Latest news with #AssociatedPressofPakistan
Gulf Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's petroleum product exports surge by 118.71% in 10 months
Pakistan's exports of petroleum products surged 118.71 percent in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Tuesday, citing data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). From July 2024 to April 2025, petroleum product exports totalled US$492.04 million, up from US$224.97 million in the same period a year earlier. The increase represents a $267.07 million gain in foreign exchange earnings on a year-on-year basis. PBS data also showed a 4.48 percent rise in the overall output of 11 petroleum products from local refineries during the reporting period. Diesel production rose 9.32 percent, while petrol output increased by 1.97 percent. Furnace oil production climbed 2.73 percent from the corresponding period last year, the data showed. WAM
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
DPM Ishaq Dar reaches Beijing amid regional tensions
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day official visit, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The diplomatic trip comes amid heightened regional tensions following last week's ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The ceasefire followed a military standoff linked to the Pahalgam attack in IIOJK, which India attributed to Pakistan, although no conclusive evidence has been presented. China lent unwavering support to Pakistan when India launched missile strikes targeting Pakistani civilians under the garb of eliminating so-called terror camps. It is widely believed that China worked closely with Pakistan throughout the crisis, providing critical military as well as diplomatic support to deter India. China publicly backed Pakistan and sent a clear message that it supports Islamabad to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The four-day conflict proved immensely beneficial for China, whose J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles helped Pakistan down six Indian fighter jets, including highly-advanced French made Rafale. Before departing for Beijing, DPM Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the strong trade and diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China, Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Dar noted that he had held two recent telephone conversations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who extended the invitation for the official visit. He said his meetings with Chinese leadership would cover a broad range of topics, including political, regional, and global issues, as well as the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Referring to his discussions with foreign counterparts worldwide, Ishaq Dar stated that these interactions have revealed attempts by India to shift blame onto Pakistan, including allegations related to attacks on nuclear installations. During the visit, the Foreign Office said Dar will hold in-depth discussions with Wang on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability. Today, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Beijing on a three day official visit from 19-21 May 2025 . He was received at the airport by senior Chinese officials and Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalil Hashmi. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2025 The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The visit forms part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. It also underscores the two countries' shared commitment to further "strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership", the statement said.
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First Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admits first time, Gen Munir made a panic call after India hit Noor Khan airbase
After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on 10 May read more Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir contacted him at 2:30 am to inform him of India's precision strikes on the Nur Khan Air Base and other strategic targets. The strikes were carried out in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. India launched the operations — codenamed Operation Sindoor — in the early hours of 7 May, targeting militant infrastructure across the border. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In retaliation, Pakistan attempted strikes on Indian military sites on 8, 9, and 10 May. However, Indian forces mounted a powerful counter-attack on multiple Pakistani military positions. After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, both nations reached a ceasefire agreement on 10 May. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all friendly countries that facilitated the truce, especially U.S. President Donald Trump, who he said played 'an active role'. According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, the Prime Minister also visited the family of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, who was killed in the Indian strikes. 'The way the Pakistan armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is unparalleled,' Shehbaz stated. This marks the second observance of Youm-e-Tashakkur following the announcement of a ceasefire. The first was held on Sunday, with rallies across the country to honour the armed forces for their response to India's actions. 'Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or core national interests,' said President Asif Ali Zardari in a separate statement.
India Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Shehbaz Sharif appeals to India for peaceful talks, resolve outstanding issues
Pakistan and India should sit down at the table like peaceful neighbours and settle their outstanding issues, including Kashmir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday night, as the country observed 'Youm-e-Tashakur' (Day of Thanks) to pay homage to the a special 'Youm-e-Tashakur' event at the Pakistan Monument here, Shehbaz said that India and Pakistan fought three wars and got lesson is to sit down as peaceful neighbours and settle all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Without resolution of our issues, we cannot have peace in this part of the world,' Shehbaz has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism."If peace comes, we can also cooperate in counterterrorism,' said the Prime Minister, who was the chief guest at the event, attended by top army carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile Minister Shehbaz thanked all friendly countries for their role in arranging the ceasefire, and especially thanked US President Donald Trump for playing "an active role".State-run Radio Pakistan reported that the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered. Rallies were also held across the country to express solidarity with the armed in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz hoisted the national flag at the PM House in Islamabad in connection with 'Youm-e-Tashakkur'."Pakistan is a peaceful country, but it reserves the right to give a befitting response in its defence," he said, recalling the recent military confrontation with said the armed forces of Pakistan responded "befittingly and effectively" to India and wrote a "golden chapter" in the military history of the also visited the residence of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, who was killed in attacks by India, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Army chief Asim Munir and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime prime minister extended his condolences to the family members of the squadron also visited Rawalpindi's Combined Military Hospital to enquire about the health of soldiers and civilians injured in the recent Indian attacks."The way the Pakistan armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is unparalleled,' he was for the second time that 'Youm-e-Tashakkur' was observed after a ceasefire was announced. It was first observed on Sunday, when rallies were taken out to pay tribute to the armed forces for their response to India."Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests,' President Asif Ali Zardari InMust Watch
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA approves extension of CSS age limit, exam attempts from 2026
Listen to article The National Assembly on Friday passed a resolution to increase the maximum age limit for candidates appearing in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination from 30 to 35 years, with the new policy set to take effect from 2026, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The move, introduced by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML‑N) MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, was brought before the House after a successful motion to suspend procedural rules. The resolution was passed without opposition, reflecting broad parliamentary support. Alongside the age limit increase, the resolution also allows candidates a total of five attempts at the CSS exam. Lawmakers urged the government to implement these changes without delay to give prospective applicants sufficient time to prepare under the revised criteria. The CSS exam serves as a key gateway to Pakistan's elite federal services, including positions in administration, foreign affairs, customs, and other civil sectors. It has traditionally attracted fresh university graduates and young professionals, with strict eligibility criteria in terms of age and number of attempts. By raising the age cap and allowing an additional attempt, the new measures aim to broaden access and provide greater flexibility for aspirants who may need more time to prepare or who enter the workforce later.
