News Archives for Latest - 2026-02-24

Middle East

Iran FM says nuclear deal ‘within reach’ ahead of US talks

"We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests," he says.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 11:44pm

Punjab

2 policemen martyred as suicide bomber targets checkpost in Bhakkar

Bhakkar DPO says one police officer and three passersby have been injured in the incident.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 11:51pm

Afghan Taliban initiated unprovoked firing along Pak-Afghan border: PM’s spokesperson

"Pakistan’s security forces responded immediately and effectively, silencing the Taliban aggression," says Mosharraf Zaidi.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 09:09pm

Aid groups petition Israel’s top court to halt ban on Gaza, West Bank operations

The 17 petitioners argue the Israeli measures are incompatible with an occupying power's obligations under international humanitarian law.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 08:51pm

Govt amends identity card rules, introduces QR codes as legal security and verification feature

Under the changes, the suspension of CNIC’s will put on hold all linked services.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 08:44pm

KP & FATA

Ex-KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s security detail withdrawn; govt denies issuing orders

"No such decision has been taken, nor have any instructions been issued to the relevant authorities in this regard," KP CM Afridi's press secretary says.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 10:20pm

UK govt backs releasing documents tied to ‘rude’ ex-prince Andrew

Liberal Democrats party tables motion in parliament to force the government to release vetting documents on Andrew's appointment as trade envoy.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 07:50pm

KP & FATA

Police constable martyred as unidentified assailants open fire in Wana

“Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators," the district police officer says.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:14pm

South Asia

Israel’s opposition to boycott India PM Modi’s address to Knesset, Haaretz reports

The Indian prime minister will visit Israel from February 25 to 26.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 06:29pm

Apple to shift some Mac Mini production to Houston from Asia

The company is also expanding the Houston facility to include a new training center for advanced manufacturing.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 05:52pm

Australian PM Albanese evacuated from residence after security threat

“A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located," Australian Federal Police spokesperson says.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 05:35pm

Football

Paris St Germain defender Achraf Hakimi to face trial for rape

"I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly," Moroccan footballer says.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 05:34pm

Pakistan attracts 79 new foreign firms, Rs40.7bn investment in three years

Foreign participation has also expanded through equity transactions, with a total of 61 shareholding transactions involving foreign companies and local entities.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 05:11pm

Editorial: Karachi remains an inseparable part and the jewel of Sindh — but it no longer looks the part

The PPP and the MQM-P are once again engaging in their old tug of war over who ‘owns’ Karachi, using bombast to stake their claims.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 04:59pm

Senate deplores Netanyahu’s plan to forge alliances with India, others against Muslim nations

Adopts unanimous resolution; Netanyahu had listed India, Greece, Cyprus, unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries as part of planned "hexagon of alliances" against "radical axes".

Updated 25 Feb, 2026 12:32pm

KP & FATA

Unidentified attackers blow up school in South Waziristan, no casualties reported

Blast was so powerful that it was heard in distant areas; nearby residential structures also suffered minor damage.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 03:08pm

Gold falls from three-week high on profit-booking

Gold prices declined by 1.2pc to $5,167.28, ending a four-session rally as investors booked profits amidst a strengthening dollar and global market stabilization despite a Wall Street selloff.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 02:29pm

Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine dies at age 71

The actor took his own life after a prolonged struggle with bipolar disorder, his family said on Tuesday.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 02:27pm

Iranian military helicopter crashes into fruit market, 4 dead: state media

Helicopter came down in the city of Dorcheh, causing a fire that was put out by emergency services, the reports said.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 01:57pm

Cricket

T20 World Cup: How will Pakistan carry forward their bits-and-pieces campaign in the Super 8s?

There are no cheat-codes to revert to at this level of the tournament. No shortcuts or calculations. If Pakistan wants to mix things up at this level, it must make sure they subsequently match.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 01:52pm

KP & FATA

DSP among 6 police personnel martyred in Kohat terrorist attack

Additional police contingents dispatched to the incident site, search operation launched by security forces.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:18pm

Zahra Mansoor’s solo show grapples with the nature of intimacy and unresolved relationships

Its name — 'Fanaa is the Eclipse' — complements the enigmatic quality of her work.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 01:11pm

KP & FATA

Kohat DPO says teams formed to arrest female doctor’s killer after murder sparks outrage

Colleagues protest Dr Mehwish's murder outside hospital.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 12:58pm

North Korea ruling party promotes Kim Jong Un’s younger sister

Kim Yo Jong's tone has softened somewhat since South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung became president.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 12:54pm

Oil rises to near seven-month highs on US-Iran tensions

Iran and the US are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said. The US wants Iran to give up its nuclear programme, but Iran has adamantly refused, and denied that it is trying to develop an atomic weapon.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 12:52pm

UK police release ex-envoy Peter Mandelson on bail in Epstein case

UK government to release tens of thousands of emails, messages and documents on Mandelson’s vetting procedure.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 12:35pm

PM Shehbaz meets Qatar’s emir, says both countries to work together for regional peace and stability

According to an official statement, PM Shehbaz reiterated his invitation for the Qatari emir to undertake a visit to Pakistan, which was “happily accepted”; visit to take place later this year.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 11:23pm

Have you heard the new PSL team names, because X has and it’s shocked

The Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen? The Pindiz? The Sialkot Stallionz? What is going on?

Published 24 Feb, 2026 12:11pm

Branded Content

Gold Box rings in festivities with amazing surprises to celebrate Eid this year

During the campaign, first the users with cumulative purchase spending reaching Rs3,600,000, will automatically qualify for the lucky draw.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 11:42am

Experts highlight risks of miscalculation amid talks of limited strike on Iran

The discussion comes amid a major US force buildup in the region and conflicting signals about Washington’s goals.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 11:41am

PTI objects to ‘secrecy’ after Imran Khan undergoes follow-up treatment for eye ailment at Pims

Doctor terms ex-PM “clinically stable”; law minister says process carried out at night due to "security, operational considerations"; sisters again head to Adiala.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 09:00pm

BAFTA slur sparks storm as BBC faces questions over what it aired — and what it cut

The network chose to let the slur air unfiltered but edited out 'Free Palestine'.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 11:20am

The 2026 Met Gala’s dress code is ‘Fashion is Art’

Take from that what you will.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 11:19am

Bloodbath continues as KSE-100 sheds over 1,400 points on Tuesday

Despite recent sharp falls, experts classify the KSE-100's current state as a correction, not a bear market.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 03:38pm

7 killed in air ambulance crash in India’s Jharkhand state

Team from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau dispatched to investigate cause, regulator says.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 01:00pm

What is behind Trump’s anxiety about Iran’s refusal to surrender to his bullying?

Trump and Witkoff should be able to understand Iran by simply reading about the life of American peace activist Rachel Corrie.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 09:33am

Has Basant been undone by Punjab’s purchase of the plane?

Much of the Basant goodwill has been squandered by news of an unnecessary expense.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 09:22am

Editorial: In the long term, the escalation of hostilities is in the interest of neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan

No state believes the Taliban when they say they do not host terrorist groups.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 09:03am

First Women bank to be acquired by Eve Holdings after CCP approval

Upon completion of the transaction, Eve Holdings will assume full ownership and control of the bank.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 07:50am

IHC ex-Justice Tariq Jahangiri’s appointment annulled

116-page judgement declares his law degree invalid; IHC rules appointment was "without lawful authority" and a "legal nullity".

Published 24 Feb, 2026 07:36am

Column

Eye for an eye

Every body part is important, but few are as important as an eye.

Updated 25 Feb, 2026 12:00am

Business

Nepra urges completion of key NGC projects

Says around Rs80bn of electricity could not be transmitted in FY25 due to line tripping alone and higher system losses

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:25am

Business

FBR chief’s accountability sought in cigarette theft case

The committee expressed strong displeasure at the FBR chairman’s absence and emphasised that his presence at the next meeting is mandatory.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:36am

Business

Trade gap widens 42pc with nine countries to $9bn

The widening gap reflects a fall in Pakistan’s exports to regional markets, driven largely by reduced shipments to China, followed by Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:31am

Business

OGDCL quarterly profit slumps to Rs35bn

Forced gas field closures, lower global prices hit Pakistan’s top oil and gas producer.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:54am

Sindh

CM Sindh asks mayor to complete two key underpasses in a month

Rs38.83bn allocated for Karachi, Rs13.15bn spent so far during current financial year, Murad told.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:48am

Sindh

Judicial Commission rejects MQM-P plea to join Gul Plaza probe as intervener

Justice Agha Faisal rules commission’s ToRs do not permit intervention; advises Muttahida to submit their information via email.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:41am

Sindh

Lyari resident bitten by stray dog becomes year’s fifth rabies victim

Medical experts once again urged the public to seek immediate medical care after any animal bite.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 06:54am

Sindh

No relief for consumers as official efforts fail, food prices soar in Karachi

Fruits, vegetables and meat are being sold at prices set by vendors at their own whims; officials auction items confiscated from vendors as a penalty.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:33am

Front Page

Rising mercury to heighten melting, Glof risk up north

PMD’s outlook for February-April 2026 indicates a high probability of above-normal temperatures over northern Pakistan.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:45am

Front Page

Govt seeks opposition buy-in for fresh ‘democracy pact’

Offer was made by PML-N Senator Rana Sanaullah in his Senate address, while responding to a speech by Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 12:34pm

Back Page

Amid warming ties, Bengalis in Pakistan plan family reunions

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh finally resumed last month after a 14-year pause.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:04am

Back Page

Trump warns countries against ‘playing games’ with tariffs

China urges US to cancel unilateral measures, warning that "there are no winners in a trade war".

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:01am

Back Page

US threat fails to deter Iraq’s Maliki from vying for premiership

Says no external power has right to dictate who Iraqis can vote for.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:56am

Back Page

Global security order shifting rapidly, UN chief warns

Notes human rights are under a "full-scale attack" worldwide; highlights blatant violations in occupied Palestinian territory.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 07:53am

Balochistan

Two Afghan women among eight killed in Panjgur shootings

Officials say both vehicles were carrying Afghan nationals who illegally entered Pakistan.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 06:54am

Balochistan

Balochistan lawmakers raise alarm over low gas, power issues

Urge Balochistan PA speaker to summon SSGC officials without delay.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:38am

National

AJK to launch 5G from March 10, PM Rathore says

Says trial operations to begin shortly, for which a policy letter has already been issued.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:42am

National

IHC larger bench rules CJ is ‘sole master of roster’

Recalls July 2025 order in Aafia case by a forum, which was "not legally constituted".

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:27am

National

Imran receives follow-up eye treatment at PIMS

Pims doctor says ex-premier is “clinically stable”.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 10:04am

Cricket

NZ can ride wave of support as India’s ‘second favourite team’

“Hopefully we could turn the sea of blue that we’re used to when we play against India into some black shirts as well.” says Mitchell.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 09:43am

Cricket

South Africa announce eight home Tests for 2026-27

South Africa are currently in third place in the standings after sharing a series 1-1 in Pakistan and beating India 2-0 in India.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 06:44am

Cricket

Sahibzada hopes Pakistan players will feature in The Hundred

ECB asks franchises to be wary of discrimination.

Published 24 Feb, 2026 06:44am

International

Trump is either a ‘traitor’ or ‘exceptional’ leader, says Walesa

“If the United States enters the game, it’s nuclear war,” he says.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:18am

International

Blizzard pummels US northeast, disturbing flights and road network

Delaware, New England states receive 12 to 18 inches of snow; Emergency declared in Massachusetts.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:11am

International

Israeli settlers attack mosque in West Bank

The ministry notes an increase in attacks on mosques in the West Bank, totalling 45 in 2025.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:40am

International

Jetten sworn in as youngest-ever Dutch PM

Jetten’s D66 has teamed up with the centre-right CDA party and the liberal VVD to form a coalition, but will fall nine seats short of a parliamentary majority with only 66 seats.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:14am

International

Duterte was ‘pivotal’ in murder of thousands, say ICC prosecutors

The prosecutors at the Hague-based war crimes court have charged Duterte with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:07am

International

US says China ‘massively expanded’ nuclear arsenal

Risk of ‘escalation’ if Iran attacked: deputy foreign minister.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 08:00am

Punjab

Ichhra’s Jeweller sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand

The fraud surfaced in the second week of December 2025 when several jewellers of Latif Centre came to know that Waseem had disappeared suddenly with 20kg gold.

Updated 24 Feb, 2026 09:02am

Punjab