News Archives for Latest - 2026-06-17

What happens when the Strait of Hormuz reopens?

Reopening the waterway will only be a first step; crews must be changed, disrupted supply chains restarted and strategic energy reserves replenished.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 11:49pm

Punjab

Autopsy report of nine-year-old girl killed in Chakwal CCD shooting reveals multiple bullet wounds

Father claims multiple officials opened fire, demands justice.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 12:12am

PAA extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until July 24

The previous extension of the airspace ban was set to expire on June 24.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 10:36pm

US-Iran deal a ‘political nightmare’ for Netanyahu, analysts say

The agreement raises questions about the Israeli premier's ability to influence US policy, determination to confront Iran, and reputation as Israel's security guarantor.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 10:13pm

Congo Ebola response strained a month after WHO declares international emergency

Ministry highlights issues including lost contact cases, patients moving across health zones, and a lack of fuel for mobile units.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 10:09pm

TTAP rejects PTI claims of no prior notice for 10,000-strong demonstration outside Adiala jail

PTI Parliamentary Leader in the NA Shahid Khattak says TTAP chief did not inform the party about the planned gathering.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 09:41pm

PPP lawmaker calls for separate South Punjab province in Senate

Independent senator claims IPPs behind reversal of solar policy; PML-N senator criticises PTI's economic team.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 09:19pm

Nawaz urges AJK to end protests, sit-ins and engage in meaningful dialogue with govt

PML-N supremo says party has always maintained a clear and principled stance on the Kashmir issue.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:19pm

Fawad Chaudhry thinks women shouldn't join the police force and X is having none of it

The former minister said most women were 'completely useless as cops'.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:50pm

Imaan, Hadi seek early hearing of appeal against IHC decision in social media posts case

The application seeks fixation for hearing of an earlier appeal challenging the sentence under Article 185(3) of the Constitution.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:40pm

PM Shehbaz decides to transform govt's monitoring mechanism through real-time digital oversight

During the meeting, officials from the PDA presented a comprehensive demonstration of the new system.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:08pm

Tom Holland says he'd like Emmy winner Owen Cooper to take over as Spider-Man

Star drops most obvious hint so far at having married his Spider-Man co-star Zendaya.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 04:16pm

Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi visits UN, appreciates Pakistan's diplomatic engagement

Ambassador Ahmed stresses importance of sports as “a powerful instrument of diplomacy... that brings nations and people together”.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 04:01pm

Behram Farooqui's disruption of the Mughal archive in Begi-Nama helps us recognise its limits

Folios glistening with tinsel embroidery that resists reading and embodies labor is the purdah between the disruptive archive and the viewer.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 03:25pm

South Asia

Telegram challenging Indian government order that temporarily blocks its use

The Indian govt had blocked the app to prevent leaks ahead of a retest of a nationwide medical college entrance examination.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 03:17pm

ICT

PPP secures 11 seats as GB election chief decides remaining election petitions

The PML-N has won 6 seats; CEC says that the notifications for the winning candidates will now be issued.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 03:19pm

Review: Could the pathos and sweetness in novella Something Might Fall make it a work of genius?

What happens when a 1970s NYC upper-class wife and mother finds herself suffocated by the demands of social performance?

Published 17 Jun, 2026 02:26pm

ICT

Motorway police make fire extinguishers mandatory for all vehicles

After June 24, vehicles without an active extinguisher will face strict legal action, National Highway and Motorway Police spokesperson says.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 01:38pm

ICT

Pakistan, UK agree to expand cooperation on counterterrorism, illegal migration

UK minister lauds Pakistan’s role in Iran-US talks.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 01:19pm

Bushra Ansari urges authorities to rescue Pakistani hostages captured by pirates off Somalia

'How do we actually save their lives?' the actor asks on social media.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 12:58pm

Pentagon restores name of US Pacific Command, drops 'Indo'

Says the change “honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific".

Published 17 Jun, 2026 12:32pm

Branded Content

Ideas Home's Indus Valley Cotton Collection

Rooted in purity, crafted for luxury.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 12:15pm

DPM Dar says Pakistan facilitating repatriation of 30 Iranian fishermen, sailors

"Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and to extending every possible assistance to our Iranian brothers,” DPM Dar says.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 12:01pm

Football

Austria triumph on FIFA World Cup return with 3-1 win over Jordan

“We knew that this was going to be a difficult match … there were situations where we did a good job, there were phases where we underperformed,” says Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 11:58am

Scooty for the beti and EV for the biwi

Pakistani women are leaving patriarchy behind on electric scooters as long as they can afford them.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 11:29am

PM Shehbaz terms federal budget 'people-friendly', hopes it will promote an 'export-oriented' economy

Hopes collective struggle of “team Pakistan” will place the country among the “developed world”; Info minister calls budget "positive and relief-oriented".

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 04:49pm

KP & FATA

6 suspected terrorists killed by KP CTD in 2 separate operations

CTD Mardan says 3 terrorists killed, adding that they were wanted in multiple terrorism and targeted killing cases.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 11:12am

China calls for more Global South voices to be heard at United Nations

“Countries, whether large or small, strong or weak, developed or developing, are equal members of the international community,” says Wang Yi.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 10:47am

Sabeena Farooq wants to know why people support culling dogs over vaccinating them

The actor had previously posted about dog culling in Lahore and apparently received flak for it.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 10:22am

Elon Musk's AI tool Grok was used in strikes against Iran, US govt says in legal briefing

The legal briefing defends gas turbines used by a giant data centre belonging to the trillionaire’s company xAI.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 12:26pm

Punjab

Punjab Annual Development Programme slashed 40pc to Rs752bn in FY27 budget

Province surrenders Rs749bn to national exchequer; social sector gets largest share at Rs333.66bn.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 09:07am

Punjab

Punjab allocates Rs750bn for education in 2026–27 budget

Rs37bn cut in development budget; laptop scheme will continue.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:58am

Punjab

Punjab plans to collect 42pc more tax in next fiscal year

Proposes increase in Abiana, token tax, agri income tax, abolition of cotton fee; various fine amounts, service charges hiked, electronic payment of property tax made mandatory.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:13am

Football

Lionel Messi World Cup hat-trick equals goalscoring record as Argentina beat Algeria

Draws level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 goals in total and becomes the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:25am

International

Russian artist critical of Putin shot dead in Poland

44-year-old Russian citizen was known for his satire at President Vladimir Putin.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:53am

US-Iran mediation for sake of regional stability, not narrow interests: senior security official

Says the diplomatic process required “utmost confidentiality, responsibility and caution”.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:18am

Pakistan’s power sector does not simply have an inefficiency or a theft problem. It also has a customer problem

A utility can survive some bad customers but it cannot survive indefinitely if it loses its good ones.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:11am

Spending cuts to hit growth, warns Fitch in review of FY27 budget

Praises fiscal discipline, but sees FY27 tax revenue target challenging.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:11am

International

Israel takes more territory, kills two in Gaza

Israel’s Supreme Court rejects appeal to release a prominent Palestinian doctor who has been held without charge.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:08am

The US has lost yet another war of its choosing

Despite its losses, Iran has emerged much stronger from the conflict, and has become a symbol of defiance.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 08:02am

South Asia

Dancing Girl’s bare torso restored in Indian textbook after backlash

The bronze sculpture shows a girl standing with one hand on her hip and is one of the most recognisable artefacts from the Indus Valley civilisation.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:41am

Oil falls below $80 as traders hope end of war, reopening of Hormuz

Brent crude futures fall $4.25 to $78.92 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude falls $4.80 to $75.95.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:56am

Jewellers protest FBR raids, observe partial shutdown in Karachi

The All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association has not issued daily gold rates as trading activities were suspended.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:50am

AJK PM blames JAAC for violence as strike enters eighth day

PM Rathore says the situation became so tense that candidates were unable to campaign freely for the legislative assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:46am

Editorial: There is a high likelihood that Israel will attempt to torpedo the US-Iran peace process

The reaction from Tel Aviv to the cessation of hostilities between the US and Iran has been negative.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:43am

Auto sector row rocks Senate body during review of Finance Bill 2026

Panel seeks zero tax on stationery for educational purposes, arguing it raises household education costs.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:42am

Punjab

Punjab eyes Rs910bn surplus in Rs5.9tr budget

Minister says no additional tax burden placed on public; govt employees get 7pc salary raise; pensions increased by 3.5pc.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:41am

Punjab Annual Development Programme slashed 40pc to Rs752bn in budget FY2026-27

Province surrenders Rs749bn to national exchequer; social sector gets largest share at Rs333.66bn; infrastructure allocated.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:33am

Bilawal again relays budget concerns, warns of NA boycott if PPP's demands are not met

Party claims budget differs from figures shared during pre-budget consultations; questions provinces’ capacity to meet IMF-linked revenue targets.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:22am

Only half of FY26 uplift budget spent in 11 months

PSDP utilisation from July 2025 to May 2026 stands at Rs529.8bn, against Rs1.01tr allocation; govt cuts development outlay by Rs173bn to finance fuel subsidies after Mideast conflict pushed up oil prices.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:14am

Business

Bulls toss index above 180,000-milestone

Investors snap up blue-chip stocks amid improving global sentiment and easing concerns over regional tensions.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 07:14am

KP & FATA

Prolonged internet outage hits hard students, businesses in South Waziristan

Some traders state that they are forced to travel to distant locations where internet connectivity is available in order to complete essential transactions.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:49am

KP & FATA

CJP urges civil judges to help restore public confidence in justice system

Observes that training programmes play a vital role in enhancing judicial capacity, promoting consistency in decision-making and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:35am

KP & FATA

KP IGP orders better coordination with peace bodies for Muharram security

Meets peace committee members, religious scholars.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:41am

KP & FATA

Four bodies recovered in Bannu

Police claim the victims were shot dead by unidentified assailants.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:52am

ICT

Naqvi performs groundbreaking of multi-billion dual carriageway along Islamabad Expressway

The Capital Development Authority will construct the 9-km dual carriageway in place of the existing dilapidated service road.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:19am

ICT

AJK Assembly passes laws to regularise ad hoc, temporary employees amid opposition walkout

The opposition stages walkout after a heated exchange during a discussion on an alleged detention incident.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:10am

ICT

IHC criticises senior sessions judge over poorly reasoned verdict

Refers matter to Member Inspection Team for possible disciplinary proceedings.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:59am

Punjab

NCCIA summons columnist Taufeeq Butt for comment on bureaucrats

According to the complainant, Butt’s use of the term “bureau-corrupts” for bureaucrats is derogatory and has damaged the reputation and public standing of the Pakistan Administrative Service and its officers.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:04am

Sindh

Transformer fire affects entire Hesco network

Hyderabad and nine other towns remain without electricity for six hours.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:43am

Sindh

Mayor Murtaza Wahab, LG secretary issued notices on plea against handing over of Beach Park to private body

JI moves SHC against KMC resolution allocating land of Clifton park for establishing museum.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:30am

Sindh

‘Robber’ shot dead by his accomplice in Karachi

The police claim to have recovered one pistol along with ammunition, six snatched mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the scene. .

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:52am

Sindh

Karachi road fatalities fell by 30pc in six months due to e-ticketing: DIG Pir Muhammad Shah

Says 1,300 traffic cameras operational, 2,250 more planned across city; deaths caused by heavy vehicles also decreased significantly, 50pc from 155 to 75.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:39am

Karachi

CM Murad calls for better revenue collection as Sindh unveils budget today

Stresses the importance of broadening the tax base, improving compliance, plugging revenue leakages, and leveraging technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in tax collection.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:35am

Cricket

Australia eye T20 redemption against Bangladesh

Mitchell Marsh says the return of experienced campaigners gives his side better balance, singling out David for praise as “experienced and really confident in his ability”.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:21am

Cricket

Henry Nicholls replaces Williamson for second England Test

Williamson’s decision to step away in the middle of the series is a huge blow to New Zealand after their 115-run thrashing at Lord’s.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:18am

Cricket

PCB keeps number of new central contracts, players’ names under wraps

PCB medical officer Dr Javed Mughal says open fitness testing will not be appropriate due to concerns related to safety and security of the players.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 09:14am

Balochistan

BNP, Baloch Students Organisation leaders allege political victimisation

Balaach Qadir Baloch says that a “bogus FIR” had been filed against BSO leaders and other activists during the July 26, 2024, gathering of the Raji Muchi in Gwadar.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:26am

Balochistan

Fafen urges reform to fix Balochistan’s RTI legislation

Urges the Balochistan Assembly and the provincial government to amend the law to ensure effective implementation of the right guaranteed under Article 19A of the Constitution.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:57am

National

FCC rules income tax on immovable properties ‘confiscatory in nature’

Justice Aminuddin notes tax raises legitimate concerns regarding excessive fiscal burden, economic redundancy.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:11am

National

SC warns against use of litigation to harass women

Peshawar High Court decision on divorce upheld; ex-husband slapped with Rs500,000 cost payable to respondent within 30 days.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 08:08am

Back Page

UK announces £8m for anti-illegal migration efforts with Pakistan

Acknowledges Islamabad’s role in brokering US-Iran peace deal; both countries reaffirm commitment to economic cooperation and reforms.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 07:54am

Back Page

Israel strips Palestinians of control over holy site in Hebron

Israel’s finance minister says the site will no longer be administered by the municipality authority in the West Bank city of Hebron.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 06:57am

Front Page

Iran can start selling oil once deal is signed

US officials say banking, transportation and insurance services to facilitate the sales will also resume; Switzerland to hold signing of peace accord in mountainside resort of Burgenstock.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 07:27am

Football

Erling Haaland nets first World Cup goals in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq

The win put Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 05:40am

Football

Mbappe double fires France to impressive win over Senegal

Kylian Mbappe struck twice to lead France to a dominant 3-1 victory over Senegal in World Cup Group I on Tuesday.

Updated 17 Jun, 2026 07:00am

Fifa Worldcup

'I'm no model', Bielsa hits out in defence of unorthodox picture pose

FIFA commissioned photographs of ‌all players and coaches ahead of the tournament for display on big screens at stadiums and on digital media.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 02:34am

Fifa Worldcup

Gazans displaced by war watch World Cup from the ruins

Most Gazans no longer even have a home where they can watch the extravaganza on TV.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 02:20am

Fifa Worldcup

Priced out of World Cup, Vozinha's mother watches son's heroics from home

After the final whistle on Monday in Atlanta, the Cape Verde goalkeeper broke down in tears, in part because his mother had not been able to ⁠travel to see his heroics against Spain.

Published 17 Jun, 2026 01:36am

Fifa Worldcup