News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-17

Myanmar cuts ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence, frees former president

Her sentence has been cut by one-sixth, but it remains unclear whether she will be allowed to serve the rest of her sentence under house arrest.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 11:18pm

South Asia

India drops proposal to mandate national ID app on smartphones after pushback

The biometric verification app is held by nearly 1.34 billion residents and is widely used for verification purposes in banking and telecom services.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 08:57pm

Pakistan raises $500m through Eurobond after 4-year hiatus

Informed sources say the bond attracted 6.95 per cent interest rates with maturity in April 2029.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 08:11pm

Pakistan escorted Iranian negotiators home from peace talks amid concerns of Israeli attack, sources say

Sources say Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force’s Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 06:37pm

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan sets a new industry benchmark with Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 PHEV CKD Line-Off in five days

This milestone builds on an exceptional market response, with strong customer demand reflecting a clear shift toward plug-in hybrid mobility in Pakistan.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 06:35pm

A new, forceful Pope Leo steps onto the world stage

"Leo seems convinced that the world needs to hear explicit condemnation of injustice and aggression," says a retired Vatican correspondent who covered three papacies.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 06:07pm

Ramsha Khan and Khushhal Khan just annouced that they are married

Days after pictures of their purported wedding went viral online, the couple finally got to announce the news themselves.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 06:05pm

The Bait soundtrack is a celebration of all things South Asian

Natasha Noorani, Arooj Aftab, Young Stunners, Talwinder, Jay Sean — Riz Ahmed has rounded up the Avengers of desi music for this one.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:47pm

ICT

Islamabad administration denies claims regarding closure of transport terminals

Rawalpindi deputy commissioner says “all private, public and goods transport fully operational and permitted".

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 06:20pm

Ranbir Kapoor, Blackpink’s Jennie, Zohran Mamdani make it to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list

The magazine released its annual list celebrating 100 artists, pioneers, titans, icons, leaders and innovators.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 04:51pm

Cricket

Canada T20 World Cup game under ICC scrutiny after corruption claim

The game against New Zealand in Chennai — which Canada lost by eight wickets — is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 04:45pm

Punjab

LHC upholds govt’s policy abolishing free electricity units for power sector employees

Power minister welcomes decision, says the abolition was a "long-standing" demand from the people.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 04:37pm

Mohsin Naqvi, FIA chief direct timely complaint redressal, transparent investigations during Karachi visit

Senior officials conducted a detailed review of the performance of all circles and emphasised that public grievances must be resolved on a priority basis.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 03:23pm

Hours after ceasefire, a lifeline to south Lebanon reopens

Many of the displaced people AFP spoke to had no idea what had happened to their homes, which they hastily fled amid Israeli strikes.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 02:39pm

When death becomes a statistic: Necropolitics in the age of moral silence

By keeping regions in a state of collapse, global actors create a legal grey zone where the standard costs of doing business, fair wages, environmental restoration, and corporate liability simply evaporate.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:09pm

Sweden rights groups blast ‘honest living’ criteria for migrants

Those found not adhering to the “honest living” standard could face deportation.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 01:49pm

Review: Aik Aur Pakeezah will stay with you for a while

The drama starring Seher Khan and Nameer Khan is anything but conventional entertainment.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 01:49pm

As commodities reshape geopolitics, currency pecking order gets a reset

Oil has seen some eye-popping moves due to the Iran war and is trading below but near $100 a barrel.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 12:51pm

UK’s Starmer faces calls to resign as Mandelson row reignites

“I think the evidence suggests that he misled the Commons (parliament) and misled the public," says Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 12:39pm

Aurangzeb lauds Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s IMF programme during meeting with Chinese counterpart

Finance minister meets governor of People's Bank of China, participates in JP Morgan seminar on sidelines of WB-IMF Spring Meetings.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 12:35pm

American musician D4vd arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old girl

The girl's remains were found in the front trunk of a car registered to him last year.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 12:03pm

Shanzay Subzwari’s Lands Beyond the Veil invites viewers to pause in the space between certainty and the unknown

In her latest exhibition at VM Art Gallery, the artist transforms loss into a meditative visual language rendered in luminous colours.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 11:41am

‘She was beyond words’: Abida Parveen pays heartfelt tribute to the late Asha Bhosle

A voice like hers won't come again, she said in a video.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 11:16am

Bushra Bibi shifted back to prison following eye surgery: Adiala jail authorities

Jail superintendent says that she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in the right eye.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 04:10pm

Australian soldier accused of war crimes in Afghanistan granted bail

Should Roberts-Smith be found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 10:37am

PM, Erdogan emphasise importance of utilising ‘window of opportunity’ for lasting regional peace

"The prime minister thanked President Erdogan for his strong support and encouragement of Pakistan’s peace efforts," PMO statement says.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 11:50pm

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to extend $3bn deposit

The agreement was signed between the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the State Bank of Pakistan.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 10:14am

Adhering to international treaties is not inconsistent with faith, religious beliefs or any divine scriptures

There is strong opposition emerging within the US against the mischaracterisation of religion and the war.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 09:34am

Why physical activity and healthier lifestyles are powerful, cost-effective public health strategies

Both lack of exercise and too much sitting are harmful to human health.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 09:18am

Editorial: Despite Pakistan’s best efforts, the ultimate end to this war will rely on decisions taken in Washington and Tehran

It is a testament to Pakistan’s diplomatic skills and foreign policy expertise that all sides involved have a significant level of trust in the country’s abilities.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 08:59am

KP & FATA

Shortage of funds hampers free treatment of cancer patients in KP

Health secretary says he is in touch with P&D dept for release of amount.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:20am

KP & FATA

Train service restoration begins in five districts in KP

In the first phase, work will commence on a 62-kilometre railway section connecting Peshawar, Nowshera and Jahangira.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:22am

KP & FATA

CM Afridi calls for Imran’s release in ‘broader national interest’

Complains family, personal doctors denied meeting with PTI leader in jail.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:24am

KP & FATA

Two workers die while cleaning sewer in Dera Ismail Khan

The incident occurred during a routine cleaning work when the workers fell unconscious and collapsed inside the sewer.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:26am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court grants bail to citizen arrested for ‘illegal stay’ in Pakistan

Directs petitioner to approach Nadra for cancellation of Afghan Citizen Card.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:28am

ICT

Senate committee approves bill to ensure 33pc women seats in federal bodies

Senator Kamran Murtaza voiced reservations regarding fixed quotas, arguing that such measures risk compromising merit.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:01am

ICT

Parliamentary body seeks comprehensive briefing on rising HIV cases

The committee also deliberated on key issues concerning medical education, public health challenges and regulatory reforms.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 08:08am

ICT

Four booked for threatening polio team in Rawalpindi

Suspects also used abusive language against the polio vaccination team and refused to administer polio drops to children.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:56am

Punjab

Railway, Punjab govt agree to run fast train between Lahore, Rawalpindi

It will cover approximately 280km in just two hours and 15 minutes.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:06am

Punjab

10 more districts to have electric buses in Punjab

The chief minister also sought a plan to operate 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:13am

Punjab

Lahore High Court sets aside govt’s move to withdraw officers’ promotion

The judge also barred the government from any recovery proceedings based on the withdrawn benefits.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:11am

Punjab

Govt employees rally for restoring pension, leave encashment in Punjab

They claimed that key financial benefits had been withdrawn, while delays persisted in implementing their demands.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:16am

Punjab

Honey-trap gang suspects arrested in Sahiwal

Bahadur Shah police registered a case after a one-year delay against six suspects.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:09am

Sindh

Sindh High Court sets aside conviction in sexual assault case

Bench deplores police, father of juvenile victim for putting him through trauma.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:48am

Sindh

Man in Karachi gets life imprisonment for smuggling 360kg heroin to UK

Anti-Narcotics Force recoveres heroin from the suspicious pipes, adding that each pipe was separated and weighed, revealing six kilogrammes of heroin per pipe.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:44am

Sindh

Policeman martyred, another wounded in Manghopir attack

DIG rules out terrorism; blames robbers.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:32am

Sindh

Sindh cabinet approves service structure of Anti-Encroachment Force to ensure merit-based recruitment

Allows appointment of heirs on deceased quota; Rs497.5m cleared for Rohri station upgrade.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:39am

Sindh

Sindh CM distributes Rs800m among NGOs for assisting differently abled persons

Partner organisations will provide assistive devices to empower the segment; government also offers free education, stipends, uniforms, transport facility, books, etc.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:50am

International

Israeli army fire kills Palestinian teenager in West Bank

Settlers block students path to school with barbed wire.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 10:01am

International

Syria completes takeover of military sites used by US forces

Defence ministry official says base is now “empty of American forces after they fully withdrew”.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 10:06am

International

Russian strikes kill 19 across Ukraine

Kyiv has also stepped up its own long-range drone and missile attacks on Russia.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

International

‘Handful of tyrants’ ravaging world peace, says pope

Archbishop of Canterbury backs pontiff after spat with Trump.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Cricket

Kings’ misery deepens as United climb to second in PSL

The victory propelled United to second place in the PSL standings, while the home side’s campaign continued to unravel, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Sport

World Anti-Doping Agency targets India’s performance-enhancing drugs production

India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) collected 7,113 urine and blood samples out of which 260 tested positive in 2024 says WADA.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 09:36am

Football

Bayern’s late show sink Real, Arsenal scrape past Sporting to reach CL semis

Harry Kane put Bayern back ahead in the tie only for Kylian Mbappe to restore parity overall when he put Real 3-2 up before half-time.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Business

Auto financing rises to Rs345bn

Some auto analysts predict positive momentum in auto sales during 2026, supported by lower interest rates.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:22am

Business

Textile exports drop 7.06pc

Contraction highlights the volatility facing one of the country’s key export industries.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Business

FDI surges to $167m in March

Inflows drop 27pc in 9MFY26.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Business

Port Qasim plans estate for small industries

Minister says strict measures have been implemented to curb land misuse and speculative trading at Port Qasim.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Business

Big industry grows 5.89pc in 8MFY26

Month-on-month output shrinks 8.97pc in February.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Balochistan

Frontier Corps repels attack on check post, kills two terrorists in Balochistan

Security personnel deployed at the check post immediately retaliated and returned fire.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:22am

Balochistan

9 killed in clashes, accidents across Balochistan

Three lives lost, 18 injured as vehicles collide on Reko Diq site road.

Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

Balochistan

Balochistan cabinet okays policies on climate, media

The cabinet also approved the use of AI in recruitment for posts from Grade 4 up to below Grade 16.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:20am

ICT

As trolling of Salman Raja starts, no leader reaches jail to meet Imran

Heavyweights were scheduled to visit PTI founder this time, but none of them turned up.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:13am

National

Prominent lawyer Raza Kazim passes away at 96

He withdrew from politics in 1951 due to ideological differences and entered the legal profession in 1953.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:02am

ICT

Juvenile ID rule for MDCAT leaves parents fuming

Under-18 candidates must obtain Nadra-issued registration card to sit medical, dental exam; biometric verification made mandatory across centres.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:59am

Back Page

NA panel seeks review of high taxes on mobile phones

Recommends tax reduction for sake of affordability; Qamar likens income tax on phones to sales tax.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:35am

Back Page

Democrats move to impeach Hegseth over Iran war

Impeachment articles cite illegal warfare, abuse of power.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:54am

Back Page

Iran war exposes cost of Asia’s fossil fuel reliance

Forces Bangladesh into costly spot market due to loss of LNG contracts.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:41am

ICT

Pakistan, Italy to combat cultural heritage smuggling

Dedicated liaison channel to be set up between FIA and Italy’s Carabinieri TPC unit.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:47am

Front Page

Govt admits up to seven hours of power outages

Duration nearly three times more than what was announced earlier; Shortfall estimated at 3,400MW.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 07:28am

Front Page

Trump hints at Islamabad trip if Iran deal is finalised

Claims Iran has accepted "almost everything" in talks; Massive security deployment planned in Islamabad, Rawalpindi.

Updated 17 Apr, 2026 08:27am

Friday, April 17, 2026