News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-20

PM Shehbaz rejects recommendations for further hike in petrol, diesel prices

Says mechanism to be devised to ensure only the deserving get relief as federal government continuing to bear burden of rising oil prices not a lasting solution.

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 12:47pm

Middle East

War Diary Day 21: Muted Nowruz, Eid in Iran

Across Iran, the Persian New Year arrives without the usual festivities — celebrations remain scaled down and blackouts and economic strain shape public sentiment.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 11:12pm

Middle East

Supreme Leader Mojtaba denies Iran’s role in attacks in Oman, Turkiye, dubs them ‘false flag tactic’

“This is a ploy by [Israel that is] employing the false flag tactic to create discord between the Islamic republic and its neighbours," alleges Mojtaba in his message on Nowruz.

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 01:37am

Middle East

‘Eid is gone for us’: War, displacement cast shadow over Eid holiday in Lebanon

Israel's strikes across Lebanon's south, east and its capital Beirut have killed more than 1,000 people and the Israeli military's evacuation orders have forced more than a million people to flee their homes.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:17pm

Action film legend Chuck Norris passes away

The Walker, Texas Ranger star was 86 years old.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:25pm

South Asia

Tesla plans India push into energy storage as it expands beyond cars, job ad shows

The new business will also mark Tesla’s expansion in India beyond just electric cars, which it started selling in August.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 06:19pm

Amid Iftar row, UK’s Nigel Farage says would ban mass prayer events at historic British sites if he became PM

Calls an open Iftar in London's Trafalgar Square earlier this week an “attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life”.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 05:46pm

No shortage of fertiliser anticipated for Rabi, Kharif crops

According to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan’s fertiliser sector demonstrates strong supply-demand alignment.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 05:03pm

Sindh

5 arrested, terrorist plot targeting railway tracks in Karachi foiled: Sindh CTD

Says the proscribed Baloch Republican Guard has been involved in at least six low-intensity attacks on rail tracks across Sindh.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 05:17pm

Middle East

Jerusalem’s Muslims despair on Eidul Fitr as access to Al-Aqsa Mosque denied amid US-Israeli war on Iran

“It’s a catastrophic situation for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for Palestinians in general and for all Muslims across the globe," says one worshipper.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 04:20pm

‘War has aged us’: Lebanon’s kids aren’t alright as Israeli bombing continues unabated

Laura al-Hajj, 18, says she feels like “from generation to generation, we are all living through wars”.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 04:02pm

Top Featured

Running on sunshine: Pakistan’s solar boom to tide over Middle East energy crisis

As war and volatility disrupt global fuel flows, Pakistan’s turn to solar is emerging as an economic buffer.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 03:56pm

Niall Horan pays tribute to late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne with a song on his new album

The singer said he 'went into hiding' to mourn after his friend's funeral.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 03:02pm

Sindh

Rain likely in Karachi, other Sindh cities on 1st day of Eid: PMD

Met Office says “rain/thunderstorm with strong winds” likely to hit several Sindh districts.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 05:07pm

ICT

Calls for de-escalation in Middle East as PM Shehbaz speaks to several world leaders

Extends Eid greetings to Azerbaijan, Egyptian and Uzbek presidents, Malaysian and Bangladeshi counterparts.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:59pm

Trump-appointed arts panel approves gold coin featuring his image

The coin would depict a stern-looking Trump leaning over a desk and staring forward.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 01:24pm

Iftar timings for Ramazan 30

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

Published 20 Mar, 2026 01:05pm

K-pop stars BTS release fifth studio album, ARIRANG

The K-pop supergroup is returning to the stage on Saturday in Seoul after a four-year hiatus.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 01:00pm

Norway crown princess says ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

Says the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein "was a friend", relationship didn't have "another nature".

Published 20 Mar, 2026 12:41pm

PM Albanese heckled, booed during visit to Australia’s largest mosque over stance on Israel

A security guard was seen tackling one heckler to the ground before escorting him away; Australian PM calls event “incredibly positive” despite the incident.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 12:33pm

South Asia

Pakistan lashes out at India for ‘weaponisation of water’ over baseless allegations at UN

Envoys exchange heated remarks; climate minister warns unilateral politicisation of water not just a legal issue but a humanitarian one.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 01:11pm

Three Pakistani films set to jostle for limited viewership over Eidul Fitr

Aag Lagay Basti Mein, Bullah and Delhi Gate are all releasing in time for the holidays.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 11:49am

As war rages on and fuel prices rise, Pakistani fashion is dented, but not dead

While many fashion houses report little impact on sales so far, thanks to Ramazan and Eid, can this current cautious optimism last?

Published 20 Mar, 2026 11:05am

Govt rubbishes Afghan Taliban’s ‘frivolous’ claim of Pakistan violating truce

Reiterates that "any act of terrorism, cross-border attack, drone attack, etc by Afghan Taliban regime and its proxies" will result in immediate resumption of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 10:54am

Indian release of The Voice of Hind Rajab reportedly blocked in effort to ‘preserve India-Israel ties’

The film follows the brutal killing of a 6-year-old-girl by the Israeli Defence Forces.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 10:40am

Spending on health initiatives is an issue of fiscal prioritisation rather than a problem of fiscal space

In a fast-changing world, we need to start owning our problems.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 10:06am

What will be our vulnerabilities, external and internal, if the Gulf states actively join the war?

If the Arab states attack Iran, there will be celebrations in Tel Aviv as the Zionist dream would have come true.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 09:49am

Editorial: It is not for any third party to cast aspersions on how Pakistan protects its interests during war

The US should avoid the perception that it plays favourites in South Asia.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 09:28am

ICT

Islamabad High Court bars home demolitions in Ghauri Town

The petitioner argues that the notices were served during the holy month of Ramazan, causing severe mental distress and anguish to approximately 20,000 residents of Ghori Town Phase 7.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:53am

ICT

Mutton, beef prices in Rawalpindi go out of reach ahead of Eid

Butchers blame exports of meat abroad for increase in prices.

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 10:28am

ICT

Islamabad Motorway police suspend 11 buses for carrying passengers in baggage compartments

National Highways and Motorway Police has issued a travel advisory for Eidul Fitr, noting that traffic flow on motorways and national highways increases significantly during the holidays.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:00am

ICT

PMDC calls for narrowing gap between graduates and available PG training opportunities

The recommendation has been sent considering the decision of the PMDC council taken last month.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:57am

Sindh

Ex-MNA Ali Wazir arrested again, sent to prison in Dadu

He was released from Sukkur prison on bail. However, hours later, police arrested him again in another sedition case.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:46am

Sindh

Two PPP workers shot dead in Orangi Town

Investigators have recovered four spent bullet casings from a 9mm pistol and sent them to the police forensic science laboratory.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:53am

Sindh

Wedding plans in limbo as Sindh govt restricts guest numbers to 200

Marriage hall owners urge govt to reconsider decision; call restrictions "impractical, distressing and likely to cause confusion".

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 07:45am

Outflow of profits rises by 10.5pc, FDI plunges by 33.3pc during FY26

Dollar repatriation swells to $1.7bn, foreign investment falls 33pc to $1.19bn in July-February.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 08:14am

Sindh

Murad orders faster pace on K-IV, warns against damage to utilities

Presiding over a meeting to review Karachi’s water projects, he says that the city’s water supply system remained one of the provincial government’s top priorities.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:59am

Sindh

Access routes cleared promptly during Gul Plaza fire, South DC tells commission

The deputy commissioner maintaines that no permanent encroachments or municipal work were found to have prevented access of emergency response vehicles.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:34am

PTI leaders denied meeting with Imran; CM Afridi asks PM to allow family visits on Eid

Mr Niazi, who claims to be a spokesperson for both Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, said he had not been allowed to meet the former premier since April 2 last year.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:54am

International

Thailand’s new parliament elects Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister

Progressive rival Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut gains 119 votes to Anutin's 293; 86 MPs abstain.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:54am

KP & FATA

Police finalise security plan for Eid in Peshawar

“Special arrangements have been made by traffic police officers and personnel to keep traffic flowing smoothly in the city,” police says.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:33am

KP & FATA

Youth a strategic asset for country, says CM Afridi

Afridi reviews progress on skills development, employment generation initiatives.

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 10:15am

KP & FATA

KP on the frontline in war on terror, says CM aide

Says govt adopting exemplary austerity measures; Rs31 billion allocated to strengthen CTD, Special Branch.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:23am

KP & FATA

Counter Terrorism Department kills wanted militant in Dera Ismail Khan

operation was conducted in the Wanda Badh area of Paharpur after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:25am

ICT

Pindi to get steady water supply during Eid

Special monitoring of sewers and manhole covers will also be done, Wasa MD says.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:30am

Punjab

Punjab CM orders tight security at bus stands, markets

The CM also instructed the authorities concerned to enhance security and patrolling around ATMs and banks.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:17am

Punjab

30 planes prevented from entering Iranian war zone: Pakistan Airport Authority

Air traffic controllers 'avert disaster' amid adverse weather conditions by preventing aircraft drifting into Iranian airspace.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 12:06pm

Punjab

Price hikes in Multan market due to Iran war dampen Eid in Pakistan

In Multan’s markets, crowds of women young and old shopped for colourful bangles, shoes, new clothes, make-up and sweet treats.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:08am

Punjab

Man in Lahore kills self, son over family feud

Shooting leaves wife, daughter injured.

Updated 21 Mar, 2026 09:20am

Punjab

Rain, strong winds lash various districts in Lahore

According to PDMA data, the highest rainfall (25mm) was recorded in Attock, followed by Murree (23mm) and Sialkot city (11mm).

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:37am

International

Hezbollah battles Israeli troops in Lebanon

Resistance group repeats denial of having ‘cells’ in Kuwait.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:12am

International

Japan PM Takaichi placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

Japan "really stepping up to the plate, unlike Nato," says US president.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 11:01am

Football

Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern and Atletico reach CL quarter-finals

A spectacular match saw Anthony Elanga twice score for Newcastle inside the opening half-hour to cancel out goals by Raphinha and Marc Bernal.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:53am

Cricket

‘IPL lags Hundred, South Africa 20 in player welfare’: global players body

The world’s richest 20-overs tournament received maximum points for average payment and payment reliability but lagged in areas such as “right to organise” and “dispute resolutions”.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:51am

Football

‘Boycotting’ US, not World Cup: Iran’s football chief

Iran is currently scheduled to play its group matches in the US in this year’s tournament.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 09:46am

Business

Tax discount on sugar imports extended

Decision in line with the government's previous decision to extend income tax concession on sugar imports.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:29am

Business

Gold loses safe-haven shine amid escalating war

Prices slip below Rs500,000 per tola.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:38am

Business

Export Facilitation Scheme utilisation period extended to 18 months

Move meant to support exporters facing financial and production constraints.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 10:34am

Business

FBR revises transhipment rules amid Gulf crisis

Temporary storage at Port Qasim aims to ease cargo disruptions.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:29am

Balochistan

Two bullet-riddled bodies found in Quetta

QUETTA: Two bullet-riddled bodies were found in the Luni area of Duki district on Thursday.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Balochistan

Balochistan High Court orders MPA’s inclusion in water scheme case

Directs NAB and ACE to initiate inquiry, conduct forensic audit, trace money and recover Rs30m with markup.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:38am

National

Attempt to smuggle high-end mobile phones from China foiled

Over 300 iPhones and Android sets confiscated during joint operation by Pakistan Customs, MI and local police; Khunjerab Pass will remain closed for four days for Eid.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:31am

National

Violence over events abroad won’t be tolerated: CDF Munir

Army chief calls for unity and countering sectarian narratives in meet with Shia clerics.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:21am

Back Page

Tories face backlash over anti-Muslim rhetoric

Badenoch defends shadow justice secretary for calling Muslim prayers in public spaces "an act of domination".

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:12am

Back Page

US earns its lowest-ever score on freedom index

Washington-based Freedom House said global freedom declined in 2025 for the 20th consecutive year, calling it a “grim milestone”.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:15am

Back Page

Israel kills four in Gaza as Rafah reopens

Tel Aviv bombs Tuffah and Zeitoun neighbourhoods, local officials say; Some wounded Palestinians cross Gaza-Egypt border amid resh truce push.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:08am

Punjab

Punjab plans ‘drone shield’ to counter aerial threats

Rawalpindi civil defence department gets first "anti-drone gun" to intercept UAVs.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 08:02am

Front Page

Govt urges conservation amid risks to fuel supply

PM directs emergency measures, consultation with provinces; informed ample stocks available.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:28am

Front Page

US rushes $16bn arms to Gulf after Iran warns of ‘zero restraint’

Tehran strikes Qatari LNG plant, Saudi and Kuwaiti refineries; Trump warns of "furious response" if attacks on Qatar continue.

Published 20 Mar, 2026 07:28am

Middle East

IRGC claims it struck US F-35 over central Iran, with fighter jet’s fate unclear

US military has only said that a US F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing after flying a combat mission over Iran.

Updated 20 Mar, 2026 03:03am

Friday, March 20, 2026