News Archives for Latest - 2025-12-29

Bangladesh’s Gen-Z party faces revolt over religious alliance, risking its future

At least 30 senior leaders of the National Citizen Party have openly opposed its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, with several resigning in protest.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 10:50pm

Arshad Nadeem claims Global Breakthrough Athlete award in Dubai

Arshad was rewarded after he became the first athlete from Pakistan to win Olympic gold.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 09:12pm

Hamas confirms death of spokesman Abu Obeida, says he was killed by Israel in August

Abu Obeida joined Hamas at an early age before becoming a member of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 09:01pm

Sindh

Eight-year-old dies in Karachi’s Korangi after falling into uncovered manhole

The child was playing outside his residence with other children when the incident occurred; relatives rushed to the spot, but were unable to save him.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 11:22pm

FIFA received 150 million World Cup ticket requests, Infantino says

This month fan groups criticised the cost of tickets, which were several times more expensive than those for similar matches at the 2022 tournament.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 08:29pm

Karachi-Dhaka flights likely from January, says Pakistan’s high commissioner

During a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 08:17pm

Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence

“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warns.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 11:04pm

KP & FATA

Major martyred, 5 terrorists killed during IBO in KP’s Bajaur: ISPR

"A brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, rendered the ultimate sacrifice," said ISPR.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:47pm

KP & FATA

In letter to Maryam, KP CM expresses ‘deep concern’ over treatment meted out to him in Punjab

Says Punjab government's conduct was marked by “discourtesy and unnecessary hostility”; says their actions were “beneath the status of a provincial government".

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:24pm

PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana 2 verdict in IHC

Appeals claim that NAB deliberately chose to bifurcate the prosecution, saying the Toshakhana 2 conviction was the fourth prosecution in the Toshakhana case and constitutes double jeopardy.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:00pm

Lawyer requests inquiry into IHC judge’s ‘misconduct, abuse of power’ in son’s hit-and-run case

Complaint filed before SJC alleges that IHC judge exerted pressure on victims' heirs using "state machinery", abused office for personal gain.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:30pm

Dhurandhar becomes highest-grossing Hindi film in India — giving Akshaye Khanna a Shah Rukh-sized record

The film's success could serve as a case study in how spectacle and propaganda continue to translate into massive theatrical returns in Bollywood.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:55pm

A week in social media: An auction, a divorce and a suspicious TV interruption

A recap of the biggest events on social media this week, ICYMI!

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:42pm

The first look of Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan’s upcoming film ALBM has fans excited

The movie, which also stars Tabish Hashmi, is set to release its first teaser on January 3.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:42pm

KP & FATA

Police official martyred as terrorists open fire on vehicle in KP’s Lakki Marwat

Assailants manage to flee, search operation underway; police say ASI was going to his place of duty in a private pickup when terrorists riding bikes opened fire.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:19pm

NA Secretariat writes fourth letter to opposition chief whip seeking details of cases involving Omar Ayub

"Provision of this information is essential to fulfil the constitutional requirements for the appointment of the leader of the opposition," the letter sent to Dogar states.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:04pm

The 2026 Trend Report: Your cheat sheet to what’s in, what’s out, and what’s next

Published 29 Dec, 2025 03:23pm

Punjab

LHC judge hears PTI-backed MPAs’ pleas against property protection law, says matter ‘should not be politicised’

Justice Khan observes that the issue involves the property rights of poor citizens; expresses regret that MPAs had not raised the matter in the assembly and opted to move the court instead.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 04:03pm

Punjab

Lahore DC gives formal go-ahead for 3-day Basant celebrations

Notification prohibits manufacture, trade, storage or sale of kite flying materials without registrating with DC office.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 06:04pm

Singer Shae Gill is okay after getting injured by a drone during a performance in Islamabad

One tetanus shot later, the 'Pasoori' singer shared an update with her fans on Instagram.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 02:58pm

Review: In Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny loneliness is personal and intimate

Her Booker Prize-nominated latest novel is about the rough, messy, delicate and complex textures of everyday life and human connection amid loneliness.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 02:33pm

Appeal filed against ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed’s conviction by military court: lawyer

“Yes, we have appealed his sentencing,” Hameed's lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, tells Dawn.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 02:33pm

ICC rates Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch ‘unsatisfactory’ after two-day Test

It broke the venue’s streak of “very good” ratings forthe past three Boxing Day Tests and earned it one demerit point.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 02:04pm

South Korean president vows to reveal truth on anniversary of Jeju Air crash

The families have demanded answers about the accident, after investigators delayed releasing a report on what went wrong on December 29, 2024.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 01:41pm

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘consolidate ceasefire’ in China talks

In a meeting with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls ceasefire “hard-won”.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 01:34pm

South Asia

Pakistan expresses concern over persecution of minorities in India following reports of vandalism marring Christmas festivities

Says recent incidents of vandalism during Christmas, as well as state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims have deepened fear and alienation.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 01:19pm

From niche favourites to viral hits: The 30 Pakistani songs that made 2025 better

These tracks survived algorithms, borders and bad odds but still found their way to us.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 01:16pm

Punjab

Speaker says law enforcement agencies to probe chaos during KP CM’s visit to Punjab Assembly

Accuses Afridi of bringing unidentified individuals into the assembly premises.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 01:35pm

No New Year fireworks in Indonesia as nation mourns Sumatra flood victims

"We have to show empathy and solidarity as a nation, that there are some who suffered from a disaster,” says spokesperson for president's office.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 12:58pm

Sabalenka, Kyrgios see only positives from ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match

Kyrgios, who was once ranked 13th in the world, pointed to how competitive Sabalenka was against him.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 12:51pm

Cricketer Imad Wasim says he’s filed for divorce, wife Sannia Ashfaq accuses him of mistreatment, abandonment

The mother of three claims to have documented evidence, but says she has been threatened not to post anything publicly.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 12:40pm

NDMA tells authorities to ensure preparedness ahead of expected cold wave

Says a “westerly wave” will grip the western parts of the country, resulting in rain and snowfall from tonight till January 2.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 12:39pm

Top Featured

From sick man to regional security provider: Pakistan’s year of geopolitical openings

After years of strategic drift, 2025 has placed Pakistan in a rare sweet spot where its allies and partners see it as a country that offers them things they value and need.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 05:25pm

Sindh

YouTuber Rajab Butt physically assaulted at sessions court in Karachi

Butt's lawyer alleges his client was attacked by "some lawyers"; video shared after the incident shows Butt's shirt torn from places.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 12:21pm

Ronaldo confident of reaching 1,000 goals, keen to keep playing

The Portuguese forward was named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 11:19am

The quiet luxury of Gilgit-Baltistan

As the appeal of international destinations wanes, the new hotspot for self-care and luxurious travel is just a short flight away.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 11:15am

China’s BYD poised to overtake Tesla in 2025 electric vehicle sales

At the end of November, Shenzhen-based BYD, which also produces hybrid vehicles, had sold 2.07 million EVs so far in 2025 while Tesla sold 1.22m.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 11:00am

Bondi Beach attack hero says wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

“My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being's life and not killing innocent people,” he says.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 10:37am

China launches war games around Taiwan as island vows to defend democracy

This marks China’s sixth major round of war games since 2022; Taiwan's military on high alert, poised to carry out "rapid response exercises".

Published 29 Dec, 2025 10:26am

Motorcycle licences at 16 in Punjab: mobility, maturity and the burden of responsibility

The newly proposed initiative has opened a deeper debate about accountability, maturity, enforcement and whether the state is regulating reality or retreating from responsibility.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 11:17pm

Why have we had no fundamental cultural breakthroughs in the 21st century?

As neoliberal capitalism and liberal democracy collapse, there will be openings for humane creators.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 09:39am

Why Pakistan should stay out of the proposed Gaza peace force

Sending troops to an ill-defined ISF unacceptable to one of the parties is high-risk.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 09:25am

Editorial: The manner in which the Punjab govt set about trying to address property disputes was bound to invite legal challenges

Instead of battling the legal community, the Punjab government must think about how it can still accomplish what it set out to achieve.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 09:17am

SBP board condoles death of ex-governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar

ADB president expresses sympathies to family, says loss will be "felt".

Published 29 Dec, 2025 08:37am

Meaningful relief for compliant income tax payers remains unlikely

Most experts expect only a modest downward adjustment in the year ahead.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 08:10am

Thai military says 72-hour ceasefire with Cambodia does not mean lowering guard

Claims troops remain on full alert, monitoring Cambodian movements and maintaining current positions.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 07:52am

KP & FATA

After spending 3 days in Lahore, KP CM says PTI will use protests to push govt for talks; Karachi his ‘next destination’

"The protest movement will continue until the rulers come to the table after recognising the opposition as an equal partner,” he says.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 07:52am

Survey 2025 results: Downward trend observed in Pakistanis’ personal and macroeconomic expectations

While people still view their future as brighter than the economy, there is a downward trend both in personal and macroeconomic expectations.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 07:40am

Should we celebrate the sale of PIA for Rs135bn or mourn that the govt will only receive Rs10.2bn?

In FY24, state-owned enterprises recorded cumulative revenues of Rs13.5 trillion, doubling from FY21 levels.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 07:34am

2025 was exceptional for Pakistan’s geoeconomics and geopolitics

Though much remains to be achieved on the social front, the current scenario offers a boost not only to homegrown economics but also to Pakistan’s international stature.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 07:24am

Business

The rupee in 2026

Under the current SBP regime, the rupee remains an important optic, but reserves now anchor policy credibility.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:52am

Business & Finance

Establishing crypto beyond the hype

With its adoption accelerating outside the regulatory perimeter, the wait for regulation risks incentivising illegal operators.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:46am

KP & FATA

Doha accord implementation can help resolve TTP issue: Sherpao

Calls for immediate reopening of border points with Afghanistan.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:46am

KP & FATA

Licence fee for cannabis cultivation, processing reduced in KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cannabis Regulatory Authority also approves removing excise duty on industrial hemp and hemp seed oil.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:54am

KP & FATA

ANP vows to protect provincial rights

The ANP leadership said the party would continue its struggle for peace while safeguarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rights, resources and democratic space.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:07am

KP & FATA

Over 10,000 teachers to be hired in KP through school level councils

Govt will spend Rs2.267bn annually on the initiative.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:51am

Islamabad

Restoration of 550-year-old Ain Fort begins in Rawalakot

The Himalayan Wildlife Foundation has begun restoring the 550-year-old Ain Fort in Rawalakot, making it accessible for heritage tourism.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 11:41am

Islamabad

CDA’s eight-week pre-approved building plans task not in sight even after 100 weeks

Despite the original timeline of eight weeks, the project remains incomplete even after the passage of over 100 weeks.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:26am

Islamabad

Hiring of Higher Education Commission chairman faces delay

The education ministry says a summary naming three shortlisted candidates has been sent to the PM Office and an appointment is expected soon.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:21am

Punjab

Govt claims significant progress in seed sector

Says a specialised body has been established to enhance regulatory oversight, promote varietal development, and ensure the supply of genetically true-to-type seed.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:12am

Punjab

Punjab’s Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaar being dubbed a success story

10 bazaars launched in the first phase, five more to be added by February; scope to be expanded across Punjab.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:29am

Punjab

25,000 policemen entrusted with New Year Night security in Punjab

The Punjab police chief has directed personnel to remain on high alert, keep a close watch on anti-state elements.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:28am

Sindh

Conflicting findings in parallel civil, criminal proceedings threaten administration of justice: SHC

“The purpose of criminal proceedings is to punish an offender for the commission of an offence, whereas the object of civil proceedings is to declare or enforce legal rights," judge says.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:57am

Sindh

Muttahida groups in war of words over Dr Imran Farooq’s murder

Mustafa Kamal again blames Altaf Hussain for being involved in the 2010 murder of senior party leader Dr Imran Farooq in London.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:34am

Sindh

Writers, intellectuals call for durable peace as Urdu Conference ends in Karachi

Forum calls for a centre to translate Urdu works into national and foreign languages.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:03am

Sindh

Dolphin pod appears in Gwadar after seawater turns green

Algal bloom termed "beneficial" as fish freely congregate in the area.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:42am

Sindh

Mayor opens upgraded recreational spots at Karachi Zoo

Says measures are being taken to ensure better food, care, and health of animals at the zoo.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:21am

International

Over 10,000 people displaced in 3 days in Sudan: UN

UN figures show more than 7,000 people were forced to flee villages near Sudan’s border with Chad after attacks in West Darfur last week.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:58am

International

Myanmar junta stages election after five years of civil war

Campaigners, Western diplomats and the United Nations’ rights chief have all condemned the phased month-long vote.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:57am

South Asia

Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party: ‘new hope’ that looks like the old guard

Reports of a possible alliance have already prompted some supporters and organisers to reconsider their backing, party insiders warned.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:13am

Sport

Mozambique end 39-year wait for first AFCON victory

The Mambas began the match having drawn four and lost 12 since making the first of six appearances at the tournament in 1986.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 12:02pm

Balochistan

Balochistan govt workers to stage pen-down strike from today

Complete lockdown of all govt institutions planned in province on Dec 30-31.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:40am

Balochistan

Rally held against postponement of Quetta LG polls

JI says move tantamount to depriving people of their democratic rights.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 09:00am

Balochistan

Balochistan police chief doubles financial assistance for families of martyrs

Under the enhanced martyrs package, immediate financial assistance for the families of martyrs has been increased from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000.

Published 29 Dec, 2025 05:56am

National

PM opens nuclear medicine centre in AJK

Says providing treatment at patients’ doorsteps would ease hardship for people from remote areas of valley.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:54am

KP & FATA

Kundi says KP security situation has ‘deteriorated significantly’

Asks provincial govt to support military operations; says development projects cannot move forward without stability.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:28am

Back Page

‘Shivering from cold and fear’ as winter rains batter Gaza

UNRWA chief says supplies not being allowed in "at the scale required".

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:18am

Back Page

Student leader’s killing continues to drive Bangladesh unrest

Inqilab Moncho-led demos held across key highways in Dhaka, other major cities.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:06am

Back Page

Zelensky meets Trump amid push for Ukraine peace

Meeting follows "productive" and "friendly" phone call between American president and his Russian counterpart Putin.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 08:15am

KP & FATA

Several terrorists killed in KP, Balochistan operations

Eight terrorists killed during intelligence-based operation in Karak; Lakki Marwat district police told to be on their guard amid threats from banned groups.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:23am

Sirajuddin Haqqani thanks JUI-F’s Fazl, other Pakistani ulema for ‘extending goodwill’ towards Afghanistan

“If goodwill, good interaction and positive relations are established between countries, and nations are brought closer to each other, then we welcome it,” he says.

Updated 29 Dec, 2025 07:07am

Monday, December 29, 2025