News Archives for Latest - 2026-05-21

Punjab

Patient tests HIV-positive after surgery, triggering probe at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital

The ward in-charge claimed that the operating theatre and all surgical instruments were cleaned early on Wednesday morning after the surgery.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:46pm

Punjab

Sialkot authorities on alert as India opens spillway gates of dam on Chenab River

The District Emergency Control Room has been activated and citizens can contact 052-9250011 for more information and guidance, the Sialkot DC says.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:19pm

Educationist who fled occupied Kashmir fights for his life after targeted attack

The attacker was arrested within half an hour of the incident and had been staying at a guesthouse around 800 metres from the school, investigators say.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:01pm

KP & FATA

Security forces kill 23 terrorists in multiple Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IBOs: ISPR

A series of complex underground tunnels and bunkers used by terrorists were also discovered and destroyed by security forces.

Published 21 May, 2026 10:14pm

India's 'Cockroach Janta Party' goes viral, spotlights Gen Z worries

The five-day-old group has amassed nearly 15 million followers, surpassing Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.

Published 21 May, 2026 08:53pm

PIA wraps up Haj operations, transports over 53,000 pilgrims: spokesperson

Post-Haj operation is due to start on May 30 and will end on June 30 this year, spokesperson says.

Published 21 May, 2026 08:46pm

Inside the unravelling of US diplomacy under Trump

Donald Trump’s threats, personal envoys and hollowed‑out US embassies are reshaping Washington’s presence in the world.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:53pm

ICT

Seems PTI will now have to 'resort to agitation', says MNA after party leaders yet again denied meeting with Imran

"Government is not ready to listen to our peaceful requests and demands," says MNA Ahad Ali Shah; opposition discusses strategy for Friday's protest.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:37pm

PM Shehbaz lauds ‘steadfast’ Pak-China friendship, says Beijing supported Islamabad in ‘unwavering fashion’

President Zardari, FM Dar, and other officials were present at the ceremony.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:48pm

KP & FATA

Quadcopter attack kills two schoolchildren in KP's Bajaur

Relatives of transporters stranded in Afghanistan end protest on road to Torkham after receiving assurances from local authorities.

Updated 21 May, 2026 06:37pm

Middle East

Israel deports all foreign Gaza flotilla activists

Foreign ministry says “all foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel"; maintains it will not permit breach of the Gaza naval blockade.

Updated 21 May, 2026 11:11pm

Taliban's new marriage separation decree draws UN criticism

In most cases, the procedures for women seeking a separation are more complicated than those for men.

Published 21 May, 2026 04:59pm

Fight against terrorism will continue with 'full national resolve', asserts CDF Munir

At investiture ceremony to confer military awards, CDF Munir lauds the “operational preparedness and unwavering resolve” of armed forces, LEAs.

Updated 21 May, 2026 04:32pm

Hot weather on the cards during Eid as PMD predicts heatwave from May 25-31

“Moderate to severe” heatwave conditions expected to develop during the forecast period; mercury expected to hit 50°C in parts of the country.

Published 21 May, 2026 03:12pm

Family of US Ebola patient admitted to Berlin isolation ward

The patient, who is a doctor, was exposed to Ebola while treating patients in Congo.

Published 21 May, 2026 03:00pm

At breakfast meeting hosted by PM, Aga Khan expresses desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan

PM Shehbaz appreciates AKDN’s impactful work in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.

Published 21 May, 2026 01:58pm

Michelle Farooqi turns her gaze to the shifting seasons of Lahore in exhibition Fair. Fierce. Fleeting.

Her four captivating artworks explored the changing seasons as well as the gradual shaping of memory and identity.

Published 21 May, 2026 01:48pm

Commander-in-beef: Buffalo nicknamed 'Donald Trump' wins fans in Bangladesh

The owner's brother named the 700 kilogramme bull over its flowing helmet of hair resembling the signature look of the US president.

Published 21 May, 2026 01:14pm

Punjab

Punjab govt imposes Section 144 around airports, PAF bases for 30 days

Says activities such as the use of laser lights and throwing of meat for the consumption of carnivorous birds pose a "serious risk" to flight operations.

Published 21 May, 2026 01:07pm

KP & FATA

Wanted terrorist ringleader among 5 militants killed in North Waziristan operation: security sources

Security sources say that the slain terrorist was the mastermind of several attacks on security forces and civilians.

Published 21 May, 2026 12:42pm

The Legend of Maula Jatt's China premiere reminded director Bilal Lashari why cinema is cinema

He shared his thoughts on the unexpected love and warmth the film received and how he wished the rest of the team was at the premiere too.

Published 21 May, 2026 12:27pm

Branded Content

FaisalTown Group brings worldwide honour to Pakistan with two wins at International Asia Pacific Property Awards 2026-2027

The awards celebrate excellence throughout the world across architecture, development, interior design and real estate.

Published 21 May, 2026 12:18pm

FO condemns mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists following global outcry over video posted by Israeli minister

Calls on the international community to ensure the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of those detained.

Updated 21 May, 2026 05:13pm

South Asia

Modi govt’s tightly controlled script comes under Dutch journalistic scrutiny

The exchange between an Indian diplomat and two Dutch journalists exposed the limits of the Modi government’s standard international defensive posturing when subjected to unscripted journalistic scrutiny from a free press.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:38am

MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool made member of Economic Coordination Committee

“I am hopeful that Siddiqui will play an active role as a member of the ECC and contribute fully to the progress and development of the country," PM Shehbaz says.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:11am

Actor Momina Iqbal, PML-N MPA summoned by NCCIA Lahore over harassment allegations

The actor accused the MPA of online harassment, cyberbullying, and issuing death threats.

Published 21 May, 2026 11:00am

'Truly appalled': World reacts after Israeli minister posts video of bound Gaza flotilla activists

Israel’s far-right national security minister posted a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

Updated 21 May, 2026 11:13am

Trump administration pressures Palestinian UN envoy to drop General Assembly vice presidency bid

US diplomats in Jerusalem instructed to warn that Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour’s general assembly push could “fuel tensions” and undermine Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

Published 21 May, 2026 09:49am

South Asia

Pakistan responds to India at UNSC debate, says it stands exposed by terrorism and disregard for international law

"India once again came to this council wearing the mask of a victim — but the world can see the face behind that mask," says Pakistan's representative.

Published 21 May, 2026 09:43am

Pakistan has become adept at the optics of governance while remaining utterly stagnant in the substance of it

Real reform is political and requires building agreement for change and explaining the costs and benefits to the public.

Published 21 May, 2026 08:14am

Editorial: Pakistan's external sector has once again exposed the economy’s structural weaknesses

Relying indefinitely on remittances to offset structural economic weaknesses is not sustainable.

Published 21 May, 2026 08:07am

International

UK eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports

The Labour govt issues a temporary licence loosening sanctions on LNG originating from certain Russian plants.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:25am

International

Radio station mistakenly announces death of King Charles

Erroneous announcement made due to a computer error at its main studio in Maldon in eastern Essex, Radio Caroline says.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:38am

International

Perseverance Rover is ready to complete a Martian marathon

For more than five years, the six-wheeled robotic explorer has been seeking signs of ancient life, studying its geology and climate, and collecting rock samples for possible return to Earth.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:51am

International

Swedish expert on mission to bring Jurassic era to life

Vivi Vajda examines specimens collected in Sweden’s southern Skane province.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:45am

Column

Climate-proofing CPEC 2.0

Climate resilience standards must be embedded in every CPEC 2.0 project.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:21am

Business

‘Vulnerable’ Pakistan faces climate losses

Climatic disasters in Pakistan have been higher than both global and regional averages in 2000-2024, SBP report says.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:33am

Business

Govt reopens offshore oil frontier

Twenty-three blocks awarded after a 20-year gap, attracting $82m initial investment in Indus and Makran basins.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:32am

Business

Food import bill swells 14pc, exports dip 32pc

Higher purchases of sugar and edible oil drive imports to $7.85bn in the first 10 months of 2025-26.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:31am

Business

Oil prices plunge 6pc on Middle East peace talks

Brent drops to $104 after Trump says negotiations near final stages.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:07am

Business

Pakistan joins World Customs Organisation commission

Secures one of five Asia-Pacific seats after a contest involving six candidates.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:14am

ICT

Delays by Imran’s counsel in £190m graft case irk IHC

Justice Dogar warns PTI founder’s lawyer that "law will take its course" if arguments on appeals not presented at next hearing.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:08am

IMF wraps up Pakistan visit following talks with authorities on reforms, budget

According to the Fund, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to a primary surplus target of 2pc of GDP in FY2027.

Updated 21 May, 2026 10:20am

Balochistan

28 Afghans arrested for illegal stay in Gwadar

“We have arrested 28 Afghans who entered Balochistan through Chagai district and wanted to enter Iran for their illegal journey to European countries,” say officials.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:13am

Balochistan

Hub fixes Iranian petrol price at Rs250 per litre

Administration announces strict measures against overpricing, hoarding, and profiteering.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:22am

Front Page

Pakistan races to prevent US-Iran escalation

Naqvi travels to Tehran for 2nd time in a week to break deadlock, meets Iranian president, IRGC chief; Saudi FM backs Pakistani mediation, praises Trump for giving diplomacy a chance.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:19am

Why Pakistan’s new policy for electric vehicles is facing industry criticism

Framework places both plug-in hybrids and combustion engines in 1pc sales tax category with e-vehicles.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:25am

Front Page

President, premier hail China’s role in regional peace

PM Shehbaz appreciates China’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East.

Updated 21 May, 2026 07:38am

KP & FATA

Landslide-hit Karakoram Highway reopens to traffic in Upper Kohistan

The landslides had blocked the Karakoram Highway at Shaheed Mor and Lal Banda in Harban Basha tehsil, and at the Barseen Uchar nullah in Dasu tehsil of Upper Kohistan district.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:44am

KP & FATA

18 militants killed in Kurram clash

The fighting broke out between the groups of commanders Kazim and Mumtaz Imti.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:06am

KP & FATA

Centre to resume gas supply to KP filling stations today

Decision made in meeting between federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:32am

ICT

Political rhetoric heats up in AJK as PML-N accuses PPP of seeking delay in polls

“This is perhaps the first ruling party that is running away from elections, but the Muslim League will not allow it to escape,” PML-N AJK chapter president says.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:05am

ICT

Polio team threatened during vaccination drive in Pindi

Police say the accused allegedly misbehaved with a female polio worker, used abusive language, followed the vaccination team in the street and threatened them with serious consequences.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:05am

ICT

Summer vacation in capital schools, colleges from 25th

Educational institutions will reopen on August 3.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:03am

ICT

IHC declines immediate relief to owners of One Constitution Avenue apartments

CDA argues cancelled lease invalidates sub-leases; court seeks authority’s written response by May 25.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:05am

Punjab

Citizens complain of missing Suthra Punjab staff

Claims that due to not cleaning of drains, sewage water had started accumulating in the area, damaging the foundations of their houses.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:54am

Punjab

PM Shehbaz's daughter, son-in-law acquitted in another case

The judge notes that the couple was implicated in the case on the basis of investment in their company made by one of the accused persons, which was unjustified.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:43am

Punjab

Youth running naked to win a bet booked in Gujrat

The charges include public obscenity, outraging public modesty, gambling-related betting and abetment.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:51am

Punjab

Two minor brothers die after being hit by train in Layyah

A large number of people of the area gathered on the spot and protested against the administration for not installing barbed wire around the railway tracks.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:48am

Punjab

University of Health Sciences team makes headway against thalassemia in Punjab

In Pakistan, about five to seven per cent of the population carries the thalassemia gene, while nearly 100,000 people are living with thalassemia major.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:40am

Sindh

NAB freezes 3,150 acres of ‘Bahria Town land’ in Hyderabad

Officials say government land was "fraudulently" transferred to M/s Paradise Real Estate for BTK-2 project.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:36am

Sindh

Muttahida raises issue of Karachi’s water scarcity, K-IV delays in NA

Parliamentary Secretary Wattoo claims federal govt, Wapda will complete their part in K-IV by the end of current year.

Published 21 May, 2026 07:05am

Sindh

Procurement of 450 electric-buses for Karachi, 50 for Hyderabad approved

Sindh Mass Transit Authority board greenlights purchase of 50 more double-deckers for Sindh capital.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:33am

Sindh

Unchecked commercialisation will make Karachi ‘more unliveable’

Call to link commercial conversion of residential spaces with transparent master plan, meaningful public consultation and EIA.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:21am

Sindh

Removal of illegal billboards ordered in Karachi

Cases will be filed against the concerned officers and advertising agencies for violation of the orders of the superior courts regarding billboards.

Updated 21 May, 2026 08:25am

Sport

Jhonatan Narvaez edges Mas to complete hat-trick of stage wins at Giro

“Mas was the strongest in the climb and I knew I had to play my game, I just tried to defend myself on the uphill,” Narvaez says.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:10am

Football

North Korean women win rare match in South to reach final

The North Koreans will stay in the South for Saturday’s final, where they will take on Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza at the same stadium.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:03am

Hockey

Samiullah Khan hints at couple of changes in team for FIH Pro League

Pakistan are scheduled to play eight Pro League matches — two each against Belgium and Spain in Belgium, and two apiece against England and India in England.

Updated 21 May, 2026 09:07am

Back Page

US indicts Raul Castro as fears of Cuba ‘invasion’ mount

Charges tied to 1996 downing of exile planes; former president unlikely to face extradition; Trump says Washington won’t tolerate a "rogue state".

Updated 21 May, 2026 07:51am

Back Page

US Senate advances bid to curb Trump’s war powers

Four Republicans join Democrats in procedural vote against president’s stance on Iran; Lawmakers cite Constitution giving Congress authority to declare war.

Updated 21 May, 2026 07:55am

Back Page