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Ukrainian drone strike on Nizhnekamsk oil refinery kills 13 and injures dozens

ByJustpaste.in

A devastating Ukrainian drone attack on the industrial city of Nizhnekamsk in Russia’s Tatarstan region has killed at least 13 people, including a child and several foreign nationals, and left dozens injured. The strike targeted Tatneft’s TANECO oil refinery, located approximately 1,200 kilometres east of the Ukrainian border, marking one of the heaviest civilian death tolls inside Russian territory in months.

Footage verified on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising over the refinery complex, which processed 17 million metric tonnes of crude oil in 2024. Ukrainian military officials confirmed targeting the facility as part of an ongoing strategy to dismantle key Russian fuel infrastructure and reduce the Kremlin’s economic capability to sustain its war effort.

Russian authorities launched a formal criminal investigation into the incident, qualifying the strike as a terrorist attack. Officials stated that residential structures were hit in addition to industrial sites, with nine of the fatal casualties occurring inside a local worker hostel. Diplomatic officials confirmed that the dead included seven citizens of Uzbekistan and one national from Tajikistan.

The attack reflects Kyiv’s intensified campaign of long-range strikes targeting major fuel and energy hubs deep within Russia, which has created localized supply disruptions across several Russian regions. Local authorities in Tatarstan have declared an official period of mourning following the incident.

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    Australian court rejects Indian appeal in Basmati …

    ByJustpaste.in

      An Australian court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the Basmati word mark case, marking a significant legal development for Pakistan’s rice exporters. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the Australian court’s decision has reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position that the term “Basmati” cannot be treated as the exclusive property of India. The ruling is being viewed by Pakistani authorities as an important legal success in protecting the rights of the country’s Basmati rice producers and exporters. The Australian court has also ordered the Indian institution APEDA to pay the legal costs associated with the proceedings. The decision follows a legal dispute over the use and registration of the word “Basmati” in Australia. APEDA had applied to register the word “Basmati” as a certification trademark. The application was challenged, leading to legal proceedings concerning whether the term could be claimed exclusively for Indian rice products. Pakistan has consistently maintained that Basmati rice is also produced in Pakistan and that Pakistani exporters should have equal rights to use the name. The Ministry of Commerce said Australian authorities had already acknowledged that Basmati rice is produced in Pakistan, strengthening Islamabad’s position in the dispute. The latest court decision has therefore been welcomed by Pakistani officials as confirmation of the country’s longstanding stance on the geographical and commercial identity of Basmati rice. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the ruling represents an important legal victory for Pakistan because it supports the principle that Pakistani exporters should not be deprived of the right to use the term Basmati for rice produced in the country. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal congratulated the Ministry of Commerce team on what he described as Pakistan’s legal success in the case. He appreciated the efforts of the officials and legal representatives involved in defending Pakistan’s position before the Australian authorities. The dispute is significant because Basmati rice is an important agricultural and export commodity for both Pakistan and India. The term has considerable commercial value in international markets because consumers associate Basmati with a distinctive variety of aromatic long-grain rice. Pakistan is among the countries known for producing and exporting Basmati rice, particularly from areas in Punjab. The country has sought greater recognition of its rights over the Basmati name in international markets, arguing that the rice is a shared agricultural heritage of the region and is produced on both sides of the border. APEDA’s attempt to register “Basmati” as a certification trademark had raised concerns in Pakistan because exclusive registration could potentially affect Pakistani exporters’ ability to market their products using the internationally recognized name. The Australian court’s rejection of APEDA’s appeal is consequently being seen by Pakistan as an important development in safeguarding its exporters’ commercial interests. The order requiring APEDA to pay legal costs also adds to the significance of the decision for Pakistan. The Ministry of Commerce has emphasized that the ruling strengthens Pakistan’s position in international legal and commercial forums. Pakistani authorities are expected to continue protecting the interests of local rice growers and exporters and ensuring that they retain the right to market their Basmati rice under its recognized name. The decision could also contribute to broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural exports and promote its Basmati rice in international markets.

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    Pakistan, Belarus agree to expand agricultural trade through online B2B platforms

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to strengthen agricultural and food-sector cooperation by facilitating online business-to-business (B2B) engagements between companies from the two countries. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Yakovchits Aleksander. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, improving business-to-business connectivity and creating new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and food-related sectors. Under the proposed initiative, businesses and relevant organisations from Pakistan and Belarus will be encouraged to participate in online B2B meetings. The sessions are expected to connect exporters, importers and other industry stakeholders and help them explore potential commercial partnerships. The two countries identified a number of products with potential for increased bilateral trade, including seafood, citrus fruits, mangoes, fruit puree, potatoes, seeds and dairy products. Greater business connectivity in these areas could help companies explore new markets and diversify trade opportunities. Focus on Agricultural Exhibitions Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to encourage greater participation by businesses and agricultural stakeholders in food exhibitions, trade fairs and other industry events held in both countries. Such events will provide companies with opportunities to showcase their products, establish business contacts, develop partnerships and explore investment opportunities. The initiative is also expected to help strengthen direct commercial links between businesses operating in the agricultural and food sectors. The two sides further agreed to facilitate reciprocal visits by agricultural trade and business delegations. These exchanges are aimed at encouraging investment, sharing technical expertise and identifying areas where companies and institutions from both countries can work together. Cooperation in Fish Farming The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation in fisheries, particularly fish farming and aquaculture. Both sides agreed to promote the exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices in the sector. Cooperation in this area could support the adoption of modern aquaculture techniques while providing opportunities for technical collaboration and investment. The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient fish-farming practices and strengthen cooperation between relevant institutions and businesses in Pakistan and Belarus. Proposal for Agricultural Machinery Testing Centre During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed the establishment of a universal agricultural machinery testing facility or centre at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), with financial and technical assistance from Belarus. The proposed centre would provide a platform for testing agricultural machinery and assessing its suitability for use in Pakistan’s farming sector. The Belarusian side took note of the proposal and agreed to examine the initiative further. As part of the process, the two sides agreed to conduct a detailed assessment of the proposed facility. This will include identifying the machinery and equipment required for the centre and evaluating locations suggested by Pakistan for establishing machinery testing stations. Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to facilitate exchange visits by highly qualified technical experts by the end of 2026. The visits are expected to help specialists assess technical requirements, exchange expertise and explore practical mechanisms for implementing the proposed cooperation. Pakistan Seeks Practical Outcomes Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised the need to transform bilateral cooperation into practical commercial, technological and institutional results. He said Pakistan was interested in expanding its engagement with Belarus in emerging areas of agriculture and food security, while creating greater opportunities for farmers, businesses, investors and technical experts. The minister highlighted the importance of stronger institutional and private-sector linkages to ensure that agreements between the two countries translate into tangible economic benefits. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in agriculture, food trade, fisheries, technology and agricultural machinery.

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    Pakistan intensifies efforts to secure release of …

    ByJustpaste.in

      Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to assess Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to secure the safe and early release of 10 Pakistani nationals being held hostage aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 after it was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The tanker, which was operating under the Somali flag, was travelling from Oman to Somalia when it was seized by pirates on April 21. A total of 17 crew members were on board the vessel, including 10 Pakistani citizens. Since the incident, the families of the Pakistani hostages have repeatedly appealed to the government to intensify efforts for their loved ones’ safe recovery. During the meeting, officials briefed the deputy prime minister on the latest developments surrounding the hostage situation and the measures being taken to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals. Dar directed all relevant authorities and stakeholders to maintain close and regular coordination while further strengthening diplomatic efforts with both national and international partners. The foreign minister placed particular emphasis on continued communication with Somali authorities and relevant international organisations. He said sustained diplomatic engagement was essential to creating conditions that could facilitate the safe recovery and repatriation of the hostages. Dar also expressed solidarity with the families of the detained Pakistanis and assured them that the government was closely monitoring the situation. He stressed that all possible efforts were being made to achieve a positive outcome and expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic contacts would ultimately result in the safe return of all 10 Pakistani citizens. Last month, Dar spoke by telephone with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, to convey Pakistan’s serious concern over the hostage situation. During the conversation, Dar emphasised the need to protect the health and safety of the hostages, secure their early release and ensure their safe return to Pakistan. The Somali foreign minister assured Dar that his government was continuing sincere efforts to help secure the hostages’ release as soon as possible. The latest meeting in Islamabad comes amid growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions reportedly being faced by the Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel. In video and audio messages, some of the hostages have described severe shortages of essential supplies. They said food and medicines had run out and claimed that they were receiving only one serving of boiled rice each day. They also reported that clean drinking water was no longer available, forcing them to consume contaminated water. According to the hostages, the lack of safe water has already caused illnesses among several crew members, further increasing concerns about their health. One hostage said their lives remained under constant threat and that gunfire could be heard almost every day in the surrounding area. The situation has renewed attention on piracy along Somalia’s coastline and its potential threat to international shipping. Somali pirate attacks reached their highest level in 2011, when armed groups operated as far as 3,655 kilometres from Somalia’s coastline. At its peak, Somali piracy posed a major threat to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, disrupting commercial shipping and placing hundreds of seafarers at risk. Pakistan’s government is now seeking to strengthen diplomatic and international cooperation to ensure the safe release of the 10 Pakistani nationals. Authorities remain engaged with Somalia and other relevant stakeholders as efforts continue to bring the hostages home safely.

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    President Masoud Pezeshkian meets Supreme Leader M…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has held an important meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as speculation over the president’s future continues to attract attention amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel. The meeting reportedly came as Pezeshkian entered the third year of his presidency. It also followed reports suggesting that the Iranian president was considering stepping down, claims he has rejected. Iranian authorities have previously dismissed resignation reports as unfounded, while Pezeshkian has publicly indicated that he intends to continue serving. According to statements attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei on social media, the discussions covered a wide range of economic, military and strategic issues facing Iran. Among the topics were the economic needs of ordinary Iranians, the country’s military situation, access to resources and management of the Iranian rial, foreign currency and energy costs. The two leaders also discussed economic relations with foreign partners and the wider implications of the confrontation with Washington and Israel. The meeting comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Tehran. Iran remains under pressure from the continuing regional conflict and economic difficulties, while efforts to engage Washington have faced repeated obstacles. The reported contact is also notable because Pezeshkian recently said that reaching Mojtaba Khamenei had been difficult, prompting speculation about the supreme leader’s health and whereabouts. Reports in recent days have offered conflicting accounts about how and where senior Iranian officials have been able to meet him. Meanwhile, Iran’s diplomatic efforts with the United States remain uncertain. According to the material cited by Iranian officials, negotiations have been reduced largely to messages exchanged through intermediaries after earlier attempts failed to produce a lasting agreement. The political backdrop has also been complicated by reported tensions between the presidency and powerful military-security institutions. Some reports have suggested disagreements over decision-making and the conduct of Iran’s response to the conflict, although details remain contested. Pezeshkian’s political position has therefore become a subject of renewed attention. He was elected president in July 2024 following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, became Iran’s supreme leader in March 2026 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the conflict. Against this backdrop, the latest meeting between the president and supreme leader carries significance beyond routine government business, particularly as Iran confronts economic pressures, military uncertainty and difficult relations with Washington. For now, however, Pezeshkian remains in office, while reports of his resignation have been publicly rejected.

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    Electricity tariff may rise by Rs1.34 per unit under quarterly adjustment

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers may face higher power bills for the next three months as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) considers a proposal seeking to recover an additional financial burden from consumers through the quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism. Nepra has reserved its decision on a request submitted by electricity distribution companies seeking to pass on around Rs34 billion in additional costs to consumers. According to sources, the proposed adjustment could increase the electricity tariff by approximately Rs1.34 per unit each month for three months. If approved, the additional charge would be reflected in consumers’ electricity bills during the applicable period. The quarterly tariff adjustment is used to account for changes in various costs incurred by power distribution companies, including fluctuations in generation and other sector-related expenses. The adjustment is subsequently passed on to consumers after regulatory scrutiny. Sources said Nepra has not yet issued its final decision on the request. The regulator will examine the financial details and relevant data submitted by the distribution companies before determining whether the proposed increase should be approved in full, partially accepted or rejected. The final decision is expected to clarify the exact amount to be recovered from consumers and the period over which the additional charges will apply. Until Nepra announces its decision, the proposed Rs1.34 per-unit increase remains under consideration and should not be treated as a final tariff hike.

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    At UN Summit, Tanweer Ahmed demands global action …

    ByJustpaste.in

    American Pakistani businessman and analyst Tanweer Ahmed has called for greater investment in young people and urged governments, businesses and international institutions to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) expands opportunities rather than deepens existing inequalities. Addressing a Youth and AI Summit at the United Nations on International Youth Day 2026, Ahmed said young people should be viewed not only as beneficiaries of development but also as innovators, decision-makers, community leaders and partners in shaping the future. He described AI as a defining force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, saying rapid advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, data, connectivity, biotechnology and automation were transforming economies and societies at an unprecedented pace. Ahmed said the impact of AI would extend across education, healthcare, public services, entrepreneurship, security and employment, creating both challenges and opportunities for the younger generation. He highlighted the growing importance of digital skills, creativity, adaptability, ethical decision-making and technological confidence in preparing young people for future jobs. “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” he said, stressing that young people in cities such as Karachi, Nairobi, Riyadh and Dhaka could possess the same potential as those living in major global technology centres but often lacked equal access to resources and opportunities. According to Ahmed, AI could help bridge this gap by allowing students to access knowledge beyond traditional classrooms, entrepreneurs to reach international markets and researchers to process information at unprecedented speeds. However, he cautioned that technological progress alone would not guarantee equal opportunity. Access to education, skills, credentials and technology must also be expanded to prevent AI from worsening existing inequalities. Pakistan’s AI potential Speaking about Pakistan, Ahmed said the country’s large young population could become a major economic strength if properly prepared for the emerging digital economy. He pointed to initiatives including ACT AI — Awareness, Competency and Tools Training for Artificial Intelligence, associated with the state-owned enterprise AXI. The programme focuses on practical AI capabilities, including generative AI, agentic AI systems, productivity tools, automation and sector-specific applications. Ahmed emphasised the importance of making AI education accessible to young people from different academic backgrounds, including those without previous programming or AI experience. He said young Pakistanis should be equipped to use AI not only for education and employment but also for entrepreneurship, public service and innovation. He also highlighted the role of MicroCerts, a government-backed initiative aimed at providing accessible and market-oriented skill certifications. Ahmed argued that traditional university degrees would continue to be valuable, but rapidly changing technology required young people to keep learning throughout their careers. Micro-certifications, he said, could help workers demonstrate specific skills and create new pathways to employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship and further education. Youth urged to become AI creators Ahmed said young people should not be trained merely to consume AI technologies. Instead, they should learn to develop, question, govern and innovate with AI while understanding its ethical and social consequences. He stressed that technology could not replace human compassion, character, judgement and responsibility. “AI can process enormous amounts of information,” he said, while emphasising that decisions about the kind of society humanity wants to build must remain a human responsibility. He also called for stronger international cooperation to develop common skills frameworks, support youth-led innovation and expand access to recognised digital credentials. Governments, universities, technology companies, international organisations and civil society, he said, must work together to ensure young people can participate meaningfully in the AI-driven economy. Ahmed further stressed that technological development must be accompanied by environmental responsibility, noting that AI systems, data centres and cloud computing require significant infrastructure and energy. Addressing young people around the world, he urged them to actively shape the future rather than wait for it. He called on the younger generation to learn emerging technologies, develop solutions, create businesses and communities, and use AI with a clear sense of purpose. Who is Tanweer Ahmed, the Pakistani-American philanthropist? Pakistani-American businessman and philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed has attracted renewed attention in Pakistan following his reported $9 million contribution to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and his recent appearance alongside senior Pakistani officials in the United States. Ahmed, who is based in Houston, has built a diverse business portfolio in the United States while also becoming involved in philanthropy, education, healthcare and cricket. His recent contribution to NUST is aimed at supporting talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The endowment is expected to provide scholarships to deserving students each year, with a particular focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, information technology, science and other emerging technologies. Ahmed has said his objective is to ensure that talented Pakistani students are not deprived of quality education because of financial difficulties. He has also expressed plans to expand similar scholarship initiatives to other educational institutions. The businessman has also supported infrastructure and technology-related initiatives at NUST, including the development of facilities intended to strengthen research and innovation. His philanthropic activities extend beyond education. Ahmed has been associated with healthcare initiatives in Pakistan and has supported efforts aimed at providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. He also drew attention for his role in relief efforts following the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022. He has been credited with helping mobilise substantial humanitarian assistance for flood-affected communities. Ahmed’s business journey began after he moved to the United States as a student. According to accounts of his career, he initially worked in restaurants and at gas stations while trying to establish himself. He later moved through several positions in the American fast-food industry. His career accelerated after he joined Jack in the Box as a shift manager. His performance and business approach helped him move into senior management positions, eventually leading to opportunities in the Taco Bell franchise system. Ahmed later expanded into franchising and developed a large portfolio of food outlets across several US states. His business interests have also extended into insurance, energy, transportation and other sectors. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as an entrepreneur who combines commercial ventures with philanthropic activities. Ahmed

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