TEHRAN, MAY 18, (DNA) – Iran criticised new US sanctions on its missile programme on Thursday, saying they would undermine a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. “Iran condemns the US administration’s ill will in its effort to reduce the positive results of the country’s implementation of JCPOA (nuclear deal) commitments by adding individuals to the list of unilateral and illegal extraterritorial sanctions,” foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said on his Telegram channel.
Last horsemen of Hunza: Pakistan Buzkashi game faces final whistle
HUNZA, MAY 18, (DNA) – In a remote northern Pakistani valley surrounded by giant ice-capped peaks, villagers gather to watch a game of Buzkashi, an ancient equestrian sport once seen as a key test of virility that is now struggling for survival. Baksh Dil Khan, a retired schoolteacher is saddling his horse as his wife sprinkles a pinch of flour over the animal for good luck, worried that the snowfall that blankets the Chapursan Valley will make the day’s match too treacherous.
Lloyds new era begins as government sells off final shares
LONDON, MAY 17, (DNA) – Britain has sold its last remaining stake in Lloyds Banking Group, making the lender the first to re-emerge from British state ownership in a symbolic step for the country’s recovering banking sector. The sale draws a line under one of the largest bailouts from the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. This involved Lloyds, Britain’s biggest retail lender, being rescued after an ill-fated government-brokered takeover of rival HBOS.
Chinese President Xi pledges billions for new Silk Road, ‘snubs’ absentee India
BEIJING, MAY 14, (DNA) – The Chinese President, who is positioning himself as a global leader and chief advocate for free trade, seemed to have snubbed India when he said the belt and road initiative respected “territorial integrity”. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday pledged $14.5 billion to the Silk Road Fund as he described his signature foreign policy push as inclusive, one that should not be held hostage to old rivalries and power games.
British High Commission organizes photo show in Peshawar
ISLAMABAD, MAY 12 (DNA) -The British High Commission opened its photography exhibition, which will be touring the UK and Pakistan, in Peshawar at the Institute of Management Sciences.The inaugural exhibition entitled ‘Shared History. Shared Future.’ showcased the UK and Pakistan’s 70th Anniversary of bilateral relations and was attended by senior faculty and students from the university.
France chooses Macron as new President
PARIS, MAY 07, (DNA) – Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron has decisively won the French presidential election, projected results say. Mr Macron defeated far-right candidate Marine Le Pen by about 65% to 35% to become, at 39, the country’s youngest president, the results show. If confirmed, he will also become the first president from outside the two traditional main parties since the modern republic’s foundation in 1958.
Renowned French chefs visit Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, MAY 07 (DNA) -Sylvestre and Jonathan Wahid, two famous names of French high gastronomy, visited Pakistan on the invitation of Serena Hotels, with the support of the Embassy of France in Pakistan. Addressing a press conference on Sunday at the French residence both the chefs termed their homecoming a unique experience. They praised French Ambassador Martine Dorance for inviting them to Pakistan and providing them with a chance to meet with Pakistani people.
France elects new president today, centrist Macron and far-right Le Pen face off
PARIS, MAY 07, (DNA) – French voters will pick a new president on Sunday, choosing between young centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a watershed election for the country and Europe. Polling day follows an unprecedented campaign marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on Macron, a 39-year-old who has never held elected office.
Hillary blames Putin, FBI chief for election loss
WASHINGTON, MAY 03, (DNA) – Hillary Clinton on Tuesday laid the blame for her defeat in last year’s White House race squarely at the feet of FBI director James Comey and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, saying they had “scared off” voters. The Democrat, speaking at a charity luncheon in New York, said she took “absolute personal responsibility” for a series of campaign blunders that contributed to her loss to Donald Trump.
Panama and Dawn leaks By Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
The Supreme Court on April 20 finally announced the much anticipated verdict in Panama case after keeping it reserved for 57 days. The verdict has not closed the matter though as the majority has partially reserved its judgement at least until a thorough investigation by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which will present its report in 60 days. After the pronouncement of the decision, the PML N leaders and their supporters celebrated to their hearts fill their “victory”, and the Prime Minister House celebrations were even of greater fanfare and fireworks! Perhaps PML-N leaders and supporters had every reason to celebrate this decision because it saved them from disqualification of the prime minister.
