Web Desk

Every summer in Pakistan, lawn season arrives and takes over. What started as a simple, affordable cotton fabric for the heat has evolved into one of the country&#39;s biggest fashion moments of the year.&nbsp; Collections drop, prints sell out within hours, and the hunt begins across markets, brand pages, and Instagram.&nbsp;From budget basics to designer cuts, lawn has something for everyone and a whole experience around it. Summer is here. Go get yours.

Shorts

Every summer in Pakistan, lawn season arrives and takes over. What started as a simple, affordable cotton fabric for the heat has evolved into one of the country's biggest fashion moments of the year. 

In Pakistan, lawn sales come first, and summer follows

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Egyptian foreign ministers&nbsp;emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.&nbsp; Pakistan&#39;s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar,&nbsp;spoke late last night with Egypt&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, said a post shared on X on Saturday by Pakistan&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2047939147139076226&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=7fb98792346e678ba4791ff2f3b04343c95f787f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2047939147139076226"></iframe></div></div>The two leaders discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts being facilitated by Pakistan, and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, the post said.&nbsp; They emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to advance peace and stability in the region, and beyond, it added.

Foreign Affairs

The two leaders discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts being facilitated by Pakistan and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan, Egypt FMs stress sustained engagement to advance regional peace 

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to China from April 25 to May 1 at the invitation of the Chinese government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. According to an official statement, the president will travel to Changsha from April 25 to 27 and Sanya from April 28 to May 1.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2047908376403972270&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2b8ab7e76e03a9c332be4c14d8bdac318af126f0&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 850px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> During the visit, he is expected to hold meetings with provincial leaders to discuss bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation and the China&ndash;Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Foreign Office said.&nbsp; Officials said the trip forms part of longstanding high-level exchanges between the two countries and carries added significance as Pakistan and China mark&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/china-pakistan-mark-75-years-as-cpec-investment-nears-26-billion" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">75 years</a>&nbsp;of diplomatic relations this year. The visit is expected to reaffirm both sides&rsquo; commitment to deepening their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

President Asif Ali Zardari met Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau & Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, in Chengdu on Sep 13, 2025. (Photo: X/@PresOfPakistan)

Economy

He is expected to hold meetings with provincial leaders to discuss bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Foreign Office said

Pakistan president to visit China for talks on trade, CPEC 

ISLAMABAD: &nbsp;Experts, at an event jointly organized by Pakistan and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), urged global action against the exploitation of AI and crypto. &nbsp; The Permanent Mission of Pakistan, together with the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), organized an event at the UN Headquarters on Friday on &ldquo;New and Emerging trends in terrorism&rdquo;, said a press release shared by Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN on X on Saturday.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 720px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2047847969311875079&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=78271a9cd8a17c0d6024d7ba859b46f997895957&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2047847969311875079"></iframe></div></div>Acting Under Secretary General of the UNOCT, Alexander Zouev, emphasized that terrorism has become multipolar and sophisticated and advocated for preventive action to address the new and emerging threats, such as AI, that are introducing new risks, including through encrypted services and digital assets. He highlighted the need to have such discussions as essential to draw attention to these trends that are shaping the contemporary terrorism environment that includes the digitization of terrorist activity and the exploitation of these spaces. Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad gave an overview of the fast evolving threat landscape, xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, gaps in the global counter terrorism architecture and sanctions regimes, limitations for national governments to combat threats beyond national jurisdictions and challenges towards accountability of commercial social media platform providers and technology companies. He also gave an overview of regional perspectives and the increasing use of modern means by terrorist groups to orchestrate terrorist attacks and shed light on the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Threats posed by ICTsPanel speakers highlighted the threats posed by modern information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as abuse of social media platforms, terrorist propaganda and disinformation, XRIRB, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, use of virtual assets and digital wallets such as crypto currencies, the challenges they pose for national governments, particularly due to jurisdictional complexities in the cyberspace owing to the borderless nature of the internet and limited efficiency of traditional law enforcement and judicial cooperation and the need for adequate safeguards and enhanced global cooperation to address the new and emerging trends in terrorism in the fast evolving terrorism landscape around the world. Speakers underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of instability and terrorism and the need for taking preventive action in a timely manner. Panelists emphasized the changing nature of the threat and rise of the far right and right-wing extremist ideologies, alongside the proliferation of hate speech, problems of definition, and terrorist propaganda that have given fresh impetus to a rising wave of violent attacks around the world. In this regard, they stressed the need to find solutions for the lawful removal of harmful content in collaboration with technology companies.&nbsp;Terrorist groups based in Afghanistan&nbsp;Discussions also focused on key global hotspots for terrorism, terrorism against communities living under occupation, and the prevalent threat from terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, such as the TTP, BLA, and the Majeed Brigade, ETIM, and ISIL-K, and groups such as the JNIM operating in West Africa and the Sahel. The increasing use of modern tools for propaganda and terror financing through online networks was also highlighted. This event was organized as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s firm commitment to facilitate dialogue and foster discussions at multilateral platforms on finding practical ways to address the growing and evolving threat of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, through a comprehensive approach at the national, regional, and global levels. Counter terrorism is one of Pakistan&rsquo;s key priorities during its present term as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-26. The convening of this event comes at a time when the UN General Assembly is in the process of negotiating the 9th review of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy (GCTS).

Acting Under Secretary General of the UNOCT, Alexander Zouev, emphasizes that terrorism has become multipolar and sophisticated and advocates for preventive action to address the new and emerging threats, such as AI, that are introducing new risks, including through encrypted services and digital assets.

At Pakistan-UNOCT event, experts urge global action against exploitation of AI, crypto 

New Delhi:&nbsp;Gun battles between rival ethnic groups in India&#39;s troubled northeastern Manipur state killed three men, police said, the latest unrest in the far-flung region. Manipur has seen periodic <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/manipur-university-blast-puts-focus-back-on-indias-festering-crisis" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">clashes</a> for nearly three years between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community in which more than 250 people have been killed. &quot;In a heavy exchange of fire... three individuals sustained fatal bullet injuries,&quot; Manipur police said in a statement late Friday. The clashes took places at Mullam village in Ukhrul district, and police did not specify which community the men came from. &quot;Security measures have been enhanced in the area to prevent further escalation of violence,&quot; police said.&nbsp;&quot;Operations are still underway.&quot;&nbsp;Exacerbating ethnic divisionsLongstanding enmity between the Meitei and Kuki communities revolves around competition for land and public jobs. Rights activists have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain. Unrest erupted in 2023, when around 60,000 people were forced to flee their homes, according to government figures. Trouble eased, but earlier this month four people, including two children, were killed during an attack by a Kuki group, and a Meitei mob later stormed a paramilitary camp. On Thursday, 249 Indians from the northeastern states of <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/around-240-indians-claiming-descent-from-biblical-tribe-land-in-israel" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Manipur</a> and Mizoram -- from the Bnei Menashe community who claim descent from one of the &quot;lost tribes&quot; of Israel -- arrived in Tel Aviv. They were the first group to arrive since the Israeli government decided in November to fund the immigration of around 6,000 members of the community. Their oral history tells of a centuries-long exodus through Persia, Afghanistan, and China, all the while adhering to certain Jewish religious practices, such as circumcision. In India, they were converted to Christianity by 19th-century missionaries.

India

Manipur has seen periodic clashes for nearly three years between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, in which more than 250 people have been killed.

Three killed in clashes in India's troubled northeast

RAMALLAH:&nbsp;Palestinians in the West Bank and a central area of Gaza began voting Saturday in municipal elections in a first vote since the Gaza war, marked by a narrow political field and widespread disillusionment. Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as 70,000 people in Gaza&#39;s Deir el-Balah area, according to the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission. Polling stations opened at 7 am (0400 GMT). AFP footage from Al-Bireh in the West Bank and Deir el-Balah in Gaza showed election officials in polling stations as Palestinians came to cast ballots. Most electoral lists are aligned with president Mahmud Abbas&#39;s secular-nationalist Fatah party or running as independents. There are no lists affiliated with Fatah&#39;s archrival Hamas, which controls nearly half of the Gaza Strip. In most cities, Fatah-backed tickets will run against independent lists headed by candidates from factions such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (Marxist-Leninist). Israeli occupation&nbsp; Mahmud Bader, a businessman from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, where two adjacent refugee camps have been under Israeli military control for over a year, said he would vote despite having little hope for meaningful change. &quot;Whether candidates are independent or partisan, it has no effect and will have no effect or benefit for the city,&quot; he told AFP. &quot;The (Israeli) occupation is the one that rules Tulkarem. It would only be an image shown to the international media -- as if we have elections, a state or independence.&quot; In many cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, only one list has been submitted, meaning it wins automatically without needing a vote. Polling stations in the West Bank will close at 7 pm, while polls in Deir al-Balah will close at 5 pm to facilitate counting in daylight due to the lack of electricity in the war devastated strip, the elections commission told AFP. UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov commended the commission for organising a &quot;credible process&quot;. &quot;Saturday&#39;s elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period&quot;, Alakbarov said in a statement ahead of polls. &#39;Confirmation of existence&#39;Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2007, will see its first vote since the legislative elections of 2006, which the movement won. Abbas&#39;s Palestinian Authority is holding elections only in Deir el-Balah &quot;as an experiment (to test its own) success or failure, since there are no post-war opinion polls&quot;, Jamal al-Fadi, a political scientist at Cairo&#39;s Al-Azhar University, told AFP. Deir el-Balah was chosen as it was one of the only places in Gaza where &quot;the population has remained largely in place and not been displaced&quot; by more than two years of war between Hamas and Israel, Fadi said. Farah Shaath, 25, was excited to vote for the first time. &quot;Although it is unlike any election in the world, it is a confirmation of our continued existence in the Gaza Strip despite everything,&quot; she told AFP. The election commission says it has recruited polling staff from civil society organisations and hired &quot;a private security company to secure polling centres&quot; for the Gaza vote, spokesman Fareed Taamallah told AFP. But a source from the commission in Gaza, who asked to remain anonymous, said that &quot;Hamas police insisted on securing the electoral process in Deir al-Balah&quot;. The source added that &quot;this will be done by deploying unarmed security personnel in civilian clothing around polling centres&quot;, which number 12 in Deir el-Balah.

Middle East

Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as 70,000 people in Gaza's Deir el-Balah area, according to the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission.

Palestinians vote in first elections since Gaza war

Reuters

Americas

The Iranian top diplomat's visit comes amid continued diplomatic activity following recent Pakistan-facilitated talks, with Islamabad maintaining a central role in supporting dialogue and engagement in the region.

Iranian FM in Islamabad as US delegation expected to arrive soon  

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan concluded a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Committee Against Torture, the Law Ministry said this week, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating torture and highlighting significant legal and institutional reforms. The Pakistani delegation, led by Aqeel Malik, presented comprehensive progress in strengthening safeguards against custodial abuse and aligning national frameworks with international obligations under the Convention against Torture. During the review, Pakistan underscored that it &ldquo;reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture under international law,&rdquo; while detailing legislative, institutional and procedural advancements. A key development highlighted was the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022. The delegation stated that the law &ldquo;establishes, for the first time, a comprehensive definition of torture in domestic law,&rdquo; criminalizes acts by public officials, introduces strict penalties, and ensures that &ldquo;any evidence obtained through torture&rdquo; is inadmissible. It also provides victims with &ldquo;access to legal remedies, compensation and judicial recourse.&rdquo; Pakistan further informed the Committee of the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), mandated to conduct impartial inquiries into allegations of torture, including on a suo motu basis. Specialized units comprising forensic experts, medico-legal professionals and prosecutors have been created to &ldquo;enhance investigative capacity and procedural integrity.&rdquo; Highlighting strengthened oversight, the delegation pointed to regular judicial inspections, administrative monitoring and expanded powers of the National Commission for Human Rights to conduct unannounced visits to places of detention. Strengthened complaint redress systems were also emphasized, with &ldquo;reported resolution rates exceeding 90% in several jurisdictions.&rdquo; The delegation also outlined improvements in detention conditions, including infrastructure upgrades, measures to reduce overcrowding and protections for vulnerable groups. &ldquo;Women and juvenile detainees are housed separately, with increased focus on rehabilitation and reintegration,&rdquo; it noted, alongside targeted measures for persons with disabilities. Advancements in healthcare services within detention facilities were also shared, including routine medical examinations, improved referral systems and integration with public health programmes, with continued efforts to align medico-legal practices with international standards. Pakistan emphasized its transition towards &ldquo;modern, non-coercive investigative practices,&rdquo; including increased reliance on forensic science and digital evidence. Training programmes across law enforcement, prosecution and prison administration are being aligned with international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, Tokyo Rules and Minnesota Principles. While highlighting progress, Pakistan acknowledged &ldquo;prison overcrowding, resource constraints, and uneven institutional capacity,&rdquo; noting that reforms are being implemented within a complex environment shaped by security challenges, including terrorism, as well as climate-related pressures. The Committee appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to address custodial torture and improve prison conditions, while identifying areas for further strengthening. In its concluding remarks, Pakistan &ldquo;expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement with the Committee&rdquo; and reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation. The delegation stated it would submit written responses and &ldquo;carefully consider the forthcoming concluding observations as a roadmap for further reforms.&rdquo;

State Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik leads Pakistan’s delegation at the 84th session of the Convention Against Torture (CAT) in Geneva, where he delivered the opening and closing statements on April 24, 2026. (Photo: Facebook/Barrister

Pakistani delegation led by State Minister for Law, Barrister Aqeel Malik, presents comprehensive progress in strengthening safeguards against custodial abuse

Pakistan reaffirms anti-torture commitment in UN review process

MADRID: Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 6-7 (6/8), 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday. The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital. Sinner dropped only one set on the way to trophies in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but Bonzi battled brilliantly to claim the first at the Manolo Santana stadium. The Frenchman survived five break points to reach a tie-break, where he also saved set point before edging ahead. However Sinner stepped up a gear in the second set, securing breaks in the fourth and sixth games, and another in the third on his way to the third round. &quot;It was a tough match, I had some chances early on and I couldn&#39;t use them, but this is tennis,&quot; said four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner. &quot;It&#39;s not bad to start the tournament like this, two and a half hours on court, it gives me good feedback where we need to improve for the next round. &quot;Of course, we need to improve, but I&#39;m also happy, when you&#39;re not playing your best tennis and win, it&#39;s still a good result.&quot; With Sinner&#39;s biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead. Earlier, Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic sent world number six Ben Shelton crashing out with a 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5) victory. Promising 20-year-old Prizmic, ranked 87th, secured his first ever win over a top-10 player in a three-hour battle in the Spanish capital. American Shelton triumphed at the Munich Open on Sunday on clay but was unable to force a single break point on Prizmic&#39;s serve. Shelton&#39;s compatriot Tommy Paul also suffered a surprise early exit, falling 7-5, 6-4 against Argentine Thiago Tirante. Spaniard Rafael Jodar, 19, who impressed with a run to the Barcelona Open semi-finals last week, dumped out world number eight Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1. &quot;Everything went very well,&quot; said Jodar. &quot;De Minaur is a very tough opponent, and I knew what I had to do from the very beginning.&quot; &#39;I basically survived&#39;&nbsp;Women&#39;s number two Elena Rybakina scraped into the Madrid Open third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Gabriela Ruse. Kazakhstan&#39;s Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and triumphed at Stuttgart last week, struggled in the first set, making 24 unforced errors to just eight winners. After claiming a topsy-turvy second set, she came back from a break down in the third and sealed the victory on her third match point. Rybakina will meet Zheng Qinwen, who produced a similarly battling performance to overcome Sofia Kenin, in the third round. &quot;Today, I basically survived,&quot; said Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. &quot;It wasn&#39;t the greatest performance but Gabriela, she played very well. She was playing very deep and aggressive, so it was very difficult. &quot;My serve was not really helping me today... but I&#39;m really happy that I managed to win, and I hope I can bring better tennis next round.&quot; Last year&#39;s runner-up and the third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leolia Jeanjean with a 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez stadium. Gauff will take on Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round after defeating Tyra Caterina Grant in straight sets. Fifth seed Jessica Pegula defeated Briton Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4 in the late match on the main court to close out the day&#39;s action.

Italy's Jannik Sinner returns a ball to France's Benjamin Bonzi during their 2026 ATP Tour Madrid Open tennis tournament second round singles match at the Caja Magica in Madrid, on April 24, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Tennis

The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital.

Sinner overcomes Bonzi in record hunt at Madrid Open

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to propose legislation within weeks to proscribe Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards, a report said Friday. Starmer made the comments while speaking to the Jewish Chronicle newspaper during a visit Thursday to a London synagogue targeted by arsonists nearly a week ago. The commitment comes after the European Union in January agreed to designate Tehran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a &quot;terrorist organisation&quot; over allaged crackdown on mass protests. &ldquo;In relation to malign state actors more generally, proscription, we do need legislation in order to take necessary measures, and that is legislation that we&rsquo;re bringing forward as soon as we can,&quot; Starmer said when asked about the prospect of proscribing the Guards. &ldquo;We go into a new session (of parliament) in a few week&#39;s time and we&rsquo;ll bring that legislation forward,&rdquo; he added. Jewish residents in northwest London remain on &quot;high alert&quot; after a spate of arson attacks on synagogues and community sites which began after the US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28. Starmer has said he is &ldquo;increasingly concerned&rdquo; about countries using proxies for criminal activity in the UK. The IRGC is the ideological arm of Tehran&#39;s military and was created after the 1979 revolution to protect the clerical leadership.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C) and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis (2R) sit alongside Kenton Rabbi, Yehuda Black (4L) talks during a visit to Kenton United Synagogue, which was recently the target of an attempted arson, in the Kenton district of Lon

Europe

The commitment comes after the European Union in January agreed to designate Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a "terrorist organisation."