News Archives for Latest - 2026-02-22

Hamas official says group in final stage of choosing new chief

Group recently completes formation of a new Shura Council of more than 80 members, as well as a new 18-member political bureau.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 11:46pm

In pictures: Pakistanis embrace quiet moments of prayer, sehri and iftar during Ramazan

Communal iftars highlight a month centred on humility, generosity and spiritual renewal.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 11:19pm

Cricket

South Africa thrash India to end 12-match T20 World Cup win streak

Proteas crush the hosts with a 76-run victory in Ahmedabad as Marco Jansen takes four wickets.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 11:58pm

588 arrested as crackdown against beggars continues in Islamabad

Police take legal actions against the facilitators and contractors, including parents who hand over their children to criminal elements for begging.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 11:23pm

Iran agreed secret shoulder-fired missile deal with Russia, report claims

Deal commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable “Verba” launch units and 2,500 “9M336” missiles over three years.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 10:09pm

KP & FATA

Firing during taraweeh prayers in KP’s Charsadda kills 4, injures several: police

According to local sources, the firing occurred during prayers at the Aldadkhel Mosque in the Battagram area of Shabqadar tehsil.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 11:03pm

Israel disqualifies its own bobsleigh team over false statements to officials: report

The team was prevented from taking part in today’s competition after one athlete provided false information to officials to let teammate Ward Fawarseh compete in his place.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 09:13pm

Claim about Pakistan paying interest on external loans of up to 8pc is ‘misleading’: finance ministry

Says public external debt interest outflows increased from $1.99 billion in 2022 to $3.59bn in 2025, representing an increase of 80.4pc, not 84pc.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 08:15pm

US Secret Service says shot dead man trying to access Trump Florida estate

Officials say that President Trump was not there at the time of the incident.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:00pm

TTAP slams govt for ‘flawed’ policies, warns of ‘irreversible damage’

Opposition alliance accuses govt of failing on the economic front and making poor governance decisions.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 07:55pm

KP & FATA

CTD Bannu foils militant attack as detained commander killed during exchange of fire

The CTD team’s armoured personnel carrier was also hit, but no personnel were injured, according to a statement.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 07:13pm

Nadra to issue CNICs for first-time registrants without birth certificate

The authority says it is a time-bound facility and is valid only until December 31, 2026.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 05:44pm

Sindh

MQM-P terms resolution passed by Sindh Assembly against any new province ‘unconstitutional’

“This [resolution] challenged Pakistan, its Constitution, its law and its state,” Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui says.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 06:51pm

Andrew’s arrest hands King Charles fresh royal crisis

Royal historian Andrew Lownie says it is “a crunch point” for the monarchy.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 04:16pm

Sindh

Suspension of 5 cops ordered over man’s ‘custodial torture’ at Karachi’s Sharifabad police station

Initial probe finds 4 personnel of Sindh Police’s Shaheen Force and a sentry of Sharifabad police station involved in the incident.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 03:42pm

Cricket

England rout Sri Lanka for 95 to win Super Eights opener

Dasun Shanaka fights a lone battle for Sri Lanka, scoring 30 off 24, as English bowler Will Jacks takes three wickets.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 06:26pm

Middle East

US envoy Steve Witkoff says Trump questioning why Iran has not ‘capitulated’

"He’s curious as to why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated’, but why they haven’t capitulated,” Witkoff says in interview with Trump's daughter-in-law.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 02:36pm

Sindh

Imran’s release in his own hands, dependent on PTI’s attitude: Sharjeel Memon

Memon advises the party to “improve their language and choice of words”.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 01:52pm

AI agent invasion has people trying to pick winners in new ‘tech disruption’

Makers of leading AI models have embraced “agentic” capabilities that provide software assistants capable of independently tending to tasks.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 01:56pm

Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi calls for inclusion of US Muslims during Ramazan

"Muslims also have the right to speak about our faith and values, and every community feels represented here,” she says at Iftar hosted in US capital.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 12:40pm

UAE foils cyberattacks targeting country’s digital infrastructure, vital sectors: local media

WAM reports that cyberattacks of a “terrorist nature” aimed to “destabilise the nation and disrupt essential services".

Published 22 Feb, 2026 12:05pm

Cricket

Captain Brook says England ready against Sri Lanka for T20 World Cup clash amid rain disruption threat

Unseasonal rain in Sri Lanka during the past few days means Sunday’s crucial match in Pallekele could be reduced to as few as five overs per side.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 11:15am

Govt borrowing increases 5 times in first seven months of FY26

Raises Rs1.9tr from banks in 7MFY26, leaves little room for private sector.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 10:16am

Pakistan often becomes confused about which geostrategic direction to take in Mideast, as with ISF now

There is a perception that, more than a backlash from the masses over unpopular decisions, the establishment is apprehensive of the historical factor.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 10:08am

Smokers’ corner: The problem with ‘tactical entryism’

From Pakistan in 1977 to Bangladesh in 2026, when loosely organised reformists align with disciplined Islamist forces, the ‘revolution’ rarely ends as they imagine.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 09:57am

Editorial: To think that any US military action against Iran would be ‘limited’ is delusional

With his huge build-up of forces around Iran, and frequent threats targeted at the Islamic Republic, the US president has created a very difficult situation for himself.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 09:48am

Balochistan

3 found shot dead in different parts of Balochistan’s Surab and Panjgur districts

Two of the deceased identified as Taimoor and Ghulam Murtaza, both residents of Marap.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 09:21am

Sindh

Teenage boy killed, 4 injured after explosion causes fire at residential building in Karachi’s North Nazimabad

Officials say exact cause of explosion yet to be ascertained; could be gas-related.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 02:53pm

President Zardari’s recent outburst against Imran raises eyebrows in political circles

South Punjab’s visit sparks speculations of early polls

Published 22 Feb, 2026 08:33am

Nikhil Gupta’s guilty plea vindicates Pakistan’s stance on Indian-sponsorship of terrorism

Observers say conviction confirms Indian plot to kill Sikh activist, but it does not resolve broader diplomatic questions of "state responsibility".

Published 22 Feb, 2026 08:19am

Middle East

Pakistan, 13 other nations condemn US envoy’s remarks supporting Israeli expansion in Middle East

Countries express "profound concern" over Huckabee suggesting that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 01:34pm

Front Page

Supreme Court rules against CNICs blocking in civil debt cases

Opposes "muscular" approach to debt recovery; calls blocking ID cards as unreasonable as cutting off water or electricity.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 07:02am

Front Page

PM Shehbaz returns to London after Board of Peace moot

Sources say he would remain in London for two days before leaving for Pakistan.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 07:25am

Column

A peek into Trump’s Iran mindset

Iranian planners know they can’t win a war against the US. But they say they plan to inflict a heavy cost on the US for any unilateral aggression.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:14am

KP & FATA

KP CM claims significant increase in province’s forest cover

Launches spring tree plantation drive.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:50am

KP & FATA

Ban on placer gold mining along Indus, Kabul rivers in KP extended

Officials vow not to spare ban violators.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:47am

KP & FATA

Medical teaching institutions outside Peshawar call for better govt funding to improve patient care

Official complains no extra money received in seven years to buy equipment, make recruitment.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:40am

Islamabad

‘Junior’ PSP officer’s posting as Azad Kashmir IGP stirs seniority debate

Top police officers claim they had “longer service records, higher academic credentials, and broader national and international exposure".

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:46am

Islamabad

Pindi administration, butchers agree to stabilise meat prices during Ramazan

Office-bearers of the butchers’ association say main reason for recent increase in prices is the growing export of meat.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:45am

Islamabad

Over 400 trees relocated to make way for underpasses on Rawalpindi’s Peshawar Road

715 shrubs and 74 dead trees also removed; RCB pledges to plant 10 trees for each dead one.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:53am

Punjab

Elderly man in Sargodha getting death threats found murdered

Separately, police team was allegedly attacked during a raid to arrest a fugitive.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:36am

Punjab

13 dacoits surrender in Dera Ghazi Khan

Appeal Punjab government to play a role in transforming their future generations into peaceful citizens.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:39am

Punjab

LHC upholds Public Procurement Regulatory Authority’s supervisory role

Finding no jurisdictional infirmity or legal perversity in the PPRA’s order, the judge dismisses petition as being devoid of merit.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:42am

Sindh

Strict implementation of alternative traffic plan along Karachi’s Red Line route ordered

Decision made at a high-level meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department, chaired by Sharjeel Memon.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:35am

Sindh

Sindh High Court rules contract workers at establishments can’t be deprived of their rights

Dismisses pleas of SBP against NIRC’s decisions of reinstating a terminated employee.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:32am

Sindh

Judicial commission asks six survivors of Gul Plaza fire to testify

Appearance before the commission required on Feb 25.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:29am

International

US tariff relief comes with a sting in the tail for Europe

European trade groups, companies and analysts worry that the ruling may make trade relations even more messy after hard-struck trade deals last year.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:25am

International

Cubans leaving Venezuela under US pressure

One source close to Venezuela’s ruling party says the Cubans were departing on the orders of Rodriguez due to US pressure.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:23am

International

Three drown as migrant boat capsizes off Greek island

Search for survivors continues with four patrol boats, an aircraft, and two ships from the European border agency Frontex.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:19am

Cricket

Handling pressure key in high-profile India clash in T20 World Cup, says South Africa’s De Kock

The two unbeaten teams are familiar foes and both came through their T20 World Cup groups with perfect four-out-of-four records ahead of the clash in Ahmedabad.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 12:32pm

Football

Chelsea, Villa held in blow to Champions League hopes

The Blues climb into the Premier League’s top four only on goal difference after they paid for failing to build on Joao Pedro’s fourth-minute opener.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:44am

Business

Stocks slide below 174,000 mark in volatile week

Foreign selling and geopolitical strains weigh on sentiment.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:44am

Business

5G mobile devices to hit Pakistani market soon

Govt finalises policy as spectrum auction scheduled for March 10.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:28am

Business

OICCI seeks to break ‘tax paradox’

In a special report, chamber describes Pakistan’s tax system as one characterised by a narrow tax base and high tax rates.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:25am

Business

Non-textile exports dip 17pc in July-January

Proceeds slump to $7.3bn on poor agriculture sector performance.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 10:18am

Business

Jura Energy faces regulatory scrutiny

Ministry of Energy has initiated proceedings against Jura Energy Corporation for allegedly failing to comply with Pakistani laws.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:44am

Business

Wheat procurement price fixed at Rs3,500

Food minister says coordinated federal-provincial efforts will continue to ensure stable wheat availability.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:44am

Balochistan

‘Mother tongue preserves nation’s identity’: Balochistan governor

Jaffar Khan Mandokhail lauds Unesco initiative aimed at enhancing multilingual education and harnessing youth potential.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:26am

Balochistan

Strict security for Taraweeh ordered across Balochistan

Given the law and order situation and large prayer gatherings during Taraweeh, IGP Tahir urges officers to stay vigilant.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:24am

Balochistan

Earthquake shakes Balochistan’s Kalat

Tremor struck at around 4:42pm, prompting people to rush into open spaces; no loss of life or property damage reported.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:17am

National

Asian Development Bank to support AI adoption in Pakistan’s health sector

Bank’s project to assess AI applications in health promotion, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:11am

KP & FATA

Denial of personal doctors to Imran ‘unconstitutional’: KP CM

Claims peaceful five-day sit-in mishandled; warns continued refusal poses risks for govt and country.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:00am

National

Ministers from different parties vow efforts against terrorism

Mohsin Naqvi meets with federal ministers representing three political parties; detailed discussions were held on the overall national situation.

Published 22 Feb, 2026 06:44am

National

Pakistan warns UN liquidity crisis threatens peace

Highlights its major peace mission role; opposes adding new permanent members to Security Council, calling it contrary to sovereign equality.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 08:57am

Punjab

24 PTI workers charged with blocking road, hurling threats in Gujrat

Case lodged under sections 506, 436, 341, 290, 291, 147 and 149 of PPC.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 09:29am

South Asia

Global summit calls for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust AI’

Experts criticise declaration for containing voluntary, non-binding initiatives instead of concrete pledges.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 08:24am

Middle East

Iran demands evidence amid US claims of tens of thousands of deaths

Trump tells reporters 32,000 killed during last month’s nationwide protests; UN expert puts toll at 20,000.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 07:58am

Over 80 terrorists killed as armed forces strike 7 camps along Pakistan-Afghanistan border

Strikes occur in response to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan; Info ministry announces "intelligence-based selective targeting" of camps and hideouts belonging to TTP and ISKP.

Updated 22 Feb, 2026 11:01pm

Sunday, February 22, 2026