Syed Muhammad Zaid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had been signed by US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and himself, bringing to an end a conflict between Washington and Tehran that began on Feb. 28 and threatened to engulf the wider Middle East. The signing capped a diplomatic effort that stretched across regional and global capitals, transforming Islamabad from an observer of the crisis into a principal mediator between the two adversaries. While military exchanges, maritime disruptions and regional instability dominated headlines throughout the conflict, Pakistan maintained continuous engagement with Washington, Tehran and key international stakeholders in an effort to preserve dialogue and prevent a broader war. How did it start?The crisis erupted on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a rapid escalation across the region. The violence immediately threatened key trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed within the first 48 hours of the conflict, sending shockwaves through global energy markets and raising fears of wider instability. As the conflict dragged on, a parallel front emerged in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified from April 8, further complicating efforts to secure a diplomatic resolution. Pakistan&#39;s early diplomatic outreachPakistan moved quickly to launch a diplomatic campaign to contain the conflict, with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaching out to regional and international partners. Within the first 10 days of the conflict, Dar engaged with 14 countries, including Iran, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, China, Azerbaijan, Egypt, T&uuml;rkiye, Canada and Malaysia.&nbsp; He also held consultations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union and the Commonwealth. At the same time, Sharif contacted more than 10 world leaders within the first week of the conflict, urging restraint and calling for diplomacy between the warring parties. As the crisis deepened, Pakistan expanded its diplomatic outreach. Before a ceasefire was secured on April 8, PM Sharif had held 37 bilateral conversations with world leaders and senior officials, while Dar engaged with 81 regional and international counterparts, including seven direct contacts with the Iranian leadership. The Islamabad TalksFollowing the ceasefire, the United States and Iran met for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities in what became known as the &quot;Islamabad Talks,&quot; a breakthrough made possible by Pakistan&#39;s diplomatic efforts. The talks, however, did not immediately produce a peace agreement. After 21 hours of discussions in Islamabad, negotiators left without a final settlement. Although the meeting ended without an immediate breakthrough, Pakistani officials viewed it as an important first step toward sustained engagement. The ceasefire itself remained fragile, having initially been agreed for only two weeks. On April 22, as concerns mounted that the ceasefire could collapse, PM Sharif reached out to Trump after the US president had earlier warned of potentially catastrophic consequences if hostilities resumed. During that two-week period alone, Sharif and Dar held more than 45 conversations with regional and international partners aimed at preserving the ceasefire and maintaining diplomatic momentum. The effort helped secure an extension of the truce, while Pakistan continued to advocate for a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran. Continued diplomacyWith both sides engaged in dialogue, attention shifted toward finding common ground on a lasting settlement. That process proved difficult. From April 22 until the announcement of the agreement early on Thursday, Dar engaged with more than 45 leaders and senior officials on developments in the region, consistently advocating for durable peace and long-term stability. During the same period, PM Sharif discussed the conflict with more than 10 counterparts as Islamabad worked to keep negotiations on track. The diplomatic effort went beyond telephone diplomacy. PM Sharif, FM Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir undertook multiple engagements across the region, meeting key stakeholders and reinforcing support for the peace process. Those efforts culminated on June 18 with the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement that Pakistan says reflects the success of sustained diplomacy, dialogue and regional cooperation. The accord concludes 110 days of conflict that tested regional stability, disrupted global trade routes and raised fears of a wider Middle East war.&nbsp; While the agreement was ultimately negotiated by Washington and Tehran, Pakistan&#39;s role in maintaining channels of communication throughout the crisis helped create the conditions that made the deal possible.

The signing of Islamabad MOU. (Photo: PM Office)

Foreign Affairs

From emergency calls and shuttle diplomacy to hosting breakthrough negotiations, Pakistani officials spent months engaging dozens of world leaders, preserving ceasefires and keeping communication channels open as efforts gradually evolved into a formal peace framework.


Inside Pakistan's 110-day diplomatic push to end the US-Iran war

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad, who was recently detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, will return to Pakistan on October 9, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said. Dar confirmed the release of Mushtaq, expressing his admiration for the senator&rsquo;s courage, and said he was in &ldquo;high spirits&rdquo; after enduring severe treatment during his captivity. He praised Mushtaq&rsquo;s determination and steadfast support for Palestinian humanitarian efforts through the Sumud Flotilla. The foreign minister revealed that Mushtaq, who had been held in Israeli custody, was currently with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and would return to Pakistan on October 9. &quot;Senator Mushtaq is fine and in high spirits,&quot; Dar said in a statement posted on social media platform X.&nbsp;<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-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1975601673876762825&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=8712a1c1ac00454a2bed83e5c2d7c98382c90e6c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Mushtaq had been among hundreds of activists detained when Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission designed to deliver aid to Gaza amidst its ongoing humanitarian crisis. The flotilla, which included notable figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, was targeted by Israeli forces on the high seas. According to Reuters, Israel expelled 171 activists on Monday, bringing the total number of deported individuals to 341. In a personal account posted on social media, Mushtaq described the harrowing conditions he and other detainees endured. &ldquo;Our hands were handcuffed behind our backs, our feet shackled and chained,&rdquo; he said, recalling the brutal treatment. &ldquo;Our eyes were blindfolded as dogs were set upon us and guns aimed at our bodies. We were subjected to severe and relentless torture.&rdquo; The former senator further revealed that the detained activists launched a hunger strike to protest their treatment and demand better conditions. &quot;In protest, we launched a three-day hunger strike to press for our demands,&rdquo; Mushtaq added. Despite the mistreatment, Mushtaq and other activists stood firm in their cause. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Foreign Office for coordinating through a friendly European country&#39;s mission in Tel Aviv, &nbsp;given that Islamabad does not recognize Israel, and appreciated the embassy in Amman for ensuring his safety and support during his stay. Meanwhile, Greta Thunberg, also detained during the flotilla&rsquo;s interception, arrived in Athens on Monday, expressing solidarity with those still imprisoned. In a video posted on Instagram, she emphasized that while some detainees had been released, others remain in custody, stressing the need for their immediate freedom. As Mushtaq prepares to return to Pakistan, his experience serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand in solidarity with Palestine, despite the risks and hardships they face.

Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad was detained by Israeli forces while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission attempting to break the Gaza blockade and deliver aid in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Former Pakistani senator to return on Oct. 9 after Israeli detention

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WASHINGTON:&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pre-sales of Grand Theft Auto VI, the feverishly anticipated video game release, will begin on June 25, Rockstar Games said on Thursday.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GTA VI, due to be released on November 19 after two delays, is the eighth main entry in the blockbuster franchise and is set to arrive more than 13 years after GTA V, the second best-selling video game in history.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rockstar Games, owned by New York-based Take-Two Interactive, announced the date in a post on X, saying pre-orders would begin across digital platforms and at select retailers.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rockstar also released the game&#39;s official cover art but did not disclose pricing.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Analysts believe the game will be available at a base price of $80, based on recent comments from Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick and industry reports.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As popular as it is notorious for its sexual and violent content, the franchise has allowed players to roleplay as criminals doing dirty deeds across sprawling cityscapes since its first entry in 1997.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The newest game was originally due to be released in 2025, with a trailer having shown that it would be set in Miami-like Vice City and would feature a playable female protagonist for the first time.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Critics have from the start accused Grand Theft Auto of glorifying violence and encouraging players to engage in criminal behavior&mdash;allegations rejected by Take-Two Interactive.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GTA players sell drugs, fight, rob, go on car rampages, and more.&nbsp;

Video Game

Pre-sales of Grand Theft Auto VI, the feverishly anticipated video game release, will begin on June 25

Grand Theft Auto VI presales to begin June 25

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Head of Pakistan TV, Adil Shahzeb has said that Pakistan&#39;s leadership played a pivotal role in securing a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran through months of tireless efforts, culminating in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).&nbsp;He said technical-level negotiations between US and Iranian delegations are expected to begin in Switzerland on Friday as the next phase of engagement between the two countries gets underway.<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;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2067556436465369128&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=2ea36f71be4ca858f483367de1cb28095df20be9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>Speaking live from B&uuml;rgenstock, Switzerland, Shahzeb said the agreement had been signed electronically by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, US President Donald Trump and the President of Iran.&nbsp; He said delegations from both countries are already present in Switzerland and are preparing for technical-level talks that are highly likely to commence on Friday. Shahzeb described the signing of the Islamabad MOU as a major diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, saying the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior officials helped make the breakthrough possible despite decades of tensions between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp; He said Pakistan&#39;s leadership worked tirelessly over recent months to facilitate dialogue and bring the two sides to the negotiating table, creating an opportunity for continued engagement and peace efforts.

SAT News Desk

US-Iran technical talks likely in Switzerland tomorrow following signing of Islamabad MOU: Adil Shahzeb

Pakistan's diplomatic efforts pave way for US-Iran breakthrough

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates announced a social media ban for children under 15 on Thursday, joining a growing group of countries, including Australia, Britain and Canada, that have taken similar measures. Social media platforms will have to monitor and disable accounts created by under-15s or risk being blocked, a cabinet resolution said, giving them a 12-month transition period. &quot;The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,&quot; the official WAM news agency said, citing the cabinet resolution. &quot;Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.&quot; They are also barred from &quot;accessing the full features of such platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces,&quot; it said. After Australia began a world-first social media bar for under-16s in December, a number of countries have followed suit, including Britain, which announced a ban this week. The UAE&#39;s bodies controlling media and telecommunications have &quot;authority to take all necessary measures (against social media platforms) in the event of non-compliance,&quot; WAM said. These include &quot;warning or partial or full blocking of platforms or the imposition of applicable administrative penalties.&quot;

Children looking at a tablet device indoors (Photo by Garakta-Studio/Envato) 

Middle East

'Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms,' the official WAM news agency said, citing a cabinet resolution.

UAE announces social media ban for under-15s: Official news agency 

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, met with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg to discuss the latest developments in Yemen and ongoing efforts to advance the peace process, according to a statement by Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, released Thursday. During the meeting, Iftikhar reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering support for a Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned and United Nations-facilitated political process aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen. He commended Grundberg&rsquo;s continued efforts to promote dialogue among Yemeni stakeholders and reduce tensions amid the fragile security situation. Grundberg, for his part, expressed appreciation for Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive engagement and consistent support for the UN-led peace process, particularly in its role as a member of the UN Security Council.<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;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2067481030798278809&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ad15e7cb82af4686e2b43626e7b4ac6a3ad605d9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The two officials also exchanged views on recent developments in Yemen and underscored the importance of sustaining diplomatic efforts to advance peace and stability in the country.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, met Mr. Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen to discuss the latest situation. 

Pakistan’s UN envoy reaffirms support for a Yemeni-led, UN-facilitated peace process during talks with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, who praises Islamabad’s backing of peace efforts in the Security Council.

Pakistan reaffirms support for UN-led peace efforts in Yemen

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank has approved a $700 million policy-based loan for Pakistan to support a major reform program aimed at transforming the country&rsquo;s insurance sector, expanding financial protection for citizens, and reducing the burden on public finances after disasters and economic shocks, said an ADB statement, posted on its website on Thursday. Support for Insurance Transformation ProgramThe ADB statement said that the loan will be used under the Insurance Transformation Program, which seeks to modernize Pakistan&rsquo;s insurance market, improve access to insurance products, and help households, businesses, farmers, women, and vulnerable communities better manage risks linked to extreme weather, health emergencies, disasters, and life-cycle challenges. According to the ADB statement, which is also posted on the bank&#39;s X account, the program is designed to strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s financial resilience by deepening insurance markets and closing protection gaps in a country where insurance coverage remains extremely low.<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;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 616px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2067512433338638619&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=77e7fab649278f7a8f5ba32ee0693fc6236c1232&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Pakistan&rsquo;s insurance coverage remains among the lowestPakistan&rsquo;s insurance penetration currently stands at only 0.7% of GDP, leaving millions of citizens financially exposed to floods, droughts, crop losses, health expenses, accidents, and other unexpected shocks. The statement further said that the purpose of the loan is to help Pakistan shift its insurance sector from an outdated, rules-based system to a modern, risk-based, and market-oriented framework. Reforms to modernize regulation and supervision&quot;The program will support the government and regulators in introducing reforms that encourage innovation, strengthen supervision, attract private sector participation, and make insurance more accessible and responsive to people&rsquo;s needs,&quot; added the statement. According to the statement, the ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said the program supports the transformation of Pakistan&rsquo;s insurance sector into a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient market. &ldquo;This program supports the transformation of Pakistan&rsquo;s insurance sector from a legacy, rules-based framework to a modern, risk-based, and market-oriented system,&rdquo; the ADB statement quoted her. &quot;She added that the reforms would help mobilize long-term capital for development, expand financial protection for households and businesses, and support a stronger insurance market.&quot; Disaster risk financing takes center stageA major focus of the loan, the statement added, will be on disaster risk financing and climate resilience. Pakistan has repeatedly faced devastating climate-related disasters, including floods and extreme weather events, which place heavy pressure on government finances. &quot;Through this program, insurance solutions will be developed to help citizens and the state recover faster after such shocks.&quot; New products planned for farmers, women, and vulnerable householdsThe ADB statement went on to say that the loan will support the expansion of inclusive and shock-responsive insurance products, especially for farmers, women, and vulnerable households. &quot;These products are expected to help protect people from crop failures, natural disasters, health risks, and income losses.&quot; &quot;For farmers, the program aims to improve access to insurance tools that can reduce financial losses from climate shocks,&quot; it added. &quot;For women and girls, the reforms will support insurance products designed around their specific needs, backed by digital access and sex-disaggregated data to make coverage more targeted and inclusive.&quot; Digital insurance and faster payouts to be promotedThe program will promote the use of digital distribution systems, making it easier for people to buy insurance and receive services through technology. It will also encourage satellite-based risk assessment, parametric insurance, and risk-pooling mechanisms, which can help provide quicker payouts after floods, droughts, or other disasters. Claims settlement reforms aim to build public trustThe initiative is also expected to improve claims settlement systems, making insurance services more reliable and accessible for policyholders. Faster and fairer claims processing is seen as essential to building public trust in Pakistan&rsquo;s insurance industry. Capital markets and pension products also in focusBeyond household and disaster protection, the ADB-supported program will also help Pakistan develop its capital markets and private pension products. The objective is to mobilize long-term savings for infrastructure financing, bond market development, and annuity-based pension systems. Private sector participation expected to increaseThe program is also expected to encourage greater private sector participation in the insurance industry. By creating a more modern and competitive market, the reforms aim to attract investment, improve product diversity, and bring more citizens into the formal financial system. Broader push for economic resiliencePakistan&rsquo;s financial system remains heavily dependent on banks, while insurance and pension markets remain underdeveloped.&nbsp; ADB says this has limited the country&rsquo;s ability to manage financial risks and mobilize long-term domestic resources. The $700 million loan is therefore not only aimed at expanding insurance coverage but also at supporting broader economic resilience. By helping people, businesses, and the government manage risks more effectively, the program is expected to reduce financial vulnerabilities, support faster recovery after crises, and lessen the fiscal burden on the state. ADB says program supports inclusive growthADB said the initiative is part of its broader support for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth in Pakistan and across Asia and the Pacific. The Manila-based lender, founded in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region.

Economy

The loan will be used to reform Pakistan's insurance sector, expand climate and disaster risk protection; support vulnerable groups; modernize regulation, and strengthen financial and economic resilience.

ADB approves $700M loan to expand insurance cover in Pakistan

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)

Americas

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.

Articles by Syed Muhammad Zaid