DNA
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan strongly condemns the May 24 terrorist attack in the vicinity of a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan province.
We hope that those who organized this attack will be identified and brought to justice.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish all those injured a speedy recovery.
Institute scores 66.5, gains 15.5 points over prior year, surpassing the majority of evaluated universities nationwide
ISLAMABAD, MAY 24 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has achieved a landmark milestone in institutional research excellence, recording an ORIC score of 66.5 in the HEC Annual ORIC Evaluation and advancing from the Y Category to the coveted X Category. The achievement places PIDE 15th among 95 universities evaluated nationwide, surpassing the vast majority of institutions across the country, including several of Pakistan’s most established and well-resourced universities.
The 15.5-point improvement over the previous year’s score is the result of sustained institutional investment in research output, innovation culture, and operational capacity at the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC). That PIDE — a specialized policy research institute — now outranks many large, multi-faculty universities in this evaluation is a testament to the quality and focus of its research ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nadeem Javaid (SI), Vice Chancellor PIDE, described the recognition as a collective achievement. “This achievement reflects the collective hard work, dedication, and commitment of our ORIC team and the broader PIDE family toward strengthening research, innovation, and institutional excellence,” he said. Dr. Javaid extended special congratulations to Dr. Jehangir Khan, Director ORIC, and the entire ORIC team, while also acknowledging the sustained contributions of faculty and administrative colleagues across the institution.
The Vice Chancellor noted that this milestone is not an endpoint but a platform for further ambition. Urging continued collaboration and institutional solidarity, Dr. Javaid called on the entire PIDE community to build on this progress and work toward even greater heights in the years ahead.
The HEC Annual ORIC Evaluation is Pakistan’s premier mechanism for assessing university-level research capacity, innovation infrastructure, and commercialization potential. Entry into the X Category signals that PIDE now meets the benchmarks in research governance and output recognized by the Higher Education Commission.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 24 /DNA/ – The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Lebanese Republic, the Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Djibouti, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the State of Palestine, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of Yemen condemn in the strongest terms the illegal and unacceptable step taken by the so-called “Somaliland” region in opening a purported “embassy” in occupied Jerusalem. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions, and represents a direct infringement on the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.
The Ministers reaffirm their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures aimed at entrenching an illegal reality in occupied Jerusalem or conferring legitimacy on any entities or arrangements that contravene international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. They reiterate that East Jerusalem has been occupied Palestinian territory since 1967, and that any measures intended to alter its legal and historical status are null and void and without legal effect.
The Ministers further emphasize their full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and their unequivocal rejection of any unilateral measures that undermine the unity of Somali territory or infringe upon its sovereignty.=DNA
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RABAT, MAY 24 /DNA/ – The King of Morocco grants His Grace to Senegalese supporters convicted in Morocco of offences committed on the occasion of the competitions of the African Cup of Nations
Given the centuries-old fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of the advent of “Eid Al Adha”, His Majesty King Mohammed VI have kindly granted, for human considerations, His Royal Grace to Senegalese supporters convicted of offences committed on the occasion of the competitions of the African Cup of Nations, organized by the Kingdom of Morocco.
By this High Decision, His Majesty the King testifies to the depth of the deep ties of friendship, brotherhood and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal. This Grace also illustrates the permanence of the cardinal values that underpin Moroccan identity, first and foremost clemency, benevolence, generosity and the spirit of tolerance. On the occasion of “Eid Al Adha Al Mubarak”, His Majesty the King offers His sincere wishes to His Brother His Excellency Président M. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to the Senegalese authorities and people brother.
Following the Royal Grace, Président Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared: “Our compatriots detained in Morocco following the incidents that occurred on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations are free. They will soon be reunited with their families, thanks to the Royal Grace that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has graciously granted them on the occasion of “Eid al-Adha”. I extend to His Majesty my sincerest thanks for this decision, imbued with clemency and humanity. Senegal and Morocco share a long-standing fraternity, which this gesture, once again, honors. Eid Mubarak to His Majesty the King and to all the Moroccan people”.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, thanked the participants and ASEAN member missions for making the initiative a success.
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, MAY 24 /DNA/ – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted the closing ceremony of the Online Internship Program (OIP) 2026 and ASEAN Village 2026, bringing together diplomats, academics, students, government officials and members of the ASEAN community to celebrate regional cooperation and cultural diversity.
The event, organized by the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), marked the culmination of the month-long online internship initiative aimed at promoting dialogue, learning and people-to-people connectivity between ASEAN member states and Pakistan. The program engaged students, academics and young professionals in discussions on ASEAN’s political, economic and socio-cultural experiences, regional cooperation, democracy, climate change and economic integration.
Among the distinguished guests were Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab Professor Muhammad Ali, senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director General of the Foreign Office, diplomats, media representatives and participants of the internship program.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, thanked the participants and ASEAN member missions for making the initiative a success. He highlighted the importance of educational engagement and cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between ASEAN and Pakistan.
The ceremony featured the distribution of certificates to outstanding participants of the OIP 2026, recognizing their contributions and active engagement throughout the program. Cultural performances by students and ASEAN member states added color to the occasion, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of Southeast Asia.
A major attraction of the event was the ASEAN Village, where member states established cultural and food stalls displaying traditional cuisine, handicrafts, tourism information and cultural exhibits. Guests toured the stalls, sampled delicacies from across ASEAN countries and appreciated the vibrant cultural showcase.
The High Commission of Brunei also organized a special interactive game that drew enthusiastic participation from attendees. The activity became one of the highlights of the event, promoting cultural interaction in an engaging and informal setting.
Participants and guests also enjoyed traditional dances, musical performances and fashion presentations representing various ASEAN nations.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizers expressed hope that the Online Internship Program and ASEAN Village would continue to serve as effective platforms for academic collaboration, intercultural dialogue and stronger people-to-people ties between ASEAN member states and Pakistan.
The event concluded with networking sessions, cultural performances and an ASEAN-themed “Amazing Race” activity, reinforcing the spirit of friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan.=DNA
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Saifullah Ansar/DNA
ISLAMABAD: The vibrant Moroccan Food Festival concluded at the luxurious Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad after captivating guests with the rich aromas, exotic flavors, and cultural warmth of Morocco’s celebrated cuisine. The festival, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Morocco, provided visitors with a memorable culinary journey showcasing the traditions and heritage of Moroccan gastronomy.
Food lovers, diplomats, members of the business community, and residents of the capital thronged the festival throughout its duration, enjoying authentic Moroccan delicacies prepared by expert chefs. Traditional dishes such as tajine, couscous, pastilla, and harira remained the center of attraction, offering guests an unforgettable taste of Morocco’s centuries-old culinary traditions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Morocco, Ahmed Drif, welcomed the participants on behalf of Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune, who was in Rabat on an official mission.
He said the festival had been organized in partnership with Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad to showcase Morocco’s rich and generous culinary culture, deeply rooted in Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Oriental traditions.
Ahmed Drif noted that Moroccan cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultural influences and centuries-old heritage. He added that the food festival celebrated Morocco’s unique culinary identity and provided visitors with an excellent opportunity to discover the flavors and traditions that define Moroccan cuisine.
“Moroccan food is not merely about taste; it is a reflection of our history, hospitality, and cultural diversity,” he remarked, adding that such cultural events help strengthen people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Morocco.
General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, Nicolas Verdun, also addressed the gathering and thanked the Embassy of Morocco for partnering with the hotel in organizing the successful festival.
He said the management of the hotel was committed to offering unique cultural and culinary experiences to guests and assured that similar international food festivals would continue to be organized in the future as well.
The Moroccan Food Festival not only delighted food enthusiasts but also served as a platform for cultural exchange, promoting friendship and understanding between the people of Pakistan and Morocco through the universal language of cuisine.=DNA
FAISALABAD, MAY 23 /DNA/ – The increasing cost of production, heavy taxation, expensive energy prices, and severe liquidity crunch have badly affected the competitiveness of Pakistan’s textile exports in the international market.
If immediate and effective measures are not taken, there is a serious risk of further decline in exports, industrial activities, and employment opportunities. These views were expressed by Ahmad Afzal Awan, S. Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA), while addressing a joint press conference held at PHMA House.
The press conference was attended by Farooq Yousaf Sheikh, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Arif Ahsan Malik, former Chairman APBUMA, Waheed Khaliq Ramay, Chairman Power Looms Owners Association, Naveed Gulzar, Chairman APTMA, Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz Cotton Power Looms Association, Chaudhry Salamat Ali, Mian Kashif Zia, Javed Aslam, Shaheen Tabassum and other prominent industrialists.
Ahmad Afzal Awan presented the key and unavoidable demands of the textile sector regarding the Federal Budget 2026-27. He stated that the industrial electricity tariff should be brought at par with regional competitor countries and fixed at 9.0 cents per unit, while Peak Hour Charges should be completely abolished. He further demanded that gas prices should be reduced to $6 per MMBTU so that Pakistani industry could effectively compete with regional rival countries. He said that expensive energy has become the biggest hurdle to industrial growth and export expansion.
Farooq Yousaf Sheikh, President FCCI, stated that all proposals and recommendations from Faisalabad’s industries had already been submitted in writing to the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance. He said that the purpose of the press conference was to remind the government of the importance of these demands and ensure their inclusion in the upcoming budget so that exports and industrial activities could be promoted.
Arif Ahsan Malik, former Chairman APBUMA, said that industrialists have to deal with nearly 25 different government departments on a daily basis, creating unnecessary complications in business operations. He urged the government to establish a comprehensive and integrated digital portal through which all relevant official matters could be handled on a single platform. He further stated that the industry is already paying around 60% in taxes, yet additional financial burdens are continuously being imposed, making survival increasingly difficult.
Chaudhry Salamat Ali, Group Leader PHMA, said that electricity tariffs should be reduced not only for industries but also for general consumers, as high electricity bills have severely affected both the public and the business community. He stated that the burden of payments to idle IPPs is also being shifted onto consumers, resulting in even higher electricity costs. He urged the government to significantly reduce electricity prices in the upcoming budget to provide relief to both the public and the industrial sector.
Naveed Gulzar, Chairman APTMA, stated that the Punjab Government’s imposition of a 0.90% Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess on all imports and exports would place an additional burden on the industrial sector. He said such measures are increasing industrial costs and reducing export competitiveness.
Waheed Khaliq Ramay, Chairman Cotton Power Looms Owners Association, also demanded a reduction in electricity prices and heavy taxation, stating that the power looms sector is under severe financial pressure and requires an immediate relief package from the government.
Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz, Chairman Cotton Power Looms Association, said that all proposals and demands had already been submitted to the government and expressed hope that serious consideration would be given to them in the upcoming federal budget.
Ahmad Afzal Awan further stated that approximately Rs. 327 billion in sales tax, income tax, customs rebates and duty drawback refunds are still outstanding, causing severe financial difficulties for exporters and badly affecting their working capital. He urged the government to immediately release all pending refunds to ensure uninterrupted industrial and export activities.
WASHINGTON, MAY 23: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was a chance Iran would accept a deal to end the Middle East war as soon as Saturday.
His comments came as Pakistan’s powerful army chief arrived in Tehran to bolster mediation and US President Donald Trump abruptly skipped his son’s wedding to stay in Washington due to “circumstances pertaining to government,” fueling speculation that talks had entered a sensitive stage.
Rubio said there had been progress in negotiations but did not rule out Trump resuming attacks on Iran.
“There might be some news a little later today. There may not be. I hope there will be,” Rubio told reporters in New Delhi during his first visit to India.
“There’s been some progress done, some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done,” he said.
“There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say.”
Rubio reiterated US demands that Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz, on which it has exerted control in response to the US-Israeli attack, and that Iran hand over highly enriched uranium.
Trump’s “preference is always to solve problems such as these through a negotiated diplomatic solution. That’s what we’re working on right now,” Rubio said.
“But this problem will be solved, as the president’s made… clear, one way or the other.”
WASHINGTON, MAY 23: The United States and Iran are on the verge of agreeing to a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire agreement, during which most issues that arose during the negotiations would be addressed, The Financial Times reported on Saturday.
The report notes that the terms of this deal would include the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key issue raised by both the US and Iran after each country imposed closures and blockades of the waterway.
The report comes after the Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, left Tehran on Saturday after another round of talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Iran’s top negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
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The military said in a statement that Munir’s talks with Iran’s president and other senior officials during a visit to Tehran on ending the war with Iran were highly productive.
Negotiations over the past 24 hours had resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding, the statement added.
IRANIAN PRESIDENT Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran last week.
IRANIAN PRESIDENT Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran last week. (credit: The Inter-Services Public Relations/Handout via Reuters)
Rubio says progress made on Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that some progress has been made on Washington’s dispute with Iran and that the US might have “something to say” on the issue in the coming days.
“There’s been some progress done, some progress made, even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done. There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, or in a couple of days, we may have something to say,” Rubio told reporters during his visit to New Delhi.
Earlier on Friday, a report by Axios revealed that US President Donald Trump was considering resuming attacks against Iran if there wasn’t any significant development in the coming 24 hours, with the president “losing his patience with diplomacy.”
Iran says agreement ‘still far yet close’
Ghalibaf told Munir in their meeting that Iran’s armed forces had rebuilt their capabilities during the ceasefire and that if the US “foolishly restarts the war,” the consequences would be “more crushing and bitter.”
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson later told Iran’s State TV on Saturday that the US and Iran are “very far yet close [to reach an agreement], but US officials keep changing their positions.
The spokesperson explained that Iran’s main priority is to end the war, something that would include ending the fighting in Lebanon, while an important issue is ending the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The issue of the Strait, according to the spokesperson, has “nothing to do with America,” describing it as a matter between Iran and the Gulf States.
TEHRAN, MAY 23 /DNA/ – Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF concluded a short but highly productive official visit to Iran. During the visit, the Field Marshal held high-level engagements with Iranian leadership as part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and constructive engagement, amidst the regional tensions that have simmered after the ceasefire on 8th April, 2026.
The Field Marshal called on H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, H.E. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, H.E. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran and H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of Iran. The discussions remained focused upon expediting the consultative process underway to support peace and stability in the region and to reach to a conclusive agreement.
The engagements were held in a positive and constructive environment and contributed meaningfully towards the mediation process. The intensive negotiations over the last twenty four hours have resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding.
The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan’s sincere and constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peaceful settlement of regional issues.
Upon arrival, the Field Marshal was received by H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of Iran, along with senior civil and military officials.
