News Archives for Latest - 2026-06-25

Audit report identifies Rs3.41bn worth of irregularities in health sector

Report finds fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, irregularities in procurement and account management with commercial banks.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 11:06pm

US Supreme Court sides with Trump in asylum-processing case

The court, in a 6-3 ruling, overturns lower court’s finding that policy of turning away asylum seekers if crossings overburdened violates federal law.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 10:59pm

Punjab

Preliminary postmortem report of 7-year-old girl in Sargodha indicates possibility of rape: police

Sargodha district police officer says doctors waiting on final autopsy report for confirmation of sexual assault.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 09:23pm

Sindh

Police launch high-level probe into rape, murder of 3-year-old girl in Karachi's Quaidabad

Investigators focusing on three possible suspects stated to be close relatives of victim.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 10:42pm

AJK police chief warns against disinformation amid standoff, denies curbs on goods transport

All entry points into AJK remain open to all types of traffic, including vehicles carrying essential commodities, the regional police chief said.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:59pm

Truce brings no relief for displaced from Lebanon's destroyed, occupied towns

Tens of thousands in Lebanon remain displaced because their homes were destroyed in Israeli strikes or their hometowns fall within a swathe of the south occupied by Israel’s military.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:22pm

Karachi Museum is a good idea, but not at the cost of city's Beach View Park

The footprint of the proposed museum may be very small, but its area of usage will be at least six times as much and will cause further congestion in the area where it is located.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:07pm

Wealthy nations reap huge benefits from immigration, study finds

Actual GDP per worker in Spain grew by about 75pc from 1990-2024, suggesting that up to one-third of the increase could be associated with inflow of immigrants, paper says.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 05:57pm

Fifa Worldcup

From Norway's Terminator to Iran's Hormuz-blocker: The internet's favourite footballers at the FIFA World Cup

The internet has fallen in love with a whole new roster of football players.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 05:52pm

Spice Girls' debut song 'Wannabe' turns 30 amid reunion talk

The song has been played almost 1.5 billion times on Spotify.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 05:14pm

'Everything collapsed': Venezuela region hit hardest by quakes cries for help

Two massive earthquakes, of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck areas west of the capital Caracas on Wednesday evening, killing at least 164 people and injuring nearly 1,000.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 05:05pm

'Need each other': France's Macron to host Italy's Meloni after Trump rift

While both are far from natural allies, they have worked to ease tensions; they share common ground on some issues but remain divided on others.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 04:48pm

Amazon pledges additional $13bn in India AI investment

Says cumulative investments in India from 2010-2030 stand at over $88bn.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 04:08pm

Pakistan’s legal system isn’t built for children. This clinic is trying to change that

The clinic uses toys and figure drawings and is staffed by a psychologist.

Updated 04 Jul, 2026 01:50pm

Middle East

Any US-Iran deal will ensure security of Gulf allies, Rubio assures GCC nations during Mideast tour

"No country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways," he says at GCC meeting.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:30pm

GTA VI pre-orders kick off at $80 with physical copies of the game missing their discs

The year's most anticipated game is expected to crush sales records; reports suggest it will only have a single-player experience.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 02:30pm

As Europe roasts in a heatwave, Asia's air conditioner makers grab some cool cash

Companies see a surge in demand for air conditioning units from Europe, which World Meteorological Organisation says is warming at more than twice the global average.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 02:29pm

Dar says world now recognises Pakistan as a 'peacemaker' for role in US-Iran mediation

“We now have to become an economic power," he says.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 01:16pm

Pakistan, China organise UNSC meeting on steps to ensure implementation of resolutions

Pakistani envoy says non-implementation of UN resolutions has led to the Kashmir issue staying unresolved to date.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 01:03pm

World expresses solidarity with Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, offers assistance

Two powerful earthquakes that shook the country on Wednesday evening have left over 100 dead and nearly 1,000 injured.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 05:47pm

What's gone so wrong with us, ask Adnan Siddiqui, Ayesha Omar, Iqra Aziz over incidents of child abuse in Pakistan

The stars joined the country in mourning the abuse and murder of two young girls in Karachi and Sargodha.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 12:37pm

Punjab

Countrywide Muharram 9 processions conclude peacefully amid strict security

Four die "due to suffocation" in Sukkur's Rohri; alternative routes and security arrangements were put in place across the country.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 10:37pm

Balochistan

Man killed in IED blast in Balochistan's Ormara

Official says the IED attached to a motorcycle; officials have cordoned off the area and an investigation has been initiated.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 11:13am

Middle East

'Missiles were flying all over': Trump says it may never be known who was at fault for strike on girls' school in Iran

The strike on February 28, when the US and Israel attacked Iran, killed more than 175 children and teachers.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 10:58am

In pictures: Widespread destruction after back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 12:39pm

Trump, Republican senator engage in shouting match over Iran war

“The American people need to know more than we are being told,” says Senator Bill Cassidy.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 10:14am

Punjab

Punjab finance minister slams opposition over ‘unprepared’ budget debate

Mujtaba trumpets govt performance, claiming that opposition leader entirelyunaware of actual allocations.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 09:28am

Punjab

Punjab sends first 135 skilled youths to Saudi Arabia under Parwaaz Card scheme

CM Maryam Nawaz says the youths going abroad for employment will not merely be workers but ambassadors of Pakistan.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 09:19am

Outgoing UK PM Starmer ally Jones backs Burnham

Says he had been reassured by the former mayor’s economic plans, including ways he could possibly borrow more.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 09:11am

Thousands feared dead in Venezuela after two major earthquakes; world sends aid, rescue teams

Earthquake country's strongest in a century; US Geological Survey says "disaster is likely widespread"; toll rises to 188.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 11:19pm

Fifa Worldcup

Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of FIFA World Cup with 3-0 win

The game looked to be drifting towards a stalemate before Mexico exploded in the second half.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 08:27am

Football

South Africa stun South Korea to make FIFA World Cup history

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 08:21am

KP & FATA

Terrorists use quadcopter to drop explosives on Bannu police station

Multiple security-related incidents reported across district, raising concerns about law and order situation in the area.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 10:16am

KP & FATA

The missing ‘actuals’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 2026-27 White Paper

As KP swings from surplus to deficit, tying part of dealings with Centre to political demands, the document public most wants to examine is hardest to read.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:17am

KP & FATA

Placement of Gomal University VC on forced leave fuels speculations

Questions are being raised whether the decision to send Prof Zafar Iqbal on forced leave is linked to a request to FIA seeking criminal proceedings against certain former officials of the university and their alleged facilitators.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 10:23am

KP & FATA

Minister orders probe into ‘corruption’ in Charsadda Tehsil Municipal Administration

Local Govt minister inspects official records and directs authorities to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into financial and administrative matters.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 10:30am

ICT

Bilawal challenges PML-N to hold LG polls in Islamabad, Lahore

Announces LG polls in GB within 90 days; asks MQM-P to quit ruling coalition over non-fulfillment of demands.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:34am

ICT

Committee formed to probe fire incident at H-9 Sunday Bazaar

The eight-member committee will assess the response time of rescue services, ascertain the cause of the fire and factors that led to its spread and determine the extent of damage.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:39am

ICT

PPP rejects Punjab’s proposed Local Government Act

Terms the LG act and recent delimitation of UCs a direct assault on democracy, public representation, and constitutional autonomy.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:52am

ICT

Umrah pilgrim arrested for protesting against denial to board Saudi-bound plane

Authorities claim that she did not have proper documents for travelling to Mecca; she has been granted bail after being produced before a local court.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:49am

Why preparations for the next budget should start now

The budget shouldn’t be seen as an annual, stand-alone affair.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:47am

ICT

Around 1,500 citizens petition against review of restaurant demolition in Margalla park

The group, Friends of Margalla Hills National Park, warn that reopening such cases may weaken earlier rulings that clearly banned commercial use within the protected area.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:58am

ICT

LHC warns of action over illegal development along Soan River

Justice Hassan directs relevant authorities to identify constructions, encroachments and other activities carried out within or adjacent to the riverbed and examine their legality under applicable laws and regulations.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:46am

Editorial: There needs to be greater discussion within the US about the mistakes with regard to Iran

Israel is the biggest source of instability in the Middle East, and it is high time the US ended its blind support to Tel Aviv, if it genuinely wants peace in the region.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:40am

Punjab

Punjab Assembly summons to senior police officials raise eyebrows

Kasur DPO had punished three police officials for making changes in the zimni report in an attempted murder case on alleged political pressure.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 11:23pm

Balochistan

New land customs station at Taftan formalised for trade with Iran

Land customs station status aims to reduce informal channels and lower transport costs.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:39am

Punjab

Cotton research activities reviewed at Multan institute

The National Coordinated Varietal Trials Committee inspects the institute’s advanced cotton lines and appreciates the progress achieved on the basis of scientific evidence.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:34am

Column

The promise of digital payments

The shift to digital means the largest money flows in the economy now leave trails.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:52am

Sindh

The Talpurs’ profound reverence for Ahl-i-Bait

Recently, a zari resembling Sayyida Zainab’s shrine in Damascus has been built in Tando Mir Noor Mohammad as a sign of unconditional love.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:55am

Sindh

Security beefed up across Sindh for Ashura processions: Sharjeel

Rejects impression about cut in province’s share in NFC award.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:14am

Sindh

Man sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering trans person in Karachi

The judge imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on the convict and directed him to pay the amount to the legal heirs of the victim as compensation.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:10am

Sindh

ETPB refuses to hand over Cotton Exchange building to KCA, SHC told

Notices issued to Evacuee Trust Property Board for ignoring SHC’s verdict on giving historic building’s control to cotton association.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:59am

Sindh

Sindh Building Control Authority faces CM Secretariat’s ire over incomplete report on illegal buildings

The issue stems from a report submitted by SBCA in response to a March 2 communication from the provincial government seeking details of action taken against illegal and unauthorised constructions.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:05am

Sindh

Horror in Karachi's Quaidabad after 3-year-old’s body found dumped outside her home

Girl subjected to "violent rape" before being murdered; police surgeon describes it as "one of the most horrific cases in her career".

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:54am

Business

Stocks snap three-session losing streak

The smooth passage of Finance Bill 2026-27 and easing geopolitical tensions revive buying interest.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:00am

Business

Tasdeeq set for Pakistan Stock Exchange debut

Becomes the first credit bureau in South Asia to be publicly listed.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:28am

Business

Oil hits pre-war level as supply fears ease

Positive signals from Persian Gulf fuel optimism about oil flow through Strait as vessel crossings up.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:46am

Business

Bank timings extended for tax collection

State Bank of Pakistan has asked commercial banks to keep their branches open on Saturday.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:00am

Business

Tourism industry needs ‘strategic intervention’

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry study cites infrastructure, visa hurdles blocking foreign tourist inflows.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:00am

Punjab

Govt skips bidding for motorway project

Decides to award Rs205bn M-13 contract to Frontier Works Organisation; opts for negotiated process to fast-track 117km project.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:00am

Cricket

Focus only on winning series, says Ben Stokes ahead of third New Zealand Test

“I’m here as captain of this team and all I’m trying to do is get a team focused on winning the series this week,” he says.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 09:41am

Cricket

Australia women outplay Pakistan to move closer to T20 World Cup semis

Pakistan in their last group match face the Netherlands in Bristol on Saturday.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 07:00am

International

Asteroid zooming past Earth visible to stargazers

The asteroid will come within 2,560,000kms of Earth at 1114 GMT on Saturday.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

International

Gaza flotilla activists recount ordeal under Israeli detention

“I was dragged by the arm and lifted up with my hands tied behind my back. I screamed in pain, I thought my arm had been torn off,” French national Malika Baouya says.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

International

International Criminal Court judges sue Trump over sanctions

Lawsuit terms Trump admin sanctions against ICC judges over Netanyahu arrest warrants punitive and coercive.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:17am

International

Back in stork: returning birds bring joy to Croatian village

The return of storks to Cigoc village is seen as a positive sign, signalling the change of seasons and serving as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

International

‘Fingerprints’ of black hole’s event horizon detected for first time

The discovery has been made by studying ripples in space-time called gravitational waves that are created when two black holes violently smashed into each other.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

International

Epstein tried to blackmail me, claims Bill Gates

“I was not blackmailed, but you know, as you look at these emails, you know, it looks like Mr Epstein’s brainstorming was going in that direction,” Bill Gates tells US members of Congress.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

International

Europe swelters under deadly ‘Omega’ heatwave

Heatwave claims dozens of lives, disrupts power supplies, shuts schools and tourist spots; Forecasters warn extreme temperatures may persist till weekend.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

National

Mobile phone smuggling at Khunjerab Pass foiled

A total of 66 mobile phones worth Rs20 million were seized.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 02:06pm

Balochistan

Strike sees many parts of Balochistan shut down

The strike was called to protest the life sentences handed down to Mahrang Baloch and fellow group leader Sibghatullah Shahji.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:42am

National

Aseefa Bhutto vows closer cooperation with UN on SDGs

UN says next 12 months crucial for polio eradication as first lady calls for AI use to improve outreach.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:32am

ICT

IHC to hear Imran’s £190m case appeal on June 29

The appeals challenge the trial court verdict concerning the settlement of the UK’s NCA funds and the transfer of land for the Al-Qadir Trust.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:36am

National

Law minister-led panel suggests major changes to language of telecom bill

The committee has submitted its report on the right-of-way provisions in the bill.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:00am

National

Nominations surge as 1,265 file papers for AJK elections

1,047 forms submitted for 33 territorial constituencies, 218 for 12 refugee seats; 30pc jump in papers indicates growing interest in electoral process.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 08:21am

Back Page

UAE, Kuwait assured of US commitment to Gulf states’ security

Marco Rubio says no country will be allowed to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:58am

Front Page

FBR didn’t capitalise on super tax potential, audit finds

Auditor General of Pakistan report reveals billions in financial irregularities across federal government entities, with Public Accounts Committee set to take up the matter.

Published 25 Jun, 2026 06:59am

Front Page

Pakistan links Iran trade prospects to sanctions relief

FO expects US-Iran technical talks to resume on Tuesday; hopes Hormuz tensions will ease with diplomatic progress.

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:46am

Front Page

PM Shehbaz ‘optimistic’ as US, Iran hash out differences

Premier speaks to Qatari ruler, Tabuk governor; stresses need to protect talks from ''spoilers"; insists momentum must continue for "successful outcome".

Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:36am

Fifa Worldcup