News Archives for Latest - 2026-01-04

South Asia

India’s ‘abeyance’ claim has no standing under treaty law: Pakistan commissioner for Indus Waters

Syed Mehar Ali Shah notes three "episodes" of India altering water flows to Pakistan since April 2025; says both must mutually agree to make any changes to pact.

Updated 05 Jan, 2026 12:53am

Middle East

New clashes in Iran as protests sparked by rising cost of living enter 2nd week: rights groups

At least 12, including security officials, have been killed since protests kicked off with a shopkeeper’s strike in Tehran on Dec 28.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:15pm

Book review: India’s Modi used his rule in Gujarat to establish the principles for Hindutva vision of India

An extensively researched book by Christophe Jaffrelot, a French political scientist specialising in India and Pakistan — Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory of Today’s India — deals with the transformation of Gujarat into “a laboratory of Hindu nationalism.”

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:12pm

114 killed in week of attacks in Sudan’s Darfur: medical sources

Both the RSF and the army are accused of targeting civilian areas, in what the UN has called a “war of atrocities”.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:42pm

KP & FATA

Three injured after ‘back-to-back quadcopter attacks’ on school in North Waziristan

Locals condemn targeting schools as "an act of hostility against education".

Published 04 Jan, 2026 08:29pm

KP & FATA

CM Afridi clarifies his ‘only stance’ is acting upon Imran’s directives to run KP, prepare for street movement

Says will pay visit to Karachi's Mazar-i-Quaid on Jan 11; thanks CM Murad for meeting invitation.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:52pm

More staff deployed at Islamabad M-Tag centres as over 120,000 vehicles registered ahead of Jan 15 deadline

DG Memon says action would be taken against vehicles without M-Tags at 12 entry points across the capital after Jan 15.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 06:17pm

Sindh

5 family members, including two children, rescued after falling into open drain in Karachi: Rescue 1122

Rescue 1122 spokesperson says all family members have been taken to a hospital for treatment.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 06:58pm

Middle East

UK says conducted joint strike with France on IS site in Syria

Strike targeted a facility that had been "occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives", says Britiain's defence ministry.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 04:41pm

KP & FATA

At least 6 killed, including a mother and 3 daughters, after dilapidated roof collapses in KP’s Charsadda

Most victims were guests, who had arrived to attend a wedding ceremony in the affected house on Sunday.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 04:41pm

Sindh

Prime suspect confesses to killing woman and her 3 children, dumping bodies in pit off Karachi’s Mai Kolachi: police

In a video shared by police, suspect alleges victim used to perform black magic on him and would often make demands, due to which he felt pressurised.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 04:31pm

Root, Brook tame Australia in rain-hit 5th Ashes Test

Subsequent rain and the risk of lightning make no further play possible, with stumps called an hour early.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 02:52pm

FM Dar, Wang Yi term Pak-China friendship ‘vital’ for regional peace, stability

Chinese executive vice premier and minister of Communist Party of China's International Department hold separate meetings with Dar in Beijing.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 07:10pm

KP & FATA

3 on-duty traffic policemen martyred in firing by suspected terrorists in KP’s Lakki Marwat

KP CM condemns attack on traffic policemen; constable martyred in firing by unidentified attackers in Bannu.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 05:33pm

Smokers’ corner: The mob and the state

From Bangladesh to India and Pakistan, lynchings have become a grim substitute for justice, but South Asia’s mobs are not simply spontaneous eruptions of rage.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 11:25am

UNSC to meet on Monday amid alarm over US action in Venezuela, concerns about risks to international system

UN secretary general warns crisis in Venezuela could undermine the foundations of international law by setting a “dangerous precedent".

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 03:36pm

South Asia

Bangladesh will not play T20 World Cup matches in India, decision taken in context of BCCI’s ‘extreme communal policy’

Decision taken after Kolkata Knight Riders releases Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI's instructions.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 06:22pm

Rana Sana‘s suggestion of confidence-building between 5 big players — cause for optimism or a ‘non-starter’?

Rana Sana's list of those who may need to smoke the peace pipe points to the fate of his suggestion.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 10:07am

Editorial: A secure state should be able to confront irresponsible speech without resorting to excessive penalties

Handing out life terms to journalists and bloggers, following trials in absentia and under the sweeping ambit of anti-terrorism laws, is disproportionate to the alleged offences of speech and commentary.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:50am

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as rival South’s leader visits China

Seoul and Tokyo criticised the missile launches; US forces for the Indo-Pacific say “event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies”.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:33am

Editorial: Trump’s threat to Iran over protests and Israel fanning the unrest suggest old playbook is being used again

Whatever their grievances, they are for the people of Iran to settle amongst themselves.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:17am

Sindh

Karachi’s Shershah Market, once a bustling hub of imported used auto parts, now struggles for buyers

Soaring prices, easier alternatives, poor access have driven buyers away from Karachi's biggest used auto-parts market.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 09:00am

Strict enforcement lifts regular imports of smuggle-prone goods

Port scrutiny and control over mis-declaration push traders towards formal channels.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 08:59am

Rubio says US to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision’; Maduro now in NY jail

Pakistan urges restraint; China, North Korea condemn US operation; Mamdani opposes "pursuit of regime change".

Updated 05 Jan, 2026 12:48am

CJP stresses swift resolution of tax disputes at high-level meeting

Several reform-oriented measures discussed including improved coordination between tax authorities and judiciary.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 08:35am

Khamenei dismisses Trump threat to aid Iranian protesters

Draws hard line against political dissent, says "rioters should be put in their place".

Published 04 Jan, 2026 07:41am

Column

Terrorism data deficit

In the absence of authentic official data, research groups rely heavily on open sources.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:58am

KP & FATA

Tirah jirga suspends talks with officials after abduction of tribal elder

Jirga members warn no further negotiations can be held till safe recovery of Malak Islam Ghani.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 11:01am

KP & FATA

Mansehra schools, colleges sealed for holding classes in winter vacation

Official says crackdown on violators of govt notification to continue.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 11:05am

KP & FATA

KP health dept claims major gains in crackdown on illegal drugs

Says 51 FIRs registered, 162 medical stores sealed, Rs12.8m fines collected last year.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:55am

Islamabad

IWMB confirms presence of common leopard at International Islamic University Islamabad

Wildlife board says plans ready to trap animal if it does not return on its own.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:50am

Islamabad

Manifesto to focus on economic relief, governance reforms in Azad Kashmir: PML-N member

Says manifesto to focus on economic stabilisation, infrastructure development.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 05:34am

Islamabad

Ophthalmologist Dr Pramila Lall passes away in Taxila

Last rites expected to be held on Tuesday following the arrival of her three children from abroad.

Updated 05 Jan, 2026 07:04pm

Lahore

Martial rule, agrarian militarisation and political centrality of Punjab

Enhanced role of the military in Punjab politics is not merely a response to modern security challenges, but the culmination of a historical process.

Updated 05 Jan, 2026 05:45pm

Punjab

Woman mauled to death, minor boy injured by stray dogs in Punjab

Mailsi AC asks municipal committee to launch operation against stray dogs.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:17am

Punjab

Concern at LHC’s delay in Nasser Bagh case as construction goes on

Signatories call on LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum to take notice of the matter.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:23am

Punjab

Ongoing Ichhra Bazaar revamp in Lahore to complete by mid-May

2,000 feet area of the bazaar, having 300 shops, being revitalised with Rs662m.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:14am

Sindh

Bodies found off Karachi’s Mai Kolachi identified as mother, three children

Police say bodies bear marks of torture, suspect so-called 'honour' killing.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:58am

Sindh

Heavy vehicles on Karachi roads to be restricted to dedicated lane

Commissioner Hasan Naqvi says vehicles found deviating from designated lane of 30km/h speed limit to face strict action.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:06am

Sindh

Akbar Road bike market, over 300 shops sealed as crackdown on encroachments intensifies in Karachi

Sealed premises will remain shut until owners give undertaking to comply with SOPs, says commissioner.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 10:02am

International

Swiss investigate bar managers after deadly blaze

Authorities say "presumption of innocence applies"; policeman says pair not yet detained.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:43am

International

A ‘constitutional wedding’ in Kerala

Couple exchanges copies of the Indian constitution, saying they want wedding to reflect "ideals of the constitution".

Published 04 Jan, 2026 05:34am

International

Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv for talks on plan to end war

Follow-up summit of European leaders expected in France on Tuesday, according to Ukraine.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:37am

International

Kashmiri cricketer under fire as his helmet displays Palestinian flag

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association says it "has nothing to do with this"; says police will take necessary action.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:30am

Business

New year cheer lifts stocks to fresh peaks

Index surged above 179,000 in outgoing week on value buying.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:15am

Business

Fertiliser, steel prices fall; cement remains stable

Labour charges increase in urban areas in 2025.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:12am

Business

Cotton prices set to rise on strong demand

CGF chairman says market sentiment improved despite cotton production being below target.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:09am

Business

Tough vetting for job seekers may hit remittances

Immigrants face scrutiny in both Pakistan and destination country.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 09:05am

Business

Chip shortage pushes up smartphone prices

Manufacturers cite higher memory-chip costs, AI-driven demand and global supply constraints for rising handset prices.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 05:33am

Punjab

Political stability only possible through dialogue: Punjab governor

Saleem Haider says Imran Khan cannot be released through street pressure or political agitation.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:41am

Balochistan

Eight illegal Afghan nationals detained in Balochistan

Handed over to authorities at Pak-Afghan border for deportation.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:44am

Balochistan

BAP slams parties’ ‘conflicting’ remarks on mines law

Says some of them support Balochistan legislation in parliament but oppose it in public.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:39am

National

Protests erupt in GB over caretaker cabinet appointments

Parties, civil society reject interim set-up over lack of representation; question fairness of upcoming polls.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:30am

National

Two soldiers, civilian martyred in GB avalanche

Four individuals rescued from snow before victims' condition deteriorated, statement says.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 05:26am

Punjab

PIA privatisation challenged in Lahore High Court

Petitioner says Dec 23 move is in violation of law governing the airline.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 07:21am

Back Page

FAO launches Year of Woman Farmer to highlight contribution to agriculture

Women make up 40pc of the global agrifood workforce, nearly equal to men.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:01am

Back Page

Doctors Without Borders warns of Gaza exit after Israel’s ban

UN chief calls on Tel Aviv to reverse its decision.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:10am

Back Page

Thousands of Berliners face days without electricity

Around 35,000 households to be without electricity until Thursday afternoon, say authorities.

Published 04 Jan, 2026 05:26am

Back Page

Aden claims retaking Mukalla from separatists

UAE issues call for restraint; Saudi Arabia summons factions to Riyadh for ‘comprehensive’ talks.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 07:49am

KP & FATA

KP CM’s non-bailable warrants issued in cybercrime case

Civil judge describes non-compliance with summons orders as deliberate attempt to evade legal process.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 07:32am

Front Page

Ex-PTI leaders plan multi-party conference to ease political tensions

National Dialogue Committee to invite lawyers, intellectuals for talks.

Updated 04 Jan, 2026 08:00am

Sunday, January 4, 2026