ISLAMABAD/RAVALPINDI: Pakistan’s oldest and largest alcohol producer, Mari Brewery, has achieved a landmark success: after more than 50 years of domestic restrictions, the company has received approval to export its products abroad. The announcement has boosted production at the brewery’s factory near Rawalpindi, an unusual sight in a Muslim-majority country where the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol are heavily restricted. A Legacy of ResilienceMari Brewery was established in 1860 during British India to cater to colonial officers and soldiers. Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the government introduced stringent regulations on alcohol, particularly during Zulfikar Bhutto’s era. Despite decades of legal constraints, the brewery survived, maintaining a niche elite cu...

DHAKA: Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a key leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to return to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years. His arrival has sparked massive excitement among BNP supporters and is being seen as a potential turning point in the country’s volatile political landscape. Rahman’s return comes at a time of significant instability in Bangladesh. Violent protests are on the rise, the Jamaat-e-Islami party has strengthened its presence, and the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus is navigating tense political waters ahead of the national elections scheduled for February 2026. With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League sidelined from the electoral process, radical groups are attempting to consolidate influence, creati...

WASHINGTON: A federal court has backed former President Donald Trump’s decision to drastically increase H-1B visa fees, allowing the application cost to soar to $100,000. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, states that Trump acted within his legal authority, marking a significant setback for foreign workers, particularly Indians, who form a major part of the H-1B workforce. Several related cases are still pending in courts. Judge Howell emphasized that Congress granted the President broad powers to address economic and national security concerns as part of his immigration policy. “As long as such actions remain within the bounds of law, courts cannot question the President’s policy judgment,” she stated. US Chamber of Commerce Challenges Fee HikeThe US Chamber ...