Pakistan Financial News

Manoj Kumar, celebrated as 'Bharat Kumar' for his portrayals of patriotic heroes in films such as «Upkar» and «Kranti», was cremated with full state honours and a three-gun salute here on Saturday. Amitabh Bachchan, and Salim Khan were among the prominent personalities from the entertainment industry present at the Pawan Hans crematorium in suburban Juhu. The last rites started at about 11:30 and Kumar's two sons — Vishal and Kunal — lit the funeral pyre of the actor-filmmaker who died on Friday due to age-related issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital. He was 87. Abhishek Bachchan, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra and Rajpal Yadav also attended the cremation. A photo of a young Kumar was placed at the entrance of his building premises for everyone to offer their last respects.

Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman, said Friday that Hegseth will participate in the 2025 Central American Security Conference. He said Hegseth will take part in meetings that «will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere.» He did not mention the canal, which was built by the US in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington turned control over to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter «foolishly» gave the canal away. After Trump's threats, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control. The deal will give the U.S. investment management company BlackRock Inc. control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, located at either end of the Panama Canal. Other ports are in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

Communist Party of China (CPC) has said in a message to the CPI(M), extending wishes for the party congress underway in Madurai. According to a document shared by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), 34 Left parties from across the world have sent it messages wishing success to its 24th party congress. Besides the CPC, they include Workers' Party of Korea, Communist Party of Vietnam, Communist Party of Cuba, Communist Party of Australia, Workers' Party of Belgium, Palestinian People's Party, besides communist parties from the US, France and Germany among others. Communist Party of Bangladesh, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Communist Party of Nepal (United Socialist), Awami Workers' Party, Pakistan, Communist Party of Pakistan and Communist Party of Burma also sent messages wishing success to the CPI(M) congress. The CPC in its message said in the present international landscape, an improving China-India relationship serves the common interest of both countries and the region. «The international landscape and world order are now in a new round of transformation. An improving China-India relationship serves the common interests of both countries and the region,» CPC said.

Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor and filmmaker celebrated for his patriotic roles, passed away at the age of 87. Fondly known as «Bharat Kumar,» he breathed his last at 4:03 am on April 4, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, and has since been under medical care.

So, shares of textile makers stood out Thursday, surging as much as 18%, as the 26% tariffs were on home furnishings and readymade garments from India paled in comparison with 54% levies on China, 46% for Vietnam, 37% for Bangladesh, and 30% for Pakistan.

Fawad Khan is all set to make a comeback to Hindi cinema after nine years. The Pakistani actor, whose last Bollywood release was 2016’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, will star opposite Vaani Kapoor in Abir Gulaal. The movie is set to hit theatres on May 9 this year. Ahead of Abir Gulaal’s release, there has been some controversy regarding Fawad Khan and allowing Pakistani artists to work in Indian films despite tensions between the two countries. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has said that it will oppose the release of the film. Ameya Khopkar, the president of the MNS' cinema wing, said that the party will not let Abir Gulaal release in Maharashtra, PTI reported. While the controversy around Abir Gulaal continues, there are some films Fawad Khan fans can watch on OTT before the movie releases.

The troops of the Nangi Tekri Battalion, under the aegis of the Krishna Ghati Brigade of the Indian Army, retaliated strongly. Further details are awaited. Earlier, the security forces intensified search and cordon operations following the exchange of fire with terrorists in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua.

Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asked the government to immediately start the decadal census as well as caste census, saying a large number of people are being left out of welfare schemes due to the delay. Expressing concern over the delay in conducting the decadal census during the Zero Hour in the House, the senior Congress leader said India has been conducting a census every 10 years since 1881. It was conducted even during wars, emergencies, or other crises. He recalled that back in 1931, a caste census was conducted along with the regular census. Right before the 1931 census, Mahatma Gandhi had said that just like 'we need periodic medical checkups to assess our health, a census is the most important checkup for a nation', Kharge stated. He said the census is a crucial exercise and involves a large number of people who collect data not just on population but also on employment, family structures, socio-economic conditions, and several other key aspects.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) shares will be in focus on Tuesday after the company signed a Rs 62,700-crore contract with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 156 Made-in-India Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand for the Indian Army and Air Force. The deal, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, marks India's largest-ever defence procurement. In June 2024, HAL received an order for 156 Light Combat Helicopters. Out of these 156 helicopters, 90 will be allocated to the Indian Army and 60 to the Indian Air Force. These helicopters are manufactured at HAL's Tumukru plant in Karnataka.

Mahira Khan proved she can rock casual wear like a pro. The ‘Humsafar’ actress spent her Eid morning in a plain black T-shirt and beige salwar. Taking to Instagram, she shared some pictures of herself preparing her home for the auspicious day. In one of the images, she is seen attaching fairy lights to the trees. In a video, she is seen arranging flowers. In the background, a refrain from an old Bollywood song could be heard. Sharing the pictures and the videos, ‘The Legend Of Maula Jatt’ star wrote that nothing compares to the contentment you get from completing housework dressed in casuals.

Natasa Stankovic? All eyes were on Jasmin Walia, Pandya’s rumoured new ladylove, as she was seen cheering for the Mumbai Indian’s captain during the IPL match. She was also seen boarding the MI team bus after they scored a victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

It's the latest phase of a nationwide crackdown launched in October 2023 to expel foreigners living in Pakistan illegally, mostly Afghans. The campaign has drawn fire from rights groups, the Taliban government, and the U.N. Arrests and deportations were due to begin April 1 but were pushed back to April 10 because of the Eid al-Fitr holidays marking the end of Ramadan, according to government documents seen by The Associated Press. About 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan over the past 18 months, figures from the International Organization for Migration show. Pakistan says 3 million Afghans remain. Of these, 1,344,584 hold Proof of Registration cards, while 807,402 have Afghan Citizen Cards. There are a further 1 million Afghans who are in the country illegally because they have no paperwork.

Rajasthan Royals leg-break spinner Wanindu Hasaranga entered an exclusive club after bagging a four-wicket haul against Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Hasaranga singlehandedly broke the backbone of Chennai's attempt to chase down 183 on Guwahati's surface. He tore CSK's batting order apart by cleaning up Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. He ended his full bowling quota of four overs with searing figures of 4/35 and became just the third spinner to register a four-wicket haul against Chennai in the cash-rich league. Former ball tweaker Harbhajan Singh was the first to script the feat to his name after dazzling for Mumbai Indians and claiming 5/18 against the five-time champions in 2011.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Here is how US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene responded to Sky News television correspondent Martha Kelner from the UK when the latter raised a question regarding the Signal chat leak at a press conference: “Okay, we don’t give a crap about your opinion and your reporting. Why don’t you go back to your country where you have a major migrant problem?...You should care about your own borders." No one would have expected such harsh, divisive, and disgraceful utterances from a powerful representative of the US.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. The «counter-terrorism operation» on Saturday morning targeted hideouts of terrorists in the remote hilltop area of Katlang in the Mardan district, the provincial government said in a press note. It confirmed the civilian casualties and suggested that women and children might be among the victims. Later, official reports said 12 terrorists were killed during the operation. The press note, issued on Saturday, said the operation was based on «credible intelligence» about armed militants using the location as a hideout and transit point. It said «several high-value targets linked to ongoing militant activities in the region» were killed in the operation. «Unfortunately, subsequent reports have confirmed the presence of non-combatants, including women and children, at the periphery of the target zone, resulting in tragic civilian casualties,» the press note stated. Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Ali Amin Gandapur said the death of civilians during the operation was highly condemnable and tragic.

Hindu-Muslim riots, arson and bomb blasts" during Eid in «areas like Dongri» by «illegal Rohingya/Bangladeshi/Pakistani infiltrators», an official said on Friday. The warning was received on X on Thursday morning, with Navi Mumbai police being tagged, the official added.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. When Norman Borlaug moved to Mexico in 1944, 60% of the wheat consumed in the country was imported. The government wanted to produce enough of the staple domestically to meet demand, so with money from the Rockefeller Foundation it had started the Cooperative Wheat Research and Production Programme, and asked Borlaug to lead it.

Himanta Biswa Sarma the SIT which is investigating the nefarious network of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheik, is scrutinising records to examine how and why he was paying salary to an individual based in India. Sarma said, “The SIT which is investigating the nefarious network of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheik, is scrutinising records to examine how and why he was paying salary to an individual based in India. SIT is in possession of evidence. The person based in India was receiving salaries for two or three years. The SIT will take another two months and by September we will conclude the investigation.” He added, “After that we will decide if we will recommend revocation of the visa of that individual or recommend other action as per law. The investigation so far establishes strong links with the Pakistani establishment.” Sarma earlier had hinted that the ongoing probe into alleged links between a Pakistan-based official and “certain individuals” in India may see involvement of Interpol. After Assam Police formed an SIT to investigate a case registered with Assam CID against a Pakistani national Ali Taqueer Sheikh who works with a climate action group – CDKN, Sarma had said government SIT has found that Seikh has come to India 18 times and SIT has got some initial leads which might lead to facts which will be starting, huge and fatal.

Atithi Devo Bhava’—which translates to ‘Guest is God.’ However, a recent viral video suggests that not all foreign visitors feel this sentiment in practice. Canadian traveller and vlogger Nolan Saumure has sparked controversy with his candid comparison of hospitality in India and Pakistan. In a short interview with Instagram user @officialnamour, Saumure was asked which country offers better hospitality. Without hesitation, he replied, «Pakistan, obviously.» His remark has set social media ablaze, drawing both agreement and criticism from viewers.

conflicts in the Indo-Mediterranean. In Afghanistan the Taliban has completely taken over the country and has launched a diplomatic offensive to gain international acceptance. However, they have disenfranchised the female population banning women from working and studying. Female Afghan citizens find themselves locked in their houses, at the mercy of a regime which gives them no rights, not to mention religious minorities who have left the country. It is not much better in Pakistan, Afghan refugees are being deported to the clutches of the Taliban in the middle of a harsh winter, as the world is distracted from the conflicts of the day. Violence against minority Hindu’s, Christians andAhmadiyya’s is on the rise as Pakistan veers from one political crisis to another. Similar horrifying stories are being told after a regime change in Bangladesh recently saw Nobel Laureate Mohamed Yunus replace elected leader Shiekh Hasina in Dhaka. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians are being singled out and targeted, their businesses destroyed, their leaders arrested on trumped up charges. From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, the story repeats itself in Syria where Muslim brotherhood inspired HTS replaced the gruesome Assad regime. Minorities including Kurds, Alawites, Shi’a don’t accept the new regime’s impositions finding themselves dealing with a new government that they fear will be more brutal than the one it replaced. Apart from religious and ethnic minorities it is the vulnerable groups, the women and children that suffer the most from these radical groups seizing power.