News Archives for Latest - 2026-01-23

Reports regarding shutting down of National Assembly’s YouTube channel termed ‘incorrect’

"Temporary technical issues occurred due to a social media server outage, which affected accessibility for a limited period," statement posted on X says.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 11:44pm

KP & FATA

5 killed, 10 injured in suicide blast at peace committee member’s residence in KP’s DI Khan

“The explosion was a suicide blast," says DI Khan district police officer; says incident occurred during a wedding ceremony.

Updated 24 Jan, 2026 12:10am

Fury grows over 5-year-old’s detention in US immigration crackdown

US Vice President JD Vance claims agents were protecting the child after his father “ran” from an immigration sweep.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 10:13pm

Pakistani man jailed for 36 years in Spain ‘love scam’ debt murder case

He was convicted of killing three elderly siblings over debts reportedly linked to an online romance scam in December 2023.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:28pm

Barbs fly in Senate as PTI’s Ali Zafar demands probe into ‘institutional overreach, election fraud’

Parliament has been made irrelevant and meaningless, laments Zafar; state minister accuses PTI of committing "economic terrorism" during its time in govt.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 08:53pm

In pictures: White as far as the eye can see as snowfall reported in parts of Pakistan

Heavy snow has been reported in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Pakistan over the past two days.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:59pm

Punjab

‘This is not a joke’: Punjab CM warns against violating rules ahead of Basant festivities in Lahore

Says "grave punishments" have been set to save lives; says free transport will be provided to Lahore residents during Basant.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:30pm

Outrage after Trump claims Nato troops avoided Afghan front line

“Their sacrifice and that of other Nato forces was made in the service of collective security and in response to an attack on our ally,” says British prime minister's spokesperson.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 06:42pm

France probes link between 2 baby deaths and milk formula

Nestle and the privately owned French group Lactalis this month recalled batches of infant milk sold in France due to possible contamination with cereulide.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 06:11pm

Central bank seen cutting rates again after December surprise

The majority of analysts expect the State Bank of Pakistan to cut rates by 50 basis points.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:27pm

KP & FATA

Snow blankets parts of KP, Murree; Met Office forecasts more rain, snow from Jan 25-27

Rescue 1122 says operation ongoing in Tirah valley, Painda Cheena, Dawatoi and Bagh Maidan; 9 killed in avalanche in Lower Chitral; restriction on entry of vehicles into Murree.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:16pm

Branded Content

Sky47 launches Pakistan’s largest cloud and AI infrastructure platform

Sky47’s newly launched infrastructure includes high-density cloud environments and AI-ready compute capabilities, positioning it as the largest cloud and AI farm in Pakistan.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 05:26pm

Sindh

Death toll from Karachi’s Gul Plaza inferno reaches 71; search operation in ‘final stages’

Rescue 1122 DG says initial findings indicate fire spread quickly through duct; CM Murad announces Rs0.5m for shop occupants, says FIR to be filed soon.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:11pm

Scotland Yard probes attacks against two Pakistani dissidents living in UK

First two attacks took place on Christmas Eve in Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 04:40pm

South Asia

Nuclear vs joint family: Freedom or belonging

Legend has it that the joint family system in South Asia has roots in ancient and medieval agrarian societies, where extended families living together made economic and social sense.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 04:00pm

Babar, Shaheen return to Pakistan squad for T20I series against Australia

Shadab Khan part of strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 04:01pm

Tributes pour in for Iqbal Hussain, the artist who dared to paint Lahore’s darkest secrets

Artists, journalists and fans remembered the artist and the boldness of his work.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 03:33pm

Houston, we have feelings: Kashmir and Hasan Raheem hard launch their new song ‘Jana Hai Wahin’

The fuzzy guitars and animated space rescue mission do a lot of the heavy lifting in this interstellar collaboration.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 03:16pm

Sindh

CM Murad approves Rs21.5bn for Karachi infrastructure upgrades, including Rs13bn for improving roads

Mayor says 400 roads across city need patch repairs, nine require complete reconstruction.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 03:52pm

Sindh

7 rescued, 4 missing after merchant vessel hits fishing boat off Karachi’s Manora

Search efforts underway by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and KPT.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:14pm

‘Diplomatic win’: In joint session, govt again defends decision to join Trump-led Board of Peace

Senate opposition leader says the board will add to the miseries of Palestinians; Fazl says decision to join the board taken due to "fear of Trump".

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:12pm

Alcaraz dazzles in 100th Grand Slam match as Sabalenka grinds through to fourth round

Chasing a first title at Melbourne Park, 22-year-old Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest man to win all four majors.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 02:23pm

UK man faces court for drugging, raping ex-wife over 13 years

Philip Young charged with 56 offences against Joanne Young; 5 other men also accused of various sexual crimes.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 02:17pm

‘Public health epidemic’: Pakistan battles legions of fake doctors

Secretary general of the Pakistan Medical Association says there are more than 600,000 fake doctors operating across the country.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 01:59pm

Women International Film Festival announces February dates for landmark 10th edition in Islamabad

WIFF is returning to where it began on February 14 and 15, marking a decade of women-led cinema.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 01:53pm

TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat

ByteDance retains a 19.9pc stake; US user data will be stored in Oracle’s secure cloud environment.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 01:30pm

Top Featured

The interminable wait between life and death at Gul Plaza in Karachi

In Karachi, waiting has become part of the disaster itself: waiting for water, for help, for answers, for reforms. And in that waiting, lives are lost not all at once, but with each passing minute.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 04:35pm

Trump says US ‘armada’ headed toward Gulf

US president says Washington is watching Iran closely, even after downplaying the prospect of imminent military action.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 01:09pm

‘Principles aren’t optional’: Politicians, journalists, rights bodies react to arrest of Imaan, Hadi

Parliamentarians, journalists and activists call Mazari's arrest condemnable; urge government to act.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 05:32pm

A mummy, a missing girl, and Karachi: Why Maha Khan Phillips’ The Museum Detective is such a gripping read

The author's fast-paced third novel is both historical fiction and a thrilling murder mystery.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 12:34pm

Gold, silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally

Analysts note that faith in US and its assets has been shaken, driving money into precious metals.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 12:44pm

Bangladesh T20 World Cup row overshadows India’s Olympic ambitions

The global game is dominated by India, where cricket is woven deep into culture, the economy and politics.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 12:19pm

Sinners sets all-time record with 16 Oscar nominations; The Voice of Hind Rajab gets International Feature nod

The nominations for the highest honours in film were announced on Thursday evening.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 01:02pm

Trump revokes Canada’s invitation to join Board of Peace

Neither Carney's office nor White House immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 11:18am

Lawyers Imaan Mazari, Hadi Ali Chattha sent to jail on judicial remand following arrest in Islamabad

The arrest comes in a case registered against the two for protesting outside the Islamabad High Court; IHCBA secretary resigns in protest.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:12pm

Punjab

Anti-judiciary campaign: LHC directs NCCIA, PTA to remain within bounds of the laws

Says exercise of authority must remain lawful, proportionate and guided by constitutional and statutory safeguards.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 10:12am

Pakistan presses for reforms as UN authority faces growing strain

“There must be no space for selective compliance or legal exceptionalism,” says Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:36am

Can democracy survive when capitalism concentrates wealth so drastically?

Democracy is about political equality. Capitalism, by design, needs economic inequality.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:30am

Regardless of official claims, the economy is hitting ordinary people extremely hard

What is being presented as economic stability increasingly resembles economic strangulation for poor and near-poor households.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:24am

Editorial: Unless the Board of Peace reins in Israel, it will remain just a vanity project

Prospects of the board’s success remain dim largely because of Trump's very clear bias towards Israel.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:07am

How much have duties on old, used mobile phones been revised?

Customs valuation department has revised downward the assessment rates for duties and taxes on commercial imports of used and old mobile phone.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 09:03am

Punjab

1,142 fire hydrants for major markets: Plazas, schools, hospitals given two weeks to implement SOPs

Azma Bokhari says political point-scoring over Karachi Gul Plaza tragedy inappropriate.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:47am

Punjab

Ichhra gold scam suspect arrested from Islamabad

Nominated in multiple FIRs lodged by his fellow jewellers besides his own stepmother.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:58am

Business costs 34pc higher than region: PBF

PBF warns of competitiveness crisis, calls for tax, energy reforms.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 08:17am

Business

Sustainable growth key to economic transformation, says minister

Says future-fit, skilled human capital critical for sustainable development.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:47am

Business

Australian help sought to boost agri yields

Australia will welcome Pakistani officials for technical exchanges and training, says high commissioner.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:45am

Business

ADB backs Karachi-Rohri rail corridor

Delegation briefed on KPT’s cargo-handling capabilities, role as Pakistan’s maritime gateway, port’s strategic connectivity requirements.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:44am

PTI seeks withdrawal of asset secrecy bill, says parliamentarians not above ordinary citizens

NA passes Income Tax Third Amendment Bill.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 07:33am

KP & FATA

Evacuation from KP’s Tirah suspended

Stranded families complain they had sleepless nights on the road

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 12:29pm

KP & FATA

Two killed, three injured as rain, snow lash Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pesco says 25 of 53 feeders restored after tripping.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

KP & FATA

KP cabinet approves special committee to probe 2024 poll ‘rigging’

CM insists military actions being carried out in KP without govt, PA’s consent.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:38am

KP & FATA

Afghans asked to leave Kohat under govt repatriation plan

District police say illegal residents must leave the country voluntarily within the set deadline to avoid law and order situation.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Islamabad

Mother, aunt record statements in Sana Yousuf murder case

Defense counsel informs court that he is receiving continuous threats for representing the accused.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:30am

Islamabad

Islamabad police seek army support to train newly formed SWAT force

Request sent for services of two majors and 16 SSG commandos on secondment.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 10:07am

Islamabad

Travel advisory issued for Murree as hill station receives snowfall

Rain adds chill to twin cities while Met Office forecasts more rain, snowfall.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Islamabad

Bail pleas of Imaan Mazari, spouse dismissed

Heavy police contingent was deployed around the High Court.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Sindh

Six suspects shot dead in Pak Colony ‘encounter’ in Karachi

Five pistols, one rifle recovered from custody, police claim.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 10:28am

Sindh

First phase of Karachi Safe City Project to be launched in two months

Initial phase covers ‘Red Zone’ and airport corridor; South, East, Korangi and Malir districts to be included in subsequent phases.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 09:04am

Sindh

Concerned over rise in HIV cases, PMA calls for action against quacks, unregistered blood banks

Association demands investigation into Sindh AIDS Control Programme’s affairs.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:59am

International

5-year-old among four kids detained in Minnesota crackdown

Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin denies a child was targeted.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:27am

South Asia

Storms, heavy rain kill 14 across Afghanistan

Salang Pass, other major highways closed after snowfall.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:25am

South Asia

Malaysia’s ex-army chief, wife charged with corruption

The Southeast Asian nation’s defence establishment has become the focus of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:22am

International

Venezuela unveils plans to open oil sector to private investment

Until now, private companies were only allowed to operate in joint ventures with state-owned oil firm PDVSA, which insisted on holding a majority.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:17am

Sport

Real Madrid football’s biggest earners

Perennial rivals and reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona were the second highest earners with 975 million euros.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Sport

Dzeko joins Schalke on six-month deal

The Bosnia and Herzegovina captain has been brought in to boost Schalke’s promotion hopes amid a flagging attack.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Sport

Vine, Narvaez complete one-two for UAE Team Emirates XRG

Vine took the lead in the race general classification by six seconds from Narvaez with Schmid third 1min 5sec behind the leader.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

National

Cloud service unveiled for local data storage

Move expected to help meet growing demand for secure, locally hosted digital storage, particularly for state institutions.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:12am

Balochistan

No polio case in Balochistan for 15 months, says PM’s aide

Ayesha Raza attributes the achievement to effective strategies and sustained anti-polio campaigns.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:08am

National

AJK warns of tariff review amid surge in electricity use

Energy secretary says increased consumption pushing distribution network to its limits.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

National

Joint session of parliament today to take up bills returned by president

PML-N leader says PPP reservations addressed; PTI declares opposition will contest proposed legislation.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:00am

Balochistan

State can’t be blamed for ‘self-imposed disappearance’, says Bugti

The Balochistan chief minister says that if anyone chooses to go into hiding on their own, responsibility cannot be attributed to the state.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:37am

National

Pakistan Bar Council amends rules to ban fresh affiliation of law colleges

Applications received by the PBC before January 15, 2026 would be processed, but no fresh applications would be entertained thereafter.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:54am

Balochistan

Balochistan CM reviews performance of provincial departments

Chief Minister Bugti directs all departments to ensure staff attendance and take full ownership of their respective development projects.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:50am

Punjab

Kite flying to remain banned in Lahore parks over Basant

City admin to monitor festival using drones, safe city cameras for compliance.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:26am

Balochistan

Heavy snowfall hinders routine life across Balochistan

Power outages, gas shortages hit residents hard amid freezing temperature.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:43am

Back Page

Iran warns ‘finger on trigger’ as Trump claims Tehran wants talks

Iran’s top commander says forces are "more prepared than ever".

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:43am

Back Page

Rafah crossing with Egypt set to open next week

Israeli strikes kill five Palestinians in Gaza.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 07:48am

Back Page

‘Inefficiencies’ no reason to delay promotion: SC

Court says civil servants should not suffer due to procedural delays, inaction of government departments.

Published 23 Jan, 2026 05:43am

Back Page

Gunman at large after three killed in Australia

New South Wales police request people to remain indoors as search operation underway.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 08:06am

Front Page

Used phone rates to fall as govt revisits valuation

Ruling covers 62 models across Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus; iPhones see steepest cuts.

Updated 23 Jan, 2026 10:02pm

Friday, January 23, 2026