News Archives for Latest - 2026-08-26

US designates UK-based Palestine Action as foreign 'terrorist group'

Also imposes sanctions on pro-Palestinian group Masar Badil; Palestine Action co-founder says move should be "wake-up call to anyone who cares about free speech".

Published 26 Aug, 2026 11:07pm

Iran-Oman talks on Strait of Hormuz: What we know

Tehran continues to make full reopening of the Strait conditional on US concessions, particularly as the US imposes a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 01:38pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry passes away at 80: TMZ

He had struggled with his health for over a decade after suffering a debilitating stroke.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 09:18pm

ICT

Hina Javed murder case: Rawalpindi court extends physical remand of suspects for another 3 days

Complete postmortem report to be submitted after forensic agency's analysis report is received.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 09:18pm

Bill Gates warns world dangerously unprepared for AI upheaval

“AI will either be the greatest equaliser ever invented or the worst source of injustice,” says the Microsoft founder.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:10pm

GB to auction hunting permits for 3 markhors, 14 blue sheep, 100 ibexes

The highest permit base rate is for markhor, set at $200,000; local business owners oppose hikes in permit rates.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:23pm

Cricket

Pakistan captain Babar Azam returns against England '90pc fit'

"If it is on the field as captain or when I’m batting, I will just play my game,” says Pakistan Test captain.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:26pm

Centre, AJK govt to work with other parties to build consensus on governance, constitutional issues: Dar

British parliamentarians of Pakistani origin congratulate DPM Dar on PML-N’s victory in the recent AJK elections.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:20pm

Apparently, Ramsha Khan doesn't want to be seen on social media at all

The actor was not visible in her sister's many wedding photos and reels and told journalist Hassan Choudary she didn't want to be on camera at all.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 07:03pm

Team unable to locate Pakistani climber Asma Mushtaq's body on Spantik after hours-long efforts

Descends to Camp 2 from Camp 3; minister notes body "difficult to locate" as it is believed to be buried under the snow; body of US climber shifted to Islamabad.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:44pm

Massive Nepal-Tibet flood kills 160, leaves hundreds missing

Nepal's tourism board says Americans, Indians, Malaysians and Britons among hundreds unaccounted for; PM Shehbaz expresses condolences.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 11:30pm

Mahira Khan, Wahaj Ali to appear together in Green Entertainment’s action-packed Mitti De Baway

The trailer makes it look like a lovers to enemies to lovers plot.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 03:27pm

No lessons learnt: A timeline of hospital fires reported in Pakistan since 2010

Fires in large buildings are frequent in Pakistan, often due to poor safety laws and building codes as well as lax enforcement.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 07:27pm

'Heads must roll': Politicians, journalists demand accountability as Pims fire claims lives of 14 infants

Sherry Rehman terms incident "beyond shocking"; Miftah Ismail calls for a “full investigation” into the incident.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 07:56pm

'Tired of being angry': Stars horrified as violence against women and girls rages on in Pakistan

The country was shaken recently by the gruesome murders of a five-year-old girl and a 45-year-old woman.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 01:02pm

What are US H-1B visas for skilled workers and what changes loom?

US President Trump has lambasted the visa programme and wants to permanently raise the fee from between $2,000 and $5,000 to more than $100,000.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 12:34pm

Mo Naqvi doesn't want to spend his films translating Pakistan for the West

The filmmaker is done explaining his country and with his new film heading into international cinemas, he talks about what changed.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 12:20pm

Security, traffic plans for Eid Miladun Nabi processions

4,208 policemen were deployed to secure religious rallies and gatherings in Karachi; over 910 personnel regulated traffic in Rawalpindi.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 10:34pm

Pakistan's amateur radios are tuned in for the apocalypse

Hams prove the oldest technology is still the hardest to break.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 11:50am

Mayor Mamdani opposes NYC event with leader of India's Hindu nationalist group

“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” he says.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 11:05am

US pauses immigrant visa applications worldwide: report

Washington to also revoke visas of up to 200,000 asylum seekers who initially arrived as temporary visitors.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:19pm

On Eid Miladun Nabi, PM Shehbaz and President Zardari urge nation to follow teachings of the Holy Prophet

Zardari urges justice, fairness, tolerance and interfaith harmony; PM Shehbaz calls for lives guided by Islam to overcome prevailing challenges.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 10:09pm

Punjab

Deaths in Lahore police custody: Forensic report confirms women were addicts, says IGP

Says the report revealed that the women were using nine kinds of intoxicating substances, which led to their deaths during interrogation in police custody.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:58am

ICT

14 infants killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad

Health minister says incident occurred due to a blast in the ward's AC; witnesses say doors were locked, prevented from leaving building; health secretary removed; inquiry panel formed.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 11:57pm

What do we do when people turn to AI assistants with their questions?

People are turning to AI assistants with questions they once asked Google, journalists or experts.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:23am

Balochistan

CM Bugti reiterates merit-based recruitment in Balochistan public sector

Expresses hope that the BRA will help increase provincial revenue, enabling greater investment in education, health, infrastructure and other development priorities.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:22am

Constituency issues dominate National Assembly session as 58-point agenda deferred

PPP legislator demands policy statement from PM on new provinces; MNAs voice concern over rise in violence against women.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:15am

Pakistan's elite-dominated, extractive political system remains unresponsive to ordinary people

We face a youth crisis of such severity that events like ‘Pakistan Idol’ are just a fleeting spark.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 08:09am

Fresh efforts at mediation by Pakistan, Oman revive hopes for US-Iran climbdown

Diplomatic sources point to "softer than expected" sanctions; say Islamabad taking the lead in conveying messages from Tehran to Washington and vice versa.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:57am

Editorial: Mutual distrust between the US and Iran remains the biggest obstacle in operationalising the Islamabad MoU

The fact that the Iranians are willing to engage with mediators, and are still interested in reviving the Islamabad MoU.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:48am

KP & FATA

Bannu police peace body protests personnel’s transfer

Police Peace Committee president says the transfers of his colleagues were an attempt to weaken the body.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:47am

KP & FATA

Vendors stop medicine supply to KP's Hayatabad Medical Complex over payment issue

In a letter to hospital dean, HMC director says the payment blockade by director finance is endangering lives of patients and "damaging and blocking" the hospital operations.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:58am

KP & FATA

Four killed, 10 injured as bus falls into ravine

Officials say the bus, travelling from Chubgaraan towards Rawalpindi, fell into the ravine allegedly due to rash and negligent driving.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:49am

KP & FATA

Ex-auditor denied bail in Kohistan graft case

Radiullah has been charged with facilitating the prime accused in a high-profile case involving the alleged embezzlement of over Rs37bn.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:47am

KP & FATA

Agreement inked to expand, modernise KP’s railway network

Around 240km of suburban railway lines in the province will be upgraded.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:47am

KP & FATA

Septuagenarian held for attempting to marry underage girl in Swabi

Police learnt that the 14-year-old girl is unable to speak and hear.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:38am

Peshawar

Eid Miladun Nabi to be celebrated today amid tight security in KP

Several events will be held in Peshawar while processions will also be taken out to express love, devotion and respect for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:35am

KP & FATA

KP Assembly expresses concern over child abuse incidents

MPA Syed Qasim Ali Shah moves a resolution ensuring effective legislation and strict enforcement of the law.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:39am

ICT

GB assembly staff, members to undergo training on legislative performance

NA speaker reaffirms National Assembly’s commitment to enhance legislative cooperation among all legislative units of the country.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

ICT

All set to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi in twin cities today

Routes of processions and buildings decorated with buntings; Islamabad police deploy over 3,000 personnel for security; traffic diversions in Pindi and Murree.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

ICT

NAB briefs Senate panel on FGEHA’s 2 housing schemes

Lawmakers informed about pending inquiries in Bhara Kahu Green Enclave and Sky Garden.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:26am

ICT

Women parliamentarians seek curb on e-nicotine

Urge lawmakers to actively engage in fortifying the proposed regulations on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:02am

ICT

Philippines eyes $500m bilateral trade with Pakistan

Currently, bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around $197m, which is below the actual trade potential.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

ICT

35 private medical colleges allowed to charge maximum Rs2.1 million as annual fee

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal informs NA that the fee hike was allowed taking into account expenses, quality of education and other factors.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 09:15am

ICT

Man arrested for murder of British national uncle in Mirpur

Police say Dilpazir had returned from England to his ancestral home about one and a half months before the incident.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:12am

ICT

CDA board approves record Rs152bn budget for fiscal year 2026-27

Rs112bn has been earmarked for new and ongoing development works and Rs40bn set aside for non-development expenditure.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:08am

Punjab

Four booked for ‘abduction, gang rape’ of woman in Vehari

Probe finds Burewala DSP, SHO and other cops guilty of delaying the FIR for four months.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:00am

Punjab

55,000 policemen deployed for Eid-i-Milad security across Punjab

More than 8,000 officers, personnel and volunteers will perform security duties in the provincial capital.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:56am

Punjab

Panel to probe into handwritten medico-legal certificates at five Punjab hospitals

Committee to submit report within 60 days; alleges that the officials failed to exercise effective administrative supervision, monitoring and control to ensure implementation of the prescribed procedure.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 07:28am

Punjab

Punjab MPAs across party lines demand debate on new provinces

Lawmaker Zulfiqar Ali Shah broke the house’s silence on the demand for new provinces, urging the chair to initiate a complete and detailed discussion on the issue.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 07:20am

Punjab

Buildings and roads illuminated for Eid Milad in Punjab

In Lahore, a number of buildings, premises and roads have been illuminated with decorative light installations and religious motifs by various civic agencies.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:52am

Sindh

Completion of beautification work at Qalandar shrine ordered

Chief secretary says Rs1.28bn scheme should be executed before January 2027.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:27am

Sindh

Food and Agriculture Organisation team offers more cooperation to farming community in Sindh

Delegation visits Sindh Agriculture University, explores avenues for cooperation.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:23am

Sindh

France permanently closes consulate in Karachi

Farewell held for French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

Sindh

CM Murad pledges continued support for children with special needs

Says Sindh govt already patronising Milestones Centre for Cognitive and Language Development.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:40am

Sindh

Hike in flour, onion prices adds to consumers’ woes in Karachi

Flour millers raise prices by up to Rs275 per 50kg bag; naan, sheermal and taftaan rates shoot up by Rs5-10.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:13am

Sindh

Foolproof security ensured for Eid-i-Milad rallies today in Karachi

The metropolis police chief has directed the police to remain on full alert on routes of all processions while the traffic police would ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:32am

Sindh

Trader shot dead in ‘targeted’ attack in Karachi's Sohrab Goth

The officer says a media card is found in his pocket identifying him as a producer of an Urdu TV channel, but the SHO believes it is fake.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:36am

International

Judge rejects bid by Ghislaine Maxwell to overturn conviction

Says that Maxwell’s claims that her constitutional rights at trial and sentencing were violated “are all meritless and all or almost all are frivolous”.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:51am

International

Israeli MP smashes West Bank memorial under army escort

Video shows Zvi Sukkot smashing the monument in the Palestinian village of Madama, while soldiers stood nearby.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:53am

International

Nepal PM allowed to wear sunglasses in parliament

Balendra Shah may keep his signature dark sunglasses on in the legislature due to medical reasons, official says.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:33am

International

Germany deports 23 Afghans to Kabul

Says most of them were offenders convicted of violent crimes.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:29am

International

Job and exam protests turn violent in Bihar

Indian students and unemployed youth demand access to jobs and transparency in recruitment exams.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:21am

Sport

ICC sees Himalayan fairytale in Nepal’s remarkable rise

The Afghanistan comparison is hard to escape. From its Associate beginnings, a war-torn Afghanistan fell in love with cricket, impressed in shorter formats and eventually earned test status in 2017.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:10am

Cricket

Lord’s vibes: the only hope for beleaguered Pakistan

Lord’s holds a distinctive eminence for Pakistan, it goes without saying.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:42am

Tennis

Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka tumble out of US Open mixed doubles

Doubles specialists Siniakova and Patten recovered from dropping the opening set to win 1-4, 4-2 before cruising to a 10-2 win in the decisive third set tie-break.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 08:38am

Cricket

Sri Lanka trail India by 238 runs in second Test

Wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed for a third-ball duck, reducing Sri Lanka to 173-7.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

Sport

Tadej Pogacar storms to Vuelta a Espana stage four solo triumph

Racing resumed on Tuesday with a short but tricky 104.8km course in the mountains with four categorised climbs.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 09:11am

Business

Equities recover 404 points despite volatility

CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Iran revives hopes of de-escalation between Washington and Tehran, helping the benchmark index settle in the green zone.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

Business

Senate panel reviews export performance

Examines the country’s trade performance, export promotion measures, trade representation in China, investment challenges and agricultural trade.

Published 26 Aug, 2026 07:46am

Business

Pakistan sits on $7tr mineral trove, claims planning minister

Ahsan Iqbal says the country’s volatile political climate is a primary deterrent to international resource developers.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:06am

Business

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry rejects proposed tariff hike

Warns that the impact could force struggling industries towards closure.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:08am

Business

Performance standards for distribution companies notified

Distribution firms face mandatory consumer compensation and fines for service failures.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 07:41am

Business

SBP mulls ending Rs10 note on rising costs

A new design for the Rs5,000 note is also being prepared to curb counterfeiting.

Updated 27 Aug, 2026 07:31am

Balochistan

Two Afghan nationals shot dead in Quetta

Police officials say the armed men opened indiscriminate fire when the two Afghans were passing through the area near Sheikh Zayed hospital on Monday night, killing both on the spot.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:25am

National

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council suspends officers over ‘recruitment irregularities’

Senate committee expresses serious concern over failure to submit written reply and relevant record concerning the alleged recruitment irregularities.

Updated 26 Aug, 2026 08:18am

Front Page