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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan was working tirelessly to ease tensions in the Middle East, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts at various levels as the war rages between the US, Israel and Iran. “The flames of war in the region are not yet extinguished, but as a friend of all

KP CM Sohail Afridi. Photo: Screengrab PESHAWAR: In a rare show of cross-party unity during the pre-budget debate in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, both government and opposition members sharply criticized the provincial government for sidelining elected representatives in the budget-making process, accusing the bureaucracy of dominating fiscal planning while ignoring the input of assembly members. MPAs

Public schools lag as private admissions close early; 8th grade exams cause concern RAWALPINDI: All public and private schools across Rawalpindi Division have reopened after an extended 21-day break, restoring activity to previously suppressed educational institutions. On Wednesday, public schools released the pending annual exam results for classes from early years (pre-school) to class 7.

LAHORE: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the latter’s residence amid speculation that he was seeking the Maulana’s support for another constitutional amendment and a possible alliance in the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. The JUI-F, however, dismissed these speculations, stating that the meeting had no specific agenda

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla, on Wednesday expressed concern over consumer complaints over high fees charged by banks for messaging services. During the meeting, Mandviwalla noted that consumers have expressed concern that banks are charging excessive fees for SMS alerts. Chairman of Pakistan Banks Association Zafar