Entertainment
Dar links economic growth to regional connectivity, terms CPEC ‘catalyst’ for development
- Strategic location makes Pakistan hub for regional connectivity: DPM
- Dar stresses seamless linkages via road, rail, air, digital corridors.
- Highlights Pakistan’s readiness to strengthen regional value chains
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday underscored the importance of regional connectivity for stability, economic growth and collective progress.
Addressing the Regional Transport Ministers’ International Conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan stands ready to coordinate transport plans, enhance crossborder facilitation, mobilise joint investments and strengthen regional value chains, reported Radio Pakistan.
He mentioned that Pakistan’s strategic location connecting South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East and China makes it a natural hub for regional connectivity.
Emphasising that the region has to built seamless linkages through road, rail, air, maritime and energy and digital corridors, turning geography into an opportunity, the DPM said that CPEC was now widely recognised as a catalyst for energy infrastructure development, transport connectivity and enhanced trade across the whole of South Asia and Central Asia.
Dar further noted that the initiative embodies the country’s commitment to building partnerships that deliver tangible benefits not just for Pakistan and China but for the entire region.
He said Pakistan’s motorways and highways form the backbone of regional and domestic connectivity linking key border crossings to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
Referring to key connectivity initiatives, the deputy prime minister said that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail framework agreement is a landmark initiative to open new trade avenues. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to investing in regional energy projects.
Addressing the conference, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stressed the need for practical and actionable measures to strengthen transport linkages, facilitate trade and deepen regional integration.
The minister noted that transport and connectivity are pillars of economic growth and said that efficient transport systems are a necessity for competiveness, resilience and sustainability.
Khan remarked said the conference provides the opportunity to share perspectives and forge partnerships to strengthen transport networks and bring our communities closer together.
Entertainment
UK skies set for second night of dazzling display
The Northern lights are forecast to return to UK skies on Saturday night, March 21, following a stunning display that illuminated parts of the country as far south as Norfolk on Friday, March 20.
The beautiful natural display, known as Aurora Borealis, is caused by a geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), in which waves of charged particles erupt from the Sun’s surface and interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Oxygen emits green, while nitrogen emits reds, blues, and pinks, and this is what has brought us the brilliant display of colour that has mesmerized sky gazers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England and Wales.
Weather Watchers reported seeing the Northern Lights in North Wales, Powys, and even on the Norfolk coast.
As per the Met Office Space Weather Analysts, geomagnetic activity is expected to remain elevated through Saturday night, with a chance of reaching another “strong storm” level.
This suggests that aurora could be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern areas of England and Wales, with a small chance of sightings further south.
But clouds can cover the views for some areas across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Clear skies are expected to provide better viewing opportunities.
On Friday, northern lights aligned with the spring equinox, which improved visibility due to the Russell-McPherron effect.
This occurs when Earth’s magnetic field coincides with incoming solar winds, usually making it stronger around the equinoxes.
Entertainment
Nicholas Brendon’s posts before death leaves fans concerned
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s social media posts are drawing attention in the wake of his passing.
Concern is growing among fans as the last clips on his Instagram take on a new meaning, with many noting their unsettling tone.
Among other reels, the actor, best known for his role as Xander Harris on the hit television series, posted the last video on February 1, 2025 with the caption that read, “Candle time with Nicky. Posting my live video from tonight.”
Shortly after Brendon’s passing, his admirers revisited his profile and one commented, “I knew he was not well and in pain with these last videos, wished I lived close so I could check on him, seemed so sad [sad emoji].”
Another worried fan added, “What happened to him? He’s unrecognizable.”
“U aged like 20x anyone from show. So sad,” a third wrote.
A fourth expressed, “RIP Nicholas, thankyou for being part of the Buffy gang, you will sadly be missed [red heart and sad emoji].”
For the unversed, Brendon breathed his last on March 20, at the age of 54. His family confirmed that he passed away in his sleep of natural causes in San Francisco.
Entertainment
Meghan Markle receives new title after Duchess publicly apologised
Meghan Markle received a special honour after she publicly apologised for her mistake.
On January 19, the Duchess of Sussex returned to the spotlight with her surprise appearance at the Alliance for Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills.
She stepped out to support her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, who is the co-founder of Alliance of Moms. At the event, her philanthropic work was recognised with an award presented to her by the Duchess.
Dressed in a stunning strapless floor-length gown, Meghan was beaming with joy during her unexpected outing.
Not only that, she dropped a video on her official Instagram handle, featuring special moments from a memorable night.
Archie and Lilibet’s mother penned a note, “Proud to honour my forever friend @_heartmom_ for her outstanding work for @allianceforchildrensrights and @allianceofmoms. Kelly, you are one of one.”
Also, Meghan, who videobombed two girls’ TikTok video at the same event, said “sorry” to them for “crashing” their bathroom party.
In response, the women shared a few delightful photos with the Duchess on social media, with an emoji of a crown.
Meghan received the title of Queen for her kind gesture.
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