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SYDNEY: A pathogenic strain of bird flu killed more than 13,000 elephant seal pups after infecting a breeding colony on a sub-Antarctic volcanic island, Australian scientists said Thursday. Researchers found the remote Heard and McDonald Islands littered with seal carcasses when they arrived on a research expedition in October 2025. Genetic testing confirmed the contagious H5 bird flu strain had killed seals, penguins and birds living on the rocky outcrop the first time it had been detected in one of Australia&#39;s external territories. Southern elephant seal pups were the worst hit by the outbreak, scientists from the Australian Antarctic Program said, with mortality in some seal &quot;harems&quot; as high as 97%. Ground and aerial surveys conducted in October 2025 and January 2026 counted 13,300 dead elephant seal pups. &quot;These observations of H5 bird flu at Heard Island and McDonald Island are the first detection in an Australian external territory and show the continued eastward movement of the virus,&quot; biologist Julie McInnes said. The researchers said the virus had likely been introduced in August 2025 by infected wildlife that travelled from the Crozet Islands, a sub-Antarctic archipelago about 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) to the northwest. The Heard and McDonald Islands uninhabited by humans unexpectedly hit the headlines when they were included on US President Donald Trump&#39;s list of international tariffs in April 2025. Lying 4,000 kms southwest of mainland Australia, the islands are fearsomely wild. Access is allowed only with permission from the Australian government.

This undated handout photo released by the Australian Antarctic Division on June 18, 2026, shows the Australian icebreaker RSV Nuyina at Heard Island. A pathogenic strain of bird flu killed more than 13,000 elephant seal pups after infecting a breeding co

Australasia

A deadly H5 bird flu outbreak on Australia’s remote Heard and McDonald Islands killed more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups, marking the virus’s first detection in an Australian external territory.

Bird flu kills 13,000 seal pups on remote Australian island

BRUSSELS: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday hailed progress by NATO allies to meet defense spending vows, but said some must &quot;do more&quot;, as he struck a conciliatory tone at an alliance meeting. &quot;Many countries are following through, some that still need to do more, and we will be candid about that, both in private and in public,&quot; Hegseth said ahead of talks with NATO defense ministers in Brussels. &quot;I think that&#39;s important -- friends being honest with friends.&quot; The warm tone will likely reassure Washington&#39;s allies ahead of a summit with US President Donald Trump next month -- after the mercurial leader lashed out at Europe over its response to his war on Iran. NATO will look to showcase increased expenditure by Europe to prove to Trump it is progressing on a pledge last year to reach five percent of GDP on defense-related spending. &quot;When it comes to spending, what we are seeing is staggering amounts of money coming in,&quot; NATO chief Mark Rutte said. &quot;Europe and Canada are spending in 2025 more than $90 billion extra compared to 2024, which is almost a 20% increase in defense spending.&quot; Despite the positive spin from the alliance, a NATO official said that three European countries, including Slovenia and the Czech Republic, are currently on course to fall short of a crucial 2% threshold this year. Washington has been clear with Europe that it wants NATO allies on the continent to take over primary responsibility for their own conventional defense as the US focus shifts towards China. As part of that process, the Pentagon has told allies it is reducing the number of assets worldwide that it makes available to NATO. The US move has sparked fear that it could leave Europe vulnerable in the face of an aggressive Russia, as allies still rely on Washington for some key weaponry. Rutte said that while the US reductions were &quot;immediate&quot;, it didn&#39;t mean that Washington wouldn&#39;t be there if NATO faced an attack. &quot;Then all allies, including the US, will max out what they can do to make sure we can fight the war,&quot; he said. &#39;Need more time&#39;&nbsp;US and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, plus refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, and drones. The reports said a submarine that can launch cruise missiles is also being taken out, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups. &quot;By and large, we&#39;ll be able to compensate for many things. But we need a bit more time, and that is the clear message,&quot; German defense minister Boris Pistorius said. &quot;It is difficult and dangerous for the security of NATO territory in Europe if capabilities are withdrawn very quickly without it being clear when they can be offset.&quot; While NATO focuses on its own security, allies will also hold talks on bolstering support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky will join a meeting of Kyiv&#39;s military backers at NATO later in the day before heading to a summit of EU leaders. Ukraine is hoping to build on momentum from a positive meeting between Zelensky and Trump at the G7 in Evian to secure more backing in its fight with Russia. Review of US force posture announced&nbsp; US Defense Secretary Hegseth told NATO Thursday the Pentagon will conduct a review of its force presence in Europe within the next six months, as Washington pressures allies to step up their defenses. &quot;I&#39;m announcing today a six month Department of War review that will examine America&#39;s force posture and basing in Europe -- up to six months, could be less,&quot; Hegseth told a meeting of NATO defense ministers.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (L) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte shake hands prior to delivering remarks before a NATO Defence Ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters, in Brussels, on June 18, 2026. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)

Europe

"Many countries are following through, some that still need to do more, and we will be candid about that, both in private and in public," Hegseth said ahead of talks with NATO defense ministers in Brussels.

Hegseth hails defense progress by NATO allies, says some must 'do more'

Simran Siraj

KARACHI: If you walk into Karachi&rsquo;s Light House market during the football season, you realize how much people enjoy the sport. There&#39;s a shop named CRonaldo, another called Ozil Sports, and everywhere you turn, walls are papered with player posters and draped in the flags of competing nations. This is how sports vendors decorate their stalls, creating a vivid, chaotic welcome that signals one thing: football has taken over the city. A World Cup kit purchased directly from a global sports brand can cost a fortune.&nbsp;For the average young fan in Karachi, those prices are completely out of reach. Light House vendors capitalize on that opportunity. From premium replicas of international jerseys to turf shoes, socks, and team scarves, this marketplace has everything needed to build an entire football identity in under 20 minutes.&nbsp; It effectively breaks down a multi-billion-dollar global industry into something that absolutely everyone can afford.&nbsp; According to local shopkeepers, the immense hype surrounding major football tournaments demands serious, months-long preparation. Dilawar, a vendor at the market, told Pakistan TV Digital that the anticipation begins to build exceptionally early, with fans and shops gearing up for the tournament three to four months before the first match even kicks off. Because the competition for merchandise is so fierce, the rule of thumb for retail survival here is simple, he said. &ldquo;If a shop isn&#39;t heavily stocked with Argentina or Brazil gear, it is actively losing money.&rdquo; The market thrives on making sure financial barriers don&rsquo;t stop fans from supporting their favorite teams. Muhammad Aslam, who runs Malala Sports in the market, explains that they purposely keep their prices heavily discounted, retailing jerseys for around 900 rupees so that no fan is left out and absolutely anyone can afford to wear their team&#39;s colors. Yet, meeting the explosive demand of Karachi&#39;s football fanatics is a relentless balancing act. The market&#39;s elder statesman, who has owned the CRonaldo Sports shop since 1996, recalled how certain items, especially merchandise for tournament favorites like Brazil and Argentina, can vanish from the racks overnight.&nbsp; He added that demand for popular teams is so high that items like team mufflers frequently run out of stock, creating temporary shortages before new stock can be rushed to the tables to keep customers satisfied. Haji Sahab believes that this chaos, this fandom for football, is &ldquo;ultimately a festival of joy meant to bring happiness to the community.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;By making sports accessible, it helps ground the youth, keeping them away from destructive activities and addiction while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Football

Official football merchandise is out of reach for many young fans in Karachi. The Light House market fills the gap by offering affordable replica jerseys, turf shoes, socks, and scarves, providing everything needed to support a team at a lower cost.

Football and the festival of joy: Karachi vendors stock up jerseys, scarves, shoes

ISLAMABAD: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the biggest human stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a heroic performance against Spain transformed him from a little-known veteran into a global football sensation. The Blue Sharks, playing their first-ever World Cup, stunned European champions Spain with a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. At the center of the result stood 40-year-old Vozinha, who made seven crucial saves to keep one of the tournament favorites from scoring. Spain dominated possession, kept attacking and registered 27 shots, but Cape Verde&rsquo;s experienced No. 1 refused to let the ball pass. His brave performance earned him the player of the match award and gave Cape Verde one of the most memorable results in their football history. A veteran&rsquo;s moment after years of waitingVozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jos&eacute; &Eacute;vora Dias, plays club football with Chaves in Portugal&rsquo;s second division. Unlike many modern stars, his journey to the World Cup was neither quick nor glamorous.<img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/f546ae44-522e-478e-993e-86c169f6ac7e.jpg" style="width: 452px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> He began playing professional football at 25, an age when many players are already settled in their careers. Now, at 40, Vozinha has finally found the biggest stage of his football life, and he has made sure the world remembers his name. Tears for family, pride for a nationAfter the final whistle, Vozinha broke down in tears. The moment was not only about football. It was about family, struggle and the people who helped shape his life. The goalkeeper remembered his late grandparents, who helped raise him, and spoke emotionally about his mother, Ana Candida Evora, who could not attend the Spain match due to a visa-related issue. For Vozinha, stopping the Spanish team was a dream. But doing it without his mother in the stadium made the night emotional in a different way. Instagram erupts after Caz&eacute;TV pushVozinha&rsquo;s performance quickly moved from the football pitch to social media.&nbsp; During the match, Brazilian YouTube broadcaster Caz&eacute;TV urged fans to follow the Cape Verde goalkeeper on Instagram. What followed was a digital storm.&nbsp; Vozinha&rsquo;s Instagram following reportedly jumped from around 50,000 before the match to millions within hours, and close to 10 million within a day. For a player from a country of about half a million people, the sudden global attention was extraordinary.&nbsp; In one night, Vozinha became not only Cape Verde&rsquo;s football hero but also one of the World Cup&rsquo;s biggest viral faces. Mother to watch next gameThe attention also brought hope for his family. US officials later became involved in the visa matter, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said arrangements were being made for Vozinha&rsquo;s mother to secure a visa. She is now expected to travel to Miami to watch Cape Verde&rsquo;s next World Cup match against Uruguay, adding a powerful new chapter to the emotional story. Cape Verde&rsquo;s dream keeps growingFor Cape Verde, the draw against Spain was more than just a result. It was a statement from a small island nation that refused to be intimidated by one of football&rsquo;s biggest powers. For Vozinha, it was the reward for years of persistence, sacrifice and belief. At 40, when many players are already retired, he has become a World Cup star. One night in Atlanta gave Cape Verde a historic result, gave football a new viral hero, and may soon give a mother the chance to watch her son live the dream he spent his whole life chasing.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha becomes a World Cup sensation after seven saves against European champions Spain; gains millions of social media followers; emotional attention focuses on his family, especially his mother’s visa struggles.

From second division to World Cup stardom: Vozinha becomes viral hero

Muhammad Usman Amin

PESHAWAR: As the blistering summer sun dips below the horizon, the evening air transforms. The heat gives way to the sharp glare of floodlights snapping on. A familiar thud echoes across the pavement: the sound of a football meeting turf, accompanied by the urgent shouts of players. For decades, Pakistan&rsquo;s sporting identity has been singular, dictated entirely by the language of cricket. Even the national game of hockey hasn&#39;t been able to nudge cricket off its pedestal. But on these small, enclosed courts, a pivot is underway.&nbsp; Driven by global trends, larger-than-life players, and the massive spectacle of the FIFA World Cup, a new generation is aggressively claiming its stake in the game. Futsal -- the fast, five- or seven-a-side variant of football -- has erupted from a pastime into a cultural phenomenon. The catalyst for this has been a recent, unprecedented boom in modern facilities. In Peshawar alone, the landscape has rapidly transformed.&nbsp; Where open, dusty fields, devoid of grass or amenities, once sat empty, custom-built futsal arenas and clubs like Total Futsal, Uptown Sports Arena, and Hayatabad Futsal Ground now signify a changing culture. The city now boasts more than 15 active courts, creating an accessible place for the youth. &ldquo;Now that we have the facilities and the courts, I&#39;m sure more and more talent will come forward, and hopefully we will also be competing in FIFA soon,&rdquo; says Mustafa, a student and player at the Hayatabad Futsal Club.&nbsp; &quot;As evening approaches, fans throng to futsal courts,&quot; explains Ahmad Bangash, a local lawyer and a regular player at Total Futsal Club.&nbsp; &ldquo;For busy professionals and students, the sport fits perfectly into modern life. The courts are so heavily booked, especially on weekends, that missing a slot means waiting days for another chance,&rdquo; adds Ahmad.&nbsp; Hidden talent surfacingThis sudden access to proper pitches is doing something once thought impossible in Pakistan&rsquo;s neglected football ecosystem: unlocking an untapped reservoir of talent. Young players who previously had nowhere to play are now honing their skills under the lights, showing their potential and giving their full effort on the courts. Futsal&rsquo;s rise is also radically transforming traditional sporting habits. Though many of the players are young kids, usually accompanied by their parents, a lot of the athletes dominating the courts aren&#39;t newcomers. They are former eleven-a-side players who have willingly shrunk the pitch. In a standard eleven-a-side match, logistical nightmares -- such as finding a regulation-sized pitch, organizing 22 players -- often stall the game. Futsal strips away those barriers. All it requires is a ball, a few friends, and a small space. By playing in tighter spaces with fewer players, athletes are forced to develop strong physical fitness and sharp reflexes. The game is unforgivingly fast, demanding quick thinking, rapid transitions and absolute ball control. As local players adapt to this high-octane format, the overall quality of play in the region is rising. Pakistan&#39;s association with the FIFA World Cup has been purely industrial. The country takes immense pride in manufacturing the official match balls used on the grandest stages of the FIFA World Cup, including this World Cup&rsquo;s &quot;Trionda.&quot; Yet, while a piece of Pakistan was always present on the pitch, its national team remained invisible. Football has a future in PakistanNow, the tide is hopefully turning. Sports analysts and enthusiasts agree that a sustainable, highly competitive future for football is finally within reach. With the Pakistan Football Federation restructuring and especially overseas Pakistani talent returning to support the domestic core, the national team has begun securing historic competitive wins.&nbsp; Haider Azhar, a sports analyst speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, says, &ldquo;The most beautiful thing about football or futsal is that you need a ball, and you can play this in a small space. That, plus the FIFA World Cup, is the perfect time right now to restart interest in football in Pakistan.&rdquo; He said it is important to develop a system, a long-term vision, and most importantly, its continuity.&nbsp; &ldquo;I think that will happen, a system and development will start from there, then you will automatically see that more players will emerge, and they will represent Pakistan and win honors for us,&rdquo; he adds.&nbsp; Hope runs deep at the prospect of a Pakistani team on the FIFA pitch, alongside the Pakistani balls, and the dream is no longer seen as an impossibility. Across Peshawar and the wider nation, there is a collective, unyielding hope that, very soon, the country will step out of cricket&#39;s shadow.&nbsp; The ultimate goal is clear: to see the green shirts competing alongside the world&rsquo;s elite, ensuring that the next time Pakistan arrives at the World Cup, it will be to play the game -- and supply the balls.

Cricket

Futsal’s rise is radically transforming traditional sporting habits. All it requires is a ball, a few friends, and a small space.

Is cricket-mad Pakistan pivoting to futsal?

HONG KONG: Oil prices tumbled again on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart signed off on a deal to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The news boosted optimism for a lasting peace between the two nations after more than three months of war that has rattled energy markets and fuelled a fresh spike in inflation. However, the upbeat mood on trading floors was tempered by expectations that the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates before the year&#39;s end, after its new boss held his first policy meeting and acknowledged &quot;persistently high prices are a burden for the American people&quot;. Trump put his signature to the memorandum of understanding in Versailles after the G7 summit, telling reporters: &quot;Just signed it.&quot; Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the document &quot;was finalised with the signatures of the presidents.&quot; All eyes are now on the strait, through which a fifth of the world&#39;s oil normally passes and which Tehran effectively closed after the US and Israel launched their war on Iran on Feb. 28. &quot;As a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade,&quot; Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose officials mediated the agreement, said on X. The deal will see Washington commit to immediately waive oil sanctions and facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, while Tehran agrees to dilute its enriched uranium as talks on a longer-term agreement are held. Crude fell more than 1% Thursday, extending the losses sustained since news broke over the weekend. Both main contracts have plummeted by more than 15% since last week, when talk of an agreement began to swirl. &quot;A signed MOU and a faster path toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz should pull some of the panic premium out of crude,&quot; wrote Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management. &quot;That matters because oil was not just trading war risk. It was trading the possibility that reserve drawdowns and blocked Gulf flows would create an energy cliff.&quot; However, equities were mixed as they struggled to maintain the positive momentum seen this week, following the Fed&#39;s latest policy meeting, which saw it hold rates as expected but signal it could hike in the next six months. Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Manila all rose, but Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Wellington and Jakarta fell. The gathering was the first for new boss Kevin Warsh, who noted that inflation has been well above the bank&#39;s 2% target for years but vowed to &quot;deliver price stability&quot;. &quot;Persistently high prices are a burden for the American people, but the recent past need not be prologue,&quot; he said after the meeting at which he also wanted wide-ranging reforms at the bank. Warsh was appointed by Trump, who has launched an unprecedented assault on the Fed&#39;s independence and called previous boss Jerome Powell incompetent for not cutting rates enough. Analysts pointed out that the Fed&#39;s post-meeting statement did not mention an easing bias, as it had done previously. The greater emphasis on prices than on jobs was also noted. Data this month has shown inflation at a three-year high, while the labor market remains healthy. &quot;While there is no suggestion the Fed&#39;s dual mandate has shifted away from unemployment as well as price stability, markets have been left with a view (that) the emphasis appears to have shifted to the latter for now,&quot; wrote National Australia Bank&#39;s Gavin Friend. Key figures around 0245 GMT&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.7 percent at $75.47 a barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 1.4 percent at $78.42 a barrel Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.7% at 71,052.30 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.7% at 23,891.32 Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1% at 4,103.29 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1520 from $1.1494 on Wednesday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3315 from $1.3282 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 160.58 yen from 160.71 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.50 pence from 86.53 pence New York - Dow: DOWN 1.0%at 51,492.55 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1% at 10,508.61 (close)

A man walks next to an electronic quotation board displaying the Nikkei 225 stock prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on June 18, 2026. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

Business

Oil prices extend their decline as the US-Iran peace deal and the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ease energy supply fears, though markets remain cautious amid expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.

Oil prices sink further as Trump signs deal to reopen Hormuz

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari urged religious scholars, educators, media professionals, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and young people to play an active role in combating hate speech and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and constructive engagement. In a message marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Zardari said legal measures alone were insufficient to address the growing challenge of hate-driven narratives and discriminatory attitudes. &ldquo;The challenge of hate speech cannot be addressed through legal measures alone. It also requires education, moral development and sustained efforts to build awareness and understanding,&rdquo; the president said. He called on citizens to ensure that their speech, writing and conduct reflect ethical values and the teachings of Islam, emphasizing that every individual has a role in shaping public discourse. &ldquo;By choosing respect over hostility and dialogue over division, we can help build a society where differences are addressed through understanding rather than hatred,&rdquo; he said. Zardari said hate speech, prejudice and incitement threaten social harmony, peace and human dignity, noting that in an interconnected world, the spread of hatred extends beyond national borders and affects global stability and development. Highlighting Islamic teachings, the president said Islam promotes compassion, tolerance, justice and respect for humanity. He cited verses from the Holy Quran encouraging believers to speak truthfully, kindly and wisely, as well as sayings of the Prophet Muhammad stressing the importance of good speech and peaceful conduct. Islam is a religion that upholds the values of compassion, tolerance, justice, moderation and respect for humanity, the president said, quoting some verses from the Holy Quran.&nbsp; The Holy Quran guides us to adopt civility, wisdom and righteousness in our speech and conduct. Allah Almighty says:&nbsp;&quot;O believers! Be mindful of Allah, and say what is right.&quot; (33:70) The Holy Quran further instructs:&nbsp;&quot;Speak kindly to people.&quot;(2:83) Allah Almighty also says:&nbsp;&quot;Repel evil with what is better.&quot; (41:34) The Prophet Muhammad said:&nbsp;&quot;Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.&quot; (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) He also said:&nbsp;&quot;A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.&quot; (Sahih al-Bukhari) Addressing the role of technology, Zardari said social media and modern communication platforms have expanded opportunities for expression but also carry responsibilities. &ldquo;In the digital age, social media and modern communication platforms have significantly expanded opportunities for expression. However, this freedom carries a responsibility to ensure that our words are guided by truth, wisdom and respect for others,&rdquo; he said. He warned that irresponsible discourse and hate-filled content fuel division, mistrust and violence, weakening the social fabric. The president also underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s diversity, describing it as a society made up of people from different faiths, sects, cultures and linguistic backgrounds. He said the country&rsquo;s constitution guarantees equal rights, religious freedom and dignity for all citizens. &ldquo;Our collective strength lies in unity, mutual respect and tolerance,&rdquo; Zardari said, adding that promoting interfaith harmony, inter-sect understanding and constructive dialogue remains essential for national cohesion. He noted that hate speech affects people in schools, workplaces, places of worship and online spaces, creating divisions and undermining trust within communities. Concluding his message, Zardari prayed for peace, stability, unity and prosperity in Pakistan and called for greater understanding, harmony and mutual respect among people worldwide.

Education

In a message marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, President Asif Ali Zardari urged all sectors of society to actively combat hate speech through education, ethical conduct, and dialogue, promoting respect, tolerance, and unity in line with Islamic values.

Pakistan president calls for collective action against hate speech

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: More than 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims participated in the Shaheedi Jor Mela, commemorating the 420th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The event took place at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib, where prayers, kirtan, and various commemorative rituals were held. Extensive arrangements were coordinated by both Pakistani authorities and Sikh religious bodies to ensure the event&#39;s success. The visiting pilgrims performed traditional rites, including &quot;matha tekna&quot; (bowing before the&nbsp;<a href="https://pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-issues-737-visas-to-indian-pilgrims-for-martyrdom-day-of-guru-arjun-dev-ji" target="_blank" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guru Granth Sahib</a>) and &quot;ishnan&quot; (ritual bathing), while attending continuous devotional singing led by ragi jathas. Large gatherings paid tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, revered for compiling the&nbsp;<a href="https://pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-issues-2856-visas-to-indian-sikhs-for-baisakhi-pilgrimage" target="_blank" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guru Granth Sahib</a>&nbsp;in 1604 and for his martyrdom in 1606 under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.&nbsp;Official arrangements and facilitationOfficials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee supervised arrangements at the shrine, including accommodation, &quot;langar&quot; (community meals), sanitation, transport, and medical support. Security and facilitation services were coordinated with local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access throughout the pilgrimage. Punjab Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora and senior officials, including Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, attended the event alongside representatives of Sikh institutions.&nbsp;Birthplace of Sikhism&nbsp;Speaking at the gathering, Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said that Sikh heritage is deeply rooted in the region and emphasized Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing hospitality toward Sikh pilgrims. &ldquo;Sikhism was born in this land, and for Sikhs, Pakistan is like a first home. Despite visa processes and administrative requirements, no Sikh pilgrim is ever deliberately prevented from visiting Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Under the directives of the federal government, comprehensive arrangements are always made for their visit,&rdquo; he added. He said that medical camps, ambulances, and emergency services were deployed throughout the pilgrimage route to ensure immediate assistance where needed. Highlighting administrative preparations, he said that the ETPB had ensured exemplary arrangements for pilgrims, including clean accommodation, organized langar, and sanitation facilities at the shrine. He noted that improvements and restoration work are ongoing at multiple Sikh religious sites across Pakistan.&nbsp;Pilgrim experiences and cross-border sentimentIndian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar expressed satisfaction with the visit, noting that Sikh pilgrims have consistently been welcomed in Pakistan with respect and care. He said Guru Arjan Dev Ji&rsquo;s teachings reflected universal values of compassion, equality, and devotion, and highlighted his linguistic scholarship and compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Historical accounts of Guru Arjan Dev Ji&rsquo;s martyrdom were also shared during the event. These accounts described his imprisonment and execution in 1606 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.&nbsp;&lsquo;Pakistanis are very hospitable&rsquo;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, visiting pilgrims praised Pakistan&#39;s hospitality, security, and arrangements. &ldquo;The people here are very kind and loving. When we return home, we will tell everyone that Pakistanis are very hospitable,&rdquo; said Inderjeet Kaur, visiting from Ludhiana.&nbsp; &ldquo;Everyone should visit these gurdwaras and meet people here, and the borders should be more open for pilgrims,&rdquo; Kaur added. Ragi Avtar Singh, also visiting&nbsp;from Ludhiana,&nbsp;praised the local hospitality. &ldquo;The people here, including the administration and security forces, treat us with great affection and ensure our safety. It is difficult to describe the warmth we have received. Everything, from food and parshad to tea and drinking water, was provided in abundance. &ldquo;The committees and organizers showed us immense care, and we felt warmly welcomed,&rdquo; Singh added.&nbsp;10-day tour&nbsp;Religious scholars and kirtan groups throughout the event highlighted the life and teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, focusing on his message of peace, humility, and interfaith harmony. Continuous devotional singing drew large crowds, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the occasion. Pilgrims concluded their visit by expressing gratitude to Pakistani authorities and shrine management institutions for what they described as well-organized facilities, improved infrastructure, and peaceful conditions at Sikh heritage sites. The delegation is scheduled to return to India on June 19 after completing a 10-day religious tour.

Culture

Foreign Affairs

Over 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims participate in the Shaheedi Jor Mela, marking the 420th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib; large gatherings pay tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Indian Sikh pilgrims commend Pakistan’s hospitality, arrangements at Lahore Jor Mela

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: A historic diplomatic moment is unfolding at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland, where the US&ndash;Iran peace deal is set to be signed on Friday, June 19, amid high-level international participation and growing anticipation. Pakistan TV&rsquo;s Head, Adil Shahzeb, in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, described the significance of the location and developments on the ground. He said, &ldquo;Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland is where the historic agreement between Iran and the United States will be signed.&rdquo; He added that &ldquo;the Iranian delegation has started to arrive, and so have the American and Pakistani delegations.&rdquo; He emphasized the global importance of the moment, stating, &ldquo;This is not just a historic moment for global peace, but also for billions of peace-loving people around the world.&rdquo; Highlighting Pakistan TV&rsquo;s role in coverage of the diplomatic process, he said, &ldquo;Pakistan TV was in the lead throughout US&ndash;Iran negotiations.&rdquo; He noted that the peace process has reached a stage once considered impossible, involving nations that were at loggerheads for decades. He also pointed to broader international support for Pakistan&rsquo;s role in this diplomatic process, saying, &ldquo;And of course, with the help of our brotherly nations, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, China, and Qatar.&rdquo; He expressed optimism about the signing ceremony, adding, &ldquo;We are really looking forward to what&rsquo;s going to happen here.&rdquo; He appreciated the role of the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, during the Islamabad talks, saying their contribution was significant. He further stated, &ldquo;We are not only a peace-loving nation, but we have delivered peace to the world.&rdquo; He concluded by saying, &ldquo;The whole world has praised Pakistan, except India.&rdquo; As the world watches closely, the signing ceremony scheduled for Friday is expected to mark a defining moment in international diplomacy, with hopes high for a lasting US&ndash;Iran peace agreement.

Historic US–Iran Peace Deal Set for Signing at Burgenstock Resort, Switzerland: Adil Shahzeb

The Newsroom

A landmark US–Iran peace agreement is expected to be signed at Switzerland’s Burgenstock Resort on June 19, with international delegations gathering and hopes rising for a major breakthrough in global diplomacy.


Historic US–Iran peace deal set for signing at Burgenstock resort, Switzerland: Adil Shahzeb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s freelance community has reached a historic milestone, generating a record $1.6 billion in export earnings and further cementing the country&rsquo;s position as a rising force in the global digital economy. Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad, in a post on X, &nbsp;hailed the achievement in a social media post, describing it as a landmark moment for Pakistan&rsquo;s digital transformation journey. He said the country&rsquo;s freelancers had crossed the &ldquo;historic $1.6 billion&rdquo; mark, calling it a testament to the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistani youth. Schehzad further said that freelancers earned a total of $169 million during May this year. He termed it a huge achievement for the country.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 923px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2067218704988045823&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=089ac78099a548697ed5f570ce5263f88726afe8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The achievement reflects the rapid growth of Pakistan&rsquo;s technology sector and the increasing demand for Pakistani professionals&#39; services in international markets. The latest figures show a remarkable surge in foreign exchange earnings from freelancers, driven by professionals working in software development, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and other technology-related fields. The milestone underscores the growing contribution of the freelance sector to Pakistan&rsquo;s exports and economic growth. Record-breaking performance Schehzad added that the achievement highlights the expanding role of the digital economy in strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s export base and foreign exchange earnings. He went on to say that freelancers working in technology-related fields earned a total of $1.06 billion for the country, while non-tech freelancers brought foreign exchange worth $533 million. Industry experts say the sector has witnessed exceptional growth over the past year, supported by improved digital infrastructure, increasing global outsourcing opportunities, and a growing number of skilled professionals entering online marketplaces. Earlier reports had already indicated that freelance earnings were on track to cross the billion-dollar threshold, with receipts rising sharply during the current fiscal year. The record-breaking performance is being viewed as a strong endorsement of Pakistan&rsquo;s digital potential. Analysts believe continued investment in digital skills, fintech solutions, and technology infrastructure could help the country further expand its footprint in the global freelance marketplace while creating new employment opportunities for young Pakistanis. Freelancing in PakistanFreelancing in Pakistan began gaining momentum with wider internet access and the spread of global digital platforms, enabling young professionals to sell skills beyond local markets.&nbsp; Over the past decade, websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer opened doors for Pakistani talent in software development, graphic design, content writing, digital marketing and e-commerce.&nbsp; The sector evolved from a side income to a major part of the digital economy, creating jobs and bringing foreign exchange.&nbsp; Studies note freelancers generated about $396 million in export revenue in FY2021-22, reflecting their growing role in employment, income, and Pakistan&rsquo;s future digital exports and growth.

Economy

Pakistan’s freelancers earned a record $1.6 billion in export revenue, including $169 million in May, highlighting the country’s growing digital economy, tech talent and global outsourcing potential.