News Archives for Latest - 2026-07-23

UN chief praises Pakistan’s peace initiatives to ‘reduce tensions and create space for dialogue’

“These efforts must be supported and strengthened in pursuit of a peaceful and durable settlement,” Guterres says.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 11:45pm

Petrol price up by Rs4.40, diesel by Rs3.62 per litre

The price of petrol and HSD has risen to Rs331.52 and Rs378.66 per litre, respectively; the new prices will be applicable from Thursday.

Updated 24 Jul, 2026 06:02pm

Environmental poliovirus detection declines across Pakistan, positivity falls to 13.1pc

A polio expert cautioned that unchecked cross-border movement from Afghanistan remained a major concern.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 11:04pm

US House votes to curb Trump's Iran war powers but Senate backs president

Resolution directed Trump “to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities” against Iran unless Congress authorises it.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 10:35pm

Far-right Israeli minister Ben Gvir storms Al-Aqsa mosque compound with hundreds of followers

“Look at what’s happening here: Jews are praying and feel that they are the rightful owners here,” Itamar Ben Gvir says in video filmed at the compound.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 10:53pm

Sindh

Karachi police claim suspect in six-year-old girl's abduction, murder killed in shootout

Victim subjected to sexual violence, says Police Surgeon Dr Sumaiyya Syed.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 09:25pm

What are the main bases housing US forces in the Middle East?

AFP examines some of the major concentrations of US forces in the region, which fall under the US military’s Central Command.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 08:55pm

Two decades of mass protests in India

Activists say recent exam paper leaks show widespread corruption, a complaint which has brought crowds onto the streets for years.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 08:35pm

Torrential rains disrupt travel across GB as floods wash away roads, bridges

Thousands, including tourists, stranded in region; authorities across region conduct rescue and relief operations.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:30pm

Punjab

Heavy monsoon rains lash Lahore, disrupt routine life

Provincial capital receives 343 millimetres of rain over the past 48 hours; DC claims most major roads and waterlogged points cleared in record time.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:06pm

Killer whales: Orcas blow fish to bits 'for fun', researchers say

Video shows one killer whale charging with full force into sunfish, which explodes into pieces; researcher says "orcas often tear apart prey".

Published 23 Jul, 2026 06:52pm

In letter to PM Shehbaz, South Korean company alleges unfair stonewalling of $1bn investment plans in Pakistan

Letter by energy firm CEO alleges that three years have passed since hearing of tariff petition for proposed projects.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 06:42pm

Kashmir, IWT among key global challenges threatening 'peaceful coexistence', Dar tells Asean moot

Dar terms Kashmir dispute the “heart of regional instability”; notes terrorism poses "common threat"; urges restraint in South China Sea tensions.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 06:14pm

Danish delight: How sweet and savoury pastries are taking over Karachi's food scene

They didn't announce their arrival with a trend, but they're here.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 06:01pm

What is Pickaxe Mountain, the Iranian nuclear-linked site threatened by Trump?

Think tank says construction continues at the facility; experts assess that the deeply buried complex is beyond the reach of US bunker-buster bombs.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 05:54pm

Sindh

Suspects arrested in JPMC doctor murder case killed in exchange of fire with accomplices, police claim

The SIU statement claimed that it conducted a raid in Ahmed Brohi Goth to arrest the three suspects’ accomplices.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 05:16pm

Elon Musk's answer to Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is AI slop

However you may feel about the film, we can all agree Grok can't make a better one.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 04:32pm

Sindh

Staff at Karachi govt colleges directed to comply with dress code, told 'inappropriate attire' inconsistent with professional standards

Circular states wearing T-shirts, jeans, tight-fitting clothes or fancy sunglasses during office hours was “strictly prohibited” for all employees.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 03:11pm

Pakistan to tour England next year for 5-match ODI series

The opening match is scheduled for May 15 in Southampton, with the series ending on May 26.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 02:48pm

Balochistan

Sessions judge, his guard killed after vehicles targeted en route to Mastung

Another judge among those injured after armed men target them; CM takes notice; president condemns attack.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 06:09pm

Marvel to make its triumphant return to San Diego Comic-Con

The studio skipped last year’s event but is returning to one of geekdom's greatest gigs on Thursday.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 01:48pm

Middle East

PM Shehbaz speaks to Saudi crown prince, condemns 'unacceptable' Houthi attack on vessels in Red Sea

Two sides agree to continue working "very closely" to maintain regional peace, uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 01:11pm

Review: Nolan’s The Odyssey is a complicated tale of a complicated man

Once you realise the movie is not as much an adaptation of Homer as it is Nolan’s own interpretation, you'll see that The Odyssey is a brilliant film.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 12:48pm

South Asia

Pakistan hits back at India's attempt to 'distort facts', says holding IWT in abeyance 'simply illegal'

“The treaty contains no provision whatsoever permitting its so-called abeyance," says Pakistan’s First Secretary Ansar Shah.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 12:35pm

Pakistan 'disappointed' with EU report on GSP+ compliance issues, says it understates reforms

FO spokesperson affirms GSP+ "remains central" to Pakistan's relationship with the EU; "completely rejects" Amnesty report on Kabul strikes.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 01:24pm

Branded Content

Chery Master stands by its customers with Sales Tax relief across its PHEV lineup, save up to Rs1.5 million

The decision reflects MAE's commitment to facilitating customers while supporting Pakistan's transition towards New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 12:51pm

Actors Roma Michael and Shan Baig tie the knot

Baig shared a picture with his now-wife on Instagram.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 12:03pm

AI catches up with humans to score 100pc at top maths contest

Two Chinese tech companies, Huawei and Xiaohongshu, say their AI models each achieved 100pc on the questions given to human hopefuls at this month’s International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

Published 23 Jul, 2026 11:53am

South Asia

Modi vows punishment for exam fraud in first comments on Indian student protests

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” he says, promising to set up fast-track courts to punish those involved in question paper leaks.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 10:55am

Finance minister reviews Pakistan's macroeconomic performance in meeting with IMF officials

Thanks Fund for recognising Pakistan’s “strong programme ownership and reform progress”.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 10:45am

KP & FATA

Authorities told to step up monsoon preparedness as rain-related deaths in Punjab, KP reach 43

At least 21 have died across Punjab, while 22 have lost their lives in KP; torrential rains hit agricultural land in Lower South Waziristan.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 01:57pm

Punjab

JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem passes away after cancer battle

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman terms his death an irreparable loss for the party and prayed for his forgiveness.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 09:34am

Sindh

American rape victim records statement before Karachi magistrate

Police had apprehended a teenage boy on the allegation of rape with the foreign woman at her apartment in DHA Phase VI on July 17.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 09:06am

Middle East

Houthis attack Saudi tankers in Red Sea as US strikes Iran for 12th consecutive day

Saudi news agency confirms one of two vessels ablaze after an assault while sailing in the Red Sea; US military says latest strikes "further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels".

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 01:12pm

Health minister says over 20 deals worth $629.5m inked at Pak-China health moot

Mustafa Kamal says agreements cover vaccine production, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices and clinical trials.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 08:26am

Middle East

Trump says US-Saudi nuclear deal subject to Riyadh joining Abraham Accords

Two agreements on “peaceful nuclear cooperation” and “bilateral safeguards” signed by US energy secretary and his Saudi counterpart.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 05:34pm

Why internal unrest finds greater space in autocratic regimes

Those in power do not have the patience to let the people decide.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 08:04am

KP & FATA

Protesters rally against exclusion of road project from Annual Development Programme

Demand immediate approval and funding of the 157-kilometre Mastuj-Broghil Road project.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:13am

KP & FATA

Peshawar High Court stops Hayatabad Medical Complex board from suspending director

Seeks comments on hospital director’s petition against inquiry and show cause notice.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:23am

KP & FATA

Policeman martyred in S. Waziristan attack

Police officials say that investigations were ongoing from multiple angles.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 07:56am

KP & FATA

KP fisheries dept holds e-auction of public water bodies

Officials say initiative to enhance transparency, public confidence and ease of doing business.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:29am

Here come the dollars: The dividend of Pakistan's mediatory role is beginning to take shape before us

The movements are now unmistakable. The preparation for bringing in large quantities of dollars are underway.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 07:55am

KP & FATA

5 community schools in Tirah get prefabricated classrooms

The initiative will benefit 500 girls and boys.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:34am

Editorial: The US and Iran need to silence their guns and give negotiators a chance to create the framework for peace

Just as states such as Pakistan are working behind the scenes to de-escalate, some forces are trying their best to ensure hostilities continue.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 07:44am

Punjab

Free livestock distribution among rural women begins in Punjab

Under the programme, widowed and divorced rural women up to 55 years of age will be eligible to receive free livestock.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:28am

Punjab

Nine deputy secretary slots in South Punjab Secretariat abolished

Move being seen an attempt to centralise administrative control.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:21am

Punjab

11 Chakrani gangsters surrender to law-enforcement agencies in Dera Ghazi Khan

The individuals who surrendered were wanted in numerous serious criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, highway banditry, and kidnapping for ransom.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:26am

ICT

Lawmaker alleges quota violation in Pakistan Agriculture Research Council recruitment process

Tells Senate panel that the appointments were heavily skewed in favour of candidates from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:05am

ICT

Over 60,000 motorists fined for violating traffic rules in last 30 days in Islamabad

Officials say during the period the police also impounded 8,487 vehicles over the violations.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:56am

ICT

Pera’s proposed project puts fertile land, houses, wildlife breeding farms at stake

Punjab govt earmarks over Rs6.7bn for establishment of training academy.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:49am

ICT

Federal Government Employees Housing Authority comes under attack at Senate body meeting over delay in projects

The committee while reviewing the status of Green Enclave-I expresses serious concern over prolonged delays, cost escalation, and the continued hardship faced by allottees.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:40am

ICT

Body of man swept away in Rawalpindi's Leh Nullah recovered

Rescue 1122 says the man was swept away in nullah while crossing it.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:32am

ICT

Pak-EPA awaits report as dead fish spotted again in Rawal Lake

Officials cite rising pollution, plastic waste and sewage inflows as possible causes of recurring fish deaths.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:27am

Punjab

Supplementary statements insufficient to justify an arrest: LHC rules

Grants bail to man implicated in murder case; directes the registrar office to circulate the judgment to the inspector general of police for onward dissemination among all regional, city and district police officers.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 07:00am

Sindh

MQM-P plea to make Gul Plaza fire probe report public dismissed

Sindh Information Commission says matter is still under investigation.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:52am

Sindh

Sindh plans body to counter ‘negative propaganda’ on social media

Sharjeel says govt to take step to ensure dissemination of accurate information.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:59am

Sindh

Homeless man sleeping on footpath in Karachi's DHA run over, killed by pickup truck

The police say the deceased, along with his minor son, sold flowers at traffic signals in DHA.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:50am

Sindh

Karachi Development Authority plan to involve developers in new land schemes sparks criticism

Under the proposal, authority identifies its several prime plots and properties for public-private partnership projects.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:46am

International

US judge sets June 2027 trial date for Maduro

Ousted Venezuelan president faces four felony counts, including narcoterrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy; he could face a life sentence if convicted.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:13am

International

Spain, France struggle with wildfires as heat grips Europe’s south

Two firefighters die as their truck was engulfed in flames.

Published 23 Jul, 2026 07:00am

International

Bulgaria allows US to station refuelling planes

The Balkan country will authorise the deployment of up to eight KC-135 tanker aircraft and up to 250 military personnel, tasked with supporting operations in the Middle East.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:05am

International

Canada cancels joint US border bridge ceremony

The move comes following the announcement of new US tariffs on several Canadian products.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 07:58am

International

Ukraine’s drones hit stores of Russian retail giant

Ukrainian president accuses the e-commerce giant of helping supply the Russian army.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 08:18am

Cricket

Shimron Hetmyer holds nerve to guide West Indies to win in final New Zealand ODI

New Zealand nevertheless won the series 3-2, having secured it in the fourth match.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:40am

Sport

Jasper Philipsen ends ‘horrible’ drought with Tour de France 17th stage victory

It was an 11th Tour stage victory overall for the 28-year-old Belgian, who won the sprinters’ green points jersey in 2023.

Updated 23 Jul, 2026 09:37am

Sport

Pakistan open Central Asian volleyball campaign with straight-sets win over Sri Lanka

The win gave Pakistan a perfect start to their campaign and valuable points in the round-robin competition.