News Archives for Latest - 2026-02-21

Football

FIFA boss Infantino’s Board of Peace appearance does not violate political neutrality, IOC says

International Olympic Committee spokesperson says FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive sport recovery investment programme in Gaza.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 10:50pm

‘Effective immediately’: Trump announces hike in US global tariff rate from 10pc to 15pc

The announcement comes a day after the US Supreme Court largely struck down his sweeping duties.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 09:58pm

Inaugural Board of Peace meeting comes under discussion during call between Dar, Azerbaijan foreign minister

Foreign Office says the two leaders have "agreed to maintain close coordination on all matters of mutual interest.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 09:12pm

Punjab

Kidnapping case registered against unidentified suspects after Canadian national reportedly goes missing in Lahore

According to the complainant, Hamza Ahmad had arrived in Pakistan on February 13 to work on his PhD thesis.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 07:45pm

Cricket

England captain Brook says a ‘shame’ if Pakistan players snubbed for Hundred competition

“Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years," Harry Brook says amid reports of players being shut out by Indian-owned franchises.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:23pm

Hong Kong to offer buy-outs for flats damaged in deadly buildings fire

Authorities will spend up to HK$6.8 billion to acquire property titles after 7 of the estate’s 8 towers suffered “irreversible” internal damage.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:44pm

Sindh

‘Integral, inseparable part of province’: Sindh Assembly passes resolution against creation of Karachi province

MQM-P MPAs oppose resolution moved by CM Murad; the resolution rejects "conspiracy aimed at the division of Sindh".

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:15pm

Pakistan, US express desire to enhance economic cooperation

Finance minister meets US commerce secretary in Washington; both sides reiterate commitment to further engagements on investments in major projects.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 05:34pm

Cricket

T20 World Cup: Suryakumar backs Abhishek’s attacking play despite three ducks

“People who are worried about Abhishek's form, I worry for them," he says.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 05:04pm

Islamabad court reissues non-bailable arrest warrant for KP CM Afridi

Judge notes KP CM has consistently ignored multiple summons in Peca case filed in November 2025.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 04:55pm

India, Brazil ink critical minerals deal as Modi, Lula meet in New Delhi

India, scouting for new suppliers, signs pact with Brazil, which has the world’s second-largest reserves of critical minerals.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 04:33pm

KP & FATA

CTD claims arrest of suspected female suicide bomber in DI Khan operation

Official statement says that the alleged suicide bomber was a close aide of neutralised militant commander Tariq Kochi.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:48pm

Middle East

US ambassador says it ‘would be fine’ if Israel takes over large swathes of Middle East

“If they end up getting attacked by all these places, and they win that war, and they take that land, OK, that’s a whole other discussion,” says Mike Huckabee.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 03:52pm

Saba Qamar says a ‘jinn’ slapped her makeup artist during a shoot for her new show Muamma

The star said the victim 'saw something' when he turned back.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 03:40pm

Islamabad court indicts former KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur in audio leaks case

Asad Farooq Khan indicted along with former chief minister; court cancels Gandapur's arrest warrants.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 03:21pm

KP & FATA

Lieutenant colonel among two army personnel martyred in Bannu suicide attack: ISPR

ISPR says “khwarij rammed the explosive-laden vehicle" into the convoy during an IBO, in which five terrorists were killed.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 06:04pm

Xbox boss Phil Spencer retires as Microsoft shakes up gaming unit

Former Instacart COO Asha Sharma, who will take over as head of Microsoft Gaming, aims to “recommit to our core Xbox fans and players”.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 04:09pm

Trump pushes US toward war with Iran as advisers urge focus on economy

Trump has ordered a huge build-up of forces in the Middle East and preparations for a potential multi-week air attack on Iran.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 02:23pm

Producer Umer Mukhtar threatens legal action against content creator Mahnoor Rahim over misconduct allegations

Hania Aamir distances herself from situation, saying we all share a responsibility to challenge harmful behaviour, support those who speak up.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 02:09pm

Punjab

JI chief terms govt participation in Trump’s Board of Peace meeting on Gaza ‘unacceptable’

Expresses scepticism over US president's statements about Hamas’s disarmament.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 04:45pm

Profit-making subsidiaries of charitable trusts liable to pay Zakat, rules LHC

Dismisses petition filed by Fauji Foundation’s educational entity challenging deduction of Zakat from its investments in National Saving Certificates.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 01:39pm

Austria turns Hitler’s home into a police station

Officers are scheduled to move in during “the second quarter of 2026” the interior ministry says.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 01:20pm

Sindh

Sindh govt reinstates DIG Pir Muhammad Shah as chief of Karachi Traffic Police

Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh relieved of additional post, notification says.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 06:10pm

The heart of Lyari lives on through the quiet strength of ammas sitting on doorsteps

Theirs are stories of resilience, strength and empowerment.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 12:50pm

KP & FATA

Youth abducted, released after filming viral cricket video of Aina Wazir in North Waziristan

The youth was safely recovered and returned home following efforts by local tribal elders through a jirga.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 05:38pm

4.5-magnitude earthquake shakes twin cities, surrounding areas

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located north of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the USGS said.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 02:20pm

Trump to travel to China next month, with US tariffs in focus

Trump's visit will be the leaders' first in-person talks since an October meeting in South Korea, where they agreed on the trade truce.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 11:38am

What’s behind Gandapur’s ‘return to form’?

With PTI’s energies devoted towards highlighting Imran Khan’s health issues, the jilted former CM’s resurfacing is being viewed with a mixture of trepidation and chagrin.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:41am

SECP moves to digitise unlisted shares

Transitioning to digital shares in book-entry form will make shareholding records secure, transparent, and tamper-proof.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 10:03am

Considering the US’ massive deployment to the Middle East just a bargaining tool is unlikely at best

The US has deployed a quarter of its airpower to the Mideast.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 09:40am

Judicial scrutiny of custodial and extrajudicial killings is the only way to ensure accountability

Punjab’s current style of policing can be described as draconian.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 09:22am

Editorial: Pakistan has taken the right decision by not committing forces to the Gaza stabilisation force

Trump told the meeting that “we will help Gaza”. So far no help has been visible.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 09:09am

International

US govt floats proposal to deter migrants from filing asylum applications

DHS will accept public comment on the measure for 60 days after it formally publishes in the Federal Register on Monday.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:29am

International

Trump to visit China next month

Administration has said tariffs were necessary because of national emergencies related to trade imbalances.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:22am

International

New study probes why chronic pain lasts longer in women

Lead author hopeful new research could open new doors to improved pain treatment.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:37am

International

Police search Andrew’s former home as royal family reels from arrest

Footage shows police back at Mountbatten-Windsor’s former Royal Lodge home on the Windsor estate.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:36am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court CJ emphasises revamping of criminal justice system

Provincial Justice Committee vows to ensure speedy delivery of justice

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:07am

KP & FATA

PTI leader, father gunned down in Swabi

Officials in Utla police station says that Farman Zeb, and his father, Jamshed Khan were on way home when they were targeted by motorcyclists.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:03am

KP & FATA

Transgender persons reluctant to get registered for free treatment in KP

Officials say health dept has announced special facilities for them.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:00am

Islamabad

Expiry of ‘New START Treaty’ marks decisive shift in global nuclear order: experts

There was a consensus among the experts that the outlook for global arms control appears bleak.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:57am

Islamabad

Two more suspects join Imran’s foreign funding probe

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in foreign funding involving the PTI founder, Siraj Ahmed of PTI, and a private bank employee, Faisal Qazi.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:52am

Islamabad

NA body raises concerns over incomplete HIV report from ministry

Members said approximately 350,000 HIV patients had been reported from Sindh and Punjab.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:49am

Punjab

Full LHC bench to hear pleas against property act

The bench is set to commence its proceedings from Feb 23.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:39am

Punjab

Forest guard killed for resisting tree cutting

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief and sorrow over the killing of the forest ranger.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:03am

Punjab

Treasury resolution points out ‘rot’ in hockey affairs

The resolution says that unless structural reforms, financial transparency and grass-root revival is prioritised, hockey risks fading further from Pakistan’s sporting identity.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:34am

Sindh

Oil spill sparks fire in bushes near railway track in Karachi

Thick smoke billowing from the site caused breathing difficulties for residents of a nearby railway colony.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:25am

Sindh

350 Gul Plaza shopkeepers to get stalls at Baradari in first phase

LG minister, Karachi mayor review temporary arrangements for displaced traders.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 10:22am

Sindh

Muttahida infighting reaches Sindh Assembly as MPA seeks protection from fellow member

MQM-P’s Shoukat Ali says he belongs to Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s group; accuses Shariq Jamal from former PSP group of threatening him.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:10am

Sport

India to target SA’s top order, says bowling coach

Morkel acknowledges South Africa have been one of the form teams of the T20 World cup so far.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:15am

Cricket

Bethell insists there’s ‘fire’ in lacklustre England

Effectively a new mini-tournament now begins, with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand to face.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Cricket

Babar, Shaheen under scrutiny as Pakistan face New Zealand test in Super Eights opener

The Super Eight stage will test NZ's adaptability, with the side having played all their group matches in India.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 11:02am

Sport

China stay king in aerials as Wang wins gold at Olympics

Wang takes top spot with a remarkable score of 132.60, out of a maximum of 150.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Business

PVARA launches ‘regulatory sandbox’

No details released until time of going to press.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Business

Ramazan inflation hits household budgets

SPI rises 5.19pc year-on-year, driven by higher food and energy prices.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Business

Board for export fund constituted

Constituted under section 5 of the Export Development Fund Act to look after administrative affairs of the EDF.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Business

Energy discount fails to impress industry

Business community claims relief lost in translation, amid fuel cost hikes.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 09:47am

Business

Profits and dividend outflows jump 26pc

Foreign investors repatriate $1.68bn during July-January.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 09:56am

Balochistan

Property dealers asked to register, pay sales tax

Real estate agents, property dealers and related service providers required to ensure payment of tax as per the prescribed rate.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Balochistan

Attack on BNP leader’s property condemned

Party vows work on missing persons, human rights "cannot be deterred".

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Balochistan

Loans announced to promote jobs for persons with disabilities in Balochistan

CM Bugti directs authorities to ensure immediate, effective implementation for tangible results.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:37am

Balochistan

Province working on climate strategy: Balochistan CM Bugti

Describes climate change as one of the most serious challenges of the present era.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:34am

Balochistan

Balochistan seeks more seats in assemblies

Provincial assembly unanimously adopts resolution for greater share in legislatures keeping vast geography in view.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

KP & FATA

FCC upholds KP sales tax on construction services

Rules provincial levy aligns with the constitutional division of powers; validates 2pc tax on contractors, developers, infrastructure projects.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:19am

Punjab

Punjab CCD claims to have ‘arrested’ crime rate

Says 19 police officers martyred; 167 personnel injured during operations; rejects HRCP report on deadly encounters.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:08am

National

Justice Mughal sworn in as AJK Chief Election Commissioner

Appointment fills constitutional office that had remained vacant for over a year.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:14am

National

Supreme Court throws out government’s delayed challenge to service tribunal order

Observes state is just like any other litigant and must comply with statutory timelines.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 08:03am

Back Page

Epstein storm jolts Europe, barely rattles US

With only one conviction in US, legislators accuse justice dept of dragging its feet.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:59am

Front Page

Furious Trump vows new 10pc levy after SC tariff ruling

Canada hails ruling, UK, Germany cautious in their response; stocks rise, Treasury yields gain after the verdict.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:39am

Cricket

Alarm over Pakistanis’ exclusion from Hundred competition

BBC, Telegraph reports say Indian-owned franchises won’t bid for Pakistani players.

Updated 21 Feb, 2026 07:50am

Front Page

PM leaves Washington with energy pledges

Officials played down expectations of major agreements, suggesting the visit was aimed more at setting a direction than producing headline deals.

Published 21 Feb, 2026 06:02am

Saturday, February 21, 2026