A joint study by Pakistan’s Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) and China’s Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) has tested new techniques that could assist Pakistani farmers in growing roses and marigolds, flowers commonly used in the country for cultural events and celebrations. The one-year project, based in Yunnan, southwest China, examined ways to tackle issues like diseases and pests …

The 2025 Nomad Passport Index has ranked Pakistan among the weakest passports in the world, placing it at 195th out of 199 countries and territories. Factors such as political instability, economic challenges, security concerns, and strict visa policies by other nations contribute to its low ranking. Meanwhile, Ireland, Switzerland, and Greece lead the list with the most powerful passports, offering …

Beijing has imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports starting April 10, retaliating against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods. China’s State Council Tariff Commission condemned the move as a violation of international trade rules, accusing the U.S. of undermining its economic rights. With tensions escalating, businesses and global markets brace for further disruptions as the economic …

The global oil market experienced a dramatic downturn on Friday, with prices plunging by 8%—marking the lowest level since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. This sharp decline has sent ripples through financial markets and raised concerns about the broader economic implications. Reasons Behind the Oil Price Drop. The recent decline in oil prices can be attributed to …

In response to the United States’ implementation of comprehensive tariffs on imports, Canada, Mexico, and China may consider collaborative strategies to mitigate economic impacts and reduce reliance on U.S. trade. This analysis explores potential measures these nations could adopt and examines the development of economic corridors aimed at circumventing U.S. economic influence. 1. Strategic Measures to Counter U.S. Tariffs A. …

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived in Pakistan to conduct a comprehensive review focusing on governance and corruption issues. This mission aims to provide technical assistance to enhance Pakistan’s reform capacity, with discussions centered on strengthening governance structures and addressing corruption vulnerabilities. Objectives of the IMF Mission The primary goals of the IMF delegation include: Governance …

The recent implementation of sweeping tariffs by the U.S. administration has led to significant turmoil in the stock market, with the S&P 500 experiencing a sharp decline of 4.9%, the Nasdaq dropping 6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling nearly 1,700 points. This downturn has resulted in a substantial loss of market capitalization, echoing the market’s vulnerability to trade …

In a bold move, the Australian beef industry has announced that it will pass on the costs of new US tariffs directly to American consumers. This decision comes after the US government imposed tariffs on imported Australian beef, effectively increasing the cost of Australian beef entering the US market. The Australian beef industry maintains that absorbing the costs themselves would …

Farooq Hameed, Pakistan’s Test cap number 48, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. He represented Pakistan in one Test match against Australia in December 1964 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he claimed the wicket of former Australian captain Ian Chappell. A right-arm fast bowler, Farooq Hameed played 43 first-class matches from 1961 to 1970, taking 111 …

One of the country’s most awaited beats has hit the music scene with the release of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) latest official anthem, X Dekho. The star-studded song marks a significant milestone, celebrating the League’s tenth anniversary, which is where the ‘X’ in the title comes from, but of course, one could also appropriately attribute it to the ‘X factor’ …