Dr. Sanaa Alimia Wins 2025 AIPS Book Prize for “Refugee Cities”
Pakistani scholar Dr. Sanaa Alimia has won the 2025 Book Prize from the American Institute of Pakistan Studies for her acclaimed work Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan. The book explores the impact of Afghan refugees on Pakistan’s urban development, earning praise for its depth, research, and originality.
PAF Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu Begins Landmark Visit to the US
Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu is on a high-level official visit to the United States—the first by a serving PAF chief in over a decade. The visit aims to strengthen military-to-military ties, enhance cooperation, and discuss regional security dynamics with American defense counterparts.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb Vows to Boost SME Lending to Drive Economic Growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced efforts to expand lending portfolios for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to increase SMEs’ contributions to employment, exports, and national GDP, supporting economic development and fostering entrepreneurship across Pakistan’s growing business sectors.
Pakistan Issues Flood Warnings as New Monsoon Rains Expected in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan’s disaster and weather authorities have issued fresh flood warnings ahead of new monsoon rains forecasted for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall may lead to flooding, posing risks to communities, infrastructure, and agriculture in the affected regions.
Hindus Begin Month-Long Pilgrimage in Contested Kashmir Amid Tensions
Hindus commenced a large month-long pilgrimage in Indian-administered Kashmir on Thursday, starting near the site of a deadly April attack that escalated conflict with Pakistan. The pilgrimage proceeds amid heightened security concerns, reflecting ongoing regional tensions and the fragile peace in the disputed territory.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Departs for Official Visit to Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif left Islamabad for a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance trade and economic cooperation, and discuss regional security. It marks a significant step in deepening ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
China’s Aircraft Carrier Shandong Arrives in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
China’s People’s Liberation Army aircraft carrier Shandong has arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The deployment marks an increase in China’s military presence in the region, potentially impacting regional security dynamics and international relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
US Dollar Gains on Vietnam Trade Deal, Payroll Data Anticipation
The US dollar strengthened Thursday after a trade agreement with Vietnam eased tariff concerns, raising hopes for more deals before July 9 tariff deadlines. Investors also awaited US payroll data, which could influence Federal Reserve decisions on interest rate cuts, maintaining cautious optimism in currency markets.
Gold Prices Steady as Investors Await U.S. Jobs Report
Gold prices traded in a narrow range on Thursday as investors awaited U.S. non-farm payrolls data. The report is expected to influence the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rate cuts. A weaker dollar and concerns over fiscal policies provided some support to gold’s safe-haven demand.
Trump-Mamdani Feud Sparks National Controversy Ahead of NYC Mayoral Race
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a naturalized citizen and Democratic Socialist, faced harsh attacks from Donald Trump, who called him a “100% Communist lunatic” and questioned his citizenship. Mamdani condemned the threats as intimidation. The clash has escalated, with calls for investigation and heated political debate nationwide.