News Archives for Latest - 2026-03-30

India planning false flag operation using Pakistani prisoners: security sources

Prisoners being shifted from Indian jails to execute false flag operation, according to warning issued late Monday.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 11:43pm

Cricket

Lahore Qalandars imposes ‘voluntary’ fine of Rs1m on captain Shaheen Afridi over security protocol breach

Clarifies that “matter arose from a misunderstanding rather than any deliberate attempt to violate established procedures”.

Updated 31 Mar, 2026 12:17am

Middle East

War Diary Day 31: Economic shockwaves deepen in absence of diplomatic off-ramps to Iran war

It seems that the coming days are likely to be shaped by the interaction between continuation of military actions across multiple fronts, scarce de-escalation pathways and growing economic pressures.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 10:27pm

What could Trump achieve by threatening Iran’s Kharg Island?

There appear to be three routes for US forces wishing to seize the island — an airborne attack; an amphibious operation; or a combination of the two.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 09:32pm

‘All roads lead to higher prices and slower growth’: IMF says Iran war is dimming outlook for many economies

If elevated energy and food prices persist, they will fuel inflation worldwide, global lender's top economists say.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 09:06pm

ICT

Islamabad businessman succumbs to injuries after being shot during dacoity at farmhouse

An FIR has been registered at the Shahzad Town police station on the complaint of the victim's wife.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 10:06pm

Cricket

Fast bowler Naseem Shah slapped with Rs20m fine after social media post about Punjab CM Maryam

“I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by this misuse of my platform,” Naseem says on controversy triggered by critical X post about Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.

Updated 31 Mar, 2026 01:00am

Russian oil tanker arrives in Cuba as Moscow vows to stand by Havana

US cut off Venezuela's oil exports to Cuba after toppling Maduro in Jan, and Trump threatened to slap punishing tariffs on any other country that sent crude to Cuba.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:23pm

OpenClaw creator says AI agent future is coming

OpenClaw can be connected to existing AI models and given simple instructions through instant messaging apps, as if to a friend or colleague.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 06:59pm

Fact check: Iranian hackers did not leak a video of FBI chief Kash Patel dancing; it is unrelated

The video is from December 2022 and shows an unidentified man.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:59pm

Kuwait assures full facilitation of diesel, jet fuel supplies to Pakistan

Both countries reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 06:10pm

PMD predicts fresh showers across country from April 1

Says a westerly wave will be approaching the “southerwestern parts of Balochistan from April 1”; likely to persist till April 4.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:27pm

ICT

PMDC takes notice of filming of video during medical procedure at Lahore’s Lady Willingdon Hospital

Says incident has raised "grave concerns regarding patient dignity, confidentiality and adherence to established medical ethics”.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:31pm

ICT

President Zardari, PM Shehbaz review regional situation, implications for Pakistan

President also chairs consultative meeting with provinces, says all possible measures should be taken to ease burden of rising prices on common man.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:19pm

Punjab

Punjab schools to open on April 1 with classes five days a week, minister says

Punjab govt refutes notification claiming schools will observe a "four-day working week”.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 05:02pm

Sonam Kapoor announces the birth of her second son with the cutest message

The note from the actor, her husband and their son, said they welcomed a baby boy on March 29.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 04:18pm

South Asia

India’s JioStar terminates Bangladesh IPL cricket broadcast deal, letter shows

Says it defaulted on payments; company has also terminated its broadcast deals in Bangladesh for the Women’s Premier League cricket tournament.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 04:16pm

Sindh

Court acquits all 8 accused in Dadu’s Chandio tribe triple murder case

Complainant's counsel, Salahuddin Panhwar, vows to challenge the verdict in SHC.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 04:10pm

You won’t find a better example of a good Pakistani film than Aag Lagay Basti Mein — Bullah is another story

One is whip-smart, emotionally grounded storytelling; the other leans on spectacle and shrugs off sense.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 03:27pm

FM Ishaq Dar to embark on official visit to China on March 31: FO

Upcoming visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth discussions on regional developments, as well as bilateral and global issues of mutual interest, says FO.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 02:28pm

KP & FATA

Security forces retaliate ‘vigorously’ after Afghan Taliban open fire in KP’s Bajaur sector: sources

Afghan posts from which Pakistan was being fired at were also destroyed, say security sources.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 02:10pm

An incorrect photo and a poor joke — Yumna Zaidi deserved better than Javeria Saud’s on-air mockery

An Eid show mix-up spiralled into mockery and the industry isn’t laughing along.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 01:34pm

Govt taking steps to ease burden on lower and middle-class amid fuel price hike: PM Shehbaz

“We will not leave the economically weaker section of the society alone in this hour of difficulty,” the premier vows.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 03:21pm

Cricket

PCB charges Fakhar Zaman with ball-tampering in PSL match

Another hearing to take place within next 48 hours after which match referee will share verdict, PCB says.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 01:12pm

Top Featured

How the Iran war is rewriting the economics of power … and why Pakistan must read the signals first

Rethinking Pakistan’s defence logic in the wake of Iran’s asymmetric shock and a rapidly rewired Middle East.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 01:08pm

Between escalation and engagement: Pakistan keeps hope for peace alive

Even as military contingency planning intensifies, diplomatic channels remain active.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 12:44pm

Someone stole 12 tonnes of Kit Kat bars in Europe and X is having a hard time keeping it together

The bars were en route to Poland from Italy when the heist occurred.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 12:29pm

Metldown at PSX as KSE-100 loses over 4,000 points

KSE-100 index declines by 4864.54 points to close at 146,842.97.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 06:33pm

Netanyahu restores access after Latin Patriarch blocked from Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

World leaders from France, Spain, Italy and Jordan condemned the restriction; Netanyahu claims “no malicious intent”.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 12:04pm

Sindh

Fire at superstore located in Karachi’s Zamzama area brought under control

According to officials, CCTV footage shows the fire erupted in an ATM located on the premises.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:44pm

PM Shehbaz expresses gratitude to foreign ministers after quad moot, reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to peace

Premier underscores importance of unity among Islamic countries; reaffirms Pakistan's commitment and resolve to bring Iran, US to negotiating table.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 01:17pm

FM Dar suffers ‘hairline fracture’ after fall while hosting Egyptian counterpart

Ali Dar said his father continued to fulfil “official duties” despite the injury, adding that the pain would be managed with medication.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 10:41am

Why we should care about what happens to Cuba

The Cubans have a heart the size of America.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 09:50am

What are the possible scenarios and their outcomes for the US-Iran conflict?

Whichever way the war ends it has changed the strategic equation in the Middle East.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 09:44am

Editorial: It would be wise for Pakistan to find an off-ramp in its face-off with Afghanistan

Many of Pakistan’s friends are interested in seeing a long-term truce take effect between Islamabad and Kabul.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 09:28am

A new auto policy needed for localisation

The rising import of CKD/SKD kits is concerning, given Pakistan’s limited foreign exchange reserves and narrow export base.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 08:58am

What will happen to Pakistan’s economy if the external support of remittances diminishes?

It is likely that around half a million people may not go abroad this year and another half a million may return home, impacting around $1-4bn in remittances.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 08:55am

Australia to halve fuel tax to keep prices within reach of citizens amid Iran war

“We are making fuel cheaper today because we understand that Australians are under serious pressure,” says PM Albanese.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:48am

What impact will ongoing global developments have on Pakistan’s fertiliser market?

Even if RLNG-based plants were to shut down, existing urea stocks, along with ongoing local production, are likely sufficient for the upcoming Kharif season.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 08:49am

Without recalibrating its tax structure, Pakistan risks taxing effort while discouraging growth

Pakistan’s personal tax structure burdens salaried professionals and entrepreneurs far more than comparable economies.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 08:37am

Business & Finance

Climate change challenges

Long-term assessments confirm intensifying extremes with serious flooding and drought-like conditions possible throughout the country in the coming times.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:08am

Business & Finance

The cost-of-living spillover

As the cost of workplace productivity rises too high, employees start making different choices and businesses feel the consequences long before the macro numbers fully catch up.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:01am

KP & FATA

Six killed, over 30 injured as rain wreaks havoc in Bannu

Landslide causes road blockade in South Waziristan

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:50am

KP & FATA

Three die on road in Lower Dir

In a separate mishap in Hajibad area, a car accident left one person injured.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:49am

KP & FATA

Man with 69 cranes arrested in South Waziristan

The action was taken on the directives of the divisional wildlife officer, Akhunzada Bakht Sherani, and led by deputy ranger Habib Nasir.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:30am

KP & FATA

Tribal areas deliberately kept underdeveloped: CM Afridi

Afridi announces Rs1,000bn uplift package for merged districts in upcoming Annual Development Programme.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:32am

KP & FATA

Drive against unregistered bikes launched in Peshawar

“Citizens are urged to get their motorcycles registered in a timely manner to avoid any difficulties,” says chief traffic officer.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:34am

More ships arrive from Hormuz as tankers continue reaching Karachi

13 ships are berthed at Karachi Port, handling container and bulk cargo, including canola, rock phosphate and cement.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:36am

Business

Nurturing political harmony

The federation must reform its institutional framework, withdraw from functions that the 18th Amendment devolved and reduce its expenditure effectively.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:13am

ICT

Over 3,600 out-of-school children identified in Islamabad

These children will be accommodated in public and non-formal schools next month, says official.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:45am

Punjab

Two drug dealers arrested in Chiniot

Police claims the team seized 27 bags, each weighing 50kg, full of opium.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:07am

Punjab

Cotton prices witness unprecedented surge in Punjab

To safeguard the economy, the forum is urging the government to move away from exclusive rights in favour of a volume-based royalty model.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:09am

Punjab

Wagons shortage for coal transport jeopardises Sahiwal plant

The situation is also results in severe financial loss to Pakistan Railways in the freight sector besides affecting the country’s power generation capacity.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:04am

Punjab

Free cardiac surgery programme launched in Punjab

The Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Programme has commenced in nine public and 15 private cardiac institutions.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:01am

Punjab

Health dept expands action against five PG resident doctors in Punjab

PMDC, CPSP told about their training programme termination; YDA terms punishment unjustified, uncalled for; calls C-section.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:59am

ICT

Over 50 detained for violating Tenancy Act in Rawalpindi

A shop-to-shop and house-to-house checking has been launched by the police against those violating the Tenancy Act.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:48am

ICT

Work starts to install water filtration plants in Rawalpindi

A total of 219 water filtration plants will be installed in four tehsils of Rawalpindi district. The project will be completed by June 30, 2026.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:51am

ICT

No burden on bill payers: Islamabad Electric Supply Company

Iesco has urged consumers to ensure the timely payment of their power bills so that the supply system can continue to function in a stable and efficient manner.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:53am

ICT

Food waste threat to climate, says president

Pindi admin launches awareness drive on World Zero Waste Day.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:23am

Sindh

Christian groups demand protection against ‘forced marriages, conversions’

The participants, including women and young girls, carried placards and chanted slogans, demanding protection against forced marriages.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:20am

Sindh

Fire breaks out in trailer parked in F.B. Area

Police are investigating as to who parked the two trailers in the area and why.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:13am

Sindh

Three ‘criminals’ arrested for looting medical college bus in karachi

During the initial probe, the suspects "confessed" their involvement in over one dozen street crimes in Karachi.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:15am

Sindh

Ban on polythene bags goes largely ignored and unenforced in Sindh

Market visit shows eco-friendly alternatives "too expensive" for most consumers.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:12am

Tennis

Sabalenka sinks Gauff to clinch second straight Miami Open title

The American had won her first nine, including a triumph over Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open championship match.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:13am

Cricket

Gladiators keep Kingsmen winless to record first victory

Player-of-the-match Shamyl and Hasan lifted Gladiators to a respectable 174-8 after skipper Saud Shakeel elected to bat first.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:40am

Cricket

Karachi Kings edge past Lahore Qalandars in PSL thriller

The win was built on a disciplined bowling display and a gritty chase that survived a middle-order wobble before Abbas Afridi’s explosive finish.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 09:37am

International

Israeli strikes kill nine in Gaza

According to official Palestinian news agency Wafa, young girl among the dead on Saturday night.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:36am

International

Russian tanker nears Cuba, defying US oil blockade

Sailboats carrying aid reach crisis-hit country after disappearing at sea.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:36am

Balochistan

National Party to boycott Khuzdar by-election

The parliamentary seat became vacant after the resignation of BNP-Mengal Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:28am

Balochistan

Six suspected terrorists among 11 killed in Panjgur

Armed men target multiple houses, kill five civilians; attackers use guns and grenades, set houses, vehicles on fire.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:36am

Balochistan

Dr Malik calls for relief in Nushki, Zehri amid curfews

Ex-CM alleges harassment of workers across Balochistan.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:36am

National

Fuel stocks sufficient to meet national demand, says PM

Urges citizens to avoid travel, adopt teleconferencing at workplaces.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:04am

National

Private school sealed after hosting event with Imran’s sister

PTI-backed MNA claims police restriction on his presser.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 11:56pm

Sindh

Free and Fair Election Network urges reforms to strengthen Sindh RTI law amid low compliance

Says only 54pc of required information is published by public bodies.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:11am

National

Gilgit-Baltistan faces judicial crisis as top court vacancies remain unfilled since 2016

Around 10,000 cases pending as court operating with only one judge for past several years.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:14am

Back Page

Global food waste crisis undermines climate and security, says UNEP official

Highlights over one billion tonnes of edible items thrown away every year.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:56am

Back Page

Gwadar Port attains ‘milestone’ with specialised vessel berthing

Maritime minister promotes port as a "secure, strategic" alternative amid war.

Published 30 Mar, 2026 05:36am

Back Page

Minister reviews security situation in Gilgit-Baltistan

Mr Muqam visited the cities of Gilgit and Skardu to review the security situation following unrest that killed at least 20 people.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:51am

Back Page

Challenges mount for incomplete Indus River System Authority ahead of water moot

Absence of members from Sindh raises concerns over body’s composition for upcoming meeting to determine water availability.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:46am

Front Page

Industry in crosshairs amid no let-up in Iran war

Tehran strikes aluminium producers in UAE and Bahrain, chemical plant in Israel; Neot Hovav industrial zone fire declared.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:31am

Front Page

Govt comes up with hybrid plan to tackle power crisis

Two to three hours of daily load-shedding expected on average besides tariff hikes; Railways dispute impacting coal transport to power plants.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 07:26am

Front Page

Dar hints at US, Iran talks as quad pushes peace off-ramp

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt back efforts to create conditions for Washington-Tehran structured negotiations.

Updated 30 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Monday, March 30, 2026