PM Shehbaz announces "austerity measures" as govt prepares to deal with the impact of the Middle East war; 50pc cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles, parliamentarians’ salaries to see a 25pc cut.

“Females were manhandled and beaten up. And when their relatives and friends reached the [police station], they were also locked up," alleges HRCP secretary general.

According to ISPR, decision taken to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of sea lines of communication.

All educational institutions under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department remain closed.

Major airstrikes on Tehran’s fuel depots have plunged it into a toxic gloom and resulted in black, oily rain with dark skies.

KP decides to introduce "50pc work-from-home policy” for government departments; Punjab govt says educational institutions to be closed from March 10-31.

Finance minister warns monthly oil import bill could rise to $600 million; Punjab CM calls for uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use.

Citizens have been advised to carry identification documents and comply with instructions issued by security personnel.

Akkakhel Qaumi Council seeks protection from militant groups assembled in their area.

The driver was later released on “personal surety” by the police, with the consent of the deceased’s parents, without being formally charged.

Team secures place in the upcoming hockey World Cup after eight years; performance "significant step towards promoting hockey' in Pakistan, says premier.

The Kalhora-era monuments suffered severe damage over decades due to weather ravages and official neglect.

“We are thrilled to have organised this event, promoting women’s empowerment and cycling culture in Pakistan,” says a representative from Sheroes.

Stakeholders say available capacity, facilities should be actively marketed to international shipping lines.

“The CTD officer suffered multiple bullet wounds causing his instant death,” a hospital official says.

As part of the preparedness, the police conducted a flag march across the city late at night to ensure foolproof security.

Reiterates doubts on credibility of HRCP’s damning report; says house must comply with assembly rules; will facilitate debate.

Punjab government welfare scheme to offer quarterly financial aid to underprivileged minority families.

An Afghan woman Shakila Naz claims that she had lawfully contracted marriage with a Pakistan national Mohammad Naeem and they were having five sons out of the wedlock.

Mehnatkash Aurat Rally reaffirms commitment against war hysteria, religious extremism and gender oppression.

The authority has also made it mandatory for these businesses to get them registered with BRA.

While the passenger services remain the public face of the PR, freight is its true commercial backbone.

Those suspended include sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables.

Official says a gun battle between the police and the assailants erupted after the firing attack.

The incident occured after heavy firing erupted between both sides of the border in the Ghulam Khan area, per officials.

The incident took place hours after another police official was deprived of his automatic gun and bulletproof jacket by a group of suspected drug smugglers.

Afridi says KP will write to federal govt about potential supply challenges; relief package for farmers on cards ahead of wheat.

Wahab lays foundation stone of Azeempura flyover, reconstruction of roads.

Line ministries lag far behind planned release schedule, despite Rs403bn sanctioned.

Pakistan's monthly oil import bill could touch Rs600m on back of ME tensions, finance minister says; federal ministers meet Sindh and Punjab CMs, brief them about fuel reserves.

Police sources say activists detained for violating Section 144; activist says more than 25 held; PPP rights cell calls for organisers' release.

Official confirms assault based on preliminary medical report of the victim.

ISPR says security forces eliminated 5 terrorists in Bajaur, another 5 in Khyber and South Waziristan, 3 more in Bannu and DI Khan.

Financial sector experts fear high inflation could escalate government spending, requiring more money and seriously distorting fiscal gap targets for FY26.

Gwadar DC claims debris from projectile intercepted by Iranian air defence system hit fisherman's boat.

Monetary Policy Committee says macroeconomic outlook has become “quite uncertain following the outbreak of the war in the Middle East”.

The war in the Middle East seems to be settling into a gruelling stalemate. The outcome will now be decided by who has the stomach to carry on like this and who asks for a ceasefire first.

Pakistan’s benchmark index tumbled more than 6pc on Monday to close in the red on account of rising geopolitical tensions and surging oil prices.

According to analysts, the situation appears to be deteriorating further as upstream oil production has started to shut down, with producers facing storage constraints.

Finance minister warns monthly oil import bill could rise to $600 million; Punjab CM calls for uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use.

Capital plunges into darkness; residents warned of chemical burns, acrid fumes.

As fuel costs rise, market personnel believe two-wheeler demand will remain strong as the only form of affordable transport.

As the conflict-ridden global front carries on, Pakistan grapples with its first wave of supply disruptions as domestic oil prices rise by Rs55 per litre.

Pakistan's monthly oil import bill could touch Rs600m on back of ME tensions, finance minister says; federal ministers meet Sindh and Punjab CMs, brief them about fuel reserves.

Financial sector experts fear high inflation could escalate government spending, requiring more money and seriously distorting fiscal gap targets for FY26.

Planning Commission report warns of surge in inflation, import costs, exchange rate pressures.

SECP hopes other provinces will follow suit.

Index slips to 157,496 on panic-selling.

India insists it did not need Washington’s permission to do so, a source says.

Experts suggest govt set up reinsurance firm to support essential maritime trade and energy shipments.

Says precautionary reduction implemented as part of "risk management and business continuity strategy".

The previous price was Rs 188.73 per litre.

Directs the finance and petroleum ministers to visit provinces and prepare the strategy in coordination with the provincial governments.

All offices under the department told to restrict ceremonial visits, unnecessary official travel.

Prices of petrol and diesel increased by Rs55 per litre; levy on petrol raised, diesel lowered by Rs20 each.

Gas suspension, power tariff hike to hit exports.

Renegotiated contracts expected to save Rs163bn.

Petroleum, food drive price hike for 31st week.

Says car prices could decrease by as much as Rs2.5m as new manufacturers enter the market and localisation increases.

Containers to be transhipped from Karachi to Jebel Ali in the Middle East; Strait of Hormuz not expected to open in coming days.

Private limited companies account for 59 per cent of the new registrations.

“If this war continues for a few weeks, GDP growth around the world will be impacted," says Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi.

Chairs high-level meeting; says any petrol pump involved in creating an artificial shortage should be immediately closed, its licence cancelled.

Data shows that weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index, increased by 0.37pc for the week ending on March 5.

Pakistan’s stock market experienced a volatile session on Friday, with KSE-100 plunging 2.3pc to close in the red.

10pc YoY increase in debt fuelled by domestic borrowing.

Analysts note that halted activities in Hormuz will have two major impacts on oil: the inability to store 20 million barrels per day and the lack of flow to the world, which could drive global energy prices higher.

According to analysts, gold prices would be volatile in the near term with key support at $5,040 and resistance at $5,280, adding that prices could rise up to $5,448 if the resistance is broken.

Establishment of Daanish school in AJK approved with a budget of Rs4.688bn upon request from newly-elected PM Rathore.

Foreign exchange reserves of SBP rise by $87m to $16.300bn during week ending Feb 27.

Says United States is "very far" ahead of his initially stated timeframe for the war of four or five weeks.

The men were charged with five counts, including attempted support of a foreign terrorist organisation and use of a weapon of mass destruction.

"Those arrested filmed and circulated video clips and published misleading information and rumours that could stir public opinion”, authorities say.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warns that any new leader linked to Iran’s ruling elite would be “an unequivocal target for elimination”.

Capital plunges into darkness; residents warned of chemical burns, acrid fumes.

Najafabad "double-tap" airstrike kills 19 civilians seeking municipal services, emergency workers.

Two killed in a strike on car in Gaza.

Bangladeshi police alleged that the killer had fled to India, a claim rejected at the time by Indian authorities.

Over 31 per cent of voters opt for the Greens led by Cem Ozdemir.

Ahmed Barakat, head of the Kur­dish Progressive Democratic Party in Syria, says Iranian Kurdish forces should exercise “extreme caution”.

After Epstein’s death was confirmed, he recalled inmates saying “Miss Noel killed Jeffrey”.

The most severe impact has been felt in Iraq, where oil production from its main southern oilfields has fallen by 70pc.

He amassed power under his father as a senior figure close to the security forces and the vast business empire they control.

US-China cannot change each other, but can change the way we interact with each other, says Wang.

Police say explosion caused "minor material damage", investigation under way.

Police have arrested six people, including two men who handled and threw devices, says commissioner.

Tehran apologises to neighbours as war with US, Israel enters second week; says it will attack Gulf states only if strikes originate from their territory.

Debris fell onto a vehicle in Dubai's Al Barsha area, resulting in death of a Pakistani driver, say authorities; PM Shehbaz expresses grief, says diplomatic missions in UAE are in close contact with Dubai authorities to facilitate repatriation.

Emirates, Etihad and flydubai lead restart; Dubai’s two major airports reopen; some airlines resume flights between Mideast and Pakistan.

US presses Colombo not to repatriate crew and survivors from sunken ship.

Four people were reported killed in Oklahoma, where the twisters gained strength, and four others died further north in the Midwestern state of Michigan.

“Over the past 10 years, the estimated warming rate has been around 0.35C per decade," a study found.

Stages rare helicopter raid deep into Bekaa Valley, killing 41; UN, Ghana condemn "war crime" attack that wounded three peacekeepers.

"I certainly think his actions are deplorable and have caused him to be stripped of his royal titles," says Canadian PM.

Asif Raza Merchant allegedly sought to hire a hitman to assassinate a politician or a government official in the US, prosecutors say.

There was no doubt who the aggressor was then. There’s no doubt now.

Sale fast-tracks 12,000 thousand-pound bomb bodies in $152m deal.

Says Cuba is "in its last moments of life”; advocates tough action by allies against organised crime blighting the region.

The 35-year-old’s party is also seemingly headed for a landslide victory nationally.

Iran's enemies “must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” president says.

Saudi minister urges Iran to “exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation”.

Markets tumble as Trump demands 'unconditional surrender', says "waste of time" to send ground troops.

The Virginia bill passed the House of Delegates 53‑47, largely along party lines, and cleared the state Senate 21‑19, with all Republicans opposing it.

Major carriers divert or turn back due to missile fire fears.

Refugee agency says its facing shortage of funds; US, Israeli attacks on Iran choke aid corridors, obstructing global relief efforts.

“Though Pakistan were patchy in the tournament, Sahibzada Farhan was consistently brilliant,” ICC says.

India's T20 victory is the first time a team have won the title on home soil.

Team secures place in the upcoming hockey World Cup after eight years; performance "significant step towards promoting hockey' in Pakistan, says premier.

Southampton join a powerful-looking quartet already through to the last eight with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in the hat for the quarter-finals.

England earned their first penalty corner just 49 seconds after the start at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium.

Farhan hit an unbeaten half-century while Mohammad Akhlaq also scored a fifty as they lifted Lahore Whites from early troubles.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah grabs four wickets to dismantle Black Caps' batting line-up.

The match drew 619 million views on streaming platform JioHotstar, according to the company, including a 65 million peak at the same time.

Official tickets, starting at 2,000 Indian rupees, sold out within minutes on BookMyShow, prompting thousands of fans turning to unofficial routes.

PSG will have to pick themselves up as they host Chelsea on Wednesday as they continue their defence of the Champions League title.

Russia was banned from the 2018 Games due to a doping scandal, although some athletes were permitted to compete under neutral colours.

“It’s going to be obviously a challenge where everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites," says captain Mitchell Santner.

“We want to be very relaxed, be in the present, not think about what will happen in the final," he says ahead of match with NZ.

New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final against the most expensively assembled cricket nation on the planet is not a sporting achievement. It is a personality type.

A succession of precise yorkers and length balls yielded just six runs and England were behind the chase.

“It was a ridiculous knock. He should be extremely proud of what he’s done tonight and this whole winter,” he says.

Sarr also had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside shortly before Solanke’s opener.

Pakistan were trailing 3-1 in the third quarter before they smashed three goals in the last nine minutes of the final quarter to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

“I think if we play our best cricket, we can beat anybody," says New Zealand's Finn Allen.

European football body fines Spanish club 15,000 euros “for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters”.

New Zealand opener Finn Allen hit the fastest-ever T20 World Cup century in 33 balls to send his team through to the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Following the IPC’s announcement, several countries, including Ukraine, said they would boycott Friday’s opening ceremony in Verona as a result.

Saka’s deflected effort in the ninth minute proved sufficient as Arsenal kept a 14th Premier League clean sheet of the season with a gritty display that Saka described as ‘ugly’.

After Sanju Samson's scintillating 89 laid the platform for India to pile up a massive 253-7, England fell just short in what would have been a record chase, finishing on 246-7.

“There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” says chief selector.

“Agenda-driven fake news targeting the character of our players is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” PCB says.

“I think hopefully everyone gets behind us and rallies around us for Sunday,” says Allen, who hit the fastest-ever T20 World Cup century.

Former captain Jos Buttler’s form has been scrutinised, with the opener making only 62 runs in seven matches.

In the final quarter, Austria got a couple of penalty corners but could not score.

This is the third time the venue for the 10-team event was changed in recent days.

The teams meet again on Friday in the FA Cup fifth round.

New Zealand will play either India or England in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad.

“It’s not about how you get to the semi-finals; it’s about the next two games, how we’re going to play there," says India's bowling coach Morne Morkel.

“We had a good run against them [New Zealand] in the group stages, but both teams have played a lot of cricket since then,” Markram told reporters.

Pakistan actually has the most representatives of any overseas nation among the top 50, one ahead of South Africa.