News Archives for Latest - 2026-02-28

PM chairs meeting on overall security situation in country, directs authorities to ensure strict measures

Directs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe repatriation of Pakistanis in Iran.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 11:30pm

Sindh

Police issue public safety advisory as Karachi placed on high alert amid Pak-Afghan tensions

"Karachi has been placed on high alert following increased military tensions between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban forces near the Pak-Afghan border," advisory says.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:52pm

Shoaib Malik denies rumours of fourth marriage, threatens legal action against ‘misinformation’

The former cricketer says he is responding because his son is old enough to read the gossip.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 08:37pm

Fact check: Viral videos do not show Afghan rocket strikes on Pakistani military installations; visuals are old

Videos have been circulating on social media, claiming to show Afghan rocket strikes targeting Pakistani military installations.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 07:57pm

UK man charged with criminal damage after pro-Palestinian graffiti on Churchill statue

The words “free Palestine” and “stop the genocide” were among the words sprayed on the statue.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:57pm

Information ministry rubbishes claim about Pakistani jet being shot down in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar

"The claim was widely amplified by Indian media and Afghan propaganda outlets,” it says.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:14pm

Pakistan regrets outbreak of hostilities in Middle East

Urges all sides to refrain from actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other countries; PM Shehbaz speaks to Saudi crown prince, UAE president.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:17pm

Middle East

‘Bombing a sovereign country is not preemptive’: Politicians, analysts react as US and Israel strike Iran

Latest US aggression will have serious consequences for Pakistan and the entire region, says analyst Zahid Hussain.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 06:15pm

World holds breath as US, Israel strike Iran

US President Donald Trump vowed that the strikes would cripple Iran’s military and urged Iranians to rise up against the Islamic republic.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 03:23pm

PTA urges citizens to avoid sharing ‘unverified, inflammatory’ information amid heightened geopolitical tensions

“In view of the prevailing sensitive national situation, PTA urges all citizens to be responsible while using social media and digital platforms,” PTA says.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 03:15pm

Top Featured

Misinformation and memes run amok amidst Pak-Afghan conflict

In times of war, misinformation distorts reality, and mockery distorts humanity. Together, they deepen divisions.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 01:42pm

Romance adaptations get a makeover with Heated Rivalry

The worst mistake an adaptation of a romance can make is being ashamed of where it came from.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 01:08pm

When life gives you lemons — and limes — use these recipes to make the most of them

Use your lemons to make a refreshing drink, a syrup or long-lasting pickles.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 01:00pm

Muamma and our discomfort with a grey woman

Pakistani TV loves its women in extremes, which is why it's difficult to reconcile a woman who refuses to remain a victim.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 12:18pm

English band Radiohead has some choice words for ICE over unauthorised use of their song

They're demanding that the US agency's social media account remove a video using their song 'Let Down'.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 12:16pm

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 10/11

Timings for today’s Iftar and the next Sehri for Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 11:30am

Middle East

Trump says frustrated with Iran, but mediator sees ‘breakthrough’

"They cannot have nuclear weapons, and we’re not thrilled with the way they’re negotiating,” Trump tells reporters.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 11:15am

Trump directs US agencies to toss Anthropic’s AI as Pentagon calls startup a supply risk

CEO Sam Altman says the Pentagon shared its principles for human responsibility over weapon systems and for having no mass US surveillance.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 10:58am

Punjab

Rape suspect’s ‘pistol goes off’ in his trousers in Vehari

Police say suspect had allegedly raped a five-year-old girl when she was coming back to her home after purchasing candies.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:57am

Despite challenges, freedom for women remains worthwhile in Syria

As Syria endures revolutionary pangs, the undaunted women of the SWPM are working to ensure that Syrian women will claim a place in their unwritten future.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:38am

The next budget must serve as a bridge between stabilisation and sustainable growth

It should signal that Pakistan is preparing to graduate from stabilisation under IMF supervision to self-sustaining growth.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:29am

Govt flags geopolitical, commodity risks despite improving growth outlook

Finance ministry cites uncertainty, commodity price volatility; projects inflation at 6-7pc in February.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:24am

Editorial: Faced with an unrelenting wave of terrorism, Pakistan had little choice but to take military action

The need is for an immediate ceasefire and substantive negotiations, with the onus on the Taliban to rein in cross-border attacks.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 09:24am

Pakistan’s Afghan policy has seemingly entered a decisive phase. But is there a long-term strategy?

A combination of factors — including India’s growing influence and Ghani’s courting of pan-Pakhtun nationalism and larger strategic goals — led Islamabad to continue backing the Taliban.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 04:10pm

IHC adjourns hearing on Imaan, Hadi’s pleas seeking suspension of sentence in controversial tweets case

Rights activists granted bail by anti-terrorism court in two other cases.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 08:40am

Civil society slams ‘US lobbying’ against public health policy regarding warnings on ultra-processed food

Seeks "apology" from diplomat; asks govt to honour its commitment to display warnings on ultra-processed foods.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 08:14am

Punjab

Donation boxes ‘escape’ action against illicit charities in Punjab

Experts warn unregulated funds being channelled through anonymous collection boxes undermine NAP objectives.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 07:54am

Front Page

FBR forms committee to address taxpayers’ concerns

FBR remains fully committed to facilitating taxpayers and addressing all genuine concerns on a priority basis, says chairman Langrial.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 07:51am

Punjab

Written reasons must for offloading passengers, rules LHC

LHC says absence of record undermines transparency; law officer hints at review mechanism for offloading.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 07:47am

Front Page

Taliban now ‘amenable to talks’ as world urges de-escalation

Qatar, Saudi Arabia lead diplomatic scramble; Iran offers to facilitate talks.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 07:39am

Back Page

Labour red-faced, Reform cries foul as Greens claim key UK by-poll

Councillor Hannah Spencer wins on the back of unique campaign which used Urdu and Bangla to spread her message.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:43am

Middle East

Israeli strikes kill seven more Palestinians across Gaza

Israel’s Supreme Court freezes ban on foreign aid organisations in enclave.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 07:58am

Balochistan

Balochistan PDMA enforces earthquake guidelines

According to official data, the year 2026 has already seen multiple earthquakes, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.6 on the Richter scale.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:04am

Balochistan

Balochistan CM vows to strengthen irrigation infrastructure

Bugti describes irrigation as a pillar of agricultural development and economic stability.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:07am

Balochistan

Balochistan High Court suspends Mines and Minerals Act

Directs Balochistan government to submit its response next week.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:10am

Balochistan

FIA seizes Rs3m smuggled medicines in Quetta

A case has been registered against the arrested suspect under the Drugs Act, 1976, and further investigation is underway.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:12am

Business

PSX slips as border tensions unnerve investors

The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 831 points, or 0.49 per cent, to close at 168,062 after a volatile, range-bound session.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:42am

Business

Food, energy prices push SPI up 4.23pc

The prolonged upward trend has been largely driven by sharp increases in the prices of vegetables and other perishable items.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:29am

Business

Economic coordination committee cuts mortgage rate to 5pc

Approves Rs6.61bn for Thar Coal Rail Link.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:16am

Business

Export challenges mount for textiles

High costs, energy tariffs choke growth.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:42am

Cricket

Pakistan need huge win for semi slot as struggling Sri Lanka loom

The result left New Zealand with four points, with England already through with six.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:00am

Sport

Bezzecchi beats Marquez in Thailand MotoGP practice

Aprilia’s Bezzecchi roared round the Buriram course in 1 min 28.526 sec to top the timesheets, 0.421 sec in front of Ducati’s second-placed Marquez.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:41am

Football

Forest clinch Europa League last 16 spot as Celtic go out

Celtic bowed out of Europe after losing 4-2 on aggregate to Stuttgart despite a 1-0 away win in the second leg of their knockout phase play-off tie.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:03am

International

Declassified files revive calls for return of Spain’s ex-king

Juan Carlos, who abdicated in favour of his son Felipe IV in 2014, left Spain in 2020 to live in the United Arab Emirates after a financial scandal tarnished his reputation.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:53am

International

Anthropic refuses to allow Pentagon unrestricted use of artificial intelligence

“These threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request,” Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei says in a statement.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:44am

International

Slovak, Ukraine leaders talk amid row over Russian oil supplies

Kyiv says the pipeline was shut down after being damaged during a Russian attack near the Ukrainian city of Brody on January 27.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:49am

International

UN terms violence against women ‘a global emergency’

“States must investigate all alleged crimes, protect survivors, and ensure justice without fear or favour,” says UN chief.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:40am

International

Bill Clinton tells Epstein panel: ‘I saw nothing’

We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long,” he says.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:36am

Sindh

Bilawal urges govt to engage ‘all key stakeholders’ to unite against country’s ‘real challenges’

Says political differences can be addressed at appropriate time and forum.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:41am

Sindh

NAB retrieves ‘illegally allotted’ 350 acres of Karachi’s prime Clifton land

Recovered property, situated in the prestigious Clifton Block-I and Block-II areas, has a market valuation of approximately Rs423.5 billion.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:46am

Sindh

Universities across Pakistan get six months to fill vacant posts

Survey finds around 40pc of faculty and administrative positions in higher educational institutions are currently vacant.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:41am

Punjab

411 ventilators in public hospitals in Punjab, LHC told

Lahore shockingly listed with only nine ventilators, reveals a report filed before the Lahore High Court.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:04am

Punjab

Five cops held for links with drug dealer in Gujranwala

Huge quantity of hashish recovered from the arrested policemen.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:01am

Islamabad

Hazardous Pindi-Kohat Road leaves commuters at risk

Residents say it lacks warning signs, reflective markers, and proper barricading.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 06:41am

Islamabad

Police arrest 31 over tenancy act violations amid high alert in Rawalpindi

Strict security arrangements were also made during Friday prayers on the orders of the CPO.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:27am

Islamabad

Frequent delays in Islamabad’s LG polls undermine grassroots democracy: report

A total of 7,866 candidates in two aborted elections collectively paid Rs37.74m in nomination fees

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:18am

KP & FATA

Aimal Wali blames past policies for Pak-Afghan tensions

Urges power centres in both states to prioritise public opinion in policymaking.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:14am

KP & FATA

Timber smugglers in Chitral scramble to avoid possible crackdown

Locals demand probe into irregularities in royalty payments.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:07am

KP & FATA

No compromise on security of border areas: KP CM

Afridi reviews Pak-Afghan tensions, law and order situation in province.

Updated 28 Feb, 2026 10:10am

With presidential ordinance set to lapse, Senate passes bill for regulating virtual assets

The bill states that “whoever, willfully, provides an unlicenced virtual asset service shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term up to five years, or with fine up to Rs50 million, or both”.

Published 28 Feb, 2026 12:20am

Saturday, February 28, 2026