China is eager to see Russia join The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, according to a recently published article in Globaltimes, though the Russian embassy in Islamabad denied the reports. “Russia’s participation in the CPEC, including the use of the Gwadar Port, could give a boost to Sino-Russian cooperation and be a demonstration project of One Belt and One Road (OBOR) that will enhance future multinational cooperation,” writes Li Xing. That’s certainly true. A sound infrastructure is a pre-condition for the economic integration of neighboring countries. But the real reason behind China’s eagerness to bring Russia to CPEC project is elsewhere in my opinion: use Russia to appease India, which claims control ...
January 9, 2017 at 7:54 pm | News Desk
Russia says US allegations that it ran a hacking campaign to influence the American presidential elections are "reminiscent of a witch-hunt". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Moscow was tired of the accusations. He said a report released by US intelligence agencies detailing the allegations was groundless. It is the first official reaction from Russia since President-elect Donald Trump received the report on Friday. The unclassified report contains allegations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the hacking of Democratic Party emails to damage Donald Trump's Democrat rival, Hillary Clinton, and influence the election. In his comments on Monday, Mr Peskov said Russia "categorically denied that Mosco...
January 9, 2017 at 7:24 pm | News Desk
DOHA, QATAR. Qatar Airways is regarded as one of the most luxurious airlines in the world, and has received numerous awards for their onboard service. Flight attendants Saga and Gina testify about the other side of the glamour. How employees are forced to sign contracts that prevent them from governing their own life choices. Swedish newspaper Expressen's reporter Johanna Karlsson commutes between Doha and small Swedish towns in her depiction of a five-star airline. Gina knows she is not allowed to speak to the guard. Not while he's been stationed at his post for twelve hours and is starting to get sleepy. Not while he's longing for his Nepalese family and she is just coming off a flight to Kathmandu. Not while he mentioned that he earns...
April 26, 2016 at 5:01 pm | News Desk
Washington: The US government said on Friday it had approved the sale to Pakistan of up to eight F-16 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp, radar and other equipment in a deal valued at $699 million (Dh2.5 billion). The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said it had notified lawmakers about the possible deal. The agency said the F-16s would allow Pakistan’s Air Force to operate in all-weather environments and at night, while improving its self-defence capability and bolstering its ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare since deals are well-vetted before any formal notifica...
February 14, 2016 at 9:06 am | News Desk
Telenor Pakistan has raised its concern over Mobilink-Warid merger and has approached Competition Commission of Pakistan over the anticipated Mobilink-Warid deal that is currently being heard by CCP for mandatory regulatory approvals, we have checked with sources. According to sources, who are directly aware of the development, Telenor Pakistan has approached CCP with its concerns to ideally block the Mobilink-Warid merger. Mobilink and Warid had agree to merge their businesses in Pakistan. Both companies are currently in process of getting approvals from competition commission. Telenor Pakistan, at the same time, has raised its concerns with the Commission and said that deal — in its current form — could negatively impact the ...
February 14, 2016 at 8:48 am | News Desk
Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA) on Saturday said business community unconditionally supports economic and energy vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who has put country on the path of progress and prosperity. Economy is growing, investors’ confidence continue to improve while energy import and manpower export deals with Qatar are highly significant, said Chairman POEPA Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal. Talking to POEPA leaders Rashid Sheikh, Ishaq Janjua, Aqeel Awan, Raja Sultan and others, he said that LNG deal would benefit industry, agriculture and domestic consumers while government will be in a position to reduce tariff to provide relief to masses. He said that deal over such a reduced price is great achi...
February 13, 2016 at 4:04 pm | News Desk
MANCHESTER: Bernie Sanders won a commanding victory over Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday, and Donald Trump also scored a big win in a triumph of two candidates who have seized on Americans' anger at the Washington political establishment. Both outcomes would have been nearly unthinkable not long ago. Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, beat a former secretary of state and first lady once seen as the all-but-certain Democratic nominee. While Clinton remains the favourite in national race for the Democratic nomination, the win by the Vermont senator could be a springboard into a competitive, drawn-out primary campaign. For Trump, the brash real estate magnate and television personality who has neve...
February 10, 2016 at 4:26 pm | News Desk
Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Jonathan Elkind joined Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform, the Ministry Water and Power, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to announce the launch of a $3 million multi-agency technical assistance program designed to support Pakistan’s energy development efforts. The three-year Program, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development, will bring experts from the Department of Energy national laboratories together with Pakistani experts to develop strategies and resources for integrated energy planning, energy efficiency, and promoting private investment in renewable energy and integration. “The Uni...
February 10, 2016 at 10:50 am | News Desk
A US Energy expert delegation led by Mr. Jonathan Elkind Advisor to US Mission on Energy met Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Muhammad Asif in his office in Islamabad. In the meeting areas of mutual interest and cooperation in the field of energy sector especially in energy conservation and renewable energy resources came under discussion. It was apprised that Pakistan have a huge potential in solar , wind and biomass energies resources and US wants to share their best experiences with Pakistan to exploit these resources and harness the energy crisis the country is facing to. The delegation gave a comprehensive briefing on energy efficiency and development of the power grid system in the country. Highlighted the achie...
February 9, 2016 at 5:13 pm | News Desk
Nawaz Sharif will hold talks with Emir of Qatar and the prime minister of Qatar. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a two-day visit to Qatar from tomorrow. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on promotion of bilateral relations in different fields. These include energy cooperation, trade and investment, defence and increase in employment opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Qatar. The two sides would also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. A number of Memorandums of Understanding in the ...
February 9, 2016 at 3:35 pm | News Desk
Pakistan Rupee Exchange Rate