News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-09

Punjab

PML-N lawmaker submits resolution in PA, calls for nominating CDF Munir, PM Shehbaz, DPM Dar for Nobel Peace Prize

Resolution says Pakistan’s leadership played a significant role in promoting peace and stability during the US-Isreali war on Iran.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 11:47pm

Middle East

Israel seeks peace talks with Lebanon ‘as soon as possible’ as world condemns Tel Aviv’s bombardment amid US-Iran truce

“Negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon,” says Netanyahu.

Updated 10 Apr, 2026 02:24am

Middle East

‘Nothing short of horrific’: World reacts to Israeli ‘carnage’ in Lebanon

Israel launched on Wednesday its heaviest and most coordinated air assault on Lebanon since its conflict with Hezbollah began on March 2, killing more than 250 people.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 09:30pm

IMF expects to provide vulnerable economies hit by Middle East war up to $50 billion

“Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante,” says Kristalina Georgieva.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 08:53pm

Sindh

Sindh govt constitutes high-level committee to ‘ensure execution’ of Gul Plaza inferno’s inquiry report

The report identifies causes of the incident, determines responsibility and includes recommendations for future action.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 07:49pm

Punjab

Bill seeking to raise minimum legal age for Christian marriage submitted to Punjab Assembly committee

The proposed 'Christian Marriage Act Bill, 2026' has been submitted as a private member bill to the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Minority Affairs.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 11:30pm

ICT

Nadra warns of penalties for those who delay obtaining, renewing identity documents

Says 27m national identity cards have expired; SIMs registered against identity cards that have expired or are in the name of deceased individuals may be blocked at any time.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:21pm

In pictures: Security beefed up in Islamabad ahead of highly anticipated US-Iran talks

Due to the sensitivity and importance of the talks, comprehensive security measures have been put in place.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 05:29pm

South Asia

IMF strikes staff-level deal with Sri Lanka on $700m in funding

Colombo will need to raise power tariffs further and carefully manage its finances to navigate the Middle East crisis, Fund says.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 04:36pm

ICT

Rawalpindi board postpones matric exams scheduled for April 10

Says new date to be announced at a later date, candidates to be duly informed.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 04:22pm

Aroosa Rana’s The Golden Ratio — Math of Beauty explores the aesthetics of tragedy

The exhibition maps the golden ratio onto photographs from war zones to explain how shots are framed and curated.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 03:39pm

Top Featured

US-Iran talks in Islamabad: Who is involved and why it matters

With a fragile ceasefire barely holding and tensions still flaring, Islamabad is set to host talks between the warring parties this Saturday.

Updated 11 Apr, 2026 02:59pm

Writer Bee Gul calls out worrying hypocrisy in how Pakistani TV censors male bodies

She said a scene in her drama was censored for depicting a crime while other dramas freely show men as objects of attraction.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 02:19pm

Middle East

Iran, Saudi FMs hold first call since start of conflict, discuss ways to reduce tensions

Araghchi, Prince Faisal discuss ways to "restore security and stability in the region".

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 02:36pm

Review: In Philippa Gregory’s new novel, is Jane Boleyn a traitor or survivor?

She revisits the Tudor court in Boleyn Traitor through Jane Boleyn, a woman who survived longer than most in King Henry VIII’s treacherous world.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 01:58pm

In pictures: Israeli strikes pummel Lebanon, putting US–Iran ceasefire at risk

Grey plumes from Israeli strikes cloud Lebanon's skies and rescuers scour through rubble and burnt structures to find survivors.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 02:33pm

Nasa Artemis II astronauts prepare to end moon mission in ‘fireball’ re-entry

On the trip back home, they will reach speeds of up to 38,365 kph as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, a high-risk phase of the mission.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 01:34pm

Iran’s engagement removed doubts about Vance’s participation in Islamabad talks

As the talks approach, all eyes will be on whether Iran’s commitment to direct negotiations can translate into a sustainable agreement.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 01:23pm

Riz Ahmed’s Bait and the invention of the desi James Bond

In his new show, Ahmed highlights something many in the diaspora struggle with — the desire to fit in.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 01:18pm

Middle East

Lebanon seeks Pakistan’s support for ending Israeli strikes

In phone call with Lebanese counterpart, PM Shehbaz condemns Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 07:35pm

Foolproof security arranged for foreign guests, Naqvi assures US envoy ahead of US‑Iran talks in Islamabad

US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker appreciates Pakistan's "diplomatic role" in the ceasefire; Naqvi, US envoy discuss security arrangements.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 02:54pm

In pictures: Hundreds gather as Al Aqsa Mosque reopens after weeks-long shutdown

As the gates were opened with the morning call to prayer, large numbers of worshippers flocked to the site.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 11:51am

South Asia

India election roll overhaul sparks anger as key states vote

Polling kicks off in Assam, Kerala; West Bengal CM says will move court against the roll revision.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 05:48pm

‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha sentenced to 15 years in prison for supplying drugs to Matthew Perry

The Friends star died from 'acute effects of ketamine' in 2023.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 11:11am

Trump’s abrupt Iran reversal exposes limits of his leverage

His claims of victory over Iran overlooked questions about the effectiveness of mixing maximalist demands, erratic rhetoric and increasingly extreme threats.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 10:58am

ICT

Red Zone sealed as Islamabad prepares for Iran-US peace talks

Two holidays declared in Rawalpindi, Islamabad; hotel vacated, reserved for delegations; entry points to Islamabad likely to face closures.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 10:37am

NASA’s lunar success sharpens focus on China’s 2030 crewed landing goal

Beijing has made significant advances in recent years by becoming the first country to return robot-taken samples from both the near and far sides of the moon.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 10:18am

Govt ignored energy transition the country desperately needed, and then came the fuel crisis

The climate emergency declaration was both an environmental and economic statement.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 09:40am

Pakistan stands out as a peacemaker of historic significance after US‑Iran truce

The most ruinous war of our time was ended before it could escalate into a catastrophe. And Pakistan played the lead role in bringing this about.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 09:25am

Editorial: Pakistan, having earned its place at the table, must now help set the agenda in the region

Pakistan must consider using its good offices to convince Arabs and Iranians that a regional pact for mutual harmony and coexistence is not merely desirable but necessary.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 09:08am

Pakistan’s envoy to US acknowledges China’s quiet but persuasive role in Iran talks

“I believe the success of this process would lie in secrecy,” Pakistan’s ambassador to the US says.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 05:04pm

Football

Bayern seize advantage over Real in CL as Arsenal edge Sporting

Luis Diaz and Harry Kane struck a each in either half to earn the visitors a slender first-leg advantage after a high-tempo contest in the Spanish capital.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:32am

Tennis

Medvedev thrashed 6-0, 6-0 by Berrettini; Zverev battles through

Berrettini wrapped up the double-bagel victory, the first such defeat of former world number one Medvedev’s career, in just 49 minutes.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:31am

Cricket

Zalmi edge spirited Kingsmen by four wickets in PSL thriller

Zalmi were cruising at one stage, requiring 30 runs off 30 deliveries with six wickets in hand, before Hyderabad’s bowlers triggered a dramatic slowdown.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 07:41am

Sindh

CS told to file report on enforcement of anti-defacement law in Sindh

SHC rules local councils are bound to remove graffiti, posters, banners, advertisements or any other material from walls and properties within the province.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:46am

Sindh

Alarm raised over outbreak of mpox in Khairpur

Experts urge authorities to treat the disease as an immediate public health concern; doctor says condition of child from Khairpur under treatment at AKUH for mpox "stable".

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:57am

Sindh

Four coaches of Shalimar Express derail near Shahdadpur

Shalimar Express was moving at a very slow speed while entering the loop line, which helped prevent a major accident and saved passengers from injury.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 07:17am

Sindh

Commuters in Karachi pay grudgingly as govt’s call to freeze fares ignored

Passengers, parents and businesses say heavy fares unbearable; commuters paying nearly "double" the amount despite govt’s directive to charge pre-war fares.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:55am

Sindh

PTI leader Haleem gets interim bail in rioting case

The opposition party leader was booked for staging a protest near the Karachi Press Club (KPC) against the recent hike in fuel prices.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:52am

KP & FATA

Three killed, 14 injured in rain-related incidents in KP

120 people evacuated from two flooded villages near Peshawar.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:13am

KP & FATA

Constructions banned in Shangla areas prone to landslides

The order will remain enforced for 30 days.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 07:07am

KP & FATA

Former DG health arrested after denial of bail in drug procurement case in KP

Dr Shaukat likely to be produced before court today for physical remand.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:18am

KP & FATA

Shelter home for elderly opens in Peshawar

The facility will accommodate 150 senior citizens with all facilities.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:22am

KP & FATA

CM Afridi orders depts to explore feasibility of establishing e-bike industry

Says equitable distribution of development dividends across province govt’s core responsibility.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:24am

ICT

Experts warn against taxing solar panels, batteries

Economic and energy expert Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri says Pakistan must pivot to renewables and storage to shield the economy from global energy shocks.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

ICT

CDWP approves revised Rs7bn PC-I for Kuri Daanish School in Islamabad

ECC clears Rs2bn for school project, youth skill programme.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:59am

ICT

End to operation against slums in Islamabad demanded

Political parties, civil society organisations, intellectuals, and members of the legal fraternity call on CDA to honour constitutional right to housing of all citizens.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:54am

ICT

Imran’s three sisters among 400 PTI activists booked over protest

FIR registered on the complaint of Muhammad Imran Khan, a sub-inspector, on 14 sections of the law, including two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:49am

Punjab

Bahawalnagar DHQ hospital incident: Probe ordered into ‘denial of rabies vaccine’ to child bitten by stray dogs

It also alleged that the hospital staff demanded bribe from the child’s family for providing the vaccine.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

Punjab

Boat capsize incident off Italy: Most of missing Pakistanis were ‘in Umrah pilgrims’ guise’

Official sources say the missing Pakistanis had flown abroad from Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot airports.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:58am

Punjab

Lahore High Court orders production of man’s wife having Italian residency

Advocate Rafiq Jathol, the counsel for the petitioner, stated that the wife of his client left the house and also took the children with her.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:06am

Punjab

Farmers protest low wheat prices as Punjab sets 3m-tonne target

Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani says that the formal wheat procurement in Punjab will commence from April 15.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 09:01am

International

Greece to ban social media for under 15s

“We have decided to go ahead with a difficult but necessary measure: ban access to social media for children under 15 years old,” he said in a video posted on TikTok.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:30am

International

Australian soldier charged with war crimes to stay in jail

47-year-old spent the night in a Sydney jail and his lawyer told an online bail court he would not seek an application for release.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:27am

International

Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation during China visit

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s largest opposition party, is in China at a time of increased Chinese military pressure on Taiwan.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

South Asia

India turns to crocodiles for policing Bangladesh border

Manoj Barnwal, an official of the Border Security Force, says “the use of reptiles” was discussed in a February meeting with the home ministry.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:23am

Business

Exports to North America rise in July-February

US remains the dominant market, accounting for nearly 95pc of Pakistan’s total exports to North America.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

Business

Textile sector gets ILO support boost

Support to enhance labour standards, improve workplace practices, and remain competitive within global supply chains.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

Business

Businesses see US-Iran truce as economic opportunity

FPCCI Senior Vice-President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon says historic ceasefire has saved countless lives and restored hope for peace in the region.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 07:59am

Business

Power consumers to bear Rs10.6bn extra burden

Net impact slightly lower than March by 21 paise per unit; FPCCI warns hikes threaten industrial viability.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

Business

War in Middle East fails to dent remittances in March

Pakistan gets fiscal year’s highest inflow of $3.8bn.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 07:41am

Balochistan

Schoolteacher kidnapped in Nasirabad

According to students, the kidnappers dragged the teacher out of the school, forced him into a vehicle, and fled.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

Balochistan

Raisani terms Balochistan Mines Act a ‘law of plunder’

Public representatives are focusing more on Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes rather than safeguarding the rights of Balochistan, he says.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 10:44am

Balochistan

Resolution of Balochistan MPAs’ problems ordered

The Speaker directed the Irrigation Department and Industries & Crafts and Auqaf deterrents to submit their reports on the issues raised by assembly members.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:30am

National

PM hopes US-Iran ceasefire will become permanent

Govt considers observing "Youm-i-Tashakur"to mark its diplomatic role.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:26am

Punjab

Lahore High Court rules unrelated individuals can’t challenge acquittals

Court upholds PM Shehbaz, Hamza acquittal; dismisses lawyer’s petition.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:20am

Sindh

Sindh to get $300m for hygiene, sanitation services

Project is expected to benefit approximately 2.5 million people across service clusters in 16 of 23 rural districts of Sindh.

Published 09 Apr, 2026 06:48am

ICT

World asked to act as Senate lauds ‘extraordinary’ truce

PPP senator says international community must rise to occasion, place its weight behind peace efforts.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:17am

Back Page

15 nations plan to help restore traffic through Hormuz: Macron

President says France to lead mission for securing key oil route after US-Iran truce.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:07am

Back Page

US urged to end Ukraine war after Iran truce

Ukranian FM says "American decisiveness" in Gulf can be replicated; Kremlin also signals hope for peace talks.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:13am

Back Page

World Bank cuts Middle East growth forecast after energy sector turmoil

“Risks are firmly tilted to the downside. Uncertainty is pervasive, and the economic outlook could shift significantly if the conflict intensifies or protracts,” the report says.

Updated 09 Apr, 2026 08:01am

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