News Archives for Latest - 2026-07-28

FIFA says it hopes to sell $4.2bn stake in its tournaments

The Times reported that the FIFA president stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the subsidiary after his expected next term expires in 2031.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 11:44pm

Govt increases petrol price by Rs1.63, HSD price by Rs1.55

The price of petrol and diesel has increased to Rs335.81 and Rs388.38 per litre, respectively.

Updated 29 Jul, 2026 07:00am

Sindh

Police constable martyred, 2 suspected robbers killed in shootout in Karachi's Orangi Town: police

One of the suspects had also martyred a police officer in 2021, police statement says.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 10:47pm

Netanyahu visits White House for first Trump talks during Iran war

The talks — which the White House describes as “positive and productive” — lasted for about an hour and a half.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 10:30pm

Militant elements within proscribed JAAC protests pursuing foreign agenda: Tarar

One police official martyred in skirmishes, five others injured, says AJK police spokesperson.

Updated 29 Jul, 2026 01:37am

Coalition partners PPP, PML-N spar after first phase of AJK elections as political temperatures rise

PPP's Sharjeel Memon claims PML-N ruling Punjab with a "fake mandate"; Maryam urges Bilawal to accept defeat in AJK.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:38pm

PM Shehbaz directs elimination of unnecessary positions to improve govt performance

“The implementation of right-sizing measures should be accelerated to improve the overall performance and efficiency of the government,” the prime minister says.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 06:34pm

India's top court orders no coercive action against youth protesters and release of minors, media reports say

The government has defended police action during the protests as lawful crowd control.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 06:09pm

Emily Wilson, whose translation of The Odyssey partly inspired Christopher Nolan, hated the movie

She said she 'would be ashamed to have written any part of this script'.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 06:03pm

Govt finally revamps oil refining policy; what does it mean?

The policy aims to modernise refineries with an investment of about $6bn, gives tax incentives, enhances both offshore and onshore storage for greater energy security, among other steps.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 07:10pm

Govt almost doubles blood money payment to heirs of victim on account of rising silver prices

Diyat value for the current fiscal year now stands at Rs19 million.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 05:21pm

Govt, 'protesters' must agree to formation of a truth commission to resolve unrest in AJK, demands Bilawal

"The state and the protesters will have to accept this recommendation from the PPP," Bilawal says.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:48pm

Firefighters in France, Spain scramble to contain blazes as new heatwave looms

Spain has more than 73,000 evacuees and roughly 66,000 people under confinement.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 04:09pm

Kubra Khan believes Pakistani culture has a 'mould' for beautiful women and she doesn't fit it

The actor says people have a right to their opinions, but not to tear others down with them.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 03:47pm

Dar says Pakistan 'confident' bilateral trade with US can double to $20bn in next 5 years

DPM Dar terms Pak-US partnership "mutually rewarding"; meets visiting US congressmen.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 04:38pm

Branded Content

A proud moment for Pakistan: Giga Group wins prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2026

The development represents a new generation of luxury living in Pakistan.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 02:52pm

Pakistani passport's ranking slips to 101st, still 4th-worst in the world

The only countries scoring lower than Pakistan on the Henley Passport Index are Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan; Yemen sits a spot higher.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 02:48pm

Punjab

Probe finds PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar guilty of harassing actor Momina Iqbal, NCCIA official tells Lahore court

Court extends Chadhar and his wife's pre-arrest interim bail till September 3.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 02:32pm

Powerful quake hits southern Japan, deaths feared in shopping mall explosion

Kyushu Electric Power says 48,000 homes have lost power as a result of the latest quake.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 06:52pm

PMD forecasts fresh spell of monsoon rains across country from July 29 to August 5

NDMA says heavy rains expected over next two days in AJK, GB and southern Sindh; another spell likely across the country from second week of September.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 05:11pm

Zeb Bangash confirms Pakistan Idol is returning to finish its second edition

The singer, who serves as a judge on the show, posted pictures from the set, thanking fans for all their love.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 01:27pm

Muneeb Ali Khan's solo show at Islamabad's Studio B2 maps out the cartographies of the heart

The architect and artist displayed 29 intricately stippled pieces exploring personal history, societal critique and spiritual reflection.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 01:10pm

PM orders increase in country's strategic petroleum reserves; changes to oil refining policy approved

PM Shehbaz stresses upgradation of oil refineries is an important need of the time.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 05:57pm

Cricket

Trinidad Test: West Indies lead Pakistan by 155 at close of 3rd day

Pakistan capitulated from the dominant position of 244 for three in mid-morning on the third day to the despair of 282 all out just after lunch.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 11:58am

Is that a biscuit wrapper you’re breathing?

Ever wondered how well we recycle food wrappers?

Updated 30 Jul, 2026 11:50am

Johnson & Johnson settles decade-long cases linking baby powder to ovarian cancer for $5.5bn

The company said the settlement covered about 76,000 cases alleging their talc-based product contained asbestos.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 11:39am

AJK elections: PML-N grabs 9 out of 13 seats across Mirpur division, unofficial results show

PPP secures only 4 seats, preliminary results issued by the AJK Election Commission show.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 06:58pm

World risks HIV resurgence as funding falls 18pc, UNAIDS says

UN report says current fragility of HIV response ‌puts gains made during previous years at risk unless global solidarity is restored, inequalities are addressed.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 11:23am

Why regime change won't save free speech in Pakistan

In 2024, after being exposed for mass illegal surveillance, Pakistan's response wasn't accountability. It was a new law. The EU's latest report shows why that matters.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 11:37am

How innovative policing can benefit Pakistan

In post-colonial societies, police are averse to innovation.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 08:37am

Balochistan

Iran’s consul general urges removal of hurdles to Pakistan-Iran trade

Karimi Todashki says Iran considered the concerns of Balochistan’s business community as its own concerns and will continue making every effort to address them.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 08:37am

India’s trajectory as a democracy has been obstructed and challenged by the Hindu right since independence

Its agitation for a Hindu rashtra didn’t begin with Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 08:29am

Editorial: It is hoped that the current lull in fighting can lead to sustainable peace across the Middle East

This respite from attacks does not necessarily signal the return of peace.

Updated 29 Jul, 2026 07:09am

Business

Policy rate pause splits stakeholders

Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce and Industry supports status quo; Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry calls the decision contractionary.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:09am

Business

ECC okays Rs255bn for export-boosting schemes

Also fixes lower gas tariff for RLNG-based plants.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 07:46am

Business

Pakistan's exports to Middle East dip in FY26

The exports fell over 2pc, reflecting the impact of the conflict on the country’s trade with the region.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:14am

ICT

Islamabad High Court dismisses bank petition on super tax

Upholds the levy of super tax in a dispute involving about Rs11bn.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:25am

National

Powers that be fed up with PML-N ‘failures’: governor

Sardar Saleem Haider says his party will play "active opposition" role, despite being PML-N ally.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 07:41am

National

Judges-to-be uneasy over delay in presidential nod

Govt weighs "constitutional options" if holdup persists; insiders say president has authority to withhold assent without time-bar.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:13am

National

Imaan, Hadi seek early hearing of their petition in Peca case

The suspension of sentence applications arises from appeals filed against the conviction of the lawyer couple in the controversial social media posts case.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:07am

National

513 smuggled artefacts repatriated from US

Mostly include Gandhara relics; Senate body orders detailed report on smuggling racket.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:01am

National

Seven PPP members of GB cabinet take oath

Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party lawmakers remain absent from ceremony amid road closures.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:10am

National

Naqvi in Doha to discuss security cooperation

Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen urges govt to facilitate talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:29am

National

Three held, 13 rescued as police foil human trafficking bid in Gwadar

An investigation is underway to trace additional facilitators within the network.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:33am

ICT

Pakistan ranks fifth for total viral hepatitis burden, says PMA

The national prevalence rate for Hepatitis C ranges between 4.8pc and 7.5pc, while Hepatitis B affects 1.1pc to 1.7pc of the population.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:45am

ICT

Islamabad police to recruit over 8,000 personnel in phases

Cadre-wise hiring to raise force strength by 69pc, with specialised recruitment for key operational units.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:36am

ICT

Minister orders Pims to make new emergency centre operational

Officials say the state-of-the-art emergency facility is in its final phase of becoming operational.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 07:24am

ICT

Foreign ministry launches evening shift for consular services

MoFA headquarters in Islamabad extends service hours from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:53am

KP & FATA

Lady Reading Hospital gets first woman medical director

Dr Saadia Ilyas is a graduate of Khyber Medical College and has got postgraduate training in the United Kingdom.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:34am

KP & FATA

PA speaker’s claim of funds ‘misuse’ exposes PTI infighting

Says 75pc of donations sent by overseas Pakistanis for 2024 election campaign embezzled.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:15am

KP & FATA

Patients suffer as Hayatabad Medical Complex doctors continue strike

The protesting doctors have been demanding probe into what they call illegal appointments in the hospital; health minister claims the strike has been called off.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:26am

KP & FATA

Charsadda court acquits 28 PTI activists in May 9 cases

Rules that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the accused.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:18am

KP & FATA

KP govt fails to dispose of timber harvested 16 years back

The timber worth Rs3.8bn has been dumped in Lower and Upper Kohistan.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:08am

Punjab

Ride-hailing firms oppose district-specific permits in Punjab

Want single provincial permit linked to driver or vehicle backed by centralised digital registration set-up.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:12am

Punjab

Rabid dog leaves six injured at Narowal's Badumallhi town

Critically injured minor referred to Lahore hospital; others vaccinated at Rural Health Centre.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:08am

Punjab

14 arrested in crackdown on online fraudsters in Lahore

Explaining their modus operandi, the NCCIA says the suspects will pose as representatives of marriage bureaus in fraudulent phone calls to cheat the victims into transferring money into their accounts.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:19am

Punjab

Zero-beggary Punjab initiative: Traffic police launch pilot project to rehabilitate beggars

The Punjab Small Industries Corporation will facilitate the selected beneficiaries by providing soft loans of up to Rs500,000 each to enable them to establish small businesses.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:05am

Sindh

NED University vice chancellor set to take charge of Karachi University today

Teaching and non-teaching staff at Karachi University seek bailout package; hope new administration will address critical issues soon.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:54am

Sindh

Five-member body formed to investigate HIV outbreak at another SESSI-run hospital in Karachi

Govt asks committee to find possible sources of infection in Landhi hospital, fix responsibility within seven days.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:57am

Sindh

Karachi K-IV Augmentation Project work to begin soon after World Bank go-ahead

Conditional NOC binds Sindh govt to meet strict deadlines to keep project moving, sources say; CM holds review meeting with World Bank country director.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:45am

Sindh

CM Murad orders urgent repair of Gulistan-i-Jauhar roads, streets

Assures the residents of Gulistan-i-Jauhar that their concerns will be addressed on a priority basis and warns that delays in development projects and poor maintenance would not be tolerated.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:01am

Sindh

NCCIA gets custody of two accused of defrauding US insurance companies in Karachi

The NCCIA claims that the suspects were involved in 'illegal financial fraud activities'.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:48am

Sport

Pakistan stay unbeaten at CAVA volleyball

Pakistan once again displayed outstanding teamwork, solid defence, powerful serves and effective blocking.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:25am

Sport

Sprinter Faiqa Riaz reflects on the miss, the record and choosing happiness

“I am really glad to achieve the goal that I set up for myself despite many obstacles,” she says.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 09:29am

Back Page

Many stranded in GB for six days as flood delays repairs

Food, fuel, medicine shortages worsen in cut-off areas; travellers advised to wait until roads are restored.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 07:46am

Back Page

Over 600 US troops wounded since Iran war began

Revised casualty figures, unexplained changes to official records draw criticism over transparency.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 08:26am

Back Page

Iran tops agenda as Netanyahu due to meet Trump

Netanyahu has in recent weeks acknowledged that he and Trump have had some differences, as Israeli and US interests in the region appeared to diverge.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 07:54am

International

Shot fired outside US consulate in Toronto

Police say that a white sedan was seen fleeing the scene and added that no injuries were reported.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 07:13am

Middle East

Checkpoint delay leads to stillbirth in West Bank

Palestinian health workers say a woman delivered a stillborn baby in an ambulance after the vehicle was allegedly delayed by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint.

Published 28 Jul, 2026 07:13am

International

Study documents precipitous decline in number of languages

Researchers charted a major decline since the linguistic “golden age,” due to language replacement driven by factors such as the expansion of large empires in antiquity and European colonialism in the past several centuries.

Updated 28 Jul, 2026 07:42am

International