CM Maryam Nawaz extends Milad-un-Nabi greetings

US President Donald Trump claimed during an address in Las Vegas that the word ‘affordability’ was invented by the press and political opponents to criticize his administration’s economic record. Speaking at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, the president reflected on tax policies and economic performance, arguing that costs were coming down significantly compared to high inflation during his initial transition into office. Trump asserted that reporters began using affordability as a newly devised buzzword on his first day in office to framed cost-of-living concerns. The remarks build on earlier statements from late 2025 where Trump characterised affordability as a political narrative promoted by Democrats to downplay economic progress.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict action against those involved in examination paper leak scandals, making his first public comments since nationwide student protests erupted over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system. In a statement shared on social media, Modi said the future and welfare of India’s youth were of the highest importance. He assured students that the government would take firm action against those responsible for examination fraud and announced plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. The prime minister said no one would be allowed to jeopardise the future of young people for personal gain. He pledged that all those found guilty of manipulating examinations or leaking question papers would face strict legal consequences. His statement came after thousands of students and young people gathered in New Delhi to protest against repeated examination paper leaks and demand greater transparency in the education system. Demonstrators have also been calling for the resignation of the country’s education minister, accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination scandals. The protests have been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement that emerged through social media and has rapidly gained support among students and young voters across India. Initially launched as a satirical online campaign, the movement has expanded into a nationwide platform highlighting concerns over examination fraud, unemployment, and opportunities for young people. Tensions escalated earlier this week when large crowds attempted to march towards Parliament during the opening of the monsoon session. Police stopped the protesters by using tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. Clashes later broke out after some demonstrators threw stones at security personnel, resulting in injuries on both sides. According to official figures, at least 178 people, including police officers and security personnel, were injured during the violence. Several protesters also sustained injuries as confrontations continued in different parts of the capital. The latest demonstrations are among the largest youth-led protests seen in New Delhi in recent years. The movement has drawn widespread public attention and increased pressure on the government to restore confidence in India’s examination system. Public anger has grown following a series of examination controversies across the country. One of the biggest scandals involved the leak of a national medical entrance examination paper, forcing more than two million candidates to retake the test. Another controversy related to the online evaluation of high school examinations involving nearly two million students has further raised concerns about fairness and transparency. Students argue that repeated paper leaks are destroying merit and reducing confidence in the education system. Many believe honest candidates are being unfairly affected by corruption and poor oversight in the examination process.

LONDON: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, highlighted by a landmark address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London—the first by any serving Pakistan Navy chief. Addressing one of the world’s leading strategic think tanks, Admiral Ashraf outlined Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean, stressing the importance of regional maritime stability, freedom of navigation and enhanced international cooperation to tackle emerging maritime security challenges. The address marked a significant milestone in Pakistan Navy’s engagement with the global strategic community and underscored its expanding role in international maritime security discourse. During his visit, organised in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in London, Admiral Ashraf held a series of high-level meetings with senior officials of the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO Allied Maritime Command, and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral naval cooperation, professional exchanges and regional security. The Naval Chief also met representatives of the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee, where discussions centred on maritime insurance, security risks in the Indian Ocean and the protection of global shipping routes. As part of his engagements, Admiral Ashraf attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military air show, where he interacted with senior military leaders from allied nations and representatives of the British defence industry. He also visited the Pakistan High Commission in London and met High Commission officials to discuss ways of expanding Pakistan-UK cooperation in defence, maritime affairs and strategic engagement. He later recorded his remarks in the High Commission’s guest book. Defence observers say the visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-UK defence relations and demonstrates Islamabad’s commitment to expanding strategic dialogue with international partners. The historic IISS address, in particular, is being viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic achievement, placing the Pakistan Navy more prominently within global maritime security discussions.