News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-12

Middle East

Gaza-bound aid flotilla sets sail symbolically, delays international waters departure due to weather conditions

The mission departs from Barcelona with around 70 vessels and nearly 1,000 participants from 70 countries.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 11:56pm

Top Featured

The US-Iran ceasefire appears to be holding. What next?

Experts and analysts say without a "follow-up diplomatic process, the ceasefire remains exposed".

Updated 13 Apr, 2026 03:38pm

Jannik Sinner beats Alcaraz in Monte Carlo final to reclaim top spot in tennis rankings

He becomes the second player, after Novak Djokovic, to win the Sunshine Double and Monte Carlo in the same season.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 11:08pm

Dar briefs Turkish, Saudi, Egyptian FMs on Islamabad Talks, reaffirms support for diplomacy and dialogue

Turkish FM extends invitation for Antalya Diplomacy Forum, scheduled to be held later this month, to Dar, says FO.

Updated 13 Apr, 2026 12:48am

First lady urges public cooperation as nationwide anti-polio campaign begins April 13

“As long as the virus exists anywhere, it remains a risk everywhere," says Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 08:06pm

Middle East

The infant Lebanese girl who was killed by an Israeli strike at her father’s funeral

The strike on the Saeed family home in the village of Srifa took place on Wednesday, the first day of a two-week US-Iran ceasefire that many in Lebanon hoped would apply to their country, too.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:48pm

After Trump’s blockade announcement, IRGC says will view military vessels approaching Hormuz as ceasefire breach

Trump says US-Iran talks in Islamabad yielded progress on "most points" but no nuclear agreement; Iranians "haven't left the bargaining table".

Updated 13 Apr, 2026 02:44am

China offers incentives to Taiwan following opposition leader’s visit

The measures include a regular communication mechanism between the KMT and China’s Communist Party, and the full resumption of flights between the two sides.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 05:28pm

In pictures: VP Vance gets cordial send-off as Islamabad Talks conclude

Dawn takes a look at scenes from the day of Vance's departure and the conclusion of the US-Iran talks.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 04:46pm

Balochistan

At least two members of Quetta’s Hazara community killed in firing incident

Three people injured in the attack; police launch search operation; no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 04:10pm

Thank you for the magic you left behind: Pakistani stars pay tribute to the late Asha Bhosle

Adnan Siddiqui, Ahsan Khan, Yasir Hussain and others take to social media to pay homage to the singer.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 03:03pm

‘Pakistan opened door to dialogue’: Islamabad becoming a direct mediator, say US scholars

Pakistan is no longer merely hosting or facilitating diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, but is actively shaping one of the most sensitive negotiation processes currently underway.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 05:01pm

Top Featured

‘This likely isn’t over’: Journalists, analysts react to ‘stalemate’ in US-Iran talks

“Nearly 24 hours of talks is a lot, but it’s only 24 hours […] you weren’t going to solve nuclear, sanctions, Strait of Hormuz and terms to end the war in 21 hours,” says foreign affairs columnist.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 04:25pm

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle passes away

She was hospitalised in Mumbai on Saturday evening.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 12:45pm

The teaser for Mehwish Hayat and Fahad Mustafa’s Zombeid is out and it looks gory

The Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza production is being touted as Pakistan's first zombie film.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 12:21pm

Singer Sabrina Carpenter apologises for response to Zaghrouta during Coachella performance

A fan's celebration call resulted in an uncomfortable moment after the singer mistook it for yodelling.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 11:10am

Pakistan, Egypt to lead launch of Borrowers’ Platform as debt pressures prompt global initiative

Aurangzeb, Egyptian counterpart will jointly preside over the launch, to be held at the United Nations Foundation in Washington on April 15.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 10:15am

US-Iran normalisation could fundamentally reshape relations between Islamabad and Tehran

Pakistan now has an opportunity to convert its diplomatic role into lasting gains.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 09:18am

Editorial: Perhaps the biggest obstacle standing in the way of better US-Iran ties is Israel

While the divide is deep, it is possible that even a basic agreement can be worked on.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 09:04am

KP & FATA

500 low-performing govt primary schools outsourced in KP

Paperwork to hand over 1,500 more schools to private sector begins, say officials.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:58am

KP & FATA

Police official martyred in Peshawar attack

Police officials say Muqaddar Khan was picked up by unknown persons, and his body was later found in the Hassankhel area.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 08:10am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court remands back pleas against property freezing in Kohistan graft case

Bench accepts separate appeals filed by two close relatives of a senior auditor of the accountant general office.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:56am

KP & FATA

Lower Chitral area without electricity even two weeks after poles collapse

The structures failed to withstand the initial winter conditions, sparking widespread outrage in the area.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 08:03am

KP & FATA

KP CM Afridi orders additional facilities for Afghans at transit point

Youth welfare organisation provides free health services to returning Afghans.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:43am

Sindh

Study detects high prevalence of rabies virus in Karachi’s street dogs

Most cases linked to Korangi and Malir; study stresses immediate wound care and timely post-exposure treatment to prevent deaths.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:44am

Sindh

Police plan to set up aerial monitoring unit in Sindh

“Aerial and digital monitoring have become imperative,” IG Odho says.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:51am

Sindh

Mayor Murtaza Wahab orders establishment of new fire stations in Karachi

The new fire stations will be established in districts West, Keamari, Malir and East.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:47am

Sindh

SHC orders registration of FIRs against dumping, burning of solid waste along Malir river

Bench asks CS to hold meeting of all stakeholders to delineate jurisdictional responsibilities, devise coordinated mechanism for waste management.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:49am

Karachi

UK woman biker in armoured gear arrives in Karachi to break ‘stereotypes’

Gul-i-Afshan Tariq rides for her cause ‘Wheels for Freedom’ and is also writing a book in which she highlights her cause.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:51am

Sindh

Karachi protest called off after suspect’s arrest in female student’s suicide case

The heirs of deceased Mirpurkhas student had been demanding arrest of five suspects over constant “harassment leading to her extreme action”.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:56am

Cricket

Zalmi thrash hapless Qalandars to go top

Chasing 174, former champions Qalandars collapsed dramatically to 97 all out in 17 overs, their batting order unraveling against a disciplined Zalmi attack.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:25am

Cricket

Hassan, Irfan give Kingsmen taste of victory in PSL

Under the Karachi lights, redemption tasted sweeter than any boundary.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:23am

Tennis

Alcaraz ends Vacherot fairytale to set up Monte Carlo final with Sinner

With the world number one ranking on the line, Alcaraz said he was excited about facing Sinner for the first time this year.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 07:22am

Cricket

Bangladesh retain squad for first two New Zealand ODIs

The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 11:21am

ICT

Residents suffer as markets remain closed in Rawalpindi

More than 5,000 officers, personnel of Rawalpindi police perform security duties, says official.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 06:06am

ICT

Over 44 hospitalised due to food poisoning

Authorities observed clear signs of pest activity throughout the premises, with "pathetic" hygiene conditions in the processing area.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 06:06am

ICT

Jinnah Convention Centre turns into media hub for US-Iran talks

Local media appeared to be more constrained in obtaining information about the talks and relied on updates received by US and Iranian journalists.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:38am

ICT

Key education bodies in Islamabad being run without permanent heads

FDE DG’s post lying vacant since July 2023, Special Education DG’s slot also vacant for about one year.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:31am

ICT

Transport fares in Rawalpindi reduced after cuts in POL prices

RTA secretary says petrol-based public service vehicles will reduce the fares by 5pc and goods transport by 26pc.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:27am

Punjab

Punjab govt pledges warm hospitality to Sikh pilgrims

Bokhari assures that the Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for accommodation, meals and transportation for Sikh pilgrims.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 11:12am

Punjab

Lady cop among five suspended for slapping woman in Bahawalpur

According to PRO Naeem Ahmed, the video of the incident went viral on social media.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:18am

Punjab

Minor girl recovered 48 hours after kidnap from bus stop in Sahiwal

An 11-year-old girl went missing from the E-Green Bus Stop at Jogi Chowk while standing with her maternal aunt on April 8.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:21am

Punjab

Fine imposed on marriage halls for one-dish policy breach in Sargodha

Fines totalling up to Rs200,000 were imposed against several marriage halls.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:14am

International

US court allows White House ballroom construction to continue, for now

The White House has argued that the injunction left the White House “open and exposed” and was threatening security for the building, Trump.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 11:14am

International

Trump admin reveals plans for massive Washington arch

The gold-accented arch would be the largest structure of its kind in the world, and knock Pyongyang’s Arch of Triumph to third place.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 11:12am

South Asia

Mob beats spiritual leader to death in Bangladesh

Shamim Reza Jahangir, believed to be in his 60s, died from his injuries after hundreds of people stormed his residence.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 11:17am

Balochistan

Balochistan CM’s order on Makran University issues

Inaugurates the restoration and renovation work of the shrine of renowned Sufi saint Shah Qalandar.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:42am

Balochistan

Balochistan Assembly adopts resolution for creating new district in Pishin

Assembly passes another legislation calling for revival of Pasni Fish Harbour.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:32am

National

GB cabinet approves expansion of police, renaming of CTD

Allows handover of nine roads to NHA; reviews law and order situation.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:34am

Balochistan

Two shot dead in Quetta firing

Police say the incident is believed to be the result of an old enmity; further investigation is underway.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 06:05am

Punjab

LHC directs Customs to return confiscated gold bar

Rules authorities acted unlawfully by substituting confiscated property with arbitrarily determined monetary value.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 06:05am

National

PTI warns US against becoming hostage to ‘Israel’s agenda’, again

Sheikh Waqas says Imran Khan’s vision prioritised peace over conflict and that PTI’s policy is aligned with that vision.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 09:24am

Back Page

US media emphasises rarity of direct US-Iran talks

Across US media, the dominant framing has been that such direct contact is exceptional by historical standards.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:56am

Back Page

UN agency chiefs seek end to war rules violations in Middle East

Development comes six weeks into war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:39am

Back Page

Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine falters

Kyiv accuses Moscow of nearly 470 ceasefire violations.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:13am

Back Page

UK halts Chagos Islands handover after US opposition

Move comes after President Trump slams deal as "big mistake"; standoff leaves indigenous Chagossians in limbo.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:33am

Back Page

Shooting claims 11 lives in Afghanistan’s Herat

One suspect arrested; official says attack carried out by “unidentified armed men riding motorcycles”.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:27am

Front Page

Israel kills 18 in Lebanon, West Bank and Gaza

Hezbollah slams planned negotiations with Israel as "blatant violation" of pact.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 08:00am

Business

Equities snap 10-week losing streak on ceasefire optimism

KSE-100 index up 11.2pc as easing geopolitical tensions triggered value-buying.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:06am

Business

Social protection key to labour market shifts

ILO report notes strengthening social protection requires sustainable and equitable financing mechanisms.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:09am

Business

IT sector drives services’ exports

The steady expansion of services exports contrasts with mixed trends in commodity shipments.

Published 12 Apr, 2026 05:23am

Business

First lithium battery plant to be set up in Korangi

After National Tariff Board's approval, the policy will be forwarded to the prime minister and then to the cabinet for approval.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:23am

Business

Moro Power signs deal with Chinese renewable giant

Sindh gets first B2B 100MW venture to feed cheaper power to industries.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:22am

Business

Non-bank sector invests Rs11tr in govt papers

Total securities rise to Rs49.17tr by end-Dec 2025.

Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:20am

Sunday, April 12, 2026