Pakistan says playing ‘bridge builder’ as PM visits Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions

  • Islamabad says it is engaging regional capitals to keep diplomatic channels open amid Iran conflict
  • Foreign Office says Pakistan policy on Afghanistan unchanged amid cross-border militant attacks
By Waseem Abbasi ·

Rating firm S&P says it won’t rush Iran war downgrades, sees risks for countries like Pakistan

  • Agency says it is monitoring indebted energy importers as higher oil prices strain finances
  • Gulf economies seen better placed to weather shock, though Bahrain flagged as vulnerable
By Reuters ·

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Pakistani stars Mahira, Fahad bring ‘Tom and Jerry’ slapstick to upcoming Eid flick

  • “Aag Lagay Basti May” features Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan as on-screen couple who indulge in petty crimes 
  • Actor Mustafa, who also produces the film, describes the Eid flick as “entertaining, honest and modern” 
By Omair Alavi ·

Special video

In Karachi, a café where Ramadan means feeding anyone who arrives hungry

  • Karachi’s Cafe Mehmood has offered free meals to the needy for nearly four decades
  • Restaurant owners say paying customers and charity diners receive the same quality food
By BURAQ SHABBIR ·

Saudi defense chief rallies international support amid escalating Iranian strikes

  • Iran unleashes wave of drone strikes on Kingdom’s Eastern Province
  • Missiles fired at Prince Sultan Air Base intercepted, destroyed
By Arab News ·

Strikes kill nine Iran-backed fighters near Iraq-Syria border: security officials

  • Iraqi authorities denounced the “blatant attacks” on bases that belong to the Hashed Al-Shaabi
  • Nine fighters were killed and another 10 wounded in the strikes
By AFP ·

Spain cites Israeli ‘insults’ in decision to withdraw ambassador

  • With the ambassador’s removal, Spain’s diplomatic representation will now be handled by its charge d’affaires
  • “It’s become clear that Spain’s goodwill in maintaining cordial relations hasn’t been reciprocated,” Albares said
By AFP ·

Lens have transformed from surprise package to genuine title threat to PSG in Ligue 1

  • Lens have gone from surprise frontrunner to genuine challenger
  • PSG are off duty because Nantes agreed to postpone their scheduled game on Sunday
By AP ·