News Archives for Latest - 2025-12-24

Fake visa notices target Pakistani applicants in US; missions warn against unauthorised applications

Visa applicants urged to avoid intermediaries, agents and unauthorised websites, regardless of claims of faster processing or special access.

Updated 25 Dec, 2025 07:34am

Branded Content

Karachi winter festivities magnify through the Dolmen Shopping Festival 2025-26

Dolmen Shopping Festival returns with an adventure theme across all Dolmen Mall locations.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 10:51pm

Sindh

Couple shot dead over ‘honour’ in Karachi’s Machar Colony

Victims had a four-month-old daughter; the suspect is the father of the female victim who fled after committing the crime.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 10:38pm

Punjab

Punjab Assembly passes kite flying regulation bill

The bill has been sent to the governor for assent as an act of the Punjab Assembly.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:43pm

KP & FATA

Police constable martyred in crossfire at Wana’s Rustam Bazaar

Police immediately cordon off the area and bring the situation under control; two suspects arrested.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 08:18pm

Russia plans a nuclear power plant on the moon within a decade

NASA has declared its intent to put a nuclear reactor on the moon by the first quarter of fiscal year 2030.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 08:12pm

In pictures: The world prepares for holiday festivities on Christmas Eve

From buying decorations and food, to praying in church, the world collectively awaits Christmas morning.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:14pm

UN expert decries Bushra Bibi’s detention; urges communication with lawyers, family

Conditions and locations of detention must take into account the age, sex and health circumstances of detainees, says UN special rapporteur.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:29pm

Balochistan’s Zunaira Qayyum, the youngest COP29 delegate, sets her sights on a bigger goal

In February this year, Unicef appointed Zunaira as its youth advocate for climate action and girls’ empowerment in Pakistan.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:10pm

PCB receives 12 bids for two new PSL franchises

According to the board, the bidders hail from five countries — the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:56pm

Military top brass says no malicious interest, political or otherwise, will be tolerated

Chief of Defence Forces orders commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:45pm

KP & FATA

4 children injured in quadcopter attack in KP’s Kurram

Attack occurred in residential area; investigation into the incident is underway

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:02pm

A petition has been filed against Saba Qamar for posting a picture in a police uniform 2 years ago

The actor is facing legal action for wearing Punjab Police attire off-screen, despite the drama having a valid NOC.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 05:55pm

British police drop investigation against punk-rap duo Bob Vylan over ‘Death to the IDF’ chants

The Avon and Somerset police said there wasn't enough evidence for a criminal prosecution.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 05:49pm

Everyone’s talking about the PIA acquisition, but we’re still thinking about Airblue’s bid

And so is the rest of the internet!

Published 24 Dec, 2025 05:40pm

UAE President Al Nahyan to make first official visit to Pakistan on Dec 26: FO

Emirati president expected to hold bilateral discussions, exchange views on international developments with PM Shehbaz during trip.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 05:40pm

What Pakistan’s Cardinal Joseph Coutts eats during the holiday season

The country's senior-most priest is the second Pakistani to be elevated to the rank of cardinal.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 04:54pm

Santner returns from injury to lead New Zealand in T20 World Cup warm-up

Santner, who missed the recent Test series against West Indies with a groin strain, will skip the three ODIS in India as he continues his recovery.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 04:20pm

Injured Archer out of Ashes, England drop Pope from Boxing Day Test

Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson will replace Archer in an England side down 3-0 in the five-Test series.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 04:04pm

KP & FATA

27 cops martyred in 134 terrorist attacks in 2025, says Bannu DIG

Says a total of 134 terrorist attacks targeted police stations, police posts, checkpoints, police mobiles and police parties.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 02:42pm

PIA to be run by new owners from April subject to approvals, says PM’s adviser

Insists that govt will be getting a total economic value of Rs55 from the airline's sale, hails PM's and Field Marshal Munir's supportive role in the process.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 06:20pm

South Asia

India space agency launches its heaviest satellite

Modi says launch marks “a proud milestone in India’s space journey”.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 12:37pm

British self-care brand Lush doesn’t want you around if you don’t like its activism

It has been extremely vocal about the causes it supports, including calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 12:23pm

YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s request to return channel, mobile phones rejected

However, 19 items were ordered to be handed over, including bank cards, identity cards, a laptop bag, a GoPro camera and other belongings.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 12:20pm

Sindh

Daytime movement of heavy vehicles banned in Karachi for 2 months

Ban imposed on the movement of heavy traffic within the city, except between 10pm and 6am; ban in place till Feb 22.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 12:41pm

Finance minister says Pakistan’s economy shifting toward export-led growth

Says this is opening new horizons for domestic and global investors, and positioning the country for sustainable, long-term economic growth.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 01:52pm

Branded Content

PayFast marks eight years with launch of Raast QR Payments for doorstep deliveries

The licensed payment platform introduced Rah e Raast to enable real time QR payments at the point of delivery as it completes eight years in Pakistan’s digital payments landscape.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 11:41am

Asif says govt satisfied with PIA sale, sees it having great ‘symbolic value’

“The existence of a sick public sector is actually supported or pushed by the bureaucracy," defence minister says.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 02:02pm

UK comedian Russell Brand faces new rape, assault charges

UK police said two new charges, of rape and sexual assault, had been issued on Tuesday against the British comedian and actor.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 11:05am

Top Featured

Pakistan’s solar shift has a gender problem

Rapid household solarisation across the country is often celebrated as a quiet revolution. But beneath this hopeful imagery lies a harder, less comfortable question: who is this transition really empowering?

Published 24 Dec, 2025 11:04am

Gold tops $4,500, silver and platinum hit records in metal markets frenzy

Gold has surged more than 70pc this year, its biggest annual gain since 1979.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 10:40am

Sindh

Tech park at NED varsity to boost research, startups and job creation, says Sindh CM

Says project will position Sindh as a hub for knowledge-based economy and create high-value employment opportunities.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 09:28am

Can democracy survive the climate emergency?

Climate action in democracies is fragmented by electoral short-termism, interest-group capture, misinformation and judicial/bureaucratic constraints.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 12:24pm

Poverty is not only an economic condition; it is also a psychological experience

Poverty is hugely stigmatising as the poor are blamed as being lazy, uneducated, or irresponsible.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 08:31am

Editorial: The maulana has highlighted the root of the dispute between the government and the opposition

In the maulana’s view, both the present dispensation and those who ruled in the previous setup must accept that the electoral process that brought them to power was an unfair one.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 08:23am

Interim bail of Imran, Bushra in May 9, other cases extended till Jan 27

Court directs ex-PM to appear at next hearing in person or via video link; lawyer again barred from meeting PTI founder to sign power of attorney.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:48am

Islamic banking should go beyond name, says SBP deputy governor

Urges banks and experts moving towards Islamic banking to become role models by upholding ethical values.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:37am

ECC approves bailout package for PIA-IL to meet Roosevelt Hotel tax liabilities

Approves Rs20bn (about $7m) bailout against $17.5m demanded by the Defence Division to meet tax liabilities of Roosevelt Hotel due on January 1, 2026.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:27am

Foreign loan inflows surge by 46pc to $3.03bn in first 5 months of FY26

These inflows do not include $1.2bn disbursed by the IMF earlier this month.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 07:25am

Libya’s top military chief killed in plane crash in Turkiye

Turkish minister says authorities found the plane’s wreckage near the Kesikkavak village in Ankara’s Haymana district.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 11:18am

KP & FATA

0.3m residents use health card for treatment outside KP

Official documents show provincial govt paid Rs1.229bn to hospitals empanelled for the purpose.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:59am

KP & FATA

3 Pesco workers injured in kidnapping attempt in Bannu

The Pesco employees were working on a supply line near Adhmi Bridge when the unidentified assailants attempted to kidnap them.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:51am

KP & FATA

PHC directs govt to adhere to legal requirements while placing names on ECL

Seeks report about restrictions on PTI leader Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra’s travel.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:47am

Islamabad

High-profile workplace harassment case takes contentious turn

Cross-examination exposes contradictions, raises questions about motives and substance of allegations.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 10:15am

Islamabad

NA body demurs recent SC interpretation of rape conviction

Committee stresses rise in digital violence against women.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 10:09am

Islamabad

IBCC plans to abolish grouping system at matric, intermediate levels

Stakeholders propose eliminating rigid subject groups such as engineering and medical and shift toward a subject-based pathway.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 10:20am

Punjab

Treasury members wary of Suthra Punjab Authority

PA lauds army chief for self-accountability.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:49am

Punjab

Punjab HED mulls handover of 76 commerce colleges to universities

Critics see it a move towards outsourcing, restructuring and privatising public sector colleges.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:37am

Punjab

Five suspected drug dealers killed in Lahore ‘CCD encounters’

Punjab police claim arrest of 30 drug dealers in last 24 hours.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:55am

Punjab

Conflict with humans puts wolf population at risk of extinction

Wolves’ attacks in Sulaiman Range increase as their natural prey declines drastically.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:58am

Sindh

E-challan review body defers decision on fine reduction

Inaugural meeting discusses traffic management in Karachi.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:20am

Sindh

Five extortion networks active in Karachi from abroad: Sindh home minister

Lanjar claims efforts underway for extradition of foreign-based gangsters; says KP govt asked to take action against 11 arms dealers supplying weapons to riverine area gangs.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:18am

Sindh

Boy bitten by dog two months ago in Balochistan develops rabies despite ‘vaccine’ shots in Sindh

Sources say boy's mother sold her earrings to bring son to Karachi; Indus Hospital official says the boy is receiving palliative care.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:19am

Business

PSX extends losses in PIA-driven cautious trade

Benchmark KSE-100 index closes at 171,073.73, down 130.45 points or 0.08 per cent.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:36am

Business

US economic growth hits two-year high

US economic growth in the third quarter comes in at 4.3 per cent on an annualised basis, easily topping expectations.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:05am

China moves World Trade Organisation over India’s solar, IT trade steps

China has launched a complaint over Indian measures on trade of solar cells and modules as well as information technology goods.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:46am

Business

Trade deficit with nine states swells to $6.22bn

The soaring deficit is mainly due to declining exports to regional countries, led by drops in China and Afghanistan.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:21am

International

Trump says US will keep or sell oil seized from tankers off Venezuela

"It would be 'smart' for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, as US naval forces are pressing a blockade on the South American country's oil wealth," Trump says.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:06am

International

Amazon blocks over 1,800 North Koreans from applying for jobs

Amazon official says North Korean workers had been “attempting to secure remote IT jobs with companies worldwide, particularly in the US”.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:32am

International

Russian air attack on Ukraine kills three, triggers power cuts

The attacks hit energy facilities in western regions the hardest.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:20am

Balochistan

Plans to implement integrated financial system in Balochistan outlined

Online billing solution to be introduced across all autonomous bodies.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:18am

Balochistan

BHC adjourns proceedings on LG polls postponement

Meeting held on proposed amendments to Balochistan Local Government Act 2010.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 04:46am

Balochistan

179 Afghans held in Chagai IBO

Security official says most Uzbek, handed over to authorities for further legal action.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:51am

Balochistan

Train services suspended after blast on tracks near Dera Murad Jamali

Services between Quetta and other provinces suspended as Jaffar Express narrowly escapes another attack.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:46am

National

Federal cabinet okays extension of off-grid power levy

Approves visa clearance system to facilitate foreign travel.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 09:23am

Balochistan

BHC reviews development of Quetta city

Comprehensive report ordered for next hearing on March 5.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:54am

Punjab

Harassment outside office can still fall under ‘workplace’: LHC

Judge dismisses petition filed by govt official seeking to set aside his removal from service.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:25am

National

Eleven more trains to be outsourced, says Hanif Abbasi

Says railways to cross Rs1tr revenue milestone for first time at end of financial year.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:33am

National

NA panel passes bill aiming to curb street crimes

ECP secretary invited to next meeting to address concerns over Islamabad LG bill.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:20am

Back Page

Houthis, Yemen govt agree to exchange 3,000 prisoners

Exchange of lists, names to take place "no later than in one month", says govt delegation member.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 08:03am

Back Page

Israeli minister’s remarks about ‘resettling Gaza’ sow confusion

Defence Minister Israel Katz says the military will never leave all of Gaza and plans to station a type of unit that has historically played a role in establishing Israeli communities.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:57am

Front Page

Jirga seeks reopening of Chaman border

Leaders condemn alleged humiliation, extortion at checkpoints between Chaman and Quetta.

Updated 24 Dec, 2025 07:45am

Riwzan Ali suffers first MMA defeat as Ismail Khan erupts

“I carried an injury throughout the camp but still decided to go ahead. My loss will go a long way in teaching me lessons that will help me rise," Rizwan says.

Published 24 Dec, 2025 12:05am

Wednesday, December 24, 2025