News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-05

Bangladesh recall Litton, Afif for Pakistan ODI series

“There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” says chief selector.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:46pm

Cricket

India beat England in high-scoring T20 World Cup contest, will meet New Zealand in the final on Sunday

After Sanju Samson's scintillating 89 laid the platform for India to pile up a massive 253-7, England fell just short in what would have been a record chase, finishing on 246-7.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:10pm

President Zardari gives assent to bill for extending NAB chairman’s term by 3 years

The development comes a day before the term of incumbent NAB Chairman Lt General (retired) Nazir Ahmed is set to expire; bill rushed through Parliament amid opposition's outcry.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 11:30pm

PCB says agenda-driven fake news targeting players’ characters ‘will not be tolerated’

“Agenda-driven fake news targeting the character of our players is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” PCB says.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:41pm

Govt decides in principle to implement work-from-home, distance learning for fuel conservation

The plan will be presented to PM Shehbaz on Friday; following his clearance, it will be taken up the Economic Coordination Committee for formal approval.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:04pm

Dollar, bonds, or gold — which is the safest haven to hold during the ongoing Middle East conflict?

The choice is complicated, as traditional refuges behave unpredictably. Gold has swung sharply, and the dollar — which has been out of favour in the past year — has bounced back.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 08:07pm

Meeting with Imran remains out of reach for PTI; jailed party leaders call on govt to reconsider its approach

PTI leaders incarcerated at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail call on govt to reconsider its approach towards the party and Imran.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 07:35pm

KP & FATA

Afghan Taliban aware of Pakistan’s concerns, must take verifiable steps for ceasefire: senior security official

"Pakistan does not wish to attack anyone; our priority remains the country’s security,” he says.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 07:22pm

Middle East

War Diary Day 6: The war spreads sideways

The war that began six days ago as a concentrated blow against Iran’s leadership and military is now starting to resemble something more open-ended.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 05:54pm

UK MP’s husband accused of spying for China released by police

“I am not part of my husband’s business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation,” Labour lawmaker Joani Reid says.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 05:35pm

South Asia

US Navy relying more on Indian ports amid Iran conflict: former US official

Delhi rubbishes “baseless and fabricated” claim of ex-US Army colonel published by One America News.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 05:22pm

Centre orders monitoring of petrol stations amid hoarding concerns

Ogra says authorities are closely monitoring the supply chain to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products nationwide.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 04:32pm

India, Canada uranium pact represents ‘country-specific exception’ in civil nuclear cooperation: FO

“A state whose actions necessitated the establishment of global export controls is now being granted preferential access under selective arrangements," FO spokesperson says.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 04:17pm

SBP seen holding rates steady as oil surge threatens inflation trajectory

The central bank has cut the key rate by a cumulative ⁠11.5 percentage points since mid-2024, from a record high of 22pc.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 04:08pm

Cricket

T20 World Cup: Finn Allen says New Zealand confidence high for final

“I think hopefully everyone gets behind us and rallies around us for Sunday,” says Allen, who hit the fastest-ever T20 World Cup century.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 03:41pm

Ramazan dramas are proof Pakistani TV can do joy — so why only one month a year?

Our screens transform every year for the holy month, and yet, for the rest of the year, trauma seems to be the default.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 03:15pm

77pc of 10-year-olds unable to read and understand simple text, reveals report

25.37 million children remain out-of-school in Pakistan; country continues to face critical challenges in financing education, according to a govt report.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 03:05pm

Netflix releases trailer for K-pop group BTS’ reunion concert livestream

The first concert of the tour will be streamed globally on the platform on March 21.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 02:59pm

Dollar rally pauses as market sentiment turns a little more upbeat

Investors took reprive in a report that Iran intelligence operatives signalled openness to talks with the CIA and upbeat US economic data released on Wednesday

Published 05 Mar, 2026 02:10pm

ECP summons interior minister over delay in LG polls in Islamabad

The chief election commissioner was informed that the interior secretary had been sent three letters by the ECP; however, no response has yet been received.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 02:32pm

Top Featured

Shooting at Karachi’s US consulate: What does international law say?

The violence that unfolded at the US consulate in Karachi raises urgent legal questions about sovereignty, the use of force, and the narrow avenues for accountability under international law.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 04:48pm

‘Critical in determining our future’: Nepal votes in key post-uprising polls

The election has seen a wave of younger candidates promising to tackle Nepal’s woeful economy.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 01:29pm

Bella Hadid urges support for civilians in Iran as US–Israel strikes escalate

The supermodel shared aid organisation details and warned that ordinary people are the ones who pay the price for decisions made by govts.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 01:21pm

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 15/16

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

Published 05 Mar, 2026 01:20pm

Yashma Gill says her dad didn’t talk to her for a whole year when she started acting

The actor said she left a career in psychology become an actor, much to her father's distress.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 01:00pm

Govt refutes ordering temporary suspension of port entries in Pakistan

“No such order has been issued by the Cabinet Division or the Ministry of Maritime Affairs,” information ministry clarifies.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 04:38pm

South Korea warns Iran’s crisis could disrupt supply of key chipmaking materials

Officials raised the possibility that semiconductor production could be disrupted if key materials cannot be sourced from the Middle East.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 04:06pm

First polio case of 2026 reported from Sujawal District in Sindh

NEOC says Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8pc since 1994 due to vaccination; underscores need for continued robust, targeted efforts.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 12:10pm

Trying three iftar buffets in Islamabad to see what all the fuss is about

Iftar at Chatta's, Tiger Temple, and Pomodoro ranges from Rs3,500 to Rs5,500 per head and has a lot to offer.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 12:02pm

Gold gains on safe-haven demand as Middle East conflict widens

Bullion, viewed as a safe-haven asset, has risen about 20pc this year, notching successive record highs amid heightened global political and economic uncertainty.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:37am

Tourism on hold as Middle East war casts uncertainty

The war is disrupting a sector that had been booming in the region.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:33am

Centuries-old marble bust re-attributed to Michelangelo after almost 200 years

An investigation of archival documents confirmed the statue was the work of the Italian master.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:25am

Harry Styles says grieving Liam Payne felt ‘strange’ with the world watching

The singer recalls feeling pressure to express his loss publicly after his friend’s death.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 11:19am

Bulls regain control, KSE-100 rebounds over 5,400 points

Positive momentum, lower volatility compared to previous sessions this week, pushed Pakistan's benchmark index into the green with HUBC, OGDC, FFC, ENGROH, and MEB leading the charge.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 02:51pm

For Pakistan, the supreme test of its armed forces has arrived

With the prospect of protracted conflict on the entire western flank, Pakistan must now take sober stock of its resource position.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:35am

Trump administration keeps ‘boots on ground’ option open as Iran conflict intensifies

United States was moving towards “complete and total control” of Iranian airspace, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 11:24am

By endorsing sham austerity, IMF has failed its duty-of-care responsibility to Pakistanis

The IMF’s forbearance has not only weakened Pakistan’s credibility but also the credibility of its own programmes as an external commitment device.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:24am

Asian Development Bank issues $100m green bond

Five-year bond to raise awareness of glacier melt, engaging with investors on ADB’s projects and programmes.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:13am

Editorial: Iran-linked instability highlights the fact that Pakistan’s macroeconomic resilience remains fragile

The real test will be fiscal resilience and external account stability if the conflict drags on.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:12am

Power consumers to bear Rs23bn extra burden

Nepra allows Rs1.63 per unit higher fuel costs in March and about 35 paise per unit other charges for the next three months.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 09:06am

Middle East crisis hits local industries; auto sector braces for impact

Urea plant shuts due to RLNG supply suspension; Indus Motor Company anticipates disruptions and delays in imported parts.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 08:49am

Dubai’s super-rich pay megabucks to flee amid escalating regional conflict

Wealthy residents paying up to $200,000 for private evacuation flights.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 08:29am

Balochistan

Iran turmoil could push people into Balochistan, says UN

UN relief coordinator regrets that respect for international law being challenged and eroded again.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 08:25am

Cricket

England have belief to take down India in semi-final, says Brook

Former captain Jos Buttler’s form has been scrutinised, with the opener making only 62 runs in seven matches.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:22am

Hockey

Pakistan make semis in Egypt, one win away from FIH World Cup

In the final quarter, Austria got a couple of penalty corners but could not score.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 07:55am

Football

Resurgent Wolves stun Liverpool, Everton enjoy home comfort

The teams meet again on Friday in the FA Cup fifth round.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 07:50am

Middle East

Khamenei’s son Mojtaba emerges as ‘frontrunner’ to succeed him

Hassan Khomeini, grandson of first supreme leader Imam Khomeini, also said to be in running.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 07:49am

Cricket

Fickle PCB shifts National T20 Cup back to Peshawar

This is the third time the venue for the 10-team event was changed in recent days.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:52am

Sindh

Closure of key roads brings chaos to downtown streets in Karachi

Sindh CM says alternative routes for citizens should be publicised on mainstream and social media.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:55am

Sindh

Sindh apex committee orders enhanced security for foreigners

Amid regional tensions, key civil-military forum directs intelligence-led operations, crackdown on illegal weapons.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:49am

Sindh

Detrimental effects of power outages, climate change on labourers highlighted

Piler study recommends workers’ welfare fund to provide off-grid solar energy systems for low-income households.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:58am

International

Spouses of UK MPs among three held on suspicion of spying for China

Joani Reid, whose husband was reported to have been arrested, said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law”.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:38am

International

Left, right and faithful unite to demand human control over AI

“Unfortunately, the path we’re on right now is this race to replace,” Max Tegmark says.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:43am

International

Travellers recall sleepless nights after return from Gulf

“Although Taiwan has always been close to war, we had never experienced anything like this,” says Fanny Wu.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:50am

Business

Chinese shipping latest to halt Gulf services

Cosco blames the disruption on “the escalating conflicts in the Middle East region and the resultant restrictions on maritime traffic”.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:42am

Business

Govt again raises T-bill rates

Returns rise to 11pc — 50bps more than SBP policy rate.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:52am

Business

Services exports rise on back of IT boom

Rise by 18.78 per cent in the first seven months of 2025-26, mainly driven by higher earnings from information technology.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:56am

Business

Ship agents push for rule change

Ask FBR to change current transhipment rules to allow storing cargo at off-dock terminals.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:58am

Business

Lawmakers to join SECP policy board

Commission not supplying Senate committee with information on foreign travels by SECP officials.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 09:03am

National

Curfew lifted in Gilgit, continues in Skardu

Police say security to remain on high alert, search strategy in place.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:37am

National

Live streaming of cases yields negative results: IHC judge

Takes notice of person in courtroom recording hearing on a mobile phone — a practice not permitted under court rules.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Balochistan

Nine officers face dismissal for ‘anti-state activities’ in Balochistan

Balochistan apex body reviews law and order; IGP says 1,115 cops laid down their lives.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:48am

National

UK court rejects Adil Raja’s pleas to challenge ruling

Naseer sued for libel in England and Wales, where Raja currently resides.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 06:59am

Balochistan

Nine killed in different areas of Balochistan

Three Khosa tribesmen killed due to old enmity between groups.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 06:58am

Front Page

Battered by US-Israeli strikes, Iran claims control of Hormuz strait

Ex-Khamenei aide says Tehran has no intention of negotiating; Israel plans another "one, two weeks" of attacks; death toll in Iran crosses 1,000.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 07:39am

Front Page

US vows insurance, escorts as oil, gas flows disrupted

Crisis deepens as US sub sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing 87; Hormuz shipping paralysed for fifth day.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:00am

KP & FATA

Court sentences woman to death for killing husband in KP

Her accomplice also gets the same sentence along with fine.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:10am

KP & FATA

Court in Peshawar approves Rs38m plea bargain of contractor in Kohistan scam

Orders his release if not wanted in any other case.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:02am

KP & FATA

Over Rs2bn Peshawar safe city project inaugurated after 18 years

CM announces to launch such schemes in all divisional headquarters.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 06:46am

Punjab

700 ponds dry up in Punjab’s Cholistan

Remaining 400 hold a small quantity of drinking water.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:07am

Punjab

LHC dismisses civil judge over misconduct, corruption

Civil Judge Naseem Akhtar Naz removed after formal departmental inquiry.

Published 05 Mar, 2026 06:46am

Punjab

Rallies banned on Lahore’s The Mall ‘to preserve heritage’

AI-based traffic management system being introduced; Chinese nationals to be escorted by police.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 11:57am

Islamabad

SC Shariat Bench refers 33-year-old death penalty case back to trial court

Trial court to determine whether a compromise reached between the surviving heirs of the victim could be considered compoundable.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:17am

Islamabad

HEC wants say in legislation for setting up degree awarding institutions

NA speaker, Senate chairman urged not to entertain legislative proposals concerning establishment of universities before clearance.

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 10:24am

Back Page

US, Kurds explore potential military operation in Iran

NYT reports Iranian intelligence signals "off-ramp" talks; Tehran rejects report as "psychological warfare".

Updated 05 Mar, 2026 08:21am

Thursday, March 5, 2026