News Archives for Latest - 2026-06-18

Punjab

Punjab police, CCD admit 'mistake' in girl's killing in Chakwal, assure incident will not be covered up

Say lack of training of CCD personnel responsible for the inability to assess the situation.

Updated 19 Jun, 2026 07:29am

Fifa Worldcup

South Africa hold Czechs, keep World Cup knockout dream alive

But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final group fixture.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 11:29pm

IHC refers Afridi’s petition seeking meeting with Imran for provincial budget consultations to chief justice

Court observes that KP cabinet approved the proposed consultation, but the petition had been filed by KP CM and finance adviser in their individual capacities.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 09:49pm

Ukraine sets Moscow refinery ablaze in biggest attack in years

At least 17 people wounded in the strikes, which also set a shopping centre and apartment building ablaze, according to authorities.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 09:24pm

'Landmark' Islamabad MoU to 'go a long way' in rebuilding Iran, PM Shehbaz tells Pezeshkian

Iranian president praises “extremely critical roles” of PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir in steering the mediation process

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 11:16pm

PM Shehbaz directs immediate fuel price relief as global oil prices fall: petroleum minister

Says committee constituted to devise transparent weekly fuel pricing mechanism to enable consumers to better understand reasons behind price changes.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:19pm

ICT

SC orders Adiala superintendent, other officials to submit replies on denial of access to Imran

Bench directs Uzma Khan to file a fresh application for early hearing of her appeal.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:06pm

Hajra Yamin knows her audience loves her and she's ready to take on challenges on-screen

The star said she wants to do lead roles in dramas at some point.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 06:07pm

Israeli FM says he is severing 'all contact' with EU foreign policy chief

Kallas allegedly compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to South Africa's apartheid policies

Published 18 Jun, 2026 06:05pm

Pakistan assails 17 Indian projects on Indus waterways, calls them ‘tools for hydro-hegemony’

DPM Dar says respect for treaty obligations not merely a regional concern but a global imperative.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:35pm

FY2026-27 budget: Senate seeks increase of income tax exemption threshold, reduction in electricity tariffs

Also recommends increased taxes on luxury assets and reduction in GST on essential food items, medicines; finmin wraps up Senate budget debate.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:58pm

Merlin the duck wins hearts in Mexico for his support of the country's World Cup football team

Fans are demanding Merlin be made the team's official mascot.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 04:55pm

Oil falls further on Mideast deal, but Fed outlook knocks equities

Federal Reserve raises its inflation forecast and projects higher US interest rates this year.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 04:05pm

Daveigh Chase, the voice behind Spirited Away, Lilo & Stitch, dies at 35

She is remembered for her voice acting, horror movie credits and love for cats.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 03:16pm

Middle East

UAE sets minimum social media age at 15, mandates age checks

Social media platforms required to implement robust age-verification measures.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 03:13pm

ICT

Centre committed not to ask for further 'sacrifices' after freeze on provinces' development funds: Bilawal

PPP chairman notes such decisions "non-sustainable"; decries provinces not given their due shares; calls for peaceful solution to AJK unrest.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 07:13pm

Punjab

LHC bars Punjab govt from further action against Ewing Hall after takeover controversy

Justice Arshad observes that the govt should have issued a proper notice if it intended to recover lease rent from college administration.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 02:11pm

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters reimagines 'Comfortably Numb', dedicates it to the people of Palestine

Waters teams up with Palestinian-American singer Mona Miari to 'demand equal rights for everyone'.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 01:55pm

Punjab

5 jailed PTI leaders urge opposition to 'engage constructively' with PM on 'Charter of Pakistan'

Call for elevating national conversation beyond govt-proposed "Charter of Economy"; stress Pakistan's crisis is “not merely economic but constitutional and political”.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 01:48pm

Hegseth hails defence progress by Nato allies, says some must 'do more'

US intends to reduce military contributions available to assist Nato in a crisis.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 01:46pm

ICT

£190m corruption case: IHC orders Imran, Bushra's meeting with legal counsel within 7 days

Court defers further proceedings until after the meetings take place and the necessary authorisation documents are signed.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 01:22pm

BYD delegation meets Aurangzeb, emphasises Pakistan’s potential as market for new energy vehicles

Finance minister encourages delegation to accelerate efforts towards local assembly, manufacturing and charging infrastructure development.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 01:03pm

ICT

Muharram gatherings, processions to be digitally monitored through drones in Islamabad

App launched for citizens to report suspicious activity or individual or inadequate security arrangements.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 01:27pm

ADB approves $700m loan for Pakistan's insurance sector

Says programme seeks to expand insurance coverage and reduce protection gaps.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 12:34pm

Branded Content

One Homes appoints Kobi Karp and Jolie for landmark Lahore West development

Miami's most decorated residential architect returns to Pakistan alongside London interior studio Jolie in its first-ever project in the country.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 12:33pm

South Asia

'Every year the heat is increasing': India learns to live with hotter summers

Years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense in the country.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 12:15pm

Trump says Apple to partner with Intel on US chip design, production

A partnership with Intel helps Apple diversify its manufacturing base as it seeks additional chip capacity.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 11:16am

Former hospital staffer cautioned after trying to sell Princess Kate's medical records

The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery at a London hospital in 2024.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 11:13am

South Asia

Modi reports US-India trade progress after Trump meeting

“The leaders noted with particular satisfaction the significant progress made in negotiations towards an interim bilateral trade agreement," India’s foreign ministry says.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 10:54am

Fifa Worldcup

History made, records broken and a legend humbled: A day to remember at the FIFA World Cup

Mbappe is rewriting French history at 27. Haaland is doing things Norway has never seen.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 10:43am

Fifa Worldcup

Luis Diaz shines as Colombia outclass World Cup debutants Uzbekistan

Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz struck to overcome a spirited second-half response from the tournament debutants.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 09:46am

KP & FATA

KP police to raise Special Combat Unit against terrorists

“The force, comprising 400 personnel, will be selected from the police’s elite force,” says official statement.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 10:46am

KP & FATA

Sikh Gurdwara caretaker, wife killed in Mardan

According to police, investigations are ongoing from multiple angles.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:49am

KP & FATA

Hospitals in KP asked to set up heat stroke units

Rising temperatures have led to significant increase in heat-related illnesses.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 10:07am

Punjab

Punjab to set up ‘FBR-like’ revenue authority, says minister

Says streams of revenue to come under single institutional framework; rebuffs certain rumours relating to revenue and development.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:41am

KP & FATA

CM Afridi orders timely completion of ongoing projects

Says the upcoming Annual Development Programme will continue to place particular emphasis on health and education sectors.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 10:03am

ICT

High court suspends property tax collection in Islamabad

Court grants interim relief to taxpayers, issues notices to Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, Capital Development Authority and federal authorities.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:37am

ICT

Over 14,000 policemen to secure Muharram processions, majalis in Rawalpindi

Special control rooms established as police finalise security, traffic arrangements for 1,065 processions, 4,813 majalis across four districts.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:18am

Sindh

Sindh budget allocates Rs210.5bn for law and order, policing

CM Murad says Rs7.3bn has been allocated for development initiatives aimed at strengthening law and order and the policing network across the province.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:33am

ICT

NIH issues advisory on prevention of monsoon diseases

Heavy rainfall creates favourable conditions for outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis A and E, and other infectious diseases.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:29am

ICT

PM Shehbaz directs formation of Project Management Unit for execution of convention, expo centres

CDA to expedite bidding process for Rs19.3 billion projects.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:31am

Sindh

Sindh budget allocates Rs6.1bn for agriculture, livestock uplift

No new schemes included as govt prioritises completion of ongoing projects; Rs4.714bn earmarked for agriculture department components.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:28am

Pakistan's economic prospects after the Middle East war

Whether Tehran remembers us kindly and whether Washington decides to reward us handsomely are matters beyond our control.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:21am

Sindh

All opposition parties boycott Sindh Assembly budget session amid noisy protest

Muttahida, PTI and Jamaat lawmakers say they will continue their protest during budget debate.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:18am

Punjab

1,293 functional public toilets in Punjab, LHC told

Out of 1,420 existing public toilets across Punjab, 127 are currently non-functional.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:46am

Punjab

Gujrat Municipal Corporation ex-CO booked in third graft case

The officials of the civic agency have been accused of causing a loss to GtMC after receiving a hefty bribe for allowing the conversion without formal approval from the district planning and development committee.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:11am

Punjab

LHC terms stone-crushing sector public health emergency

Flays state inaction as Silicosis claims scores of lives; four petitioners, eight members of a family died during litigation.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:51am

Punjab

Ginners foresee downward spiral in cotton sector

Industry experts fear a drastic drop in total domestic production due to record-breaking heatwaves in some regions and erratic rainfall in others.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:44am

Where is the architecture of climate-smart budgeting in Pakistan?

Most of Pakistan’s climate policies are neither formally approved nor notified.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:12am

Balochistan

Balochistan unveils Rs206bn Annual Development Plan in budget 2026-27

Rs106bn set aside for new schemes, Rs100bn for ongoing projects; communication sector tops with Rs27bn.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:09am

Editorial: Social media has made it possible for hateful messages to travel further, faster than ever before

Hate speech rarely begins with physical attacks.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 08:07am

Sindh

Development takes back seat in Sindh budget FY27

CM Murad reduces capital expenditure by 29pc to Rs720bn for next fiscal year; education, health, environment and social protection to take major hits.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:49am

NA budget debate nearly devolves into fisticuffs as tempers flare

Spats between ruling, opposition lawmakers degenerate into name-calling; finance minister set to deliver winding-up speech today, cut motions to follow.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:38am

Sindh

Fuuast teachers seek audit of varsity affairs as exam boycott continues

Slam university administration for a severe financial and administrative crisis that led to disruption of academic activities.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:36am

Sindh

Rs108.1bn earmarked for Karachi uplift schemes, says Sindh govt

CM Murad says estimated cost of Karachi’s overall 816 development schemes stands at Rs644.3bn.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:21am

International

‘Halve fossil fuel use by 2035 to avert catastrophe’

Climate expert says all countries must transition, but each state can do so at its own pace.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 05:36pm

International

Afghan govt staff abandon smartphones

A letter announcing the ban on smartphones for all government employees started circulating on social media last week under the emblem of the Supreme Court.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:38am

International

Freedom of expression ‘shrinking dangerously’: UN

“Freedom of opinion and expression, a fundamental inalienable human right, has been privatised, monetised, manipulated, and unlawfully restricted,” warns expert.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:38am

Cricket

Connolly leads Australia to four-wicket win over Bangladesh in T20 opener

Australia chased down 132 with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 133-6 in 18.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:15am

Cricket

Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips lead New Zealand recovery against England

The duo stayed out in a late-night drinking session which reportedly ended in a physical confrontation involving a Saracens rugby player.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:07am

Cricket

Smriti Mandhana stars in India rout of Netherlands

Mandhana and Verma put on 115 for the first wicket, setting the foundation for India’s imposing total of 209-5 in Leeds.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 09:12am

Business

Stocks manage modest gains in volatile session

Investors take profits after strong rally over the previous two trading sessions.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:37am

Business

Foreign loan inflows surge to $12.1bn

Inflows in May amount to $1.03bn, down 76.5pc from $4.4bn in April.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 01:46pm

Business

2m retailers to be brought under tax net, says minister

Bilal Azhar Kayani says if 30pc of unregistered retailers are brought into the scheme, over one million new taxpayers can be added.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:23am

Business

Current account posts $459m surplus in May

Foreign investment declines by 28pc in first 11 months of the current fiscal year.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:37am

National

Travellers stranded as landslides block Karakoram Highway

The abrupt closures left a large number of people travelling to and from GB stranded, with long queues of vehicles seen on both sides of the KKH.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:13am

National

Only 117 papers filed as AJK poll deadline nears

Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan says that 83 nomination papers had been filed in 33 territorial constituencies.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:12am

Balochistan

Balochistan employees announce indefinite shutdown after police crackdown

Balochistan workers alliance rejects 7pc salary increase, demands 35pc disparity reduction allowance.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:08am

Balochistan

Balochistan rolls out Rs1.09tr surplus budget

Development spending cut to Rs291.55bn; no new taxes in resource-strapped province; federal transfers remain mainstay of provincial finances.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 08:04am

Back Page

FCC lays down safeguards to protect women’s inheritance rights

Courts must conduct heightened scrutiny of deals affecting female heirs, rules FCC Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:37am

Back Page

SC to hear pleas on Imran’s access to lawyers, family today

Salman Akram Raja contends that the IHC relied solely on the oral assurances of the jail superintendent regarding compliance with earlier court directions.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:37am

Back Page

Move afoot to change Al-Aqsa’s status

Tel Aviv working alongside US and right-wing groups to declare compound "multi-faith centre"; Israeli settlers torch two mosques in occupied West Bank.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:37am

Sindh

Sindh unveils Rs3.56tr budget with Rs36.9bn deficit

CM Murad says no new taxes announced for next fiscal year; Red Line BRT gets Rs13.2bn, Yellow Line over Rs3.5bn.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:30am

Front Page

Suparco puts 130 glacial lakes on danger watch

Maps at-risk downstream populations near dangerous water bodies using satellite images; says El Nino may bring weaker monsoon, harsher heat waves, warmer winters.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:23am

Front Page

Bilawal agrees to join budget debate after meeting with PM Shehbaz

PPP leader likely to deliver speech today, to "share reservations"on budget; PM Office says Shehbaz, Bilawal agreed on "sustained collaboration" between Centre, provinces for completion of projects.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 07:16am

Middle East

PM says US, Iran have signed deal electronically; Iran to 'instantly' reopen Hormuz, US to 'immediately' lift blockade

“The memorandum has been signed by honourable presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator," he says.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 01:24pm

Fifa Worldcup

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in World Cup opener after injury-time winner

Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to settle an attritional battle between the two sides.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 06:17am

Fifa Worldcup

Kane scores twice as England beat Croatia to launch World Cup charge

The meeting was a repeat of the 2018 semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra-time.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 03:24am

Fifa Worldcup

Heroic Cape Verde keeper Vozinha to be reunited with mum at World Cup after visa issue

U.S. officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time to attend the match against Uruguay in Miami.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 02:57am

Fifa Worldcup

Scorching Miami heat could push World Cup players to the brink, expert warns

Players arriving in Miami for World Cup matches may find themselves battling more than just opposing teams.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 02:38am

Fifa Worldcup

Ghana's Partey loses bid to enter Canada for World Cup

Ottawa denied the Villarreal player a visa over the British charges, blocking him from playing for Ghana against Panama on Wednesday.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 12:50am

Fifa Worldcup

Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point

Yoane Wissa's header cancelled out Joao Neves's early goal and the African side more than held their own.

Updated 18 Jun, 2026 03:05am

US official unveils 14-point Iran agreement to halt conflict and reopen Strait of Hormuz

The document is titled the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran'.

Published 18 Jun, 2026 12:26am

Thursday, June 18, 2026