News Archives for Latest - 2025-12-31

Punjab

Basant to be celebrated only in Lahore; no plans for festival in rest of Punjab: home dept

Kite flying will remain completely banned elsewhere in the province under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025.

Updated 01 Jan, 2026 07:50am

Petrol price slashed by Rs10.28, diesel by Rs8.57 for next fortnight

New ex-depot prices of petrol and diesel at Rs253.17 per litre and Rs257.08 per litre, respectively.

Updated 01 Jan, 2026 07:49am

PTCL completes acquisition of 100pc issued share capital of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers

Telenor Pakistan will continue to operate as a separate legal entity during the transition period, says press release.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 10:52pm

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

Australia rings in 2026 with spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 09:20pm

In pictures: The most stunning fireworks from New Year’s Eve

Fireworks lit up the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the Juyongguan Great Wall in Beijing, China, and the Lotte World Tower in South Korea.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 09:16pm

Sindh

Sindh govt appoints Karachi police chief Javed Akhtar Odho as acting IGP Sindh

Incumbent IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon relinquished his charge upon reaching the age of superannuation.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 08:05pm

Pakistan expresses ‘complete solidarity’ with Saudi Arabia, reiterates support for ‘territorial integrity’ of Yemen

"Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen," says FO.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 07:46pm

CDF Munir warns of ‘firm and decisive’ response if Pakistan’s territorial integrity is violated

CDF highlights continued efforts of Indian sponsored proxies to “propagate violence and disrupt development” in Balochistan.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 07:21pm

Branded Content

Dun & Bradstreet Pakistan and Gallup Pakistan issue the 19th edition of Pakistan Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Consumer confidence declined in the first quarter of FY2025–26 but remained significantly higher than a year earlier, reflecting cautious optimism amid economic pressures.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 07:11pm

South Asia

NA Speaker Sadiq, Indian FM Jaishankar shake hands in Dhaka in first high-level contact since May conflict

Statement says Jaishankar approached Sadiq personally for a handshake; both officials were attending former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 06:36pm

Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and Meera Syal included in King Charles’ New Year honours list

Elba and Syal have been named for a knighthood and a damehood, while Erivo is to be awarded an Order of the British Empire.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:43pm

Australian cricket great Damien Martyn ‘in induced coma’

The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 One-day Internationals, was admitted on Boxing Day last week after falling ill.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 03:47pm

Snowy peaks and Silk Road secrets: a winter journey through Uzbekistan

While the usual East Asian spots remain popular, Uzbekistan has emerged as a compelling alternative for those wanting a mix of alpine adventure and deep Islamic history.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 03:32pm

Dar to visit Beijing for strategic dialogue scheduled for Jan 4

According to the FO, Dar will be undertaking the visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 03:17pm

Rashid to lead a strong Afghanistan in T20 World Cup

All-rounder Gulbadin Naib and seamer Naveen-ul-Haq also found places in the 15-member squad

Published 31 Dec, 2025 02:40pm

Memes, ‘pookies’ and propaganda films — The most read Dawn Images stories of 2025

This year was a lot.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 02:21pm

In tit-for-tat move, Mali and Burkina say they are restricting entry for US nationals

In separate statements, the countries say they are imposing “equivalent measures” on US citizens.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 02:06pm

Rules amended to legally recognise facial, iris scans as biometric identities

From Jan 20, 2026, Nadra will start issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all its registration centres.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 01:56pm

As the year ends, your favourite celebrities are recapping the highs and lows of 2025

Asim Azhar called 2025 the best, yet toughest year of his life; Hania Aamir said it's a year where she was both the happiest and saddest she has ever been.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 01:39pm

What 2025 taught team Dawn.com

The last day of the year is the perfect time to reflect and we're sharing some of the lessons we learnt this year.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 01:06pm

‘Sincaraz’ set to dominate as 2026 tennis season kicks off

The new season gets under way on Friday with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, headlined by women’s world number two Iga Swiatek and men’s world number three Alexander Zverev.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 01:04pm

Sindh

Double-decker buses introduced in Karachi, to be available to the public from tomorrow

"They will be available to the public from tomorrow, and today, they will be tested [on the city's roads],” Sindh minister says; buses to run between Zainab Market and Model Colony; one-way ticket to cost Rs80-120.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 05:20pm

Sindh

Lawyers booked for ‘assaulting SHO’ after case registered against roughing up of YouTuber Rajab Butt in Karachi

Complainant alleges the lawyers verbally abused him, also kicked and punched him.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 01:04pm

Top Featured

2025 — Pakistan’s year of water wars

Pakistan has now witnessed the consequences of weakened water diplomacy, internal mistrust, infrastructure neglect, and climate volatility converging at once.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 12:00pm

US Justice Department to review 5.2 million pages of Epstein files, document shows

The Trump administration has ordered the Justice Department to release the files tied to criminal probes of Epstein.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 11:35am

Decline in polio cases in Pakistan during 2025 even as 800,000 children missed in year’s last campaign

According to the polio eradication programme, only 30 cases have been reported since September; expert says virus tends to remain low some years before bouncing back.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 11:28am

South Asia

Bangladesh mourns ex-PM Khaleda Zia with state funeral

Thousands of security officers lined the streets as her body was carried through the streets of Dhaka; former premier interred alongside her late husband.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 05:26pm

Balochistan

Jaffar Express woes derail best-laid travel plans

2025 remains a troubled year for the service amid repeated blasts, bridge damage; March 11 hijacking of Peshawar-bound train was the year’s deadliest incident.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 11:00am

Doctors Without Borders expects to be barred from Gaza after missing Israel’s deadline for relief agencies

MSF says the impact will be devastating if it is barred from operating in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 10:29am

Pakistan does not require yet another rhetorical recommitment to democracy — it needs a practical covenant

No society is immune when politics turns into a fight not over policy, but legitimacy.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 09:35am

Why Pakistan will continue to remain in a low-growth quagmire until Karachi’s infrastructure is improved

With Karachi’s neglect, Pakistan continues to suffer from a low average growth syndrome.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 09:26am

Editorial: India’s anti-Pakistan agenda is not the only reason why constructing hydel projects on Chenab is a bad idea

India is only accelerating ecological collapse, which will not spare it either.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 12:15pm

Sindh

First winter rain drenches parts of Karachi

Showers reported in almost all parts of the metropolis; PMD spokesperson says Karachi’s temperature could go into the single digits in the coming days.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 12:47pm

Judicial Commission of Pakistan likely to meet on January 12 to confirm three additional IHC judges

The judges under consideration are Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, Justice Mohammad Asif and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 07:44am

Afghanistan bears heavier economic cost as Pakistan trade suspension bites harder

Trade data shows that export losses for Afghanistan have reached around 10 per cent since October 10, compared with about 0.6pc for Pakistan due to the suspension of bilateral trade, placing Kabul at a clear disadvantage.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:28am

KP & FATA

Kohat’s Tanda Dam to be turned into recreational spot

KP govt approves Rs52 million for the renovation and beautification of Tanda Dam.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:17am

KP & FATA

Govt employees take to streets in KP for restoration of old pension system

Also call for upgradation, 30pc increase in disparity reduction allowance.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:18am

KP & FATA

KP in grip of severe cold after rain, snowfall

Snowfall and rain sweep across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing relief to farmers and residents after a prolonged dry spell.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:06am

KP & FATA

‘Ill-treatment’ of KP lawmakers during Lahore visit resented

KP Assembly speaker urges Punjab counterpart to examine the matter to fix responsibility, prevent such incidents in the future.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:10am

Islamabad

PTI rescinds notification of parliamentary board for local bodies polls in Islamabad

The decision has been made after realising that the notification was issued in violation of the party’s constitution.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:19am

Islamabad

Pims employees warn to resist plan to make cardiac centre autonomous

Federal Health Alliance chairman claims move aims to privatise hospital in phases.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:07am

Islamabad

Punjab to run e-buses from Gujar Khan to T-Chowk

Buses start from Gujar Khan Adda, reach T-Chowk in Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Mandra stop, and return to Gujar Khan.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:59am

Islamabad

Traders announce countrywide protests on Jan 16

Hold rally from Aabpara Chowk to old Embassy Road in Islamabad against mandatory installation of point of sale devices.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:37am

Punjab

LHC CJ launches digital systems to modernise judiciary

Says the primary goal of these systems is to minimise human intervention, eliminate the risk of fraud and restore public confidence in the judicial process.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:55am

Punjab

No provision for land conversion fee exemption for SEZs in Lahore

LDA puts forward two options to govt for exempting SEZs from the fee.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:26am

Punjab

Lahore admin asked to enforce kite law strictly

The manufacturing of kite-flying material will be allowed only in Lahore district.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 09:47am

Sindh

KB Feeder lining work resumes to improve water supply to Karachi

The project is aimed at lining the entire canal to conserve water and provide Karachi with an additional supply.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:49am

Sindh

Lawyers stage sit-in after colleagues booked for ‘assaulting’ YouTuber Rajab Butt

Lawyers allege that police registered a case against their colleagues but declined to do so against the YouTuber.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:36am

Sindh

Sindh cabinet okays third-party motor insurance from next fiscal year

Approves amendments to motor vehicle law, exempting motorcycles from mandatory insurance.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:34am

Sindh

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation declares sealing of cotton exchange building by ETPB, FIA ‘unlawful’

Karachi mayor writes to FIA, saying record shows the property is "municipal land" transferred to KCA in 1936, lease renewed by KMC in 1982.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:41am

Sindh

Connection between BRT Orange and Green lines inaugurated in Karachi

Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon says commuters can now travel from Orangi to Numaish in one fare; double-deckers to hit Karachi roads today.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:46am

Middle East

Govt offers talks as Iran protests spread to varsities

Protests spread to Tehran universities as students join traders, pressing authorities over rising prices and a plunging rial.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:46am

International

Scammers face 24 strokes of the cane in Singapore

Singapore enforces mandatory caning for serious scam offences, with courts empowered to order up to 24 strokes alongside jail terms and fines.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:05am

International

NYT says marijuana traces in boat wreckage dispute US ‘narco-terrorist’ claim

Residue in debris indicates small-scale smuggling, not terrorism; physical evidence of airstrike matches vessel in Defence Dept video.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:25am

International

Beijing vows to ‘counter’ US arms sales to Taipei

Chinese FM says any attempt to obstruct unification with Taiwan will fail.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:31am

Sport

Tyson Fury offers condolences to victims of Anthony Joshua car crash

Joshua's promoter says he's in stable condition and will remain in hospital for observation.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 01:34pm

Sport

Asif smashes pole vault record at National Athletics Championship

It was one of two national records broken on the day with the other coming in the 110m hurdles.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 01:13pm

Business

Lobbying over hybrid vehicles’ classification as EVs sparks row

Auto industry warns of billion-rupee revenue loss if Range-Extended Electric Vehicles are reclassified as pure EVs.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:44am

Business

Govt launches first bond for skill development

The Pakistan Skills Impact Bond has been designed to deliver measurable outcomes such as certification, job placement, and at least six-month retention for every trainee.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:56am

Business

SBP buys $9.7bn in 16 months

According to the latest data, from June 2024 to September 2025, the SBP bought about $1bn three times a month and exceeded $1bn in September 2025.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:06am

Business

Economy expands 3.71pc in 1QFY26

Growth slows from 6.1pc in preceding quarter due to floods.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:37am

Business

Retail payment transactions rise 10pc to 2.8bn

SBP says digital channels account for 90pc of retail payments in July-Sept.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:35am

Balochistan

Minister vows to get Balochistan’s fair share in NFC

Mir Shoaib Nosherwani emphasises that securing the economic and social rights of the people of Balochistan remains the top priority.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:36am

Balochistan

Rain, snowfall hit parts of Balochistan

PMD forecasts more rain, strong winds in many areas today; quake felt in Quetta.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:36am

Balochistan

Balochistan tightens civil service rules

Government employees completely barred from participating in strikes, sit-ins and protests under new rules.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:36am

National

Afghans returning from Iran, Pakistan face different challenges: UN report

UNHCR says Afghans coming from Iran more educated, have better food security than those returning from Pakistan.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:25am

Balochistan

Musakhail residents allege ‘forced trial by fire’

Eight individuals reportedly forced to walk on fire over accusations of shop theft, despite later proving their innocence.

Published 31 Dec, 2025 05:36am

National

Kashmir issue unfinished agenda of subcontinent: parliamentary body

Qasim Noon stresses need for promoting research, top quality education in AJK universities.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:08am

National

Centre notifies body to review AJK refugee seats clause

Recommendations to be submitted to the monitoring committee.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 08:05am

South Asia

‘Flawed’ Everest waste management rule scrapped

Rule required Mount Everest climbers to pay a $4,000 deposit, refundable only if they returned from the summit with at least eight kilograms of waste.

Updated 31 Dec, 2025 07:54am

Front Page