ISLAMABAD: In a move to streamline economic decision-making, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has restructured the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
Following the Prime Minister’s approval, the Cabinet Division issued a notification regarding the ECC’s restructuring.
According to the notification, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will continue as the ECC Chairman, while Federal Minister for the Investment Board, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, has been appointed as an ECC member.
With the inclusion of the Federal Minister for the Investment Board, the total number of ECC members has now increased to eight.
Apart from this, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Power Division Owais Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal are among the members of the ECC.
Earlier on May 22, ECC was constituted with 7 members.
LAHORE: Bold TV personality Mathira has once again grabbed attention on social media after a video of her ramp walk at a fashion show went viral.
The singer and TV host appeared in a silk traditional Eastern outfit, designed to match the wedding season theme. Clips from the show quickly circulated online, generating mixed reactions.
While some viewers criticized her fitness and walking style, others praised her confidence, courage, and willingness to experiment with new experiences.
Mathira, who has been active in the media industry for years, is known for conducting interviews with numerous public figures.
She has also openly discussed her life as a single mother, her weight transformations, and her passion for trying new things.
BEIRUT: Israeli forces have claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, Ali Tabbatabai, in an airstrike carried out in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Israel continues to violate the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, launching fresh aerial assaults in Beirut. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli strike resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the target of the operation was Haitham Ali Tabbatabai, also known as Ali Tabbatabai, a senior Hezbollah commander.
Ali Tabbatabai was regarded as the second most important figure in Hezbollah’s hierarchy after Secretary-General Na’im Qassem. The Israeli military confirmed his killing, describing him as a seasoned leader who joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and held several key positions over the decades.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), after many Hezbollah leaders were successfully targeted in the ongoing conflict, operational command against Israel had effectively shifted to Tabbatabai.
He was officially appointed Chief of Staff in November 2024 following the end of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF claims he had been overseeing the group’s organizational restructuring.
Hezbollah, however, has not yet confirmed whether Haitham Ali Tabbatabai was injured or killed in the attack.
A senior U.S. official stated that Israel did not notify Washington prior to the strike. Another U.S. official noted that the U.S. was aware for several days that Israel intended to intensify operations in Lebanon.
According to international media reports, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on Tabbatabai in 2016 and announced a reward of up to $5 million for information on him.
Senior Pakistani actress Munazzah Arif, known for her performances in several popular dramas, has revealed that she once jokingly advised her husband to consider a second marriage.
In a recent interview, Munazzah Arif opened up about her acting career as well as her personal life. She shared that before joining the entertainment industry, she worked in Lahore as an education specialist. She eventually transitioned into acting and has been living in Karachi for an extended period due to her projects.
Speaking about her marriage, the actress said that living away from her husband in Karachi often made her concerned about him. She recalled that whenever she traveled between Lahore and Karachi, her husband personally dropped her off and picked her up from the airport.
Calling her husband her “biggest support,” Munazzah Arif said he loves her deeply, trusts her completely, and has always encouraged her to live freely and pursue her career ambitions.
Sharing a lighthearted moment from their relationship, she mentioned that during her long stays in Karachi, she once casually told her husband that he could marry again if he ever felt lonely.
She said she expected him to laugh, but instead he became worried and asked why she was giving such advice and whether she had something else in mind.
Laughing while narrating the incident, Munazzah Arif clarified that it was merely a joke between husband and wife and that her husband did not take it seriously—nor would he ever.
During the interview, she described her husband as a complete “green flag,” saying he has always stood by her at every step.
Pakistan Shaheens edged out Bangladesh A in a thrilling final to win the ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup title, sealing victory in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie.
Both teams posted 125 runs each in their 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over decider.
In the Super Over, Bangladesh A were bowled out for just 6 runs, while Pakistan comfortably chased the 7-run target in four deliveries, securing the championship.
Earlier in the Doha final, Bangladesh A won the toss and opted to field first. On a challenging pitch for batting, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 125 runs in 20 overs.
Saad Masood top-scored with 38, followed by Arafat Minhas with 25 and Muaz Sadaqat with 23. Bangladesh’s Rapon Mondol took three wickets.
Pakistan’s bowlers then put Bangladesh A under pressure from the outset. By the 18th over, Bangladesh A were struggling at 96 for 9, still requiring 27 runs off the final two overs with only one wicket remaining.
A tight 19th over from Shahid Aziz, which went for 20 runs, revived Bangladesh’s hopes. However, Ahmed Daniyal delivered an exceptional final over, restricting the opposition to 125 and forcing the match into a Super Over.
Pakistan dominated the Super Over to claim the title in dramatic fashion.
ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to establish a Cyber Security Authority at the federal level to bolster national digital security.
As per available information, the Ministry of Information Technology has finalized the preliminary draft of the Cyber Security Act and circulated it among key stakeholders for their feedback and consultation.
The Ministry stated that the National Cyber Security Policy provides a nationwide framework for digital security, and its implementation is underway under the Digital Economy Enhancement Program.
The IT Ministry document said that progress has been made on Secure Data Exchange Layer, Digital Identity projects, while data from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) and Telecom have been identified as critical digital infrastructure.
According to officials, the authority will recommend cyber security measures for critical national infrastructure while the Cyber Security Authority will implement cyber security measures in the country.
Terrorist attack on FC HQ Peshawar thwarted, three suicide bombers killed
PESHAWAR: Security forces successfully foiled a major terrorist attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar on Monday morning, killing all three suicide bombers involved. Three FC personnel were martyred during the operation.
Confirming the incident, Peshawar’s Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed said the attack occurred at 8:10 AM, after which Sunehri Masjid Road was immediately closed for traffic and vehicles were diverted towards Saddar Road.
According to police officials, one suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate, while the remaining two managed to enter the FC Headquarters. FC personnel engaged both intruders in a fierce exchange of fire, killing them on the spot.
Deputy Commandant FC Javed Iqbal praised the bravery of the personnel, confirming that all three attackers had been neutralized. He said three FC officials were martyred during the suicide assault.
Hospital sources reported that nine people were injured, including three FC personnel and six civilians. The injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital where they are receiving medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
One injured victim was also brought to Khyber Teaching Hospital, where an emergency was declared and medical staff were directed to remain on high alert.
Law enforcement agencies subsequently cordoned off the area, and a clearance operation is currently underway.
BRT Service Temporarily Suspended
Following the attack, TransPeshawar temporarily suspended the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along its main corridor due to security concerns. However, feeder route operations continue as normal.
Prime Minister Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack, praising the timely action of security forces for preventing a larger tragedy.
He directed authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and prayed for their swift recovery.
The Prime Minister also ordered the swift identification and arrest of those responsible.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, he stated that Pakistan will crush the nefarious designs of terrorists who target the country’s sovereignty, and emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism from the nation.
Washington, D.C.: Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where they discussed mutual interests and cooperation on city and national matters.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Trump described the discussion as “good and productive,” expressing hope that Mamdani would manage New York’s affairs effectively. He added, “We will support him and provide every possible assistance to meet the expectations of the people.”
New York City's mayor-elect Mamdani tells reporters his meeting with President Trump was productive, with both sharing a love of their shared hometown pic.twitter.com/MAotR9KUhr
Trump also remarked that the mayor’s decisions could surprise conservatives, saying, “I hope Mamdani will astonish some conservatives.”
Responding to a question regarding the possible arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump clarified that the issue was not discussed during the meeting.
On international affairs, Trump highlighted his efforts in establishing peace in the Middle East, stating that he had facilitated eight peace agreements, including initiatives to end conflicts between Pakistan and India. He emphasized that both he and Mamdani share the goal of reducing wars globally.
Trump, flanked by Mamdani, tells reporters that Ukraine's Zelenskyy will have to like US plan to end conflict with Russia, while also referencing US-brokered truce in May between Pakistan and India pic.twitter.com/opko64Kpto
During the meeting, Mamdani, without naming any country, criticized U.S. funding policies for Israel, stating that supporters of both he and Trump agree that American taxpayer money should not fund countries violating human rights.
When asked by a journalist whether he considered Trump a fascist, Mamdani began to respond, but Trump interjected, saying he had no objection if Mamdani called him that, noting, “It’s easier to say than explain, and I don’t mind.”
Q: "Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?"@ZohranKMamdani: "I've spoken about."
President Trump: "That's okay. You can just say yes."
KARACHI: Actor Feroze Khan has revealed that he was targeted due to his personal life and at one point considered leaving acting to become a tailor and sell clothes.
A teaser of his interview was released on a private TV channel’s YouTube account, in which Khan spoke about facing criticism during the most difficult times of his life.
In the teaser, he said, “I was targeted because of my personal life. I even thought about becoming a tailor and starting to sell clothes.”
He recounted a harrowing incident, saying, “Once I fainted in the toilet and almost died. I was thinking about my children because I wasn’t allowed to see them, and I was facing multiple allegations, including court cases.”
Khan added that his mother’s prayers helped him recover, stating, “Her recitation of Ayat al-Kursi worked, and I got back on my feet.”
For context, Feroze Khan married Alizeh Sultan in 2018. The couple had a son in 2019 and a daughter in 2022, before divorcing the same year. During the custody battle, Alizeh Sultan had accused Khan of severe domestic abuse.
ISLAMABAD: Following a Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Commerce has notified the lifting of restrictions on gold imports and exports in Pakistan.
According to the notification, the previously suspended SRO regulating global gold trade has been reinstated.
The government has also made certain amendments related to the import and export of precious metals and jewelry, while maintaining the existing framework for trade in gold and jewelry. The framework will continue with improved transparency and automated processes.
Earlier in May this year, a ban had been imposed on the export and import of gold. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce suspended the relevant SRO for 60 days to regulate gold trade following complaints of gold smuggling.
