News Archives for Latest - 2025-08-20

South Asia

India test-fires ballistic missile ahead of US tariff hike

PM Modi said that, in face of US tariffs, India was seeking self-reliance with energy independence and development of own defence systems.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 11:12pm

Supreme Court rift: Justices Shah, Akhtar say judicial process undermined in 26th Amendment controversy

New letter from senior Supreme Court justices exposes deepening rift within the judiciary over 26th Amendment.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 11:04pm

Sindh govt orders closure of Karachi schools, colleges today after heavy rain

Dow University of Health Sciences also announces closure; shutdown will apply to all public and private institutions within Karachi division.

Updated 21 Aug, 2025 12:10am

Nigerian bandits kill at least 50 in mosque attack, village raids

Local government official says 30 killed in mosque attack alone.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 09:48pm

Pakistan, UK pledge deeper cooperation on democracy, reforms, facilitating overseas Pakistanis

Parliamentary secy highlights Pakistan's 'democratic trajectory', emphasises importance of 'constructive dialogue and strong institutions'.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 09:05pm

Pakistan men’s T20 squad arrives in Dubai ahead of Asia Cup, tri-series

Team to participate in pre-series training camp on August 21-27, PCB says.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:19pm

KP & FATA

PM Shehbaz visits KP’s flood-affected areas as 14 more bodies recovered

PM accompanied by COAS, federal ministers; emphasises that every available resource will be mobilised for recovery; death toll rises to 385; UK's King Charles offers condolences.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:29pm

Actor Shuja Asad wants the drama industry to step up for its unsung heroes — workers and crew members

He highlighted how they are prioritised the least, calling on the industry to step up for their dignity, wellbeing and safety.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:34pm

Face tattoos are slowly dying out in Hindu villages in Sindh

Many young girls aren't getting tattooed for fear of looking 'different' and being instantly identified as Hindu.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:29pm

Breaking

Why have cloudbursts killed hundreds in Pakistan and India this monsoon season?

So far, this monsoon season has seen four major cloudbursts, including in India's Uttarakhand and Pakistan's Buner.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:22pm

Iran says ‘cannot completely’ break with UN nuclear watchdog

Araghchi notes new fuel rods need installing at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in coming weeks, requiring presence of IAEA inspectors.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:14pm

South Asia

India, China agree to resume direct flights, boost business links

Both countries have agreed to set up a working group to consult and coordinate on border affairs to advance demarcation negotiations.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:14pm

Hasan Raheem announces new album soon after getting married

The singer, known for his lo-fi, laid-back pop, has dropped mysterious teasers with themes of faith, love and vices.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 04:37pm

‘Talks expected soon between PTI, govt officials; Imran’s release not on agenda’

Barrister Aqeel says negotiations will be held between a PTI team and committee formed by National Assembly Speaker.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 04:00pm

Data protection standards issued for companies to safeguard citizens’ personal information

Inadequate data protection may lead to mass privacy breaches, erosion of public trust, warns cybersecurity body PKCERT.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 03:56pm

Vienna has been chosen to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest

The announcement comes after Austria's JJ won this year's competition.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 03:32pm

Murtaza Solangi appointed spokesperson for President Zardari

Set to assume new responsibilities from Thursday, August 21.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 03:49pm

Kneecap rapper Mo Chara faces terrorism charge for displaying Hezbollah flag at London concert

The punk-rap group has grabbed headlines for statements denouncing Israel's assault on Gaza.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 02:16pm

Is Karachi drowning or has it drowned? X users can’t decide as torrential rains paralyse the City of Lights

A day of heavy downpour led to urban flooding as many areas in the city were submerged on Tuesday.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 02:10pm

Imran Khan nominates Mahmood Achakzai as NA opposition leader, Swati for Senate

PTI's Salman Akram Raja shares PTI founder's nominations for key parliamentary posts; decision on by-elections to be made by party's political committee.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 08:38pm

Coconut oil prices are going up as increased demand turns it into a luxury

This is leading to a shortage in Asian countries that consider the edible oil a kitchen staple.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 01:20pm

Celebrities react to more ‘unprecedented’ flooding as Karachi is submerged once again

Heavy monsoon rains lashed the city on Tuesday, claiming at least eight lives, flooding neighbourhoods, and leaving people frustrated.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 12:53pm

Weary Swiatek wins US Open mixed doubles opener hours after clinching Cincinnati Open crown

Swiatek and Ruud needed just 39 minutes to dispatch the US pairing of Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe 4-1, 4-2.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 12:16pm

China to showcase latest military hardware at September parade

The equipment will “reflect the evolution of modern warfare”, according to an official at China’s military commission.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 12:13pm

YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s remand extended by four days in promotion of online gambling apps case

He will remain in the custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency till Aug 23.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 12:04pm

Sindh

Death toll climbs to 14 as rain batters Karachi for second straight day

Orangi Town records the heaviest showers, receiving 37 millimetres in total from the two spells of rain.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:23pm

Afghanistan bus crash toll rises to 76: provincial official

Police say bus collided with a motorcycle and a truck carrying fuel, sparking a fire.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 11:16am

PM Shehbaz’s China visit later this month to mark formal launch of CPEC-II

Both sides expected to set clear priorities, agree on tangible outcomes for the new phase.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 08:59am

Save Ukraine, but don’t stop there

Unlike the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Trump could halt the Palestinian genocide at a stroke.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 08:52am

Ex-Fata residents have become too accustomed to decisions being imposed on them

Fed govt should ensure that local stakeholders are involved not just in the consultation process but also in decision-making for any reforms.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 08:41am

Editorial: A new industrial policy must have complementary frameworks for developing agri, services

‘Quick fixes’ have contributed more to the erosion of our economic competitiveness than to boosting resilience.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 08:31am

KP & FATA

No respite for rain-battered KP as death toll reaches 365

Seven more bodies recovered in Swabi; floods hit Waziristan, Abbottabad, Tank.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 07:44am

KP & FATA

Chitralis want Afghans’ return postponed for three months

Civil society, political leaders urge govt to allow them to settle all their affairs, including commercial transactions in Chitral.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:52am

KP & FATA

PHC moved for provision of relief to victims of natural calamities

Petitioners requests court to issue directives to governments to take measures for preventing landslide and flash floods.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:21am

KP & FATA

Schools, colleges closed in KP areas affected by calamity

Decision taken by provincial government to protect lives of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:41am

Islamabad

Health ministry sends rescue teams, medicines to flood affected areas

Command and Control Room established at NIH to monitor the evolving situation 24/7.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:38pm

Islamabad

NA speaker, deputy donate one month’s salary to flood victims

Extend heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the calamity.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:30pm

Islamabad

Mpox patient escapes from Pims, later found at Attock home

Family members put under observation after coming into contact with the patient.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:25pm

Punjab

Punjab E&T dept to launch new system: Vehicle’s registration number to be linked to owner’s CNIC

Public is advised to immediately transfer vehicles into their own names, as additional transfer fee will be applicable Sept 1 onwards.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 01:56pm

Punjab

HRCP report shows alarming rise in violence against minorities

Two individuals accused of blasphemy extra-judicially killed by police while seeking protection from hostile mobs.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:31am

Punjab

Medium-level flood in river Indus at Taunsa

Boats used to rescue people in Mianwali; more rainfall expected across Punjab.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:26am

Sindh

Man, son drown in Kandhkot amid widespread rain in several Sindh districts

Rain in Hyderabad inundates roads and streets; Power supply to parts of the city suspended.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:10am

Sindh

Man dies, two hurt in petrol pump fire in Karachi’s Malir

The injured remain in critical condition.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:05am

International

Russians gingerly welcome idea of Putin-Zelensky meeting

Not everyone convinced meeting would bring peace after nearly three-and-a-half years of conflict.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:15pm

International

Oil prices fall on talks to end Russian invasion of Ukraine

Brent crude futures settle at $65.79 a barrel, down 81 cents.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:09pm

International

Excessive force used against LA protesters, says HRW

“Law enforcement officers…used brutal, excessive, and unnecessary force against people," says HRW.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:02pm

Middle East

Israel-France row flares over move to recognise Palestinian state

Macron, Netanyahu embroiled in spat after latter accuses French leader of fomenting "antisemitism".

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:56am

International

Armenia tells Iran it will control border corridor

Land corridor part of deal signed this month in Washington between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:51am

Sport

Messi leads Argentina’s revamped squad for qualifiers

Squad features several young Argentine talents, including Manchester City striker Claudio Echeverri.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:38pm

Sport

Gill returns to India’s T20 squad for Asia Cup

Gill, 25, returned to the 15-man squad as deputy to skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 12:30pm

Business

Tribunal penalises PTCL, LDI operators on ICH agreement

Tribunal’s decision reinforces CCP’s mandate to protect market competition.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:45am

Business

PSX hits record high amid heavy downpour

Market ends at a record level, marking a net gain of 1,572 points.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:27am

Business

PM Shehbaz orders probe into Rs50bn gas bill shock

Move follows complaints from industrial and CNG consumers who received sudden bills for past gas dues, dating back to 2015.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:30am

Business

Moody’s upgrades ratings of 5 banks

Ratings could be downgraded if Pakistan’s sovereign rating of Caa1 is cut.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 01:52pm

Business

Economic Coordination Committee okays relief package for monsoon victims

Approves uniform power tariff; unveils new energy vehicle policy, fan replacement scheme.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:14am

Business

Karachi deluge cripples industries, halts exports

Many industrialists had to reschedule export shipments planned for the evening, while some were forced to delay deliveries until today.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:27am

Balochistan

Four shot dead by unknown attackers in Panjgur

Police say motive remains unknown, no one has claimed responsibility for the killings so far.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:53am

National

Tehran aiming for $10bn trade with Pakistan: Iran’s first vice president

Dr Mohammad Reza Aref meets with Food Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain in Tehran.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:35am

Balochistan

Programme launched for innovation in education: former Balochistan CM

Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali stresses need to focus on robotics, environment studies, photography.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:38am

Sindh

Probe into DawnNews journalist’s Sanghar death

Newly unearthed footage reportedly shows no person was in the vicinity of the vehicle, apart from Khawar Husain.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:26am

National

Minister Hanif Abbasi tells Pakistan Railways officials to ‘deliver or quit’ after spate of mishaps

Internal report reveals 75 derailments, accidents have taken place since January.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:23am

National

‘Mockery of merit’ in AJK high court appointments assailed

Examples cited in the petition include the hiring of 14 IT assistants against 10 advertised posts.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:13am

National

PTV barred from withdrawing medical benefits for staff, retirees

Facilities form part of service terms, cannot be withdrawn unilaterally, IHC told.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:04am

National

Imran clear on no talks with govt, says Aleema

PTI founder’s sister says speculation about dialogue "meant to confuse masses"; reiterates boycott of by-polls.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 10:01am

National

Thousands await help as GB limps towards normalcy

Residents complain of water shortage in several districts.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:40am

National

PM Shehbaz orders power supply for flood-hit parts of GB, KP

CM Murad assured of full federal govt support for relief of people of Sindh hit by torrential rains; PM launches tree-plantation drive.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:51am

Middle East

Israel refuses to budge after Hamas accepts truce proposal

Mediators cautious about "breakthrough" as Tel Aviv sticks to demand for release of all hostages.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 08:26am

Back Page

Kabul hosts Pakistan, China foreign ministers today

Chinese diplomat to visit Islamabad on Thursday to co-chair high-level moot.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 08:11am

Back Page

US to assess ‘just how American’ for decisions on immigration

US Citizenship and Immigration Services to expand vetting of social media postings of applicants.

Published 20 Aug, 2025 05:20am

Back Page

Trump rules out boots on the ground, but eyes air power in Ukraine deal

Flurry of diplomacy sees European leaders descend on White House.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 08:32am

Front Page

Stormy weather disrupts internet nationwide

Country’s internet connectivity drops to 20pc after major PTCL, Ufone outage; other telcos also experience data service disruption.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 07:51am

Sindh

Heavy monsoon spell forecast for Sindh, Balochistan

Torrential rains may generate flash floods in north and southeastern parts of Balochistan, low-lying areas of Sindh.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 11:03am

Front Page

FBR notifies simplified e-return form for taxpayers

Taxpayers urged to begin filing returns soon after the close of the tax year, with September 30 set as the deadline.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 08:04am

Sindh

‘Unprecedented’ downpour leaves Karachi paralysed

Sindh govt declares holiday today to deal with aftermath; city at a standstill as main thoroughfares closed off.

Updated 20 Aug, 2025 09:06am

Wednesday, August 20, 2025