ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country’s relations with Pakistan are “genuinely mutually beneficial” and that Moscow maintains close relations with Islamabad. “We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the largest regional organisation in terms of economic, technological, and human potential. Russia-Pakistan relations are genuinely mutually beneficial,” the Embassy of …

ISLAMABAD: After a months-long delay, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai was appointed leader of the opposition in the National Assembly on Friday. Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan had named Achakzai for the opposition leader’s slot in the NA in August last year. The notification, seen by Dawn, read: “Honourable Speaker has been pleased to declare Mr Mehmood …

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday suspended the membership of 159 lawmakers of the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies who failed to submit a statement of their assets and liabilities by the due date. The commission directed that “they shall cease to function as members with immediate effect until such statements are submitted by them,” according …

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday withdrew the schedule for local government polls in Islamabad. The development came after the promulgation of an ordinance that changed the structure of local government and the mode of elections in the federal capital. On Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the ordinance, which introduces several amendments to the Local Government …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed hope that the United States would “soon” resume immigrant visa processing, adding that it viewed the recent suspension as part of an internal review. The US on Wednesday announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21, citing concerns that immigrants from these nations often rely on public …

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitu­tional Court (FCC) on Wednesday hinted at closing the ongoing suo motu proceedings initiated to seek an independent and transparent probe into the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif. “We will make an appropriate order and may seek assistance from the parties if needed,” observed Justice Aamer Farooq, adding that the major issue before the court was how …

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has departed for a brief visit to Karachi, just days after departing from a weekend visit to the city, according to a post on social media. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi is departing for Karachi on a one-day brief visit,” the chief minister’s account posted on X. An accompanying video showed …

ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance comprising the PTI and other parties has demanded a joint session of parliament to discuss the tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran, besides urging the government to convene a meeting of “neighbouring countries” to formulate a “joint and coordinated strategy”. The Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held a meeting in the federal capital under the chairmanship …

HYDERABAD: PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday alleged, without naming anyone, that “some powers” wanted to rob Sindh of its rights and transfer its resources to Islamabad on the pretext of claims that the provincial government had performed poorly. He made this statement while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the first phase of Tharparkar Institute of Engineering, Science and …

ISLAMABAD: Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj has confirmed that Pakistan is engaged in discussions with “multiple” countries for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. In recent weeks, Pakistan has reportedly been in talks with several friendly countries for a deal on the JF-17, a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan. “These …