News Archives for Latest - 2026-10-18

Davidovich Fokina beats rising star Jodar to win Shanghai Masters

It is a first title at the prestigious 1000 level for Davidovich Fokina, who extended his winning streak in China to 10 matches.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 11:49pm

Boland strikes twice for Australia in rain-hit South Africa Test

Boland was making only his 20th appearance in Australia’s 50th Test since making a sensational debut when he took six for seven against England.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 11:32pm

'Was not sure I'll make it out alive': Captain of flydubai flight to Tel Aviv recalls blocking axe blows from co-pilot

Says the scariest thing he felt was the aircraft nose “steeply going down”.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 11:27pm

Arsenal strike late to keep pressure on Man City as Man Utd held

Substitute Noni Madueke's deflected late strike rescues victory from Arsenal’s only shot on target.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 11:22pm

Chwalinska fights back to win Wuhan Open in title breakthrough

Chwalinska will now rise to a career-high No.11 in the world, making her top-20 debut when the new rankings are released on Monday.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 10:58pm

Trump endorses Netanyahu in Israeli election

The endorsement is not certain to give Netanyahu a boost in the Oct 27 election, as Israeli public support for Trump has diminished.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 09:44pm

Smashed storefronts, torched cars and graffiti — France protests and their aftermath in pictures

Hundreds of shops were looted in Paris and other cities during the violent protests on Saturday over the cost of living.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 09:20pm

2,000 arrested as French unrest spills into second day

Paris police in new battles with protesters and looters; television footage showes looting of a clothing store and bikes being set ablaze.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 11:15pm

Tensions over headscarves, Israel test Azerbaijan-Turkiye ties

Public tensions have become evident in what has traditionally been a very close relationship between two nations whose bond is characterised by the slogan: One nation, two states.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:07pm

In India, the 'cockroaches' laugh and the state cuts the internet. It all looks too familiar from across the border

When I look at Delhi and see a reflection of the state of affairs at home, I am not sure who should be more embarrassed.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 05:59pm

Sindh

Bilawal says KP governor's rule could end if opposition engages with Centre on counterterrorism

PPP chief says new provinces could be created in accordance with the Constitution and law, their creation is "not possible without the president's signature".

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 11:08pm

My father survived the Karsaz bombing 19 years ago; each new terror attack takes us back there

The mental health impact of living with terrorism day in and day out remains an invisible cost that is unfactored and uncared for.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 04:34pm

Maldives President Muizzu to visit Pakistan from Oct 20-22: FO

Dr Mohamed Muizzu to meet President Zardari, PM Shehbaz; agreements and MoUs regarding bilateral cooperation expected to be signed.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 05:04pm

ICT

PM Shehbaz inaugurates Daanish School in Islamabad, stresses equal academic opportunities

Premier says concept introduced not only to match the quality and level of Aitchison College and other schools but to excel.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 04:03pm

Musk back in the spotlight, but politics dims the awe

Despite his continued success, Elon Musk’s unrelenting commitment to right-wing politics has taken a toll.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 02:47pm

First Pakistani astronaut to undertake space mission from China on Nov 25: Ahsan Iqbal

Planning minister says the country is also aiming to achieve a lunar landing by 2035.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 04:01pm

Balochistan

8 India-sponsored terrorists killed in Quetta, Khuzdar, Nushki districts: ISPR

Military's media affairs wing says terrorist attempt to establish a roadblock in Quetta district intercepted; sanitisation operations launched.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 06:27pm

Middle East

Cairo vows support for Riyadh as 2 Saudi officers killed in helicopter crash near Yemen

Saudi-led coalition blames "technical malfunction" while Houthis claim they shot down an aircraft; Dar, Egypt FM condemn Houthi attacks.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 07:50pm

Cricket

Two moments of madness cost Sri Lanka as Pakistan win tri-series opener after Salman Ali Agha century

Sri Lanka were cruising before Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka initiated the visitors' unravelling after Salman's 107 had lifted Pakistan to 305.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 11:36pm

South Asia

Out-of-control truck kills 13 at religious festival in India's Madhya Pradesh

A heavily loaded truck reportedly lost control in the early hours of Sunday and hit devotees gathered at a temple in Gwalior.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 12:02pm

Japan to launch historic round-trip mission to Mars moon

The unmanned Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe could also help lay the groundwork for eventual human exploration.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:34pm

Four soldiers dead, dozens injured in fire at Canada military base

Wainwright’s health-care facilities “completely overwhelmed” by the number of patients requiring care.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 10:38pm

What is holding up the US-India trade deal?

Trump’s tariff blitz, friction over energy imports and Washington’s warmer ties with Pakistan have made it harder for negotiators to clinch an agreement.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 02:36pm

Trump paused Russia sanctions to 'analyse' impact on global economy: Rubio

These conflicts around the world are starting to crash into each other, and they’re having an impact not just on global oil and diesel prices but on economies as well, Rubio says.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 11:07am

Comparable action is required in laws and public policy to expand women’s participation in every public sphere

Women’s limited ability to work outside the home is probably the most affected by structural factors.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 08:45am

Establishment circles appear to want a new Afghan policy that best suits geopolitical and internal security objectives

Bhutto’s policy was just the lever. It was Zia who turned it into an ideology.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 08:37am

Editorial: Perhaps Moscow can be engaged by Pakistan and Afghanistan to try and give peace process another chance

If the Taliban regime commits to preventing groups based on its soil from attacking neighbouring states, the process of normalisation and regional integration of Afghanistan can begin.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 08:29am

PML-N supremo Nawaz backs imposition of governor's rule in KP, says decision should have been taken earlier

Accuses the PTI of using provincial government resources for political confrontation with the federation.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 07:20am

KP & FATA

Bar council to observe strike against governor’s rule tomorrow

The council also announced it would file a constitutional petition in the Peshawar High Court against the ‘illegal’ move.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:41am

KP & FATA

Ram Leela Temple in Dera Ismail Khan sealed amid demolition fears

Development came as civil society representatives and members of the Hindu community held a joint meeting to discuss the reported move to demolish the temple.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:47pm

KP & FATA

Teenage girl, woman shot dead in Lakki Marwat in separate incidents

Teenage victim's family had a longstanding feud with the suspects over a murder, according to police; woman allegedly shot dead by her father-in-law.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:25am

KP & FATA

Restoration of peace first priority: KP governor

Says 10-12 terror-hit districts to be developed as security models.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:21am

KP & FATA

KP education dept orders safety audit of school buildings

Classes to be suspended in unsafe structures; students to be shifted to secure premises.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:47pm

ICT

Judicial probe sought into Hina Javed’s murder

Family requests that the DNA and forensic reports be shared with them.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:27am

ICT

Construction of underpass in front of Rawalpindi's Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology begins

A senior official of the district administration told Dawn proposal had been sent to the government to start work on the underpass to cater to the traffic rush on the main square.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:25am

ICT

Islamabad reports 42 dengue cases so far this year

According to the latest surveillance data, 32 of the reported cases were detected in rural areas, while 10 were reported from urban areas between Jan 1 and Oct 16.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:41am

ICT

Capital Development Authority intensifies citywide cleanliness drive

Drive to focus on regular collection and disposal of solid waste, removal of accumulated garbage and cleaning of roadsides and public spaces.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:21am

ICT

PM orders probe into vaccine procurement for pilgrims

Seven pharmaceutical companies have challenged the tender in IHC, alleging violations of procurement rules and lack of transparency.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:17am

Punjab

ASI held for showering money on dancers in Sahiwal

ASI Rustam Ali Bhatti was arrested and confined to lockup, while police teams are conducting raids to arrest the shrine custodian.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:57am

Punjab

Lesco disconnects connections for power theft

Lesco CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt says electricity theft is a serious crime and that indiscriminate action against those involved will continue.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:41am

Punjab

CTD arrests eight suspected terrorists in Punjab

A CTD spokesperson said 91 intelligence-based operations were conducted in separate areas of the province.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:52am

Punjab

Legality of PHEC’s review of university recruitment questioned

Four-member committee tasked with scrutinising selection board work of 10 varsities; panel member says move undertaken after complaints.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:48am

Punjab

Arguments sought on defamation suit against PTI founder

In the suit filed in 2017, PM Shehbaz said Imran had levelled baseless allegations against him in connection with the Panama Papers controversy.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:41am

Sindh

Karachi's Green Line extension to be completed in FY27, assures governor

Governor says that stations were being constructed along the 1.8-kilometre route from Numaish Chowrangi to Municipal Park.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:03am

Sindh

Denominational parity, consultation sought in Christian family laws in Sindh

Clergy leaders call for independent legal review of the document to assess constitutional safeguards, court jurisdiction.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:11am

Sindh

Sindh govt to amend witness protection law 13 years after enactment, Sindh High Court told

Rules to implement Sindh Witness Protection Act, 2013 will be framed after law tweaks, officials tell bench.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 09:02am

Sindh

One in three adults in Pakistan lives with psychological disorder: study

Experts term findings of first national mental health survey "most reliable".

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:19pm

Sindh

Digging in Karachi for Red Line damages gas pipeline, disrupts supply

Disruption affected Gulshan-i-Iqbal, areas around Mazar-i-Quaid, parts of Garden, Saddar, Burns Road and several other localities.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:50pm

International

Mexican killers of Australian, US surfers get 158 years’ jail

Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, and their friend Carter Rhoad, were on a surfing trip to Mexico’s Pacific coast when they were shot dead in Baja California state.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:41am

International

Israeli settlers attack European diplomats, beat up French mayor

The 78-year-old mayor said masked settlers yelled defamatory comments about France, kicked him and hit him with iron bars as he joined Palestinian olive farmers.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:16am

International

Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia

Singapore ranks second on IQAir’s live global ranking of most polluted major cities, trailing only Baghdad.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:27am

International

AI offers global economy huge risks and benefits: IMF

Delegates walk out of meeting during Russian official’s speech.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:09am

International

Tirana sees fifth straight day of violent clashes

Violent demonstrations have rocked Tirana since Tuesday, with thousands of protesters complaining about university conditions and high tuition fees.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:41am

Business

PSX extends losses for fourth straight week amid economic uncertainty

Geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices and monetary tightening concerns weigh on investor sentiment.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

Business

Economy more shock-resistant, says SBP chief

Jameel Ahmad cites prudent policies, structural reforms at IMF meetings.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

Business

Govt moves to curb LPG hoarding ahead of winter

Petroleum Division flags irregular lifting of imported LPG from terminals; Ogra asked to ensure supplies at notified prices.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

Business

Gulf inflows in domestic bonds

The largest investment came from the United Arab Emirates, which invested $50m in T-bills and $80m in PIBs during the period.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 07:48am

Business

Auto loans rise despite sales slump

Assemblers see a 12pc year-on-year and 3pc month-on-month drop in sales of cars, SUVs, pickups and vans in September.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

Business

Competition Commission of Pakistan deploys AI against bid rigging

New Bid-Rigging Detection System to screen $60bn annual public procurement for cartel patterns.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 07:28am

Business

Food exports surge 25pc in July-Sept

Rice shipments drive growth to $1.39bn; imports grow just 3.44pc.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

National

Editors’ body elects president, general secretary

Azhar Abbas and Tariq Mahmood elected as president and general secretary, respectively, of the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND).

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

Balochistan

One dead as earthquake jolts Khuzdar

“One person was killed after a large rock fell from a mountain in the Naal area,” officials say.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 06:39am

National

Balochistan CM Bugti urges Fazl to keep national security above politics

CM Bugti says comparisons between the governments of KP and Balochistan must consider their practical counterterrorism measures.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 07:45am

Punjab

Four sentenced to death in Lahore in 2022 blasphemy case

Death sentences are subject to confirmation by the Lahore High Court.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:53pm

National

58 arrested in Gilgit-Baltistan police recruitment fraud

Cases registered against the suspects on charges of impersonation, and they were disqualified from the recruitment process.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 08:15am

Middle East

Egypt ‘ready to defend’ Saudi Arabia against Houthis

President Sisi says Cairo will take "any measure" to protect kingdom if asked; Iran backs "political process", offers to mediate.

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 07:28am

India T20 series decider with West Indies washed out

India lashed eight fours and seven sixes in their limited batting stint, scoring 118-5 in 7.4 overs before rain stopped play.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 04:53am

Inter Milan move clear at Serie A summit with Bologna win

Inter moved up to 19 points, although Lazio can go level with the leaders if they beat Juventus in Turin on Sunday.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 04:39am

PSG fight back to beat Strasbourg after Dembele penalty miss

Dembele missed a penalty but quickly redeemed himself as he assisted Zabarnyi’s equaliser before scoring the winner with five minutes remaining.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 04:15am

Dubois destroys Wardley to retain WBO heavyweight crown

Dubois dominated Wardley from the opening bell to batter his rival into submission in the second round.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 03:58am

Unstoppable Barca thrash Betis to extend perfect start

Barca set a new club record for wins at the start of a league campaign and equalled the record of nine, set by Real Madrid in the 1968/69 season.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 12:34am

South Asia

17 dead, 25 hurt in stampede at Durga Puja gathering in Kolkata

Senior police official says an announcement caused “commotion” after it started raining at night.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 12:33am

Luis Diaz dazzles as Bayern batter Leipzig to go top

In his 100th Bundesliga match, Kane scored a goal and laid on two assists as he pulled the strings from deep while Pavlovic and Olise.

Published 18 Oct, 2026 12:20am

Balochistan

Pakistan suspends Iran trade corridors over 'security, smuggling concerns'

Shahid Rind refutes "rumours" regarding the temporary closure; Iran foreign ministry cites "technical issues".

Updated 18 Oct, 2026 12:57pm

Sunday, October 18, 2026