News Archives for Latest - 2026-04-27

Punjab

Punjab Assembly passes bill setting minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females

Bill passed with majority vote but after heated debate as lawmakers were not initially provided copies of the legislation.

Updated 28 Apr, 2026 11:04am

Info ministry rubbishes reports of Pakistan targeting varsity, residential areas in Afghanistan's Kunar

“Pakistan's targeting is precise and intelligence-based," the ministry says.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:38pm

Trump, Melania call for action by channel against host Jimmy Kimmel over joke likening first lady to 'expectant widow'

"Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him," Melania says; US president calls for firing him.

Updated 28 Apr, 2026 12:10am

Bahrain revokes citizenship of 69 people for 'glorifying or sympathising' with Iranian attacks

Interior ministry says that the 69 people include accused individuals and their family members, and that they are all of non-Bahraini origin.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:27pm

PVARA says any deals, pilots involving virtual assets require prior authorisation

Notes that provision of virtual asset services to users in Pakistan falls within its regulatory ambit; formal approval must be secured.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 07:55pm

ICT

Oil industry seeks extension for imports on CIF basis to ensure continuity of supplies

In letter to SBP, oil companies' association highlights "volatile" situation in the Middle East, says freight rates and war-risk premiums remain high.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 07:27pm

Cricket

PM Shehbaz signs off on letting fans attend PSL playoffs

"This comes with an important condition from his side that fans are strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimise fuel consumption," Mohsin Naqvi says.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 07:03pm

Netanyahu's rivals are joining forces. Can they shift Israel's security policy?

On Iran, Gaza and Lebanon, the joint party led by right-wing Naftali Bennett and centrist Yair Lapid is expected to pursue a security posture similar to that of Netanyahu.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 06:30pm

ICT

FCC suspends LHC decision that set aside govt's authority to render passports inactive

With the suspension of the order, the government’s authority to render passports inactive and slap long-term travel bans stands restored for the time being.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 06:53pm

Mild heatwave conditions likely in southern parts of Pakistan from April 29 to May 3: PMD

Says the upper parts of the country are likely to be affected by a westerly wave.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:37pm

ICT

KP CM Afridi meets with TTAP's Achakzai and Abbas amid reports of rift within opposition

"The meeting agreed on adopting a joint strategy to address national issues," says TTAP spokesperson.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:25pm

South Asia

India names BJP leader envoy to Bangladesh as ties thaw

Former railways minister Dinesh Trivedi named in rare appointment as New Delhi pushes to rebuild trust with Dhaka.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:11pm

Dananeer Mobeen shares snaps of herself with acne to remind everyone there's a person behind the pictures

She said people face intense scrutiny online, especially 'young women in the spotlight'.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:11pm

ICT

Islamabad court grants journalist Fakharur Rehman post-arrest bail in Peca case

The court has also directed the journalist to submit surety bonds worth Rs50,000.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 04:52pm

South Asia

India, New Zealand sign free trade deal, cutting fruit tariffs, boosting exports and visas

Indian minister says FTA will facilitate $20 billion of investment into country; NZ PM terms it “once-in-a-generation agreement”.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 04:47pm

Balochistan

Constable martyred in terrorist attack on police checkpost in Balochistan's Pishin

Search operation launched to trace those involved in the attack.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 04:30pm

Central bank increases policy rate by 100bps to 11.5pc

SBP cites economic risks from Middle East war, expects above-target inflation; hike is the first in almost three years.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 05:53pm

Actor Sabeena Farooq calls out Iqrar ul Hassan's 'unacceptable' behaviour after airport outburst goes viral

The former TV host was seen berating an immigration officer who said something about him to a colleague.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 02:35pm

Pakistan, China sign 3 MoUs to boost desalination, agri technology, tea sector cooperation

President Zardari witnesses signing ceremonies; one MoU pertains to collaboration on seawater desalination project in Karachi.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 03:04pm

King Charles jets to US for four-day trip amid Iran conflict, media gala shooting

Visit begins with private meeting with self-proclaimed royal fan Trump, includes an address to Congress and a lavish dinner at White House.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 02:39pm

Suspect in Washington dinner shooting charged with attempting to assassinate Trump

Also faces firearms charges in a three-count complaint; he has not yet responded to the allegations.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 11:31pm

KP & FATA

Parachinar Airport becomes operational after long hiatus

Pakistan Army Aviation completed six successful landing and takeoff trials, after which the airport runways were declared compliant with professional standards and safety protocols.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 01:04pm

KP & FATA

5.7-magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad, parts of KP: PMD

USGS records earthquake’s magnitude as 5.1 on the Richter scale.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 01:40pm

Branded Content

NexGen Auto (Nishat Group) to Introduce iCAUR in Pakistan

As one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, Nishat Group operates across key sectors including textiles, cement, banking, insurance, power and agriculture.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 12:15pm

Maryam Nawaz says Punjab is establishing a 50-acre 'film city' to bring the glory of filmmaking back to Lahore

The Punjab CM announced that the film city will have special facilities to enable most filmmaking processes to be done in-house.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 12:11pm

Iran war disrupts the circuit board supply chain, raises costs for tech firms

Manufacturers warn of rising costs for resin, copper, and other materials.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 12:03pm

North Korea strengthens nuclear push as US flails in Middle East

North Korea has conducted five missile launches, including four so far in April.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 11:43am

Branded Content

NTL and Unikrew Solutions establish additional strategic understanding for potential transformation opportunities

Collaboration brings together complementary strengths to jointly pursue high-impact opportunities in Pakistan and international markets.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 11:31am

Why Iran plays the Sicilian Defence

For forty years Washington has known what Tehran is doing but it still didn’t find the right moves.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 11:30am

Global military spending continues to rise as European and Asian expenditures surge

India, the fifth biggest military spender in the world in 2025, increased its military spending by 8.9pc to $92.1bn.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 12:28pm

Industry prepares budget wishlist

Several leading national business forums have submitted detailed recommendations to the government and remain actively engaged with the official economic team.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 10:12am

The new budget will be judged not by its arithmetic alone, but by its elemental courage

Any attempt to introduce new taxes or reduce subsidies will face stiff opposition, yet failure to do so risks losing IMF support.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 10:08am

Insurance is not absent because it is unnecessary; it is absent where it is needed the most

Building a solid financial buffer is essential, particularly when local and global economies experience considerable volatility from time to time.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:56am

KP & FATA

Cargo truck fire shuts Indus Highway in DI Khan district

Rescue authorities confirmed that no loss of life has been reported; commuters have been advised to use alternate routes.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 10:57am

The unlocking of Pakistan's crypto ecosystem and what it means for P2P merchants

Trade execution remains inside the supervised intermediary; fiat entry and exit become visible at the banking layer, allowing for a better audit trail.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:53am

Punjab's initiative to provide religious education for minorities is highly appreciated, but questions remain about implementation

Minority communities have long wanted their children to be taught their own religion at school.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:31am

KP & FATA

Technical glitch surfaces over disparity in academic calendar of govt, private schools in KP

Expert calls for across the board enforcement of semester system.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:18am

What might encourage the US and Iran to revive direct talks and what are the obstacles?

The diplomatic window remains open even as both sides seem to harden their positions.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:16am

KP & FATA

Rs300m released for streetlights in Peshawar

Officials say the project will improve visibility, support business activities and enhance overall security.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:15am

KP & FATA

Three hurt as Afghan forces target civilians in South Waziristan

Security forces destroy posts of attackers in Afghanistan.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:15am

KP & FATA

University of Peshawar directed to disperse payments to students under scholarship programme

High court rules financial constraints can’t be excuse for denying scholarship to petitioners.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:41am

KP & FATA

Mediatory role boosts country’s image worldwide, says Sirajul Haq

He hoped that Pakistan’s efforts will result in forging lasting peace in the volatile Middle East.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:36am

Iran FM Araghchi says he discussed conditions for continuing US talks with ‘friends in Pakistan’

“We reviewed what has happened and talked about the path and conditions under which the negotiations can continue," he says.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 07:38pm

Editorial: Why it would be wrong to label Iranian FM Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad a failure

If both sides continue to talk, even indirectly, a fair agreement can be reached.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 09:02am

Business & Finance

RDA 2.0 — beyond dollar inflows

Expanding the scope of Roshan Digital Accounts could channel remittances into productive investments rather than consumption.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:55am

Business & Finance

Wheat harvesting — changing dynamics and fallout

The rapid shift towards capital-intensive harvesting is transferring income from small farmers and labourers to machinery service providers, further widening the rich-poor gap.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:42am

ICT

Rawalpindi, Islamabad reopen after week-long closure

Restrictions still in place around Nur Khan Airbase; Localities still closed are likely to reopen today along with Pirwadhai and Faizabad bus stands, says official.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:26am

ICT

Solar upgrade at Rawalpindi Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex ordered

Punjab Minister for Youth Affairs Ayub Khokhar visited the existing facilities, including the swimming pool, and inspected their condition.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:57am

Islamabad

Funeral across Line of Control lays bare pain of divided families

50-year-old man’s death underscores human cost of region’s protracted division, stirs outpouring of grief on social media.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:53am

ICT

Experts urge shift to sustainable construction to tackle climate challenges

Environmental expert Dr Muhammad Arshad stressed the urgent need to make rainwater harvesting systems a mandatory component of urban construction.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:43am

No criminal history for suspect in White House press event shooting, say authorities

Peers speak about 31-year-old Caltech engineering graduate, game developer; relatives say he had firearms training.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:17am

ICT

Non-functional water schemes leave residents in despair in Gujar Khan

Water supply schemes of Phullarey Syedan and Tibbi Syedan villages of Sohawa tehsil remained largely ineffective due to alleged mismanagement by authorities.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 08:16am

Punjab

Encroachments in Ravi riverbed hinder embankment construction

Environmentalists warn of early onset of monsoon due to the El Nino effect with very heavy rains expected in May.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:17am

Punjab

Minor boy dies in stray dog attack in Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the incident and demanded a report.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:25am

Punjab

Steps being taken to set up ‘Lahore Film City’, says Azma Bokhari

She stated that measures are being implemented to restore the long-declining film industry and put it back on its feet.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:27am

Punjab

Yousaf Raza Gilani commends diplomatic role in promoting peace

“The world is undergoing rapid transformation, and sustained efforts are required to ensure global peace,” he says.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:22am

Sindh

‘Apologetic’ CM Murad announces reconstruction of Karachi's University Road in 90 days

Acknowledges hardships faced by Karachiites due to delay in completion of ADB-funded Red Line along the key arterial link.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 01:05pm

Sindh

Three suspects shot dead in ‘encounters’ in Karachi

Police claimed to have recovered weapons, a cell phone and a motorcycle from them.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:06am

Sindh

Karachi court orders release of five women held for staging protest against ‘enforced disappearance’

Police say Baloch Yakjehti Committee activist Fozia, her mother and three others took out rally in Red Zone, chanted slogans against state institutions.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:02am

Sindh

Govt approves prices for 35 essential medicines to ease shortages

Another 45 medicines expected to be cleared soon; move aims at ending shortage of critical molecules.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 07:38am

Sindh

Sindh’s second largest hospital lacks essential services, health secretary told

Rs694m required for repair and maintenance of 45 MRI, CT Scan and other machines in Liaquat University Hospital, says Hyderabad commissioner.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 07:32am

Sindh

105 rice mills, grain market in Shahdadkot shut over Rs1.3m robbery

Abrupt strike leaves growers in a lurch as they could not find any buyer for their produce in trading hall.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:12am

International

PA loyalists win big in Palestinian municipal polls

Dominate West Bank polls, claim many seats uncontested; secure six seats in Deir al-Balah.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:31am

International

Two former Israeli PMs unite to unseat Netanyahu

Bennett also calls on ex-minister Gadi Eisenkot to join alliance.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:41am

International

Mali’s defence minister killed in major weekend assault

Armed forces say operations continuing in various parts of the country to repel the insurgents.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:21am

International

Assault on Bangladeshi worker sparks outrage

Labour ministry says will examine broader issues at the factory, including possible failures in worker protection.

Updated 27 Apr, 2026 08:22am

Cricket

Kingsmen make playoffs with Rawalpindiz rout in regal show

Maaz’s brisk 28 off 11 balls, peppered with five fours and a six, ensured powerplay belonged firmly to Kingsmen.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:21am

Cricket

Blistering Chapman steers United to Qualifier as sloppy Sultans falter

United will now feature in Tuesday’s Qualifier at the same venue against table toppers Peshawar Zalmi, carrying with them not just momentum but the cushion of a second chance at reaching the final.

Published 27 Apr, 2026 05:21am

Football