News Archives for Latest - 2025-01-27

May 9 GHQ attack case: Rawalpindi ATC rejects Imran Khan’s acquittal plea

Prosecution argues it should be provided chance to record witness testimonies and entertaining an acquittal plea inappropriate at this time.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 11:49pm

NA speaker demands ‘thorough’ inquiry into attack on AJK speaker’s convoy

Letters sent to Azad Jammu and Kashmir's chief secretary and top police officer.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 11:26pm

South Asia

India’s Modi says spoke to US President Trump over phone

“We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security,” says Indian PM.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 11:11pm

German Holocaust remembrance under fire from Musk-backed far right

“Disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech can now spread almost without limit in important social media,” says German culture minister.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 10:07pm

South Asia

India, China agree to resume flights 5 years after stoppage

“The relevant technical authorities on the two sides will meet and negotiate an updated framework for this purpose at an early date,” Indian foreign ministry says.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 09:31pm

Senate panel approves Peca amendment bill as opposition cries foul

Opposition assails haste with which bill was passed; journalists' bodies demand to be consulted; Senate IT committee passes Digital Nation Bill.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:54pm

Sindh

Home minister says Chinese nationals approaching SHC on police harassment ‘against protocol’

Says the matter should have been approached through the Chinese consulate or foreign office.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 07:13pm

‘Just bread and tea’: WFP says aid cuts to Afghanistan leave millions hungry this winter

Over 6 million people eating one or two meals a day, says WFP Country Director Hsiao-Wei Lee.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 05:53pm

Karan Arjun star Mamta Kulkarni becomes a Hindu monk

The former Indian actor, who was accused of involvement in a drug case in 2016, completed her religious rituals and was renamed Mai Mamta Nand Giri.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 05:49pm

Middle East

Iran deputy FM says no contact with US since Trump’s return

“We have to plan calmly and patiently. When the policies of the other side are announced, we act accordingly,” Takht-Ravanchi says.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 05:17pm

FO rejects ‘baseless allegations’ targeting Pakistan’s commitment to One-China policy

FO statement emphasises China's all-weather strategic partnership with Pakistan.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 04:10pm

SBP cuts key policy rate by 100bps to 12pc

SBP governor says SBP maintains its outlook that it will achieve its goal of $13 billion FX reserves by June.

Updated 28 Jan, 2025 08:12am

From ‘Burger-i-Karachi’ to Kattar Karachi — Talha Anjum’s journey in his own words

For all the acclaim from across the world, Talha remains defined by a consistent, relentless dedication to his kind of music.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 03:43pm

Saudi Arabia allows foreigners to invest in firms with property in Makkah, Madina

Move will allow foreigners to invest in firms whose revenues rely on the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 02:33pm

China says ‘extremely unlikely’ Covid pandemic came from lab leak

Beijing urges US to “stop politicising and instrumentalising the issue of origin-tracing”.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 02:16pm

4 men sentenced to death in Rawalpindi over ‘online blasphemy’: lawyer

“Our case was supported by forensic evidence from the devices used in this heinous act,” prosecution lawyer says.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 05:10pm

Paris’s Louvre Museum adds haute couture to history

Fashion houses have used the grounds of the Louvre for shows --- but not the museum itself.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 02:03pm

India boosts domestic arms industry and looks West to pare back Russia reliance

India has become the world’s largest arms importer with purchases steadily rising to account for nearly 10pc of all imports globally in 2019-23.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 02:24pm

China bans livestock product imports from numerous countries on disease worries

Says it also stopped imports of sheep, goat from Pakistan, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh due to outbreaks.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 01:15pm

Mathira felt ‘very uncomfortable’ when Chahat Fateh Ali Khan appeared on her show

The internet personality placed a hand on her back and posted a video of the interaction without Mathira's consent.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 01:07pm

Punjab

Six dead, 38 injured in Multan LPG bowser blast: police

Police say efforts to control fire underway; rescue service official says several houses damaged; inquiry report sought.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 01:53pm

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek overtakes ChatGPT on Apple App Store

Milestone highlights how DeepSeek has upended widely held views about US primacy in AI; tech stocks take a hit on Wall Street following launch.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 01:50pm

West Indies win Test in Pakistan for first time in 35 years

Warrican finishes with 9 wickets in the match and 19 in the series while Pakistan skipper Shan Masood defends his side's spin ploy.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 02:10pm

Top Featured

Greed over care: Decoding the unholy doctor-pharma alliance

You and I, when we go to clinics, we look up to physicians as upholding better values. But perhaps, that is too much to ask.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 05:40pm

SC bench withdraws contempt notice against registrar official in jurisdiction row

Asks CJP to mull if full court needed for contempt case against SC committees; hearing on pleas against 26th Amendment adjourned for 3 weeks.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 08:46pm

With millions of ordinary Pakistanis unemployed and below the poverty line, all energies must be focused on economic growth this year

Ongoing economic recovery not a well-planned start of such journey, even as the hybrid regime is trying to sell it as such.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 10:43am

Circular bioeconomy — turning waste into wealth

Banana fibre, after being blended with cotton, could be used to create textiles and other value-added products

Published 27 Jan, 2025 10:38am

A stable Middle East offers economic, diplomatic opportunities to Pakistan

Former economic diplomat says country has "a long history of missing obvious opportunities that came knocking”.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 10:06am

When something sounds too good to be true it usually isn’t good, or true

The scammers exploit our belief that only ‘other people’ are duped.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 09:10am

Editorial: Trump’s moves likely to fuel greater racism and xenophobia in US

For Trump and his MAGA support base, these moves are necessary to preserve what they view as the American way of life.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 08:26am

International

Trump slaps sanctions after Colombia vows to block deportation

Says he would immediately revoke visas for Colombian govt officials, “supporters” of President Petro.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:26am

International

Bangladesh hires big firms to trace $17bn missing from banks

Govt forms 11 joint investigation teams to track down funds allegedly siphoned out of banks by "people close to Hasina".

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:14am

International

Israel kills 22 on deadline for Lebanon pullout

Lebanon’s health ministry says Israeli forces opened fire on citizens returning to villages; Israeli military says troops fired "warning shots to remove threats”.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:28am

International

Afghan Taliban supporters rally against ICC arrest warrant requests

World body seeks detention of Supreme Leader Akhundzada, Chief Justice Haqqani over persecution of women.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:59am

International

Ill-fated Korean plane warned of bird strikes seconds before black box stopped recording

Transport ministry says govt to release preliminary report, will be sent to International Civil Aviation Organisation, US, France and Thailand.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:52am

KP & FATA

Six terrorists killed in North Waziristan

Two security officials martyred during operation, sources say.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:28am

Balochistan

PPP, National Party, JUI-F ‘big winners’ in Balochistan local govt by-polls

ANP, PkMAP and independent candidates also secure seats, as per unofficial results.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:28am

National

PM’s nod sought for lawmakers’ pay hike

NA committee recently approved proposal to increase salaries from Rs180,000 per month to Rs0.5m.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:16am

National

Jamaat-i-Islami announces another protest against high power bills

Naeem condemns all political parties who voted for 140pc rise in salaries of parliamentarians.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:11am

National

Media bodies seek Senate panel hearing on changes to Peca law

JAC says bill introduced without consultation with stakeholders, rushed through parliament which "erodes trust and raises serious concerns".

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:23am

National

Pre-Ramazan speculative trade raises sugar prices

Prices register Rs12 per kg increase last week in city markets; expert says export, artificial shortage of commodity responsible for price hike.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:14am

National

Two killed, seven hurt in Khuzdar bus blast

Kalat DC says investigation underway to determine nature of blast.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:00am

Column

Risks to Gaza truce

Annexation of even part of the West Bank by Israel will be a deal breaker.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:56am

KP & FATA

Rs220 million released for blacktopping of key Mansehra road, says CM aide

Chanzeb says CM also approved several tourism projects in Hazara.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 06:24am

KP & FATA

Tribesmen protest killing of child in mortar shell blast in South Waziristan

Police officials say protesters presented four demands to the govt, including a halt to ‘unnecessary' firing by security forces.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 12:03pm

KP & FATA

World Bank delegation shows interest in KP’s mega projects

KP CM Gandapur vows to remove hurdles in ongoing schemes.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 06:24am

Islamabad

Reservoirs, wetlands restoration vital to mitigate drought risks: climate ministry

Spokesperson claims wheat production may decline by 50pc without rainfall.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:00am

Islamabad

Winter festivals end with spectacular showcase of GB’s culture

Competitions in ice hockey, curling and ice skating were part of the event as locals brave harsh weather to attend the event in thousands.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:06am

Sindh

Poliovirus detected in samples from three districts in Sindh

Year’s first polio vaccination campaign to be conducted from Feb 3 to 9 across the country.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:11am

Punjab

HRCP concerned at desecration of graves in Sheikhupura

Says continued desecration of Ahmadiyya graves is "reprehensible".

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:22am

Punjab

CM Maryam warns field cops of consequences for showing poor performance

Expresses utter displeasure over low conviction rate, particularly in drug selling and street crime cases.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:37am

Punjab

Tiger dies of kidney failure at Bahawalpur Zoo

As per sources, when the animal’s condition became precarious, it was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The beast,...

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:58am

Punjab

Seraiki journalist held over language issue in Rahim Yar Khan

Razish Liaqatpuri booked under terrorism charges, Peca law over a clip shared on his Facebook account.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 11:49am

Punjab

Five Rescue 1122 couples tie the knot in Punjab

Rescue 1122 spokesperson says their performance has been better than ever following their marriages.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:54am

Sindh

JI-sponsored multiparty event urges masses to join ‘Save Indus Movement’

Leaders claim govt's initiative aimed at doling out Sindh’s lands to corporate sector, other powerful quarters.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:44am

Sindh

Sindh university teachers to boycott classes today as stand-off with govt continues

Fapuasa, teachers’ associations to hold large-scale protest at Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:59am

Sindh

Third-party review, extra marks likely options to end BIEK results controversy

Opposition leader Khurshidi says traditional scrutiny procedures of no use as they only deal with re-totalling of marks.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:37am

Sport

Can’t risk Saim’s career for Champions Trophy: Mohsin Naqvi

“But it will take time for his complete recovery and we are not going to risk his future career just for the Champions Trophy," PCB chief says.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 01:09pm

Sport

Special Olympics Pakistan Marathon held in Karachi

In the men’s 21.2km half marathon, Qasim Bajwa of Sialkot took the top shot while in the women's half marathon, Natasha Hassan came first.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 12:06pm

Sport

Napoli beat Juventus to continue Serie A title charge

“We wanted to win, we did and we’re all very happy. There’s not much else to say,” says Napoli's Anguissa.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 12:13pm

Sport

Asif, four others advance to National Snooker last-16

NBP’s Asif, who won the world amateur title last year, records a dominant 4-0 win over Islamabad’s Shan Namat.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 12:16pm

Business

Prioritising workplace safety

Unsafe work conditions lead to lost productivity, higher healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life for workers and their families.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 06:24am

Business & Finance

From melting glaciers to flood management

Increasing demand for food production coupled with inefficient irrigation practices is exacerbating water scarcity.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 06:24am

Business & Finance

Strengthening the middle-class economy

Transformational change depends less on physical capital and more on the intellectual input of bourgeoisie professionals and skilled manpower.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:28am

Business

The knotted problem of utility stores corporation

In 2021, about 2,000 "ghost" employees were pulling salaries while being unauthorised as USC workers.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:23am

Business

Fiscal potential of agricultural taxation

The ownership and tenancy of agricultural land are often complex and poorly recorded, making it difficult to accurately assess tax liabilities.

Published 27 Jan, 2025 06:24am

Business

Microfinance on the verge of collapse?

Despite expanding financial inclusion, Pakistan’s microfinance sector faces a deepening crisis, with rising losses, dwindling capital, and regulatory complacency threatening sustainability.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 01:16pm

Business & Finance

The US vibe shift and its global impact

Pakistan will likely have to walk a tightrope, balancing its relations with Washington and Beijing as the US begins its tariff journey.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:15am

Business & Finance

Trump’s contradictory stance on oil

Industry experts believe the US president’s push for the Opec+ alliance to lower oil costs conflicts with his plans for an energy-dominant America.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:32am

Back Page

New US admin hires more Indians as ‘Samosa Caucus’ influence grows

Trump has nominated 6 Indian-Americans to key positions, from the FBI’s Kash Patel to other key officials in White House.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 10:01am

Middle East

Trump’s plan to ‘clean Gaza’ stokes fear of another Nakba

Tens of thousands waiting to re-enter besieged enclave as Israel closes entry gates.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 09:29am

Back Page

Another PIA crew member ‘caught smuggling phones’

Total number of crew members facing punitive action over such allegations reaches 8.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 08:59am

Back Page

Kashmiris hold protests on India’s Republic Day

AJK PM urges world to hold India accountable for "state-sponsored terrorism".

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 08:55am

Front Page

150,000 federal posts vacant after rightsizing

Punjab has largest share of federal employment at 46pc, but below its 53pc population share.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 08:31am

Front Page

Internet users asked to avoid malicious VPN, AI extensions

National IT security board says hackers exploiting browser extensions “to steal personal information” from social media, banking apps, other websites.

Updated 27 Jan, 2025 01:42pm

Front Page