News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-19

IMF raises concern over global inflation, output over US-Israel war on Iran

IMF chief warns if war is prolonged, higher energy prices will lead to higher headline inflation; says world's most economically vulnerable states will be first in line to feel the fallout.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 11:31pm

KP & FATA

Cold returns to KP’s Hazara amid rain, snow in some areas; landslides cause road blockages

"It is as cold as it used to be in December and January, even though February and most of March had been hot,” a resident says.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 11:23pm

Middle East

European countries, Japan express ‘readiness’ to safeguard shipping through Strait of Hormuz

Emphasise that interference with international shipping “constitute[s] a threat to international peace and security”.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 10:55pm

UN’s Guterres tells US, Israel ‘it is high time to end war’, urges Iran to ‘stop attacking neighbours’

“It’s time for the force of the law to prevail over the law of the force. It’s time for diplomacy to prevail over war,” he says.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 09:56pm

KP & FATA

Body of Afghan national at Torkham handed over following pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq

The dead body was spotted by locals, who had reported the matter to security officials.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:51pm

Middle East

‘Baseless characterisation’: FO rejects remarks by Israel’s ambassador to India

FO statement issued after a video clip of the envoy began circulating on social media, in which he alleges a "rogue state" has nuclear weapons.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:37pm

Middle East

Eid in mourning: Pakistani families grieve loved ones lost in US-Israel war on Iran

Four Pakistanis have been killed during the Middle East war.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:57pm

In call with Erdogan, PM acknowledges Turkiye’s role in promoting peace between Pakistan, Afghanistan

PM Shehbaz reiterates his condemnation of the ongoing escalation in the region, particularly the missile attacks on Turkiye.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:39pm

Govt appeals to public to adopt fuel-conservation measures to avert risk of supply disruption

Meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz told while there are "adequate" fuel reserves to meet country's requirements, further conservation measures will have to be taken in coming days due to "unstable" ME situation.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:02pm

War Diary Day 20: Energy war pushes region to the brink

The past 24 hours indicated a clear shift from a primarily military contest to one increasingly centred on economic targets.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:40pm

Jemima responds to Tarar, says govt wants Imran’s sons to travel on Nicops so they will ‘not have British protection’

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said that Imran's children were welcome to visit Pakistan on Nicops, for which no visa was required.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:19pm

Price hikes due to Iran war dampen Eid in Pakistan

Public transport fares have risen as people travel from major urban centres back to their hometowns and villages.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 06:12pm

Pakistan among most vulnerable countries as Gulf shipping crisis jolts South Asia

Data shows Pakistan receives 99pc of its LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in Gulf energy flows.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 05:46pm

Branded Content

Zong 5G is live; Leading Pakistan’s digital journey into a new era with commercial 5G launch!

This launch reflects a clear strategic commitment: to lead Pakistan’s transition into a fully digital, intelligent, and connected future.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 05:23pm

Telecos awarded licences for 5G spectrum, announce launch of services in some cities

PM Shehbaz hails “wonderful beginning” for Pakistan, terms acquisition of 5G spectrum a “milestone” for the country.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 06:54pm

UK meningitis outbreak cases rise to 27

Two people have died since the epidemic came to light at the weekend, centred on the University of Kent in southeastern Canterbury and a local nightclub popular with students.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:14pm

Shawwal moon not sighted, Eidul Fitr to be celebrated on Saturday

Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee chairman says no credible moon sighting testimonies were received.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 12:06am

Delivery riders race for Eid, but Iran war squeezes earnings

The platforms that rely on the workers say they are adjusting pricing and taking other steps to boost riders’ earnings.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 04:07pm

The trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows Peter Parker down on his luck

The friendly neighbourhood superhero has lost his friends and is on the verge of losing his powers.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 03:59pm

PIA dismisses claim of flight escaping missile attack in UAE’s Fujairah

“PIA clarifies that the news circulating regarding a missile attack near Fujairah involving a PIA flight is entirely baseless and false,” it says.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 03:57pm

From denial to acceptance: Iran war’s mental toll on Pakistani expats in UAE

The mental impact of war can be deeper and more personal for expats, as many of them are carrying the emotional weight of distance, duty, and uncertainty, says psychologist Bushra Jabeen.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 05:30pm

Atif Aslam and Aima Baig will be performing this year’s PSL anthem

They will be joined by the Sabri Sisters and Daniya Kanwal.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 02:39pm

Islamabad AG Ayaz Shaukat appointed chairman of newly-established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority

Incumbent advocate general Islamabad to tender his resignation after Eid vacations, sources say; five members notified.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 02:55pm

Sindh

20 killed, 8 injured in rain-related incidents across Karachi: police

Continued cloudy weather with chances of rain and thunderstorms expected today, says PMD.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 04:54pm

‘Stay safe, Karachi’: Stars and netizens caught in the chaos after heavy rain lashes the city

Many people shared videos of the carnage resulting from Wednesday night's sudden thunderstorm.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 01:00pm

FO rejects US intelligence chief’s claims about Pakistan missile threat

Says Pakistan’s strategic capabilities exclusively defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:33pm

Strait of Hormuz blockage drives up Gulf food bills

Fresh products, most of which are imported from Asia and cannot be stored for long, are the first to be affected.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 12:05pm

Review: Mohammed Hanif’s Rebel English Academy is a warning about cycles we have yet to break

The deeply satirical new novel uses three protagonists to explore ways of thinking about power.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 12:01pm

Mehreen Jabbar’s Farar is coming to streaming platform Begin on March 21

The series stars Sarwat Gilani, Tooba Siddiqui, Zahid Ahmed, Mariam Saleem and Maha Hasan.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 11:20am

Middle East

Ministerial meeting calls on Iran to ‘immediately and unconditionally’ halt attacks in Gulf

Joint statement by regional countries, including Pakistan, condemns Iranian attacks; Saudi Arabia reserves "right to take military actions," says Saudi FM.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 03:59pm

CDF Munir reiterates Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorists ‘wherever they may be’

Violence in Pakistan in response to incidents in another country will not be tolerated, says the ISPR, quoting the army chief.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 11:20am

Iftar, Sehri timings for Ramazan 29/30

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

Published 19 Mar, 2026 10:12am

Oil shocks, shipping disruptions and IMF review: Pakistan walks tightrope amid wartime volatility

The most important thing is to ensure that Pakistan stays out of the fighting, no matter the cost.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 01:14pm

Austerity measures should be adopted as a long-term way of life and policy

The austerity plan is for a limited period and hence of limited benefit.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 09:16am

Editorial: With Larijani’s killing, Israel and US have silenced a voice that could have brought war to a close

The late Larijani was one of the most powerful men in Iran — a thinker and a soldier.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 09:08am

International

South Korea suspends army training after bullet hits child

South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village near the border with the North during a joint exercise with US forces, injuring nearly 30 people.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:06am

International

Germany ‘would have advised against’ war on Iran, says Merz

“At the same time, however, we have also made it clear that we still have many questions regarding this war,” he says.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:05am

International

Russia slams Oscar-winning anti-Putin documentary

“images of minors were used without obtaining the consent of their parents” in the documentary, says Russia’s human rights council.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 08:02am

Business

Rupee remains stable despite regional war pressures

Flights to Dubai, Umrah travel continue; airfares surge.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:22am

Business

Power firms seek to extract Rs12.2bn more for Feb usage

Power companies have sought to extract another Rs1.64 per unit from consumers across the country in April bills.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Business

Meat exporters face extra logistic charges

According to exporters, Gerry’s Dnata recently implemented an extra charge of Rs50 per kg on meat exports.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:55am

Business

US Fed holds rates steady over Iran war implications

“The implications of developments in the Middle East for the US economy are uncertain,” the Fed said in a statement.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:54am

Business

Dredging begins at Karachi Port

Development to mark a major upgrade to maritime infrastructure, says the maritime minister.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:54am

Interior ministry forms body to probe Gilgit-Baltistan unrest

Committee mandated to examine circumstances leading to the unrest; 20 people were killed in clashes in GB following assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:37am

Sindh

Submerged ruins discovered in Indus Delta

Structural walls, mound formation and scattered remains unearthed; experts regret fragile structures at risk of damage yet to be declared protected.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:36am

National

‘Digital anxiety’ defines modern work culture: survey

Experts term it a "growing national concern," as 83pc of people in the META region say they keep an eye on office tasks outside work hours.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:34am

Sindh

PPP cancels Larkana ZAB anniversary gathering

Party’s district chapters told to organise Quran Khawani on April 4.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:32am

Balochistan

Zia Langove sworn in as Balochistan’s home minister

Oath-taking ceremony was held at the Governor House, where Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail administered the oath.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:57am

Balochistan

Rahdari passes for Iran travel suspended

Under the system, residents of border areas were allowed to travel between Pakistan and Iran without visas or passports.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:05am

National

PM urges housing finance reform, railway modernisation

Officials say new regulator planned for real estate, construction tax reforms underway; premier sees rail freight as key to saving fuel.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 07:05am

Front Page

Pakistan missiles ‘significant threat’ to US: Gabbard

Director of National Intelligence places Pakistan alongside Russia, North Korea; believes their projectiles could reach "homeland" in future.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 11:25am

Front Page

Pakistan halts Afghanistan operation for Eid, Kabul follows suit

Decision taken on requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye; Tarar warns action to resume promptly if attacks occur.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:34am

Front Page

Medical team examines Imran at Adiala jail

PTI has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the assassination of Ali Larijani, Iran’s secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:51am

Front Page

Israeli attack on largest gas field turns Middle East into powder keg

Tehran threatens, launches retaliatory attacks on energy facilities in the region; Pezeshkian warns of "uncontrollable consequences" as oil stays above $106 per barrel.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 07:56am

Back Page

Controversial Iranian scientist selected for ‘Nobel prize of water’

Kaveh Madani went into exile after being accused of spying for CIA, Mossad and MI6.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:05am

Back Page

US efforts against terrorism in the spotlight after Kent’s exit

Ex-counterterrorism chief lost his wife — a naval officer — in Syria in 2019, completed 11 combat tours.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:10am

Back Page

Saudi Arabia to celebrate Eid tomorrow

Across the Muslim world, Ramazan festivities this year were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:07am

Back Page

‘Darksword’ spyware leaves millions of iPhones vulnerable

The discovery marks the second time this month that researchers have found spyware targeting iPhones and other Apple devices.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 06:55am

KP & FATA

Section 144 imposed in South Waziristan

Section 144 imposed to maintain law and order during Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 06:55am

KP & FATA

Over 400 prisoners set free ahead of Eid across KP

Decision taken on directives of Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:36am

KP & FATA

Food authority DG injured in Peshawar attack

Police say that Mr Durrani was on his way to the office when unknown motorcyclists opened fire on him near the Jhagra area.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:33am

KP & FATA

Elite Force ASI shot dead in Upper Dir

ASI Bacha Yousaf Khan was targeted outside his residence when unknown gunmen opened fire on him.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 06:55am

KP & FATA

Two killed as rain continues to lash parts of KP

Official says rainfall to benefit crops.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:28am

ICT

Higher Education Commission asserts regulatory authority over accreditation bodies

“The communication clarifies that the accreditation councils operate strictly within the broader framework established by the HEC,” the press release states.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:19am

ICT

Single bench order allowing Sheikh Rashid to travel abroad set aside

The 23-page judgment authored by Justice Jawad Hassan centered on the interpretation of Section 28-A of the ATA, 1997.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:14am

ICT

Islamabad Electric Supply Company vows to supply uninterrupted power during Eid

Monitoring rooms have been established, and complaint offices will remain active 24/7.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:23am

ICT

NAB finds gaps in housing societies’ audit practices

For the first time, NAB’s AI-enabled system has been employed to conduct a digital and analytical examination of these audit reports.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:11am

ICT

Federal board may postpone examinations in Gulf countries

Due to ongoing war between US, Israel and Iran, holding of exams in the Gulf region would be difficult.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:08am

Punjab

Security plan finalised for Chand Raat, Eidul Fitr in Punjab

A Punjab Police spokesperson says that 5,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties in the provincial capital on Chand Raat.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:48am

Punjab

Punjab CM for action against transporters for overcharging

She instructed the deputy commissioners to closely monitor transport operations to prevent excessive fare collection and ticket black marketing.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:45am

Punjab

252 govt services integrated into e-Biz portal in Lahore

The government aims to further expand this digital footprint by increasing the number of available services to 300 by April 15.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Punjab

Anti-terrorism court grants bail to 26 TLP workers in Lahore

TLP workers were involved in violence against police and incidents of violent attacks.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:37am

Punjab

Lahore High court stays appointment process in health department

Petitioner’s counsel Rai Abu Sufiyan argues that the Punjab Health and Population Department advertised 2,115 posts, including medical officers, for the financial year 2025-26.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:59am

Sindh

Govt orders probe into issuance of fake matric certificates by Mirpurkhas board

Forms three-member inquiry committee with Sindh University VC as its head; two more officials suspended.

Published 19 Mar, 2026 06:55am

Sindh

CM Murad sets April deadline for Shahrah-i-Bhutto completion

PPP Board approves Kathore interchange design; new Sukkur-Rohri bridge over Indus River to benefit over 30,000 vehicles daily.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:52am

Sindh

‘Robber’ killed in firing by his accomplices in Karachi

The officer says that one pistol, two cell phones and a motorcycle were recovered from his custody.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 09:04am

Sindh

No justification for torture in interrogation, rules Sindh High Court

Rejecting bail pleas of policemen, bench notes that custodial deaths must not be allowed to happen.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:55am

Sindh

ATC dismisses bail pleas of Uzair Baloch in seven cases

He, along with others, had been charged with attacking law enforcers with firearms and explosives in 2012 within the jurisdiction of the Kalakot police station.

Updated 19 Mar, 2026 08:59am

Football