the political saga, last week he said information had come to light that a vetting ​body had advised against the appointment in the first place.

Robbins confirmed on Tuesday that Starmer had not been told about the vetting advice. But he said Downing Street had conveyed &quot;a very, very strong expectation&quot; that Mandelson should be appointed quickly.

&quot;I think throughout January (2025), honestly, my office, the foreign secretary&#39;s office, were under constant pressure,&quot; Robbins said, recalling the &quot;frequent phone calls&quot; from Starmer&#39;s private office. He described himself as a &quot;scapegoat&quot;.

Starmer&#39;s spokesperson rejected Robbins&#39; allegations, saying there was a distinction between applying pressure and being kept informed.

The war of words is a long way from Starmer&#39;s ​early days in office, however, when he pledged to &quot;restore honesty and integrity to government&quot;.

&quot;Process and procedure and doing things properly matters to me,&quot; he said.

Starmer quickly came under fire from the public for what was widely seen as a lack of ​charisma and a slowness to act, more keen on initiating reviews before implementing legislation to deliver the change his party had promised before the election, when Labour ended 14 years of Conservative government.

The three sources close to Downing Street, who spoke on condition of &zwnj;anonymity, said Starmer ⁠had initially relied on a small group of trusted advisers who acted as &quot;gatekeepers&quot;, often deciding what he did or did not have time for.

Many of those advisers have since left,&nbsp;most notably his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, a prot&eacute;g&eacute; of Mandelson who resigned in February to take responsibility for the whole affair,&nbsp;and Starmer now meets more regularly with Labour lawmakers who previously objected to his &quot;bunker mentality&quot;.

One source said Downing Street was now more functional than six months ago.

But it may be too little, too late.

&quot;It&#39;s terminal,&quot; said one Labour lawmaker, although they said there would be no immediate move to oust Starmer largely because &quot;colleagues are terrified of the unknown&quot;.

Also Read: UK PM Starmer faces parliament over Mandelson vetting as resignation demands swirl

A spokesperson for Starmer said the government was focused on delivering for working people, including ​helping to tackle the cost of living and cutting waiting ​times in the state-run health service.

Small group of advisers 

Starmer ⁠has repeatedly expressed anger over the Mandelson saga, and members of his team support his self-portrait of being incandescent over not being told about the security vetting body&#39;s advice.

Those closest to him say it also runs against how he operates,&nbsp;running his office methodically and never taking decisions &quot;on a whim&quot;.

Once Britain&#39;s former top prosecutor, Starmer sees it as a strength to ​be able to listen and change his mind when needed.

Instead, policy U-turns, including several reversals on welfare, have been held up by commentators and even his own lawmakers as ​proof of his weakness.

But his former ⁠reliance on a handful of advisers may prove to have been his biggest weakness. One source said he explicitly trusted his advisers to do the right thing, yet since taking office in July 2024, he has lost more than 10 of them, including two chiefs of staff and four directors of communication.

A second Labour lawmaker, who served under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and asked not to be named, said Starmer and his team had thought they did not need input from the ⁠wider party.

Starmer appears to ​have few defenders left in Labour, and the questions over his judgment in appointing Mandelson,&nbsp;twice sacked from cabinet under Blair and whose friendship ​with Epstein was known,&nbsp;are unlikely to stop any time soon.

More documents relating to the appointment are expected to be released after local and regional elections on May 7, when Labour looks set to suffer large losses at the hands of the populist Reform UK party led by Brexit veteran Nigel ​Farage.

&quot;Labour and Starmer are now seen as more of the same as before,&quot; said Hopkins. &quot;And that is going to be almost impossible for him to recover from.&quot;]]>
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			<title>UN says destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon 'shocking'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604217/un-says-destruction-of-jesus-statue-by-israeli-soldier-in-lebanon-shocking</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604217/un-says-destruction-of-jesus-statue-by-israeli-soldier-in-lebanon-shocking#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 18:23:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604217</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Welcomes reports of 'disciplinary measures' taken against the Israeli soldiers]]>
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				<![CDATA[The United Nations on Wednesday expressed outrage over the destruction of a statue of Jesus by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.

Responding to Anadolu&#39;s question on the incident, the secretary-general&#39;s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told a news conference that the UN is aware of the incident and called it &quot;shocking&quot;.

He welcomed the reports of &quot;disciplinary measures&quot; taken against the Israeli soldiers.

&quot;The desecration of religious symbols, the desecration of houses of worship, is unacceptable, regardless of the religion,&quot; Dujarric said.

Read More: Latin patriarch of Jerusalem condemns destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon

Video footage circulating on Sunday showed an Israeli soldier smashing the statue with a pickaxe in the town of Debel in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army acknowledged the incident in a statement on Monday.

The incident was not the first involving damage to Christian religious symbols in Lebanon.

In September 2024, Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Mar Georges Church in the town of Derdghaiya in the Tyre district.

In April 2025, the Israeli army destroyed a statue of Saint George in the town of Yaroun in Nabatieh governorate, with videos showing a military bulldozer carrying out the demolition.

Israel also closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa Mosque for 40 days since the start of the Iran war on February 28, citing security concerns, before reopening them on April 8 following a two-week ceasefire announcement.]]>
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			<title>In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604192/in-gaza-first-local-vote-in-years-offers-gauge-of-hamas-popularity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604192/in-gaza-first-local-vote-in-years-offers-gauge-of-hamas-popularity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 14:19:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604192</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It will be Gaza's first vote of any kind since 2006, when Hamas won PA's legislative elections]]>
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				<![CDATA[Palestinians in one of the only Gaza cities not overrun by Israeli ground forces during the military conflict will ​vote this weekend in municipal elections that will feature some pro-Hamas candidates, offering a rare barometer of the group&#39;s popularity.

The vote in Deir al-Balah is &zwnj;part of Palestinian Authority (PA) municipal elections that Palestinians have cast as a display of national unity against a United States plan for Gaza that they believe intends to entrench their separation from the occupied West Bank.

It will be Gaza&#39;s first vote of any kind since 2006, when Hamas won the PA&#39;s legislative elections and later seized control of Gaza following a brief civil war with PA President Mahmoud Abbas&#39; Fatah party, dominant in the West Bank.

The polls ​will be the fifth municipal elections in the West Bank since 2005. In January, the PA said it would extend those elections to Gaza &quot;wherever possible&quot;, a move analysts ​see as a symbolic effort to show Gaza remains part of a future Palestinian state.

&#39;Change the reality imposed on us&#39; 

For Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, including ⁠Adham Al-Bardini, the vote on Saturday marks an opportunity for political expression after the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, that sparked Israel&#39;s devastating two-year assault on Gaza.

Read More: Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza, Hamas clashes with Israeli-backed militia

&quot;For the first time ​in my life, in 20 years, I will have this feeling. I have been hearing about elections since I was born, but because of the circumstances, no elections have been held,&quot; said Al-Bardini, 34.

&quot;We ​are eager to take part so we can change the reality imposed on us.&quot;

In Deir al‑Balah, large banners bearing the logos of rival candidate lists decorate the streets. Voting will be held in 12 polling centres, including open fields and tents.

Fareed Taamallah, spokesman for the PA Central Elections Commission, said roughly 70,000 Palestinians were eligible to vote in Deir al‑Balah, a city he said was chosen because it suffered less damage than the rest ​of the largely ruined territory.

Four lists are fielding candidates in the election, including one that has several candidates who residents and analysts regard as pro-Hamas.

Hamas has not explicitly fielded a list ​or endorsed any candidate, citing disagreements with Abbas over a PA decree that requires candidates to accept terms, including recognition of Israel. Other factions are also boycotting the vote, meaning Fatah is expected to sweep &zwnj;larger city councils ⁠in the West Bank.

But despite its official boycott of the vote, Hamas &quot;may be betting on winning in this election&quot; and could use pro-Hamas candidates&#39; performance to gauge its popularity, said Hani Al-Masri, a West Bank political analyst.

Also Read: US, Hamas hold direct talks in Cairo to advance Gaza ceasefire: report

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the group would respect the election results. Sources in the group told Reuters that it will deploy police and security forces to secure voting sites.

Hamas reasserted control of Deir al-Balah and other areas in a stretch of Gaza&#39;s coast from which Israeli forces withdrew under an October 2025 ceasefire. Israel retains control of more than 53% of ​Gaza.

Some public opinion polling shows Hamas remains popular ​in Gaza and the West Bank, despite ⁠the devastation wrought by the conflict. In Gaza, an October 2025 poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found that 41% of Palestinians there support Hamas, followed by 29% for Fatah.

&#39;A symbolic step&#39;

The vote comes as US President Donald Trump&#39;s so-called &quot;Board of Peace&quot; pushes a plan for Gaza&#39;s future that would see the territory rebuilt from scratch under the administration of an apolitical committee of Palestinian technocrats.

The plan calls on ​Hamas to hand over Gaza ⁠governance to the committee as it lays down its weapons and Israeli forces withdraw from the Strip. Hamas has so far rejected disarmament, accusing Israel of failing to abide by the October ceasefire.

The plan notably does not mention the West Bank, which, along with the Gaza Strip, Palestinians have long sought for a future state, and where the PA exercises limited self-rule.

Palestinian political analyst Reham Owda said the municipal ⁠elections were &quot;a ​symbolic step to send a message to the world, to the Board of Peace, and to Israel that the ​Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Palestinian political system&quot;.

For 25-year-old Abdul-Rahman Al-Shaaf, the vote, even at the local level, offers an opportunity to rebuild lives after conflict.

&quot;Everyone wants to improve the country, especially after two years of ​war, what we witnessed, and the destruction,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>UK lawmakers approve lifetime smoking ban for today's under-18s</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604193/uk-lawmakers-approve-lifetime-smoking-ban-for-todays-under-18s</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604193/uk-lawmakers-approve-lifetime-smoking-ban-for-todays-under-18s#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 26 14:42:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2604193</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the approval of the bill is historic moment for nation's health]]>
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				<![CDATA[Children in Britain who are 17 or younger, &zwnj;and anyone born in the future, will never be able to legally buy cigarettes after lawmakers approved new stricter restrictions on smoking.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill raises the legal age for buying tobacco by one ​year, every year, starting with people born on or after January 1, 2009, meaning ​affected age groups face a lifetime ban.

The law, which is due to receive ⁠royal assent next week, also tightens controls on vaping, including banning sales of vaping ​and nicotine products to under‑18s and restricting advertising, displays, free distribution and discounting.

The government said the ​measures would help reduce smoking and prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine, easing long-term pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).

Read More: Vaping, chewing tobacco: health risks lurk, awareness falls short

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the approval of the bill was a historic moment for ​the nation&#39;s health.

&quot;Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected ​from a lifetime of addiction and harm,&quot; he said.

&quot;Prevention is better than cure &mdash;&nbsp;this reform will save lives, &zwnj;ease ⁠pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.&quot;

Smoking causes about 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions a year in England, according to official estimates, and costs the NHS around three&nbsp;billion pounds ($4b) annually, with wider economic costs exceeding 20b pounds.

Tighter rules on vaping 

Vaping has ​also become a focus ​for policymakers, especially over ⁠concerns about youth uptake and nicotine addiction. The government banned the sale of single-use or disposable vapes last year over concerns about youth use ​and environmental damage.

The new legislation will tighten those rules, with ministers gaining ​powers to ⁠regulate the flavours and packaging of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products through secondary legislation.

Also Read: Ban on vape, e-cigarettes for under-18s on the cards

Around 10% of adults in Great Britain &mdash;&nbsp;an estimated 5.5 million people &mdash;&nbsp;use vapes, according to health charity Action on ⁠Smoking ​and Health, with levels broadly unchanged since 2024, suggesting ​growth has begun to plateau.

About half of the people who vape were former smokers, while around 40% continue to smoke alongside ​vaping, the charity said.]]>
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			<title>55-year-old appears in school exam</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603879/55-year-old-appears-in-school-exam</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603879/55-year-old-appears-in-school-exam#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 26 20:38:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603879</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ghulam Qadir is appearing in Class 9 examinations in Muzaffargarh, last attempt was 13 years ago]]>
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				<![CDATA[A 55-year-old man, Ghulam Qadir, is appearing in Class 9 examinations in Muzaffargarh, setting an inspiring example that age is no barrier to education.

Speaking to the media, Ghulam Qadir said his children were educated and encouraged him to pursue studies.

He expressed his determination to achieve higher education despite past setbacks.

He revealed that he had failed the matriculation exams twice but never lost hope.

His last attempt was 13 years ago, and this time he is determined to enter the examination hall with full preparation.

&quot;I will pass this time and continue my journey towards intermediate education,&quot; he said, adding that there is no age limit for acquiring knowledge and he is committed to learning at all cost.]]>
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			<title>IMF loads $7 billion package with 11 new conditions for govt</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603817/imf-loads-7-billion-package-with-11-new-conditions-for-govt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603817/imf-loads-7-billion-package-with-11-new-conditions-for-govt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 26 17:32:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603817</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt committed to IMF that parliament will approve fiscal year 2026-27 budget in line with the staff level agreement]]>
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				<![CDATA[The International Monetary Fund (IMF) loaded the $7 billion bailout package with nearly a dozen more conditions, including approval of the new budget by the National Assembly in line with the fund&rsquo;s agreement and amending laws governing the special economic and technology zones.

The government has committed to the IMF that Parliament would approve the fiscal year 2026-27 budget in line with the IMF staff agreement to the $7b&nbsp;programme targets. This is the second time that the government has accepted such a condition under the current programme, as the last budget was also&nbsp;approved under the IMF instructions.

Government sources told The Express Tribune that the staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the IMF last month became possible after including 11 more conditions in the bailout package.

With the addition of 11 new conditions during the third review of the $7b programme, the total number of conditions that the IMF has so far imposed during the past&nbsp;two years has touched 75. These encompass all spheres of economic decision-making, governance and private sector development. 

Read More: &#39;IMF board nod awaited for next tranche&#39;

The sources said that Pakistan had assured the IMF that it would unveil the fiscally consolidated budget and would not target higher economic growth in the next fiscal year. The assurance was given by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to the deputy managing director of the IMF during&nbsp;last week&#39;s visit to Washington.

The sources said that Pakistan had accepted the IMF condition that by June 2027, it would enact amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act and Special Technology Zones Authority Act (STZA) to phase out existing fiscal incentives and shift from profit- based to cost-based incentives.

The country would also amend these laws to withdraw the authority of the Board of Approvals, Board of Investment and the SEZ authorities in granting tax incentives. The legal changes would be made to the satisfaction of the IMF to completely phase out all existing fiscal incentives to STZs by 2035.

According to another commitment, the government would prohibit the Export Processing Zones from selling their goods in the domestic market. The restriction to sell locally would be implemented by September this year, said the sources.

Also Read: IMF MD appreciates Pakistan&rsquo;s reform progress and macro stability

The industries located in these export zones are often accused of selling a significant chunk of their production in the local market to evade taxes.

The government accepted the IMF&rsquo;s new condition in the middle of the NA Standing Committee on Finance&rsquo;s action to amend the SEZ law last week, without even discussing it thoroughly.

The government would give 6,000 acres of land in Karachi on lease to developers for the development of SEZs without charging any money, said Minister for Investment Qaiser Sheikh after the meeting. He said any developer can get up to 1,000 acres of land on lease, but the terms of the lease had not yet been finalised.

The law states that more than one developer shall only be selected where the area of the zone is at least 1,000 acres, and each developer is allotted at least 500 acres.

The law, as approved by the standing committee, also bars the courts from taking cognisance of commercial legal disputes related to these zones.

The government has also assured the IMF that it remains committed to not introducing new zones until the outcome of negotiations on creating exceptions for notifying new STZs in priority sectors and phasing out all current by 2035, with a view to levelling the playing field for investment and strengthening the business environment nationally.

Out of the $7b, the IMF has so far disbursed $3b. The fourth tranche of $1b is expected to be released in the first week of May.

PRR

According to another new condition, by June next year, the government will set up the Pakistan Regulatory Registry to improve the business climate. The registry will be a comprehensive and legally authoritative source on business regulations, starting with federal government and Islamabad Capital Territory regulations, and later it will be extended to all provincial regulations.

Read This: IMF lowers Pakistan&#39;s economic growth forecast to 3.5%, inflation to 8.4% for next fiscal year

The IMF is also pushing Pakistan to ease restrictions on the foreign exchange regulations. As a result, the central bank has committed to developing a roadmap for the gradual removal of foreign exchange restrictions, spelling out the appropriate sequencing, including the macroeconomic, financial stability, and other structural preconditions needed for each liberalisation step.

Energy prices

The government has also accepted at least three new conditions to regularly adjust the prices of electricity and gas. Such conditions were already in place, but the global lender thought to add three more to the long list to make sure that the government does not go back on its commitment to increase electricity and gas prices.

These new conditions state that the Pakistani authorities remain committed to timely notifications of quarterly tariff adjustments (QTAs) and automatic monthly fuel charge adjustments (FCAs). The government has accepted that in January 2027, it will fully implement the annual electricity price, which will reflect the impact of recent global energy market volatility.

The government has also agreed that it would notify semiannual gas tariff adjustments in line with cost recovery, as determined by OGRA, first on July 1, 2026 and February 15, 2027.

FBR

According to another condition, by June this year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would centralise the audit case selection process. The FBR will adopt a standardised audit manual, a published audit policy, and a comprehensive audit and integrity risk register, formalising current institutional roles and responsibilities.

The audit policy will require mandatory follow-up of all high-risk cases identified through the risk management system, which should include risks on registration and non-filing.

PPRA

The government has also accepted the condition that by September this year, it will amend Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules to eliminate SOE preferences in awarding public procurement contracts without competition. The new public procurement rules will be implemented subject to the approval of the federal cabinet.

BISP

In order to offset the impact of higher energy prices and high taxes under the IMF programme, the government has accepted the IMF condition to increase the Benazir Income Support Programme beneficiaries&#39; compensation from Rs14,500 to Rs19,500, beginning in January 2027.

This will cover both projected inflation for 2026 and an additional increase in generosity, bringing quarterly benefits significantly closer to the goal of 15% of the lowest family income quintile&rsquo;s consumption basket.]]>
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			<title>Govt moves to end used car influx</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603533/govt-moves-to-end-used-car-influx</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603533/govt-moves-to-end-used-car-influx#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 26 20:21:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603533</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[42,125 units imported in FY25 as local industry welcomes end of import scheme]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s auto sector has welcomed a major policy shift aimed at revitalising local manufacturing, as the government moves to phase out used car imports under the baggage scheme, previously responsible for tens of thousands of vehicle inflows annually. The decision, which effectively halts a channel that brought in 42,125 units in FY2025 alone, is being seen as a turning point in efforts to reduce idle capacity and stimulate domestic production.

Indus Motor Company (IMC) appreciated the efforts of Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Saif Anjum, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Hamad Ali Mansoor, CEO of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), for the stability of the local auto industry.

&quot;I really appreciate their concerted efforts for the growth of the local auto industry, especially abolishing the baggage scheme for used car imports,&quot; said Chief Executive IMC Ali Asghar Jamali.

He added that this landmark policy decision marks a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan&#39;s local automotive manufacturing sector. By discouraging the influx of used vehicles, the initiative is expected to enhance demand for locally assembled cars, support industrial growth, generate employment and effectively reduce idle production capacity within the country&#39;s automotive industry.

It is worth adding that a 50% shift is expected from the baggage scheme to the CKD market, while others may shift to the remaining schemes. Thus, the used car market will shift by 21,050 units.

In FY2025, a total of 35,806 units of used cars were imported under the personal baggage category. Since this category was abolished in January 2026, imports under this category are not expected to happen now.

Similarly, under the gift scheme, a total of 4,634 units were imported, and under the transfer of residence category, a total of 1,685 units were imported in FY2025, leading to total imported used car units of 42,125 in that year.]]>
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			<title>Sindh expands free Pink Scooty scheme to Hyderabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603527/sindh-expands-free-pink-scooty-scheme-to-hyderabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603527/sindh-expands-free-pink-scooty-scheme-to-hyderabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 26 20:10:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603527</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Extension follows successful rollout in Sukkur]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh government has announced plans to extend its free Pink Scooty scheme to Hyderabad following its successful rollout in Sukkur, aiming to improve mobility and independence for women across the province.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that women in Hyderabad will soon benefit from the initiative after successful completion in Sukkur. Under the programme, women are not only provided with free scooters but also receive driving licenses, helmets, and formal training to ensure safe commuting.

In a statement, the minister emphasised that empowering women and building their confidence remains a top priority for the provincial government. He added that alongside the scooty scheme, the People&#39;s Bus Service network is being expanded beyond Sukkur and Shikarpur.

New routes are set to be launched soon, including Khairpur to Rohri and Khairpur to Ranipur. Preparations are also underway to introduce bus services in Hyderabad on routes connecting Kohsar Hyder Chowk and Hyderabad to Tando Allahyar.

Memon said the overarching goal of these initiatives is to provide affordable, quality, and comfortable transport facilities to the public. He noted that the Sindh government is prioritising projects that directly benefit ordinary citizens, particularly women, youth, and the working class.]]>
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			<title>Sikh pilgrims head home after Vaisakhi festival praising Pakistani hospitality</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603463/sikh-pilgrims-head-home-after-vaisakhi-festival-praising-pakistani-hospitality</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603463/sikh-pilgrims-head-home-after-vaisakhi-festival-praising-pakistani-hospitality#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 26 14:48:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603463</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[2,238 pilgrims joined rites at key gurdwaras, praying for peace, harmony and Pakistan-India ties]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Indian Sikh pilgrims are returning home after completing their religious visit to Pakistan, carrying positive impressions of hospitality, facilities and interfaith engagement during the Vaisakhi festival and the 327th birth anniversary of the Khalsa.

Officials said a total of 2,238 pilgrims arrived on April 10 to participate in religious ceremonies at key gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The pilgrims performed rituals and offered special prayers for peace, interfaith harmony and improved relations between Pakistan and India.

The Vesakhi celebrations, organised by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), included religious and cultural events. A ceremony was also held at Dyal Singh Trust Library under the World Centre for Punjabi, attended by a large number of pilgrims. Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, the chief guest, said Pakistan accords high importance to its religious ties with the Sikh community and provides equal facilities to all pilgrims.



Pilgrims said they were provided clean water, quality food and well-organised langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by local people. PHOTO: EXPRESS


He said pilgrims were given religious freedom and international-standard arrangements in line with directives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and ETPB Chairman Qamar Zaman. He also thanked the local administration, health authorities and security institutions for facilitating the events.

Read More: Thousands mark Baisakhi with deep devotion

Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transport. Group leader Sardar Surjit Singh told the media that gurdwaras in Pakistan were well-maintained and more secure, while facilities for visitors had improved. Other pilgrims said they were provided clean water, quality food and well-organised langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by local people.

During their stay, pilgrims visited historical sites in Lahore, including the Lahore Fort and Walled City areas. They were taken on guided tours via double-decker buses covering Mall Road, Liberty Chowk and other landmarks. Many also visited Anarkali Bazaar and Shah Alam Market for shopping.

A cultural programme featuring music and local cuisine was held in honour of the pilgrims at Hazuri Bagh.



Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transport. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS


Separately, an interfaith conference was held at Iqbal Hall within the Badshahi Mosque complex under the Auqaf Department, in line with directives of the Punjab chief minister. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Bishop Kamran Nadeem, Bhagat Lal and members of the Sikh delegation.

Speakers emphasised religious tolerance and harmony, stating that such initiatives help reduce misunderstandings and promote mutual trust. Officials said restoration of religious sites and provision of modern facilities to visitors remain a priority.

The pilgrims are scheduled to depart for India via the Wagah border on April 19 after completing their visit.]]>
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