Pakistan, Bangladesh, China pledge deeper cooperation

Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh have launched a trilateral cooperation mechanism, pledging to pursue “win-win cooperation” in what could mark a subtle yet significant shift in South Asia’s strategic landscape.

The announcement came after the inaugural meeting of the Bangladesh-China-Pakistan Vice Foreign Minister/Foreign Secretary mechanism. A statement issued by the Foreign Office said the meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh’s acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch joined the initial session via video link. New trilateral forum looks to enhance engagement, work for more trade and investment.

In her remarks, Ms Baloch expressed Pakistan’s desire for a deeper engagement between China and South Asian countries. She highlighted the “upward trajectory of bilateral ties” with both China and Bangladesh and “conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to work with the two nations to enhance ties in trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, environment protection, marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The three nations agreed to establish a joint working group to oversee the implementation of the agreements reached during the talks. The launch of this trilateral platform marks a notable development in the South Asian geopolitical landscape, particularly as it brought together Pakistan and Bangladesh, which had remained diplomatically distant for decades. The relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have warmed considerably since the ouster of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Under the interim leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Dhaka has actively pursued broader diplomatic horizons, including a new phase of engagement with both China and Pakistan. China, for its part, has sought to deepen its influence in South Asia through economic diplomacy and regional connectivity initiatives.

Curbs placed on FBR’s arrest powers, assures Aurangzeb

Under fire from parliamentarians and business leaders over a clause allowing tax officers to detain suspected evaders, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the Senate that more safeguards have been added to the law to prevent misuse of authority.

Speaking during the Senate debate on the Finance Bill 2025, Mr Aurangzeb said that detailed consultations were held with Senators Saleem Mand­viwalla and Farooq H. Naek, resulting in clearer and more balanced provisions, which will be shared during his upcoming speech in the National Assembly. The rollback follows strong push-back from business lobbies and parliamentary committees, arguing that the original clause — allowing officers to detain suspects without external approval — would lead to harassment.

For instance, in a letter to the finance minister earlier this week, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) voiced serious concerns over proposed amendments in the Finance Bill 2025-26 related to Section 37AA of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. The chamber criticised the proposal for granting sweeping arrest and prosecution powers without proper checks and balances, warning that such measures could enable misuse of authority and lead to harassment of businesses.

Turning to relief measures, Mr Aurangzeb informed the Senate that income tax on individuals earning between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000 per month will be reduced to one per cent from the previously proposed 2.5pc.

Narendra Modi is ‘Temu copy’ of Netanyahu: Bilawal Bhutto

In a strongly worded press conference at the United Nations, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting Israeli-style policies in Kashmir and undermining regional peace.

“Narendra Modi is essentially a ‘Temu copy’ of the Israeli Prime Minister,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, drawing parallels between India’s actions in Kashmir and Israel’s settler model in Palestine.

“Narendra Modi was the Butcher of Gujarat, then of Kashmir, and now he seeks to trample the ancient Sindh civilization.”

He criticised New Delhi’s unilateral changes in Kashmir, saying they were inspired by Israel’s occupation tactics. “India is unfortunately learning from the worst examples,” he added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that cooperation between the intelligence agencies of both countries could yield significant results in reducing terrorism.

He also reminded the international community of India’s past admission. “During the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, the Indian government acknowledged its involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan.” Referring to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, Bilawal confirmed, “He has been in our custody since 2017.”

The PPP chairman maintained that Pakistan had fulfilled its responsibilities by taking decisive action against all militant groups, but India had failed to respond meaningfully to Pakistan’s concerns.

“To this day, India has not taken any serious step to address our reservations regarding cross-border terrorism.”

He emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue. “We are ready to discuss all issues. All our cards are on the table,” he said.
“It is India that continues to evade international obligations. Today, only one country is running from the UN Charter—and that’s India.”

Tribute paid to the artist Meher Afroz

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Fine Art Committee organized a special tribute ceremony for the celebrated artist Meher Afroz and acknowledged her remarkable services to the art world.

Speaking on the occasion, Niilofur Farrukh expressed her gratitude to the Arts Council for recognizing an artist of international acclaim. Zohra Hussain highlighted Meher Afroz’s deep knowledge of Urdu and Persian literature, which strongly influenced her artwork.

Noorjehan Bilgrami recalled the early days of the Arts Council when it was a modest venue but rich in artistic culture, frequented by legends like Bashir Mirza and Sadequain. She also noted her 52-year-long association with Meher Afroz.

In her address, Meher Afroz reflected on her upbringing in Lucknow, where Muharram is observed profoundly. She spoke of the scholarly and literary richness of the city and mentioned how legendary marsiya writers like Mir Anis brought valor to life through words. “Without role models, a nation becomes fragmented,” she noted. “As we grow older, we tend to lose our sense of self and forget who we truly are.”

She shared a powerful message: “If you are not on the side of truth, it does not matter whether you are in a mosque or a Club —there is no difference.” She emphasized that as human beings, our duty is not only to take but also to give. “Without ethics, a human is merely a statue. Integrity and principle are the true sources of happiness and contentment in life,” she concluded.

Pakistan, Turkiye reaffirm commitment to deepen ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul during his visit to attend the 51st session of the OIC CFM. They discussed matters of bilateral and regional interest. He was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

During the meeting, FM Dar underscored the profound importance that Pakistan accords to its enduring bilateral relations with Turkiye. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and diversifying the longstanding brotherly cooperation between the two countries.

The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks in blatant violation of fundamental principles of international law, reiterated support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and its right to self-defense under the UN Charter, agreed to continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, and urged the international community to play its part in restoring peace and stability in the region.

Aviation regulator orders Air India to remove officials

New Delhi’s civil aviation regulator has ordered Air India to remove three officials from their roles over “systemic failures”, according to a directive seen by AFP, as the carrier comes under scrutiny after a deadly crash.

The instruction from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) did not detail whether it was linked to the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board. At least 38 others on the ground were killed. The DGCA directive noted that the airline’s voluntary disclosures “point to systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability”.

“Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible for these operational lapses,” said the order.

Banking Sector Backs Budget FY 2025–26

Under the aegis of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), the banking sector is proud to contribute to a series of transformative initiatives introduced in the Federal Budget 2025–26.

PBA played a catalytic role in closing the PKR 1.275 trillion Circular Debt Resolution transaction. Working closely with MoF, SBP, and the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), the Association reached a consensus on many intricate issues and secured vital regulatory concessions to make the deal viable for all stakeholders.

The National Subsistence Farmers Support Initiative (NSFSI), launched to support smallholder farmers, offers digital, cashflow-based loans of up to PKR 1 million, disbursed directly to farmers’ wallets and redeemable at POS-enabled merchants for key agri-inputs. It will also provide tech-enabled agri-advisory services, promoting more inclusive rural financing dovetailed with the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (eWhR) solution.

The SBP-led SME Risk Coverage Scheme, introduced last year, has disbursed over PKR 311 billion to 95,000+ businesses. As a result, SME financing has grown 36% to PKR 641 billion, with beneficiaries up 51%, bringing the Rs. 1.1 trillion credit target by 2028 within reach.

A government-backed subsidy scheme is being launched to support affordable housing for Pakistan’s low- to middle-income buyers. The scheme will offer 20-year mortgages at subsidised rates, helping to raise the mortgage-to-GDP ratio from 0.3% to 5% by 2030.

Director WWF visits Sheikhupura manufacturing facility of Nestlé Pakistan

Muhammad Masood Raza, Director, Workers’ Welfare Fund (WWF), recently visited the Sheikhupura manufacturing facility of Nestlé Pakistan. The visit aimed to review industrial operations and strengthen collaboration between the Workers’ Welfare Fund and the contributing industrial establishments.

During the visit, Mr. Masood Raza was provided with a comprehensive presentation on the factory’s operational processes, safety standards, employee welfare measures, and the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility. A detailed tour of the production units was also conducted to observe the adherence to international best practices in manufacturing and occupational health and safety. To commemorate the visit, a ceremonial tree plantation was held, symbolizing the shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Mr. Masood Raza highlighted the critical role of industrial contributions to the Workers’ Welfare Fund, which enables the Government to implement various welfare schemes to improve the living standards of workers and their families across the country. He appreciated the active participation of Nestlé Pakistan in fulfilling its statutory obligations and contributing to national welfare objectives. The management of Nestlé Pakistan acknowledged the continued efforts of the Workers’ Welfare Fund in promoting the welfare of the labor force and assured their ongoing support and cooperation in future welfare initiatives.

HBL’S ‘Agahi Program’ Drives Agricultural Progress

HBL held the ‘Agahi Program’ for farmers in Pakpattan, Punjab. The event took place at the Dera of HBL Zarai. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also collaborated in the event.

Through this initiative, HBL provided farmers with Agri-finance options, advanced agronomy practices, and efficient farm management techniques. Since 2018, over 30,000 farmers have benefited from the program.

The Bank aims to promote sustainable farming practices and financial inclusion through this initiative, thereby contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth. The Bank continues building a stronger, more resilient farming community and agricultural livelihoods.

Bhutan faces possible U.S. travel ban under Trump policy shift

Bhutan, known for its Gross National Happiness and peaceful diplomacy, now faces a possible U.S. travel ban. The Trump administration has placed Bhutan on a draft list of nations labeled as national security risks, surprising experts and sparking international concern.

The leaked list, first reported by The New York Times, includes countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea. Bhutan’s appearance alongside those conflict-ridden nations has raised eyebrows across diplomatic and immigration circles.

President Donald Trump continues to expand his hardline immigration agenda during his second term. His administration recently moved to broaden travel bans by reviewing 36 more countries for full or partial entry restrictions, including Bhutan.

China-Sri Lanka-Maldives Tourism Forum kicks off

The week-long China-Sri Lanka-Maldives Tourism Forum opened here, with over 100 participants, including officials, representatives from the tourism and aviation sectors, experts, and scholars.

In her opening address, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya expressed her heartfelt gratitude to China for its valuable support of Sri Lanka in infrastructure, people-to-people exchanges, education, culture, and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

She expressed the hope that the forum would deepen regional mutual trust, translate visions into dialogue and dialogue into action, and further promote understanding among the peoples of the three nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that tourism cooperation between China, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives is not merely a simple aggregate but an elevation through complementary strengths.

The forum will also feature a series of activities, including seminars, presentations, promotions, and business negotiations.

The forum is co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, and the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives.

Nepal sets record for electric vehicle imports

Nepal imported a record-high number of four-wheel electric vehicles (EVs) during the first 11 months of the current 2024-25 fiscal year.

The department said the total number stood at 13,483 by mid-June, with as many as 10,194 from China, or nearly 76 percent of the total imports.
In contrast, the country imported 11,701 EVs in 2023-24.

Nepal has been encouraging EVs in recent years as it produces surplus hydropower, especially during the monsoon season. The country aims to increase the sales of EVs to 90 percent of all private passenger vehicles and 70 percent of all public passenger vehicles by 2030, including two-wheelers.

Enough is enough’: Aima Baig

Aima Baig condemned the harrowing murder of 17-year-old content creator Sana Yousaf, saying society had failed to raise boys into men who understood the sanctity of a woman’s ‘no’.

In a series of Instagram stories, Baig said she was haunted by Yousaf’s story, calling her a “young, bright, innocent girl whose life was stolen from her in the most brutal, casual way imaginable.”

The singer said she was grateful to see people speaking up and using their platforms to demand justice; however, she couldn’t help but question: “How did we let this happen again?”

“Sana should be here today. Smiling. Celebrating. Dreaming. And the fact that she isn’t is a tragedy we should never accept as normal. This is not just about justice. It’s about transformation. Because enough is enough.”

US officials visit Napa

A United States counselor staff delegation visited the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) on June 20, 2025.

The delegation, led by US Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy Lisa Swenarski from the Embassy in Islamabad, included a Public Diplomacy Officer from their Karachi consulate, Michael Chadwick, Public Engagement Director Anthony Jones, and Program Management Coordinator (Experiential Learning) Ahsan Afzal.

The team met with Chairman Napa Syed Jawaid Iqbal and COO Sameeta Ahmed. They were briefed about the constitution and the academy’s workings. They were also shown a short documentary on Napa.

On the occasion, Napa’s Heads of Music and Theater Arts departments, Hamza Jafri and Afreen Seher, briefed the guests on the workings of their respective departments. The visitors appreciated the programs run by the academy. Ms Swenarski told the Napa management about the US Student Exchange Program. The visitors were presented with the Napa memento.

Theatre Play Raises Funds for Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital

The special fundraising performance Ramzan & Jannat, a local adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, concluded its successful run at the Arts Council Karachi on June 16, 2025. The play was staged in support of Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital, aiming to raise awareness and funds for women’s health and nursing education in Pakistan.

A clip was shown during the play, and it was evident that Dr. Sher Shah Syed and his team were doing exceptional work. The institution had been providing quality nursing education to women from underserved backgrounds. Graduates of the program were quickly employed and also served their communities by offering emergency care at home, often saving the lives of mothers and children.

The initiative reflected how health, education, and empowerment are deeply connected. Visitors and supporters noted that Pakistan needs more individuals like Dr. Sher Shah, whose tireless efforts are helping shape a healthier, more equitable future for women. Ramzan & Jannat successfully combined the power of art with the spirit of giving, reminding everyone that even a night at the theatre can contribute to real change.

Audiences were moved not only by the powerful performances but also by the cause behind the curtain, supporting a hospital that has long stood as a sanctuary for women suffering from birth-related complications and lacking access to basic healthcare.