News Archives for Latest - 2026-01-03

Mock house, CIA source and Special Forces: The US operation to capture Maduro

CIA had a small team on the ground starting in August who were able to provide insight into Maduro's pattern of life.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 11:52pm

Venezuelan oil industry: World’s largest reserves, decaying infrastructure

Venezuela holds about 17pc of global reserves or 303 billion barrels.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:49pm

2 soldiers, civilian martyred in Gilgit-Baltistan avalanche: ISPR

Military's media affairs wing says avalanche occurred during snow-clearing operation in Burzil Pass.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 09:27pm

PPP’s Sherry Rehman slams Modi’s silence over violence against minorities in India

“What stops Prime Minister Modi ... from clearly stating that such violence is unacceptable in a civilised country?” Senator Sherry Rehman asks.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 09:19pm

Pakistan witnesses first supermoon of 2026

A spokesperson from SUPARCO said that the Quadrantids meteor shower will also be at its peak during this period.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:33pm

US-Venezuela: From sanctions to military action

The US military attack on Caracas caps years of tensions between Washington and Venezuela, which started in 2006 with US sanctions.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:39pm

FM Dar speaks with Saudi counterpart, discusses ‘recent situation’ in region

Foreign Office expresses support for "unity and territorial integrity" of Yemen, urges all stakeholders in Yemen to “engage in good faith toward a negotiated political solution.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:37pm

In pictures: US military conducts ‘large-scale strikes’ on Venezuela

The US struck Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 06:23pm

Gill back as India’s captain in ODI series with New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer expected to return from a two-month injury layoff subject to a fitness clearance.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 06:13pm

Shocked Venezuelans hunker down, unsure of what comes next

Venezuelan opposition said in a statement on X that it had no official comment on the events.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:44pm

Atiqa Odho agrees with Talha Anjum on art being borderless — but not when it comes to India

The actor was asked about the rapper's Nepal concert where he waved an Indian flag.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:09pm

Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president?

Trump, whose government has accused Maduro of running drug cartels and other crimes, had been pressuring the strongman to leave office for months.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:24pm

The teaser for Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s Aag Lagay Basti Mein promises chaos

The Eid 2026 film swaps quiet survival for greed, gunmen and consequences.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 04:34pm

‘Flagrant violation of territorial integrity’: World reacts to US military action in Venezuela

Spain offers to negotiate and help find a peaceful solution; Iran declares American attack "a flagrant violation of national sovereignty".

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 11:04pm

We haven’t got a clue what the pitch will do, England’s Stokes admits ahead of fifth Ashes Test

"We’ve still got a chance to go out there and win a game of cricket for England," Stokes says.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 03:15pm

Inside Zarrar Khan’s wedding: Bhangra, dhoom dhaam and a whole lot of love

From green sherwanis to shoulder rides and ‘Yeh Ladka Hai Allah’ moments, the actor’s big day had all the right moves.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 02:18pm

This woman from Lahore moved New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to tears

A video of their emotional conversation in Urdu is making us tear up too!

Published 03 Jan, 2026 02:05pm

KP & FATA

Man killed, 2 cops among 3 injured in terrorist attack on police post in Bajaur

Police spokesperson says terrorists used both heavy and light weapons in the attack; injured in stable condition.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 01:46pm

BCCI instructs Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur after pressure from BJP

Development comes after BJP leader Sangeet Som’s criticed Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan for inducting Mustafizur in his franchise.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 02:46pm

Pakistan Air Force successfully tests indigenously developed air-launched cruise missile

Missile capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometres, carrying a conventional warhead, ISPR says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 01:57pm

Swiatek says women’s tennis does not need ‘Battle of the Sexes’

“We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to compare to men’s tennis," the Polish star says.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 12:49pm

Sport

Shahrukh Khan gets flak over Bangladesh cricketer in Kolkata Knight Riders

Mustafizur Rahman ’s selection to play for KKR has come amid allegations mostly by the Indian right-wing over attacks on Hindus.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 01:00pm

Pakistan rejects Indian FM Jaishankar’s ‘irresponsible assertions’ following ‘bad neighbours’ jibe

"Once again, India seeks to deflect attention from its own troubling record as a neighbour that promotes terrorism and contributes to regional instability," FO says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 01:12pm

Australian police boost security for Sydney Ashes Test after Bondi Beach attack

Measures at the cricket ground would include the riot patrol unit, officers on horseback and officers carrying rifles.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 12:02pm

Middle East

Fresh talks on Gaza stabilisation force to focus on mandate as Pakistan maintains caution

Diplomatic source says countries that have expressed the willingness to join the force will not be part of a mission whose primary focus is disarming Palestinian resistance groups.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 01:11pm

Sindh

Police book unidentified suspects for murder of four after bodies found in Karachi’s Mai Kolachi

FIR filed at Docks police station under Sections 34 and 302 of the PPC; police surgeon says signs of torture found on bodies recovered from pit.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 10:46pm

Dar arives in Beijing to co-chair strategic dialogue with China

Received by China's special representative on Afghanistan; FO says dialogue to review "full spectrum of bilateral cooperation".

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 06:13pm

The sham nature of fiscal austerity being imposed on Pakistanis

Pakistanis have been crushed by fiscal austerity while the ruling elite has never had it better.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:59am

Lessons from PIA’s privatisation

The central lesson from PIA is that the real reform is not the sale itself but fixing the governance structure.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:53am

Editorial: Rana Sana was not off the mark when he suggested 5 players could resolve Pakistan’s long-running political crisis

Both sides should see what the other is willing to concede in its requirements for dialogue.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:47am

South Asia

Mirwaiz Farooq says conflict in India-held Kashmir remains unresolved and volatile

Says "enforced silence" hides widening trust deficit; urges renewed dialogue.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 08:06am

South Asia

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s letter to jailed student leader in India riles BJP

Party warns NYC mayor against "interfering" in New Delhi’s internal affairs; stays silent on US lawmakers’ letter pushing for bail, fair trial for incarcerated activist.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:47am

Middle East

Israel mounts online campaign urging Iranians to revolt; shares fake AI-generated videos, images

Several images and videos posted by Israeli accounts on social media platforms have been modified with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:33am

Local govt elections in Islamabad likely to be postponed again

The federal cabinet’s approval of fresh amendments to the Local Government Act, 2015 has made it almost impossible to hold the polls next month.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 07:16am

KP & FATA

British national hunts grey goral in Torghar

"A grey goral has been hunted through an open bidding process after paying $54,500,” official says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 10:15am

KP & FATA

Swat hotel to be leased out thru transparent auction: CM aide

Shafi Jan says the government plans to lease out the property through a transparent and competitive open auction.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:58am

KP & FATA

KP CM launches online open court initiative

The initiative has been launched to ensure direct and prompt redressal of citizens’ complaints.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:42am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court declares right to fair trial applicable to all proceedings

“Due process requires that a person must receive notice of proceedings, be given a reasonable opportunity to defend, be tried by an impartial and honest forum, and that such forum must be of competent jurisdiction,” judge says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:33am

Islamabad

IHC orders action against police officials, declares arrest as kidnapping

Probe ordered into the alleged abduction of a woman and her three minor children in land scam case.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:29am

Islamabad

Dense fog disrupts life in Rawalpindi, Islamabad

Official says the intensity of the cold wave and fog will gradually decrease by the end of the week.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:21am

Punjab

PML-N candidate elected unopposed from PP-289 DG Khan-IV

Karim’s 10 rival candidates, including former chief minister Dost Muhammad Khosa and his son, withdrew from race; by-election in PP-289 was scheduled for Jan 25.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:43am

Punjab

TikToker Rajab Butt’s lawyer approaches LHC against licence suspension

Justice Malik Awais Khalid took up the petition of the lawyer; a federal law officer questions the maintainability of the petition.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:26am

Punjab

5 agencies placed under ‘new’ dept to ensure food safety, protect consumers in Punjab

Punjab government renames the Price Control and Commodities Management department as “Food Safety & Consumer Protection” (FS&CP) department.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:34am

Sindh

Work begins to preserve heritage sites in Hyderabad

Officials have already started conducting a survey of heritage sites across Hyderabad’s City taluka.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:10am

Sindh

Role of Rangers in restoring peace to Karachi highlighted

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pays tribute to martyrs of Sindh Rangers at passing-out ceremony.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:59am

Sindh

Karachi mayor okays Rs4.2bn plan to revamp four major road corridors

KMC to spend Rs1.9bn on Pehalwan Goth Road, Rs1.12bn on Rashid Minhas Road, Rs574m on Sir Shah Suleman Road and Rs429m on S.M. Taufiq Road.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:04am

Sindh

Salman Raja in Karachi to finalise KP CM Afridi’s Sindh visit

PTI secretary general meets with party’s Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh along with other provincial and Karachi division leaders.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:20am

International

Tech campaigner decries US ‘punishment’ after visa sanctions

Says Washington’s actions amount to “tyrannical behaviour".

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:20am

International

Tax rules eased in Argentina to draw out ‘mattress dollars’

Over years of high inflation and currency controls, Argentines traded their battered pesos for dollars, which they often hoarded at home, in cash.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:17am

International

18-year-old arrested in US over alleged attack plot

The man was arrested in North Carolina on New Year’s Eve for allegedly planning a knife-and-hammer attack.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:17am

International

Maduro says Venezuela is ready for talks with US

“Wherever they want and whenever they want,” he says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:17am

Middle East

Israeli army fires shots near UN troops in Lebanon

The Unifil has repeatedly reported Israeli fire near or towards its personnel in recent months.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:12am

Sport

Greece, Argentina make winning starts at United Cup

Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas dispatched Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-4 in singles as he played his first match in almost four months.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 12:22pm

Business

Urea sales hit all-time high; cement, oil surge

Total urea off take during 2025 clocked in at 6.73m tonnes, up by 2pc YoY compared to 6.57m tonnes in 2024.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:39am

Business

Attock Refinery Ltd’s crude unit goes for temporary shutdown

Attock Refinery Ltd announces it will temporarily shut down its main crude distillation unit for three to four days starting Jan 4.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:24am

Business

Short-term inflation rises 2.41pc on costly flour, rice

The increase is mainly driven by a surge in prices of perishable products, as well as chicken, tomatoes, and edible oil prices.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:14am

Business

Aurangzeb lauds FBR for record tax collection

“The progress made over the last 18 months is remarkable, and the December 2025 collection is extremely encouraging,” he says.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:19am

Business

VEON to invest $20m in Mobilink Bank

The investment builds on $15m capital deployed by VEON in January 2025.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:06am

Business

Exports plunge over 20pc in December

Trade gap widens 35pc in first half, driven by fifth straight monthly contraction.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 07:30am

National

Nur Khan’s daughter dies in US road accident

Dr Qureshi died at the scene when her car reportedly collided with an obstruction and caught fire, says officials.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 09:12am

Balochistan

Kidnapping for ransom on the rise, says NP chief

Abdul Malik Baloch notes that the deteriorating law and order situation is causing fear among the public and business community.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:50am

Balochistan

Pink Bus service for women launched in Quetta

Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti says the initiative aims to make daily commuting safer, more dignified and easier for women in Balochistan.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:44am

National

AJK govt claims ‘over 90pc progress’ on pact with Awami Action Committee

AJK PM Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore stresses need for resolving issues through dialogue, warns against chaos in the state.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:50am

National

After weeks of waiting, GB gets 14-member caretaker cabinet

PML-N leader claims "merit, agreed-upon criteria" ignored while selecting certain individuals for the interim set-up.

Updated 03 Jan, 2026 08:37am

National

UK honours Pakistan-born surgeon with OBE

Dr Syed Saeed Ashraf regularly uses his annual leave to perform voluntary, complex heart operations at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi.

Published 03 Jan, 2026 05:50am

National