News Archives for Latest - 2026-05-18

Pakistan condemns drone strike on Saudi Arabia, expresses solidarity with Riyadh

“Such attacks constitute a serious violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and appear to be an attempt to further undermine regional peace and stability,” the FO said.

Published 18 May, 2026 11:51pm

Opposition lawmakers stage protest in National Assembly, demand medical care for Imran

Mehmood Khan Achakzai announces boycott of the upcoming budget session by opposition lawmakers.

Published 18 May, 2026 11:41pm

India will be ‘relegated to history’ if it attempts misadventure against Pakistan: Khawaja Asif

“Israel doesn't want anyone more powerful in this region other than its partner, India,” defence minister says.

Updated 19 May, 2026 07:43am

PM Shehbaz reviews Rs1.5tr PSDP, directs more funds for well-performing ministries

Water reservoirs, hydropower projects to remain govt’s top priorities, PM says

Published 18 May, 2026 09:43pm

Flawed tests and funerals allowed Ebola to spread undetected in Congo

WHO laments “critical four-week detection gap” between when first known case started showing symptoms and laboratory confirmation of outbreak.

Published 18 May, 2026 09:11pm

Punjab

PDMA forecasts rain, dust-thunderstorms in Punjab districts until Saturday

Citizens advised to avoid open spaces and take precautionary measures to protect crops.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:44pm

Cricket

Mushfiqur ton leaves Pakistan needing record run chase to beat Bangladesh

Mushfiqur reached his century off 178 balls with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:17pm

Wapda records over 6,000MW of hydropower generation during peak hours

Tarbela Hydel Power Station contributed 2,332MW to the national grid with Tarbela 4th Extension project contributed 1,095MW, according to Wapda.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:52pm

UAE standardises deadline for payments of private-sector salaries

Thresholds for compliance, consequences for delays outlined in ministerial resolution.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:45pm

IHC seeks CDA response on appeals of One Constitution Avenue apartment sub-lessees

Counsel for the appellants argued that paragraph 30 of the single-bench judgment adversely affected the rights of apartment owners, despite their recognised ownership of the apartments.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:18pm

Middle East

Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: top security council

Tehran says Persian Gulf Strait Authority would provide “real-time updates on the Hormuz Strait operations".

Updated 18 May, 2026 10:54pm

ICT

Accused in teenage TikTok star Sana Yousaf’s murder retracts confession, alleges false implication

Hayat claims he was implicated due to public pressure generated on social media, as both he and 17-year-old Sana Yousaf were well-known TikTokers.

Published 18 May, 2026 05:32pm

Review: With Mera Lyari, Abu Aleeha delivers a better film, just not a good one

While the acting is good, the film's writing, directing and editing leave much to be desired.

Published 18 May, 2026 04:56pm

Counsel for Imran, Bushra challenges IHC order setting deadline for arguments in £190m case

Local court issues arrest warrants for KP ex-CM Ali Amin Gandapur in audio leak case

Published 18 May, 2026 04:48pm

If your instinct is to use AI, Seth Rogen thinks you shouldn't be a writer

The Canadian actor and filmmaker's comments come amid a renewed push for AI use in creative fields.

Published 18 May, 2026 04:25pm

Markets, shops, eateries exempted from early closure timings till May 31

Notification says all shops, departmental stores, markets, shopping malls, bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores have been exempted from the early closure timings.

Updated 18 May, 2026 04:12pm

ICT

Federal Shariat Court strikes down 2022 legislation decriminalising suicide attempt

Declares relevant provisions of the 2022 law repugnant to injunctions of Islam and consequently void.

Updated 19 May, 2026 08:14pm

KP & FATA

Two policemen deployed with polio teams martyred in KP's Bajaur

Official says probe launched to identify the attackers.

Updated 18 May, 2026 05:02pm

Sindh

Anmol alias Pinky alleges pressure to ‘take names’ as court extends physical remand in murder case

To remain in police custody in two cases till May 22; media told to exit courtroom mid-proceedings; CTD seeks Anmol's arrest.

Updated 18 May, 2026 06:18pm

No need for 28th Constitutional Amendment, says Raza Rabbani

Says the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments have already “defaced” a number of the original provisions of the Constitution.

Published 18 May, 2026 03:09pm

Middle East

Israeli forces reportedly detain Saad Edhi, others after intercepting Gaza aid flotilla

Faisal Edhi appeals for foreign ministry intervention; flotilla intercepted about 250 nautical miles from Gaza.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:10pm

ICT

JI emir challenges petroleum levy in FCC, terms it 'unconstitutional'

Requests the constitution of independent mechanism or commission to examine fiscal, constitutional implications of present petroleum levy structure.

Published 18 May, 2026 02:37pm

Pakistanis have a lot to say about Sanam Saeed at Cannes being called 'South Asian representation'

The star walked the red carpet in a custom Hussain Rehar outfit and later made it clear who she was representing.

Published 18 May, 2026 02:00pm

India's strategic $9bn megaport plan for remote island in Andaman Sea

Rights group warns that the island’s Indigenous groups face “genocide in the name of ‘mega-development’”.

Published 18 May, 2026 01:33pm

Sanam Saeed at Cannes is the moment we've been waiting for

She's beauty, she's grace, she's representing Pakistan and putting the biggest smile on everyone's face.

Published 18 May, 2026 01:09pm

PSX plunges by nearly 3,800 points as investors remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions

Extends losing streak for 7th consecutive session; Topline Securities Ltd notes elevated crude oil prices further weigh on market confidence.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:13pm

Pakistan condemns drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant

“The inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm and must be upheld without exception,” Foreign Office says.

Updated 18 May, 2026 02:16pm

Javier Bardem blames 'toxic masculinity' of Netanyahu, Putin and Trump for starting wars

The Spanish star said he had gotten work despite his activism, hailing a change in the narrative around Israel's war on Gaza.

Published 18 May, 2026 11:53am

Branded Content

History made at Giga Boutique Mall: Hussain Rehar sells out within two hours on opening day

The launch of Giga Boutique Mall on May 15 marked a defining moment for Pakistan’s luxury retail industry.

Published 18 May, 2026 11:19am

KP & FATA

Tribal chief among 3 killed in IED blast in KP's Wana

Two of the four injured in the attack at Rustam Bazaar in critical condition; search operation launched to trace perpetrators.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:17pm

Trump highlights war talks amid mounting domestic backlash

“The American people may not be benefiting from Trump’s war, but our adversaries certainly are,” Senate Democratic leader says.

Published 18 May, 2026 11:05am

The US-Israeli war on Iran has cost companies around the world at least $25bn, with the bill continuing to climb

Businesses are grappling with soaring energy prices, fractured supply chains and trade routes severed by Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Updated 18 May, 2026 11:31am

Sindh

2 cops martyred as speeding dumper crashes into parked police van on M9 Motorway

According to police, the driver of the speeding vehicle has been taken into custody and an inquiry has been initiated.

Updated 18 May, 2026 11:08am

Military jets' crew members safely ejected after Idaho air show collision, US Navy says

The two jets with four air crew collided “while performing an aerial demonstration”; incident under investigation.

Published 18 May, 2026 10:14am

Oil touches two-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant

“These drone strikes are a pointed warning," analyst says; brent crude futures climb $2.01, or 1.84pc, to $111.27 a barrel.

Published 18 May, 2026 09:59am

Strong fiscal numbers underline need to rebalance Pakistan’s budget priorities

Stabilisation has bought Pakistan a budget cycle; FY27 should use it to build.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:40am

What happens when the corporations that mediate reality for billions of people also become indispensable to the machinery of war?

Democratic states may begin to depend on privately owned systems they cannot fully audit, regulate or understand.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:36am

At its core, Xi and Trump's summit was about stabilising the world’s most consequential relationship

While the summit’s optics outweighed the outcomes, it aimed at managing relations along a stable track.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:31am

Editorial: Recent attacks have raised fresh doubts over Kabul’s commitment to preventing the misuse of its soil against Pakistan

It is to its own peril that the Afghan side seems to be mistaking Islamabad’s restraint for lack of resolve.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:17am

ICT

Two joint ventures qualified for submission of financial bids for cricket stadium in Islamabad

Official says the Capital Development Authority is planning to hire a government-owned consultant.

Published 18 May, 2026 08:06am

ICT

Islamabad traders seek relaxation in lockdown

“The government needs to understand the problems of traders seriously and try to solve them,” former president of traders' association says.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:32am

ICT

Over 3,000 cases pending investigation with Islamabad police

Out of 3,074 cases, 100 were registered in the year 2024 and 2,974 cases in 2025.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:36am

ICT

Rising fuel prices drive surge in demand for e-bikes in Rawalpindi

Walking from Waris Khan Police Station to Banni Chowk on Circular Road, one can find shops selling e-bikes that were once hubs of petrol-driven motorcycles, where shopkeepers are now selling them briskly.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:18am

Business

Taxing the taxed

There is no way the country can run a sustainable fiscal policy when only 2.2pc of the population carries the burden of the national exchequer.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:47am

Business

Squandering the potential of procurement

Amid a medley of issues, government support prices face considerable barriers to make any real positive impact on the agriculture sector, especially for smaller farmers.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:46am

Business

Deepening food insecurity

Pakistan’s agriculture sector possesses sufficient potential to feed the country’s population with its existing resources; the core problem lies in misplaced priorities.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:45am

Sindh

Entrusting KMC with Rs13bn town-level uplift work irks TMCs

Most town chairmen, particularly from opposition parties, say move will undermine democracy at grassroots level.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:39am

Sindh

Grand Democratic Alliance slams Sindh govt over rising narcotics problem

Says that the provincial government had "completely failed" to eliminate the menace.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:05am

Sindh

Four coaches of Sukkur Express derail near Jacobabad

The train, coming from Karachi, met with the accident due to some fault, developed on the tracks at the Abad station, says official.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:37am

Sindh

Fire breaks out in Karachi Export Processing Zone factory

Around 12 fire tenders and two snorkels took part in the firefighting operation.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:02am

Banking sector faces growing stress as non-performing loans climb

Banks argued that the principal weakness lies not in the law itself but in poor execution and weak judicial enforcement.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:34am

‘28th’ legislative package by any other name

Insiders from PPP & PML-N do not rule out the possibility of major constitutional changes in the days to come; curriculum, population welfare, mines and minerals may return to Centre.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:28am

Provincial tax revenues surge despite economic and regional pressures

The Rs599bn collection by three provinces is a clear improvement, but is still only a fraction of our true revenue potential.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:22am

Pakistan continues to push for diplomatic solution to Mideast war as Naqvi meets Iranian leaders in Tehran

Meets Iranian president, speaker of parliament as Trump says "clock is ticking" for Iran; Pezeshkian calls on Muslim states to close ranks to counter "aggression by hegemonic powers".

Published 18 May, 2026 07:19am

IMF targets subsidies while Pakistan’s power elephants roam free

Electricity misuse should be addressed through targeted administrative correction, not blunt subsidy removal.

Published 18 May, 2026 07:15am

Sindh

Shahrah-i-Bhutto to be opened on 23rd, says Sharjeel

Says the completion of the project will provide travel convenience to citizens, significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic pressure.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:11am

KP & FATA

12 militants killed in May 9 Bannu suicide attack, claim police

Bannu DPO Yasir Afridi pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the injured policemen.

Updated 18 May, 2026 12:45pm

KP & FATA

Half of Pakistan’s adults suffering from fatty liver disease, say experts

Advise people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoid junk food.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:57am

KP & FATA

ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain advised to limit movement, hire guards amid ‘threats’

According to police sources, Pabbi police in Nowshera issued a circular on May 15, asking the senior ANP leader to adopt strict security measures for his protection.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:14am

KP & FATA

KP parliamentary leaders to discuss ‘wheat ban’ today

The governor, chief minister and speaker of provincial assembly have termed the closure of CNG stations and suspension of wheat supply from Punjab a violation of the Constitution.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:59am

Punjab

Six booked for throwing child into manhole in Toba Tek Singh

The complainant claims that it was an act of revenge because her husband had repeatedly rejected the accused persons’ offer to purchase their house at a throwaway price.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:33am

Punjab

Six HIV, 13 Hepatitis C cases detected among prisoners at Pakpattan jail

Screening camps were organised under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:29am

Punjab

Firing on house of Latif Khosa’s son in Lahore

Balakh Sher says two armed men arrived on a bike and tried to forcibly enter his residence.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:31am

Punjab

Four cops arrested in honey trap case in Lahore

The policemen allegedly snatched some money from him and threatened him to not take the matter to the police or tell someone else.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:30am

Punjab

Textile industry projects 7.2m cotton bales import to meet shortfall

Experts want ‘business-friendly’ budget to promote the sector and ease inflation, create job opportunities.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:18am

Football

Iran holds ‘constructive’ meeting with FIFA over World Cup preparations

FIFA secretary general describes the meeting as “excellent” and “constructive”.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:42am

Tennis

‘Pakistan to host Billie Jean King Cup in October’

“For the first time in Pakistan’s sporting history, 10 Asian women’s teams will be arriving to compete [in the BJK Cup] on our soil,” Pakistan Tennis Federation president says.

Updated 18 May, 2026 09:32am

International

10 ‘new’ victims in France’s Epstein probe

Paris prosecutor says around 20 suspected victims have made themselves known after potential victims were urged to speak up.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:44am

International

Israel operated two ‘covert bases’ in Iraqi desert: NYT

Report says one of the bases "predates current conflict", also used during 2025 Iran war.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:35am

International

Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah calls talks ‘dead end’

“The direct negotiations that the authorities in Lebanon have conducted with the Israeli enemy have… led them down a dead-end path that will result in nothing but one concession after another,” Hezbollah lawmaker says.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:20am

International

Old habits die hard: helicopter parenting at workplace

Overprotective parents once plagued classrooms, now they’re interfering in their adult children’s workplaces in matters from salaries to office conflicts.

Updated 18 May, 2026 08:04am

National

Blue passports okayed for 42 top taxpayers

Authorities plan passport home delivery, chatbot for applicants; cashless payment options to replace National Bank deposits.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:40am

Balochistan

35 terrorists killed during action in hills around Quetta

CM’s aide says three "commanders" in custody after four-day operation; section 144 imposed across province; railways suspends train services for two days.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:44am

National

Polio drive begins in 79 high-risk districts today

Over 160,000 polio workers will participate in the nationwide drive to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

National

Auto parts makers hail drop in used car import

Call it a key step towards promoting industrialisation in the country.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

Balochistan

Bugti to complete five-year term as Balochistan CM, says PPP leader

Several political, tribal leaders join the party in the province.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

Back Page

Mass Ukrainian drone barrage kills four in Russia

Indian worker among those killed in Moscow; Zelensky calls attack "entirely justified".

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

Back Page

UAE slams drone strike near its nuclear plant

Says projectile struck “an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra area”.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

Back Page

Five more killed as Israel plans defence office on UNRWA site

Netanyahu tells cabinet Israel "very close to completing" the war.

Updated 18 May, 2026 07:31am

Back Page

IMF wants govt to boost transparency of anti-graft body

Says changes to NAB law for transparency in chief’s appointment should be tabled by 2027; govt commits to enhancing capacities of provincial anti-corruption bodies.

Published 18 May, 2026 06:58am

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