News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-19

ICT

Islamabad DC dismisses notification falsely announcing closure of all offices in twin cities from April 20

“Citizens are requested to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news," he says in a post on X.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 01:31am

Eight children killed in mass shooting in US state of Louisiana, police say

Suspected gunman carjacked a vehicle after the shooting and died after police fired at the vehicle during a chase, official says.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 11:19pm

In 45-minute phone call with Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace

He told the Iranian president his recent engagements in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye were helpful in building consensus in support of sustained process of dialogue and diplomacy, says PMO.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 12:24am

UK police arrest seven over nationwide plan to shoplift from high-end stores

The suspects were intending to steal from high-value retail stores and supermarkets to redistribute the stolen items, officials say.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 10:20pm

KP & FATA

KP CM Afridi says conveyed to Imran that if he gives go-ahead, ‘we will be in Islamabad the next day’

Addressing public gathering in Mardan, he demands immediate release of Imran and Bushra Bibi.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 09:57pm

South Asia

Indian officials push for regional energy hub in Sri Lanka

The planned oil hub is to be located in Sri Lanka's northeastern port of Trincomaleel, and it also involves the UAE.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 05:18am

Pakistan in discussion with Qatar for supply of LNG cargoes amid electricity shortfall

Pakistan has requested Qatar, at the highest level, to provide at least four LNG cargoes stranded due to Hormuz closure, say sources.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:46pm

Humanoid robots race past humans in Beijing half-marathon, showing rapid advances

The winning ⁠robot, developed by Chinese smartphone brand Honour, finished the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 06:56pm

Traffic restored on Karakoram Highway following landslide as heavy rainfall lashes GB

Astore Valley road remains blocked as landslides persist, with isolated heavy rainfall and storms predicted to end today.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 03:50pm

Punjab

Religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza survives attack in Jhelum

Attacker killed by police in retaliatory firing; Mirza remains unhurt.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 12:59am

Security beefed up as Islamabad prepares for foreign delegations’ arrival amid anticipation of US-Iran talks

Alternate traffic plans issued to facilitate citizens; sources say advanced teams have started arriving in Islamabad ahead of a possible second round of US-Iran talks.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 01:29am

Rat poison found in baby food jar in Austria, police say

Affected “Carrots and Potatoes” jars of HiPP brand had a sticker with a red circle on the bottom, as per police.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 02:37pm

As Iran war strains ties with Trump’s US, UK looks to Europe

Starmer’s administration is preparing an EU “reset” bill that will give ministers powers to align UK standards with EU single market rules as they evolve.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 01:19pm

ICT

Security put on high alert in Rawalpindi as Pakistan eyes 2nd round of US-Iran talks

US, Iran advance teams likely to start arriving in Islamabad today; hostels, hotels in capital directed to close their premises.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 01:02pm

ICT

Minister affirms govt providing pilgrims best possible facilities as PIA launches Haj operation

Haj flights take off from Islamabad, Sialkot airports; Road to Makkah project expected to benefit over 95,000 pilgrims this year.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 01:13am

North Korea fires ballistic missiles again, flexing muscle amid Iran war

The move is 4th such launch this month and 7th of the year; South Korea’s presidential Blue House convenes emergency security meeting.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 11:17am

Punjab

Suspect who robbed scooty-riding girl in Lahore injured in ‘encounter’

Social media users criticise the government for failing to ensure the security of women.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 09:47am

Punjab

3 women among 4 held in Sialkot for beggary in Saudi Arabia

Questioned by immigration officials at airport due to suspicious travel history.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 09:30am

A decade and roughly 10 HIV outbreaks later, it’s clear we’ve learned little, if anything

With funding under pressure and the disease burden rising, Pakistani children risk being further shortchanged.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 09:17am

Pakistan has a grand opportunity to become a long-term peace broker in West Asia

For this, it would have to alter its defence hardware and strategic software and adjust its India-centric approach.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 09:00am

Editorial: If US wants to convey its sincerity for a deal, it should address Iran’s demand for war reparations

Perhaps Washington can divert the billions it sends to arm the Zionist state annually towards reconstruction of Iran’s schools, hospitals and universities.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 08:54am

Breathe Pakistan’s climate change conference postponed to May 6-7

Further details on the updated agenda will be shared by the organisers over the next few days.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:29am

ICT

Pindi board sets new dates for postponed papers

Papers of Urdu Compulsory, Geography of Pakistan will be held in the morning on May 2 and in the evening.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:07am

ICT

Rawalpindi’s Ring Road to open without Thalian interchange

Official says work on Rs5 billion Thalian interchange project will not start immediately.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:10am

ICT

Rehabilitated road in Taxila develops cracks days after inauguration

Sukko Mehsiyaan–Taxila city road, touted as a milestone in rural connectivity at its inauguration on February 5, 2026, is now reportedly riddled with cracks.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:17am

ICT

Steps for revival of Islamabad’s greenery demanded

Civil society representatives issue a formal welcome and an offer of constructive engagement to the newly appointed CDA chairman.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 08:11am

Sindh

Fair probe demanded into Mirpurkhas medical student’s ‘suicide’

Demonstrators protest against the alleged lack of a proper investigation and the failure to arrest the nominated suspects.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:19am

Sindh

Call for enforcing infection control protocols amid HIV, mpox surge

Health experts say between 2010 and 2024, AIDS-related deaths in Pakistan increased 6.4-fold, rising from 2,200 to 14,000 annually.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:23am

Sindh

Muttahida to contest Gilgit-Baltistan elections on all 24 Legislative Assembly seats

Farooq Sattar says "oppressive" taxation on region’s natural wealth unacceptable; demands abolition of petroleum levy.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:44am

Sindh

Sindh govt lashes out at opposition for ‘targeting’ PPP

Government’s reaction came amid PML-F’s recent proactive political moves in different parts of Sindh to strengthen its support base.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:36am

Sindh

Sindh High Court sees no clause in Sindh laws for blocking CNIC in civil cases

Decides two pleas against order of a civil court, directs Nadra to unblock ID cards.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:29am

Business

PSX extends weekly gains on easing geopolitical tensions

Improved sentiment lifts benchmark amid rate-cut hopes.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:13am

Business

Food import bill jumps to $7.09bn

Sugar, edible oil drive surge.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:13am

Business

Govt vows growth-focused budget consultation

Kayani starts nationwide outreach from KCCI meeting.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:13am

Business

Korangi Harbour gets Rs120m floating jetty

The project, costing Rs120 million, aims to facilitate the offloading of export-quality fish.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:13am

Business

Economy can weather Iran war risks: SBP chief

Jameel Ahmad says macroeconomic indicators improved faster than expected at start of fiscal year.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 07:53am

Business

Pakistan eyes $1.2bn inflow next month

Liquidity pressures to ease as IMF’s board meets in mid-May.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:13am

International

17 immigrants have died in US custody this year: ICE

Aled Damien Carbonell-Betancourt of Cuba died on April 12 at a federal detention centre in Miami.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:09am

International

Europe’s far right rails at migration ‘tsunami’ in Milan after Orban defeat

Supporters of the Patriots for Europe party, the third-largest bloc in the European Parliament, rallied in front of Milan’s Duomo cathedral.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:12am

International

Irish crime gang boss arrested in Dubai

Daniel Kinahan held on charges of organised criminal activity.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:08am

International

Leftist leaders gather in Spain to rally against rise of far right

PM Sanchez calls for reforming UN, whose role has been sidelined in Middle East and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:09am

Balochistan

Wife of ‘facilitator’ held in Nokundi FC headquarters suicide blast case

Husband allegedly fled to Afghanistan after Nov 30 attack.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 08:41am

KP & FATA

Bajaur residents protest child’s death in Smasai

Victim identified as five-year-old Onis Khan.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:04am

Balochistan

Earthquake of 4.5 magnitude jolts Pasni

Earthquake had a depth of 13 kilometres, and its epicentre was located 48 kilometres southwest of Pasni.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:04am

Balochistan

NHA seeks business support to boost highway revenue in Balochistan

Officials say authority spends Rs15bn on Balochistan highways, earns just Rs200m.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 08:59am

National

President, PM call for joint efforts to protect ‘priceless’ cultural heritage

Climate change, erosion of traditional knowledge cited as key threats to national legacy.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:04am

National

Global project launched to fight cross-border crop diseases

IAEA’s new initiative aims to boost early detection, monitoring and sustainable management.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:04am

KP & FATA

Bookings at KP Houses digitised to curb pilferage

Second phase to extend digital payments to all circuit houses across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 08:51am

National

Passing-out parade held at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul

Cadets from several friendly countries, including Iraq, Maldives, Mali, Nepal, Palestine, Qatar and Sri Lanka, also graduated from the academy.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:24am

National

Govt penalising masses to hide its ‘illegitimacy’: PTI

Criticises net-metering policy, calls it anti-consumer despite solar growth; warns of power crisis as demand crosses 30,000MW.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 08:38am

Punjab

Sikh pilgrims return home today via Wagah

Over 2,000 visitors arrived in Pakistan last week to join Baisakhi celebrations.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 07:21am

Punjab

Illegal private hospital in Sialkot sealed by Pera force

Pera district officer claims fake lady doctor was administering injections and drips to patients in her hospital.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:44am

Punjab

Kidnap bid foiled on M-3 Motorway in Punjab

Separately, man involved in human smuggling to Europe via Libya arrested from Sargodha.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:36am

Punjab

Lahore High Court orders fresh recruitment process for physically challenged medical officers

Rules omission of disability quota violation of constitutional rights; directs CS to ensure 3pc quota in all future hirings.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:23am

KP & FATA

Mining company moves Peshawar High Court against ‘delay’ in inquiry into its issues with govt

Requests probe conclusion, report submission in "reasonable timeframe".

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:57am

KP & FATA

Kidnapped South Waziristan PPP leader returns, says family

Imran Mukhlis was kidnapped a day earlier from the Ghowa Khowa area of Wana while he was on his way to pick up his family and children.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:55am

KP & FATA

Landi Kotal transit point gets more facilities for returning Afghans

20 more Nadra desks set up at the transit point for verification and registration.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:48am

KP & FATA

KP CM Afridi orders inclusion of one mega project per region in Annual Development Programme

Issues directions for rehabilitating water, sanitation schemes.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 09:45am

KP & FATA

Teachers held for solving paper at Dir exam centre

Team catches the suspects red-handed and seizes solved material from their possession.

Published 19 Apr, 2026 06:52am

Football

Inter edge closer to title with win over Cagliari

Inter are on 78 points, with second-placed Napoli on 66 before they host Lazio.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:56am

Football

Pakistan’s Nadia, Aqsa reflect on FIFA Series highs, heartbreak and the road ahead

For forwards Nadia Khan and Aqsa Mushtaq, the tournament laid bare not just the team’s potential, but also the structural gaps that keep Pakistan from climbing higher.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 11:02am

Cricket

Late bloomer Salman Mirza sets sights on 2027 World Cup

Having broken into the national T20I setup just last year at the age of 31, Salman has transformed himself into a reliable performer.

Updated 20 Apr, 2026 06:28pm

Cricket

Lahore Qalandars bounce back to quash Rawalpindiz playoff hopes

Shaheen and Haris Rauf dismantle Rawalpindiz’s top order and middle order with incisive bowling.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 10:38am

Middle East

France blames Hezbollah for soldier’s death in Lebanon

Hezbollah denies allegation, calls for "caution in making judgements".

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 07:42am

Back Page

Mass rallies in Germany demand faster shift to renewable energy

“The war in Iran and exploding energy prices make it very clear once again that we need to free ourselves from fossil fuels as quickly as possible,” says an activist.

Updated 19 Apr, 2026 07:38am

Back Page