KARACHI: Prince Karim Aga Khan, religious leader of the Ismaili community, yesterday [Feb 18] exhorted his followers to work for the solidarity, prosperity and progress of Pakistan. He was addressing a large number of his followers who had turned up at the civil airport to present him an enthusiastic welcome. The Aga Khan said that during his month-long stay he will see the contribution his community has made for Pakistan. In his brief address he said: “I am immensely happy to be in this great Muslim country.” He said it is too long since he last visited Pakistan. “My excuse is my family,” he added. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Washington,] the United States has cancelled a Congressionally approved 76 million economic aid programme for India for the current fiscal year, the State Department said today [Feb 18]. “This decision was made as a result of a general review of the currently strained U.S.-Indian relationship,” an official said. In addition … the Administration has also decided to defer … discussions regarding a projected … aid programme.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026