News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-21

Sindh

5 suspects allegedly involved in robbery attempt at a bridge in Karachi arrested: official

SSP says the suspects were also involved in looting Rs500,000 cash from a cattle trader on April 16.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 11:56pm

600,000 tractors: How Al-Ghazi Tractors became part of Pakistan’s agricultural story

The plant is one of the largest of its kind in the country and has been the sole address of the company's production for over four decades.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 11:15pm

Middle East

‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque compound, raising of Israeli flag in its courtyard

FO statement says these constitute a blatant violation of international law, and such provocative steps also risk further escalating tensions in the region.

Updated 22 Apr, 2026 03:02am

ICT

Notification declaring local holiday in Rawalpindi on April 22 is fake: DC

DC urges public “to rely only on official sources for authentic information”.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 10:45pm

Sindh

4 suspects arrested in Karachi in action against gangs involved in leaking matric exams

Police official says one of the suspects charged between Rs800 to Rs1,200 per student.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 08:58pm

ICT

Health minister says medicine stocks sufficient to meet demand for next 5 to 6 months

“The health ministry and Drap are maintaining strict oversight to ensure continuous supply," Mustafa Kamal says.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 08:19pm

‘At the request of CDF Munir, PM Shehbaz’, Trump announces extension in ceasefire until Iran submits proposal

Says he has directed US military to continue blockade of Iranian ports; PM Shehbaz thanks Trump, hopes both sides will be able to conclude a comprehensive peace deal during talks in Islamabad.

Updated 22 Apr, 2026 09:29am

Azerbaijan says it is ready to supply LNG to Pakistan

State energy company SOCAR says it can provide LNG as soon as Pakistan LNG Limited submits the request.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 05:44pm

ICT

Nawaz highlights PML-N’s focus on development ahead of GB elections

Tells PML-N leaders, candidates to "copy" Punjab's development model in GB if elected; criticises KP govt.

Updated 22 Apr, 2026 01:01am

Downing Street denies exerting pressure on civil servants to approve Mandelson’s appointment as envoy to US

Sacked foreign ministry official tells MPs that Keir Starmer’s office had a “dismissive attitude” towards the security vetting for its US envoy pick.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 11:43pm

ICT

Around 3.3 million jobs may have been affected by 2025 floods in Pakistan: ILO

Rural areas account for nearly 78pc of the total estimated employment losses, with agriculture emerging as most affected sector.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 05:13pm

Govt actively pursuing diversified capital markets strategy, finmin tells EU envoy

According to the finance ministry, Aurangzeb also conveyed hope for continued progress under the GSP+ framework.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 04:34pm

Review: Humrahi uses a tried and tested formula with many ‘gaps’ in its storyline

There are some parts of the drama that have you wondering why the writer seems to be underestimating the audience's intelligence.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 04:24pm

Middle East

Rats, fleas plague Gaza’s displaced as temperatures rise

Palestinians say the vermin are invading their makeshift homes, biting children and contaminating food.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 04:19pm

7,900 people died, disappeared on migration routes in 2025: UN

IOM notes "hidden population” of at least around 340,000 family members estimated to be directly affected by the “ongoing crisis of missing migrants”.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 04:06pm

ICT

SC to function with minimal staff on Wednesday; no judicial work to be conducted at FCC for 2nd consecutive day

Branch registries of SC, FCC in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta will remain open for judicial and administrative work.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:35pm

Pakistan Navy conducts successful test of locally developed air-launched cruise missile: ISPR

Test validates navy's "combat capability to detect, target and decisively neutralise enemy sea-based threats at extended ranges”.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 04:20pm

‘Strangled’: Pakistan faces economic imperative in Iran war peace push

Ravaged by decades of external shocks and mismanagement, Pakistan’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas imports from the Gulf.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 03:13pm

What are the main points of contention between US and Iran?

Uranium enrichment, control over the Strait of Hormuz are among the main sticking points as the two parties seem to return to the negotiating table.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 03:05pm

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

Beijing “will remain highly vigilant and resolutely resist any reckless actions by Japan towards a new form of militarism," says China's foreign ministry spokesperson.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 02:50pm

ECP halts Senate by-election for Murad Saeed’s vacant seat

Petitioner’s counsel requests ECP to postpone the by-election and remove the existing ambiguity in the matter.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 06:48pm

PAA extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft until May 24

Airspace to remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft, marking a year of restrictions.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 01:23pm

Rapper D4vd pleads not guilty to charges in trial for the murder of a 14-year-old girl

The girl's dismembered body was found in the trunk of a car belonging to the rapper in September.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 12:33pm

PSX gains over 900 points amid geopolitical uncertainty

KSE-100 gains 959.09 points or 0.56 per cent to close at 173,155.79; "despite jittery backdrop, benchmark index displayed notable resilience," says Topline Securities.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 06:15pm

Sindh

Young doctor shot dead near Karachi’s Mehran Hotel

Victim was associated with a private hospital in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 06:29pm

Did we just hear Anne Hathaway say Inshallah in an interview?

The star was talking about aging and living a long, healthy life.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 11:37am

Focus shifts to Islamabad as war timeline changes and pressure builds

Pakistan remains positioned as host and facilitator, attempting to sustain a process that is still undefined in structure and uncertain in sequencing.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 11:30am

British zoologist, writer and painter Desmond Morris dies at 98

The author of The Naked Ape was also known for his regular TV appearances.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 11:15am

More than 16,000 lives lost in over 350 disasters worldwide in 2025, data shows

Pakistan experienced massive floods due to monsoon, causing over 1,000 deaths and affecting 6.9m people, says Cred data.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 10:56am

Pakistan receives $1bn from Saudi Arabia as second tranche of $3bn deposit

Pakistan received the first tranche of $2bn last week from Saudi Arabia.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:14am

Imagining a world in which Iran never existed

The Iran war brings a totally new set of assumptions on board for any Perry Mason to grapple with.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 09:39am

Why was President Zardari not even in the city while the vice president of the world’s superpower was in town?

The PPP was missing on such an important hosting moment for Pakistan.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 09:32am

Editorial: Trump should realise that bellicose rhetoric has failed to disturb the Iranians and only hardened their tone

Amongst the biggest obstacles to peace is the mixed messaging from the White House.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 09:17am

KP & FATA

KP Assembly supports Islamabad peace talks

Says Pakistan’s initiative will promote regional stability.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:30am

KP & FATA

Centre dragging its feet on KP’s bridge financing offer for Northern Bypass project

Says 30km road project can’t be completed by end of next June.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:33am

KP & FATA

KP govt to establish five more FM radio stations

Shafi Jan emphasises the need for further strengthening radio as a platform for disseminating authentic information.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:35am

KP & FATA

Third season of Peshawar Literature Festival begins

Chief organiser says the main objective of the event is to motivate youth to face modern-day challenges.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:38am

KP & FATA

KP govt urged to simplify pre-marriage thalassaemia screening

KP Health Preventive Act was enforced in 2009 to control thalassaemia and hepatitis but it remained far from being implemented, say officials.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:43am

ICT

Confusion grips Rawalpindi amid strict security measures for US-Iran talks

Some roads, markets closed; transport suspended; many varsities start online classes and others remain open.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:15am

ICT

Medical tribunal dismisses appeal in alleged negligence case

Complaint alleges medical negligence and professional misconduct against an orthopaedic surgeon at a private healthcare facility in Lahore.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:25am

ICT

PPP team to visit GB, interview candidates for polls

Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Humayun Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira part of delegation.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:51am

Cricket

Babar was not utilised properly in T20 World Cup: Azhar Mahmood

Azhar highlights Babar has rediscovered his “artistic kind of batting” in the PSL, with fluid shots flowing through for him.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:47am

Cricket

Qalandars look to knock Gladiators off playoff spot on home return

The high-stakes contest kicks off a double-header that will also see the winless Rawalpindiz take on in-form Multan Sultans in a night fixture at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 08:08am

Football

Endrick stars as Lyon dent PSG’s Ligue 1 title hopes

Endrick gave Lyon an early lead at the Parc des Princes and then released Afonso Moreira to double their advantage

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:58am

Punjab

Shrimp farming projects reviewed in Punjab

The Blue Economy Programme has been launched to develop unused lands across Punjab.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:43am

Lahore

Punjab Assembly terms revised agriculture tax null and void

Speaker rules taxation powers were exclusive to legislature, can’t be exercised by executive; calls move unconstitutional usurpation of authority.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:15am

Punjab

Gold deposits in Attock: Uproar in Punjab Assembly on issue of ‘fake cases’ against landowners

The atmosphere turned volatile when opposition member Mian Asif Ali Bagga retorted sarcastically, “No one is allowed to steal except Maryam Nawaz.”

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:40am

Punjab

Lahore High Court grants bail to Falak Javed in Azma Bokhari video case

The judge also granted bail to a co-suspect, Muhammad Shafiq, in the case.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:59am

Punjab

From Lahore to Rawalpindi, GT Road blocked for buses, trucks

Official sources say the blockade had been made in the wake of VVIP movement in Islamabad.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:36am

Sindh

JI files contempt plea against Nepra over loadshedding in Karachi

Proceedings sought against power regulator for not implementing earlier court order.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:33am

Sindh

Work on $2bn Karachi-Rohri rail line to begin in September: minister Hanif Abbasi

Project aimed at modernising ageing rail infrastructure on 480km mainline.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:58am

Sindh

Sindh disburses Rs146.7m for over 3,900 vehicles under fuel subsidy initiative

Over 5,000 cases held up due to CNIC mismatches, missing banking details; CM orders faster payments and improved verification.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:02am

Sindh

Man who threatened to bomb US mission sent to prison in Karachi

The consulate’s staff say they received a threatening phone call from a man, claiming he planted a bomb near the consulate.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:10am

Sindh

Three held in NCCIA raid on ‘illegal’ call centre in Karachi

Centre was engaged in scamming foreigners by impersonating representatives of debt settlement agencies and banks.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:57am

Sindh

Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation installs water meters at 43 key locations to monitor bulk supply

In first phase, water supplied to industries, housing societies and other big consumers will be monitored.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:17am

International

Hungary will carry out ICC warrant against Netanyahu, says Magyar

Incoming prime minister calls on Ukraine to restart damaged oil pipeline as soon as possible.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:55am

International

Israel defying court ruling on Gaza aid access, says NGO

Danish Refugee Council official says almost no international NGO targeted by the Israeli ban has managed to transport aid into Gaza in recent months.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:14am

International

Pope decries exploitation by world’s ‘authoritarians’

Heads to Equatorial Guinea today on the final leg of his Africa tour.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:14am

International

‘Biggest-ever’ US-Philippines war games begin

Beijing warns Washington, Tokyo and Manila against "playing with fire" by conducting exercises in South China Sea.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 09:47am

Business

Rs3bn telecom green sukuk launched

Issuance marks a milestone in sustainable infrastructure financing and climate-aligned capital market development.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:13am

Business

Govt mulls relief for salaried class, says minister Bilal Azhar Kiani

State minister for finance acknowledges importance of maintaining an investment-friendly fiscal environment.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 11:02am

Business

Oil jumps on Hormuz tensions, stocks retreat

Uncertainty remains over whether negotiations in Islamabad will proceed.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:32am

Business

Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions flags FHL document misuse

Petroleum Division senior officer says concerns within the government over the potential misuse of sensitive information.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:43am

Business

Profit outflows rise to $1.83bn

Profits for the United States and the UAE decline compared to last year.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:23am

Balochistan

Substandard bottled water plants sealed in Balochistan

Samples of bottled water were collected from the sites and sent to laboratories for testing.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:25am

Balochistan

Passenger coach catches fire in Gadani

The cause of the fire was presence of smuggled Iranian petrol loaded in the coach.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:11am

Balochistan

CM Bugti says facilities for lawyers improve justice

Says that improving facilities for lawyers will further strengthen the judicial system.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:19am

ICT

PMDC advances probe into medical student suicides, video scandal

Council vows zero tolerance on harassment, negligence in medical institutions.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:16am

ICT

Woman urges CJP to order judicial probe into deaths of her two sons

Alleges Punjab police murdered them in "fake encounter"near Head Panjnad.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 07:11am

ICT

Federal Constitutional Court won’t hear cases today; staff to work from home

Supreme court conducts hearings at principal seat after police allow lawyers, litigants access to Red Zone.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:00am

ICT

UNDP, Japan partner to boost climate resilience

$400,000 initiative targets flood-hit communities in south Punjab.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:05am

National

PTI lambasts govt for ‘crippling farm sector’

Waqas Akram says support price of Rs3,500 per maund for wheat does not reflect the actual cost of production.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:11am

Back Page

Is Israel replicating Gaza’s ‘Yellow Line’ in south Lebanon?

Hezbollah vows to bring down "arbitrary boundary" through its resistance.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 07:55am

Back Page

12 British varsities paid firm to ‘spy’ on pro-Palestine students: report

At least £440,000 spent to monitor social media accounts, run background checks on guest speaker.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 07:48am

Middle East

Israeli fire kills two more in Gaza; Hamas confronts pro-Israel militia

Over 750 Palestinians have lost their lives despite ceasefire.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 07:41am

Back Page

Amnesty highlights erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan

Says cybercrime, anti-terror laws are weaponised to silence voices; authorities pull ads from critical newspapers.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 10:36am

Front Page

Diplomatic flurry as US-Iran truce deadline nears

A US team heading to Islamabad today; Iran also "considering" sending negotiators.

Updated 21 Apr, 2026 03:40pm

Apple says chief executive Tim Cook stepping down in September

Company veteran John Ternus has been named the new CEO; he has recently overseen the company’s hardware engineering efforts.

Published 21 Apr, 2026 02:20am

Tuesday, April 21, 2026