News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-24

Middle East

War Diary Day 25: Pause holds but conflict’s underlying dynamics point to widening of scope

The situation at the end of Day 25 tells us that while some effort may be under way to tactically contain the war, one cannot ignore that it is expanding structurally.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 11:30pm

Sindh

Sindh minister says govt contemplating smart lockdown as fuel conservation measure

Says if the war on Iran continues, the energy sector would be the first “to be hit”.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 09:27pm

South Asia

AJK PM condemns sentencing of Kashmiri leader Asiya Andrabi, her associates by Indian court

“These verdicts are not about justice; they are instruments of political coercion designed to criminalise dissent and suppress the legitimate voice of the Kashmiri people,” he says.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 09:08pm

Pakistan’s petrol cargoes for March and April ‘largely secured’: finance ministry

Overall inventories remain at comfortable levels, supported by secured import arrangements and ongoing production, committee to monitor petrol prices told.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 08:56pm

ICT

PTI decries ‘blatant violation of rights’ as Imran’s sisters again barred from meeting him at Adiala jail

President of PTI's Islamabad chapter says Imran's release not possible without coordinated strategy.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:58pm

ADB announces support package for developing member states hit by Middle East conflict

ADB president says bank will deliver rapid, flexible, and scalable assistance to help countries manage immediate pressures and strengthen long-term resilience.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 07:27pm

Punjab

LHC sustains objection on plea against acquittal of PM Shehbaz, his sons in money laundering case

LHC chief justice asks petitioner’s counsel how his client is an aggrieved party in the matter; upholds objection raised by registrar's office.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:30pm

Afghanistan announces release of detained US citizen

Linguist and researcher Dennis Coyle was detained for more than a year; Afghan ministry says the UAE facilitated the release.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 07:40pm

Hamza Ali Abbasi launched a rishta app where anything you say is between you, your possible partner and your parents

Marriage 4 Life is supposed to be an 'all-in-one solution to all your marriage problems'.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 05:32pm

OGDCL commences oil production from development well in Hyderabad

Says well is producing 460 barrels of oil per day.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 05:17pm

Rapper Badshah may have just tied the knot: Indian media reports

Actor Isha Rikhi’s mother shared images from what appears to be a low-key ceremony.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 04:39pm

North Korea’s Kim vows ‘irreversible’ nuclear status, warns Seoul of ‘merciless’ response

Kim Jong Un says US committing "state terrorism" across the world; declares will designate South Korea "most hostile state".

Published 24 Mar, 2026 03:59pm

Sadapay says app unavailable after Amazon Web Services disrupted in Bahrain amid war on Iran

Says funds in accounts "safe and fully accounted for"; debit cards, ATMs, and point of sale payments are working.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 03:36pm

PSL’s ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’ keeps the energy up, but where’s the anthem?

Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, the Sabri Sisters and Daniya Kanwal carry the track, even as the league drifts further from its anthemic roots.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 03:25pm

Australia, European Union agree sweeping new trade pact 8 years in the works

Under the deal, the EU says it expects exports to Australia to grow by a third over a decade.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 03:14pm

‘She has an energy in her’: Boxing champ Usman Wazeer says Hania Aamir packs a mean punch

The World Youth Champion, who trains the star, lamented the lack of state support for boxing as a sport.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 03:08pm

Top Featured

Tracking international humanitarian law violations in the US-Israel war on Iran

As over 20 countries are now impacted by the illegal war, it is difficult to disagree with the notion that this is the original sin from which a multitude of evils flow.

Updated 16 Jul, 2026 01:58pm

JI chief flays govt for ‘burdening’ common citizen with high petroleum prices

Naeemur Rehman links rising prices to broader government mismanagement and calls for investigations into agreements with IPPs.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 02:03pm

CERT warns ‘hostile actors’ could exploit supply chains to target national infrastructure

Advisory instructs institutions to adopt tamper-proof mechanisms and tracking systems for transporting sensitive equipment.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 04:20pm

PSX rallies 1,200 points after Eid break

KSE-100 index gains 1,225.99 points to close at 153,966.36 points; Topline Securities says trading activity remained slim despite promising start.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 05:25pm

Sindh

K-Electric appoints Syed Taha as new CEO, replacing interim head

Syed Taha has served as the CEO of PSO since 2020, according to KE in a letter to PSX.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 03:24pm

The trailer for the live-action remake of Moana is out — and it features Dwayne Johnson in a wig

The film releases on July 10, almost a month after Toy Story 5.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 12:38pm

Sindh

Sindh govt on high alert as PMD forecasts another rain spell starting tomorrow

Chief secretary orders immediate action against "dangerous billboards"; directs to ensure availability of necessary machinery for drainage.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 03:14pm

Silence not an option, says Canadian Sikh activist Moninder Singh after fresh threats

UN special rapporteur says experts “absolutely not satisfied with the response from the Indian authorities” on transnational repression allegations.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 11:56am

University in occupied Kashmir recommends dropping Jinnah, Muslim thinkers from syllabus after student protests

Head of political science department says unnecessary controversy being created, inclusion of thinkers in syllabus consistent with nationwide curricula.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 05:17pm

Back to black: Facing energy shock amid Middle East turmoil, Asia turns to coal

The shift is bad news for the environment in the short term. Coal is a top contributor to greenhouse gases, and also a powerful air pollutant harmful for human health.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 11:14am

Review: Netflix’s War Machine has all the firepower, but its greatest weapon is restraint

A grief-stricken ranger takes on an alien killing machine in a film that works harder emotionally than it does visually.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 11:13am

Why is Pakistan suddenly central to US‑Iran diplomacy?

Pakistan’s mediatory role is being discussed now because the conflict has reached a point where military escalation carries growing costs, while diplomatic options remain limited.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 11:07am

Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows

The world’s top 25 most polluted cities were all in India, Pakistan and China, according to IQAir's annual report.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 10:56am

Hockey

Pakistan’s hockey World Cup qualification is a small step, but there is a long way to go

At the World Cup, no one expects the Green Shirts to be on or near the podium. With proper groundwork, the now 12th-ranked Pakistan could aim for seven to nine.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 10:40am

Destroying drinking water sources is no less than a war crime

Any aggression can endanger water in the ME.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 10:12am

US journalists sue to protect Voice of America from political control

The complaint focuses on VOA transmissions to audiences in Iran, China, North Korea and Kurdish regions, alleging they reflect White House talking points rather than objective reporting.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 10:07am

The upheaval in the Middle East can be explained by a weakening superpower

It is not merely about a populist, whimsical president.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 09:59am

Editorial: Mideast crisis underscores how external shocks become domestic instability when imbalances remain unaddressed

Targeted relief buys time but time without reform is a deferred liability.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 09:39am

Pakistan’s cotton crisis worsens amid delay in research bodies’ merger

Final summary held up at food ministry despite legal clearance on March 4.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 08:15am

Trump’s Iran claims roil markets as Tehran denies talks

Israel to keep pummelling Lebanon and Iran; US Marines en route to Mideast.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:18am

KP & FATA

Battagram residents complain about long power cuts

The situation highlights the need for better power management, especially during festive periods.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:05am

KP & FATA

Over 1m saplings planted in a single day as ‘Ehsaas Shajar’ drive kicks off in KP

CM says his govt committed to environmental protection, climate resilience.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:26am

KP & FATA

Governor Kundi urges commitment to national progress

He says as a result of the historic resolution, Pakistan today stands on the world map as a sovereign and nuclear power.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:05am

KP & FATA

Blast partially damages police post in Bannu’s Domel area

Meanwhile, terrorists also releases a video of the blast at the police post.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:05am

KP & FATA

Rs1.3bn mismanagement alleged in purchase of drugs in KP

DG health warns heads of 24 hospitals of disciplinary action.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:21am

ICT

Work begins on pedestrian bridges at Pindi’s Kutchery Chowk

Completion expected next month as work on remodelling project resumes after Eid holidays

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:13am

ICT

Over 70,000 tourist vehicles entered Murree: Chief Traffic Officer

Officer says over 11,740 tourists were guided and assisted in various ways.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:12am

ICT

Authorities go on high alert after week-long rain forecast in capital

Teams deployed to oversee emergency-like situations, tackle drainage, potential flooding.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:06am

ICT

Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad uses digital screens for Pakistan Day branding

Chief Officer MCI Dr Anam Fatima says this model of digital screens enabled instant, city-wide public messaging at zero cost to MCI/CDA.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:10am

Punjab

46 devotees faint after ‘toxic’ Kheer intake in Lahore

The rescuers and doctors at the hospitals confirmed that all affected individuals are now stable.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:40am

Punjab

Traffic police action ‘turns out to be revenue-generating drive’ in Lahore

Citizens complain of ''harsh'' traffic rules enforcement; Rs6.2bn fine recovered in 2.5 months.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Punjab

Death anniversary of Bhagat Singh, comrades marked

During the event, a resolution was passed urging both Pakistani and Indian governments to confer their highest civil awards upon Bhagat Singh.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:04am

Punjab

Punjab Horticulture Authority notifies new rules to protect trees

Trunk wider than 36 inches classified as "heritage tree".

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:31am

Sindh

Encroachments around Thatta’s historical Dabgir Mosque removed

The mosque, locally known as ‘Dabgir Mosque’, was built by Amir Khusro Khan Charkas in 1688 and he had named it after himself, historians believe.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:04am

Sindh

Sindh Tourism Development Corporation organises double-decker ride for special children, senior citizens

The guided journey included brief visits to prominent landmarks such as Keamari harbour, State Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Plaza.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:55am

Sindh

Over 14,000 schools, out of 19,808 damaged in 2022 floods, await restoration, Sindh govt told

Murad says reconstruction underway through multi-funded programmes to restore facilities for 1.4m students.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:50am

Sindh

Two cousins run over, killed by water tanker in Karachi

Both the tanker and van drivers fled the scene, abandoning their vehicles, which were later impounded by the police.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:59am

Sindh

Senior police officers to be held responsible for custodial deaths, warns Sindh High Court

Observes that deaths of handcuffed suspects raise serious questions.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:45am

International

Eight die, 71 ‘rescued’ as plane with 125 on board crashes in Colombia

Crash is the second by a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America in under a month.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:00am

International

Blow to Meloni as she suffers referendum defeat

Italian premier insists she is going nowhere; referendum not about her own leadership of government.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:12am

International

US deploys ICE agents at 14 airports

Decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, rights activists and some Republicans.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:07am

Football

City’s League Cup glory adds twist to title race

Nico O’Reilly’s second-half double had just sealed a 2-0 win in the Wembley showpiece, handing City a psychological boost at the expense of their Premier League title rivals.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:44am

Hockey

Long-term development, not winning upcoming World Cup, Pakistan’s main aim: Samiullah

After a gap of eight years, Pakistan will be returning to the FIH men’s World Cup later this year.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:43am

Cricket

Foreign players start arriving as PSL 11 nears

All games will be played behind closed doors until the regional conflict concludes.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 09:37am

Business

EU calls for deep reform of World Trade Organisation

Says level playing field, overcapacity and market policies must be better tackled than in the past.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:40am

Business

Trade gap narrows to $9.04bn in July-January

Planning Commission alerts to economic fallout of ongoing Middle East crisis.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:30am

Business

Fertiliser sector on edge amid Gulf crisis

DAP imports vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:21am

Business

PTA gives go-ahead for Telenor, Ufone merger

Amalgamation process to take 4 weeks.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:09am

Business

Oil prices plunge 10pc on US-Iran talks

Analysts estimate loss of 7m to 10m barrels per day of Middle East oil production.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:18am

Business

TotalEnergies abandons US wind leases

Oceantic Network criticises administration for using taxpayer funds to block projects.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:04am

Balochistan

100 trees planted on Pakistan Forest Day by MCC in Quetta

The event was attended by both Chinese and Pakistani management representatives, who joined employees from both sides in planting trees together.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:28am

Punjab

Statement of accused is mandatory in family cases, Lahore High Court rules

Procedural lapse not grounds for outright acquittal; ruling is rooted in legal principle of right to be heard, judge observes.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:24am

ICT

‘Two-strikes’ rule for promotion deemed unlawful: Islamabad High Court

In the past, senior bureaucrats passed over twice became permanently ineligible for further promotions.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 08:02am

Back Page

Ex-BBC employees take broadcaster to court over Gaza coverage

Five journalists who worked at broadcaster’s Arabic service claim discrimination, unfair dismissals due to "racist" practices.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 07:53am

Back Page

US court takes up mail-in ballot case that could impact Nov polls

The ballots must be postmarked by election day.

Published 24 Mar, 2026 06:04am

Back Page

Indonesia says no to $1bn fee for Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ seat

Jakarta has only committed peacekeeping troops for initiative, says Indonesian president.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 07:45am

Back Page

No ceasefire in Gaza as Israel continues to terrorise Palestinians

One-year-old child tortured with cigarettes to force father’s "confession".

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 07:48am

Front Page

World gave Israel ‘licence to torture Palestinians’: UN expert

The UN’s special rapporteur says that Israel’s systematic torture of Palestinians was on a scale that suggests collective vengeance and destructive intent.

Updated 24 Mar, 2026 07:37am

Front Page