News Archives for Latest - 2026-01-07

Pakistan, Saudi in talks on JF-17 jets-for-loans deal: Reuters report

The JF-17’s marketability has increased because “it is tested and has been used in combat", says retired air marshal.

Updated 08 Jan, 2026 07:18am

Rubio says US plan for Venezuela is stability, recovery, then transition

US Secretary of State does not offer further details; Democrat senator says plan amounts to stealing oil.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 11:27pm

South Asia

‘He’s not that happy with me’: Trump mocks India’s Modi while recalling meeting

Indian lawmaker says government's failure to address Trump's statements "reflects poorly on our nation".

Published 07 Jan, 2026 11:08pm

AJK govt has implemented all points of JAAC agreement within its jurisdiction: info minister

AJK information minister says issues related to the federal government will take time to resolve as the process needs to be followed.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 10:27pm

In pictures: Robots, gadgets and innovations light up the future at CES 2026

From humanoid assistants and service robots to machines designed for healthcare, logistics and everyday tasks, CES offers a glimpse into a future where robots are no longer experimental curiosities but working companions.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 10:41pm

Noor advances to squash quarterfinal after Egyptian opponent gets aggressive with referee, abandons match

Noor was Pakistan’s last hope to make it to the quarterfinals after Ashab Irfan and Nasir Iqbal were eliminated from the tournament earlier in the day.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 10:18pm

PIA incurred Rs22bn loss due to prolonged grounding of aircraft

Ministry of Defence says aircraft were grounded due to restrictions following the Covid pandemic, global supply chain issues.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 09:52pm

‘I don’t’: AI wedding vows fall foul of Dutch law

Couple asked a friend to officiate, so the friend turned to ChatGPT to help compose the vows.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 08:41pm

Politicos urge govt-opposition talks, seek release of political workers as ‘confidence-building measure’

NDC's Islamabad moot also calls for Bushra's release, freedom of political activities; Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Sher Afzal Marwat, JI's Liaqat Baloch among attendees.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:24pm

KP & FATA

KP CM calls for ‘policy shift’, urges consultation with province on counter-terrorism measures

CM Afridi notes that the counter-terror policy must be formed after taking KP stakeholders into confidence.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:37pm

Middle East

Iranian president orders security forces not to crack down on protesters, distinguish them from rioters

Commander of Iranian army warns Tehran will not tolerate outside threats “without responding”.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:59pm

Shadab, Abrar, Sahibzada star as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in first T20I

Shadab took two wickets, giving away just 25 runs in his four overs, before adding an unbeaten cameo with the bat.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:55pm

Damac delegation offers tech expertise to Pakistan in real-world assets, blockchain, AI

Damac Group Co-Managing Director Amira Sajwani meets Aurangzeb, CM Maryam, Shaza Fatima; Punjab, Damac sign pact for tokenisation of assets.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 06:33pm

Middle East

UN accuses Israel of West Bank ‘apartheid’

“There is a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank,” says UN rights chief Volker Turk; first time a UN rights chief has applied the term.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 06:01pm

In 2025, Pakistani TV didn’t give us a phenomenon — it gave us perspective

Interestingly, some of the year’s most satisfying viewing experiences came from slots outside the conventional prime-time battleground.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 04:51pm

Social media posts case: Imaan, Hadi file application seeking to summon DG ISPR as a witness

Plea makes references to military spokesperson's press conference held a day earlier; court to decide on application after recording of statements under Section 342 of CrPC.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 04:50pm

South Asia

Bangladesh in talks with ICC over fate of T20 World Cup games

Bangladesh Cricket Board official cites "security issues" in wake of India forcing Mustafizur Rahman's release from IPL.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 04:58pm

Special protection unit being set up in Islamabad for security of Chinese nationals, says Naqvi

During visit to Beijing, Naqvi apprises official of measures being taken to ensure the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 03:55pm

Journalist Naeem Hanif publicly apologises to Saba Qamar over defamatory claims

"I verified that news later, and it wasn’t correct," the journalist admitted of claims he made about the actor's character.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 02:29pm

‘Contradiction in democracy’: Raza Rabbani urges NA speaker, Senate chairman to appoint opposition leaders

Says steps such as leaving opposition leaders' posts vacant "go towards weakening Parliament, a self-made disaster in a hybrid democracy".

Published 07 Jan, 2026 02:14pm

Sindh

Sindh home minister announces ‘massive operation’ against Katcha area dacoits

“We will use whatever resources we have, with specific targets and take ruthless action against infamous dacoits,” Ziaul Hasan Lanjar says.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 02:33pm

Lenovo unveils AI agent to bridge PCs, phones and wearables at CES

New AI agent, Qira, is an autonomous interface that performs tasks rather than just generating content on demand.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 01:46pm

Even in a show like Lazawal Ishq, women carry the domestic load

Behind the glamour of Pakistan’s island reality show lies an old script women know too well.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 01:32pm

Middle East

Hospital sources say 4 killed in airstrikes on Yemen; separatist leader skips talks

More than 15 airstrikes hit Dhale, the home governorate of Aidaros Alzubidi, whose Southern Transitional Council grabbed swathes of territory last month.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 05:55pm

The Weeknd, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo among artists auctioning experiences and merch for Sudan

The event runs from Jan 6 to 11 and bidders have already pledged over £26,000.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 01:02pm

Top Featured

How Ibne Safi taught an entire generation to read

As reading shifts from shared print cultures to fragmented digital feeds, what happens to the common habits that once anchored public life?

Published 07 Jan, 2026 12:41pm

PTI pushes back against criticism of party leadership, policies

“There should be no politics on serious national issues such as terrorism,” it says.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 12:46pm

South Korea’s Lee says urged Xi to help curb North’s nukes

“I would like China to play a mediating role on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s nuclear programme,” says South Korean president.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 11:37am

Punjab

5 killed, 24 others injured as bus plunges into ravine near Talagang

Driver lost control of the vehicle on a winding patch of road, Rescue 1122 spokesperson says.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 11:33am

Bethell slams maiden century to give England glimmer in final Ashes Test

The 22-year-old powered to his 100 off 162 balls by smashing a lofted drive over midwicket for four.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 06:15pm

Trump discussing how to acquire Greenland, US military always an option: White House

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal," White House says.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 10:30am

Pakistan’s out-of-school adolescents and youth face marginalisation on multiple fronts

Out-of-school adolescents and youth should be recognised as a distinct demographic.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 09:46am

Venezuelan President Maduro’s abduction is the most brazen instance of imperialistic aggression in recent history

The US president has pushed the world into extremely dangerous territory.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 09:33am

Editorial: Foiling of major terror plot in Karachi reinforces importance of coordination between security, intelligence bodies

This kind of cooperation is essential when terrorist networks operate quietly across regions and use long supply routes that are difficult to trace.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 09:24am

Sindh

Foiled terrorist plot in Karachi: CTD gets custody of ‘BLA men’

Trio remanded in CTD custody until Jan 24; investigating officer told to produce them on the next date along with a progress report.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 08:54am

PTI, Imran’s sisters end sit-in outside Adiala jail

Aleema says Mahmood Khan Achakzai assured protesters that a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan will be arranged next week.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 08:43am

India engaged lobbying firm to approach US over conflict with Pakistan: report

The Hindu report says lobbying firm headed by former Trump aide Jason Miller led engagement with US officials on New Delhi’s behalf.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 08:15am

Foreign Press Association criticises Israel for maintaining ban on media access to Gaza

Azerbaijan will not send troops for peacekeeping operations in territory, President Aliyev says.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 07:55am

Arrest warrants out against over 40 PTI leaders in May 9 case

Defence counsel says effective legal representation of Imran Khan requires direct consultation with client.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 07:46am

Trump says Venezuela ‘turning over’ up to 50m barrels of oil to US

Venezuela has millions of barrels of oil loaded on tankers and in storage tanks that it has been unable to ship due to a blockade on exports.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 11:23am

KP & FATA

PTI social media activists held over posts against PML-N lawmaker

“I approached NCCIA seeking legal action against PTI workers who used social media to challenge my political standing and indulged in my character assassination,” says PML-N's Syeda Sonia Hussain.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:06am

KP & FATA

Bus Rapid Transit service to be extended to Jamrud, Bara

KP CM Sohail Afridi says the extension will also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:51am

KP & FATA

Tribunal rejects Taimur Jhagra’s plea against election of rival candidate

Rules that the petition is not maintainable.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:48am

Islamabad

First digital BHU becomes operational in Islamabad

"Through telemedicine, we are committed to filling Pakistan’s healthcare gaps," says Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:31am

Islamabad

Interior minister seeks report on massive tree cutting in Shakarparian

Sources say the minister showed displeasure with the CDA; authority maintains paper mulberry trees were removed, 30,000 to be planted.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 11:46am

Islamabad

Dense fog throws life out of gear in twin cities

The city traffic moved at a snail's pace as visibility didn't improve till 10am; school children and office-goers faced difficulties commuting.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:14am

Islamabad

Unjustified hike in private schools’ fee irks National Assembly committee

Body cites absence of quality education, improvements in facilities; directs that employees working in govt or NGO-run schools must get full minimum wage.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:24am

Punjab

Protest against proposed privatisation of Discos

Workers stage nationwide protest, demand price control and improved safety for power sector staff.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:43am

Punjab

Motorways partially closed due to dense fog

Dense fog forces partial closure of M-4 and M-11 motorways in Punjab, contributing to multiple accidents and casualties.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:40am

Punjab

Police expand scope of probe into suicide bid by varsity student in Lahore

According to police officials, the student’s family has so far not submitted any application seeking legal action.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:31am

Sindh

Private school associations in Sindh call off Jan 9 strike after assurances from education minister

Education Minister Sardar Shah says the concerns raised by the schools alliance are valid.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:56am

Sindh

Sindh govt to register FIRs against those burning garbage on roads

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab suggests financial penalties to curb environmental damage caused by illegal garbage disposal.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:58am

Sindh

KMC challenges sealing of cotton exchange building in Sindh High Court

"Unlawful" sealing order is nothing but a preposterous tactic to usurp the heritage property, Sindh High Court told.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:55am

Sindh

Akbar Road bike market shut for 4th day as traders in Karachi await settlement

Shopkeepers say they have paid Rs5,000 each in fines, file affidavits pledging compliance with SOPs.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:12am

International

Israeli gunfire wounds 5 in West Bank

The Red Crescent says several students are injured after Israeli forces enter Birzeit University to disperse a gathering.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:18am

International

South Korea’s president snaps Xi selfie with Chinese ‘backdoor’ phone

The Xiaomi handset made headlines in November when Xi cracked a joke to Lee on the sidelines of an APEC summit in South Korea.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:57am

International

Nvidia unveils AI chip platform amid rising competition

The company says Rubin-based products will be available through partners in the second half of 2026.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:42am

South Asia

Bangladesh police say ex-councillor was behind Hadi’s murder

Police says a charge sheet against 17 people has been submitted in connection with the murder; 12 have been arrested.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:39am

International

Nestle recalls infant formula over toxin fears

Says it detected a “quality issue” in an ingredient sourced from one of its major suppliers.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:32am

Business

Govt warned against hasty 5G rollout

Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan says only 2pc of mobile users own 5G-enabled handsets.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:24am

Business

Construction of container vessel for Pakistan National Shipping Corporation begins

The 1,100-TEU vessel is being constructed using domestic resources and expertise, underscoring Pakistan’s growing shipbuilding capacity, says Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:50am

Business

220kV SEZ grid station energised in Sheikhupura

The project aims to ensure a reliable power supply for uninterrupted industrial operations, business growth and economic development.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:43am

Business

Provinces to procure wheat from private sector

Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain says the primary objective of the national wheat policy is to stabilise prices.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:34am

Business

Stocks cross 185,000-point milestone

KSE index’s surge continues on robust buying from institutions.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 07:48am

National

34pc less rainfall in December: PMD

Statement refutes earlier reports of "extreme cold winter" in the country.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 05:22am

Balochistan

Balochistan CM Bugti stresses need to counter anti-state narrative

Meeting reviews law and order situation, counter-terrorism initiatives in region.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 09:00am

Balochistan

Rs2.5bn plan for Balochistan’s Nasirabad uplift unveiled

Provincial irrigation minister says no compromise allowed on execution of projects.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:57am

National

Twelve caretaker GB ministers sworn in

Caretaker Information Minister Ghulam Abbas says priority is free, fair and transparent elections in the region.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:54am

National

FCC questions gap between super tax collection, spending on IDPs

Rs144bn collected, only Rs37bn spent on displaced persons, judge regrets.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:47am

National

Democratic leadership pushes for compromise, not fight: PM’s aide

Rana Sanaullah says PTI’s hostile stance towards state endangers Imran’s popularity, KP govt stability.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:43am

Punjab

LHC suspends Punjab order cancelling e-bus supply contract

Judge observes action appears without contractual clause or legal authority.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:33am

Balochistan

Balochistan prepares to secure NFC share

Provincial minister briefed on NFC Award including economic needs, expenditure, revenue structure of Balochistan.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:36am

Back Page

Pakistani, Chinese researchers embark on ocean study cruise

Exercise aimed at improving understanding of Pakistani marine environment.

Published 07 Jan, 2026 05:22am

Back Page

US to lead Ukraine ceasefire monitoring

Paris summit draft statement says Washington would support multinational force in case of renewed Russian attack.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 08:00am

Front Page

Government mulls fuel levy hike to aid gas sector

Petroleum minister confirms gas circular debt over Rs3 trillion, says no increase in tariff for six months; deflects questions by NA panel about proposed use of petroleum levy for gas sector.

Updated 07 Jan, 2026 03:26pm

Balochistan