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7:36 AM

US denies Imran Khan's claims of 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him from power

White House Director of Communications Kate Bedingfield on Thursday (local time) dismissed the allegations made by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding Washington's role in an alleged "foreign conspiracy" to oust him from power.

"There is absolutely no truth to that allegation," Bedingfield told reporters.

Bedingfield's assessment is in line with the Department of State. Earlier, a US State Department spokesperson told ANI, that "there is no truth to these allegations. We are closely following developments in Pakistan. We respect and support Pakistan's constitutional process and the rule of law."

7:36 AM

IAEA chief to head mission to Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi said Friday that he would head an assistance and support mission to Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant "as soon as possible" to help ensure the facility's safety.

Grossi tweeted on Friday that the mission "will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine."

He also told a press conference in Vienna later on Friday that the IAEA mission would be in Chernobyl "very, very soon."

7:35 AM

Europe pursues payment response as Russian gas supply threat eases

European governments and companies worked on a common approach on Friday to Russia's demand that they pay for its gas in roubles as the threat of an imminent supply halt eased.

European capitals have been on alert for a disruption to gas imports as Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks retaliation over Western sanctions for the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.

7:34 AM

Bilawal Bhutto asks Imran Khan to exit 'respectfully'

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan should seek an honourable exit, and resign before the vote on the no-confidence motion against his government on Sunday, local media reported.

Bilawal said the Prime Minister should fight against the constitutional process honourably and should not seek a "face-saving or a backdoor exit". "You (Imran Khan) were imposed upon this nation... it is about time you should think about your acts. Our steps would strengthen the democracy in this country," he added, reported the Express Tribune.

7:33 AM

Russia to intensify use of national currencies in trade with India, other partners

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said Russia has begun moving towards conducting trade in national currencies with India and other friendly countries to bypass the "impediments" of western sanctions and resolved to address New Delhi's requirement of oil, military equipment and other goods.

He made the comments after holding wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that covered implications of the crisis in Ukraine on India-Russia ties as well as ways to continue cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, investment and defence.