News Archives for Latest - 2026-02-20

UN liquidity crisis undermining peacekeeping operations, warns Pakistan

Pakistan's UN envoy says cash shortfall is "affecting mandate delivery, deterrence against violence and the overall effectiveness of missions in the field”.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 11:34pm

Imran to be taken to hospital two more times, will be administered injection on Feb 25: minister

Claims the government had invited Barrister Gohar in connection with Imran’s treatment and examination, but his “party did not allow him to go”.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 11:40pm

Cricket

Australia end dismal T20 World Cup by thrashing Oman

Captain Mitchell Marsh crashes a belligerent 64 off 33 balls, leading his team to a 9-wicket romp past Oman.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:53pm

Over 31m births registered with UCs yet to be added to Nadra’s central database, says report

Nadra’s system contains facial records of 170m people, iris data of 7m individuals and 1.68bn fingerprints, according to annual performance report submitted to interior ministry.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:47pm

Cricket

Babar moved down the order in T20 World Cup game against Namibia for scoring too slowly, says Mike Hesson

“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that's clearly not the role we think we need,” the head coach says.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:34pm

Yango says AI-powered routing system saved commuters in Pakistan 0.8m hours in 2025

Company says commuters save more than five million hours in 2025 across over 20 cities where the company leads its operations.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 08:26pm

KP & FATA

5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts parts of country: PMD

Tremors felt in Shangla, Swat, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera; PMD says quake's epicentre located in Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:16pm

Pakistan to tour Bangladesh next month for a 3-match ODI series

Green Shirts will arrive in Bangladesh on March 9 and play their first match on March 11.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 07:47pm

Middle East

Trump says ‘considering’ strike on Iran as Tehran says draft deal to be ready in next ‘two, three days’

“The most I can say — I am considering it," Trump says when asked whether he is contemplating a limited military strike; USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier seen entering the Mediterranean Sea.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 11:44pm

SC stays trial of PM Shehbaz’s Rs10bn defamation suit against Imran

The 2017 suit says Imran wrongly accused PM Shehbaz of offering Rs10bn to him through a common friend in exchange for withdrawing the Panama Papers case.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:51pm

PTI assails PM Shehbaz for attending BoP meeting, reiterates objection to joining without consultation

Says PM Shehbaz made statements "that compromise Pakistan’s dignity, independent foreign policy and historically principled stance on oppressed peoples".

Published 20 Feb, 2026 07:05pm

Punjab

Punjab issues list of proscribed organisations, warns citizens against giving charity to these entities

Home department says charitable organisations must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:44pm

Sindh

One arrested after 15 killed in building collapse triggered by gas explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar

According to police, the suspect had rented out the building to the victims; FIR registered on the complaint of a sub-inspector.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:11pm

Pakistan cannot become a progressive, citizen-friendly state without eliminating preventable deaths and diseases

Why must we continue to leave our poorest and most vulnerable children and adults exposed to life-threatening dangers such as dog-bites, rabies, and polio while the rest of us live in comfort and safety?

Published 20 Feb, 2026 04:10pm

Punjab

Punjab govt tells public school teachers to don black gowns during work hours

Says “well-defined dress code” would enhance respect for teachers; official from Punjab Teachers Union says teachers at primary, middle and high school levels cannot afford the additional expense.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:59pm

Editorial: Journalism cannot survive without access to truth

It would be much more convenient for journalists to adhere to these principles if their jobs were not needlessly complicated by uncooperative government officials and bureaucrats.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:35pm

South Asia

US negotiating with India on Venezuelan oil sale, US envoy says

A final trade deal with India will be signed “sooner than later” as a “few tweaking points” are required, says US Envoy Sergio Gor.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:26pm

BBC on alert for political messages, swearing during upcoming BAFTA Awards

The broadcaster is under increased pressure after chants of 'Death to the IDF' erupted during a stream of the Glastonbury Festival.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:20pm

Policy efforts taken by Pakistan under EFF helped ‘stabilise economy, rebuild confidence’: IMF

Notes that fiscal performance has been "strong" and headline inflation "relatively contained".

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:11pm

PPP’s Raza Rabbani calls for placing pact with US for redeveloping Roosevelt Hotel before Parliament

Says PPP should move a private members’ bill, wherein all foreign agreements, once signed, would need ratification in Parliament.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 03:02pm

Hockey

Interim PHF president lifts ban on hockey team captain amid Pro League controversy

Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, who previously served as secretary inter-provincial coordination, vows to “revive and strengthen the country’s national game”.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 02:44pm

Review: Starfleet Academy boldly goes where no Trek should — into Archies territory

Eight hundred years on, the show imagines advanced technology but can’t quite imagine evolved storytelling.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 02:18pm

You can now audition for Pakistan’s Got Talent

The show is set to join a heavy lineup of reality competition shows coming to Pakistani screens.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 01:57pm

Zimbabwe surprise as T20 World Cup Super Eights begin without Australia

India, the world number one-ranked T20 side, are hot favourite to retain their crown on home soil.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 01:14pm

In pictures: Ramazan traditions from around the Muslim world

Mosques resonate with the nightly Taraweeh prayers, and charitable initiatives reach their peak as believers support those in need.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 01:00pm

Why don’t you get to see any cool Pakistani indie films?

You keep reading articles about these interesting films, but there's no way for you to watch them. Here's why.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 12:56pm

Incarcerated PTI leaders call for halt of protest activities during Ramazan

The government should stop politicising the health of the PTI founder, says letter by jailed leaders.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 12:41pm

‘You are almost perfect’: Ushna Shah pens open letter to Maryam Nawaz on rising animal cruelty in Punjab

The actor acknowledges governance improvements, but flags a lack of visible action on cruelty cases.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 12:28pm

Top Featured

Pakistan’s energy sector isn’t broken by chance. It’s broken by design

The energy crisis, at its core, is a governance failure: persistent, predictable, and entirely fixable if there’s political will to prioritise long-term functionality over short-term optics.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 02:19pm

Tarar says Pakistan earned ‘great recognition and honour’ at Board of Peace meeting

Information minister says praise had raised Pakistan’s stature and that the country had “emerged as an important player on the global stage”.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 11:49am

Sarmad Khoosat’s Lali premieres at Berlinale, turning Berlin into a celebration of Pakistani cinema

Lali marked a historic milestone as the first fully Pakistani feature film to premiere at the festival.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 11:20am

Cricket

Australia coach defends World Cup planning, puts blame on players

McDonald dismisses criticism that Australia had not prioritised the tournament.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 10:53am

King Charles’ brother Andrew released after arrest over misconduct relating to Epstein

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles said in a statement.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:51am

Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor, dies at 53

His family revealed that he suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:30am

The weak attendance of legislators in Parliament is a reflection of the ground realities of our governance and culture

Pakistan’s parliament is not the only one which faces issues of low attendance.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:14am

Things will normalise regarding Imran’s health, but whether they will normalise politically is the billion-dollar question

Treatment lies in the treatment of the cause.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:08am

Alien files incoming: Trump orders government release of UFO records

Trump accused former President Barack Obama of improperly disclosing classified information when discussing aliens publicly.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 09:00am

Editorial: Pakistan should defend itself against terrorism, but a military campaign against Kabul may not have favourable results

While the problem is clear, the solution is not that straightforward.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 08:55am

PM Shehbaz meets Rubio after Board of Peace summit in Washington

US secretary of state thanks Pakistan for supporting Trump’s Gaza peace plan; PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's readiness to work with Board of peace.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:11pm

International

US threatens to leave IEA on ‘net zero agenda’

US energy secretary says “0.0 percent chance” that net zero will be achieved.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:35am

International

UN probe finds ‘hallmarks of genocide’ in Sudan

Since April 2023, the conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has killed tens of thousands and forced 11 million people to flee their homes.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:29am

International

Trump admin expands ICE authority to detain refugees

Judge throws out immigration board’s ruling endorsing president’s mass detention policy.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:18am

International

UN says Israeli actions raise ‘ethnic cleansing’ fears in West Bank, Gaza

Any use of starvation of civilians as a method of war constitutes a war crime, report says.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:07am

KP & FATA

Dialogue with Kabul must to address security issues: Kundi

He emphasises that border security, trade and regional economic issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan require a balanced strategy that ensures security.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 09:06am

KP & FATA

KP CM announces zero tolerance for negligence in governance roadmap

Asks departments to immediately initiate budget process.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 09:22am

KP & FATA

Three injured in quadcopter strike on Tank checkpost

Unidentified assailants carried out an explosion at an army checkpost established at the site of the old customs pump says police sources.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Islamabad

Govt to provide Rs10,000 aid to 15,000 families in Rawalpindi

“As many as 3,601 cards were disbursed in Rawalpindi, 5,728 in Gujar Khan, 1,812 in Kahuta, 1,790 in Kallar Syedan and 845 in Taxila,” says deputy commissioner.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:52am

Islamabad

AJK premier asks police to ensure law, order during Ramazan

Faisal Mumtaz assures the police chief of the government’s full cooperation in ensuring the protection of life and property of citizens and upholding the rule of law.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Islamabad

Pindi traders defy official rates, fleece consumers as Ramazan begins

Apart from pulses and meat, prices of fruits witness significant increase; retailers say prices fixed by district admin unrealistic.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:44am

Punjab

Eight injured by pack of rabid dogs in Bahawalpur

Villagers alleges that while millions of rupees have been released to tehsil and union councils for stray dog elimination, there is little evidence of this work on the ground.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 09:10am

Punjab

Punjab: DCs asked to monitor fruit market auction, surveillance staff

Special Branch identifies 607 suspected hoarders; CS solicits daily report on price control from commissioners.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:56am

Punjab

Four die, six injured in truck, van collision in Narowal

According to the rescuers, the condition of two of the injured persons is said to be critical.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 09:01am

Sindh

One track of Jahangir Road to be opened before Eid: mayor

Inspects ongoing uplift schemes in visit to city areas.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Sindh

Judicial Commission summons top KMC official with Gul Plaza land record

Director-land fails to answer Justice Agha Faisal’s questions about status and lease of shopping mall.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Sindh

Four garbage transfer stations, landfill to be ready by August, CM Sindh told

Murad Ali Shah says sweep was central to the vision of making Karachi a cleaner, greener and more liveable city.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:36am

Cricket

‘Devastated’ Australia look to avoid Oman upset after exit

Australia failed to make the second phase for only the second time in the event’s history after defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 09:15am

Sport

Ning claims China’s first speed skating gold at Winter Olympics

Ning clocked 1:41.98 to edge out American Jordan Stolz, who took silver, and Dutchman Kjeld Nuis, who secured bronze.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Football

Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Gordon hits four in Newcastle Champions League romp

The club from north of the Arctic Circle were therefore not afraid of the current Serie A leaders and went in front on 20 minutes through Sondre Brunstad Fet.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Sindh

OGDCL makes discovery in Sindh

Pipeline laying is currently underway to connect the well to the KPD-TAY processing plant.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:50am

Business

SBP reserves rise to $16.19bn

Inflows through Roshan Digital Account surpass $12bn, SBP says.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:42am

Business

5G auction in GB, AJK to follow national rollout

PTA has written to GB Council, AJK Council, and IT Ministry to initiate groundwork for regulatory framework in both regions.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:32am

Business

Food exports hit steep decline as imports surge

Steepest decline recorded in rice exports, including both basmati and non-basmati varieties.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:37am

Business

PSX plunges record 6,683 points on geopolitical fears

Benchmark index posts steepest single-day fall in history; Rs713bn wiped off market capitalisation on first day of Ramazan.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:53am

Balochistan

LPG bowser explosion kills two in Taftan

Initial reports suggested that the fire broke out while gas was being transferred from a bowser arriving from Iran to another bowser at the plant.

Published 20 Feb, 2026 06:49am

Balochistan

CM Bugti approves 46 new SDPOs

He emphasises that the government will extend full support to enhance police capacity.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:20am

Balochistan

Efforts underway to tackle female student dropouts, says Balochistan minister

The minister’s remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Working Group Secretariat, Balochistan.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:15am

National

SC commences hearing appeals of ‘Chotu gang’ members

The appellants were convicted of killing six police officials and taking several others hostage during an operation launched by police on April 13, 2016.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:07am

National

Appeal seeking to prove marriage with niece rejected

SC bench disapproves of using judicial proceedings as instrument of coercion, harassment; imposes Rs1m in costs.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 07:55am

National

Railways facing huge sustainability gap, NA committee told

The secretary of parliamentary affairs briefes the committee on the status of complaints received about Pakistan Railways pensioners to the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit.

Updated 20 Feb, 2026 08:01am

National