News Archives for Latest - 2026-06-15

Fifa Worldcup

Spain held 0-0 by World Cup debutants Cape Verde

Despite enjoying 74 per cent possession and laying siege to the Cape Verde goal, the 2010 world champions were unable to find a breakthrough.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 11:33pm

Security Council extends UN mission in Afghanistan mandate till June 2027, flags security concerns

Several provisions of the resolution carry direct implications for Islamabad, particularly on refugee returns, regional security and counterterrorism cooperation.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 11:15pm

Muharram moon not sighted in Pakistan, Ashura to fall on June 26

Muharram to commence on June 17.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 10:43pm

Sindh

Yellow Line BRT: Two bureaucrats booked in Karachi over misuse of authority, Rs8.5bn payment

The role of other persons involved in the project will be determined in due course; official documents term the actions a “violation of public trust”.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 10:23pm

Cricket

PCB unveils new framework for awarding central contracts from next fiscal year

Players will be placed in five categories instead of the previous four.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:16pm

Senators raise alarm over rising debt amid lack of roadmap for economic stability

Opposition leader demands ‘people-first’ budget with relief, reforms.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 08:45pm

UK court upholds Britain's ban on Palestine Action group

The activist group has engaged in 'direct action' to protest Israel's invasion of Gaza, targeting Israel-linked defence companies in UK.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 08:11pm

Pakistan to assume chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of States in September

SCO Council of Heads of State summit to be hosted by Pakistan in 2027.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 11:07pm

Australian PM calls for 'transparent inquiry' into killing of girl by CCD in Punjab’s Chakwal

“A nine-year-old girl visiting Pakistan with her family should have been a time of joy,” Australian PM says.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 07:07pm

GB Election Commission postpones local bodies polls to Sept 27 due to Muharram

“The date of scrutiny of nomination papers has been extended to August 10, 2026,” GB CEC says.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 06:55pm

KP & FATA

Section 144 imposed in several areas of Upper, Lower South Waziristan amid security concerns

Officials advise commuters to use alternative routes where available and cooperate with security personnel deployed across affected areas.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:28pm

Review: Backrooms is what you get when the internet starts taking itself too seriously

The film is well-made but strays too far from the source material in its search for a deeper meaning.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:28pm

PMD forecasts below-normal rainfall, high temperatures across most of country until September

Warns of increased likelihood of flash floods, landslides, GLOFs in mountainous regions as well as water stress for major Kharif crops.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 04:36pm

'Who knew a boy from Lahore would make it to the O2 Arena?': Atif Aslam thanks supporters, announces new album at London concert

The singer waxes nostalgic about the love he received from friends in the run-up to his first album release.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 04:16pm

'Torch bearer of peace': Politicians hail Pakistan's role as mediator in US-Iran agreement

“He did it. Again,” Mohsin Naqvi says of CDF Munir, “Not just for his country this time, but for the world."

Published 15 Jun, 2026 04:06pm

Central bank keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5pc

Decision taken during a meeting for the final policy review of FY26.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:32pm

Meet Mehtab Hassan, the opening act Lahore can't stop talking about

Hassan's opening for Murtaza Qizilbash didn't just wow the audience, it went viral too.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 02:07pm

ICT

Imran taken to Pims for follow-up treatment, undergoes fifth eye procedure

“Prior to the procedure, he was examined by the ophthalmologists and was found to be clinically stable," says a source.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 04:30pm

PM Shehbaz says Pakistan to host signing ceremony of US-Iran agreement in Geneva

In address to NA, he says the world has achieved a “historic milestone” of peace.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:16pm

Abrar Ul Haq says the rights to some of his most iconic songs were stolen, and he's suing to take them back

The dispute over Bollywood's use of his song 'Nach Punjaban' has been ongoing since 2022.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 12:26pm

PAF trainer aircraft crashes near Mardan, both pilots martyred

“A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of the accident,” says ISPR.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 04:52pm

KSE-100 rallies by over 4,000 points after US, Iran reach preliminary agreement

Agreement boosts sentiment at the PSX, says analyst; KSE-100 index rose by 4,639.92 points or 2.69pc, to close at 177,039.82.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:29pm

Middle East

Oil prices slip to their lowest since March as US, Iran reach preliminary agreement to reopen Hormuz

Brent crude futures falls $4.08 to $83.25 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate falls $4.35 to $80.53.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 11:14am

Punjab

Ewing Hall controversy deepens as govt denies reports of planned demolition of Lahore's historical building

Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board says structure will be preserved and restored.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 10:39am

Pakistan’s quarter-century Ponzi scheme, and the exit that has no architecture

Pakistan has been paying its credit card bill with a new credit card for 25 years. This budget is the first time in a generation we are actually paying it down—but we haven't cut up the card.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 10:32am

Middle East

'Shukriya Pakistan': Islamabad's mediatory role acclaimed as world welcomes US-Iran agreement

The preliminary agreement, first announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is being hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough that could restore stability in the Middle East.

Updated 16 Jun, 2026 04:36pm

Football

Iran face New Zealand in politically charged FIFA World Cup opener

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:35am

Football

Germany hammer debutants Curacao after early FIFA World Cup scare

Germany struck 69 seconds into the second half, Musiala running on to Joshua Kimmich’s pass and scoring from a tight angle.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:35am

Sindh

MQM-P demands new urban province in Sindh, calls it 'unavoidable necessity'

Muttahida chief says Karachi’s growing population and economic importance require a new administrative framework.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:56am

ICT

Kainat Azhar appointed new Islamabad traffic police chief

She has been assigned the additional charge of SSP Operations Safe City.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:43am

ICT

518 Indian Sikh pilgrims depart for Kartarpur from Gurdwara Panja Sahib

The pilgrims offered prayers, performed religious rituals and attended special gatherings in remembrance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:39am

Digital tax enforcement takes centre stage in Pakistan’s FY27 budget

The most consequential reform is the transformation of the tax administration to a technology-driven, data-led model.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:31am

Middle class to bear the burden as budget offers limited relief amid economic strain

Modest tax cuts offer limited comfort as inflation, fuel costs and economic uncertainty continue to squeeze middle- and lower-income households.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:59am

Israel's long history of spying on the US

It’s by no means the first time Israel has tried to snoop on the US, despite a 1951 agreement to do nothing of the sort.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:11am

Why the backchannel between Pakistan and India needs to be revived

Delhi announces projects to build canals that will divert water from Pakistan’s Chenab river system into the Beas basin.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 09:01am

Punjab

Killing of minor girl in police shootout in Chakwal gets international scrutiny

Crime Control Department chief calls shootout "a deviation from SOPs".

Published 15 Jun, 2026 08:50am

Editorial: Climate finds a place in the FY2026-27 budget, but just not enough

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 08:45am

How a new US-Iran deal could differ from the Obama-era nuclear accord

“Under the Iran nuclear deal that President Obama negotiated, Iran retained a limited nuclear capacity to be used for civilian purposes with intense long-term verification,” says expert.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 08:03am

US, Iran reach preliminary agreement to end war, signing set for Friday

PM Shehbaz says both sides have declared immediate termination of military operations on all fronts; Iran's deputy FM says talks to be held within two months to seek a “final agreement”.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 12:17pm

2 killed, 8 injured in clash between protesters, law enforcers in AJK's Rawalakot

PPP's AJK wing wants election schedule withdrawn as PML-N insists on elections without delay.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 08:01am

Multiple risks loom over FY2026-27 budget, finance ministry warns

Natural disasters threaten 1.5pc fiscal hit; tax exemptions, concessions risk a 1.3pc budget hole.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 08:50am

KP & FATA

Kundi claims PPP will form next govt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Also claims widespread corruption in public sector departments has exposed the performance of the PTI government.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:32am

KP & FATA

Seven TikTokers arrested in Swabi

They were arrested for making inappropriate video on the court premises in the Shahmansoor area.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:59am

KP & FATA

Student found dead in Islamia College Peshawar hostel

Sources describe second-year student, Zahid Afridi, as an active athlete, who was well-known in sports activities.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:21am

KP & FATA

Passerby killed, three cops hurt in Kurram checkpost attack

According to police sources, attackers targeted the post with small and heavy arms.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:59am

KP & FATA

Police can’t violate ‘privacy of home’ in ‘immorality-related’ offences, rules Peshawar High Court

Bail granted to a man and two women arrested in Mansehra.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:00am

ICT

Pakistan faces annual deficit of 2.3 million blood donations: WHO

World Health Organisation calls voluntary donors to give blood to save lives.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:50am

ICT

Climate ministry secures Rs2.48bn Public Sector Development Programme allocation for green projects

The allocation will support four ongoing projects aimed at ecological restoration, green skills development, urban climate resilience and strengthening institutional capacity for climate action.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:21am

Punjab

Punjab Police directed to enforce Lahore High Court order to post woman as cop

The petitioner had been denied a sub-inspector job despite LHC direction issued in 2020.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:29am

Punjab

Medical organisations oppose move to increase age limit for VCs in Punjab

Consortium say the violation of the Higher Education Commission rules by the Punjab government will deprive senior doctors of their right and destroy merit.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:27am

Punjab

Commercial use of assets: Body formed to assess proposals of public universities in Punjab to meet expenses

The exercise is meant to devise a policy framework for implementing such initiatives in higher education institutions under the Punjab Public Private Partnership Act, 2025.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:32am

Sindh

CM Murad inaugurates rehabilitation scheme at Sukkur Barrage

Appreciates BISP, all consultants and engineers for achieving success in fast-tracked phase; terms barrage modernisation a milestone in ensuring Sindh’s water security, livelihood of millions.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:04am

Sindh

Azeempura Flyover inaugurated Karachi with Rs1.56bn cost

CM Murad says the project will improve mobility for thousands of commuters travelling daily between Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Shahrah-i-Bhutto and Karachi Airport.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:28am

Sindh

Mpox tally rises to 36 in Sindh as another man tests positive

At least nine deaths from the infection have been reported this year in the province.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:58am

International

Trump tells Putin he is ready to help end Ukraine conflict

Zelensky says will discuss war with US president at G7 summit.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:09am

Middle East

Somaliland’s de facto leader makes ‘historic’ visit to Israel

Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own currency, passport and army, but has struggled to win international recognition.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 08:35am

International

First aircraft dismantling project launched in southern China

The process enables reuse of parts and materials, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:58am

South Asia

In search of lost Bengal beyond Tagore and Ray

One now hears a strange linguistic hybrid in urban Bengal — a “khichri” of Bengali, Hindi and English.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:58am

International

Enzyme baths heat up as latest wellness trend

The treatment involves lying in a bed of hinoki cypress sawdust, rice bran and medicinal herbs mixed with microorganisms.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 08:42am

Cricket

Connolly ton sets up consolation win for Australia against Bangladesh

Set 275 to win, Australia scraped home with three balls to spare when Adam Zampa hit a cover drive to the boundary off Taskin Ahmed.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 10:17am

Business & Finance

2026-27 Budget : The missing piece in Digital Pakistan

Steep tariffs on fibre and network equipment undermine the foundations of a truly digital economy.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:47am

Business & Finance

2026-27: Economic survey: Economy rides out turbulent waters

The standout performer was LSM, which rebounded by 6.1pc after several subdued years, with 16 of 22 sub-sectors posting growth.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:42am

Business & Finance

Cleared for takeoff?

The government has removed FED on international business-class tickets and indicated airports will follow in the privatisation pipeline.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:44am

Business

Farmers feel left out as budget sidelines agriculture

Without putting agriculture at the centre of economic planning, food security and growth will be harder to achieve.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:34am

Business

2026-27 Budget : Measured support for the PSX

For the equity market, the budget is positive as it avoids surprise tax measures and provides targeted support through lower taxes, reduced transaction costs, and duties.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 09:37am

Balochistan

Security plan finalised for Majalis, processions in Balochistan

Religious scholars pledge to promote interfaith harmony, discourage sectarian hatred and rumours during the holy month.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:59am

Balochistan

Balochistan govt, NAB retrieve state land in several towns

Over one million acres were recovered in 2025, with estimated gains of Rs1,370bn.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:58am

National

Irsa increases flows to Sindh after crop damage

It is estimated that additional water will take 5 days to reach Guddu Barrage and 10 to 12 days to reach Kotri Barrage, where shortages are most acute.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:41am

National

PTI rules out CoD-style Charter of Economy

Sardar Latif Khosa questions effectiveness of 2006 charter, claiming its commitments were never honoured.

Published 15 Jun, 2026 05:58am

Back Page

Choppers collide mid-air; six die in western Rio de Janeiro

The helicopters crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles; US singer Oliver Tree listed among dead.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 08:23am

Back Page

Clashes erupt in Geneva ahead of G7 summit

Tens of thousands of protesters voice support for climate action, anti-imperialist causes.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:39am

Back Page

Israeli forces kill six in Gaza amid efforts to salvage truce

Health officials say death toll from strikes since ceasefire nears 1,000; Israel insists Hamas disarm, cede power in Gaza and play no role in the enclave's future.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:50am

Back Page

Three dead as Israel says strikes Beirut’s suburbs

Israeli forces say two drones from Lebanon hit northern Israel; Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon, not at northern Israeli communities.

Updated 15 Jun, 2026 07:43am

Front Page