News Archives for Latest - 2025-07-08

Govt announces Independence Day to be celebrated under theme of ‘Marka-i-Haq’

Ahsan Iqbal says celebrations will send a “clear message to the world that Pakistan stands proud, strong and committed to its sovereignty”.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:58pm

Middle East

Iran says it has not requested US talks since war

Iranian President Pezeshkian comes under fire domestically after voicing support for renewed talks with US.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:00pm

Karachi court sentences director Jami to two years in jail for defaming fellow director Sohail Javed

He has been taken to the Karachi Central Jail to serve out his sentence.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 10:25pm

Fact check: Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan should follow the Muslim world’s position on the Abraham Accords

Says Pakistan should go with decision made by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran and other Arab states impacted by the matter.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 10:10pm

Two drown in KP as flash floods hit province, GB

GB CM Haji Gulbar Khan orders relevant departments to remain alert in view of the flood situation.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 09:47pm

Govt approves four potential bidders for struggling PIA

“The pre-qualified parties will now proceed to the buy-side due diligence phase,” privatisation minister says; transaction structure for Roosevelt Hotel also approved.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 09:31pm

Actor and model Humaira Asghar Ali found dead in Karachi’s DHA

The Gizri police have confirmed that the 32-year-old actor's body was found in an apartment in Ittehad Commercial Area.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 09:10pm

German court rules at-risk Afghan family must be given visas

Berlin's administrative court says family was given a “legally binding” commitment and must be allowed to travel to Germany.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 08:54pm

South Asia

Indian villagers beat five to death for ‘witchcraft’ in Bihar

Murderers and victims all belong to India’s Oraon tribe.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 08:45pm

Govt approves sugar import of upto 500,000 tonnes to maintain ‘affordable prices’

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stresses government’s commitment towards “price stability and safeguarding consumer interests”.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 08:26pm

Sindh

Justice Dogar, 3 others take oath as regular high court CJs

Justice Junaid Ghaffar sworn in at SHC, Justice Attique Shah for PHC and Justice Rozi Khan Barrech as BHC top judge.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:54pm

South Asia

ICC seeks arrest of Taliban supremo, Afghan chief justice over persecution of women

Says the two “have committed … the crime against humanity of persecution … on gender grounds”; Taliban reject warrants as “nonsense”.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:45pm

South Asia

X blasts India ‘censorship’ order on thousands of accounts

Refutes Indian govt claims that it had not ordered blocking 2,355 accounts, including two Reuters news agency accounts.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 07:10pm

Trump faces MAGA meltdown over Epstein reversal after govt says sex offender did not have ‘client list’

Trump has managed to avoid much of the direct blame over the fiasco, with ire instead being directed at FBI director, his deputy and attorney general.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:40pm

Punjab

Punjab bans use of mobile phones by nurses and paramedics, orders adoption of pagers

CM Maryam directs implementation of ‘Red & Blue Code Emergency System’ in hospitals across the province.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 06:17pm

Islamabad court orders blocking of 27 YouTube channels on NCCIA’s request

They include those of PTI, journalists Matiuallah Jan, Wajahat Khan, Ahmad Noorani, Asad Ali Toor; former anchors Imran Riaz, Orya Maqbool.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:58pm

29 schoolchildren, driver injured after van skids off road in AJK

Three children, driver referred to Muzaffarabad CMH owing to their serious wounds.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:31pm

Is a Pakistani connection the roadblock between Bollywood’s Saif Ali Khan and his ancestral properties?

The Indian government has ordered a fresh trial on the decades-old succession dispute of the Bhopal properties.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:11pm

PM appoints Qatari princess as brand ambassador after she scales Nanga Parbat

Sheikha Asma Al Thani describes relentless challenges she faced on her route to the summit.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 04:51pm

Punjab

Fact check: Viral video does not show woman Punjab assistant commissioner slapping man over an illegal stall

Video actually shows a woman confronting a scammer and was shared as far back as October 2024.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 04:23pm

K-Electric reappoints Moonis Alvi as CEO

Alvi joined KE in 2008 and has held key roles before becoming CEO in 2018.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 04:11pm

KP & FATA

Heavy rain expected countrywide over next two days: PMD

Met Office says Sindh coastal areas to experience drizzling; urges public to be cautious and stay informed.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 05:11pm

Injured Shadab and Rauf out as Pakistan announces squad for Bangladesh T20Is

Salman Ali Agha will continue leading the side for the three-match series to be played from July 20-24.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 04:21pm

Crazy Rich Asians director tapped to work on upcoming Hot Wheels movie

The force behind Wicked, the highest grossing Broadway musical of all time, is set to take the wheel on the live-action project based around toy cars.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 02:59pm

Imran, Bushra move IHC for early hearing of plea seeking suspension of sentence in £190m graft case

Application calls conviction of jailed ex-premier and his spouse a result of "political victimisation".

Published 08 Jul, 2025 02:51pm

The internet is calling Israel’s Netanyahu nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize a ‘macabre circus’

With over 57,000 Palestinians dead and Iran recently attacked, many are calling the nomination a mockery of the peace prize.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 02:35pm

Balochistan

Quetta ATC sends Mahrang, other BYC activists on 10-day physical remand

Other BYC members are Sibghatullah Shah, Beberg, Ghaffar, Beebow Baloch and Gulzadi.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 04:07pm

PCB approves use of Karachi’s National Stadium as Pakistan set to host veteran’s T20 World Cup

Former stars Shahid Khan Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, among others expected to participate in the international tournament.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 01:17pm

KP & FATA

Woman arrested for allegedly killing stepson in KP’s Haripur: police

Complainant requested authorities to take legal action against stepmother, alleging that she brutally tortured him to death.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 04:52pm

Remembering Edhi: A life less ordinary

Nation observes 9th death anniversary of Edhi, who established world's largest volunteer ambulance network.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 12:48pm

Sindh

Not possible for govt to provide housing for all residents of dilapidated buildings: Sharjeel Memon

Says govt will provide available housing to most deserving residents who have no other option available.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 12:37pm

KP & FATA

4 dead, two injured in Peshawar house fire: rescue officials

Six fire vehicles, 40 personnel take part in rescue efforts; two firefighters faint during operation.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 02:07pm

AI has finally perfected Will Smith ‘eating spaghetti’

By passing the informal test, AI video shows how far it's progressed, rattling the creative industry.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:55am

Pakistan extends condolences to Turkiye after 12 soldiers die of methane exposure in Iraq

We wish Allah’s mercy upon the martyrs, says foreign ministry's statement.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:53am

Pakistani Academy Selection Committee calls on filmmakers to submit entries for Oscar consideration

Submissions for the International Feature Film Award category are open until August 15 at 5pm.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:53am

Sindh

Climate change impacting water availability in Sindh, poses serious health risks

Overall, an estimated 8.6m people across 26 districts faced heightened food insecurity due to compounding heat and drought risks.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:43am

Top Featured

Washed away: How unregulated mining turned the Swat River into a killer

A billion-rupee mining industry has quietly transformed Swat’s serene river into a graveyard — deep ditches dug for sand and gravel have erased the river’s natural course, making even shallow waters deadly.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:10am

A new NFC award is needed as soon as possible

The resource distribution arrangement should focus on resolving outstanding issues and not reversing the process.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 11:02am

The playing field for informal workers is not just uneven; it’s tilted steeply

About 69pc of urban workers operate informally, cut off from basic infrastructure and legal protection.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 10:55am

Why there is a need to address deeply skewed policies influenced by lobbies, elite groups

Governance structures warped under the influence of powerful interest groups threaten the stability of Pakistan’s fragile democracy.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 10:49am

Analysts say Musk’s party may be threat to Trump even without wins

Winning seats in Congress may be a stretch, but Musk can inflict pain on Trump by syphoning votes from vulnerable sitting Republicans, experts say.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 10:32am

Texas flood toll passes 100 as more bodies recovered

The hardest hit area was Kerr County, with at least 84 people killed, including 28 children, local sheriff’s office says.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 09:25am

Middle East

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize as Gazans await ceasefire

Move comes as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues despite US president vowing to end the conflict months ago.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 04:11pm

Punjab

Underage driver arrested for killing one, injuring two in Lahore

Investigator suspended for "misbehaviour with victim’s family".

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:25am

Punjab

Fazl assures traders of support against shops’ demolition in Lahore

Promises to convene an all-parties conference on the issue.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:14am

Punjab

Nine rescued from flash flood in Shakargarh

Rescue 1122 has established eight flood response posts across Narowal district to ensure swift action.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:30am

Editorial: Climate justice demands laws that work and budgets that deliver

Climate decisions must be based on facts, not politics — guided by independent science and open to public scrutiny.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 07:59am

Sport

Djokovic survives scare to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

In the last eight, Djokovic faces Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli, who defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(4/7), 7-6(7/3).

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:58am

Sport

PCB unveils revamped domestic structure for 2025-26

Only eight regional sides will participate in the upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Trophy compared to 18 in the 2024-25 season.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 11:16am

Sport

Mexico beat US to win 10th Gold Cup title

The win was Mexico’s second successive Gold Cup triumph.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 11:19am

Column

‘South Asian Quad?’

Minilateral forums deliver quick results.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:09am

Column

Hindutva’s myopic diplomacy

The ability to cultivate friends in the neighbourhood comes with hard work and lots of humility, which the Hindu right clearly lacks.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:06am

KP & FATA

Man sets wife on fire in Bannu

Suspect arrested by Miryan police.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:04am

KP & FATA

Three human traffickers held in Peshawar

Initial investigations reveal prime suspect involved in smuggling people from Peshawar to Libya, and then onward to Europe.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:51am

KP & FATA

Volunteers launch emergency relief services along Swat River

Mock exercise conducted to educate people on rescue techniques during flood.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:45am

Islamabad

New avenues of cooperation between Pakistan, Russia explored

Discuss avenues for multilateral cooperation and sustainable development within the broader Eurasian context.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:58am

Islamabad

IHC orders CNIC of blasphemy suspect blocked

Directs FIA to block the national identity card of suspect Komal Ismail after she repeatedly failed to appear before the court.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:53am

Islamabad

Rainwater floods part of Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad

Rainwater also entered the basement of one of the European embassies, disturbing its electricity network, say sources.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 11:01am

Sindh

Nepra, KE put on notice in petition against loadshedding

Nine JI town chairmen ask SHC to declare policy of planned outages "illegal".

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:10am

Sindh

Sindh fixes Rs40,000 as minimum wage

Wages will come into effect from July 1.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:04am

Sindh

Naqvi to take up visa rejection issue with UAE interior minister

Says business community’s issues to be resolved on priority basis.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:03am

International

UN Assembly condemns ‘oppression’ of Afghan women

The United States opposes the resolution and rejects engagement with the Taliban government.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:52am

International

US ‘satisfied’ with Lebanon’s action to disarm Hezbollah

One dies in Israeli raid on a vehicle in the country’s south.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 10:00am

International

‘Emergency’ at Iran-Afghan border as migrants return

Numbers of people crossing the border have surged since mid-June.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:36am

International

Over 430 migrants rescued off Greek islands

Greece has rescued hundreds of migrants off its southern islands of Gavdos and Crete in five separate incidents.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:47am

International

Court upholds New Delhi’s decision against Turkish firm

Rejects plea by Turkiye-based Celebi against a government order revoking the security clearance of the firm to provide aviation ground services in India.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:43am

Business

Govt repays Rs500bn SBP debt early

Retires a debt of Rs500 billion four years ahead of its scheduled maturity in 2029.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:18am

Business

FBR rolls out AI-driven system

PM praises Rs178bn recovery in crackdown on tax evasion.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:04am

Business

OGDCL triples oil output from Chakwal well

The enhancement is part of OGDCL’s ongoing efforts to optimise domestic energy resources.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:04am

Business

Sustainable growth key to long-term stability: State Bank governor

Says current policy mix better than previous boom-bust cycles.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:01am

Business

PDL keeps retired official on board, defying rules

PDL has kept Syed Junaid Imam on its board as an ex-officio member, even nine months after his retirement from the ministry.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:04am

Business

Rs2bn scheme to replace 88m inefficient fans

Ten-year drive targets 7,000MW peak energy savings.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:04am

Business

Regulatory body formed to oversee digital assets

New authority to licence and monitor crypto platforms under FATF guidelines.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:42am

Business

Agriculture: Farm to market — who really wins?

Layers of intermediaries in produce-selling procedures erode farmer profits and reinforce a system that exploits producers.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 12:08pm

Business & Finance

Overcoming a bleak tariff situation

The impending US duty hike is set to escalate the overall burden, but it could also offer competitive market openings.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 11:09am

Balochistan

Balochistan Charity and Regulation Authority cancels registration of all NGOs

Director says around 1,500 entities must now re-register with the charity authority by July 31.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:28am

Balochistan

Balochistan officials removed for misusing state resources

Spokesperson says government took immediate action after an illegal use of a government vehicle was discovered.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:50am

Balochistan

Strike in Panjgur against killing of two students

Strike called by All Parties Citizens’ Action Committee and the Traders Association.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:15am

National

Peca plea: journalists’ input sought by IHC on social media regulation

Petitioners call amendments a threat to free speech.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:05am

National

IHC to hear PTI-P challenge to ECP notification today

Petition argues that if notified lawmakers are allowed to take oath and participate in assembly, it would cause “irreversible prejudice”

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:21am

National

Reinstated lawmakers to receive basic salary

Sources say a total of 77 lawmakers were suspended on May 13, 2024, with their salaries halted immediately.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 09:25am

National

Pakistan warns UN of escalating terror threat from Afghanistan

First-ever additional secretary-level talks held with Kabul, FO says.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:33am

National

SC urges responsible media coverage of criminal cases

Takes notice of broadcast of interview with accused in custody.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:40am

Back Page

Death toll from Texas floods surges to 91; more rain, storms forecast

camp counsellors, 27 girls among the deceased.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:53am

Back Page

Ex-minister ‘killed himself’ after being fired by Putin

Starovoyt found shot dead in his car, probe body says.

Published 08 Jul, 2025 05:03am

Back Page

Trump announces up to 40pc tariffs on several nations

July 9 deadline set to be postponed until next month; countries aligning with BRICS threatened with steeper tariff.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 08:10am

Middle East

Israel, Hamas hold indirect talks for Gaza peace deal

Palestinian group’s response to US-backed ceasefire proposal, had ‘unacceptable’ demands, says Israeli PM.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:59am

KP & FATA

PTI, Muqam spar over ex-Fata Jirga committee

KP rulers say Centre encroaching on provincial domain, seeks immediate dissolution of reforms body.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:40am

Front Page

Govt lifts bar on corporate earnings of bureaucrats

Opens an avenue for senior bureaucrats to amass virtually unlimited financial gains.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:30am

Front Page

19 killed as country braces for more rain

Seven die, almost two dozen homes damaged in Balochistan; six drown in Islamabad, Pindi.

Updated 08 Jul, 2025 07:23am

Tuesday, July 8, 2025