News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-23

Middle East

Pakistan, 7 other Muslim nations reject attempts to alter historic, legal status quo in Jerusalem, at its holy sites

Condemn "repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo at Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites by Israeli occupation authorities".

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 11:49pm

South Asia

In letter to UNSC president, Dar draws attention to 'grave' consequences of Indus Waters Treaty suspension by India

Pakistan's envoy hands over the letter to UNSC president; Security Council urged to call upon India to restore the full implementation of the treaty.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 10:55pm

US Navy Secretary Phelan fired by Pentagon, say sources

The Pentagon announced his departure in a brief statement without providing a reason or saying whether it was his decision to go.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 10:52pm

ICT

FIA set to fast track money laundering probes

Source says FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar has approved standard operating procedures to improve how the agency handles financial intelligence reports.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 09:16pm

ICT

For 2nd consecutive week, PTI leaders no-show at Adiala jail on court-mandated day for meeting with Imran

PTI information secretary says party has taken strict notice of the situation and will discuss the “unfortunate development” in a meeting with prominent leaders.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:31pm

US reclassifies certain marijuana products as a less-dangerous drug

The announcement does not legalise marijuana across the United States.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:37pm

NDMA warns of intense heatwave in several regions across country till May 5

According to the advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are expected to face severe heatwave conditions.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:52pm

South Asia

Pakistan rejects Indian propaganda on Pahalgam attack, deplores 'weaponisation of false narrative'

Foreign Office hopes world will call on India to "demonstrate responsible behaviour and refrain from rhetoric and actions that may spoil ongoing efforts for regional and international peace".

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:07pm

Middle East

Iran's economy looks set to withstand US naval blockade

A US naval blockade of Iranian ports is likely to squeeze Iran's oil output in the coming weeks but claims it will throw the Islamic republic into economic free fall remain premature, analysts say.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 07:19pm

Customs increases import valuation for 62 old and used mobile phone models

The new valuation will apply to imports of old and used mobile phones in commercial quantities without packing or accessories.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 06:29pm

South Asia

Bangladesh measles crisis deepens as child deaths reach 194

According to the government data, the number of suspected child cases exceed 28,000.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 05:48pm

The Strokes' Julian Casablancas thinks American zionists need to stop acting 'oppressed'

The band's frontman appeared on an episode of Subway Takes with a take he believes could get him cancelled.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 05:43pm

British comedian Russell Brand admits to having 'exploitative sex' with teenager

He argued that though he engaged in intercourse with a 16-year-old when he was 30, it was not illegal.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 05:28pm

At least 62,000MW more needed by 2035 to support economic growth

The solar power capacity expansion has been projected at 11,544MW for low GDP growth and 13,200MW for high growth.

Updated 24 Apr, 2026 07:29pm

ICT

PM Shehbaz expresses displeasure at lack of functional early weather warning systems in GB

Chairing a meeting on pre-monsoon preparations, PM Shehbaz directs inquiry into the matter and "ineffective performance of relevant institutions".

Published 23 Apr, 2026 05:12pm

‘My body feels like lead’: Heat is making pregnancy a nightmare in Karachi

Rising temperatures are bringing worry and real risks to pregnant women, as nonprofits try their best to help.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 04:13pm

Sindh

3 SHOs suspended, probe ordered after 4 killed in alleged drone strike in Khairpur

Sindh IG directs that individuals “violating the law and the SOPs in the incident” be arrested; home minister orders transparent probe.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 04:05pm

PM meets Pakistanis selected for China's space mission, hopes it will 'usher in era of space research'

PM Shehbaz tells Chinese ambassador Pak-China friendship "ready to reach for the stars and touch the heights of the sky".

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 11:07pm

ADB deepens Pakistan engagement with $3.67bn commitments, targets fiscal reform and minerals

Financial support commitments reported in 2025 Annual Report; bank says Pakistan continues to face fiscal pressures.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 03:11pm

Yami Gautam 'learned the Quran' for four months for her role in Indian legal drama Haq

Film director Suparn Verma spoke to BBC Asian Network about his determination to correcting misnomers when it comes to Islam.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 03:09pm

Every 1ºC of global warming avoided could halve number of world heritage sites exposed to major disruption: Unesco

Unesco says that by failing to act now, natural systems in more than one in four sites could reach critical tipping points by 2050.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 03:05pm

Trump, his ‘low IQ’ slur, and the right’s race obsession

Trump this week attacked SC Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, two of America’s most prominent Black figures.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 02:12pm

Balochistan

9 killed in armed attack at mining site in Balochistan’s Chagai

National Resources Limited says security forces "responded promptly", secured the area after its Darigwan site was attacked yesterday.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 07:54pm

PM Shehbaz directs that transport nationwide be gradually shifted to EVs

In a meeting, the premier stresses work is underway to maintain "strategic crude oil reserves"; directs expedited establishment of EV charging stations.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 02:04pm

AI startup Cursor with Pakistani co-founder set for $60bn deal with SpaceX

If SpaceX doesn’t buy Cursor, it will pay $10 billion for their work together, company says.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 01:43pm

Many injured in head-on train crash in Denmark

Emergency services mobilised in large numbers; some of injured taken to hospital by helicopter.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 01:33pm

KSE-100 plunges below 170,000-mark as bears maintain control of PSX

Benchmark index loses 2,400 points to close at 169,173.37 points.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 04:31pm

Macklemore, Kneecap, 1,100 other musicians call for Eurovision boycott over Israeli inclusion

An open letter from the No Music for Genocide campaign calling for the boycott has been signed by artists from around the world.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 01:09pm

Voting underway in key Indian states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu

Modi’s BJP has waged an aggressive bid to dislodge West Bengal’s CM Mamata Banerjee; results for both polls will be released on May 4.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 12:33pm

Naqvi, US envoy discuss diplomatic efforts for holding 2nd round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Interior minister expresses hope that "both parties will give a chance to a diplomatic and peaceful solution".

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 01:46pm

Farhan Saeed is willing to fight for his love in the teaser for Luv Di Saun

The film is due to release on Eidul Azha.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 11:31am

Branded Content

The Bank of Punjab signs strategic MoU with Stacks to advance digital remittances and financial innovation

As part of this initiative, the two organisations will also undertake a pilot transaction to explore the use of stablecoins for remittances.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 11:18am

Pakistan seeks three spot LNG cargoes in first tender since Dec 2023

Awais Leghari notes tender aimed at meeting rising power demand; says Pakistan is not sure when it will get more cargoes from Qatar.

Updated 24 Apr, 2026 07:25pm

If the US-Iran status quo drags out, the consequences of disruptions will fan out beyond just fuel and energy markets

The Iranians have not yet made a clear demonstration of their leverage in this war.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 09:50am

Attock refinery operations normalise as transport links restored

Intervention and support by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and the General Headquarters restored road transport, the refinery’s management confirmed.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:41am

The Hormuz crisis has shown what Pakistan and India’s economic separation actually costs

Trade interdependence produces political stability by making conflict expensive.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 09:31am

Editorial: Neither the US nor Iran should let this chance at a diplomatic solution lapse

The Hormuz closure is a consequence of the war, not its main cause.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 09:14am

ICT

Red Zone remains sealed as uncertainty around expected US-Iran talks lingers

Partial reopening of routes eases pressure; citizens face difficulties due to closure of major thoroughfares.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:26am

ICT

Pakistan vaccinates millions, averts 2.6m child deaths over decades: WHO

“Since 1994, powered by the medical science behind vaccines, Pakistan has reduced paralytic polio cases by 99.8 per cent,” WHO states.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:59am

ICT

Bus hostess ‘raped’ in Rawalpindi

Claimed that she found nail injuries on her body after she regained her consciousness.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:58am

Islamabad

AJK ministers say India’s Pahalgam narrative exposed

"India had suffered a humiliating defeat in the diplomatic and narrative battle following the operation, the scars of which would never heal," Rafique Nayyar says.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:59am

ICT

Districts in Rawalpindi Division asked to complete beautification projects on time

Commissioner says projects across Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum be completed without any compromise on quality.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 02:42pm

ICT

PPP opposes proposed park project at Margalla’s foothills

PPP leader Malaika Raza says unchecked deforestation increases climate risks such as floods, heatwaves and droughts.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 02:36pm

Bank of Punjab signs MoU for remittances with Stacks

Collaboration aims to deliver faster, safer, and more transparent cross-border payments.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:41am

SECP approves two more IPOs on Pakistan Stock Exchange

SPSL announces plans to raise up to Rs4.8bn to finance expansion in its fuel retail network, logistics operations and storage infrastructure.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:34am

Sindh

Sindh records year’s first death from Congo fever

The virus is primarily transmitted to people from ticks and livestock animals.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:11am

Sindh

Animal welfare shamefully ignored in our society, rights moot in Karachi told

Wildlife activists remember elephant Noor Jehan on Earth Day; posters made by schoolchildren call for zoos to be shut down.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:27am

Sindh

Encroachment removal key to reviving Karachi Circular Railway

CM Murad, Railways Minister Abbasi discuss rehabilitation of KCR tracks, introduction of new trains in Sindh.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:08am

Sindh

MoU signed to digitise collection of taxes on property transfer in Sindh

The MoU was signed between Sindh Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, and Bank of Punjab in collaboration with the Board of Revenue.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:27am

Sindh

Plan to bifurcate Liaquat University Hospital opposed

“LUH can be run efficiently if better administration is ensured by the health department,” says director general of Health Services Sindh.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:24am

Israeli airstrike kills journalist in south Lebanon: civil defence

Amal Khalil was a veteran correspondent for Al-Akhbar and had consistently produced field reports from south Lebanon.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:15am

International

Blockchain billionaire sues Trump family’s crypto firm

The lawsuit caps a dramatic deterioration of relations between Sun and World Liberty.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:11am

International

New drugs raise hopes of pancreatic cancer breakthrough

The drug targets a protein called KRAS which is known to play an important role in tumour growth.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:14am

Middle East

Settlers gun down Palestinian man in West Bank

Israeli forces had detained Palestinian residents of Deir Dibwan, Palestinian Authority’s government media office says.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 08:09am

Middle East

In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity

The resistance group has not explicitly fielded a list or endorsed any candidate.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:09am

Business

FBR revises property valuation in six cities

Exercise aims to bring notified values closer to prevailing market rates.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:58am

Business

SBP curbs fail to dent appetite for dollars

Greenback deposits rose to Rs87bn in 9MFY26.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:57am

Business

Oil prices jump $3 a barrel

At the session high, US crude futures were up by more than $4 a barrel.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:36am

Business

PSX tumbles 1,577 points amid volatility

Peace talks stalemate spooks investors.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:54am

ICT

Judicial Commission of Pakistan ‘likely’ to recommend transfer of five IHC judges

Sources says judges under consideration for transfer include Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Babar Sattar, Saman Rafat Imtiaz.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:12am

National

PTI regains AJK assembly seat after reinstatement of its lawmaker

Top court’s verdict has raised party’s strength in the house to six and reduced PML-N’s tally to eight.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:22am

ICT

PM Shehbaz reaffirms govt’s resolve to eradicate polio from country

No cases have been reported so far in 2026 from Punjab, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad, GB, or AJK.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:18am

National

Govt advised against ratifying Unesco maritime heritage pact

National Institute of Oceanography cites national security concerns over sensitive maritime data; Warns of exposure of naval routes, offshore installations.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:26am

Balochistan

CM Bugti vows to follow president’s directives amid political turmoil

Says those seeking political change in Balochistan’s set-up are free to “fulfil their wishes”; pledges full utilisation of Rs249bn uplift budget.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:30am

National

Govt lacks ability to pull country out of quagmire: PTI

Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram says the government’s performance can be judged by declining exports, historically low investment levels, and rising poverty and unemployment.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:41am

Balochistan

Open court held to address traffic issues in Balochistan

SSP Traffic Mirza Bilal announced a crackdown on encroachments and illegal parking.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:33am

Balochistan

Rich tribute paid to Balochi poet Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi

A large number of students, poets, intellectuals, political leaders and people from Karachi, Makran and Iran attended the event.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:36am

Front Page

US optimistic about Iran talks ‘this week’

Trump says resumption of negotiations in Islamabad possible within "36 to 72 hours"; appreciates Tehran for stopping "executions" of detained women.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:26am

ICT

‘Strict security’ triggers food, fuel shortages in twin cities

Fuel supply to Islamabad, Peshawar airports likely to be affected; Goods transporters want district authorities to reopen roads.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 07:46am

Front Page

Despite snags, Pakistan works to keep channels open

PM meets Iranian ambassador, hopes both sides will ink peace deal for permanent end to conflict.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:14am

KP & FATA

South Waziristan residents face internet disruption

The residents said that over the last two months, mobile signals had either been very weak or completely unavailable in large parts of the district.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:42am

KP & FATA

Two transgender persons appointed as warders in KP

“I am confident they will make our jails more professional and more humane,” says IG prisons Rehan Khattak.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:40am

KP & FATA

Accountability court in KP approves over Rs3 billion plea bargain in Kohistan graft case

Orders release of accused if he’s not wanted in any other case.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:33am

KP & FATA

Mortar shell fired from Afghanistan hits house in Bajaur

Mortar damaged the house, but did not cause any casualties, says official.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:46am

Punjab

Six Vietnamese deported from Lahore for suspicious travel papers

FIA believes that such individuals may be connected with the criminal syndicates operating in Southeast Asia to loot people through cyberspace.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:52am

Punjab

Traffic fines cut by amending Motor Vehicles Bill in Punjab

The amendments will come into force after final approval by the Punjab governor.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:55am

Punjab

Biker fighting for life after hit by car in DHA Lahore

He suffered multiple skull and bone fractures besides neurological damages.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:06am

Punjab

CM Maryam grills police officers over spike in crime across Punjab

In 2025, Punjab had witnessed a 79 per cent drop in gang rape, 73pc in murder-robbery, and 71pc in dacoity-robbery compared to 2024.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 08:48am

Punjab

Warrants against PM Shehbaz’s daughter, son-in-law suspended

The accountability court had issued perpetual warrants for their arrest in 2021 and 2022.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 09:00am

Tennis

Eala sails into second round of Madrid Open

Eala saved all four break points she faced and broke Pavlyuchenkova twice in a tightly-contested 54-minute opening set.

Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:05am

Cricket

Ali Raza hat-trick, Kusal Mendis’s whirlwind knock keep Zalmi unbeaten

The win kept Zalmi firmly at the top with eight wins in nine games while Kings after suffering their fifth loss in eight outings lie at the seventh spot in the eight-team league.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:09am

Cricket

Hassan Khan holds nerve after Usman Khan ton as Kingsmen edge Sultans in thriller

With eight needed off the final over, the pair kept their cool — nudging singles before Hassan sealed the chase in emphatic fashion, pulling a slower bouncer over midwicket for six to spark jubilant celebrations.

Updated 23 Apr, 2026 10:07am

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