News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-13

Middle East

Pentagon elevates investigation into Iran school strike

“The command investigation will take as long as necessary to address all the matters surrounding this incident,” says Pete Hegseth.

Updated 14 Mar, 2026 01:02am

Pakistan thrash Bangladesh by 128 runs in rain-hit second ODI

Maaz Sadaqat emerges as the stand-out performer, blasting a rapid 75 for Pakistan before picking up three wickets.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 10:37pm

FO condemns continued closure of historic mosque in occupied Kashmir on last Friday of Ramazan

“Preventing worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the most revered mosques in the valley constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom," FO says.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 10:21pm

PTI expresses concern over Imran’s health, reiterates demand to shift him to Shifa International Hospital

KP CM says PTI fully prepared to launch a "massive movement" for Imran’s release but has temporarily slowed down its political activities out of respect for Ramazan.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:05pm

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 08:37pm

KP & FATA

Abducted policeman found dead in KP’s Bajaur

Unidentified armed men abducted the cop on Thursday while he was on his way home with his family, says official.

Updated 14 Mar, 2026 01:09am

2 rudimentary drones intercepted, brought down at different locations adjacent to Pindi: security sources

According to security sources, no damage or casualties were reported and the airspace, which was temporarily closed as a precaution, has now been reopened.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 11:45pm

Middle East

Deadly blast rocks Iran as leaders rally in show of defiance

“These attacks are out of fear, out of desperation,” says Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 06:50pm

Fears of Pak-Afghan hostilities causing spike in polio cases as majority of environmental samples test negative

"The current data shows that the virus can be completely stopped during the current year," one expert says.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 06:27pm

PM Shehbaz says prices of petroleum products not being increased despite uptick in global market

Says prices are not being increased to reduce the burden on the common man.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 06:04pm

What legal recourse do Pakistanis arrested in Bahrain over Iran war videos have?

Over 23,000 Pakistanis are currently imprisoned abroad, many of whom face trials without sufficient legal assistance or translation.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 05:41pm

‘We have nothing to do with this’: Iran strikes end Dubai dreams for Pakistani workers

More than 5.5 million Pakistanis — many of them unskilled labourers —work in the region, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 05:36pm

Middle East

War Diary Day 14: Attrition contest tightens as Strait of Hormuz standoff deepens

The war now appears headed toward a prolonged and economically punishing stalemate.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 05:06pm

Indian-owned Sunrisers face backlash after signing Abrar Ahmed for Hundred

The X account of Sunrisers Leeds was suspended overnight but is now back up and running again.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 04:30pm

‘Every day I can see missiles, hear explosions,’ says sailor stuck in Gulf amid Iran war

“Every day on the ship, I can see missile launches and hear explosions, making me feel like I was in danger,” says Wang Shang.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 04:19pm

South Asia

Indian PM Modi unveils investments in tour of states ahead of polls

State elections this year will be held in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, both under opposition parties, as well as the smaller coastal territory of Puducherry.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 03:46pm

This Dubai exhibition wants visitors to see Urdu as art, not just language

Urdu Worlds pairs the minimalist prints of Zarina Hashmi with the layered paintings of Ali Kazim to probe how scripts carry memory, migration and politics.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 03:26pm

KP & FATA

7 policemen, including SHO, martyred in attack on police vehicle in KP’s Lakki Marwat

Vehicle targeted with roadside IED; injured cop succumbs to injuries at hospital.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 03:09pm

Sindh

PML-N stalwart Nehal Hashmi sworn in as Sindh governor

Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput administered the oath at a ceremony in Karachi.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 07:34pm

US lawmakers call for investigation into the killing of slain Palestinian girl Hind Rajab

The newly introduced Justice for Hind Rajab Act seeks accountability for the five-year-old whose story inspired the Oscar-nominated The Voice of Hind Rajab.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 01:59pm

South Asia

Pakistan among 60 countries facing US forced labour investigations

Investigations will focus on whether governments have failed to impose and effectively enforce bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 01:46pm

Oil heads for weekly gains despite US sanctions waiver on Russian oil

Brent futures for May rose $1.02, or 1 per cent, to $101.48 a barrel at 07:30 GMT, heading for a weekly increase of nearly 10pc.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 01:44pm

Info minister says Pakistan targeted terrorists, support infrastructure in Afghanistan overnight

"No civilian population or civilian infrastructures were targeted as falsely propagated by Afghan regime officials and media,” he says.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 05:40pm

Assailant dead after ramming vehicle into Michigan synagogue

Assailant identified as Lebanese-born American immigrant who recently lost family members in Israeli strike.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 12:25pm

Game review — Cairn is making me hyper-conscious of my own limbs

This is a game for people who like pain, more pain, and pretty sunsets.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 12:19pm

Sindh

Roads blocked in Islamabad, Karachi as processions taken out on Al-Quds Day

Over 3,000 police personnel were deployed in the federal capital as part of security arrangements.

Updated 14 Mar, 2026 12:55am

Indian author Arundhati Roy ‘unequivocally’ stands with Iran in the face of US-Israeli attacks

She said she was ashamed of how her country's government is dealing with the crisis.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 12:00pm

With Iran war exit elusive, Trump aides vie to affect outcome

Trump wants hawks to believe the campaign continues, markets to believe the war might end soon and his base to believe escalation will be limited.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 11:49am

With World War II as backdrop, the Peaky Blinders movie is really about family, says Cillian Murphy

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man begins streaming on Netflix on March 20.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 11:12am

Market volatility continues as KSE-100 closes in the red

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index fell more than 500 points by midday on Friday, extending a week of volatile trading as rising oil prices and Middle East tensions weighed on investor sentiment.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 02:42pm

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 23/24

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

Published 13 Mar, 2026 10:35am

Breakdown of diplomacy further complicates Iran nuclear issue, Pakistan warns Security Council

Strikes against nuclear facilities carry huge environmental and safety risks for the local population and people all around the region, says Pakistan's envoy.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 12:04pm

The clamour of wars abroad is drowning out Pakistan’s intense war on the poor

The latest targets of the ruling regime are Islamabad’s Christian katchi abadis.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:52am

The latest tragedy of the Trump presidency is that he has fully harnessed American power to Israeli ends

The US president’s current policy towards Iran, and potentially a host of others, can be summed up in three words: ‘submit, or die.'

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:42am

More demons, more K-pop: Netflix announces KPop Demon Hunters sequel

The film has two Oscar nominations — for best animated feature and best original song.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:37am

Editorial: What is the best way for Pakistan to navigate this diplomatic minefield?

It would be morally indefensible for this country to support the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:24am

Top Featured

Protecting consumers or balancing the books: Pakistan’s oil dilemma

As war in the Middle East convulses global oil markets, Pakistan faces a stark choice between shielding consumers from fuel price shocks and meeting its commitments to the IMF.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 09:01am

Cricket

Pakistan look to make comeback as Bangladesh eye series

Shaheen has backed his young team to make a comeback despite the eight-wicket drubbing in the series opener.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 11:55am

Football

Real batter City as PSG sink Chelsea in Champions League

Premier League leaders Arsenal snatched a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen to preserve their unbeaten record in Europe this season.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 10:21am

Tennis

Alcaraz powers into Indian Wells quarters; Draper upsets Djokovic

Alcaraz relied on a near-flawless service game to seize control of the match, racing through the opening set in just 37 minutes after breaking Ruud’s serve three times.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 08:20am

International

Kashmiri leader Shabir Shah gets bail

Shah has been “unwell in jail”, according to family members.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:56am

International

Software companies fight back against AI curbs

Pentagon says "no chance" of renewed Anthropic negotiations.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:44am

International

China passes new ethnic minority law, prioritises Mandarin language

Chinese foreign policy expert says law underlines a move towards assimilation.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:50am

National

Opposition blocks Frontier Constabulary reorganisation bill in lower house

PTI-backed lawmaker points out quorum amid lawmakers’ protest.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:21am

National

SC remands tax dispute over purchases from tribal areas

Court says liability to deduct WHT depends on where transaction occurred; PHC ruling set aside; matter sent back to assessing officer for fresh review.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:46am

National

Panel seeks probe into Rs250m cigarette theft from FBR godowns

The sub-committee reviewes the theft of the cigarette cartons from the FBR warehouses in Swabi and Mardan.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:51am

Balochistan

Delay in funds for train service irks CM Bugti

He says better and safer travel facilities must be provided to the public and that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:34am

Balochistan

JUI-F alleges ‘massive rigging’ in Kalat re-poll

Senators claims that the elections in the constituency were heavily manipulated and that similar rigging was expected in the upcoming by-election in Khuzdar.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:49am

Balochistan

Balochistan High Court adopts austerity measures

The meeting discussed in detail a seven-point agenda issued by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan and unanimously endorsed it.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:42am

Front Page

Oil market becomes hostage to Iran war

IMO to weigh Hormuz threats at extraordinary session as US Navy "not ready to escort ships".

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:45am

Front Page

Ex-GB bar chief, other activists held over ‘anti-state speeches’

13 AAC leaders were accused of making anti-terrorism speeches and planning to arrange anti-state protests while inciting the public.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:05am

Islamabad

Man held for firing at girl who resisted robbery in Pindi

The arrest came after police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage of the incident.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:22am

Islamabad

AJK judiciary, GB govt announce austerity measures

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government declares spring vaction in schools in GB from March 16 to 31.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:28am

Islamabad

PMDC allows 19 medical, dental colleges to increase annual fees upto Rs2.1m

Requests of 20 institutions deferred over documentation gaps as parents seek clarity on fee structure.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:10am

Islamabad

Rain, snowfall in parts of GB, AJK disrupt life

Heavy rain and snowfall, which began on Monday, has affected normal life across Gilgit-Baltistan.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:49am

KP & FATA

CM Afridi promises transformation of model educational institutions

Says govt will mobilise all available resources for the purpose on priority.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 10:42am

KP & FATA

KP govt scales back use of 60pc vehicles to conserve fuel

Fuel entitlement of officials already cut by 25pc.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:46am

KP & FATA

Policeman injured in Bajaur grenade attack

A portion of a nearby hotel was damaged in the assault, prompting police personnel at the post to respond quickly.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 10:36am

Punjab

Chaudhry Sugar Mills case: Arguments sought from Maryam’s counsel on NAB plea

NAB Lahore DG Farhan Baig appeared and assured that the relevant record would be presented before courts in a timely manner.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:37am

Punjab

Rain and hail in Lahore bring about a nip in the air

Across Punjab, the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours was recorded in Murree and Chakwal at 16 mm.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 10:23am

Punjab

Punjab Safe Cities Authority -linked ‘panic buttons’ a must for Punjab schools

The decision was taken to improve the security of educational institutions.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:40am

Back Page

Strike on Beirut kills 12 after Israel’s ‘land grab’ threat

28 hurt in seafront attack targeting civilians, displaced families; death toll in Lebanon near 700.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:22am

Back Page

FO confirms engagement with China to reduce Kabul tensions

Beijing’s special envoy "shuttling between two countries"; Chinese foreign ministry says bringing both countries back to the table "most urgent task".

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:20am

Back Page

US launches sweeping trade probe against dozens of nations

Beijing denounces move as ‘political manipulation’.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:11am

Sindh

City Council members scuffle after passing joint resolutions

Ruckus erupts as JI member films mayor amid arguments; house passes 14 resolutions.

Updated 13 Mar, 2026 09:06am

Sindh

Up to 50,000 new renal disease cases may emerge this year, PMA warns

Links consumption of contaminated water to rising kidney failure cases; seeks national emergency plan to ensure supply of clean, filtered water to people.

Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:17am

Sindh