News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-15

Middle East

‘I am dead … for coffee’: Israeli PM Netanyahu posts his video amid speculation about his death

Netanyahu’s office has also dismissed social media claims that suggest he has been killed in an Iranian response to US and Israeli strikes.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 01:18am

KP & FATA

Security forces kill 5 terrorists in Lakki Marwat operation: ISPR

Weapons and ammunition were found in the possession of slain terrorists, says ISPR.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 08:40pm

Middle East

Iran holds the key to reopening global energy markets

Executives at Middle Eastern companies and their Western peers warn it will require more than just US assurances of safety to restart shipping traffic and production, even if the fighting ceases immediately.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:47pm

Middle East

War Diary Day 16: Trump losing initiative as allies reluctant, Iran defiant

Iran seems to be widening the theatre of conflict faster than Washington can translate military pressure into political leverage.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:07pm

PM Shehbaz directs formulation of strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries

Notes that disruptions in global supply chains have increased the export potential of Pakistani products in regional markets.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 06:26pm

Punjab

1 dead as Lahore-bound Shalimar Express derails after colliding with goods train in Naushahro Feroze

Several people are also reported to have been injured; inquiry ordered into the incident.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 12:29am

Sindh

President Zardari stresses ‘unity, political harmony’ in Karachi meeting with Naqvi, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool

Leaders also discuss country's internal security situation, evolving regional situation.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:46pm

Govt announces Eid holidays for offices from March 20-21

Holidays declared "both for offices observing five- and six- day work weeks", says notification.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 05:16pm

Pete Hegseth’s Iran war briefings veer into MAGA‑style performance, scholar says

During the first week of the Iran war, Hegseth’s press briefings deviated from the measured tone expected from high-ranking military officials.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 03:46pm

Islamabad airport to see 2-hour suspension of flight operations on March 17: PAA

Pakistan Airport Authority says "normal operations will continue" at airport on Monday.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:06pm

Punjab

Punjab govt to take legal action against those involved in ‘malicious campaign’ over use of official jet

Defamation law to be moved against "every individual and every platform" involved, says senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 02:55am

KP & FATA

Attack on police checkpoint repulsed in Dera Ismail Khan; one constable injured

the assailants carried out the attack under the cover of darkness using heavy weapons, police say.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 03:02pm

‘Always tried to play fearlessly’: Sarfraz retires from international cricket

Pakistan saw a world-record streak of 11 T20I wins and six clean sweeps; two tournament wins under Sarfraz's captaincy.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:14pm

Sindh

‘Post of responsibility’: Newly appointed Governor Nehal Hashmi vows better education, jobs for Sindh’s youth

Urges the public not to speak negatively about Pakistan, Sindh or Karachi.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 02:43pm

Tech entrepreneur develops AI-designed mRNA vaccine to save dog dying of cancer

Paul Conyngham used a "chatbot to brainstorm possible cures" for his dog, Rosie, who was diagnosed with a deadly mast cell cancer.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 02:36pm

Dar notes ‘alarming rise’ in Islamophobia, warns it worsens existing tensions and conflicts

Calls on the international community to stand united in condemning Islamophobia and to make efforts to promote mutual respect.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 01:28pm

Cricket

Bangladesh clinch ODI series with 11-run win over Pakistan

Chasing a total of 291 runs, Pakistan's batters fell short by 11 runs, and a fighting 106-run knock by Salman Agha went in vain.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:12pm

KP & FATA

Overnight strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar target ‘terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure’, says state media

Info minister says equipment storage facility, tunnel destroyed; ground forces destroy “terrorist jump-off point” at Afghanistan’s Badini Post; four killed in Bajaur after mortar fired from across the border.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:30pm

Punjab

Pakistan Railways to run four special trains for Eid travellers

The first special trains will depart from Lahore for Karachi via Okara, Sahiwal and Khanewal on March 16, according to a Railways spokesperson.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 11:39am

KP & FATA

Six terrorists killed in joint operation by CTD, police in KP’s Kohat

Kohat DPO says the operation was carried out after police received intelligence that terrorists were planning to orchestrate a large-scale attack in Lachi.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 11:25am

Sindh

‘Rescuers didn’t try to evacuate people trapped inside Gul Plaza’, says management

Management committee president claims all exit points were opened as around 3,000 shopkeepers and customers left premises after fire.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 10:39am

Pakistani women’s voices resonate at UN rights forum

The message from Pakistani representatives was twofold: domestic reform must deepen, and global solidarity must remain consistent.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 10:38am

New Zealand observes seven years since shootings at Christchurch mosques

The day began with “the Walk the Talk for Unity” at the Bridge of Remembrance in the city centre, organised by the Sakinah Community Trust.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 10:14am

All Tehran needed to do was survive in the war, but it seems to have done better than that

It was clear to Iran’s astute military planners that a strategy was needed to cope with this challenge.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 10:12am

Middle East crisis continues to test Pakistan’s delicate diplomatic balancing act with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Pakistan’s real leverage lies in maintaining open communication channels with Iran.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 10:01am

Editorial: In a just world, there can be no room for Islamophobia and other forms of faith-based hatred

In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 09:49am

FO rejects India’s ‘absurd and unwarranted’ statement on Pakistan’s cross-border actions in Afghanistan

Andrabi says considering India's "support and sponsorship" for terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, their "frustration" is understandable.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 09:29am

Smokers’ corner: US-Israel alliance has evolved into religiously driven project holding Middle East hostage

A recent Gallup poll revealed that 41pc of Americans now express more sympathy for Palestinians, compared to just 36pc for Israelis.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 08:44am

Govt hikes kerosene by Rs40 per litre, keeps petrol and diesel prices unchanged

With fresh price notification, Kerosene, commonly described as the poor man’s fuel, has become the most expensive consumer product at Rs358 per litre.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 08:33am

International

US assures of ‘reliable’ energy supply to Asia-Pacific

"Energy dominance” policy aims to ensure that region has a “reliable, affordable and secure” energy supply that “can’t be interrupted by a terrorist regime,” says US Interior Secretary.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:17am

Middle East

Israeli bombing claims six lives in Gaza

One killed in attack on village in occupied West Bank.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:43am

International

Five killed in Russian air attacks on Ukraine

Main target was energy infrastructure outside the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky says.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:41am

Front Page

War escalates as US strikes Iran’s energy lifeline

US bombs Kharg Island, key to 90pc of oil exports; Tehran warns it will target any facility in region linked to US.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:37am

Front Page

PTI calls for OIC moot over war on Iran

Sheikh Waqas Akram says urgent diplomatic action was imperative to prevent the Muslim world from being dragged into another devastating war.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:28am

Front Page

Oil shock may cost Pakistan 1.5pc of GDP: experts

External sector may face $12-14bn shock over next year, warns Hafiz Pasha; ex-SBP chief Ishrat insists daily fuel price adjustments may cut hoarding incentives.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:25am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court moved to revoke order of four working days

Petitioner requests the court to issue a notification for keeping the courts open 24/7 hours, asks that there should be no leave for the judicial officers and courts.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:58am

KP & FATA

Peace committee member killed in South Waziristan

Unknown assailants opened fire at the peace committee member, Mir Kalam Wazir, and escaped.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:52am

KP & FATA

Shelter home, hospice for abandoned senior citizens set up in Peshawar’s Hayatabad

Philanthropist puts up four-storey building for 100 people on government land.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:54am

Islamabad

Bike lane being removed from Rawalpindi’s old Airport Road after a year

RDA says the lane has hampered VIP movements.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:30am

Islamabad

Capital’s key entry, exit points to get protective fencing

Modern CCTV cameras will be installed at important locations as part of enhanced security measures.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:26am

Islamabad

Journalist Panel loses ground to Democrats Panel in National Press Club polls

Journalist Panel lost the key seats of the president as well the general secretary to the Democrats along with two vice presidents.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:28am

Punjab

Biometric attendance at sensitive matric exam centres in Punjab

A total of 8,524 candidates are scheduled to appear at these centres; examination scheduled to begin from March 27.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:48am

Punjab

Workers can seek unpaid wages from trans-provincial firms: Lahore High Court

Court dismisses pleas challenging wage authority’s powers.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:46am

Punjab

Rs4m stolen from Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials’ residence in Gujrat

The complainant is BPS-04 official of MoFA.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:42am

Sindh

Mayor Wahab says Karachi to see improved infrastructure by year’s end

Over 1,000 uplift schemes to be completed before start of next year.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:32am

Sindh

Karachi citizens fume as unannounced gas cuts continue to disrupt Sehri cooking, Iftar

Alternatives, like electric stoves and LPG cylinders, prove expensive amid rising inflation.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 10:28am

Cricket

All stakeholders need to accept responsibility for T20 World Cup flop, says Aaqib

Babar Azam was unfit during global event, claims the selector.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:37am

Cricket

Pumped up Pakistan face Bangladesh in ODI series decider

Series for both teams is being labelled as the launch of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 11:40am

Football

Nine-man Bayern hold on for draw at Leverkusen

Aleix Garcia’s goal gave Leverkusen the lead and Bayern striker Nicolas Jackson saw red before half-time.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 07:12am

Business

Stocks fall for 7th week amid geopolitical tensions

Index loses 2.3pc as surging oil price and IMF review delay weigh sentiments.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:34am

Business

OICCI opposes change to patents ordinance

Expresses serious concern over the proposed amendment to Section 30(3) of the Patents Ordinance 2000.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 06:58am

Business

Jamshoro Power Company Ltd protests to Railways over delay in coal supply

Delay affecting plant operations and preventing the timely completion of coal supply contracts.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:29am

Business

Food imports rise to $6.41bn in July-February

Exports shrink 34pc to $3.39bn.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:21am

Business

Power generation merger hits bureaucratic roadblock

Delay in Genco-NPPMC amalgamation hampering energy sector overhaul.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:23am

Business

War risk, freight surge cloud trade outlook

Industry leaders warn higher logistics costs threaten future imports and exports.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:23am

Balochistan

Principal suspended after tree cutting at agricultural college in Quetta

CM Bugti terms the alleged tree cutting a violation of environmental protection principles and contrary to government policies.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 09:39am

Balochistan

Balochistan Assembly refers Balochistan Public Service Commission amendment bill to standing body

ANP lawmaker raises concern over possible misuse of the law.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 09:37am

Balochistan

Balochistan High Court puts federal quota on hold at Loralai college

Advocate Ali Ahmed Kakar contends that the policy deprives eligible children of federal employees belonging to Balochistan of their rightful admissions.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 09:33am

Balochistan

‘Artificial leadership’ in Balochistan decried

JUI-F leader, NP chief slam ‘sidelining’ of province’s "genuine leaders".

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 08:27am

Balochistan

65 illegal Afghan immigrants held in Chagai

Detainees handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation.

Published 15 Mar, 2026 06:57am

KP & FATA

Cop martyred in Landi Kotal

Drone strike targets peace committee office in Tank.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 09:27am

South Asia

Tehran reminds Modi about need to activate BRICS

Under India’s chairmanship, the expanded bloc has remained silent; Pezeshkian, Araghchi urge Indian counterparts to spearhead a "strong and constructive" intervention.

Updated 15 Mar, 2026 07:28am

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