SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he saw &quot;no point&quot; in meeting Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky until a peace deal was ready, rebuffing the Ukrainian leader&#39;s call for a face-to-face encounter. &quot;I see no point in meeting. It only makes sense for the Ukrainian side to stop the advance of our armed forces. That&#39;s it. And we need agreements,&quot; Putin told Russia&#39;s flagship economic forum in Saint Petersburg, a day after Zelensky released an open later calling for a meeting. &quot;Let the experts work, develop some solutions, and then we can meet,&quot; Putin added.

Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he see "no point" in meeting Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky until a peace deal is ready

Putin says 'no point' in meeting Zelensky until peace accord reached

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s national flag carrier has announced the resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Beijing from next month, restoring a key air link between Pakistan and China after a month-long suspension and improving connectivity between the two strategic partners.&nbsp;The route was suspended in April as rising jet fuel prices, driven by tensions in the Middle East, pushed operating costs sharply higher.&nbsp;The restoration of direct flights comes as Pakistan and China seek to deepen economic, educational and people-to-people exchanges, with growing demand from students, business travelers, tourists and families moving between the two countries.&nbsp;According to a report published by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Friday, the revival of the Islamabad-Beijing-Islamabad service is expected to provide passengers with more convenient travel options while strengthening transportation links between the two nations.&nbsp;The report said the renewed service would offer competitive fares, generous baggage allowances and a more comfortable travel experience, while significantly improving connectivity between the two capitals.&nbsp;&ldquo;The restored route is particularly welcomed by the large number of Pakistani and Chinese students pursuing higher education in each other&rsquo;s countries,&rdquo; the report said.&nbsp;Educational institutions, student groups and travel industry stakeholders have described the development as &ldquo;timely,&rdquo; especially with the start of upcoming academic sessions and the peak summer travel season approaching.&nbsp;Industry observers believe the direct service will &ldquo;facilitate smoother mobility&rdquo; for students, academics and researchers while supporting broader educational exchanges between Pakistan and China.&nbsp;The route is also expected to benefit tourists and families by reducing travel times and providing greater flexibility compared with indirect flight options, according to the report.&nbsp;The resumption of the Islamabad-Beijing service marks another step in strengthening transportation and people-to-people connectivity between Pakistan and China, reflecting the growing volume of travel and exchanges between the two countries.&nbsp;According to APP, the restoration of the route underscores the airline&rsquo;s role in facilitating travel and supporting the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Economy

Pakistan’s national flag carrier announce resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Beijing from next month

Pakistan, China resume direct flights after month-long suspension

MONTE CARLO: Charles Leclerc made local knowledge pay on Friday when he topped the times for Ferrari in opening practice for his home Monaco Formula One Grand Prix ahead of team-mate seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The two Ferraris were half a second faster than third-placed four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, ahead of the Mercedes duo of championship-leading Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. World champion Lando Norris was sixth for McLaren, without troubling the leading pace-setters, ahead of Audi&#39;s Nico Hulkenberg, Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren &ndash; on a weekend when the team is celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix -- and Gabriel Bortoleto in the second Audi. Pierre Gasly was 10th for Alpine in an interesting session interrupted by two red flags as the drivers familiarised themselves with the singular challenges of driving F1&#39;s new hybrid era cars on the classic barrier-lined Mediterranean street circuit. It was a near-perfect start to the weekend for Ferrari and Leclerc, who became only the second Monegasque to win his home event when he triumphed in 2024, justifying expectations &nbsp;this time that they were favourites to break a long winless run since Mexico two years ago. The session began in bright sunshine with home hero Leclerc out early only to lock up and run off on his first lap, recovering to pursue his team-mate&#39;s early fastest lap on the &#39;green&#39; track following overnight rain. Most teams had fitted unique Monaco-only rear wings or &#39;winglets&#39; to boost downforce on the tight, twisting and unforgiving street circuit, but it was Ferrari who set the pace, endorsed when Leclerc finally delivered a clear lap to overhaul Hamilton. Antonelli also beat Hamilton&#39;s time after 22 minutes before the Briton responded in 1:15.110, a tenth short of Leclerc&#39;s best until Antonelli, in 1:14.537, jumped clear by 0.391 to prove Mercedes still had the pace to beat. Russell slotted in third between the Ferraris. With 21 minutes remaining, Isack Hadjar slid off and smacked the barriers at the swimming pool exit, damaging his Red Bull and tearing a wheel off the car. It prompted a red flag stoppage for six minutes. After seeing both Mercedes set times on mediums, the Ferraris also switched from hards for the final 14 minutes and Hamilton went top with seven minutes to go in 1:14.204 only for Leclerc to beat him by two-tenths in 1:13.978. Improved conditions in warm sunshine saw Verstappen, on mediums, jump both Mercedes for third in the final minutes before another red flag, after Alonso hit a barrier as he came out of the tunnel, ended the action.

Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc reacts in the garage as he looks at the results after taking part in the first practice session at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, on June 5, 2026. (Photo by Gabrie

Racing

The two Ferraris were half a second faster than third-placed four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, ahead of the Mercedes duo of championship-leading Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Leclerc beats Hamilton as Ferrari shine in Monaco F1 practice

TEHRAN: Iran&#39;s football squad, whose participation in the World Cup remains uncertain, have handed their passports to the US embassy in Turkey for visas, the head of their Football Federation said on Friday. Mehdi Taj said Iran were following instructions from world football&#39;s governing body. Their quest for the visas comes as Iran and the United States remain locked in negotiations to end the Middle East war that began in February with a massive wave of strikes on the Islamic Republic. &quot;Yesterday, I had discussions with FIFA regarding the US visas,&quot; Taj said. &quot;We were told to submit all passports to the US embassy in Ankara.&quot; The Iranian team is due to fly from Turkey to Spain on Saturday before traveling on to their base camp in Mexico, which has issued visas to the squad. &quot;We are waiting to see what happens today or, at the latest, tomorrow, because our national team needs to receive these passports and travel with them to Tijuana,&quot; said Taj. Taj said the Iranian Football Federation had &quot;raised certain points and requests, in such a way that FIFA was told that if they (the Americans) do not issue visas for the players, some members of our technical staff, and other sections of our delegation, we may make other decisions.&quot; &quot;My assessment is that all visas will be issued in full, and there most likely will not be any problem in this regard,&quot; he added. The Iranians relocated their World Cup base, which initially was planned to be in Tucson, Arizona, to the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana. All three of their group matches are in the United States. They open with two games in Los Angeles, against against New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June, and play Egypt on &nbsp;27 June in Seattle.

Iran's Forward #23 Ramin Rezaeian celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during an international friendly football match between Iran and Gambia, in Antalya, southern Turkey, May 29, 2026, as part of Iran's preparation for the up

Middle East

The Iranian team is due to fly from Turkey to Spain on Saturday before traveling on to their base camp in Mexico, which has issued visas to the squad.

Iran squad hand passports to US embassy for visa approval

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged Pakistanis to make environmental protection and climate resilience a national priority, saying the country remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite contributing only a small share to global greenhouse gas emissions. In a message on X marking World Environment Day, Sharif said Pakistan stood with the international community in reaffirming its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. &quot;The preservation of our environment is a shared global responsibility,&quot; the prime minister said, emphasizing that international cooperation and sustained commitment are essential to securing an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient future. Referring to this year&#39;s World Environment Day theme, &quot;Climate Action,&quot; Sharif said urgent and coordinated global efforts are needed to address growing environmental challenges. He pointed to devastating floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heatwaves, melting glaciers, water scarcity and worsening air pollution as evidence that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting millions of people worldwide. Pakistan has repeatedly ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has suffered significant human and economic losses from extreme weather events in recent years. Sharif said the government remains committed to expanding renewable energy, restoring forests, conserving biodiversity, improving water resource management, reducing pollution, advancing climate-smart agriculture and promoting green industries. He added that efforts are also underway to restore natural ecosystems and strengthen environmental sustainability across the country. The prime minister highlighted the role of young people in addressing climate challenges, saying their energy, innovation and capabilities would be critical in building a greener and more resilient Pakistan. &quot;By equipping them with knowledge, technology and opportunities, we can cultivate environmental awareness and lay the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous society,&quot; he said. Sharif called on citizens, institutions, farmers and business stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support conservation efforts.<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=2062715505996423407&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 794px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> He stressed the importance of water and energy conservation, afforestation and wildlife protection, urging Pakistanis to renew their commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. &quot;Let us reiterate our shared resolve to build a greener, healthier, cleaner and climate-resilient Pakistan,&quot; he said. President on World Environment DayPresident Asif Ali Zardari in a message on X, on Friday, reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to international cooperation on climate and environmental issues. He said &#39;We will continue to support efforts aimed at ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient development.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;<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-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062835053449892255&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on climate crisisIn a message issued on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan joined the international community in recognizing the urgent need to protect the planet and strengthen collective efforts to address the climate crisis. Dar noted that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing recurring floods, accelerating glacial melt, droughts, heat waves and growing water stress. Despite these challenges, he said the country has continued to demonstrate resilience.<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-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062780831492407473&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 901px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Dar also expressed appreciation to Azerbaijan for hosting this year&rsquo;s World Environment Day, commending the country&rsquo;s leadership in promoting international cooperation and constructive dialogue on global environmental issues.

Natural landscape of Pakistan - (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Climate & Environment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks World Environment Day by urging Pakistanis to prioritize climate action, environmental protection and sustainability amid growing climate challenges.

On World Environment Day, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sustainability

ISLAMABAD: Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a signature campaign against the Indian government&#39;s mega infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island, alleging that the development plan threatens one of South Asia&#39;s most ecologically sensitive regions. Through a series of social media posts and public outreach efforts, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government of ignoring environmental concerns and risking irreversible damage to the island&#39;s unique biodiversity.&nbsp; Rahul Gandhi, who is the leader of the opposition in the country&#39;s lower house of the parliament, Lok Sabha, posted a petition on his social media pages, including X and Facebook.&nbsp; He asked the social media users to sign the petition to stop the BJP government from further destroying the southern Islands. He wrote on his Facebook page, &ldquo;The Modi government is destroying Great Nicobar Island. More than 1.5 crore [15 million] trees are being destroyed, along with ancient coral reefs and irreplaceable rainforests, to profit one businessman. This is India&#39;s inheritance; they are bulldozing. And only you can stop them. Sign the petition.&rdquo;<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" 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=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062752584482570730&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=6de5a2a5b8348831f7541d3995eb4ce90fa18b5a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The Congress Party has urged citizens to support its campaign to protect the fragile ecosystem. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the scale of the proposed project. &nbsp;According to estimates cited by ecologists, more than 10 million trees could be affected, far exceeding earlier official projections.&nbsp;<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-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" 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-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062807029853630772&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=6de5a2a5b8348831f7541d3995eb4ce90fa18b5a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Critics argue that large-scale construction could endanger forests, mangroves, wetlands, and wildlife habitats that have remained largely untouched for decades. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among India&#39;s richest biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;Forests cover more than 86% of the land area and include evergreen, deciduous, mangrove, bamboo, littoral, and brackish-water forests.&nbsp; The islands are home to around 2,200 plant species, including about 200 endemic varieties found nowhere else in the world. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an Indian Union Territory comprising 572 islands, while Great Nicobar is one of these islands, the largest and southernmost in the Nicobar group.

India

Rahul Gandhi launches a signature campaign against the Great Nicobar mega project, alleging environmental destruction; claims millions of trees, coral reefs, and rainforests face irreversible damage.

India's opposition launches campaign against Modi govt to save Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Faraz Saeed

ISLAMABAD: A women-in-tech networking and dialogue forum bringing together professionals from Pakistan&rsquo;s private, public, and development sectors was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, aiming to address gender gaps in technology leadership and create structured opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career development in the digital sector. The session, organized by Pathfinder Citadel, convened women working across technology, corporate innovation, government, and development organisations to share their experiences and explore pathways for greater female representation in technical and decision-making roles. Speakers at the forum emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s growing technology sector must be matched with stronger mentorship structures, leadership pathways, and cross-sector networks for women. Organizers said the initiative is intended to serve as the foundation for a sustained women-in-tech community in Islamabad, aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening women&rsquo;s role in Pakistan&rsquo;s digital transformation. Air Cdre (Retd) Farhan Ahmed, Project Director at Citadel Pakistan, said the platform goes beyond training and focuses on startup incubation and international visibility. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, he said Pathfinder Citadel has supported startups through structured mentorship and global showcasing opportunities, adding that eight startups from its ecosystem were presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, marking a key milestone for the initiative. Cynia Ejaz, Head of Corporate Innovation at Telenor, told Pakistan TV Digital that the forum was timely and highlighted the need to expand women&rsquo;s leadership roles in Pakistan&rsquo;s technology and innovation sectors. She said greater inclusion of women in leadership positions is critical for driving innovation and strengthening the digital economy. Meanwhile, social entrepreneur Lamia Khan said a major gap in her entrepreneurial journey was the absence of access to experienced women mentors who could provide guidance based on shared experiences. She said such platforms help bridge that gap by enabling women entrepreneurs to validate ideas, build confidence, and learn from established professionals. She also noted gradual improvements in policy support and increasing emphasis on inclusive economic frameworks. Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, told Pakistan TV Digital that such initiatives are important for building professional communities and strengthening indigenous leadership pipelines. She expressed optimism about Pakistan&rsquo;s startup ecosystem, saying more local startups are expected to gain international visibility, including at the 2027 Davos pavilion. She added that government policy is increasingly focused on inclusion, skills development, and women&rsquo;s economic empowerment, with several pilot initiatives already showing results.

Photo: Britannica/United Nations Security Council

A women-in-tech networking and dialogue forum bringing together professionals from Pakistan’s private, public, and development sectors was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, aiming to address gender gaps in technology leadership and create structured opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career development in the digital sector.

Islamabad hosts Women-in-Tech forum to strengthen leadership and cross-sector networking

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;As Afghanistan marked World Environment Day on Friday, growing climate and environmental challenges continued to weigh heavily on communities across the country, causing serious risks to livelihoods, food security, and long-term social stability, according to a report by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).&nbsp; Years of drought, worsening water scarcity and extreme weather events have left millions vulnerable, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains the primary source of income.&nbsp; More than half of Afghanistan&rsquo;s population is affected by prolonged dry periods, according to local assessments, with farmers reporting repeated crop failures and shrinking access to water. In the eastern province of Nangarhar, residents say increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting traditional farming practices and deepening economic hardship. &ldquo;Our river has become unpredictable. Last year, it dried when we needed it most; this year it flooded and destroyed half of our crops,&rdquo; said a farmer in Goshta district, describing the uncertainty facing rural communities. The situation is especially severe in Afghanistan&rsquo;s southern provinces, including Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Zabul and Uruzgan, where recurrent drought, declining rainfall and unregulated groundwater extraction have pushed water systems toward collapse. Rivers are drying up, traditional irrigation systems have deteriorated, and many communities are drilling deeper wells in search of water, often with limited success.&nbsp; The consequences have been far-reaching, reducing agricultural production, limiting access to safe drinking water and forcing some families to leave their homes in search of reliable water sources. Increasingly scarce resources Competition over increasingly scarce resources has become a tension in some areas. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, parts of the region could become difficult to inhabit. Proposed solutions include expanding water-efficient irrigation systems, improving water management practices and investing in groundwater recharge projects. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, communities are confronting a different set of climate-related challenges. In western provinces such as Ghor and Farah, prolonged drought has coincided with destructive flash floods caused by intense rainfall.&nbsp; Residents have struggled to cope with water shortages while rebuilding homes, farmland and infrastructure damaged by flooding. Floods are also becoming more frequent and unpredictable in central and eastern provinces, including Logar, Parwan and Kapisa.&nbsp; In the south, strong winds and dust storms have damaged crops and contributed to respiratory illnesses, adding to humanitarian needs. Environmental degradation Environmental degradation is further intensifying the crisis. Deforestation in Kunar, Nuristan and Logar has lessened natural protection against floods and landslides, while overgrazing in mountainous regions such as Badakhshan has accelerated ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Unregulated mining activities have also damaged landscapes and polluted water sources. Urban areas face their own environmental challenges. In Kabul, air pollution remains a serious public health concern, particularly during winter months when many households rely on low-quality fuels for heating. Poor waste management continues to exacerbate the problem. In provinces known for their natural beauty, including Panjshir, Kapisa and Maidan Wardak, growing tourism has increased pressure on local ecosystems, with waste accumulating in rivers and valleys. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, seeks to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development worldwide.

Afghanistan climate crisis deepens as communities scale up environmental action- (Photo: UNAMA)

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is facing escalating climate and environmental crises prompting urgent calls for sustainable adaptation and resilience measures.

Afghanistan faces escalating climate crisis as communities mark World Environment Day: UNAMA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces killed six Indian-sponsored terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, the military&rsquo;s media wing said in a statement on Friday. The statement further said that weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IDEs), and vehicles were also recovered from the killed Indian-sponsored terrorists. It added that those killed had remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. &ldquo;The operation was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists, belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan,&rdquo; said the statement.&nbsp; Sanitization operationsIt went on to say that during the operation, Pakistan army troops effectively engaged multiple terrorist locations while intense exchanges of fire also took place, resulting in the killing of six of the terrorists. The statement further said that sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area.&nbsp; &ldquo;Relentless counter terrorism campaign under the vision of the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan approved Azm-e-Istehkam by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,&rdquo; the statement concluded. PM lauds security forces&nbsp;Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tributes to the security forces for killing six terrorists of the Indian-backed Fitna al Hindustan in Panjgur district. In a statement issued from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) on Friday, he said the security forces have destroyed the Indian-backed terrorists who were causing damage to the lives and property of innocent and defenseless Pakistani citizens. The statement further quoted the prime minister as saying that the government of Pakistan is determined to eradicate terrorism from the country.

Security

Pakistan army's media wing says six Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur, Balochistan; weapons, explosives, and vehicles recovered, while sanitization efforts continue.

Pakistan security forces kill six Indian-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: China is fast advancing its ambitious program to become the world&#39;s first major economy to commercialize 6G technology, widening its lead in next-generation telecommunications as the United States and parts of Europe continue to focus on expanding existing 5G networks. In a breakthrough, a Chinese aerospace company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co, recently announced the successful transmission of 6G satellite data to Earth at a speed of 100 gigabytes per second, using laser communication technology.&nbsp; According to the company, the speed is fast enough to download around 10 full-length movies in just one second. China&#39;s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has also launched a nationwide pilot program for 6G innovation and development, bringing together provincial governments, research institutions, universities and technology firms.<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" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 793px; 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=1875647942582780245&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=76c4416628b71497f40202872aafdba5211dda33&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The initiative aims to accelerate research in areas such as artificial intelligence integration, satellite internet, wireless sensing, advanced chips, operating systems and next-generation network equipment. Beijing has approved trial spectrum in the 6GHz band for 6G testing. It plans to develop independent 6G technical solutions by 2029, laying the groundwork for commercial deployment before the end of the decade.&nbsp; Industry experts say China currently enjoys a significant advantage over many Western countries.&nbsp; 6G in USA and EuropeWhile China, Japan and South Korea are aggressively investing in 6G research, several European telecom operators have adopted a more cautious approach due to slower returns from 5G investments.&nbsp; Analysts also note that the United States remains active in 6G research but has yet to match China&#39;s scale of infrastructure deployment and coordinated national strategy. Experts believe 6G could deliver speeds and reliability between 10 and 100 times greater than 5G while enabling transformative technologies such as holographic communications, digital twins, autonomous systems and intelligent industrial networks. With extensive government support and the world&#39;s largest 5G ecosystem already in place, China appears well-positioned to shape the future global standards of 6G communications. What is 6G?6G, or sixth-generation wireless technology, is the successor to 5G and is expected to become commercially available around 2030.&nbsp; It is designed to deliver data speeds 10 to 100 times faster than 5G, with ultra-low latency, greater reliability and significantly improved network capacity.&nbsp; Unlike 5G, which mainly connects smartphones, devices, and industrial systems, 6G aims to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence, satellite communications, sensing technologies, and cloud computing into a single network.&nbsp; This will enable advanced applications such as holographic communication, real-time digital twins, autonomous transportation, immersive extended reality (XR), smart factories, and globally connected intelligent systems across land, sea, air, and space.

Artificial Intelligence

A Chinese aerospace company recently announced the successful transmission of 6G satellite data to Earth at a speed of 100 gigabytes per second using laser communication technology. 

Putin says 'no point' in meeting Zelensky until peace accord reached

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On World Environment Day, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sustainability