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G7 finance leaders look to address inequities as trade tensions fray unity

Published

4 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

Bilal

G7 finance ministers meeting in Paris on Monday will seek common ground on addressing global economic concerns and co-ordinating vital raw material supplies, even as geopolitical disagreements threaten to challenge the cohesion of the group.

The two-day conference followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing that achieved few meaningful economic accomplishments as tensions over Taiwan and trade simmered behind a show of diplomatic cordiality.

The Paris agenda will focus on what French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said are “deep-rooted global economic imbalances that are creating trade friction and could result in a turbulent unwinding in financial markets.””The way the global economy has been developing for the past 10 years or so is clearly unsustainable,” he added, referring to a pattern where China under-consumes, the United States over-consumes and Europe under-invests.

UPDATE FROM THE SUMMIT US-CHINA

Lescure, who will chair the talks, said the G7 provided a chance for open discussion among allies at a time of growing disagreements with Washington.These are not easy topics. “I am not going to say that we agree on everything, including, of course, first and foremost with our American friends,” he told journalists before the meeting.

The Trump administration allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse on Saturday, and finance ministers will be seeking for an update on US-China ties after the Trump-Xi summit and on the latest US efforts to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

The success would be if the sides just accept each has some responsibility for the trade and financial flow imbalances, French officials participating with preparations said, but the US side is expected to be reluctant.

FALLOUT FROM MIDEAST CONFLICT””I’d be shocked if they’re going to sign on to the idea this is the US’s fault in some way,” said Philip Luck, director of the economics program at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Ministers are also set to examine the economic effects from the Mideast conflict and volatility on global bond markets, which are of particular concern to Japan.

Rachel Reeves will “push for coordinated action to limit inflation and supply chain pressures and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz” at the meeting, and also reassert the government’s desire to reduce trade barriers between Britain and the European Union, Britain’s finance ministry said.

G7 divisions make it harder to show unity as ministers prepare for a June 15-17 leaders summit in the resort town of Evian.

CRITICAL MINERAL DEPENDENCE

A second target will be ⁠critical minerals and rare earths, where G7 governments are aiming to coordinate efforts to lessen reliance on China, which dominates supply chains important for technology from electric vehicles to renewable energy and security systems.

The G7 will call for tighter collaboration to monitor markets, anticipate disruptions and establish alternative sources, including through cooperative initiatives across allied economies, Lescure said. “The goal is to make sure that no country can ever again have a monopoly” of such materials, he said.

G7 countries are aiming to create a shared toolbox of measures to stabilise markets and boost domestic investment, possibly with price floors for manufacturers, pooled purchases and also tariffs.

Luck, who worked on the topic in the Biden administration, said the program is a long-term undertaking that would do little on the ⁠finance ministers’ meeting. “”This is very early innings of trying to figure this out,” he remarked. “I don’t think there is agreement on a strategy even within the U.S. government, let alone being able to articulate that in a convincing way to our partners in order to get them to sign on,” he said.

Entertainment

Asim Azhar reacts to Rajab Butt criticism

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2026

Bilal

Pakistani musician Asim Azhar has come up with a statement after being trolled for his recent song’s cover version ‘Tu Hai Wohi Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha’ and controversy involving social media star Rajab Butt.

Social media was divided over the singer’s take on the famous track, with many users condemning the performance and saying the original song had been ruined.

The dispute escalated when Rajab Butt posted a lip-sync video in support of the song. Asim Azhar thanked the influencer for the gesture but his reply prompted more criticism from social media users who questioned his decision to recognise the support.

Asim Azhar reacts to controversy over his TikTok video. Amid the rising reaction, Azhar took to Instagram to remark that someone praising him and him replying to someone’s appreciation does not mean that he shares the same ideas or principles.

He said he understood the worries of his followers and supporters and agreed with many of them, adding that his purpose was just to respond to kindness with compassion and that the problem was not as serious as it had been portrayed.

On a happier note, the musician asked fans to keep on enjoying his new music and luscious mangoes.

The clarification has not stopped debate on social media. Some admirers believe the singer should not have taken Rajab Butt’s assistance while followers of the influencer have condemned Asim Azhar for stepping away after public response.

Entertainment

Mahira Khan advocates for better awareness of mental health concerns

Published

5 days ago

June 10, 2026

Bilal

Pakistani film and television star Mahira Khan has underlined the need to create awareness about mental health, stating the topic still has social stigma attached to it.

Many individuals still feel ashamed to speak freely about mental health problems, the actress told the media at a British Asian Trust event in London.

Mental diseases should be treated the same as any other medical issue, she said, stressing the need of measures to promote mental wellbeing. The participation of King Charles in the trust’s efforts was also called significant by Mahira Khan.

The actress also decried the occurrences of harassment and violence in the society and said there is a need to change the public attitude and guarantee that those involved are held accountable to set an example.

“We need more awareness and collective action to tackle both the social problems and the mental health issues,” she said.

Entertainment

Cinema diplomacy between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is being led by Pakistan.

Published

6 days ago

June 9, 2026

Bilal

Pakistan, Uzbekistan agree to strengthen institutional linkages to promote cultural exchange, people-to-people contact through media APP ISLAMABAD:- Pakistan and Uzbekistan have discussed to strengthen institutional linkages to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people contact through media. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev held a meeting here in Islamabad, APP reported on Monday.

“Pakistan values its partnership with Uzbekistan and is committed to turning shared ideas into tangible results for both countries”, In a post on X, Tarar said.

The minister said both sides discussed ways to boost cooperation in media, cinema and cultural exchanges, including potential joint productions and digital collaboration.

The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in film production including cooperative short films, documentaries and drama series, the report stated.

“The ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in the promotion of peace in the region and efforts made by Islamabad for peace-related initiatives and negotiations,” APP said.

Pakistan, he said, pays significant value to its relations with Uzbekistan and is willing to further enhance cooperation in the fields of media, cinema and culture.

He said such initiatives would need the participation of established production houses and large scale film projects might be initiated through collaborative financial agreements between the two countries.

The minister highlighted the need to promote joint media content on the common historical and cultural legacy of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

“Both sides agreed to improve co-ordination between their respective social media teams for development of joint digital content and co-ordinated online promotional strategy,” the APP report said.

It was also agreed to improve collaboration between the media organisations of the two countries.

The exchange of study tours of journalists of both sides will enhance mutual understanding and professional exchange, the minister added.