News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-16

Middle East

‘When you burn our hearts, you do not stop us’: Iranian families weep as war dead are buried in Tehran cemetery

The war that began on February 28 with a blitz of air strikes on Tehran and other cities has killed more than 1,300 Iranians so far, officials say.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 11:33pm

South Asia

UNSC adopts resolution to renew Afghan mission for three months; all 15 members, including Pakistan, vote in favour

Pakistan's envoy says Islamabad supports the extension because UNAMA plays a vital role in promoting peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 11:09pm

Let Imran’s sons see him as soon as possible: Jemima appeals to PM Shehbaz

Says Kasim and Suleiman have not met Imran since 2022, it has been 60 days since they applied for visas to travel to Pakistan.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 10:31pm

BBC says Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit should be dismissed

The British broadcaster argues that US president's subsequent reelection showed the alleged defamation did not harm his reputation.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:34pm

Current account posts surplus of $479m in Feb

So far, the trend has been positive in the third quarter of FY26 after the current account posted deficits in the first two quarters.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:28pm

Punjab

Lahore court approves closure of NAB investigation against Maryam, Nawaz in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case

Judge Rana Arif notes Maryam could also withdraw her surety bond of Rs70m furnished against post-arrest bail granted to her.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 08:24pm

South Asia

As India seeks Hormuz safe passage, Tehran asks for return of seized tankers, sources say

Tehran has also sought supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment, says a source.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 08:03pm

Sindh

Rain, thunderstorm expected in Karachi, other parts of Sindh from March 18-19: Met Office

Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in other parts of the country from March 17 to March 20, according to PMD's forecast.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 07:32pm

Middle East

Middle East oil benchmarks hit record highs as war cuts supply

The surge in the benchmarks is pushing up costs for Asian refiners, forcing them to seek alternatives or reduce output further in coming months.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 06:58pm

Middle East

Hamas holds talks with Trump-led board as Iran war strains Gaza plan: sources

Hamas warns the board that it could back away from its previous promises under the Gaza ceasefire if Israel maintains new restrictions on Gaza, say sources.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 06:34pm

Middle East

War Diary Day 17: Middle East conflict hits decisive inflection point

What was initially framed in Washington and Tel Aviv as a rapid coercive campaign to force regime change in Tehran is increasingly showing the contours of what some strategists are already describing as a potential strategic defeat for the US.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 05:39pm

Middle East

Tehran thanks Islamabad for extending ‘strong solidarity’ with Iranian govt, people facing US-Israeli aggression

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi posts Urdu statement on X, reaffirming Tehran stands with "perseverance in defence of its sovereignty".

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 10:50pm

Eid telefilm Dadi ki Shadi promises you’re never too old to try to find love

The show stars Shamim Hilaly as a widowed grandmother looking for someone to accompany her in her golden years.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 04:11pm

March fuel requirements ‘fully secured’, coverage available up to mid-April, committee told

Petrol reserves sufficient for 27 days, diesel for 21, says per petroleum secretary; govt "fully prepared" to deal with ongoing situation, says PM Shehbaz.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:43pm

Punjab

In letter to CJP, jailed PTI leaders seek early hearing of appeals pending before LHC ‘for last 8 months’

“Our families have been running from pillar to post without any response,” says letter by Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfaraz, and Mahmoodur Rasheed.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 03:42pm

Top Featured

What the attack on Iran’s nuclear sites means for the non-proliferation regime

The comfort of international law and collective security is giving way to the reality that in a world where principles are sacrificed at the altar of interests, survival depends on self-help measures, and the ultimate form of self-help is a nuclear deterrent.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 02:52pm

Punjab

At least 7 dead in roof collapse at Rahim Yar Khan shop

President Zardari expresses grief; compensation announced for BISP beneficiaries who lost lives, got injured in incident.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 10:47pm

Middle East war disrupts pharma air routes, risks cancer drugs supply

Delays in delivery of oncology medicines can have dire consequences for patients, who might have to restart therapy or see cancer worsen.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 02:00pm

KSE-100 plunges over 4,000 points amid oil price surge

Index sheds 3.05pc, with FFC, UBL, ENGROH, HUBCO, and HBL collectively dragging it down by 1,881 points during the session.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 03:25pm

KP & FATA

Pakistani forces strike Afghan Taliban’s military installations in Kabul, Nangarhar: info minister

Afghan Taliban posts across border destroyed; FO dismisses reports regarding China’s offer; 2 men killed after separate abductions in Bannu.

Updated 17 Mar, 2026 01:02pm

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 26/27

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

Published 16 Mar, 2026 12:52pm

Punjab

Man arrested for allegedly killing wife, 5 children for ‘honour’ in Punjab’s Sargodha

Primary suspect injured but stable after attempting to take his own life; another man held after named in FIR.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 01:18pm

One Battle After Another dominates an Academy Awards marked by political activism

Hollywood's biggest night had a number of stars making statements on ICE, Palestine and the war on Iran.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 12:38pm

Trump says talks with Cuba ongoing, action possible after Iran

Cuba's president says he hopes the negotiations will move the two long-time rivals “away from confrontation”.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 12:02pm

Just when you thought Javier Bardem couldn’t get cooler, he took his activism to the Oscars

The actor was very, very vocal about his advocacy at this year's Academy Awards.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 12:01pm

South Asia

10 dead in hospital fire in India’s Odisha

11 staff members suffer burn injuries; CM says "short circuit caused the fire in the trauma ICU ward".

Published 16 Mar, 2026 11:51am

The last days of Benazir Bhutto

December 27 began like any other day, but destiny had marked it for tragedy.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 06:51pm

PPP’s gambit ‘pays off’ as MQM-P’s Kamran Tessori sacked as Sindh governor

Insiders say Kamran Tessori was already on "borrowed time", as PML-N had informed MQM-P of its decision to replace him in November last year.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 10:43am

The sugar import surge illustrates how quickly domestic production shortfalls can force costly emergency purchases

In these trying times, market regulators must strengthen monitoring systems, enforce stock disclosure policies, and penalise hoarding practices.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 10:18am

The long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s agriculture sector is increasingly in question

In view of the evolving landscape of the agriculture sector, Pakistan is in dire need of the right technologies to enhance its agricultural resilience.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 10:12am

When shocks are geopolitical in nature, policy responses must also allow for practical flexibility

Communication at a time like this is critical; citizens should hear a message that the government is working with international partners to ensure continuity of crude supplies.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:59am

War, oil and alliances: Trump seeks global backing to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump appeals to China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to join a “team effort” to open up the maritime chokepoint.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 03:14pm

For Pakistan, defence is not a policy preference but an existential requirement

Can our defence sector afford to be economically unproductive?

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:47am

Why Trump’s war against Iran meets all the criteria to be considered folly

Trump failed to anticipate the war’s economic repercussions and has no endgame.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:40am

Editorial: Transitioning to domestic electricity sources could strengthen energy security but the picture is more complex

The success of the transition will depend on how effectively the power system delivers electricity to consumers.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 09:17am

Business

The case of structural energy security

An increase in indigenous generation and energy independence have cushioned the crisis and made it more of a policy problem.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 10:27am

Business & Finance

A 5G future ahead

At roughly 750 MHz post-auction, Pakistan has crossed the lower-middle-income country average for the first time.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 10:22am

Business & Finance

The yearly price fixing failure

Despite the presence of a market committee to oversee commodity price ceilings, market monopolies continue to negatively impact.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 08:40am

Auto sales under war clouds

Demand for small, petrol-driven cars and their financing may rise further owing to fuel price hikes amid forecasts of further increases.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 08:25am

Cricket

South Africa tear through NZ to win first T20

Teenage pace bowler Mokoena impressed with the ball, exploiting unpredictable bounce at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval to take 3-26 off 3.3 overs.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 08:09am

Football

Lens suffer blow to title hopes with Lorient loss

“We had a lot of possession, but we weren’t creative enough to fashion chances,” said Lens coach Sage. “We missed an opportunity.”

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:24am

Tennis

Medvedev ousts Alcaraz to set up Indian Wells final against Sinner

“He’s back to very, very high level, very big serve. He’s returning very well, very deep,” Sinner said of the 2021 US Open champion.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:45am

International

Moving away from unipolarity to inclusive global order

The Global South is emerging as a significant political force, powering steady economic growth while advancing multipolarity and global governance reform.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:51am

International

Thiel’s secretive Rome conference draws Church attention

Organisers say participants are drawn from academia, technology and religious circles.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 07:22am

International

Hundreds turn out for pro-Palestine rally in London

It is the first time a protest march in the capital has been banned since 2012 but a static demonstration was permitted.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:38am

International

Pope criticises those who invoke religion to wage war

Pontiff prays for victims of "atrocious violence of war" in the Middle East.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:44am

KP & FATA

Over 300 illegal Afghans arrested in Swabi crackdown

Sources says the raids will continue and all Afghan refugees, who are illegally staying in the district, will be arrested and repatriated in an honourable manner.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:37am

KP & FATA

Fresh spell of rain turns weather chilly in KP

In Charsadda district, intermittent rain brought back a noticeable chill in the weather, prompting people to pull out warm clothing once again.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 07:06am

KP & FATA

PHC declares levy of cess on timber transportation by tehsil municipal administration illegal

Rules it lacks authority to impose any tax, fee or cess.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:36am

Islamabad

Target set to enroll 25,000 out-of-school children in three months

Govt also plans to establish new community schools near areas where there are a sizeable number of out-of-school children, says ministry

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:22am

Islamabad

Met Office forecasts more showers in Islamabad

Wasa chief says staff and heavy machinery deployed in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:20am

Islamabad

National Highway and Motorway Police initiates inquiry against officials for showing leniency to TV anchor

During the operation, officials detected a vehicle travelling at 166 kilometres per hour, well above the prescribed speed limit.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 10:34am

Punjab

Sewerage development projects worth Rs25.8bn continue in Multan

Officials said Phase-I development works worth Rs5.6bn will be completed before June 30, 2026.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:32am

Punjab

Mentally challenged Kasur man killed by Indian Border Security Force laid to rest

Ahmed, according to his family, went out at night time without informing anyone and crossed the border by mistake.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:31am

Lahore

Probe launched into money trail of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials

Some applicants alleged that Rs21,000 per apostille and Rs3,000 to Rs5,000 per attestation of other documents were being charged through agents as bribe.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:47am

Punjab

Domestic cotton prices up as imports suspended due to war

Limited availability of local quality cotton also a factor.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:51am

Sindh

SHC sets aside federal ombudsman’s order in woman’s harassment case against senior govt officer

The federal ombudsperson proceeded to impose a major penalty of demotion to a lower post along with a fine of Rs100,000.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:16am

Sindh

Zardari, Bilawal reaffirm confidence in Sindh govt, Karachi mayor

At parliamentary party meeting, PPP chief rejects cricitism over Gul Plaza tragedy; says critics uneasy with a jiyala leading Karachi.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 09:09am

Sindh

Eid shopping picks pace amid hype around ‘Kashmiri’ bangles, flowing kaftans in Karachi

Roadside stalls in various markets offer smart bargains.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 01:01pm

Balochistan

Gwadar Development Authority saves Rs15m through austerity steps

Proposals sought to boost authority’s financial condition.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Balochistan

Two Coast Guards martyred in Jiwani attack

Officials says the incident took place in the Panowan area of Jiwani, where unidentified men riding motorcycles opened fire with automatic weapons.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 07:05am

Balochistan

JUI-F candidate alleges rigging in Kalat re-polling

Saeed Ahmed Langove claims only 34 out of 92 ballot boxes delivered to polling stations.

Published 16 Mar, 2026 07:05am

National

Exporters up in arms as air cargo charges raised

Gerry’s dnata Pakistan has introduced ad hoc charges of Rs50 per kg — excluding all applicable taxes — due to rising costs.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:34am

National

Legislators grumble about PM’s call to forgo pay

Parliamentarians issued form to choose salary donation; Say cuts acceptable for national causes, but not by "dictation".

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:26am

National

ADB gives ‘final chance’ to $360m Central Asia Regional Economic Corridor project

Loan disbursement deadline extended till April 5.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:23am

Back Page

The environment — another casualty of war in Middle East

Experts say military hardware’s carbon footprint is staggering; conflicts’ carbon toll rivals yearly emissions of nations.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:17am

Back Page

US, Chinese economic chiefs meet to pave way for Trump-Xi summit

Analysts see limited prospects for a major trade breakthrough.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:07am

Back Page

Israeli forces kill 16 more in Gaza, occupied West Bank

The Palestinian health ministry says that at least 670 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the October ceasefire.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 08:11am

Back Page

Islamabad calls for global action against Islamophobia

Dar says Pakistan working with OIC members, UN envoy to counter anti-Muslim bigotry; PTI credits Imran Khan with raising the issue at international fora.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 07:52am

Front Page

Iran warns other nations to stay away as US looks to expand war

Trump asks allies to send ships to protect Hormuz shipping; Tehran turns down any chance of negotiations after US president says he’s not ready for a deal.

Updated 16 Mar, 2026 07:26am