News Archives for Latest - 2026-01-26

Middle East

US deploys aircraft carrier to Middle Eastern waters as Iran warns against attack

Iran warns of “comprehensive and regret-inducing response to any aggression”; UAE says it will not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from its territory.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 11:06pm

Don Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ cap worn against India sells for record amount at auction

Cap sold for $319,000 at Gold Coast auction; Bradman gifted cap to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni, whose family preserved it for the last 75 years.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 10:54pm

Punjab

Ahead of Basant, Punjab govt bans kites bearing images of political parties’ flags

“Only plain, uni-coloured or multi-coloured kites shall be allowed," Punjab Home dept says.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 10:29pm

Canada’s Carney links Trump’s new tariff threat to North American trade deal review

Says the North American free trade deal is up for review this year and “the president is a strong negotiator”.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:17pm

KP & FATA

KP CM pens letter to PM Shehbaz over Centre’s ‘persistent failure to release constitutionally guaranteed’ funds

Says failure has now translated into an "acute fiscal and governance crisis for the province”.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 09:45pm

Middle East

Saudi Arabia wants ‘strong, positive’ relationship with UAE: FM

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan says Riyadh is “always keen” to have a “strong, positive relationship with the UAE”.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 08:34pm

MNA Noor Alam Khan says bureaucrats should also be barred from holding dual nationality

“If dual nationality is to be allowed, then parliamentarians and military personnel should also be given this right,” he says.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 08:10pm

‘Dictatorship has been imposed in Pakistan’: TTAP condemns Imaan, Hadi’s conviction

PTI's Gohar calls on the chief justice to act "on this case and other related cases in which speech is prohibited and people’s rights are violated".

Published 26 Jan, 2026 07:57pm

Daraz to launch dedicated section on its website for traders affected by Gul Plaza blaze

Says it will facilitate onboarding impacted sellers and provide targeted training to help them restart operations online with ease.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 07:15pm

Indonesia receives first Rafale advanced fighter jets from France, official says

Jakarta has placed orders for as many as 42 Rafales, says defence ministry official.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 07:10pm

‘Here people and cats live side by side’: Istanbul’s feline love affair lives on

Cats have formed an essential part of the city's social fabric for centuries.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:13pm

Sindh

Hours-long blockade of roads around Karachi Press Club amid protest against Imaan, Hadi’s conviction

Zulfikar Bhutto Junior and Sheema Kermani staged a sit-in at KPC Roundabout before they were allowed to go to the press club; journalist Fazil Jamili says "siege" of KPC is a "blatant assault on democratic freedoms".

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:48pm

T20 World Cup: Naqvi briefs PM Shehbaz on ‘ICC matter’, says final decision to come by Friday or Monday

Says PM Shehbaz has "directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table".

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 09:35pm

Shehzad Roy’s new song wants you to think about the way we burden children in classrooms

The singer released a song decrying the state of the education system on World Education Day.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 05:04pm

Mohammed Hanif’s upcoming novel Rebel English Academy begins on the night of Bhutto’s hanging

The author shared glimpses of his new book during a session of the ThinkFest in Lahore on Sunday.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 04:58pm

Minneapolis locals protest ‘inhumane’ US agents after second killing

The violence has put new pressure and scrutiny on Trump’s aggressive deportation campaign, which has drawn demonstrators onto the streets.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 04:54pm

EU opens probe into Musk’s Grok over sexual AI deepfakes

“In Europe, we will not tolerate unthinkable behaviour, such as digital undressing of women and children,” says European Commission chief.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 04:45pm

Sindh

Karachi police form team to arrest those involved in Gul Plaza inferno

Shopping centre sealed after search operation concludes; CM Murad acknowledges "mistakes", details targets for fire audit plan.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:36pm

South Asia

Bangladesh court sentences ex-police chief, 2 others to death for 2024 protest crackdown

All three tried in absentia; 5 other former police officials handed varying terms.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 03:43pm

Gold zips past $5,100 to another high on safe-haven rush

Gold hits record high of $5,110.50 per ounce, while silver hits all-time high of $109.44 per ounce, with analysts expecting rally to continue.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 03:39pm

Explainer: Why is Donald Trump so interested in Greenland?

Control of Greenland would also mean that US territory would nearly surround Canada, another country that Trump says he wants to annex.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 03:21pm

SBP maintains policy rate at 10.5pc

Monetary Policy Committee notes inflation and current account broadly unchanged while economic growth has improved.

Updated 27 Jan, 2026 01:33am

How much is too much for K-pop concert tickets?

In the US, ticket prices for BTS' world tour vary widely by seating section, with premium seats reaching around $800 or approximately Rs220,000.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 03:03pm

Israel agrees to reopen Rafah crossing only for Gaza pedestrians

Unclear whether reopening will allow medical patients to leave Gaza for treatment in Egypt or other countries.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 02:39pm

Three years in captivity: the letters that reveal life as a Pakistani prisoner of war in India

Published 26 Jan, 2026 02:16pm

Lawyers stage protest outside IHC, observe strike after sentencing of Imaan and Hadi

Strict security arrangements were made in and around the IHC; protest was led by IHC Bar President Syed Wajid Ali Gilani.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 01:55pm

Cold wave continues to grip country as another western disturbance rolls in: NWFC

Pakistan Army carries out relief operations in KP's Kurram, Orakzai; cold and dry weather expected in Karachi for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 03:26pm

Middle East

President Zardari arrives in UAE for 4-day official visit

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi are accompanying the president on the trip.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:27pm

Folk artists, scholars celebrate Sindhi heritage at University of Sindh’s Institute of Sindhology

Performers played traditional instruments such as the chang and alghoza, while singers serenaded the audience.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 12:55pm

Dar, Myanmar FM hold ‘very productive’ talks in Islamabad as Pakistan seeks to revitalise ties

Pakistan "confident that Myanmar can play a very positive role in creating regional reconciliation"; MoU signed on political consultations between foreign offices.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 06:32pm

KSE-100 briefly crosses 191,000 during intraday trading, closes in red

Pakistan's benchmark index closed at 188,587.66, down 579 points from the previous close

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 05:43pm

South Asia

President Xi says India, China are ‘friends, partners’

Chinese president refers to China and India as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together".

Published 26 Jan, 2026 12:29pm

Ferry sinking kills 18, leaves 24 missing in south Philippines

At least 317 rescued so far, says the Philippine Coast Guard; 44-metre ferry went down about five kilometres east of Baluk-Baluk Island.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 12:01pm

Sanam Saeed calls out pro-Palestine consumers for letting boycotted brands back in their lives

The actor wondered why brands that are under intense public scrutiny for being unethical are being patronised once again.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 12:00pm

Generations blend at Geek Con Karachi as fans of all ages celebrate cosplay, gaming, and anime

Karachiites braved the cold this weekend, all for the love of anime.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 11:48am

Mark Tully, BBC’s longtime ‘voice of India’, dies at 90

He was appointed the BBC's Delhi correspondent in 1971 and served as the chief of the India bureau till 1994.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 11:17am

Punjab

Lawyers, legal experts dissect 27th Amendment, highlight its issues at Thinkfest in Lahore

Lawyers Asad Rahim Khan, Abdul Moiz Jaferii, Reema Omer and Salman Akram Raja discuss the recent amendment.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 10:51am

KP & FATA

Attack on police vehicle in Bannu foiled, two militants killed

Heavy exchange of fire continued between the police and the terrorists for approximately twenty minutes.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:45am

Karachi’s real problem is its balkanised administration and dysfunctional divisions

There is a vacuum that the government cannot or will not fill.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:33am

Trump’s Gaza plan is a smokescreen to show he has international support and legitimacy for his unilateral plans

The second phase of the Gaza plan is mired in controversy and an uncertain future.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:26am

Winter storm grips much of US in snow, ice, Arctic cold

Calling the storm “historic,” President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for a dozen states.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:52am

Editorial: Handled prudently, mineral sector can become a pillar of industrial, export diversification and stability

Unless structural constraints are addressed, much of this wealth will either remain buried or be exported cheaply to developed economies.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:12am

Balochistan

‘Stray animals to be dealt with humanely’, says Balochistan govt

Chief minister urges public to cooperate with the government’s initiatives aimed at animal welfare.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 09:01am

Back Page

Homes buried under ice as storm sweeps across US east coast

State of emergency declared in multiple states as snowfall intensifies.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 07:59am

Back Page

US to inject $1.6bn into rare earths miner for 10pc stake, Financial Times reports

Government investment and separate $1 billion private financing deal slated to be announced on Monday, report says.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:04am

Back Page

Nurse’s killing by ICE in US sparks outrage

Minnesota governor Tim Walz calls shooting "horrific", demands state authorities take charge.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 07:55am

Back Page

Israeli troops kill two more Palestinians in Gaza

Israeli soldier being investigated for faking Palestinian’s abduction for ransom.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 07:48am

Front Page

India afraid peace board may try to ‘resolve Kashmir’

Diplomats, press divided over New Delhi’s perceived reluctance to join Trump-led body.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 04:19pm

Front Page

Pakistani lawmakers press US counterparts on visa curbs

Mandviwalla, Hassan lead push to exit 75-nation restrictive list; express confidence hurdles will be resolved soon.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 07:35am

Front Page

Federal funding for provincial health schemes ruled out

Centre asks provinces to move towards contributory health insurance.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 07:42am

Front Page

CEC overstays his welcome due to lack of succession plan

Raja, two ECP members have now been in their posts one year beyond the length of their tenure.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:09am

Balochistan

Eight held as police crack down on highway robbers in Balochistan

Raids launched with heavy police contingent on several villages and suspected hideouts linked to gang.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:56am

National

FAO to hold national agriculture investment summit in Islamabad on Feb 3

Summit to help expand investor awareness and confidence in the country’s agriculture sector.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:54am

Balochistan

Balochistan unrest linked to joblessness: JI

Thousands of boys and girls appear for entry tests for free IT courses.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:58am

Balochistan

Hazara Democratic Party elects office-bearers in Balochistan

Abdul Khaliq Hazara elected chairman, Azizullah Hazara first vice chairman, Mirza Hussain second vice chairman.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:46am

National

Activists slam Indian ‘reign of terror’ in held Kashmir

Kashmiri refugees stage sit-in, urge international community to intervene.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:51am

National

Yasmin Rashid labels wearable cam policy ‘headline-friendly’ sham

Says cameras in gynae depts crosses a "red line"; accuses govt of choosing "surveillance" over reforms.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:38am

National

Transition to clean energy govt’s top priority: president

Says Pakistan targets 30pc electric vehicles by 2030.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:34am

National

ANP demands uniform policy on terror across the country

Aimal Wali blames former military, political leaders for prevailing security situation in KP.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:31am

KP & FATA

Climate-proof revival of girls’ schools in Swat urged

Unesco assessment calls for risk-informed, climate-resilient recovery.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:42am

National

NFC award blamed for provinces missing tax targets

FBR chief cites "poor" collection of farm income, services and property taxes.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:28am

Business

The wheat paradox

Historically, farmers have preferred wheat because most alternative crops require higher upfront investments, provide

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business

Agriculture: A crop in shambles

Both wheat growers and consumers — especially those among lower income groups — are losers in the whole wheat procurement

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 08:59am

Business & Finance

A socially compromised people

Pakistan has become one of the region’s most digitally connected societies, yet social progress remains slow and male employment

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business & Finance

Karachi’s fires are not accidents

Real resilience will only come in the form of active preventive measures to ensure the safety of our homes and workplaces

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business & Finance

CORPORATE WINDOW : Heading toward a cliff

As we inch closer to the 2027 expiration date of the GSP+ regime, Pakistan faces the dual threat of a stagnant domestic human

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business

Opportunity comes knocking

This shift will allow securities transactions to be settled within one business day instead of two.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business & Finance

Tokens and the future of finance

Tokenised assets today still only represent a tiny sliver of global financial markets, and participation remains overwhelmingly

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Business & Finance

Pakistan’s lopsided trade agreements

Trade agreements reward countries with existing competitiveness; they do not serve as a remedy for those lacking it

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Sport

Villa down Newcastle to stay in title hunt, Chelsea beat Palace

Chelsea pile more pain on Crystal Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am

Sport

Bowlers, Abhishek fire India to T20 series win over New Zealand

Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi keep Blackcaps down to 153-9 after Men in Blue elect to field first.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:41am

Sport

Sabalenka, Alcaraz ease into Australian Open quarters

Three-time finalist Medvedev was handed another harsh lesson by his new nemesis Learner Tien.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:36am

Sport

Senegal goal hero admits AFCON final walk-off was ‘a mistake’

The Moroccan Football Federation has formally referred the walkout and supporters’ behaviour to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:29am

International

Anger as woman’s headless body found in Istanbul bin

Women’s rights groups express outrage, call for demonstrators to join two protest marches in Istanbul and Ankara.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:03am

International

Israeli strikes kill two in south Lebanon

Says a separate strike in the village of Derdghaya killed one more person.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:01am

International

Judge blocks Trump’s push to end legal status of migrants

Washington preparing to deport Iranians despite unrest, killings, says NGO.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 09:52am

Sindh

12-member medical board examines victim of Sanghar ‘sexual assault’

Committee required to submit comprehensive weekly report for IGP perusal.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:26am

Sindh

SHC upholds wildlife raid, terms bird trade without permit ‘illegal’

Directs department to keep the seized animals and birds in safe and conducive conditions.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:20am

Sindh

Fire safety audit of over 2,300 buildings across Sindh ordered

Govt identifies 562 buildings in Karachi, 898 in Sukkur, 540 in Hyderabad, 171 in Shaheed Benazirabad, 143 in Larkana and 54 in Mirpurkhas divisions.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:20am

Sindh

A display of passion for antique cars in Karachi

Despite biting cold, automobile show at Frere Hall pulls crowds.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:38am

Punjab

Elite capture blamed for country’s economic problems

Lums vice chancellor says the country had no growth policy or strategy, as the fiscal crisis was currently very deep.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:56am

Punjab

Three restored historical monuments unveiled at Lahore Fort

Sikh-era Hammam, Athdara Pavilion and Loh Temple unveiled, marking the completion of conservation efforts.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:58am

Islamabad

Alleged regulatory collapse in PMDC puts future of students at risk

Registrar says allegations are being made as notifications of some private medical colleges pending with govt.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 10:56am

Islamabad

Islamabad schools, colleges to teach AI from next academic session

Students from nursery to class 5 will be taught AI as a non-credit subject and no exams will be conducted for them.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:20am

Islamabad

Icy winds freeze one to death in AJK

Caution required while travelling due to slippery conditions, says SDMA director of operations.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:20am

Islamabad

IWMB seeks layout plan for proposed cricket stadium near Margalla Hills

Letter questions whether proposed site falls within or overlaps notified boundaries of national park.

Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:20am

KP & FATA

Restoration of roads continues in Chitral, Bisham

Golen, Madak Lasht, Terich and Garam Chashma roads are yet to be opened.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:14am

KP & FATA

Body of social media influencer recovered from snow in Mansehra’s Oghi

Three other boys trapped in Shogran rescued; PHC's green bench stops all sorts of constructions in Kaghan Valley.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:07am

KP & FATA

CM Afridi vows to oppose decisions made behind ‘closed doors’

Claims conspiracies being hatched to impose governor’s rule in KP, disqualify and even assassinate him.

Updated 26 Jan, 2026 11:22am

Sindh

MQM-P urges PM Shehbaz to form inquiry committee into Gul Plaza inferno

Haider Abbas Rizvi accuses the Sindh government of 'disposing of evidence.'

Published 26 Jan, 2026 12:03am

Monday, January 26, 2026